Spring checklist spot problems early.(CR Home)

Winter can take its toll on a house. And when the weather turns foul, many homeowners tend to stay indoors and defer maintenance. To help you protect your most valuable asset, here are some potential problems and how to fix them:

DIRTY AIR CONDITIONERS

Disconnect electric power to your air conditioner's outdoor condenser and clear it of leaves and debris with a vent brush, power blower, garden hose, or your vacuum cleaner's brush attachment. If the cooling fins are exposed, be careful not to bend them. (If your yard has lots of trees and plants, wrap fiberglass mesh around the condenser coil to capture pollen and leaves. Replace the mesh as needed. Don't allow debris to block airflow.) Vacuum grilles and registers inside the home to ensure good airflow. And change your furnace filter.

CR recommends 3M's Filtrete, $20, or Utlra Allergen

Reduction 1250, $16, furnace filters.

HAZARDOUS DECKS

Look for water stains where the deck ties to the house. Ongoing water leakage can lead to wood decay, weakening the deck structure and the house. If you have any doubt about structural integrity, call a pro.