Homeowner Maintenance Tips – It Pays to Focus on the Small Details

For the vast majority of us, purchasing a home is the biggest investment we’ll ever make. It’s not only due to the large financial investment, but your home is also the place where you and your family will spend the majority of your time. It’s understandable that one of your main focuses should be to protect your investment and ensure that you’re covered for everything from accidents and theft to natural catastrophes.

One of the most important ways to maintain your home and keep your family safe is to stay on top of maintenance and take the most basic precautions.

The Importance of Replacing Air Filters

Maintaining your home involves making sure your heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems are operating properly. Regularly inspecting and changing your air filters when necessary will not only extend the life of your large appliances, but it will also help them continue to perform efficiently. Failing to keep your air filters clean can lead to:

• Exposure to extremely cold or warm internal temperatures
• Poor air quality including pollution and debris
• Overworked appliances resulting in costly breakdowns
• Wasteful energy consumption that drives up utility bills

In order to keep the air clean and your furnace and air conditioning unit running strong, experts recommend changing your air filters every three months during periods of high usage. Refer to your HVAC manuals for specific guidelines and detailed instructions on how to change the filters.

Be Prepared for the Unexpected

Just because you have a warranty and homeowner’s insurance doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take precautions in the case of an emergency. Take the time to keep your home stocked with a few common items — it’ll make the difference between a temporarily challenging situation and an all-out catastrophe.

If you don’t have these three essential items in your home, it’s important to get them and store them in a safe place before it’s too late.

• Fire extinguisher — A fire extinguisher is your first line of defense in protecting your home. Every home should have at least one and probably a few more accessible at all times. Always store a fire extinguisher in the kitchen or any cooking area, and also keep one on each floor of your home.
• First aid kit — The effects of cuts and bruises, bites and burns, and other serious medical emergencies can all be diminished by quickly responding with first aid. Keep a kit in a safe place where everyone in your home can easily access it. Make sure it’s fully stocked, so you’re ready to handle unexpected situations as they come.
• Duplicate keys — If you own a home, it’s essential you have access to it at all times, even when you’re out of town. Keep a duplicate set of keys in a safe location at work or with a reliable neighbor, so you can make sure nothing stands in your way of getting inside your home when you need to most.

For even more Home Maintenance Tips, check out our American eWarranty tips page!

To learn more about protecting your home with warranties, contact American eBuilder today.