Category: Home Insurance

11 Jan 2018
Learn These Water Heater Maintenance Tasks

Learn These Water Heater Maintenance Tasks

Learn how to take care of your home’s water heater.

There’s nothing worse than having to take a cold shower in the dead of winter.  However, this could be your reality if you fail to take care of your water heater.  But what exactly does water heater maintenance entail?  Here are some tips that you should know to properly maintain your water heater.

Know Where It Is

While this may seem obvious, many homeowners don’t actually know where their water heater is.  Normally, the water heater is located in the garage or basement of the home.  Once you are able to locate your water heater, make sure that you can access it easily.  This means clearing away any obstacles that stand between you and the tank.  Be particularly careful to clear anything that blocks the plumbing leading to and from your water heater.

Know How to Turn Off Your Water

If you are faced with a sudden emergency, it might be necessary to turn off your water.  This might be especially necessary if you detect a gas leaks near your water heater or if your water heater starts to leak.  Luckily, shutting off your water is pretty straightforward.  All you have to do is locate the main water shut-off valve.  The valve is normally located on the pipes leading to your tank.  Once you locate it, simply turn it until you feel the valve close completely.

Know How to Inspect It

Finally, you should conduct a water heater inspection at least once a year.  During your inspection, pay close attention to the piping leading to and from your water heater.  Look for any signs of deterioration or extreme wear.  You should also look around your water heater for any signs of soot or black residue.  This is normally a sign that your water tank is experiencing combustion issues.  If you notice either of these issues, then call in a professional to make the necessary repairs.

Try out these tips to help you maintain your water heater.  Want another way to care for your home?  Then make sure you have the proper insurance protections in place.  To find the right policies to fit your needs, contact the experts at Moser Group Inc. in New York.  Our dedicated team is ready to assist you with all your insurance needs.

09 Nov 2017
Protect Your Loved Ones from the Threat of Carbon Monoxide

Protect Your Loved Ones from the Threat of Carbon Monoxide

Learn how you can keep your family safe from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odourless gas produced by the burning of carbon based fuel sources such as wood, charcoal, natural gas, and so on.  When inhaled, this gas prevents the body from getting enough oxygen and prolonged exposure could lead to death.  Don’t leave your family vulnerable to the threat of carbon monoxide; take these precautions to keep all your loved ones safe.

Install Detectors

As previously mentioned, carbon monoxide is both colorless and odourless, making it virtually undetectable to the human senses.  That’s why it’s so important to have carbon monoxide detectors installed throughout your home.  You should have these detectors on every floor and in every sleeping area of your home.  Much like smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors set off an alarm when they sense the toxic gas in the air.  If you hear your detector go off, quickly evacuate the home and get to a place with fresh air.  Once everyone is out, contact emergency services to report the possible gas leak.

Check Your Vents

If your home’s external vents become blocked, then it can cause dangerous levels of carbon monoxide to accumulate inside your home.  That’s why it’s important for you to check and clear your vents every once in a while.  Especially after a storm, you should be sure to clear away any debris or piles of snow that might be obstructing your home’s vents.

Don’t Burn Fuel

Finally, you can protect against carbon monoxide by never burning carbon based fuel sources in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas of your home.  For instance, you should never run your car when the garage door is closed and you should never run a gas-powered generator in your garage or basement.  You should also avoid lighting up grills or wood stoves inside your home.  Avoiding these activities will ensure that your family isn’t exposed to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.

Take these safety steps to protect your loved ones from carbon monoxide poisoning.  Want another way to keep your family safe?  Then make sure you have the proper insurance protections in place.  To find the right policies to fit your needs, contact the professionals a Moser Group Inc. in New York.  We are ready to get you covered today.

19 Oct 2017
Signs that Your Home Needs a New Roof

Signs that Your Home Needs a New Roof

If you notice these signs, then it’s time to repair or replace your roof.

While you probably have a long list of tasks you need to complete to prepare your home for winter, one of the most important is inspecting your roof.  Your roof works hard to protect your home from the elements, so make sure that it’s in good shape when winter rolls around.  Use this guide to help you decide if your roof needs repairs before winter hits.

Safety First

Before you begin your roof inspection, be aware that it does require you to use a ladder.  If you feel unsafe climbing up and down a ladder, then do not undertake this activity.  Additionally, you should avoid using a ladder if its windy or raining.  Finally, never use a ladder while you’re alone.  Make sure someone knows where you are and have them check on you occasionally.  Remember, safety is always the top priority, so don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

Indoors

You should begin your roof inspection from inside your home.  Climb into your attic and use a flashlight to check for water damage.  Things to look for include discoloration, warped wood, and places where your roof is sagging.  Additionally, puddles and mold are also clear indications that your roof is leaking.  If you notice any of these issues, then contact a roofing professional to ask about repairing your roof.

Outdoors

If you didn’t notice any issues during your indoor inspection, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re in the clear.  Continue your inspection my checking your roof from the outside.  If you notice any damaged, loose, or missing roof shingles, then you need repairs.  Damaged or missing shingles leave your home exposed to the elements and should be addressed immediately.  Additionally, if you notice accumulations of fallen shingle granules or other signs of deterioration, you might want to get your roof checked by a professional.  When it comes to your roof, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Use this guide to help you decide if your roof needs repairs for the coming winter.  Another great way to prepare your home for the winter weather ahead is to make sure you have the right insurance protections in place.  To get your home the coverage it needs, contact the experts at Moser Group Inc. in New York.  Our team of insurance professionals is ready to get you covered today.