Moving into a new home can be exciting! An old house is no exception. However, it may take some extra effort to prepare for a move-in when your home is older. Sealing your windows and doors, ensuring your HVAC system receives the proper routine maintenance, and removing any old carpet can help make your transition as smooth and safe as possible.

Check on all potential entry points for intruders.

The term “intruders” does not always mean burglars. Sometimes, an intruder has six legs and is far more interested in your food supply than your jewelry cabinet. Many old homes have minor structural issues like gaps between window frames or outdated locks. These areas of vulnerability can make it tough to keep pests out and may result in higher electric bills due to energy loss through the cracks of your home. It is crucial to change the locks and have a new key made when moving into any home.

However, securing your windows may require a bit more effort. One of the best ways to protect your home from break-ins and pests is to invest in window repair or replacement windows. High-quality window installation can eliminate the possibility of intruders and enhance your air conditioning system’s ability to regulate the temperature throughout your house. Service professionals like the Amarillo window replacement experts at Statewide Remodeling can help if you have concerns about weather-proofing.

Make sure your HVAC system is up to par.

Your HVAC system is one of the most integral parts of your home. Keeping your HVAC system running smoothly can eliminate any interruptions in service and reduce your monthly payments. Old houses typically have duct systems in place for air conditioning. If they have not been adequately maintained, they can be a source of irritants and allergens like dust, pollen, and mold spores.

Unfortunately, homeowners don’t have access to advanced clean air technology like Aeromed provides to hospitals and classrooms, so it is up to you to monitor your air quality. DIY is never recommended for HVAC systems because even minor mistakes can result in astronomical repair costs and high energy bills. Consulting with an HVAC technician with years of experience is the best way to monitor the health and well-being of your air conditioning system and, therefore, your home.

Tear up the old carpet.

Depending on the appearance of your potential home’s carpet, this tip may go without saying. Old carpets can be dingy, dirty, and full of deeply set stains and bacteria. It may be worth your while to salvage the carpet if you feel attached to it, but tearing up any old carpets in an old house is typically a good rule of thumb. Carpet installation sounds like an arduous task; however, it can be done mostly online.

The COVID-19 pandemic contributed to a great deal of innovation within the home improvement industry. Today, replacing your carpet can be as simple as choosing a color and installation date and clearing out any small items. Then, your carpet installation specialists can remove your furniture, tear up the old carpet, and replace it with new carpet. As mentioned above, old houses can be sources of irritants and allergens built up over time. Carpets are no exception to this rule. If you have noticed an uptick in allergy symptoms, your old carpet may be to blame.

It can be tempting to try your hand at DIY projects when it comes to home renovation. You may even decide to rip into that musty old carpet yourself instead of hiring professional carpet installers. The best advice when it comes to DIY flooring is to proceed with caution! In contrast, replacing your windows or working on your HVAC system should never be done DIY, especially in an old home. Aside from possibly causing structural damage, working on electrical systems without specialized knowledge and tools can be dangerous. When it comes to glass repair and ductwork management, leave the whole process to the service professionals.

Paul watson