Tips from the BBB to protect your home – and wallet – this winter

Burst or frozen pipes and water lines, a busted furnace and frozen gutters – those are just a few of the bad things that can happen to your home during the winter.

The Better Business Bureau has some advice on what you need to do to protect it.

Leah Brownridge with the BBB says one of the most important things is making sure your furnace is working properly.

“So, especially if your furnace is getting on in years and it’s a little older, you might want to start looking at a replacement after about 15 years or so,” she advised. “If your furnace is still relatively new, of course make sure that the filters are clean, making sure thermostat’s working properly, pilot light’s working.”

She says another good idea is to inspect your chimney for any animals, debris, or leaves that might have fallen inside.

If you do need to call a company for repairs, Brownridge says make sure you ask for their credentials.

“Seeing if they belong to any kind of professional organizations, and making sure that that membership is in good standing. It just lends an extra bit of credibility to their business name. So, for example belonging to the Canadian Homebuilders’ Association,” she said.

Other tips: ask about liability insurance, request a written estimate, and ask the contractor to clearly explain the work.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today