Welcome back to the Bickle Insurance Full Coverage Newsletter!
It’s that time of year again.. The snowy days are more frequent and the cold days can be incredibly biting! It’s hard to know how to keep your home and vehicle safe during the harsher winter weather we’ve been having and will continue to have over the next couple months.
Don’t fret, we are here to save the day and possibly the season!
We will be giving you the best advice on how to get you through these
rough winter months such as:
1. Tips to keep you safe on the winter roads
2. Recommendations to make sure your home is warm and winterized, and
3. Suggestions on how to save money on utility bills during the coldest months
Let’s dive in!
Colder weather often brings higher energy bills for homeowners. With colder, darker days and more time spent inside the house, some people find powering their homes in winter is even more expensive than during the summer.
Though it may be tempting to simply lower the temperature on a thermostat, there are several ways to lower your utility bill while staying warm and cozy.
Consider these tips to reduce your monthly utility bills in the winter:
1. Seal it up. Look for and seal any areas where heat may be escaping from your home, especially around windows and doors.
2. Use technology. Use a programmable thermostat to automatically lower the temperature when you are away from home.
3. Insulate water heater. Check the temperature setting of your water heater and insulate it to prevent heat loss.
4. Check for blockages. Ensure that your vents and radiators are not blocked. This will allow warm air to circulate through your home freely.
5. Let the sunshine in. Open window curtains and blinds during the day to let the sunlight warm your home, and close them at night to keep the heat from escaping.
6. Replace filters. Check your furnace filter and replace it if dirty.
7. Inspections. Have all HVAC systems inspected by a professional before winter and repair any leaky ductwork.
8. Close off unused rooms. Shut doors and close vents to rooms that you are not using. Doing so will allow you to heat the rooms that are in use more efficiently.
9. Fireplace damper. Close the damper when the fireplace is not in use.
There are other small ways that energy can be saved to reduce bills year-round. Consider taking shorter showers, fixing leaky faucets, using energy-efficient LEDs instead of incandescent light bulbs and unplugging electronics when they are not in use.
Winter storms can be can dangerous. Along with bad weather and poor road conditions, they cause nearly half a million accidents on the road every year. Knowing how to drive safely during the winter can help prevent you from having one of those accidents.
If you’re venturing out onto snowy, slick or icy roads, follow these winter-safe driving tips:
1. Stay home, if possible. Only go out if necessary during hazardous winter weather. It’s better to avoid the risk bad weather brings on the road.
2. Stay alert. Give your full attention to the road. Avoid activities such as eating and using your cellphone.
3. Drive slowly. Driving slow in slippery conditions helps prevent skidding and accidents. Reducing your speed allows you to keep control of your vehicle.
4. Keep your distance. Give yourself as much space as possible between yourself and other vehicles when possible. This will provide increased safety in the event you need to stop.
5. Avoid cruise control. Always be in control when it comes to acceleration and deceleration in snowy or slippery conditions.
6. Use your headlights. Turn on your low-beam headlights, even during the day, to increase visibility on snowy roads.
Driving in hazardous conditions may be inevitable for many. We want you to have all of the best advice and suggestions to keep you safe on the roads.
Now that we have you safe on the road, we have some great tips on how to winterize your home!
Winter can be a beautiful time of year, but winter weather can wreak havoc on your home. Colder temperatures, ice, and snow can cause ice dams, slips and falls, and other unpleasant winter-related issues. Properly maintaining your home may aid in keeping common home problems at bay this winter.
Use these 10 tips to help you avoid winter woes at home and truly enjoy the chilly season.
1. Stop the drafts. Repair caulking around doors and windows, along with any weather stripping. In addition, seal any cracks in foundation walls.
2. Check your fireplace and chimney. Have a chimney sweep check your chimney for any debris or cracks, and clean your fireplace.
3. Prevent ice dams. Clear your roof and gutters of slush after heavy snowstorms to prevent ice damming.
4. Protect your air conditioner. Place a sheet of plywood with a few bricks on top of your AC to prevent falling icicles and debris from damaging your condensing unit. Also, remove and store any window air conditioner units.
5. Turn off outside water. Turn off the water supply to outside faucets to prevent broken pipes.
6. Check for leaks. Check your attic and crawlspace for signs of a water leak. Be sure to repair any leaks as soon as possible.
7. Pack a winter emergency kit. Prepare a kit that includes bottled water, nonperishable food, flashlights, first-aid supplies, batteries, a smart phone charger and a blanket in case of an emergency.
8. Keep entryways clean. To prevent slippery indoor surfaces, use mats and boot trays for wet shoes and boots. Place a tray underneath clothing hooks when drying wet items.
9. Stop slippery surfaces. Purchase salt, ice melt or sand before the snow falls. These provide extra traction for slippery sidewalks, steps and driveways. If you have pets, be sure you use pet-safe materials.
10. Clean heating vents. Be sure your vent pipes are clear of any obstructions and clear away any dust and debris.
For more information contact us today to speak with an experienced advisor!
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