They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. When it comes to homeownership, it is always better to take a moment to make some small fixes, rather than wait for problems to spiral out of control – and become much more expensive to address.

Now that the holiday season is ending, you may have some down time to do some work around the house. Here are some things you should check:

• Problematic appliances. You may think that the appliances you've relied on for years don't have any problems. But sometimes, sudden recalls can be issued that will demand quick action. Be sure to regularly check Canada's Recalls and Safety Alerts Database to find out if anything you own has been found to be faulty. Electric appliances in particular can cause serious fires if defective.
• Smoke alarms. When was the last time you checked your smoke alarm's battery? It's easy to forget, but this could mean that you have a nonfunctional detector. That's dangerous. Smoke alarms should be replaced every decade at least, and all batteries should be replaced twice per year. In addition, press the test button each month to ensure consistent functionality.
• Vents and filters. When the vents and filters in your heating systems get clogged, they can reduce their effectiveness. Plus, there are some appliances that need regular filter replacements to avoid fire hazards – clothes dryers being first among them. The more often you dust these areas, the easier it is to keep them clean and functional. Try to make a point to do so at least once a year at a minimum. 

Looking for homeowner's insurance? The insurance experts at Fundy Mutual are always here to answer your questions and provide some of the lowest rates around. Call us today to learn more.