News Bites

Upcoming Drawing Areas

The COCLT will be holding the drawings for Cap City Franklinton, Cap City Hilltop, and Franklinton Condominiums on June 20, 2024. The deadline to enter the drawing is Friday June 15, 2024 at 5:00pm. If you know a potential homebuyer who might be interested in these areas, please refer them to our website for more information and to register for our next orientation session.

The COCLT in the Community

The COCLT will be attending the Juneteenth Ohio Festival on June 15th and June 16th at Genoa Park. More information on the event can be found HERE.

Welcome Home

Please join COCLT in welcoming homeowners who have recently closed

on their new homes.

Summer Activities & Events

Sod Watering Savings

The City of Columbus offers the New Build Program, which allows a ONE-TIME adjustment for the sewer portion of a bill when the sod is being watered. The eligibility maximum is 24 months after the sod bill is issued, and it is the responsibility of the homeowner to initiate this bill adjustment.

For those that recently purchased their homes, it may be beneficial to complete all sod watering prior to submitting the ONE allowable bill for adjustment so that the bill that represents the largest portion of the sod watering can be submitted.

To save on sod watering, it's important to water at the right time of day. Watering in the early morning allows the water to penetrate the soil before the heat of the day evaporates it. This not only saves water but also reduces the risk of diseases caused by prolonged moisture on the grass blades.

To participate in the program, you must email the City of Columbus (utilityleadrep@columbus.gov) a copy of the ONE bill that is chosen, the number of people residing in the home, and a daytime phone number. In the email subject line, state Requesting Sod Adjustment Credit for New Home. The adjustment takes 4 to 6 weeks to process before it appears on your account as a credit. Therefore, it is advisable to pay the bills in the meantime. Or you can contact the City of Columbus Public Utilities at 614-645-8276 to request a payment plan or a 30-day extension.

Homeowner Tips

Summer Maintenance

As the warm weather approaches, homeowners need to prepare their houses for the summer season. From landscaping to air conditioning maintenance, there are several tasks to consider to ensure your home is ready for warmer weather.

Checklist for Summer Home Maintenance

Inspect your air conditioning unit by cleaning or replacing filters and cleaning any debris around the unit. Consider scheduling a professional tune-up to keep your system in peak condition.

Service your outdoor spaces by checking for tree limbs or other large objects in your yard.

Inspect your roof for any damage, missing shingles, or signs of wear and tear. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent leaks and water damage during summer storms.

Summer is prime time for any pests, such as ants, mosquitoes, and wasps. Seal any cracks or openings in your home.

By following these tips, you can ensure your property remains in great shape throughout the season. Remember that staying proactive and addressing any issues promptly can help you avoid costly repairs down the road.

Humidity and Your Home

Humidity plays a significant role in our home environment, influencing our comfort and well-being in various ways. Understanding the impact of humidity and implementing effective solutions is crucial for maintaining a healthy and comfortable living space.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends indoor humidity levels should be kept below 60 percent relative humidity and ideally between 30 and 50 percent.

Signs of High Humidity

If you notice condensation on your windows or walls, it is a clear indicator of high humidity levels.

A musty or moldy smell in certain areas of your home can indicate excess moisture in the air.

How to Manage Humidity

A dehumidifier can help remove excess moisture from the air, creating a more comfortable living environment.

Make sure to use exhaust fans in bathroom and kitchen areas and open windows when possible to allow fresh air to circulate.

Certain house plants, such as peace lilies and Boston ferns, can help absorb excess moisture from the air, reducing humidity levels naturally.

Reduce Summer Energy Costs

The increased demand for cooling our homes in the summer often leads to higher energy consumption, which can result in costly utility bills. However, by implementing some simple tips and tricks, you can lower your energy usage and save money in the process.

By setting your thermostat higher while you are away or asleep, you can reduce the workload on your cooling system and save on energy.

Ceiling fans and portable fans can help circulate air throughout your home, making it feel cooler without the need to lower the temperature on your thermostat. This can help reduce the need for air conditioning and lower energy usage.

By closing curtains and blinds during the hottest parts of the day, you can prevent heat from entering your home and reduce the need for additional cooling.

Many electronics and appliances continue to draw power even when turned off. By unplugging devices when not in use or using power strips, you can prevent unnecessary energy consumption and lower your electricity bill.

Community Resource

Modcon Living Tool Library just recently celebrated its grand reopening on May 20th. This local community resource assists homeowners through unique programs and services that help to sustain homes, improve quality of life and preserve affordable homeownership. Homeowners can rent needed tools for do-it-yourself projects or other repairs through a low cost membership fee. Here is the LINK to their website and program FLYER.