Last week, we discussed the need to maintain the exterior of your home. One reason was to be sure that insurance adjusters don’t deny a claim by stating the damage was due to disrepair. Although it is important to maintain the exterior of your home, it is also important to do the same on the inside.

Aftermath Adjusters & Consulting, LLC understands how insurance companies think. Their goal is to walk away from a claim with as little payout as possible. This is much harder for them to do when homeowners have been proactive and take care of their homes.

Here are 8 interior home maintenance tips to consider this spring.

Electrical Outlets

Electrical fires are quite common and very costly. Many of these fires could be avoided simply by inspecting outlets and cords. Look for and fix:

  • Frayed wires
  • Loose plugs
  • Anything electrical that smells hot when in use

Fire Extinguishers

Having a fire extinguisher in the home often leads to lower insurance rates. However, a dead fire extinguisher will do nothing in case of a house fire. At least once a year, be sure to check your fire extinguisher. Look at:

  • Hose
  • Nozzle
  • Pressure gauge
  • Expiration date

If any of these components look bad, replace the extinguisher right away.

Air Conditioning

In Florida, having an air conditioning unit is essential. Before the weather turns unbearably hot, however, you should check your unit to be sure it is ready for the summer. Aftermath Adjusters recommends having your system tuned up and inspected by a professional, but there are things you can do, too:

  • Look for leaks around the hoses
  • Change the filters

Hot Water Heater

How can you tell if your hot water heater is having issues? Here are a few things to consider:

  • Have you noticed an inconsistent supply of hot water?
  • Does the water heater make unusual noises?
  • Are there burn marks near the bottom of the tank?
  • Is there a water pan below the hot water heater to catch minor leaks?
  • Are there any signs of leaking around the drip pipe?
  • Is the area around the water heater free from debris?

If you notice a problem with your water heater, call a professional to help resolve the issues.

Sinks and Toilets

This is one area that causes a large amount of water damage to a home. Inspecting sinks and toilets can help homeowners avoid costly damages that may not be covered by insurance. When inspecting bathrooms and kitchens, look for:

  • Signs of leaking such as water stains, damp areas, mold, or uneven, buckling floors or cabinets.
  • Rust or corrosion on pipes and fixtures

Appliance Water Supply Lines

Another cause of water damage are supply lines for major home appliances. Check the lines for:

  • Washing machines
  • Ice makers
  • Refrigerator water dispensers
  • Dishwashers

Dryers

Another major cause of fire damage comes from a home’s dryer. Link builds up in the vent and ductwork, offering fuel for a fire. The best way to avoid this kind of fire is to clean these areas and remove the lint with a brush.

Smoke Alarm

Like a fire extinguisher, a smoke alarm only helps a homeowner if it is working. Every spring, you should:

  • Change the batteries in your detector
  • Test the detector to be sure it still works
  • Make sure you have at least one detector per floor, plus one both inside and outside each bedroom.

Following these spring maintenance tips will help keep your home in tip top shape and reduce the chances of experiencing home damage. However, even with the best prevention, you may still have to file a claim. If this happens, Aftermath Adjusters & Consulting, LLC is here for you. Give us a call and let us work with you to file your claim.