Spring Cleaning: Essential Tips for Homeowners

By Pat Mertz Esswein, Kiplinger's Personal Finance

As you go about your annual spring-cleaning ritual, take a few additional steps to save money on energy bills this summer, improve your home's appearance and ward off big-ticket repairs later.

Here are 18 things for you (or the handyman) to tackle now to help prepare your home for the warmer months and keep it in top shape.

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