HS 4c Su13_SAMPLE by Hudson Ink

Smart Savings on Homeowners Insurance …page 2

Bring Summer Indoors

When “Organic” Isn’t Healthy…

SUMMER 2013

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<Company>’s

Smart & simple ways to enrich your home living.

— Ups and Downs —

Keeping Cool in the Summer Heat Every year around this time, summer

energy bills keep going sky-high and what’s one to do? First, the more you can keep the harsh rays out, the cooler you’ll be and the less work your air conditioner will have to do.

Windows — Have

you considered installing ENERGY STAR qualified windows? They lower energy bills and save you money over single-pane and even new double-pane, clear-glass windows through various technologies. Also, use dark curtains or blinds for your windows, and keep the windows and their coverings closed during the heat of the day.

Exterior Shade — Sunscreens, or solar screens, are another option. They are mounted in wood or aluminum frames and installed on the outside of the windows to stop the sun. They’re often made of fiberglass that won’t block the view through the window.

Retractable canvas awnings also provide protection for patios and windows. Oh, and don’t forget “nature’s shade.” Plant trees and shrubs near your air conditioning unit, but be careful not to block the airflow.

Efficient Cooling — How efficiently you cool your home makes a big difference in your comfort and utility bills. If your home comfort system is more than 10 years old or isn’t keeping your house comfortable, consider replacing it with a system that has the ENERGY STAR rating. Also, set your temperature as high as is comfortable, change filters monthly and make sure you keep your current system maintained. This can cut your energy use from 20% to 50%. To learn about other steps you can take, call us and ask about our free energy survey.

Visit www.<yourcompany>.comfort-tips.com for more great ideas for home & life, including: Money-Saving tips | Home & Organizing | Health & Food

My Word by <NAME> Dear Friends, It’s time again to shift gears with this shift in seasons. For a lot of us, that means the daily schedule changes. Work gets busier, or slower, depending on what you do. Kids are taking a break from school, but not from all their activities. The days get longer, and you spend more time outdoors. As we say goodbye to those cool spring breezes, the temperatures are rising – but hopefully only outside! Our goal during

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<LOGO> Your Quick Call Comfort Hotline:

— Style Points —

Bring Summer Indoors

— The F i v e —

Smart Savings on Homeowners Insurance “A home of my own” is still a big

part of the American dream, and although “homeowners insurance of my own” doesn’t have quite the same ring, it’s fundamental to the dream. Whether renewing your policy or purchasing a new home, applying any of the following tips from the Federal Citizen Information Center could help you reduce your rates:

Shop around. Check with multiple companies. Besides price, also look at the quality of service and reliability of the company. Raise the deductible. The higher the deductible, the more money you can save on your premiums. Use the same insurer for home and auto. Think bundling, like with

Time for Your System to Come Clean. Dirt is the #1 cause of comfort system failures. That’s why we recommend a Tune-Up before each high-use season. Your system will run more smoothly, use less energy and keep you comfortable year-round. Call <COMPANY> at <PHONE> today to schedule your Tune-Up.

your home’s cable, phone and internet services. The more you group, the more you could save. Two or more policies could mean 5-15% off your premium. Make your home more disaster resistant. Ask your insurance agent about specific measures that reduce rates, such as adding storm shutters. Modernizing heating and air conditioning, plumbing and electrical systems could make a difference too. Don’t confuse what you paid for your house with rebuilding costs. The land itself isn’t at risk from theft, fire and other perils. Don’t include its value when deciding how much homeowners insurance to buy. Remember, flood insurance and earthquake insurance aren’t covered by standard homeowners policies. The Federal Emergency Management Agency provides information on flood insurance at its website (www.fema.gov).

As the weather heats

up and you see the sun shining outside, your house can start to feel stuffy and unwelcoming. There are plenty of ways to make your home feel more open and airy that fall far short of total home renovation.

Replace dark, heavy fabrics found in bedspreads, curtains and rugs with fabrics that are light in weight and color. The light weights and colors will also make it seem cooler than heavier materials and darker colors.

— Re a l Goo d F oo d —

Taking Back the Snack Summer is the time to bare it

all, and not just in your swimsuit. Whether you’re at the beach or barbecuing on the patio, you can feel good about snacking when it’s done right:

Go ahead and ruin your appetite. Smart snacking can help keep cravings under control between meals. Get Moving. Whether it’s taking a walk or going for a swim, enjoy activities that will energize you. Afterwards, revive with some pretzels dipped in honey

Leave wooden floors bare. The natural look will make your home seem like an extension of the outdoors.

— H o t N ews N ow —

When “Organic” Isn’t Healthy…

Consider painting dark paneling. Lighter rooms make you feel lighter and more comfortable. Clean out the clutter. Keep only the decorative items that remind you of summer. You’d be surprised by how much stuff can make a room seem closed in. Bring the outdoors in. Plants and flowers are a great way to erase memories of bleak winters. Use a variety of types and colors to make your home an indoor oasis. Some easy to care for plants include philodendron peace lily, areca palm, pothos, jade, spider plant, snake plant, shamrock and ficus. Summer is a great time for outdoor activities with the whole family, but for those times when you must be indoors, make it as comfortable as possible.

mustard or topped

with melted parmesan cheese.

Loosen Up. Try wheat crackers and a spicy

avocado dip for a well-

rounded treat that’s both tasty and satisfying.

It is everywhere! Dozens of every-

from eye, nose and throat irritation to headaches, loss of coordination and nausea. In some cases, there can be damage to the liver, kidney and central nervous system. Studies have shown that levels for many pollutants may be two to five times higher indoors than outdoors.

To keep the VOCs in your home day items – including fragrances, to a minimum, cosmetics, carpetmake sure the ing, furniture, paint, $ air intake for Get the cooking smoke, your home’s heatBest Service We Can cleaning agents, ing and cooling Offer. pesticides, new system is well flooring or tobacco above-ground For your next heating and smoke – emit and away from cooling system repair, we’d like gases known as local pollution to make things easier on your volatile organic sources. Call us wallet. Clip this coupon for a compounds and we’d be hap$25 savings on your repair (VOCs). py to show you bill. Then call us and we’ll ways to improve The potential give you our best service. Call the air your family health concerns <COMPANY> at <PHONE>. breathes. can be anything ©2013

25 Off

— B uc k l e Down —

Get the Most Out of Your Next Backyard Bash With summer finally bringing

out the sun, many people are scrambling to spend as much time outdoors as they can. Here are a few things to consider before hitting the lawn and firing up the grill: Arrange some activities for your guests. Relaxed games such as horseshoes or

badminton are popular fare for

summer festivities – they aren’t

too competitive and won’t leave

your guests sweating up a storm. Have outdoor lighting ready to go. If everyone is still enjoying

themselves when the sun sets, you won’t want to see a good time come to an end.

Set aside a place for the pooches. If guests decide to

bring Fido, designate an area for their pet before the party

starts to avoid anyone’s shoes getting an unwanted – and smelly – makeover.

My Word

Scan M e!

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this season or any season is to keep you comfortable.

best recommendation for keeping it running smoothly.

If you’ve already had your spring tune-up on your air conditioning system, you should be in good shape when the heat hits its height.

We wish you a summer of fun activities and many good times.

But if you haven’t scheduled your tune-up yet, we’ll gladly make time to give your system a thorough evaluation and our

P.S. Be sure to check out the discounts in this newsletter. If you can’t use them, pass them on to someone who can. Thanks.

Scan this QR code with your smartphone to view <your company’s> special online offer. Don’t have a smartphone? Visit <your website> for more information.

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PAID

Smart & simple ways to enrich your home living.

CO-OP LOGO Optional

Permit ##### Montgomery, AL

Cool Cash. Let Us Pay You for Your Old Cooling System.

Connect —

Isn’t it time your cooling system paid you back for all the extra dollars you’ve spent on repairs and energy overpayment? With a new home comfort system from us, we’ll write you a check for $420 for your old one! No matter the age or brand – or if it even runs! Plus…

—

Want to see more home and savings tips? Visit our HomeSense portal at

<yourcompany>.comfort-tips.com. You’ll

You’ll get energy efficient savings every month and no repair bills for 5 years. Cash in and cool down. Give us a call today. <COMPANY> at <PHONE>

M O r e S av i n g s a n d G r e at N ews

find energy saving tips for the coming

season, plus articles covering the hottest

topics in home, health and savings news.

<yourcompany>.comfort-tips.com.