Fall Upkeep Endeavors for New Homeowners in Austin

By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group 

Now that the movers have gone, and you are legitimately a homeowner, as opposed to phoning your landlord if the furnace goes on the blink, or the roof drips, guess who has to make it better? That's correct--you do. Chances are very good that modest detail was disregarded in all your excitement about moving to Austin along with new stuff (which perhaps contained a leaf blower), but now that fall is just on the horizon, you should get your new home ready for chilly weather conditions. There is no need to worry, merely adhere to these handy hacks and you will be ready for chestnuts roasting on an open fire straight away.

Furnace

To the extent that you enjoy having AC in the summer, no matter if it breaks down for several days you can carry on. When your furnace has a winter break, particularly if it is within the center of a "weather event", your actual survival might be on the line.

Checking your furnace tops the to-do list. If you are a bright home buyer, and you are, then you had the Heating and cooling examined prior to when you closed on the new home. You may have confidence that the mechanics are in decent working order, but you should do these basic things at least every year. 

• Replace filters--you need to replace your filters every 90 days, unless you have a permanent one. If that's the case, dismantle it and wash it on the same timetable.

• Check that the vents are open and take away any dirt from the unit--a leaf blower does a great job.

• Switch to smart thermostat--they save a good amount of energy as they are set up to automatically reset during the day. 

Roof

Safety first--before you get on the roof in Austin, be sure you possess the proper ladder and a wingman to steady the ladder and catch you should you fall--or at least call Emergency services. Or, use a roofing contractor to come clear the debris and clean the gutters.

For everybody who is confident you can get up there and back safely, here is what you need to do. 

• Remove any tree limbs or other sorts of build up which might be up there.

• Clean up the rain gutters. Stopped up gutters result in more roof damage than the snow, wind, and rain--if the water can't circulate cleanly through, pooling water results in leaks. Pooling water that freezes seeps into roofing materials and will allow your roof to leak quicker. The leaf blower is pretty good for gutter maintenance, as well. Buying a clog-free gutter system is a wise idea if you have a wooded lot. 

Doors and Windows

Should your residence has more recent, energy-efficient doors and windows, clear the clutter from the frames and look that the weather-stripping is clean as well as tidy. This is a good task for a gusting day--it's easier to tell if there are gaps when you can actually feel the air flow. If the weather-stripping is degrading, replace it--it really is economical and available in several colors from home improvement merchants.

If you've got older windows with screens, remove the screens and replace them with storm windows. The storms are more substantial glass which help retain heat.

Chimney

Just as before, given that you have only recently purchased the residence, the chimney for a wood burning fireplace should be in suitable condition. It is always a smart idea to look for any clutter that's dropped in, as well as smaller sized creatures which may have thought they would nest there. You wouldn't want the initial roaring fire to become enhanced with eau de squirrel.

Outdoor Furniture

The way you take care of your outside areas will depend greatly on where you reside. In some parts of the country, you can utilize your patio year 'round; in others you need to commence buttoning up by early Fall. If severe weather conditions are normal, protect your outdoor furniture or even carry it inside to the garage or basement, and cover bbq grills, too. Plastic playthings (playhouses, sandboxes) require shelter, so cover up all those as well--it is good to have those outside for sunny times when the kids really need to get outside the house.

Congratulations on transforming into a home owner in Austin, and in case you do not presently have a leaf blower, get one. It is the handiest tool possible for house upkeep.

And, if you wish to become a new homeowner and need help moving in Austin, give A-1 Freeman Moving Group a call!!