NHSCA To Host National Home Warranty Conference

The National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA) announced today that it will convene its second annual symposium on June 6th – 8th with the theme of “getting your business back on track”.

After three years of COVID, the industry has encountered labor shortages, supply change disruption and evolving consumer demand. This year’s symposium will be held at Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Featured speakers will include executives from NHSCA member companies as well as industry experts in building, real estate, technology and of the broader home services industry.

Following up on last year’s inaugural conference, the association has seen a growing demand for its event.  Members and attendees appreciated the single-track conference and the ability to interact with company CEO’s and other key players in the industry.  If you work in the home services industry this is an important conference to attend.  To register for the event please visit homewarrantyconference.com.

Some of the topics for this year will focus on real estate trends, labor issues, new mandated HVAC regulations and other topics important to stakeholders in the industry.

At this conference the NHSCA will convene the leading providers, suppliers, technology firms and affiliates in the home services industry. The goal is to create synergies between these organizations to serve the needs and demands of homeowners to maintain safe and healthy homes.

Homes have become increasingly reliant upon technology and systems that homeowners can no longer maintain or support on their own. “Timely and efficient expert services to keep homes operating efficiently are in demand,” noted NHSCA President Andy Hand, SVP of First American Home Warranty. “Smart systems, monitored equipment, along with WIFI enabled systems and appliances require additional expertise. The needs of these home system and appliances exceed the ability of the average homeowner to service or repair them. Our industry must meet that need and even exceed it by employing the latest technologies to diagnose and repair these critical systems. Hand’s comments reflected the major theme of the conference to partner with technology firms to focus on trends, connected homes and the overall customer “home experience.” 

There will be a welcome reception on Tuesday June 6th and the main conference on June 7th and 8th.  The association is providing an early bird registration of just $695 which will be available until May 1, 2023.  After that registration will be $895. Special rates are available at the Grand American Hotel. Additionally, there is space in the vendor expo for those servicing the industry and a limited number of sponsorship opportunities still remain.

The association welcomes all attendees and looks forward to the gathering in Salt Lake City.

About the NHSCA
The National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA) is a non-profit 501(c) (6) industry trade organization of member companies serving home service contract providers and consumer interests throughout the United States. For more great industry and consumer information, visit https://homeservicecontract.org.

NHSCA Hosts First National Home Warranty Conference

June 9-10 marked the first ever convocation of the most significant leaders and
stakeholders in the home warranty industry in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

The home warranty industry convened the leading providers, suppliers, technology firms
and affiliates in the home services industries in Santa Fe this past month. The goal was
to create a new synergy to better serve the needs and demands of homeowners to
maintain functional, safe and healthy homes.

Homes have become increasingly reliant upon technology and systems that consumers
and their families can no longer maintain or support. “Timely and efficient expert
services to keep homes operating efficiently are in huge demand,” noted NHSCA
President Andy Hand and SVP of First American Home Warranty. “Smart systems,
computer driven and internet monitored HVAC systems along with WIFI enabled
appliances from refrigerators and ranges to door openers require expertise and
monitoring. Most of the needs exceed the ability of the average homeowner to service
or repair them. Our industry has to meet that need and even exceed it by employing the
latest technologies to diagnose, prevent and repair them. Timely and effective remote
repair is an emerging development to meet homeowner’s needs.” Hand’s comments
reflected the major theme of the conference to partner with technology firms to focus on
trends, connected homes and the overall customer “home experience.”

Ken Gear, CEO of Leading Builders of America provided the keynote on the future of
new home construction and trends. John Gallante, CEO of AE Ventures outlined the
service and support need for a “connected home”. David Roybal of Keller Williams
provided provocative and insightful commentary on what REALTORS® are looking for in
home service fulfillment.

This event marked the first convocation of the NHSCA’s expanded membership and
recognition of the NHSCA accreditation program. “Accreditation by the NHSCA is a big
deal in the home warranty space,” observed Jim Mullery, NHSCA Secretary/Treasurer
and President of Old Republic Home Protection. “The industry and regulators have
embraced it as a new step toward better standards and consumer protection.
Membership in the NHSCA is the first step toward industry responsibility to the public,
while accreditation represents accomplishment and commitment.”

NHSCA Affiliate members such as Home X, Encompass, National Service Alliance,
Vivint, Reliable Parts, Ironwood Warranty Group, Service Experts and others made
major contributions toward the two-day conference which followed the annual NHSCA
membership meeting. Jacqui Adams Crockett, NHSCA Vice-President and VP at 2-10
Home Buyers Warranty emphasized that “This conference was designed to hear from
our contractors, partner with them to make home service contracts easier to utilize,
assist with the current labor shortage, and overall, to be more customer centric.”
“The NHSCA welcomes new members and saw great interest in others joining the
organization,” observed NHSCA founder and counsel Art Chartrand. “It is a great
opportunity for the NHSCA to broaden our membership to bring additional voices in the
industry to the conversation. We were thrilled to have major cooperation and support
from the former Service Contract Industry Council (SCIC) which represents the
automobile and retail goods sectors as some of our legislative issues overlap.”
Chartrand concluded that “Pierce Haley of Boston’s Serlin Haley as our new Executive
Director is well poised to lead this entire group into the future.”
Be sure to look for the NHSCA logo when choosing a home service contract (warranty)
provider. See www.EZPZhome.org for a list of member companies.

About the NHSCA
The National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA) is a non-profit 50(c) (6)
industry trade organization of member companies serving home service contract
providers and consumer interests throughout the United States. For more great
industry and consumer information, visit https://homeservicecontract.org.

Values and Benefits of NHSCA to Home Warranty Buyers

Mr. Arthur Chartrand, Exec. Director and Counsel at NHSCA, the National Home Service Contract Association, discusses with HomeWarrantyReviews.com the home warranty industry and how it has risen to the challenges of COVID-19. Learn how homeowners should take NHSCA membership into consideration when shortlisting a home warranty company.

Read the Complete article on HomeWarrantyReviews.com

New Officers Elected at NHSCA National Meeting

Lenexa, KS, June 11, 2020 – John Walsh, General Counsel with Cinch Home Services of Boca Raton, Florida has been named President of the National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA). Christopher Wasson, Vice President and General Counsel with Old Republic Home Protection of San Ramon, California was named Vice President of the NHSCA and Rodney Martin, Chief Executive Officer of America’s Preferred Home Warranty of Jackson, Michigan was elected Secretary/Treasurer of Association.

The Association meeting also welcomed HomeServe USA of Norwalk, CT and AFC Home Club of Marietta, GA to its ranks of the premier and trusted home service contract providers. “The addition of two new providers just keeps us on course to remain the group that consumers and regulators look to in order to manage the growth of the home services space,” noted Art Chartrand, NHSCA Exec Director and Chief Counsel.

As president, Walsh will continue to work towards the goals of the association to provide protection for the industry and its customers. “I am proud to take on this role. In a Covid-19 world and perhaps especially in a post Covid market we expect to meet numerous new challenges in providing the home services consumers so greatly need. We expect to meet and exceed those consumer expectations,” said Walsh.

Christopher Wasson is a well-respected attorney and business leader having worked in the industry with multiple large national providers. “Mr. Wasson represents the next generation of leaders and brings a fresh, forward thinking perspective to the table. He has a keen legal mind and a pragmatic approach to dealing with challenges in our industry,” added Chartrand.

Rodney Martin is a hands-on leader and an innovative thinker. Martin spearheaded the groups adoption of its accreditation program for home warranty providers and was a key architect of the associations new Advisory Council which also received approval at the June meeting. “As the leaders in home services, we have to be looking to the future and innovating. We have to move at the pace consumers wants us and that pace is based upon

consumer needs and on emerging technologies. We expect our new Advisory Council will serve up new ideas and programs to get us there.”

The group met via a ZOOM conference call through tis Lenexa based national headquarters. They plan to return to in person meetings next year in Boothbay Harbor, Maine June 16-19, 2021.

NHSCA Advisory Council Approved by National Leaders in Home Services

Lenexa, KS, June 16, 2020 – At its national meeting on June 11, The National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA) announced the formation of a home services resource group to be known as the NHSCA Advisory Council. The purpose of the council is to identify and study important issues facing the service contract industry and making recommendations and improvements for the consumers our members serve.

The Council will include existing NHSCA members and as well as external business leaders nationwide. The inaugural chair of the Council is Randy Whitehead, President of National Service Alliance of Salt Lake City. “The Advisory Council is just our next step after provider accreditation to take us to the next level” noted John Walsh, General Counsel with Cinch Home Services of Boca Raton, Florida and the NHSCA’s newly elected President.

The home services space is expanding and becoming more critical to consumers both in real estate transactions and increasingly, with existing homes. Whole home service contracts, (traditionally called ‘home warranty’) are standard in real estate transactions and still account for about 2/3rds of all contracts sold nationally. ” However Art Chartrand, NHSCA Exec Director and Chief Counsel reported that “ The direct market to consumers of customized service plans covering appliances and systems of their choosing and on consumer’s own terms are the emerging growth sector. We need to manage that growth through proven and quality providers who work with us and regulators to best serve the consuming public. The NHSCA Advisory Council is a resource to get us there quickly and more efficiently by engaging all stakeholders in the home services space.”

Whitehead added, “We are excited to more formally work with home warranty providers to serve our mutual clients.” We expect the council to grow in size and input as others in the home services space realize we are at the hub of innovation and communication. We believe state legislators, regulators, other stakeholders in home services and consumers themselves expected us to

take this step. We are up to the challenge.”

An annual industry-wide national symposium on home services and home warranty is under development to bring the industry together and generate excitement for collaboration on important issues. The Advisory Council is charged with helping to bring that symposium to fruition. Whitehead reported the group plans regular video conferences beginning this month to start executing its mission. “We are beyond simply ideas,” touted Whitehead, ‘this is a group of proven companies that get things done.”

Sales of Home Warranties Soar as Industry Covers Billions of Dollars in Appliances & Systems

The National Home Service Contract Association also reports an increase in consumer knowledge, value & popularity of home service contracts

Lenexa, Kan. –  Sept., 2016  The National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA), a non-profit 501(c) (6) industry trade organization comprised of member companies representing home service contract providers and consumer interests throughout the United States, announces today that its members sold more than 4 million home service contracts (often referred to as home warranties) in 2015, an 8-percent growth from 2014.

“The NHSCA is an advocate for the home service contract industry and works diligently to further educate consumers about the value that home service contracts deliver,” said Mike Bartosch, president of the NHSCA. “The wholesale value of these contracts easily exceeds $1 billion in savings to consumers annually.”

The home service contract industry provides service, repair or replacement of major household systems and appliances that fail due to normal wear and use. Contracts generally cover items such as dishwashers, ovens, cooktops, garbage disposals, microwave ovens and water heaters; electrical, plumbing and heating systems; as well as ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC).

“If a system or appliance stops working, contact your home service contract provider. If a home system or appliance is damaged by a falling tree, catches fire or is subject to vandalism, then contact your insurance agent,” said Bartosch. “Home service contracts and homeowners’ insurance policies are mutually exclusive products in all 50 states. NHSCA members are not insurers and do not sell an insurance product. Further, insurance products don’t cover service, repairs or replacement to home systems and appliances required as a result of normal wear and use.”

The majority of home service contracts are offered through real estate professionals to the sellers and buyers of homes during the resale process. However, direct sales to consumers now account for approximately one-third of all home service contract sales. As with the sale of any warranty contract, buyers should read and understand the coverage afforded, as well as the limitations to coverage. Buyers should not rely solely on others to explain the coverage, as coverage may be inaccurately represented, which can cause frustration later.

While national figures continue to grow, home service contract market penetration differs from state to state. Various sources cite that in California, where the industry began in 1971, more than 90 percent of all home sales include a home service contract.

“Clearly these most recent figures show that consumers trust our members to take care of appliances and systems in their homes,” said Arthur J. Chartrand, chief executive and counsel of the NHSCA. “The members of the NHSCA represent a collective commitment to education, service quality and coverage. These sales figures posted by our member companies prove that our educational efforts are working and consumers are listening. As a result, the industry is positioned for an even stronger finish in 2016.”

Formed in 2004, the NHSCA exists to conduct research and promote education, publications and other methods that improve consumers’ understanding of home service contracts. Its mission is also to distinguish the home service contract industry from insurance, retail warranty and extended warranty and the automobile dealer service business. It also informs members of changes in laws and practices as well as pending legislation that affects the home service contract market nationwide as well as sponsors meetings and educational programs.

In addition to the protecting consumers on the wear and use of a home’s core appliances and systems, many home service contract providers also offer optional items such as swimming pool or spa equipment and other free-standing appliances such as kitchen refrigerators or washers and dryers for an additional fee. Contract terms may be annual and renewable, but many are now offered on monthly terms.

“All parties in a real estate transaction benefit from a home service contract,” said Bartosch. “For real estate agents, the benefits of home service contracts include risk management after the close of the sale, the ability to focus on repeat or referral business, hassle-free home repairs for clients and increased customer satisfaction as both buyers and sellers view home service contracts as a benefit and value the protection they offer.”

Although the term “home warranty” has been used historically throughout the industry, the more correct term is “home service contract.” Home warranty is a descriptive term coined because the home service contract industry evolved by providing contracts purchased by home sellers for home buyers as a form of “warranty” to protect the new buyer should a mechanical problem develop during the first year of ownership.

“Working to improve the overall consumer interface and experience with our providers and local contractors has been a top priority of the NHSCA,” said Chartrand. “Home warranty is a generic term and should not be confused with a new home’s ‘builder warranty’ or ‘extended warranties’ for new consumer goods.”

The National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA) is a non-profit 501(c) (6) industry trade organization of member companies serving home service contract providers and consumer interests throughout the United States. Members of the NHSCA are reputable, licensed home service contract providers in good standing, domiciled in various states across the nation. All members agree to adhere to a code of ethics, which promotes sound and ethical business practices. A current list of member firms are listed on the NHSCA website. For more information, please visit www.homeservicecontract.org or follow the NHSCA on Twitter @coveryourhome.

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The Home Warranty Industry: Bringing Innovation to the Way Homeowners Manage the Care of Their Homes

From Homewarrantyreviews.com – with permission  (2016).  This is a guest post by Arthur J. Chartrand, Counsel, and Administrator for the National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA) – from Homewarrantyreviews.com

Read original article in full at  homewarrantyreviews.com.

Homewarrantyreviews.com (2016)   As homeowners, you have to live under a rock these days not to have certain lifetime or lifestyle plans in place.  In today’s world, there are many versions of service and warranty plans for life, health, your personal goods and your home. Without them, most would say you are way behind and perhaps even in danger, both financially and physically.

How Can a Home Warranty (Service) Contract Help You?

If you are a homeowner and have experienced the syndrome of costly repairs to any of your home appliances, you would be wise to consider the benefits versus costs of a home warranty contract. Due to the many economic challenges faced by families, many are remaining in their homes for a longer period of time.  This results in aging appliances and the potential for costly repairs. A home warranty (service contract) with a quality member of the National Home Service Contract Association is the solution for homeowners. Before we delve further into the benefits of a home warranty contract, consider how you, the homeowner, currently utilize other products to protect yourself, your lifestyle and your family.

Cases in Point for Homeowners:
Personal Health Plan: This would include exercise and proper diet. Always a complex plan that is hard to apply, yet unwise to ignore.

Health Insurance Plan: Without question, a pressing need for everyone. Health insurance is the main way we handle and budget the care or protection against catastrophe and is increasingly difficult to afford.

Life Insurance Plan:  Often hard to appreciate, hard to buy, and hard to afford. And this is the real fun part, you have to die and others get the benefits.

Long Term Care Plan:
Few plan for it effectively and it is very expensive.

Homeowners Insurance and Automobile Insurance Plan:
These plans are usually either required by lenders or law. With that being said, no one enjoys using them.  While critical, you may never actually need or use them in your lifetime.

Maybe you have a lawn care plan, automobile maintenance plan, pest control program or a home cleaning service? These are nice luxuries for those who can afford it. But what plan is in place for the biggest investment you own that will provide assurance and peace of mind? And, is something you can enjoy now and is affordable?

As a child, I spent countless hours with my Dad learning how to put a fan blower motor on a furnace. I learned what a “heat and limit switch” looked like, what it did and even how to replace one. Dad and I even put a water valve in our old dishwasher once.  Here is the reality. I never taught my son to do these things. My daughter was no more interested than my sisters were in such mundane household mechanics. In today’s world, furnaces and most other major household systems are just too complex to service or repair for even the advanced homeowner.  If a dishwasher breaks, economics often say replacing is a better option.  And let’s be clear, if you need a new gas water heater, don’t even think about letting your son in law give it a try. With all the technology and environmental requirements associated with these appliances, it is far too dangerous for anyone but a professional.

Today, families work long hours and spouses often travel frequently and are not around to work on air conditioner compressors that go bad, or septic tanks that back up into the master bedroom. The reality is most individuals wait until something breaks to call for assistance with many household systems and appliances from glass range tops to water softeners. Back in the day, even when my wonder Dad gave up, we had a family plumber. We also had a family electrician. When a swift kick did not work on the refrigerator or TV (believe it or not these were actual and often effective remedies that often worked in the pre-1980 world), Dad just called my uncle or the guy next door. If old Uncle Hubert does volunteer, remind him that duct tape and bailing wire aren’t very effective these days on your computer chip controlled thermostat.

Today, very few individuals have a trusted family plumber or electrician. Dealing with a broken valve, a cracked heat exchanger, a blown compressor, a leaking gas water heater or a jammed up shower valve is pretty much beyond the skill of today’s homeowner. Homeowners are forced to ask neighbors, post a plea on Facebook or pay some Internet site to suggest a local contractor. None come with anything close to a guaranty. And even if you find a reputable repair person, the cost can quickly escalate beyond your expectations.

The Homeowners’ Solution: A Home Warranty (Service) Contract
A home warranty or service contract manages your home service needs, repairs and replacement of your major household appliances and systems.  By investing about $550 a year in a home warranty, you have an 800 number, answered 24/7. A local service and repair professional will be dispatched to address your needs.  You no longer need a family plumber or a brother in law masquerading as an uncertified electrician. You can avoid a paid referral service to some lady who recommends cake makers and photographers along with plumbers she does not guaranty. Most homes average nearly two service calls a year. A home service contract handles not only what you don’t have time for, but nearly always, what you are unqualified to handle. And don’t forget, members of the NHSCA only utilize quality minded, screened local contractors in your area and stand behind their work.

Comprehensive home warranties cover a wide array of household systems and appliances and are becoming standard on any home sale transaction. However, many providers now offer directly to consumer contracts on your home today. Better yet, providers are increasingly offering you the ability to pick the appliances and systems most important to you as you build and price your own contract. It is just one more way the home warranty industry is bringing innovation to you.

A home warranty contract with a quality member of the National Home Service Contract Association is changing the way Americans live and relax. It is a necessary lifestyle program that you will use, and will enjoy in your lifetime.

The National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA) is a non-profit 501(c) (6) industry trade organization of member companies serving home service contract providers and consumer interests throughout the United States. For more great industry and consumer information, including short helpful videos, visit  https://homeservicecontract.org or call 913-871-5600.

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NHSCA Interprets Washington State Tax Advisory

Appears official that longstanding law of no sales tax upon initial sale of home service contracts is affirmed.

The Washington State Department of Revenue published an Excise Tax Advisory (ETA) on January 12, 2016, ETA 3198.2016 regarding the sales taxation of home service contracts.

This ETA has been in discussion for years with the home service contract industry. The Washington Department of Revenue (DOR) has desired to alter the tax law after decades of audit clearance letters by the DOR approving of no sales tax upfront on the sale of home service contracts. Sales tax has always been collected when local Washington contractors later perform work. Only a handful of states tax the sale of home service contracts at the time of contract sale, and only pursuant to clear and specific statutory authority.

The ETA appears to rely in great part on a wholly unrelated statutory amendment in 2005 that taxed the sale of new product “extended warranties” sold at retail under RCW 82.04.050. Home service contracts do not cover new product, retail sales in any way shape or form. The reliance on the taxation of new products sold at retail, makes the entire basis for the ETA suspect.

Also casting a cloud, is that the DOR has continually assessed a B&O tax on all home service contract sellers at the rate of 1.5%. If home service contract sales were indeed retail sales, subject to RCW 82.04.050, the tax rate should have been the applicable 0.471%. If upheld, may years of refunds would need to be calculated.

Due to these issues, the DOR and the NHSCA cooperated to sponsor HB 1997 in March, 2013 to change the taxation of home service contracts to be more like that of retail goods. The legislature rejected that approach after a full hearing on the issues. This ETA appears to be an overt attempt to circumvent the Legislature.

However, this advisory strains to explain that typical home service contracts that only cover real estate and fixtures (broadly defined as virtually all appliances and household systems) are not sales taxable. So one fair reading is this ETA perhaps continues the decades old interpretation by the DOR and legislature that home service contracts are not taxed at time of sale, but only on work later performed later by a local contractor.

Due to the ETA not being reviewed with industry prior to publication, it contains some odd factual errors including a statement that a warranty can only cover personal property and erroneous legislative definitional references to “warranty” that any real impact of the non binding advisory is difficult to assess. An included discussion of “mixed service contracts” has few definitions and suggests a deminmis or “no tax” tax rule on covered tangible personal property, so it may also suggest no change in policy.

One can only fairly conclude as the Washington Legislature has, that home service contracts are not taxable at time of sale, just as the DOR has ruled for decades. Only the legislature can change the law. The NHSCA remains ready and willing to accept a future change set by the Washington legislature.

The National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA) is a non-profit 501(c) (6) industry trade organization of member companies serving home service contract providers and consumer interests throughout the United States. For more great industry and consumer information, including short helpful videos, visit  https://homeservicecontract.org or call 913871-5600.

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Revealing Hidden Danger: Preventing Dryer Fires

Clean your dryer vent for both safety & better clothes and never leave dryer running when not home.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, dryers and washing machines were involved in one out of every 22 home structure fires reported to U.S. fire departments in 2006-2010. Clothes dryers accounted for 92% of the fires; washing machines 4%, and washer and dryer combinations accounted for 4%. Lint is often the culprit.

NBC Action News in Kansas City further highlights the dangers of these fires and the best was to prevent them in this recent report. We urge you to take a moment to watch this informative clip. Click Here.

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The National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA) is a non-profit 501(c) (6) industry trade organization of member companies serving home service contract providers and consumer interests throughout the United States. For more great industry and consumer information, including short helpful videos, visit  https://homeservicecontract.org or call 913-871-5600.

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Changing Clocks is a Cue to Prevent Fires in the Home

National Home Service Contract Providers offer advice to homeowners on maintenance tips to prevent fires.

Lenexa, KS — Whether you are springing forward or falling back, it’s a good time for homeowners to replace the batteries in their smoke detectors. The members of the nonprofit, National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA) would also like to remind homeowners that it’s also the perfect time to perform some regular maintenance on appliances and systems to help prevent a devastating home fire.

Home service contracts cover service, repair or replacement of the major systems and appliances in your home that fail due to normal wear and tear. Heating and electrical systems as well as appliances including oven/range, water heater, kitchen refrigerator, dishwasher, garbage disposal, trash compactor and specialty items such as built-in bathtub whirlpool, and central vacuum systems are items generally covered in a home service contract. Optional coverage is also available, and varies by state.

Regular maintenance to these systems is important to keep them running and operating efficiently so the NHSCA offers the following tips to homeowners to help them keep their home and families safe and comfortable as cold weather approaches.

Furnace

  • Your furnace should be cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified HVAC technician.
  • If the first time you turn the furnace on in the season you perceive a dusty or even burnt smell, there is likely no need for concern. The majority of the time it’s just burning the dust out of the combustion chamber due to lack of use. Changing your furnace air filter may help, but if the odor persists, call a technician.
  • The older the furnace, the more important this service is. Newer gas furnaces are equipped with many features that shut the furnace off when a problem is detected.
  • If you think you are saving money by closing vents in rooms not utilized during the winter, think again. In reality blocking vents actually causes the system to work harder. If you close off more than 20% of the registers in your house it can cause high resistance and unnecessary heat build up in the furnace.
  • Change your furnace filter at least once every three months. If you plan to have any remodeling work done in your home, be sure to change the filter once it’s completed as dust, dry wall debris and other byproducts of such work can clog the filter much more quickly.

Clothes dryers

  • According to the National Fire Protection Association clothes dryers and washing machines were involved in one out of every 22 home structure fires reported to U.S. fire departments in 2006-2010.
  • The leading cause of home clothes dryer and washer fires was failure to clean (32%).
  • Most of those involved dryers, and many of them were due to buildup of dust and lint in the clothes dryer exhaust duct. Make sure to not only clean out the lint trap with each use, but also occasionally clean the dryer exhaust duct and behind/under the appliance as well.

Electrical System

  • The National Fire Protection Association recommends having a licensed electrician review your home every 10 years. Small upgrades and simple safety checks, like making sure outdoor grounds and connections, are secure can prevent larger problems.
  • It is also a good idea to do a visual inspection of anything electrical to be sure there are no frayed cords or wires and any exposed wiring.
  • Look in the attic and crawl spaces for wiring which appears to have been damaged by pests or insects. Some old wiring is insulated with material insects eat or chew on, and squirrels or other rodents will often chew the insulation off.
  • Warning signs that may indicate a potential problem with your homes electrical system include: frequently blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers; dim or flickering lights; overheated plugs, cords, or switches; and bulbs that wear out too fast.

Fire Detectors

  • Testing your fire detectors to make sure they work and taking the time to refresh the batteries can make the difference between saving the life of a family member.
  • Take the time to check allof the detectors in the home. If you feel that specific rooms that do not have a fire detector but you feel may need one, now is a good time to add them.

Appliances

  • Most electrical fires are caused by faulty electrical outlets and old, outdated appliances. Other fires are started by faults in appliance cords, receptacles and switches.
  • Never use an appliance with a worn or frayed cord that can send heat onto combustible surfaces like floors, curtains, and rugs which can start a fire.

Water Heaters

  • The most common problem with water heaters is failure that causes flooding. But water heaters can also cause house fires. Take the time to inspect your water heater at least once a year. Remove paper, accumulated dust or other combustibles from the heater enclosure.
  • Many experts suggest keeping boxes and other storage items at least three feet away from the furnace or water heater.
  • If you live in an area prone to earthquakes, like California, water heaters must be properly strapped so that they don’t fall over during an earthquake. Water heaters weigh several hundred pounds when full, so a proper seismic strapping kit must be installed.
  • Extinguish the pilot light before using flammable liquids or setting off aerosol bug bombs.

Remember when it is time to change the clocks, it’s also a good time to safety check your home.

For more helpful information on home maintenance visit the NHSCA website,  www.homeservicecontratc.org and see all our helpful tips and short videos on caring for you your home.

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