Maintain Appliances and Save on Insurance
Most homeowners wrestle with buying insurance on home appliances such as dryers, toilets, showers, water heaters, etc. While you should always buy insurance on these appliances in case something unexpected happened, there are ways to keep appliance disasters to a minimum with routine maintenance. Maintaining appliances doesn’t save you from the occasional breakdown, but it can reduce the frequency of breakdowns which saves you money on your premiums.
Showers:
Most of the water damage caused by showers is due to a faulty shower pan and cracked/missing grout. Maintain your shower by thoroughly inspecting the grout and tiles for any cracking and seal any loose or missing areas. You can also test the shower pan by filling the tub with a few inches of water, plug the drain, mark the water line with a pencil and water several hours to see if there is any leaking.
Dryers:
Most people don’t think of dryers as hazardous, but they cost thousands of house fires per year because they are not maintained. You should always clean the lint trap every time you dry your clothes, but that is not enough. You should also vacuum (with the smallest nozzle head) the dryer out and once a year by unplugging the dryer and vacuuming out the vent tube.
Water Heater:
Water heaters are expensive and have an average life span of only 8 to 10 years, but you can expand that optimal working life if you maintain it. If you live in an area that has hard water, you should flush the water heater out every six months. You should also get the heater inspected every two years and then annually once the warranty expires.
Air Conditioning:
Air conditioning units are vital in some parts of the country, and if you have a leak in your refrigerant, it could cost you big time. Check your filters regularly (1-3 months) depending on how much dust and pet hair is in your home. Have your air conditioner unit checked every spring and fall. Also, keep all foliage and items away from the condenser unit outside as it could interrupt the airflow efficiency.