Finger Lakes Insurance News

Insurance Considerations for Newlyweds: Merging Policies and Coverage

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 18:55:00 GMT

Couple wearing wedding rings by Deesha Chandra

Starting a new journey together as newlyweds is an exciting time filled with hopes, dreams, and plans for the future. Amidst the whirlwind of changes, it’s crucial not to overlook the practical aspects of merging your lives, especially when it comes to insurance. Addressing your insurance needs as a married couple can ensure you’re both protected and can even save you money. Here are key insurance considerations for newlyweds.

Life Insurance Considerations

Life insurance is a cornerstone of financial planning for married couples. It provides financial security to your spouse in the event of an untimely death, helping cover living expenses, debts, and future plans like education or retirement. Evaluate your existing life insurance policies and consider whether your coverage needs adjustment to reflect your new marital status. You may find that increasing your coverage or purchasing additional policies ensures both partners are adequately protected.

Review Home/Renters Coverage If You Are Moving

Combining households means consolidating belongings under one roof, which can significantly increase the value of your personal property. Review your homeowner insurance or your renters insurance policy to ensure it covers the combined value of your possessions. If you’re moving to a new location, this is also an opportune time to shop for insurance rates and assess the need for additional coverage, such as flood or earthquake insurance, depending on your new home’s location.

Putting a Spouse on Your Auto Policy

Generally, it’s more cost-effective for married couples to combine their auto insurance policies. Adding your spouse to your auto insurance policy can often result in lower premiums due to multi-vehicle discounts and the perception of married drivers as lower risk. Review both policies to determine which offers the best combination of coverage and cost savings, and don’t forget to update your insurer about your marital status and any changes in driving patterns.

Identify Gaps or Redundancies in Your Policies

Merging your lives also means merging your insurance policies, which can sometimes lead to gaps or redundancies in coverage. Take a comprehensive look at your health, dental, disability, and any other insurance policies you both hold. Determine if either of you has benefits the other does not or if you can save money by opting into one spouse’s policy. For example, if both partners have health insurance through their employers, compare the plans to see which offers better benefits or lower costs for adding a spouse.

As newlyweds, your journey together involves not just sharing your hopes and dreams but also responsibly planning for the unexpected. Taking the time to review and adjust your insurance coverage as a married couple can provide peace of mind, allowing you to focus on building your life together with the assurance that you’re both protected. Contact us today to review your coverage.

Read the full article at www.storkinsurance.com

Top Home Improvement Projects That Can Increase Your Home Value

Fri, 05 Jan 2024 12:36:00 GMT

Modern Kitchen by Mark

When you tackle home improvement projects, it’s wise to prioritize those that add the most to your property’s value, especially if you might put your home on the market in the next few years. Here are the renovations that give you the biggest return on your investment.

Kitchen Remodels

If you’re like most folks, you probably spend a fair amount of time in your kitchen, even when you have guests. For this reason, making over your kitchen will usually let you recoup your investment in equity or a higher sale price. Common remodeling elements include:

Replacing appliances
Installing new counters
Refinishing cabinets
Changing fixtures and hardware
Building an island or bar
Adding luxury extras

Bathroom Upgrades

You might be surprised to learn that the most cost-effective upgrade to your bathroom isn’t necessarily a complete renovation. Doing a remodel can yield more than a 100 percent return.

Don’t worry about knocking out walls or replumbing. Instead, focus on cosmetic improvements like replacing old tile, swapping out faucets, and painting. Other relatively small upgrades include adding more storage, putting in a nicer shower surround, and replacing outdated flooring.

Attic and Basement Conversions

In many cases, converting an attic or basement lets you add another room to your home. You can gain a bedroom, playroom, office, workshop, or rec room by making over what is often unused space in the home.

To really make the conversions worthwhile, be sure you explore things like emergency egress and HVAC to meet building codes and make the space fully usable. If you plan to sell the home soon, aim for a conversion that could work for multiple purposes, as potential buyers may be looking for something different.

Deck and Porch Additions

Adding a deck, patio, or porch lets you expand your living space outside in nice weather. The warmer the climate where you live, the more you want to have some comfy outdoor space for al fresco meals, grilling, and relaxing.

You don’t have to spend a ton to get a big bang for your buck with outdoor spaces. You can enhance any outside area with nice furniture, potted plants, and fencing to make the spot more private.

Curb Appeal Improvements

Curb appeal makeovers are always popular, and they’re great whether you plan to stay in the home for years or put it on the market. Some popular ways to make your home look beautiful when approached from the street include:

Adding or replacing a front walk
Building a small front porch or covered entryway
Landscaping for four-season beauty
Painting the front door and window trim
Resurfacing the driveway
Replacing the garage door

Energy-Efficient Updates

Some curb appeal improvements overlap with making the home more energy efficient too. If you’re not happy with your home’s entrance, consider replacing the door with one that offers better protection from the outdoors or installing a storm door with screens.

Other updates that offer a good ROI include:

Installing thermal windows
Replacing an old roof
Adding a better furnace or hot water heater
Using insulated garage doors
Insulating the attic or other chilly spaces
Placing solar panels on the roof

Even small upgrades like installing a programmable thermostat or ceiling fans can bring you energy savings year after year.

Don’t forget to contact your insurance agent to review your home insurance coverage when you add to your home or perform major renovations. Need help with home coverage? Call Stork Insurance Agency at 315.536.2363 today for a quote, or reach out online to let us know how we can help.

Read the full article at www.storkinsurance.com

Preparing Your Teen Driver for Different Road Conditions and Situations

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 13:03:00 GMT

Teenage Driver by why kei

If you have a young driver in your home, you may be fearful about them driving on their own, especially in bad weather or road construction. Here are some tips to share with them to improve safety by adapting their driving to current conditions.

Rain, Snow and Ice

It’s not always possible to stay put in inclement weather, although that should be your teen’s first choice in a storm or freezing weather. If your child must venture out, here’s what they should know:

Understand that posted speed limits are for ideal conditions; driving well below the speed limit is almost always required in poor weather. If they feel they are going slower than other vehicles, that’s okay. Put on the hazard lights (“flashers”) to alert other motorists.
If heavy rain hits, pull over in a safe area and let the worst pass before continuing.
Never drive in flooded areas or where they don’t know how deep ponded water is.
If the vehicle has four-wheel drive or low gear, they should know how to use that to allow the car to help them get better traction.
Watch out for "black ice" in freezing temperatures.
Know what to do if the car begins to skid. Fight the urge to jerk the steering wheel in the opposite direction, and instead, turn into the skid trying to slowly come to a stop.
If driving outside the immediate neighborhood in winter, always carry emergency gear in case they get stuck, like blankets, a shovel, food, water, and an extra cell phone charger. If they have to stay put in the vehicle for a long stretch, make sure the exhaust pipe is clear of obstructions and the windows are cracked before running the engine for warmth.

Low Visibility at Dawn and Dusk

Early morning and sunset are times of reduced visibility and therefore more accidents. Use headlights, reduce speed if necessary, and watch out for animals, like deer, on the road.

Road Construction

Construction zones always have lower speed zones to protect workers, so your teen should prepare to drive considerably slower. Pay attention to changing road surfaces, detours, merging where lanes discontinue, and workers manually directing traffic with signs and hand semaphores.

If two lanes narrow to one, never compete with other vehicles to be first through the merge. Rather, follow the patterns of every other car weaving into the new lane or simply let other traffic go ahead until the way is clear.

Rural Roadways

Country roads have unique hazards such as:

Winding roads with reduced views into the distance
Farm vehicles
Animal crossings
Little to no shoulder
Minimal passing areas
More motorcycles and bicycles

Driving on these roads requires more patience and extra vigilance. Turn down the radio, put away the snacks, and focus on the driving conditions.

City Driving

City roads also have their own risks. Your teen should watch out for:

Weaving and turning traffic.
Frequent stoplights.
Pedestrians and bicycles.
Garbage trucks and delivery vehicles.
People in parked cars opening their doors into traffic.

Rarely can drivers travel the speed limit in dense urban areas. Remind your teen to allow as much stopping distance as possible at crossings and when following other vehicles. They should use their directional signals whenever turning but not assume other motorists will be as courteous.

If your teen will be driving frequently in city traffic, they should become adept at parallel parking by practicing in a low-stress environment until it becomes second nature.

Navigating Highways

Highway driving requires its own skill set, which your child should practice with an experienced driver during low-traffic times before attempting it on their own. Here are a few final suggestions for safe highway driving:

When given the chance, pick the middle of three or more lanes to avoid merging vehicles on the right and passing vehicles on the left.
Give semi trucks a wide berth, and remember they have blind spots where they can’t see small cars. Allow plenty of room to pass a semi, and do it quickly so as not to sit too long next to the truck.
Use directional signals and do a shoulder check before changing lanes or exiting.
There’s no need to drive as fast as some people go on the highway. Stay at the speed limit, even if it means being passed.
Watch out for debris on the road, like shredded tires and pieces of metal. If everyone in front of your teen driver is suddenly veering out of the lane, it’s likely because of debris or a stalled vehicle.

Car Insurance

Do you have a teen driver in your household that needs to be added to your auto insurance policy? Consider increasing your liability coverage at the same time to make certain you have adequate protection in case of an accident. Our independent agents at Stork Insurance Agency can help you find the best policy for your needs. Call us at 315.536.2363 with your questions, or start a policy online any time at your convenience.

Read the full article at www.storkinsurance.com

How to Winterize and Properly Store Your Boat

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 15:40:00 GMT

Motorboat by Rafa De

Your boat is an investment that gives you tons of fun all summer long. But come the cold weather months, you want to make sure it’s properly winterized before you store it, so it’s protected from weather and other hazards. Here’s a quick list of steps you should take before storing.

Decide Whether or Not to Remove It From the Water

Your first winterizing step is to decide if you will be taking the boat out of the water or not, assuming you don’t normally keep your boat on a trailer during the summer season. Removing the boat has multiple advantages:

Prevents ice formation around the hull
Reduces corrosion
Keeps it safer during major storms

Get a Boat Cover

When you’re done winterizing, you’ll need a cover for your boat. Decide from one of these options:

Fitted cover
Plastic or canvas tarp
Professional shrink wrapping

Winterize Water Systems

If you have faucets, showers, live wells, and other fixtures on board, they will need to be prepped for winter. Use the proper marine antifreeze for your boat. Remove all water from your water systems and pump them with antifreeze until it comes out the other end. First-timers may have to have someone teach them how to do this.

Take Care of Any Sanitation and AC Systems

Flush your sanitation system (toilet) with fresh water and treat it with antifreeze. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Similarly, use the manufacturer’s manual to winterize your onboard climate control.

Prep Your Inboard or Outboard Motor

To winterize an outboard motor, follow these steps:

Change the lower-unit oil.
Flush the cooling system with water and drain it completely.
Change the engine oil and filter.
Consider fogging the engine with fogging oil for long layups.

For an inboard motor, do this to winterize it:

Remove the raw water intake hose and treat it thoroughly with pink marine antifreeze.
Change the engine oil and filter.
Fog the engine if it’s going to sit for a long time.
Change the gear lube in the stern drive’s lower unit (if you have a stern drive).

Depending on the particular climate where your boat is and the type of engine you have, you'll have to decide about leaving the fuel tank full or empty (a local pro can give you the best advice here). If you leave it full, be sure to add a fuel stabilizer.

Don’t Forget About Your Battery

Whether your battery is left onboard or removed, it should be attached to a trickle charger for the winter. Be sure to follow the voltage instructions for the specific type of battery you have.

Miscellaneous Final Tasks

You’re almost there! A few last jobs:

Scrub your boat inside and out.
Organize your equipment for the spring.
Do a last check for any standing water.
Remove gear that shouldn’t be left on board (fishing rods, electronics, clothing, etc.).

Now, you’re done. Congratulations! Go grab a hot chocolate and dream about summer, knowing your boat is safe until the weather warms up once again.

Don’t forget to ensure your boat has the right boat insurance coverage, no matter where it’s located or what time of year it is. Call Stork Insurance Agency at 315.536.2363 to talk to our independent agents about boat insurance today.

Read the full article at www.storkinsurance.com

Save Money With These Smart Home Devices That Make Your Home Safer

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 14:26:00 GMT

Woman using a smartphone and laptop by Andrea Piacquadio

Homeowners today have never had more ways to save money through technology. Here are five smart home devices that will help you cut down on your bills and improve your home’s safety. Better safety can mean fewer insurance claims and less hassle for you.

Smart Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat means you don’t have to manually turn your heat or air conditioning on and off. Instead, you set up a schedule on the thermostat, and everything happens automatically. This lets you set your heat to come on right before you get up in the morning, for example.

Even better, a smart programmable thermostat can be controlled via your mobile phone from anywhere. If you forgot to turn down your air conditioning before leaving for a weekend out of town, you can do it from afar. Need to stay late at work? You can change your thermostat to raise the heat a little later and save money on your utility bills.

Smart Irrigation System

If you use an irrigation system to water your lawn and garden, a smart system can save you a lot of headaches. Like a smart thermostat, a smart sprinkler system can be controlled from anywhere via a mobile device. The best ones also monitor weather reports and outside temperatures to make decisions about when to water, so you’re not watering during a rainy period or parching your grass during a drought.

Water Leak Detector

A water leak detector is one of the best investments you can make for your home’s plumbing system. It notices changes in water flow or pressure to alert you if a pipe or a valve breaks. This can prevent massive water damage to your home if, for instance, your clothes washer fails to stop filling or a pipe bursts. It can also help you find hidden pipe leaks before they become an emergency and waste large amounts of water. Your plumber can install a water leak detector system for you.

Smart Locks and Garage Door Openers

Your home’s security is paramount both to keep your household safe and to prevent theft. Installing smart locks and smart garage door openers is an easy way to improve security.

Smart garage door openers can be programmed to close your doors automatically after opening them for a certain period of time. They can also be closed on demand from anywhere using your mobile device if you forget to shut a door when leaving in a hurry.

Smart locks don’t use a traditional key to gain entry into the home. Instead, you enter a numerical password on a keypad at the door. The password can be changed anytime, meaning you don’t have to worry if you change house cleaning services or your babysitter loses a key.

Also, you can open and lock your doors remotely via your mobile phone. This is handy if you don’t want to give someone the key code or only want to grant a one-time entry to your home. Many people pair smart locks with doorbell cameras, so they can see who is coming and going from the home for added security.

Smart Plugs and Motion Sensor Switches

There are many new types of plugs and switches available today that help you save on electricity and reduce the risk of electrical fires. WiFi-enabled smart plugs, which are controlled via an app on your mobile device, can shut off power to appliances when they’re not needed. You can also use them to turn on lamps when you’re not home to give the appearance someone is present and deter break-ins. Many can be voice-activated to turn on lights and music when you come home.

You’ve probably seen motion sensor switches in public restrooms and other commercial buildings to reduce electricity consumption. Now people are using them in their homes to automatically turn on and off lights. They’re ideal if you get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom or if you have someone in the household who typically forgets to turn the lights off when leaving a room.

In addition to using these devices, the best way to protect your home is with the right home insurance policy. Our independent agents at Stork Insurance Agency can help you determine the right amount of coverage and make sure you avoid insurance gaps that leave you vulnerable. Call us at 315.536.2363 or request a quote to enjoy stellar personalized service from experienced professionals.

Read the full article at www.storkinsurance.com

Keep Your Home Safe While on Vacation

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 22:33:00 GMT

Keys in a door by PhotoMIX Company

Whether you’re just getting away for a long weekend or spending a few weeks out of the house, it’s important to ensure your home is safe while you’re gone. Follow these tips to help prevent break-ins, fires, and water damage.

Pause Your Mail and Paper Delivery

It’s immediately apparent to anyone passing by that you’re not home if your mail and newspapers are piled up on your porch. Also, these items and unattended parcels are subject to theft and weather damage. Have the post office and newspaper carrier stop delivery while you’re gone, or have a friend or neighbor collect everything for you. Likewise, have someone shovel your snow in winter.

Use Motion Sensor and Automated Lights

Outside lights that are triggered by motion can trick would-be intruders into thinking that someone’s home or watching the house. It’s easy to add motion detection to the lights at your entrances and over the garage.

Use automated lights inside the home via a timer or smart system controlled by your mobile phone to make it look like people are there even when no one is home. For example, photocell landscape lights turn on automatically outside when the sun goes down and shut off again in the morning when the sun rises.

Utilize Smart Home Security

Suppose a full security system that connects to an alarm company or law enforcement isn’t an option. In that case, you can harness relatively inexpensive smart home technology to make your home more secure. Some options include:

Doorbell cameras
Smart locks
Security alarms on doors and windows
Remote garage door controls

You’ll be able to operate these items remotely from across the state or the globe, and in some cases, you can even see who is on your property in your absence.

Install a Wifi Smoke Detector

If a regular smoke alarm goes off while you’re not home, who would hear it and call the fire department? A more modern wifi smoke detector will alert you and, in many instances, notify your local fire department for you if it senses smoke or fire.

Shut Off Water or Consider a Water Leak Sensor

You don’t want to return to a flooded home and massive water damage because a pipe burst or your washing machine connection broke. Either shut off your water at the main valve, or install smart plumbing that uses sensors to alert you about leaks, broken faucets, and other water emergencies.

Never Turn Off Heat Completely in Winter Cold Weather

A common way pipes burst in winter is due to freezing. Therefore, you never want to completely shut off your heat if you live in a cold climate and leave for vacation. Instead, lower the heat, never below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. A programmable or smart thermostat lets you raise the heat again before you come home.

You can safeguard your home when you go away on vacation, and the proper home insurance policy can give you peace of mind year round. To learn more, call Stork Insurance Agency at 315.536.2363, or request a quote online.

Read the full article at www.storkinsurance.com

Family Emergency Preparedness Checklist

Fri, 06 Jan 2023 20:48:00 GMT

Family meeting by Matthew Henry

It seems like every day on the news that we hear stories about a hurricane, flood, or wildfire creating massive damage in the U.S. and putting people out of their homes. Have you thought about how your family would handle this kind of emergency? Here are a few tips to keep you and your household safe if disaster strikes.

Plan a Fire Escape Route

Home fires strike thousands of families every year in America. If your home were to catch on fire, do you have an escape route planned?

Every member of the family, including children, should know what to do if your smoke alarm sounds. Do they wait for an adult or exit the house on their own via a path you’ve discussed previously? Do you have emergency escape mechanisms, such as window ladders, if your doors aren’t accessible?

If you have children, seniors, or someone with a disability in your household, it’s wise to practice escaping a fire so you know what to do if the real thing happens.

Be Ready to Evacuate

Some emergencies, like wildfires and severe storms, require you to leave your home. If you live in an area particularly prone to evacuations, it’s smart to have a “go bag” packed for each household member in case you have to leave in a hurry.

Keep a list of other things you want to pack if you only have a few hours or a day to leave, such as before a hurricane. This includes items like medications, precious valuables, important papers, and electronics.

Your first priority is the safety of you, your family members, and your pets (see below). Next is your go bag. If you have time after that, work through your list, taking as much as you can but never jeopardizing your lives to save things. That’s what your homeowner insurance or renters insurance is for.

Have Reunification and Communication Plans If Separated

Sometimes disasters strike while household members are at work or school. Therefore, have a plan for where you will reunite if you are separated and can’t return to your home. Usually, meeting at a designated evacuation center is preferable.

You may not be able to directly communicate if power is out and cell towers go down or are used to prioritize 911 calls. Try to develop a plan for how you will get in touch with each other if your cell phones or email don’t work, like using a nearby relative as an intermediary.

Don’t Forget Your Pets

Remember, your pets are part of your family too! Don’t forget to include them in fire escape and evacuation plans. Your evacuation supplies should include food and water for them, as well as anything else they need, such as medications, bedding, and leashes. Having crates and carriers for your pets will make evacuation much easier, especially if you have to stay away from home overnight.

Keep Emergency Supplies on Hand

Everyone should have supplies handy at home in case you need to shelter in place after a storm or earthquake. You may not have tap water or electricity, so in addition to nonperishable food and medications, keep these items at the ready:

Enough bottled water for everyone
Disinfectant and wipes
Batteries
Emergency radio
Power bank to charge phones and small electrical devices
Flashlights and electric lanterns
Warm blankets and clothing
Camp stove or grill (always use outside, never inside the house)

Consider the kind of emergencies you’re most likely to face depending on your location and climate, and plan accordingly. If you have frequent power outages already, you may wish to install an emergency backup generator or keep a supply of firewood on hand for heat and cooking.

Are high winds a hazard where you live? Be sure to keep your supplies in a shelter below ground, if possible, along with pillows and blankets if you have to hunker down there.

Make Your Home Less Prone to Damage

There are ways to minimize damage to many homes. Some common methods include:

Improving drainage through the yard with greenscaping, water catch basins, French drains, etc., or adding a sump pump
Upgrading your roofing materials or redoing an old roof
Adding hurricane straps to the roof
Trimming back large trees around your home
Installing new windows and doors or hurricane shutters
Reinforcing your structure and securing tall furniture to the wall

Some disaster-proofing can also save you money on your home insurance. To learn more about proper insurance coverage, call Stork Insurance Agency at 315.536.2363 today.

Read the full article at www.storkinsurance.com

How to Choose the Right Smart Security Camera

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 16:13:00 GMT

Security Camera by ipeema

A security camera can help protect your property against intruders or provide evidence in the event of a break-in. But with all the technology available today, it can be tough to figure out which smart security camera is right for you. Here are four points to consider when you shop for a camera for your home.

24-Hour vs. Motion-Activated Recording

Some cameras run continuously, while others are only triggered to turn on when they detect motion nearby. There are pros and cons to each.

A 24/7 camera won't miss anything, since it's always on, but you’ll have to go through all that footage to find one or two moments if you’re looking for a specific event, such as a trespasser in your yard (though some systems have the ability to find notable events automatically). However, an always-on camera will capture even the slightest movement, which a motion-activated security camera might miss.

A motion-activated camera will be triggered by anything that moves, including pets, wild animals, and tree branches. As a result, you may get some false alarms if you’re receiving notifications that your camera has turned on. However, because it only records movement, this type of camera can store data more efficiently, which is a consideration if you’re using local storage (see below).

Battery Powered vs. Wired

Battery-powered cameras run the risk of having their batteries run out just when you need to capture something, which isn't an issue for cameras that gets their power from a wired connection. Therefore, you have be sure to change the batteries whenever they've been used up. But battery-powered cameras can be more portable than hardwired versions, depending on the model you buy, which can be helpful if you want to make small adjustments to their positioning or take them to another property.

Cloud vs. Local Storage

In the old days, you had to store security camera data on a local device like a video cassette, disc, or DVD. Then came microdisks for smaller and easier storage.

Some cameras still use these tiny discs today, while others have migrated to cloud storage. In general, cloud storage is preferable, as it has fewer size limitations, if any at all, and is more reliable, assuming sending information to the cloud from your camera works properly.

The biggest advantage of cloud storage is you can access the footage anywhere. If you’re on vacation in Europe and want to see your backyard back in the States, you can do so from your mobile phone or tablet.

There are also camera systems that use centralized local storage and allow remote access, but you'll likely pay more for this type of setup.

Price vs. Features

Like other electronics, your security camera will be more expensive the more features it sports. Better image resolution, two-way talk, integrated spotlights, night vision, and smartphone alerts are some of the options that drive up price but may well be worth it to you.

Finally, the cost of a security camera starts rising when you integrate it with other security system components, especially monitoring services from an alarm company. So you may have to crunch the numbers to find your sweet spot between price and features and be willing to sacrifice bells and whistles you don’t really need if budget is the main concern.

Don’t forget to protect your home with the right home insurance policy. Call Stork Insurance Agency at 315.536.2363 to explore coverage today. Between homeowners insurance and your security camera, you’ll sleep easier knowing you’re fully protected.

Read the full article at www.storkinsurance.com

Landscape Maintenance Tips for Your Yard

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 13:59:00 GMT

Backyard landscaping by iriana88w

You've worked hard to create a beautiful garden for your yard, but there is more to yard maintenance than simply mowing the lawn and watering the plants. There are plenty of other tasks you'll need to complete in order to keep your yard looking its best over the years. Here are a few yard-care jobs you may have overlooked.

Trimming Large Trees

Pruning tall trees can be a daunting task, but it is an essential one. Whether you choose to do it yourself or hire someone to do it for you, it needs to be done each year. For most trees, fall is the best time to prune, as the trees will come back even stronger when the weather warms up again in the spring. In addition to keeping the trees as healthy as possible, this will also prevent wayward branches from scratching against the side of your house or top of your roof, potentially causing damage. Be sure to keep them away from power lines as well.

Cleaning Your Gutters

If your home is equipped with gutters, they'll need to be cleaned out periodically. This is especially true if you have large trees on your property, as their leaves can clog up your gutters. When your gutters are full of debris, they can't do their job of directing water away from your house properly. This can lead to water pooling in the gutters, which can cause damage to your eaves and roof over time. You should expect to clean your gutters at least once a year, though you may need to do so more often in heavily wooded areas. Check them a few times a year, and clear them out as needed.

Keeping Plants Away from Your House

When you first planted your bushes or shrubs, they were likely much smaller than they are now. Over time, they can grow and spread, bringing them closer and closer to your house. This can provide homes for rodents and other pests, and eventually, they may try to come inside. Keeping the plants at a safe distance will enable you to see any damage to the structure of your home so you can repair it as quickly as possible.

Keeping Your Yard Clutter-Free

Finally, piles of yard waste, old garden equipment, and other debris can also create homes for pests, so do your best to keep your yard as clean and tidy as possible. After all, you've done a lot of work to keep your plants looking great, and you don't want a bunch of clutter distracting from their beauty!

Read the full article at www.storkinsurance.com

How to Evaluate and Choose Energy-Efficient Appliances

Fri, 07 Jan 2022 21:30:00 GMT

Appliances by PhotoMIX Company

Today's modern appliances are much more energy-efficient than their predecessors, and some are even better than the rest. When shopping for appliances, you'll likely be overwhelmed by choice, so it is important to know what you are looking for. Follow these steps to find the right energy-efficient appliances to meet your needs and fit within your budget.

Choose the Right Size

Particularly for air conditioning and heating units, it is crucial that you select the appropriate size for your home. If you choose an HVAC unit that is too small for the size of your home, it will have to run much more frequently and stay on longer to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. This constant running will negate any energy-efficiency savings you might have reaped. Most appliances in this category will identify how many square-feet they can accommodate, so be sure to pay attention to this metric.

Look for Energy-Efficiency Settings

When choosing a dishwasher, for example, be on the lookout for devices that enable you to adjust the wash settings. For dishes that are only mildly dirty, you won't need to use as much water or wash for as long as you would with heavier loads. The same goes for washing machines. Those with sensors can regulate the amount of water used based on the size of your load, and you should be able to adjust the soil level of the clothes as well.

Consider Both Upfront and Ongoing Costs

While it is true that energy-efficient appliances tend to be more expensive than their standard counterparts, that is not the only cost you need to consider. Check the label to determine the annual operating cost as well. With an energy-efficient appliance, this amount will typically be much lower, so you could save a lot of money over the years. Be sure to factor in these savings so you can weigh them against the initial cost of the appliance to determine your break-even point.

Think about the Environment

While energy cost savings may be your primary concern in choosing an energy-efficient appliance, it is important to also consider the benefits for the environment. In using less energy, you'll be less reliant on non-renewable resources, which can help to preserve our environment for future generations.

Read the full article at www.storkinsurance.com