Autumn Upkeep Projects for New Homeowners in Tulsa
By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group
After the movers have left, and you're legitimately a homeowner, rather than getting in touch with your landlord when the air conditioner goes on the fritz, or perhaps the roof drips, guess who has to repair it? That's correct--you do. Odds are pretty decent that small detail got dismissed in all your excitement over moving to Tulsa as well as new stuff (that with any luck included a leaf blower), but now that autumn is unquestionably coming soon, it is time to prepare your new house all set for colder weather. There's no need to worry, just abide by these practical hacks and you will be all set for chestnuts roasting on an open fire before you know it.
Furnace
As much as you enjoy having AC in the summer, if it breaks down for several days it is possible to get by. When your furnace has a winter break, particularly if it's within the center of a "weather event", your actual survival could be at stake.
Checking your furnace tops the to-do list. If you're a smart home buyer, and you are, then you had the Heating and air conditioning inspected prior to when you closed on the new home. You may have confidence that the insides are in solid working order, however you need to do these relatively easy chores no less than each year.
- Replace filters--you ought to change your filters every three months, except if you have a permanent one. If so, take it off 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 conserve a good amount of power because they're programmed to automatically reset each day.
Roof
Safety first--prior to when you climb on the roof in Tulsa, make sure you possess the appropriate ladder plus a assistant to hold the ladder and catch you if you topple--or at a minimum contact Emergency services. If not, hire a roofing company to come remove the debris and clean the gutters.
If you are confident you can go up there and back again without any problems, this is what you do.
- Remove any tree limbs or other sorts of rubble that might be up there.
- Clean up the gutters. Stopped up gutters cause more roof damage as opposed to the snow, wind, and rain--if the water can't run safely through, pooling water causes leaks. Pooling water which freezes seeps into roofing materials and will allow your roof to leak faster. The leaf blower is quite suitable for gutter maintenance, also. Investing in a clog-free rain gutter system is a wise idea if you've got a wooded yard.
Windows and Doors
In the event your home has more recent, energy-efficient doors and windows, clean the build up from the frames and look that the weather-stripping is neat and tidy. This is a great project for a breezy day--you'll find it easier to determine if there are spaces when you are able feel the breeze. In the event the weather-stripping is degrading, exchange it--it really is reasonably priced and available in a variety of colors from home improvement merchants.
Should you have older windows with screens, take away the screens and replace them with storm windows. The storms are thicker glass which help keep heat.
Chimney
Again, given that you have only a short while ago purchased the house, the chimney for a wood burning fireplace ought to be in good working order. It's still a smart idea to check for any clutter that has dropped in, in addition to little creatures that have thought they would nest there. You don't want your very first roaring fire being enhanced with eau de bird.
Patio Furniture
The way you treat your outdoor living spaces will depend greatly on where you live. In a number of areas, you can utilize your backyard year around; in others you need to start buttoning up by early Fall. In the event that severe weather is an expected standard, cover up your furniture or bring it inside into the car port or perhaps basement, and cover up bbq grills, as well. Plastic toys (playhouses, sandboxes) need shelter, so protect those as well--it is very nice to keep those outside for sunny days in the event the kiddies really need to get outside the house.
Congrats on becoming a home owner in Tulsa, and if you don't currently have a leaf blower, go get one. It is the best tool imaginable for house maintenance.
And, if you would like become a new homeowner and need help moving in Tulsa, give A-1 Freeman Moving Group a call!!
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