Consider these six warning signs if you think that your air conditioner may need to be repaired or replaced.

Unusual Noises

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems usually make a humming or whirring sound. If you hear clunking, grinding, or clapping sounds when the AC is running, this is likely a warning sign that it may break down. Home warranties cover repairs to AC fans and motors, which are expensive to replace out-of-pocket.

Not Cooling

If the air conditioner turns on, but doesn’t cool your home, there could be a coolant leak or an issue with the thermostat. Call a technician for an HVAC inspection if you feel warm air circulating instead of cool air.

Constantly Running

Air conditioners should turn on, cycle, and then turn off every few minutes. If your unit runs for extended periods of time or turns on/off sporadically, it may have a capacitor or coolant problem. This will require a professional inspection.

Frozen Lines

If your compressor unit hoses or housing have frost/ice buildup, the system may have a coolant leak. A professional HVAC technician is able to check for leaks and repair or replace the old parts.

Higher Electricity Bills

If your electricity bill is becoming higher than usual, even though the weather has stayed the same, it could be caused by an issue with the AC unit. The equipment may be using more electricity due to a motor, capacitor, or thermostat issue.

Tripped Circuit

A major warning sign that your HVAC system needs maintenance is the circuit breaker tripping; this could be an indicator that your system is drawing too much power. This type of electrical problem requires a professional assessment and repair.

If you notice any of the aforementioned issues happening to your HVAC system, it is time to schedule an inspection as soon as possible.

The post Signs Your Air Conditioner May Need an Inspection appeared first on Your Mortgage Assistant.

You might be worried right now about the physical security of your home and your business, especially if things aren’t quite back to normal in your area. The good news is that there are a few things you can do to help your family stay safe and protect your property.

Home Security

Take a walk around your house and yard with security in mind, both during the day and at night. Check for areas that might hide someone, such as spots where your landscaping might have become overgrown. If there are areas that seem too dark, think about upgrading your exterior lighting with motion-sensitive fixtures.

Get in the habit of keeping your doors locked while you’re at home, and then making sure your windows and doors are all locked when you go out.

Business Security

Lighting and locks are both important to physical security at your business, just as they are at your home. You may be limited by the terms of your lease, but check into upgrading your lighting and your locks, both inside and outside your business.

A surveillance camera system with a video recording function could also help improve security at your business. The presence of the cameras can act as a deterrent, and the recordings can provide evidence just in case there is a security breach.

Alarm Systems

Another potential tool to increase security is an alarm system. Some of the high-tech systems of today can work as part of a smart-home system and even be operated using a smartphone app — imagine being able to see the view from your surveillance cameras from just about anywhere in the world. Professional alarm installers can discuss all of your security needs and customize a solution for your home or business.
Click For A System Tailored For You

The post Home and Business Security: What You Should Know appeared first on Your Mortgage Assistant.

Refinance Your Mortgage

If you’re lucky enough to be working from home and your income hasn’t been affected, now could actually be a great time to refinance your mortgage — interest rates are historically very low. The only caveat is that lenders have seen higher risk from the economic downturn during the pandemic, so it may be harder to get approved. If you are able to get approved, refinancing at a lower rate could lower your monthly payment amount, and help you spend less in interest over the life of the loan. To see how much you could save, you can use a mortgage calculator to figure out what your new monthly payments would be. Just don’t forget to account for any potential refinance costs.

Get Mortgage Relief

If you’re among the millions who have lost work or have been furloughed and are unable to pay your mortgage, or maybe can only pay a portion, contact your mortgage loan servicer immediately. There still may be ways for you to save money by not dipping into your retirement funds.

A new federal law, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, offers protections for homeowners with federally backed mortgages. If you’re currently experiencing financial hardship, you may be able to get forbearance — where you’re allowed to pause or suspend your mortgage payments while you regain your financial footing. You have a right to request a forbearance for up to 180 days, and the right to request an extension for up to another 180 days. You must contact your loan servicer to request this forbearance. If you don’t have a federally backed mortgage, you still may have relief options through your mortgage loan servicer or from your state.

Save on Home Insurance

Reducing costs associated with home insurance could potentially provide savings, even during this time. A simple way you could save money right now is by bundling your insurance. If you have auto insurance with one provider, but home insurance with another, contact your providers and see what discounts they may be able to offer if you bundle both policies with one company.

Some insurance companies will also offer discounts if you have a home security system. Contact your provider and see what kind of system would qualify for a discount. In the long-run, the savings in insurance premiums could outweigh installation costs, in addition to protecting your home.

Get a Home Warranty

With the economy essentially on hold right now, you may be worried about how you would pay to fix some of the big-ticket items in your home if they break down. A home warranty could provide you some peace of mind and, importantly, save you some money during this period of uncertainty. Unlike home insurance, a home warranty is a service contract (typically for 12 months) that covers the repair or replacement of important appliances and components that break down over time. For example, if expensive repairs are needed for your water heater or air conditioning system, a warranty could protect such items not covered by your insurance.

The post Tricks to Save Money While You’re Stuck at Home appeared first on Your Mortgage Assistant.