A Simple Task of Changing the Air Filter

Home heating, air ventilation, and conditioning systems, or HVACs in Coppell, TX modern homes are extremely sensitive these days. Tuned to detect the slightest fluctuations towards a problem, and controlled by computerized motherboards, modern HVAC systems will automatically shut down in safety mode if they sense themselves overworking. And the one area that consistently causes a safety override to kick in is a dirty air filter.

Much like an oil and air filter change on a car, the air filter for an HVAC system is cheap and generally easy to replace, according to the Select Insurance Agency. In fact, a smart homeowner replaces the filter in his home monthly, getting a new one with the right sizing at a local hardware store for a few dollars. The difference and benefits are multiple. First off, a new filter catches grit better and ensures better breathing in the home, which is a big issue for those with allergies and sensitivity to dust, spores or pollen. Secondly, a clean filter lets the HVAC system run smoother with less pressure than trying force air through dirty filter layer. And that means less dollars spent on energy costs as well as a better performing system when it matters on cold or very hot days outside.

To find out more tips on how to easily maintain your Coppell, TX home and keep its environmental systems running right, give the Select Insurance Agency a call or email. Their agents can easily provide great information on home maintenance that avoids costly problems later on as well as troublesome claims. Why learn about problems the hard way? Prevention is key in saving time, energy and your money.

How to Identify Home Foundation Problems

If you own a home in the Coppell, TX area, you want to keep an eye on small foundation concerns that could lead to big headaches.  There are early warning signs that indicate foundation problems and the sooner you catch them, the easier and less expensive they can be to correct.  Houses will settle over time and create some unevenness, but this is not a cause for panic.  Watch for the warning signs and take these steps to check on your foundation periodically.

4 Indoor Warning Signs

  • Any door in the home that begins to jam or fail to latch
  • New cracks develop in walls, particularly where the wall meets the ceiling or the space above windows or doors
  • Concrete floors covered by vinyl or ceramic tile begin to crack open
  • Easy to open and close windows starts to stick or won’t completely close

Easy Regular Foundation Checks

Check the outside of the home to see if the foundation is straight by looking at the length of the foundation wall from each corner.  If there is a curve or bulge in the foundation, it could mean the foundation has shifted.  If the home has a concrete perimeter foundation and you see flaking or chipping, check it by poking it with a sturdy screwdriver.  It should be hard enough that you can’t damage it.  If you can, the concrete could be deteriorating.  Check for puddles or rotting wood in the basement or crawl space.

The Select Insurance Agency

At the Select Insurance Agency in the Coppell, TX area, we care about helping you protect your home investment.  A homeowner’s policy may not help to cover foundation issues, but we can help you sort through policy options that can provide coverage for all kinds of situations.