Six Spring Home Tasks You Can Start Now

March is a funny month for homeowners. One day it feels like winter still has a firm grip on things, and the next day you’re thinking about open windows and backyard barbecues. While it may be too early for some outdoor projects, there are plenty of practical things you can do now to get your home ready for spring.

A little attention in March can prevent headaches later when the weather really warms up. Here are six simple spring home tasks you can start now, plus a few things that are better to wait on.

1. Clean and Check Your Gutters

Even if there’s still some snow around, this is a good time to take a look at your gutters. Winter storms often leave behind debris like twigs, leaves, and shingle grit. When the spring rains arrive, clogged gutters can quickly turn into overflowing water that runs down your siding or pools near your foundation.

If the weather cooperates, clear out debris and make sure downspouts are directing water away from the house. It’s also a good time to check that gutters are securely attached and not sagging from those ice dams.

2. Replace Your Furnace Filter

Your heating system has been working hard all winter. One of the simplest things you can do for your home and your indoor air quality is to replace the furnace filter.

A fresh filter helps your system run more efficiently and keeps dust from circulating through the house. If you have pets or allergies in the household, this small task can make a noticeable difference.

3. Check Windows and Doors for Drafts

March is a perfect time to track down drafts before the heating season ends. Walk around your home and check windows and doors for cold air leaks. You might notice worn weatherstripping, small gaps, or caulking that has cracked over time.

Sealing these areas now can help lower energy bills and keep your home more comfortable year-round. Most fixes are inexpensive and quick, but they can make a surprisingly big difference.

4. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

This is one of those tasks that homeowners often mean to do but forget. Take a few minutes to test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the house.

Replace batteries if needed and make sure units are working properly. If your detectors are more than ten years old, it may be time to replace them entirely. It’s a small step that plays a big role in keeping your family safe.

5. Look for Signs of Winter Damage

Winter weather can be tough on a home. Walk around your property and look for any visible damage from snow, ice, or wind.

Pay attention to things like loose shingles, damaged siding, or areas where ice may have built up during the winter. Catching these issues early can prevent small problems from becoming bigger repairs once spring storms arrive.

6. Start Decluttering Indoor Spaces

While it might be too early to tackle yard work, March is a great time to focus on the inside of the house. Closets, mudrooms, and storage areas tend to collect a lot of winter gear.

Take some time to organize boots, coats, and winter equipment. Donate items you no longer use and make space for the warmer months ahead. A little indoor organization now makes the full spring cleaning push much easier later.

What to Wait On

A few spring tasks are better saved for slightly warmer weather. Exterior painting, power washing, deck staining, window cleaning, and major landscaping work typically need consistently mild temperatures to be done properly.

For now, focus on inspection, maintenance, and indoor projects. Once Connecticut settles into real spring, you’ll be glad you got the early work out of the way.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

What You Don’t See Can Affect You When It Comes To Winter Air Quality

When winter settles in, most of us do the same thing: shut the windows, seal the drafts, and crank the heat. It’s great for comfort and energy efficiency, but not always great for the air we breathe. With homes closed up tight for months at a time, indoor air quality can quietly take a hit, leading to discomfort and even health concerns.

The good news? A few smart habits and simple upgrades can make a noticeable difference.

Why Indoor Air Quality Suffers in Winter

Cold weather means less fresh air circulating through your home. At the same time, heating systems kick into high gear, stirring up dust and other particles that might otherwise stay settled. Common indoor pollutants during winter include dust, pet dander, mold spores, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from cleaning products, paints, and furnishings.

When these pollutants build up, people may experience headaches, fatigue, sinus irritation, or respiratory issues - symptoms often lumped under the term “sick building syndrome.” If you’re feeling off all winter, your indoor air might be part of the problem.

Practical Ways to Improve Winter Air Quality

Let Fresh Air In, Yes, Even in Winter

You don’t need to leave windows wide open. Short bursts of fresh air, just a few minutes at a time, can help flush out stale indoor air. Using kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans also helps remove moisture and airborne contaminants right at the source.

Keep Humidity in the Sweet Spot

Indoor humidity should hover around 40–50%. Too much moisture encourages mold growth, while air that’s too dry can irritate your nose, throat, and skin. A humidifier or dehumidifier can help keep things balanced, especially in older homes.

Stay on Top of HVAC Maintenance

Your heating system keeps you warm and moves air throughout your home. Change filters every three months and schedule annual maintenance to keep things running efficiently. Dirty filters and neglected systems can spread dust and allergens instead of trapping them.

Use Air Purifiers Where You Spend the Most Time

A quality air purifier with a HEPA filter can significantly reduce airborne particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander. Units with activated carbon filters also help absorb odors and chemical fumes. Bedrooms and living areas are usually the best places to start.

Add a Few Low-Maintenance Houseplants

Some plants help improve indoor air quality while also making your home feel more alive during the gray winter months. Snake plants, for example, are hardy, low-maintenance, and known for their air-filtering benefits.

Choose Cleaning Products Carefully

Many conventional cleaners release VOCs that linger in indoor air. Switching to natural or low-VOC products can reduce chemical exposure. When stronger products are necessary, proper ventilation is key.

Install and Maintain Gas Detectors

Carbon monoxide and radon are invisible, odorless, and potentially dangerous. Make sure detectors are installed and functioning properly, and test them regularly, especially during heating season.

Keep Dust Under Control

Regular dusting and vacuuming go a long way. Using a vacuum with a HEPA filter prevents allergens from being kicked back into the air while you clean.

Go Easy on Scents

Candles, plug-ins, and air fresheners may smell nice, but many release VOCs. If you use them, do so sparingly and make sure rooms are well ventilated.

Breathe Easier All Winter Long

Winter doesn’t have to mean stale air and stuffy rooms. With a few proactive steps, you can protect your indoor air quality, improve comfort, and create a healthier home environment for everyone under your roof.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visithttp://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality During Pollen Season

Spring in Connecticut is a beautiful thing with longer days, blossoming trees, and the long-awaited return of greenery. But if your eyes are watering, your nose is running, and you feel like you’re living in a cloud of dust, you’re not imagining it. Tree pollen is heavy right now across the state, and it’s taking a toll on our sinuses, our sleep, and even our mood.

What many people don’t realize is that spring allergies aren’t just an outdoor problem. Pollen doesn’t politely stay outside. It hitches a ride on your clothes, shoes, pets, and open windows, settling in your carpets, upholstery, and air ducts. The result? Your indoor air can be just as allergy-triggering as the great outdoors. Fortunately, a few smart strategies can dramatically improve your home’s air quality and help you breathe easier this season.

1. Invest in a High-Quality Air Purifier

One of the most effective ways to combat indoor allergens like pollen is to use a HEPA air purifier. These devices are designed to trap particles as small as 0.3 microns, including pollen, dust, and pet dander. Place a purifier in high-traffic areas, such as the living room or bedroom, and keep it running continuously during peak pollen season. If you have allergy sufferers at home, consider one for each bedroom.

Bonus tip: Look for purifiers with activated carbon filters to reduce odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can further irritate sensitive airways.

2. Keep Windows Closed (Sorry, We Know)

There’s nothing more tempting than cracking open a window on a sunny spring day. But during high pollen days, open windows are like rolling out the red carpet for allergens. Use air conditioning instead, and make sure your HVAC system is fitted with a high-efficiency filter (MERV 11 or higher is ideal). Don’t forget to change it every 1-2 months during allergy season.

3. Do the “Pollen Peel-Off” at the Door

Designate a “drop zone” near your entryway where family members can leave shoes, jackets, and bags. This helps prevent pollen from being tracked deeper into your home. If you’ve been outside for a while, especially after a hike or time in the garden, consider changing clothes and rinsing off. Pollen loves to cling to fabric and hair.

4. Vacuum Like You Mean It

Vacuuming once or twice a week with a HEPA-equipped vacuum cleaner can make a big difference. Pollen settles in rugs, furniture, and curtains, so make those part of your cleaning routine too. For an extra level of clean, consider using a steam cleaner on soft surfaces.

5. Bring in the Green Wisely

Some houseplants can help purify indoor air, but others might aggravate allergies. Skip the highly fragrant or pollen-heavy varieties, and opt for air-cleansing champs like spider plants, peace lilies, or snake plants. And always check for mold buildup in the soil, which can trigger symptoms.

Spring doesn’t have to mean months of misery. With a little planning and some tech help, you can keep pollen outside and reclaim the fresh, healthy air your home deserves.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.