Page 26 - AAA Every Day – AAA Hudson Valley – November/December 2019

INSURANCE NEWS
Winter is Coming Get Your Home Ready
Heating a home can be quite costly, depending on the size of the house and how cold it gets outside. To help keep costs down, we’ve got some
simple tips to use for around your home or garage. Check out some other helpful hints for home upkeep this coming season.
Consider Installing a WiFi Thermostat
With the use of a smartphone, you can remotely check on the temperature of your home at any time. You can raise or lower the heat from anywhere. This tool is quite helpful when you’re at work all day, visiting your family for the holidays or off jet setting on vacation. You can ensure your home is warm enough so you don’t come home to frozen or burst pipes.
Seal and Lock
Go around to each room and make sure all the windows are shut and locked. Look for insects, cracks or broken panels. Consider getting weatherproof curtains for larger windows or sliding door areas. They can keep drafty windows to a minimum and help conserve heat. Also, keep in mind doors let in cold air. Installing a door sweep or using a draft guard can help keep out the chill. Draft guards are cost-effective and economical.
Annual Furnace Check
Eman Badr is a Certified Professional Insurance Agent and Manager of AAA Hudson Valley Insurance Agency
Having your furnace checked annually is critical to keeping your furnace running without a hitch. This helps promote the life expectancy of the heater and promotes peace of mind for warmth throughout the winter.
Clean your Gutters
To help prevent water damage to your home, it is critical you keep your gutters clear. Leaves aren’t the only
thing that clog gutters – sand from the roof, insects
and debris also cause destructive damage to them. While you’re up there clearing out those gutters, don’t be afraid to inspect your roof and look for any missing shingles. Of course, make sure you’re being safe.
Smoke Alarms, Fire Extinguishers, Carbon-Monoxide Detectors
One might assume all of these items are still operating, although not everyone checks them to make sure they are properly working. Replace batteries and look at the fire extinguisher’s pressure gauge. The needle should be in the green section and if there is no gauge, press in the pin. If it pops back, the extinguisher is pressurized. For more tips like this, call your AAA Hudson Valley Insurance Agent at 518-649-1717.
Photo: Shutterstock: AlexMaster
18 I NOV/DEC 2019