Ohio winters are known for their brutality, including bitter cold temperatures and large quantities of precipitation. While such conditions affect your everyday commute, they can also negatively impact your home. According to the experts at Kramer-Myers & Werring-Dickerson Insurance in Batavia, OH, many of the home insurance claims filed during winter can easily be avoided by taking a few preventative steps. Below, the agency explains the importance of winterizing your home before cold weather arrives.

Why You Should Winterize Your Home Explained By a Leading Home Insurance Provider

Many homeowners understand the importance of reducing air leaks in terms of their heating expenses, but it can also help prevent a fire. When cold air is filtering in around windows and doors, it forces your HVAC system to work overtime to regulate your home's temperature. This process can result in malfunctions as well as an overheated system, which can cause a fire. Taking the time to identify and fix leaks around your home can help you avoid a potentially catastrophic and life-threatening situation.

The same sentiment applies to wood-burning appliances. Whether you use a fireplace or stove to heat your home, it's important that you have the system professionally inspected before you fire it up for the season. Blocks in the chimney or flue, such as a bird's nest, can cause a fire as well as carbon monoxide poisoning.

You should also prepare your plumbing system for winter. Burst pipes are one of the most common reasons behind cold-weather home insurance claims, so it's important that you remove all outdoor hoses before the temperature drops. If you have a sprinkler system in place, be sure to drain out the lines and turn the system off for the winter.

Taking the steps above can get your home ready for winter, but if issues do arise, it's important that you have a home insurance policy that offers the right protections. Kramer-Myers & Werring-Dickerson Insurance is committed to helping homeowners choose the best policy for their unique circumstances. From budget to coverage areas, the Clermont County team will educate you on the variations in policies and suggest the most cost-effective solution. Request your home insurance quote today by calling (513) 732-1461 or by visiting them online.