Insurance News

Landscape Maintenance Tips for Your Yard

Fri, 03 Jun 2022 17:39:00 GMT

You've worked hard to create a beautiful garden for your yard, but there is more to yard maintenance than simply mowing the lawn and watering the plants. There are plenty of other tasks you'll need to complete in order to keep your yard looking its best over the years. Here are a few yard-care jobs you may have overlooked.

Trimming Large Trees

Pruning tall trees can be a daunting task, but it is an essential one. Whether you choose to do it yourself or hire someone to do it for you, it needs to be done each year. For most trees, fall is the best time to prune, as the trees will come back even stronger when the weather warms up again in the spring. In addition to keeping the trees as healthy as possible, this will also prevent wayward branches from scratching against the side of your house or top of your roof, potentially causing damage. Be sure to keep them away from power lines as well.

Cleaning Your Gutters

If your home is equipped with gutters, they'll need to be cleaned out periodically. This is especially true if you have large trees on your property, as their leaves can clog up your gutters. When your gutters are full of debris, they can't do their job of directing water away from your house properly. This can lead to water pooling in the gutters, which can cause damage to your eaves and roof over time. You should expect to clean your gutters at least once a year, though you may need to do so more often in heavily wooded areas. Check them a few times a year, and clear them out as needed.

Keeping Plants Away from Your House

When you first planted your bushes or shrubs, they were likely much smaller than they are now. Over time, they can grow and spread, bringing them closer and closer to your house. This can provide homes for rodents and other pests, and eventually, they may try to come inside. Keeping the plants at a safe distance will enable you to see any damage to the structure of your home so you can repair it as quickly as possible.

Keeping Your Yard Clutter-Free

Finally, piles of yard waste, old garden equipment, and other debris can also create homes for pests, so do your best to keep your yard as clean and tidy as possible. After all, you've done a lot of work to keep your plants looking great, and you don't want a bunch of clutter distracting from their beauty!

Read the full article at www.larsenflynn.com

Why You Might Want to Live Like a Minimalist

Wed, 13 Nov 2019 19:10:00 GMT

Decluttering is having a moment these days. Organizing guru Marie Kondo has her own show on Netflix, people everywhere are going through their things and asking, “Does this bring me joy?” and many are even exploring the minimalist lifestyle.

Wondering what the all the fuss is about? Let’s talk about some of the benefits of going minimalist (or just getting rid of some clutter, even if you don’t want to get rid of everything).

What does it mean to ‘go minimalist’?
Whatever you want it to mean, really; there’s no official designation or anything. Many people think it’s living with as few possessions as possible, but it’s all relative—someone with a full house could feel like a minimalist after simply reducing their clutter, while another person might cringe at the thought of even one extra item on their nightstand.

Here’s a good way to think about it: Living as a minimalist is about focusing mainly on what you need, limiting those extra, but unnecessary, things that can clog life up. Minimalists focus on experiences rather than things, on quality rather than quantity, on removing excess from their lives in order to create a more meaningful existence.

According to Joshua Becker of the Becoming Minimalist blog, “Decluttering focuses on removing surface-level possessions. Minimalism helps us discover how little we actually need.”

And there are benefits to this approach that go way beyond just having a clean house, too. Here are five from No Sidebar, which created an online course aimed at helping people “design a simple life.”

A clearer mind.
When you have a ton of stuff, it can tax you mentally—even if you don’t realize it. From not being able to find items when you want them to just feeling overwhelmed at the thought of organizing, having fewer things also can mean having less weighing on your mind.
More freedom.
Think of all the possessions you own, and the work you had to do to get them—literally, the job you go to every day to buy all of those things. Are those things worth it? What if you didn’t have to worry about earning the money to buy that stuff? How would your life change? Maybe you could switch to a job that you love, instead of the one that pays the most. Or take more time off. Or travel more. That’s the freedom minimalists pursue.
Extra money.
When you don’t buy a bunch of unnecessary things, you don’t spend as much money—and that means you’ll have more at the ready when something truly important comes along.
Greater self-confidence.
Yes, really. Living with less, not worrying about having that luxury car or an expensive watch, has an unexpected benefit, wrote No Sidebar’s Allison Fallon: “You start to feel good about yourself, not because of what you own, but just because of who you are.”
Better relationships, too.
This is another thing you might not expect. But think about the old phrase “keeping up with the Joneses.” That really means “competing with the Joneses,” doesn’t it? What else would you call constantly trying to acquire things that are as nice (or nicer) than those of your friends and neighbors? When you stop doing this, you can start building better connections with people—real connections.

Minimalism isn’t for everybody, but everybody can benefit from taking even a couple of steps in that direction. Fewer things, more meaning. What’s not to like about that?

Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance.

Read the full article at www.larsenflynn.com

Is your home as efficient as it could be? An energy audit can tell you

Wed, 28 Aug 2019 16:44:00 GMT

Drafty windows. Leaky faucets. Dirty air filters.

All are common issues in homes across the country, and they’re not just annoying—they also cost you money in decreased energy efficiency and higher bills.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program estimates that homeowners can save 5% to 30% on annual energy costs by incorporating technologies to make their homes operate more efficiently. Think that’s not a big deal? Based on typical energy costs, it could mean savings ranging from $105 to $627, according to Energy Star.

That sounds pretty good to us. And even if you’re not the handiest person when it comes to home maintenance, checking your energy efficiency is something you can easily do yourself. (Although if you want to get the biggest bang for your buck, Energy Star recommends a professional home-energy audit.)

Just follow the tips below—you’ll see where your home loses energy, how efficient your heating and cooling systems are, and ways you can decrease your electricity use.

First, just for reference, here’s how the average energy bill breaks down:

Heating: 29%
Electronics: 21%
Water heating: 13%
Cooling: 13%
Appliances: 12%
Light: 12%

Where’s the air?
Air commonly leaks from homes through gaps around baseboards, electrical outlets and windows or doors—if you feel like you’re running the heat all the time to no avail, that warm air might be escaping. Stopping these drafts can save up to 30 percent of your yearly energy costs (it will keep the cool air inside during the summer, too). Be sure to check your home’s exterior as well, paying particular attention to areas where two different building materials meet. When you find leaks, seal them with caulk or weather stripping.

Don’t wait to insulate
Check to see if you have enough insulation in your ceiling and walls. The attic door or hatch should be insulated and close tightly. For walls, make a small hole in a closet or other inconspicuous place and probe into the wall with a screwdriver—if the area isn’t completely filled with insulation, you’re probably losing heat in the winter and cool air in the summer.

Check your furnace and AC systems
Heating and cooling systems that work correctly and efficiently can save you frustration as well as money. Make sure ducts and pipes are insulated properly, and have your equipment checked and cleaned by a professional each year. Filters for forced-air furnaces should be replaced as soon as they are dirty, or every 30 to 60 days.

Let there be (efficient) light
More than half of the light sockets in the U.S. still contain an inefficient bulb, according to Energy Star—and the average home has about 70 sockets! LED bulbs use about 90% less energy than regular bulbs, and they last a lot longer, too. Many will still be going after 20 years.

See how your home stacks up
Energy Star also offers a Home Energy Yardstick that allows you to compare your home’s efficiency to similar homes across the country and get advice on how to improve. It takes just five minutes. Learn more here.

Anyone can take steps to save energy—whether you’re a hardcore do-it-yourselfer or someone simply tired of sending a big check to the power company every month. Just don’t forget what might be the most important thing of all after you finish your audit and make your home more efficient: deciding how to spend the money you’ll save!

Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance.

Read the full article at www.larsenflynn.com

How to Make Your Family Vacation a Great One

Wed, 24 Jul 2019 20:22:00 GMT

Summer is here, which means it’s time to think about family vacations! (If you haven’t been thinking about them all year, that is.)

The family part of family vacations, however, can make things a little complicated. You want to choose a destination that is fun for everyone, including the kids. You want to ensure they’re safe on the trip, wherever you go. And you probably want to figure out how to make traveling with them easier, too.

We’ve got you covered with some great tips, so you can relax when you hit the road—or at least after you get to where you’re going.

Instead of thinking about where to go, first think about what you want to do.

Experts interviewed by the New York Times recommend starting with figuring out what you want to do on your vacation, because that will help you narrow your list of possible destinations. Want a laid-back trip with lazy days, but one that will still keep kids of all ages engaged? Maybe a beach trip is best. Looking for a few thrills? Theme parks are great for kids ages 3-12 (younger kids might not be able to go on many of the rides, and older kids might not be as enthusiastic). Think it would be best to give everyone a chance to do their own thing? Cruises have lots of family-friendly options, along with chances for kids to be more independent.

To help the kids feel good about where they’re headed, you can let them choose some of the activities for certain days, or actively involve them in designing the entire itinerary.

Think about how you’ll get there, too.

Traveling with kids—especially young ones—can be a challenge. For trips longer than a couple of hours, one old trick is to wrap up inexpensive toys or treats for children and use them as a reward for good behavior. For every hour they’re good, they get to open a present. Not only will that help keep them in line, it will keep them occupied for the hour in between.

Some vacations require a flight, of course, but car trips and train travel can be great options for families. In the car, you’ve got flexibility and control—you can meander and explore along the way, break the trip up however you like, and pull over whenever you want for rest or a fun activity. You don’t have as much control on a train, but there’s plenty of space to move around, and kids often find it fun to watch the world go by outside.

Keep safety in mind.

When you’re away from home, no matter what kind of vacation you’ve planned, make sure your kids know what to do if you get separated or there’s an emergency. Safewise.com recommends that families practice these situations—and create “information cards” for kids to carry that include phone numbers, where you’re staying, etc. Having your children wear bright, recognizable clothing, or even using GPS devices to keep track of them, are good ideas as well.

Another useful trick many parents use is taking a photo of each child every morning before embarking on the day’s adventures. Then, if someone gets lost, you have a current photo to share so people know exactly what to look for.

Don’t try to do too much.

As one travel-company professional and mother of three told the New York Times, make sure to build some downtime into your itinerary—she recommends limiting planned activities to a half-day or less. The rest of the day can still be fun, but give yourself a break with some time at the pool or a local park.

There’s no way to guarantee a great vacation, obviously. But with a little planning and consideration, you and your family will be well on your way. Safe travels this summer!

Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance.

Read the full article at www.larsenflynn.com

Looking at a new piece of jewelry? Make sure to look at your insurance, too

Mon, 15 Jul 2019 18:30:00 GMT

Whether it’s a gift from someone special or a gift to yourself, a new piece of jewelry can bring some sparkle to your life.

However, many people who find themselves victimized by burglars—or a fire or some other disaster—also find out too late that they didn’t have enough insurance to replace their jewelry.

Here’s why: Homeowners policies typically only cover valuable items such as jewelry and watches up to a specific amount. For example, if your limit is $5,000, but you have a $15,000 diamond ring, you’d be on the hook for an extra $10,000 in order to replace it. There might be other issues as well, such as whether your policy covers each individual piece of jewelry at a set amount, or provides coverage for your collection as a whole.

This all might sound complicated, but it’s really not—especially when you work with an independent agent who can explain your options and make sure you get the right coverage. No matter how you buy your insurance, though, below are a few things you’ll want to consider.

Do you need more coverage? Look at your policy language, or ask your agent to explain your coverage. Do you have one or two expensive pieces, or a number of smaller items that when added together exceed your limits? You probably need to purchase additional protection.
What kind of coverage should you get? This depends on your lifestyle. You may want to consider whether items are covered no matter where they are (such as if you travel internationally). You’ll also want to ask about actual cash value versus replacement value, and if you would be required to actually replace the jewelry in the event of a loss or if you could just keep the cash payment.
Do you need an appraisal? In some instances, an insurance company will require you to get a piece appraised to determine its value.
Do you have items with mainly sentimental value, or ones that are irreplaceable? If so, you might not need to purchase any additional insurance at all. But we recommend talking to your agent before making that decision.
Do you have the ability to increase your deductible? Usually, a higher deductible means a lower premium—so that’s an option to potentially offset part or all of the cost of increased coverage for your jewelry.
Do you have pictures? This doesn’t necessarily have to do with your insurance, but jewelers often are able to recreate lost or stolen pieces with the help of a photo.

Whatever you choose to do, remember that you play an important role in keeping your jewelry protected, too: Be sure to store it securely, whether in a safe at home or a safe-deposit box at a different location. After all, having the right coverage is great—but it’s even better when those special pieces stay with you and your family for years to come.

Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance.

Read the full article at www.larsenflynn.com

Keep Pets Happy and Safe on Vacation

Mon, 08 Jul 2019 20:38:00 GMT

You’re not just imagining it—a lot of people are traveling with their pets these days.

According to a TripAdvisor survey of more than 1,000 travelers, 53% of those responding said they take their pets on vacation, and 52% stay only at places that welcome pets. (For some people, the “welcome” part doesn’t matter: 20% admitted they have snuck their pet into a hotel room.)

Of course, you’re going on vacation because you want to get away, so it’s a pretty safe bet that you’ll be happy. But if you take your pet, how can you make sure their experience is a good one, too? These tips from the Humane Society and American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) can help.

Find the right place to stay Lodging options for pet owners continue to expand; many hotels now allow dogs and other pets, and individuals renting out their homes and apartments through services like VRBO and Airbnb often do as well.

Some properties charge an additional fee or have restrictions based on size, so you’ll want to check all of the rules before you book—and you’ll want to alert the hotel or owner that you are bringing your pet along. A pet-friendly place might not be so friendly if you surprise them.

Consider your activities If you’re planning to do a bunch of things on vacation that are not pet-friendly, that means your pet would be cooped up in the room while you’re gone. Some pets are OK with that, while others definitely aren’t. If you aren’t going to be able to spend a lot of time with your pet, it might be best to just leave them at home.

While you’re planning your trip, research activities for both you and your pet. Where are the local dog parks? Are there restaurants that allow pets? What kinds of pet-sitting services are available for the times when you can’t be together?

Travel safely No matter how you’re traveling with your pet, you need to take certain steps to ensure their comfort and safety—along with your own.

In the car: Pets shouldn’t roam around in your vehicle, so keep them in a carrier or a confined space where they won’t distract you. Don’t ever let them sit in the front seat. You also should plan for plenty of rest stops to allow for exercise and bathroom breaks. And your pet shouldn’t be left alone in a car, especially when it’s warm out. Vehicle interiors get very hot very quickly, even with the windows open.
On the plane: The Humane Society says driving is usually the best option, but if you have to fly, try to have your animal in the cabin. However, if they must fly with cargo, choose a direct flight to avoid connection issues. It’s a good idea to carry a photo of your pet in case they are lost in transit. Finally, work with the airline well in advance to ensure your pet meets all the requirements necessary for flying.

Have the right ID and documents The ASPCA notes that you should have your pet microchipped no matter where you’re headed or how you’re going to travel—that way, they can be easily identified if you’re separated. If your pet’s tag doesn’t have your cell phone number, get one that does. It also can be handy to have vaccination records and other details in case your pet needs emergency care while you’re on vacation.

You’ve arrived. Now what? Once you’ve gotten your pet to your destination, a few comforts from home can make all the difference. Pack some of their favorite toys and the pad they sleep on every night. And don’t forget what might be the most important thing of all—lots and lots of treats!

Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance.

Read the full article at www.larsenflynn.com

Home Security Technology: Keeping you ahead of the burglars

Tue, 18 Jun 2019 16:59:00 GMT

Back in the early days of home security “systems,” around the end of World War I, it was common for homeowners to hire “door shakers”—night watchmen who would literally walk around and check doors to make sure they were locked. The most advanced product at the time, according to the Electronic Security Association, was an alarm system that used electromagnetic contacts on doors and windows and rang a bell if disturbed.

Things are just a little bit different now, thanks to expanding technology and decreasing costs. Regular homeowners now have access to the types of tools and systems that were previously attainable only by celebrities and the wealthy.

It’s especially important to be thinking about security with the increase of online shopping. More packages are being delivered on a regular basis, and porch pirates can easily swoop in and snatch your new items.

If you’re into tech, you might even find that getting set up is fun. And if you’re into saving money, many companies offer insurance discounts for having specific home-monitoring systems, so check your policy or ask us for details.

Here’s a rundown of some of the options you have to protect your home, from all-in-one systems to separate components for do-it-yourselfers.

Full-service systems

There are a number of companies that offer full-service security systems with central monitoring—and the list is growing, with cable and wireless companies (Xfinity, AT&T, etc.) getting into the mix more prominently along with familiar names such as ADT and Brinks. These systems can feature video surveillance, remote access, smoke and carbon-monoxide detection, even medical alerts in case you have an emergency. Many now offer home-automation tools so you can control lighting, heating, cooling and other appliances when you’re away from home.

Most systems also can be configured to send you alerts via text message—so you know when the kids have gotten home from school safely, for example.

Full security systems such as these often have installation costs, along with equipment fees and monthly bills, of course. But if you don’t feel tech-savvy enough to install your own system, you don’t want to deal with the hassle, or you want something with central monitoring, a full system might be right for you.

Do-it-yourself options

If you’d rather set up your own system, many companies offer starter packs with a few components to get you going, allowing you to add what you need and exclude what you don’t. Some provide security features without much in the way of home automation, while others can serve as the hub for a connected home—it’s up to you.

You can create your own custom security system through the use of individual products, too, although you’ll want to ensure everything works together. Here are some of the options on that front:

Smart cameras and sensors

Installing cameras used to mean dealing with bulky equipment and yards of wiring. Today, cameras are unobtrusive, wireless and capable of much more than previous models. Many are combined with floodlights or doorbells and use motion activation, saving data-storage space and battery power by recording only when there’s a reason to record. Some can send live feeds to you remotely when motion is detected, too. One startup even has motion sensors that don’t use infrared light—instead, they look for disturbances in the wireless signals that bounce around throughout your home.

Keyless entry systems

Even items as basic as the locks on your doors have undergone revolutionary changes. You might not think you need an entry system that relies on a code, or a smartphone, but they can come in very handy at times. Say, for example, you need to let a trusted repairman into your home while you’re away, but you don’t want to risk hiding a key outside. With a keyless system (or a hybrid version that uses both keys and codes), you simply provide a temporary code for the repairman to use.

Home automation

Have you ever forgotten to leave a light on while you’re away? Burglars thrive in the dark, and lights both inside and outside your home, along with noise from TVs, radios, etc., can be powerful deterrents. Thankfully, you can have more control than ever—from anywhere in the world. And just like some professionally installed systems or do-it-yourself starter packages, many individual components tie in home-automation features as well.

Of course, there are still some classic tools and techniques you can use to deter crime, no matter how tech-savvy you are: Don’t broadcast on social media when you’re going to be on vacation or away for the night. Keep valuables out of plain sight. Make sure your windows and doors are locked. And don’t forget the security system that will love you back—a watchdog!

Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance.

Read the full article at www.larsenflynn.com

Three Ways to Lower Your Carbon Footprint

Thu, 13 Jun 2019 21:43:00 GMT

April 22 marked the 49th annual Earth Day, when more than 1 billion people in nearly 200 countries were expected to take part in what the Earth Day Network calls “the largest civic-focused day of action in the world.”

Since the first Earth Day in 1970 (which was connected to the passage of the Clean Air Act that year), there have been many environmental victories, such as passing and strengthening laws for cleaner air and water, expanding Marine Protected Areas, reducing overfishing, and even improving our ability to predict extreme weather events.

Scientists say more progress is needed if we are to slow the impact of climate change, and carbon emissions are a major threat, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Since the mid-1800s, the agency notes, carbon concentrations in the atmosphere have increased by about 40%. Because of their warming effect on the planet over time, carbon emissions can contribute to severe weather, rising sea levels, and other significant issues.

You might think the problem is so big there’s nothing you can do about it—but there are many ways you can help reduce these emissions. Here are three things the environmental organization Carbon Offsets To Alleviate Poverty (COTAP) recommends to lower your carbon footprint and do your part to help the planet:

Don’t drive so much — When you do drive, be fuel-efficient. Driving a conventional vehicle burns fossil fuels, so the less you drive, the less carbon you emit. (Even electric cars typically have a carbon footprint, depending on the type of energy used to charge them.) You can also lower your emissions by keeping your car well-maintained and driving sensibly: To maximize your gas mileage, don’t speed excessively or accelerate suddenly, and make sure your tires are properly inflated.
Limit your air travel — Everybody loves vacations, but airplane flights generate a lot of carbon emissions: For every roundtrip transatlantic flight, 30 square feet of Arctic sea ice is lost, according to Climate Central, an independent organization of climate scientists and journalists. When you want to get away, choose shorter flights, or try “staycations” closer to home. Also, if you travel for work, consider videoconferencing tools instead.
Look around the house — There are plenty of other ways to lower your impact on the environment—and saving energy in your home is a great start. Make sure your home is insulated properly to keep things warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer without cranking the thermostat up or down. Choose appliances that are energy-efficient. Even something as simple as replacing incandescent light bulbs with LEDs (and turning lights off when you’re not using them) can help.

Remember that little steps can create a big impact. Maybe you can bike to work a couple of times a month. Walk to the market instead of driving. Leave the AC off until the hottest days of summer. It all adds up—for you, for those you share the planet with, and those who will come after you, too.

Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance.

Read the full article at www.larsenflynn.com

Spring Cleaning Tips

Thu, 06 Jun 2019 23:20:00 GMT

Spring is a time for new beginnings, and cleaning and organization around the house are very popular this time of year. If you’re ready to tackle the monumental spring cleaning chore, read on for some helpful information. (And if you’re so tidy and organized throughout the year that spring cleaning isn’t a big chore for you, well, keep that to yourself! Unless you want your friends and neighbors to be jealous, that is.)

Take it one room at a time. Deciding to clean or organize your entire home can quickly get overwhelming. If you focus on just one area or room, then move to another only when you’re finished, you’ll likely work more efficiently.
Follow the six-month rule. Generally, if you haven’t used something in six months (with the exception of seasonal items), it’s a good idea to consider throwing it away or donating it.
Don’t forget the kitchen. Just like other rooms, your kitchen likely has things that haven’t been used in some time — and this includes food in the refrigerator or freezer. Give those appliances a thorough cleaning and get rid of anything you won’t be eating.
Set yourself up for success. Paper clutter is something we all could probably cut back on pretty easily. Setting up a few recycling bins throughout the house gives you a convenient alternative to just setting that old magazine or paperwork down somewhere and watching the pile grow.
Make some money! The spring cleaning garage sale is a tradition for many homeowners, and can be a great way to bring in some extra income. Talk about a win-win situation — you get rid of stuff you don’t need, and someone pays you for it!
Stay safe. When you’re cleaning or maintaining your home, be mindful of the physical risks involved. Lift with your leg muscles, not your back. Avoid prolonged repetitive motions. Use ladders, lawn mowers and other dangerous tools with caution.

Now sit back, relax, and enjoy your sparkling clean home after a long winter inside.

Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance.

Read the full article at www.larsenflynn.com

Five Common (and Potentially Costly) Homeowner Mistakes

Wed, 29 May 2019 18:50:00 GMT

Owning a home is usually a great experience. But it can also be a hassle, especially when unexpected issues pop up—whether you have a minor breakdown or a major catastrophe, it’s almost certainly going to require time and money to fix.

In many instances, however, those “unexpected” issues shouldn’t really be a surprise at all, because they’re often caused by a lack of maintenance or other oversights by homeowners. And not just new homeowners, either; it’s common for people who have been in a home for years to neglect even some of the most basic tasks that can prevent problems down the road.

Here are five mistakes we often see homeowners make—and tips from experts to help you avoid them.

Forgetting about (or ignoring) the small stuff. The toilet that runs constantly? That faucet with a slow drip? The little crack in that one board on the deck? They might not seem like big problems, but they can turn into bigger issues over time. For example, a leaky faucet or running toilet might mean your water bill is higher than it should be. And that small crack can lead to rot, which could lead to having to replace the board—or the entire deck. When you see “small” things around the house, take steps to address them as soon as you can, because it likely will be a lot easier (and cheaper) today or tomorrow than a year from now.
Not doing regular checks around the house. Speaking of seeing things around the house, how often do you look around the house? You’d be surprised how many homeowners haven’t been in their attic or crawlspace for years. It’s a good idea to do a walk-through periodically to look for issues such as leaks, areas of wear or other problems. And don’t forget to go outside! How is your roof looking? Do you see any cracks in your siding? Are the seals around your doors and windows solid? It’s important to catch those things before the rainy season begins in fall and winter.
Skipping maintenance on your appliances. Not only will keeping your appliances in good shape ensure they work effectively and prolong their lifespan, maintenance also can prevent serious risks. For example, when was the last time you cleaned out your dryer exhaust vent? No, not the screen you pull out when you’re doing laundry, but the one on the back or side. Too much lint buildup there can cause a fire—so clean it out at least once a year. You also should check the hoses connected to your washing machine and dishwasher. Are they worn? Do they need to be replaced? Do it now, before one fails when you’re not at home and causes significant water damage. Other tips:
- Clean your refrigerator coils at least once a year.
- Clear out your dishwasher’s food filter regularly.
- Vacuum up dust and other debris in window air conditioners before you start using them each year.
- Remember to test your smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors twice a year, installing fresh batteries each time.
Neglecting other systems. Your HVAC system needs attention so it won’t fail when you need it most. Having your furnace, heat pump and/or central AC unit serviced each year before you start using them heavily will alert you to any potential problems. You don’t want to find out that your furnace is out of whack when it’s 30 degrees outside, or that your AC is on the fritz when it’s 95. Change filters at the appropriate intervals, and if it’s been a while since you’ve had your ducts cleaned, consider that as well.
Not having a home warranty. Despite your best maintenance efforts, that air conditioner might break down, leaving you sweltering in the summer. The water heater could stop working, meaning cold showers every morning. Or the refrigerator suddenly won’t get very cold anymore. These things sometimes just happen, and if your appliance is out of warranty, you’re on the hook.

Your home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, so it pays to be diligent about caring for it. Keep your eyes open around the house. Don’t hesitate to get out the tools, or call a professional if needed. Remember, prevention is the best medicine—and that old saying holds true just as much for your home’s health as it does for yours.

Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance.

Read the full article at www.larsenflynn.com