Seasonal Home Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Insurance Costs Down
If you’ve lived here long enough, you know this for sure: Georgia weather can be your best friend or your worst enemy. You might love warm summers and mild winters, but the humidity, rain, and changing temperatures can wear your house down really quickly.
And not only that, it can wear down your insurance too. Keeping on top of maintenance often means lower home insurance premiums. Plus, it means fewer headaches later on when things decide to break at the worst possible time. Here’s a look at some home maintenance tips to follow throughout the year to keep your costs in check (and your house in good shape).
Understanding the Seasonal Impact on Your Home
Georgia’s weather changes can be wild sometimes. One day it’s sunny, and then a storm rolls in out of nowhere. This constant back-and-forth stresses your home more than you think. The heat and humidity in summer can warp wood, while heavy spring rains can flood basements.
Winter might be milder here, but cold snaps still freeze pipes and crack foundations. Seasonal upkeep helps avoid damage that could force you to go through some costly insurance claims or see hikes in your premiums. If you’ve got a maintenance routine down pat, you’re more likely to save on home insurance and get the best Georgia insurance discounts, too, with the right company — but be sure to ask your agent about this!
Spring Into Action: Revive Your Home Post-Winter
After winter’s chill, even if it’s not that intense here, your house could use some attention. Here’s what you should check once spring rolls around when it comes to home maintenance tips.
Outdoor Refresh: Inspecting Roof and Gutter Health
One of the most important spring cleaning tips: Start with your roof. Spring storms come fast and furious in Georgia, so look for cracked shingles or any sign of leaks. Those pine needles and leaves have a way of clogging gutters, especially if you’ve got tall trees like southern pines in the yard. Clean out the gutters and make sure the downspouts direct water away from your foundation. Neglecting this step could lead to water seeping into your basement, and that’s the last thing you want.
The Great Indoors: AC Servicing and Dehumidifying Essentials
Humidity returns in spring. And with all that gross humidity, you’ll need your AC working its best. Before it gets too hot, get your air conditioning system serviced. It’ll run more efficiently, potentially reducing your power bill, which is always a good thing.
Georgia’s muggy air can also cause mold to thrive, so don’t forget to check and clean your dehumidifiers. A little mold prevention can go a long way toward keeping your home free and clear of water damage.
Exterior Scrub: Sidings, Windows, and Doors
Winter grime can build up on your home’s exterior, so grab a hose or pressure washer to clean your siding, windows, and doors. Look for any cracks in the siding or gaps around windows. Sealing these up can save you from expensive water damage when summer thunderstorms come crashing through town.
Summer Safeguarding: Protect Against Heat and Humidity
Georgia summers bring the heat, and you’ve got to stay prepared. Maintenance during this season isn’t just about comfort. It’s about keeping your home in one piece. Keep in mind that preventative maintenance is not covered by home insurance, but what’s worse is if you don’t keep up with it, leaks and damage may not be covered either under most homeowners insurance policies. Since it doesn’t cover preventive maintenance, here’s what you should do.
Sealing Leaks: Keeping Cool Air In and High Bills Out
Don’t let your cool air escape through drafty doors and windows. Weatherstripping and caulking are cheap ways to keep your house cool and your energy bills down. When your AC isn’t working overtime, it lasts longer, too, which reduces the likelihood of having to replace it sooner than you’d like.
Fireproofing Strategies: Preserving Your Home’s Perimeter
Wildfires aren’t common here like out west, but Georgia’s dry spells in summer can still make things risky. If you’ve got any dead or dry brush close to your house, clear it out. A small spark from a grill or fire pit could ignite things quickly. Trim tree branches that hang close to the roof or other structures to reduce fire hazards.
Fun in the Sun: Pools, Hot Tubs, and Patios
Got a pool or hot tub? Keep an eye on them during the summer. Make sure your fencing and pool covers are in good shape. Check for cracks in the pool deck or patio. That’s where water can seep through and cause damage. And, don’t forget to monitor your outdoor furniture for rust or wear. Georgia’s humidity will almost definitely speed up corrosion if you’re not keeping an eye on things.
Fall Focus: Preventative Measures for a Cozy Winter
As the leaves start to turn and temperatures dip for Halloween decoration season, it’s time to get your house ready for the cooler months ahead. Fall cleaning tips can make a big difference in how well your home weathers the winter.
Preparing for the Cold: Insulation and Heating System Checkup
Georgia may not get many deep freezes, but even a few cold nights can cause problems if your house isn’t prepared with proper home winterization. Check the insulation in your attic and crawl spaces, and if it’s thin or worn, replace it. Your heating system hasn’t run in months, so have it inspected to make sure it’s ready when you need it. If you have a fireplace, have the chimney cleaned to avoid creosote buildup that could catch fire.
Outside Preparation: Tending to Exterior Surfaces and Drainage
Leaves pile up quickly here in the fall, and they’ll clog up gutters and downspouts in no time. Clear them out regularly, especially if you get a lot of rain in late fall. While you’re at it, check for cracks in your driveway and pathways. Cold weather will make small cracks bigger, and it’s easier to fix them before the temperature drops.
Why Leaves Matter: Fall Lawn Care That Will Save You
Fall is prime time for lawn care in Georgia. Rake those leaves, even if it’s a chore. Leaving them to pile up creates soggy spots where mold and pests thrive. Aerating the lawn and applying a good fertilizer now will help your grass come back strong in the spring. Healthy lawns protect your soil from erosion and help drain rainwater away from your home’s foundation.
Winter Wisdom: Maintain and Protect During the Freeze
You may not have to shovel snow often, but winter brings its own set of challenges for homeowners here. Taking care of your home during the colder months can help you avoid expensive damage.
Combating Snow and Ice: Ensuring Safe Passage and Structures
On the rare occasion that we get ice or snow, make sure your walkways and driveways stay safe. Use ice melt to prevent slippery conditions, and be careful not to let it damage nearby grass or plants. If any ice forms on your roof or gutters, clear it off before it weighs down your structure or causes leaks.
Inside Maintenance: Avoid Dams and Damage With Monthly Checks
Even without heavy snow, cold weather can lead to ice dams on your roof if you’re not careful. These form when heat escapes through the roof and melts snow, which then refreezes at the roof’s edge. Adding insulation or sealing air leaks can help avoid this. Keep an eye on pipes, too. When temps dip below freezing, drip your faucets and open cabinet doors to prevent frozen pipes.
Change in the Air: Reverse Ceiling Fans for Optimal Heat Distribution
It’s an easy trick that works wonders in winter. Switch your ceiling fans to spin clockwise, which pushes warm air down and keeps rooms cozier. It’s a small change, but it can help you save on heating costs.
Year-Round Routines for Long-Term Benefits
While seasonal upkeep matters, there are some things you should do regularly throughout the year to keep your house in good shape.
Quick Tips for Regular Upkeep: What to Do Every Month
Inspect your home each month for signs of trouble. Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms, and replace batteries if needed. Check under sinks for leaks, and look for signs of pests like droppings or chewed wires. These little steps can prevent big problems down the road.
Major Milestones: Scheduling 5- to 10-Year Maintenance Tasks
Some maintenance tasks don’t need to be done every year, but they still matter. Replace your roof about every 20 to 25 years, depending on the material. Repaint your exterior every five to seven years to protect against weather damage. Replacing windows or doors every 10 to 15 years can help keep your home energy-efficient.
Save Even More by Switching Home Insurance
A good seasonal home maintenance checklist not only keeps your house in good shape, but it can also lead to savings on your home insurance. Staying on top of repairs and updates shows insurance companies that you’re a low-risk homeowner. Plus, you’ll avoid claims that could drive up your premiums. If you haven’t checked your policy lately, see if you qualify for any discounts based on recent upgrades or maintenance work. Make sure you’re getting the best coverage for your money.
You can also save money by working with an insurance business that has your best interests at heart. Give us a call today at (855) 468-3569 to get started with your customized quote, request a quote online, or visit one of our local offices today to get more information in person. We’re here to help you keep your home safe in all seasons!
