Neglecting home maintenance can lead to costly insurance claims

There never seems to be enough time in the day to accomplish everything you set out to do. Hectic lifestyles and busy agendas can consume your time and may cause you to neglect home maintenance. If it’s not broken, why fix it, right? However, if you neglect home maintenance for too long, it can lead to costly insurance claims. Here are some key home maintenance areas that deserve your attention.

Yard maintenance

Low hanging limbs on dead or damaged trees can lie in wait for the next strong wind to bring them crashing on top of your home and causing roof damage. If loose shingles are removed from your roof during a wind event, the resulting hole could lead to water damage. Trim low hanging limbs from dead or damaged trees in your yard, or have the tree removed. Inspect your roof after a storm and replace loose shingles. If you find roof damage, have it repaired right away.

HVAC

While you may not notice any HVAC maintenance issues, this doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Even if your unit is still functioning, it may not be heating and cooling your home efficiently. Dirt and debris can cause units to work much harder and cost you more in utility bills. Schedule regular maintenance visits with an HVAC professional. If your unit is more than 10 years old, you may need to have it replaced with a more energy-efficient model.

Electrical systems

Faulty wiring can lead to a home fire and cause you to lose valuable personal items or worse–your entire house. The risk is even greater for older homes. Older homes may have outdated electrical systems and outlets that need to be replaced. You should never attempt electrical system repairs or replacement yourself. Hire a professional electrician to do the repairs safely and efficiently.

Scheduling time for home maintenance now will save you money in the long run and help you avoid costly insurance claims.