Autumn Maintenance Projects for New Homeowners in San Antonio

By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group 

Now that the movers have left, and you are officially a homeowner, rather than phoning your landlord in the event the furnace goes on the blink, or the roof drips, guess who has to make it better? That is right--you do. Odds are pretty good that small detail got pushed aside in all your excitement over moving to San Antonio and also new stuff (that hopefully involved a leaf blower), but now that autumn is just on the horizon, it is time to get your new house ready for cooler temperatures. There is no need to stress, simply follow these helpful hacks and you'll be ready for chestnuts roasting on an open fire straight away.

Furnace

As much as you enjoy having A/C in the summertime, no matter if it breaks down for a couple of days you are able to survive. If your furnace has a winter break, specifically if it's in the midst of a "weather event", your actual survival may be at risk.

Checking your furnace is a priority on the to-do list. If you're a intelligent home buyer, and you are, then you had the Heating and cooling examined before you closed on the house. You should have confidence that the insides are in good working order, however you should do these basic chores no less than annually. 

• Replace filters--you should swap your filters every 3 months, except if you have a permanent one. In that case, remove it and clean it on the same timetable.

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

• Switch to smart thermostat--they preserve lots of energy since they're programmed to automatically reset each day. 

Roof

Safety first--prior to when you get on the roof in San Antonio, ensure you possess the appropriate step ladder and a assistant to steady the ladder and also catch you if you fall--or at a minimum phone Emergency services. Otherwise, work with a roofing company to come remove the crud and clean the gutters.

If you are positive you can get up there and back free of harm, here is what you should do. 

• Clear away any tree limbs or other debris that is up there.

• Clean up the rain gutters. Blocked rain gutters lead to more roof damage than the snow, wind, and rain--if the water is unable to circulate safely through, pooling water results in leaks. Pooling water that freezes penetrates into roofing shingles and will allow your roof to leak sooner. The leaf blower is quite good for gutter maintenance, also. 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 home has current, energy-efficient windows and doors, clear the debris from the frames and look that the weather-stripping is clean in addition to tidy. This is a good task for a windy day--you'll find it less difficult to determine if there are holes when you can actually feel the air flow. In the event the weather-stripping is degrading, replace it--it really is reasonably priced and offered in a variety of colors at home improvement retailers.

Should you have older windows with screens, remove the screens and replace them with storm windows. The storms are thicker glass that can help retain warmth.

Chimney

Once again, considering the fact that you have only a short while ago bought the house, the chimney for a wood burning fireplace ought to be in suitable condition. It is still wise to pay attention to any clutter that's dropped in, along with small creatures that have thought they would nest there. You wouldn't want your very first roaring fire to be enhanced with eau de squirrel.

Outdoor Furniture

The way in which you handle your exterior living areas will depend significantly on where you live. In a number of regions, you can use your patio year 'round; in others you need to begin buttoning up by early Fall. In the event that nasty weather conditions are an expected standard, cover up your furniture or even take it inside to the car port or basement, and protect barbecue grills, too. Plastic toys (playhouses, sandboxes) will need shelter, so protect those as well--it's nice to have those outdoors for sunny times in the event the kids really need to get outside.

Great job on being a home owner in San Antonio, and in case you don't currently have a leaf blower, go get one. It's the best tool conceivable for home upkeep.

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