As the weather warms up in Central Texas, many people take the seasonal change as a chance to clean their homes and belongings to freshen up for the springtime.
Here are some expert tips on areas of the home to check on coming out of winter, and resources for spring clean outs.
Tips and tricks
Steve Ambrose, Division Manager of Home Improvement at ABC Home & Commercial Services, said there are a few exterior areas homeowners can check on as the weather changes, including:
- Gutters: check for debris like twigs, dried leaves and sap, which can weigh down the gutters.
- Condenser: the condenser is the box-shaped outdoor air conditioning unit most houses have. Ambrose said these can also collect debris, resulting in the indoor AC unit not cooling efficiently.
- Irrigation system: to prepare for the hotter, sunnier months, a trial run of the sprinkler system may prevent leaks and program malfunctions
- Trees: a quick walkaround can point out any trees touching the house roof that need trimming. As the wind blows, long branches may damage the roof shingles. They can also be an avenue for wildlife like squirrels, rats, possums and raccoons to get onto the roof.
- Holes: openings and holes in a house may also give indoor access to pests, Ambrose said.
- Thresholds: check the weather stripping on doors and windows for drafts.
- Hardscapes: hard surfaces like patios, walkways, sidewalks and decks can become slippery from mildew and pollen buildup during spring.
