While summer temps are still here, it’s the perfect time to get a jump on preparing your home for the colder months ahead. Tackling a few projects now like cleaning gutters, inspecting your roof, servicing your HVAC system and checking your chimney can help prevent costly damage later. Many winter-related issues don’t just create headaches; they can also lead to costly homeowners insurance claims.
Here are our top home maintenance tips to help prevent insurance claims this winter.
Clean and Inspect Your Chimney and Fireplace
There’s nothing better than sitting by the fire on a snowy evening, but fireplaces and chimneys are one of the leading causes of home fires. Over time, creosote (a flammable residue) builds up inside the chimney. Without proper cleaning, it can ignite and cause devastating damage.
Schedule an annual chimney sweep before you light your first fire of the season.
Keep the damper closed when the fireplace isn’t in use to prevent drafts.
Always use a fireplace screen to protect floors and furniture from sparks.
A simple inspection and cleaning can save you from both safety risks and expensive insurance claims.
Service Your Furnace or Heating System
No one wants to discover a broken furnace on the first freezing night of the season. Preventive maintenance helps avoid emergency calls and costly breakdowns.
Schedule an HVAC professional to inspect and service your furnace.
Replace filters every 1–3 months.
Test your thermostat to ensure it’s working properly.
A well-maintained system keeps your home comfortable and reduces fire hazards caused by faulty equipment.
Seal Windows and Doors
Drafty windows and doors don’t just make your home uncomfortable, they also force your heating system to work harder, which can increase your energy bills and even cause wear-and-tear breakdowns.
To spot drafts, walk around your home and place your hand near the edges of windows and doors. If you feel cool air coming through, it’s time to seal them.
Use weatherstripping or caulk for small gaps.
Consider replacing cracked or outdated windows.
Add draft stoppers at the base of doors for extra insulation.
Even closing gaps as small as 1/8 inch can make a noticeable difference in comfort and energy efficiency.
Test Smoke Detectors, Carbon Monoxide Detectors and Fire Extinguishers
When winter arrives, most families use furnaces, fireplaces or even space heaters more frequently. All of which increase fire and carbon monoxide risks.
Test every smoke and carbon monoxide detector in your home.
Replace batteries at least every six months.
Make sure fire extinguishers are not expired and are accessible.
Review or create a family fire escape plan.
Consider a fire sensor like Ting. Contact our office to see if you’re eligible to receive this free through your homeowners insurance.
These quick checks can literally save lives.
Maintain Your Yard and Outdoor Spaces
Fall leaves look beautiful, but they can cause serious issues if not managed properly. Clogged gutters can lead to water backup, ice dams and roof leaks.
Clear leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts.
Make sure downspouts direct water away from your foundation.
Disconnect and store garden hoses.
Shut off and drain outdoor water lines.
Store or cover outdoor furniture to prevent damage from snow and ice.
Proactive yard maintenance keeps your property safe and prevents slip-and-fall accidents that could result in liability claims.
Trim Trees and Branches
Heavy snow and ice can weigh down branches, causing them to snap and damage your roof, car or power lines.
Trim overhanging branches before the first snow.
Remove dead or weak trees near your home.
Call a professional for larger jobs to ensure safety.
Tree maintenance not only protects your property but can also reduce the risk of liability if falling branches damage a neighbor’s home or car.
Schedule a Roof Inspection
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against snow, ice and wind. Small issues in the fall can turn into big, expensive problems once winter storms hit.
Look for loose or missing shingles.
Check for cracks, sagging or damaged flashing.
Consider hiring a professional if climbing the roof isn’t safe for you.
An inspection in September or October ensures your home is protected before Ohio’s heavy snow arrives.
Stock Up on Winter Supplies
Ohio winters are unpredictable. One week it’s mild, and the next, a snowstorm knocks out power. Being prepared keeps you safe and avoids costly emergency expenses. Be sure to have the following on hand:
Snow shovels, ice melt and salt for sidewalks and driveways.
Firewood, if you use a wood-burning fireplace.
A stocked emergency kit with flashlights, blankets, batteries and non-perishable food.
Portable chargers for phones in case of outages.
A little planning now means you won’t be caught off guard when winter weather hits.
Winterize Indoor Pipes
Frozen pipes are one of the most common and expensive winter homeowners insurance claims in Ohio. When water freezes, it expands and can burst pipes, causing flooding, mold and extensive damage.
Once the temperature starts to drop, prevent frozen pipes by:
Wrapping exposed pipes with insulation sleeves (especially those near exterior walls).
Shutting off and drain water to unused areas.
Opening cabinets under sinks to allow warm air to circulate.
Keeping your home heated to at least 55°F, even if you’re away.
A few dollars of insulation can prevent thousands in repair costs.
Review Your Homeowners Insurance Coverage
While you’re tackling these fall maintenance projects, it’s also the perfect time to review your homeowners insurance policy. If you’ve renovated your home, added expensive new belongings or haven’t updated your coverage in years, you may be underinsured. You could also be eligible for discounts, especially if you’ve enhanced your home’s security, replaced your roof or made other improvements that reduce risk.
At Wallace & Turner Insurance, we help Ohio homeowners tailor their coverage to fit their needs and budget. An annual review ensures your policy reflects your current home and lifestyle, so if the unexpected happens, you’re fully protected.
An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure
Ohio winters can be tough, but a little preparation goes a long way. By cleaning gutters, sealing windows, servicing your furnace and taking other preventive steps, you can avoid many of the most common homeowners insurance claims.
Remember: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure—and that’s especially true when it comes to protecting your home.
If you’d like to review your homeowners insurance coverage or discuss whether your current policy meets your needs, our team is here to help.