Leaves are falling and, for many, especially those in the Upper Midwest, snow may be looming in the extended weather forecast. It’s time to consider several home maintenance tips that can save on costly repairs in the future.
Clogged gutters can cause overflowing water during rainstorms that could result in wet basements and damaged foundations. In freezing weather, ice dams can form, creating excessive weight that bends gutters and can damage roofing and soffits. Be sure to take proper safety precautions when climbing ladders by following the rule of three – always have two feet and one hand, or both hands and one foot on the rungs at all times.
A professional home energy audit or assessment can test your home for air flow, leakage, and efficiency. Many older homes have insufficient insulation, especially surrounding windows and door frames. Tools like an infrared camera and blow door test allow technicians to pinpoint energy loss and diagnose how to correct the problem.
Seek a qualified technician to perform an annual inspection of your heating systems, like your furnace, wood stove, or fireplace. Proper maintenance can improve efficiency and operation and, more importantly, check for leaks or malfunctions to protect your family from deadly carbon monoxide poisoning or fire.
Not removing garden hoses in freezing weather can result in burst water pipes and costly repairs. Disconnect the hose and store it inside your garage or shed until spring.
Turn off the valve for your exterior spigot(s) on the inside of the home, then open the exterior faucet to drain the remaining water. Leaving the exterior faucet open through the winter allows you to detect small leaks that may be unnoticable in the summer. If you notice any icicles forming on the spigot throughout the winter, they may indicate a leak. Contact a plumber to inspect and perform any needed repairs.
According to Energy Star, on average, for an initial investment of $50 to $100, you will save $180 annually on heating (and cooling) bills by programming your thermostat to no higher than 70 degrees while at home and no more than 62 degrees when you’re asleep or away.
Check for peeling paint or loose siding, which can cause water damage or breakage under heavy snow. Caulk around windows and doors. Inspect the roof for missing shingles and loose flashing around skylights and chimneys where water and snow will find its way in. Replace any curled or buckling shingles.
Owning your own home can be a great investment. Be sure to protect that investment with proper maintenance and proper coverage. Contact your independent insurance agent today to discuss SECURA’s MILE-STONE ® home and auto package policy.
Looking to save on your life insurance coverage? A health screening is a critical part of the application process that can help you get your best rate.
Did you recently tie the knot? Or maybe the big day is fast approaching. It isn’t uncommon for couples to spend a great deal of time and energy planning for their wedding day. What’s more rare is the likelihood that couples put time and energy into discussing their financial future and how to approach finances in their marriage.
As we grow and change, the choices we make in life often mirror our needs. Your financial protection needs work much in the same way. What you need in your 20s is not likely to match what you need in your 40s, which will further evolve as you approach your 60s and beyond. Luckily, AAA Life has solutions for you every step of the way.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when looking at the needs of Generation X and their life insurance policies. Whether you’re planning to retire in the next few years, still have kids living in the house with years of college tuition checks still to come, or anything in between, now is the best time to act to help protect the futures of those that you care about.
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