Connecticut Homeowners Insurance: Fall Home Maintenance Tips

Connecticut Homeowners Insurance: Fall Home Maintenance Tips

As the weather begins to cool, it is time for Connecticut homeowners to start preparing for Winter. Though it’s still a few months off yet, there are maintenance steps you can take in your home this Fall to make sure you are ready. You’ll find that most of the tips listed below are things you can probably handle yourself, and they will help lower your utility bills.

Tune up your heating system. Many homeowners don’t realize their heater isn’t working properly until they go to use it for the first time in the winter. Unfortunately, if you wait until then, chances are there will be many customers ahead of you in line for repairs. When looking for a reputable contractor to hire, refer to the Air Conditioning Contractors of America.

Reverse your ceiling fans. Remember, heat rises. If you have your fans turn clockwise, it will create an updraft and push the warmer air down towards you.

Examine your roof. Look for damaged, loose, or missing shingles that could leak during winter storms or from melting snow.

Caulk around windows and doors. Check for gaps between your siding and window or door frames, as well as the joints in the window and door frame. A lot of heat can escape through these areas, meaning your heater will be running harder than it needs to during the winter.

Clean the gutters. This is actually a good thing to do every season. If your gutters are full of debris, water can back up against the house and damage your roofing, siding, and wood trim. Plus, it can cause leaks and ice dams during the winter.

Mow your leaves instead of raking them. Experts say that doing this will cause them to decompose and nourish your lawn over the winter.

Test your sump pump. Slowly pour several gallons of water into the sump pit to see whether the pump turns on. You should do this every few months, but especially after a long dry season or before a wet one.

Homeowners throughout Connecticut and Southern New England look to the Byrnes Agency to protect their New London county homes in the event of damage or liability. We take pride in the fact that so many residents trust us with one of their most valuable assets, and because of this we take the time and care needed to make sure our customers understand the various options available to them.

Contact us today!

• Windham County / Dayville Insurance Office
  860-774-8549
• New London County / Norwich Insurance Office
  860-886-5498
• Windham County / Woodstock Insurance Office
  860-928-7928