Spring is a season of renewal, which means it’s time for spring cleaning! From your home’s eavestroughs to your car’s cooling system, conducting seasonal maintenance on your home and car can save you money and prevent problems down the road.
Check out the list of tips from the BrokerLink Insurance team to get started. (Note, it’s a good idea to consult a professional if you don’t have the proper tools or know-how to do any of these jobs yourself.)
Inside your home
- Replace or clean your furnace filter. A dirty filter can lower the efficiency of the heating/cooling system, increasing costs and the risk of fire.
- Clean the cooking grease from your range hood and air filter to help prevent a kitchen fire.
- Inspect your electrical system and outlets. Look for burn marks on the main electrical panel, and trip and reset circuit breakers regularly.
- Get ready for summer by servicing your air conditioning system and dehumidifier. Use a qualified contractor or consult the owner’s manual for proper cleaning instructions.
- When it’s warm enough outside, have your fireplace or woodstove and chimney cleaned by a certified chimney sweep. Turn off the pilot in gas fireplaces.
- Check that all smoke, carbon monoxide, and security alarms are working and replace batteries if necessary.
- Inspect your water heater for rust and leaks. Most water heaters last up to 10 years, so if your tank is aging, consider replacing it. If you have a gas heater, have a professional inspect it to ensure there are no carbon monoxide leaks.
Outside your home
- Inspect brickwork, siding and stucco for chipping or cracking. If there’s water penetration, seal it with an appropriate sealant.
- Clean gutters and downspouts and make sure they direct water away from the house.
- Check for roof damage, including missing, curling or cracked shingles. Water pooling on a flat roof may indicate low areas and inadequate drainage. Look for signs of moisture or surface stains from inside.
- If you have a sump pump, test it to make sure it’s operating correctly. If you don’t have a sump pump, spending a few hundred dollars could save you thousands in water damage, especially if your basement is finished. Consider a battery back-up pump, which will kick in if the electricity goes out. If you purchase a sump pump, advise your broker, as you may be eligible for discounts off your home policy.
For your car
- Clean your car thoroughly inside and out. Vacuum inside to remove salt and dirt and remove any unnecessary clutter.
- Test your car battery. Canadian winters can lead to faster deterioration. As well, batteries usually need to be replaced around the five-year mark.
- Check your tires. Cold weather can reduce tire pressure, so ensure all tires (including the spare) are inflated to their recommended pressure, which can be found on the sticker inside the driver’s-side door. Ensure tires are properly aligned and balanced, in addition to inspecting them for tread wear and other damage. If you’ve been driving on winter tires, change them once you’re sure the snow is done.
- Inspect engine belts and hoses. Replace worn or cracked belts and brittle or soft hoses. Even if they look fine, belts and hoses older than five years usually need to be replaced.
- Refill radiator fluids. Flush and refill the radiator according to the regular service schedule. Periodically check the coolant’s levels, conditions, and concentration (before removing the radiator cap, let the engine cool).
- Have your brakes checked. A proper brake inspection includes brake fluid, lines, hoses, linings and pads, and the handbrake.
For these and more tips, download the BrokerLink Home & Auto Spring Clean bingo card to have some fun while completing your spring cleaning.
Contact your local BrokerLink Insurance Advisor
Maintaining your home and car also means having up-to-date insurance coverage. The team at BrokerLink understands what you need to maintain the Greater Sudbury lifestyle because we live and work here too. To find insurance that’s right for you and your budget, call or visit the Sudbury brank today!
1.705.675.1307
1400 Marcus Drive, Sudbury
About BrokerLink
Since 1991, we’ve had a vision: To build a network of trusted insurance brokers across the country, working directly in the communities we serve. With more than 200 branches and 3,400 employees, we’re proud to say that BrokerLink has become one of Canada’s largest property and casualty insurance brokerages.
Brokerlink Inc. is a subsidiary of Intact Financial Corporation (TSX: IFC), a certified Kincentric 2022 Best Employer in Canada. For more information, visit BrokerLink.ca or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.