January is the coolest month of the year in Florida. While there’s no snow and the grass is still growing, it doesn’t mean it’s not still winter. During this time of year, it’s important to protect your home from the problems which may pop up in colder weather.
Service your HVAC
Having a technician service your HVAC system will make sure there are no problems when you need to crank up the temperature. By performing routine maintenance once a year you can help avoid an expensive repair. You can sleep well not having to worrying about your heater is going to go out on an especially cold winter night.
Use space heaters safely
Occasionally you need more heat than your main heating system provides, and space heaters help warm spaces quickly. If you use a space heater you must make sure it is not too close to flammable objects and double check the cord for any fraying before use.
Protect your pipes
Cold weather can wreak havoc on your plumbing if you’re not careful. Make sure to regularly check pipes for any cracks or leaks and repair any compromised pipes immediately. It is also essential to know where your water shut off valve is should your pipes freeze or burst. The quicker you shut off water, the better your chances are of preventing major damage.
Detect carbon monoxide early
Cases of carbon monoxide poisoning increase during the winter due to more use of gas furnaces and heaters. We recommend having a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector in your home to alert you of dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. Yearly maintenance of gas appliances is the primary way of preventing carbon monoxide from becoming an issue.
Know how to properly use fireplaces
Despite the warmer weather year-round, many Florida homes do have fireplaces. When deciding to use a fireplace in the winter make sure to move any combustible items away from the hearth. Keep in mind it is dangerous to burn anything in your home without adequate ventilation, so its important to keep the fireplace flue clear.
Should a problem arise, report it
Failure to prepare properly for cold winter weather can create real aggravation and expenses. Should a pipe burst, a fire catch, or any other disaster strike, we make it easy for our policyholders to report a claim. Reports can be made either online or over the phone at 866-549-9672, Option 3.
Keeping your family and home safe and protected is Florida Peninsula Insurance Company’s top priority. We are one of Florida's largest homeowners insurance companies offering multi-peril policies covering homes, condos, and renters insurance. For more information, or to get a quote, please call 877-229-2244.
