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Too Wet, Too Dry …page 2

Smart Savings on Homeowner’s Insurance... …page 2

SUMMER

Check Your Checks

2015

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<Company>’s

Smart & simple ways to enrich your home living.

— It’s About Time! —

What Does Life Expectancy Have to Do with Home Comfort?

It’s called an HVAC system – though if you’re unfamiliar with the acronym, you may not realize we’re talking about your home comfort. The Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning these systems provide relies on quite a few components. These components require regular cleaning and periodic replacement to maintain continuous operation. On average, systems last between 8 and 10 years, though air conditioner units could come in under that average. However, any parts of the system lifespan can be shortened if you allow it to collect dirt and grime, and neglect to schedule regular maintenance. For starters: Outdoor Units – Occasionally hose off your outdoor unit. Remove any leaves and trash that may have worked their way into and around the unit. Cut away branches from nearby

My Word by <NAME> Hello Friends,

bushes, shrubs and trees if they’re within a few feet of the unit. Filters – Replace filters monthly. Replacing filters not only helps to reduce allergens and dust in the air, but it also allows your system to run much more efficiently. Vents – System vents, registers and grilles often accumulate dust. Vacuuming and dusting these vents allows the air to flow more easily and reduces the amount of allergens recirculated through the air. These are all great do-it-yourself tips, but only a professional (like us!) can set your system back to factory specs for the highest efficiency and energy savings. So, be sure to schedule a seasonal tune-up for smooth running this summer, and all year long. For comfort and savings, give us a call.

Visit www.<yourcompany>.comfort-tips.com for more great ideas for home & life, including: MONEY-SAVING TIPS | HOME & ORGANIZING | HEALTH & FOOD

Summer is finally here! Warm weather has arrived, kids are out of school, outdoor activities are in full swing and vacations are underway or in the planning. Fun days are ahead, but there’s also something else to think about. This “relaxing” season brings on a lot of extra expenses. On average, half of your summer energy bill goes toward cooling your home. If

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<LOGO> Your Quick Call Comfort Hotline:

— THE 5 —

Smart Savings on Homeowner’s Insurance and Air Conditioning System — H O M E H E A LT H —

Too Wet, Too Dry

or an “invisible” element, the air that surrounds you sure can contain a powerful punch. One hidden extra is plain old humidity. That’s the amount of moisture in your air, and it can have a significant effect on how comfortable you are in your home. Too much humidity is bad news – it can encourage bacteria growth, may cause you to feel sticky and may make your home feel hotter. Yet, too little humidity is bad news, too – it can cause you to feel dried out, with irritated eyes and cracking skin. So what’s the right amount? About Humidity – According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the optimal humidity level for your home is under 60%. Any more than that

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.

may cause condensation, which can be harmful to homes and inviting to pests. Fortunately, the humidity in your home can be controlled by your home comfort system. As your air conditioner switches on and circulates air through your rooms, it cycles the moisture out of the air. You want to be sure you’ve got a correctly sized system for your home, though. If your system is too large, it won’t cycle as often, allowing humidity to stay in the air. The Fix – Humidifiers and dehumidifiers that attach to your home comfort system can be installed to regulate and control the humidity in your home. Give us a call for details. We’ll also assess whether your system is the correct size for your home. Another possibility: your home may be gaining or losing humidity through leaks around doors, windows and joints. Seal these leaks for better comfort.

“A home of my own”

is still a big part of the American dream. Although “homeowner’s insurance of my own” doesn’t have quite the same ring, you wouldn’t want to have one without the other. Whether renewing your policy or purchasing a new home, applying these tips from the Federal Citizen Information Center could help you reduce your rates:

• Improve your home security. Smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, burglar alarms

— WEIRD SCIENCE —

When is 40oF Too Warm?

Cool temps are never cold

enough when you’re talking about those delectable delights in your fridge. A summer thunderstorm and power outage can wreak havoc on

frozen foods, turning your favorite ice cream into a soupy mess. To keep food colder longer, keep the refrigerator doors shut until the power returns. Then to test safety, check food with an instant-read thermometer. It’s considered safe if internal

or deadbolt locks can usually bring discounts of at least 5%. • Try for group coverage. Ask if a homeowner’s policy is available through your employer’s group program or through membership in associations or organizations. • Stay with the same insurer. You may be able to receive a long-term policyholder discount. • Annually review policy limits and the value of your possessions. If you have extra insurance for a particular item, check to see if its value has depreciated. • Consider the cost of insurance before buying a home. You could pay less, depending on your location. Remember, flood and earthquake insurance aren’t covered by standard homeowner’s policies. You can find info on flood insurance at the Federal Emergency Management Agency website (www.fema.gov).

temperatures are 40°F or less. If the internal temperature is 40°F or less and still has ice crystals, you can safely refreeze. If temps are any higher, go out for dinner!

— SECRETS —

Check Your Checks

The Federal Reserve System esti-

mates that tens of billions of checks are written in America each year. Yet, many people are unaware of good check management practices: • File a police report if you’ve lost a checkbook. If your database, meaning that retailcheckbook has been stolen ers and financial institutions and you do not can refuse to do report it, you business with Get $ the could be held you for up to Best Service We Can legally responseven years. sible for the Offer. payments. • Double-check For your next heating and when you are cooling system repair, we’d like • One bounced making a deto make things easier on your check can posit via ATM wallet. Clip this coupon for a follow you. or smartphone. $25 savings on your repair Bouncing a If a check is read bill. Then call us and we’ll check can get incorrectly, you’ll your name need to go to the give you our best service. Call added to a bank to sort it <COMPANY> at <PHONE>. ©2015 bad-check out in person.

25 Off

— BUCKLE DOWN —

Show Some Skin for Vitamin D Why is Vitamin D important?

Vitamin D helps kids develop healthy bones and helps adults maintain them. It also helps balance the immune system by fighting a variety of infections, diseases and common cancers. • Why are so many people lacking Vitamin D? Given the increase in playing indoors, plus advice of dermatologists

to avoid direct sun exposure, Vitamin D deficiencies have grown more common. • Should I get Vitamin D from the sun? The absorption of sunlight on our bodies is a healthy, natural source of the vitamin. • Calculate how long it takes you to develop mild sunburn, and then go outside for half that time 2-3 times a week, between 10AM and 3PM, during the warm months. • Can I get enough Vitamin D from my food? Not easily. You may need supplements. Consult your doctor. 3

My Word

Scan M e!

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you’d like to know how to keep as much of your energy dollars as you can, call us for a home energy survey. Sometimes all your system needs is a tune-up. That’s where we have a professional technician inspect, adjust and clean your system so that it performs at its best.

Take it easy, enjoy your summer and call us if you need us. We’re here to help. <signature> <name, title> P.S. After you’ve read your newsletter, please feel free to pass it along to family & friends.

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

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Smart & simple ways to enrich your home living.

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Cool Cash.

Connect

Let Us Pay You for Your Old Cooling System.

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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… 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 E W S

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Want to see more home and savings

tips? Visit our HomeSense website portal at <yourcompany>.comfort-tips.com.

You’ll find energy saving tips for the coming season, plus articles covering the hottest

topics in home, health and savings news.

<yourcompany>.comfort-tips.com.