Autumn Maintenance Endeavors for New Homeowners in Killeen

By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group 

Now that the movers have gone, and you're really a homeowner, rather than calling your landlord if the air conditioner goes on the fritz, or the roof drips, guess who has to fix it? That is correct--you do. Likelihood is pretty good that little fact got brushed aside in all your joy about moving to Killeen as well as new items (that hopefully involved a leaf blower), but now that autumn is unquestionably on the horizon, it's time to prepare your new house ready for colder weather conditions. There isn't any reason to worry, merely stick to these practical hacks and you'll be prepared for chestnuts roasting on an open fire before you know it.

Furnace

As much as you enjoy having air conditioning in the summertime, in the event it breaks down for several days you can carry on. If your furnace has a winter break, especially if it's in the midst of a "weather event", your actual survival might be endangered.

Inspecting your furnace tops the to-do list. If you're a intelligent home buyer, and you are, then you certainly had the Heating and air conditioning inspected before you closed on the house. You should have confidence that the insides are in decent working order, nevertheless you should do these relatively easy things at least every year. 

• Replace filters--you ought to replace your filters every three months, unless you have a permanent one. If so, dismantle it and clean it on the same schedule.

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

• Switch to smart thermostat--they save lots of power since they're set up to automatically reset during the day. 

Roof

Safety first--before you get on the roof in Killeen, ensure you have the correct ladder and a assistant to hold the ladder as well as catch you should you stumble--or at least phone Emergency services. If not, use a roofer to come get rid of the rubble and clean the gutters.

For everybody who is positive you can get up there and return without any problems, here is what you do. 

• Remove any tree limbs or any other rubble that is up there.

• Clean up the gutters. Blocked gutters lead to more roof damage as opposed to the snow, wind, and rain--if the water cannot run cleanly 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 good for gutter maintenance, too. Investing in a clog-free gutter system is a good idea if you've got a wooded yard. 

Windows and Doors

In the event your residence has newer, energy-efficient windows and doors, clean the build up from the frames and check that the weather-stripping is neat and maintained. This is an excellent task for a blustery day--it is easier to determine if there are spaces when you can feel the wind. In the event the weather-stripping is degrading, exchange it--it is economical and found in a variety of colors at home improvement stores.

If you've got older windows with screens, take off the screens and exchange them with storm windows. The storms are heavier glass that can help keep warmth.

Chimney

Once again, considering the fact that you've only not too long ago bought the house, the chimney for a wood burning fireplace should be in fine condition. It is still wise to look for any rubble that's dropped in, along with small wildlife which may have thought they would nest there. You do not need your first roaring fire being enhanced with eau de chipmunk.

Patio Furniture

The way in which you treat your outdoor areas depends significantly on where you reside. In certain regions, you can utilize your yard year 'round; in others you'll want to start buttoning up by the beginning of Fall. In the event that nasty conditions are standard, protect your outdoor furniture or even carry it inside in the car port or even basement, and protect barbecue grills, too. Plastic playthings (playhouses, sandboxes) need to have shelter, so protect all those as well--it is nice to keep those outdoors for sunny days when the kids want to get outside the house.

Congratulations on being a home owner in Killeen, and if you don't presently have a leaf blower, get one. It's the handiest tool imaginable for home maintenance.

And, if you would like become a new homeowner and need assistance moving in Killeen, give A-1 Freeman Moving Group a call!!