Category: Brandpoint

2023-05-05T08:57:00

(BPT) – Spring brings many opportunities to shake off the winter chill and enjoy the warm weather ahead. However, spring can also mean the beginning of severe weather events. According to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, there have been more than 450 confirmed tornadoes in the U.S. as of April 20, and the month of May is considered another active severe weather month.

After a tornado or other severe weather event has passed, homeowners are tasked with assessing and repairing the damage. According to a recent COUNTRY Financial Security Index (CFSI), one in four homeowners has experienced property damage due to severe weather or natural disasters, an increase from one in five last year. Also, three in four homeowners said they would like to take more steps to prepare for severe weather events or natural disasters.

“Severe weather can happen anytime, anywhere, and we have already seen its devastating effects in 2023,” said Kelvin Schill, senior vice president of property and casualty at COUNTRY Financial. “Spring severe weather is not yet behind us. And although we can’t control the weather, homeowners should be proactive and take steps to protect their homes and valuables from severe weather damage.”

Don’t be caught unaware during a tornado, storm or other natural disaster. Check out these five ways you can prepare your home for severe weather this spring.

1. Create an inventory

In the event of a disaster, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to remember all your possessions, making it difficult to accurately assess the damage and loss to your home. An up-to-date home inventory can help you settle insurance claims faster and restore your home.

While it may seem daunting to inventory all your possessions, it is a relatively simple process. According to the Insurance Information Institute, you should start by picking an easy spot — like your kitchen — and record your kitchen appliances. As you purchase new household items, get into the habit of recording them as you go and make sure to save your receipts.

2. Save for emergencies

Severe weather and natural disasters can happen at any time and can be costly, so it’s critical to have enough savings in your emergency funds. More than three in four homeowners (77%) say they have enough money to cover their home insurance deductible if they experience major home damage. However, many homeowners are not prepared for the cost of weather-related home damages.

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, you should keep a small amount of cash in small bills at home in a safe place, such as a fire- and weather-proof safe. This will allow you to buy supplies, fuel and food in case a disaster makes using ATMs and credit cards impossible. Make sure to also review your home, health and life insurance policies, so you have enough to cover the deductibles.

3. Prioritize home maintenance

While you can’t stop a tornado or other extreme weather events, you can maintain your home to reduce the impact. According to the CFSI, 23% of homeowners plan to perform more regular home maintenance in case of severe weather.

Regular home maintenance can help prevent damage to your home and potential home insurance claims. For example, by removing loose siding, broken shingles and dead tree limbs from your yard, you can reduce the chance of damage to your home from flying debris.

4. Review your home insurance policy

Reviewing your home insurance policy is the best way to prepare for a weather-related emergency. Of the homeowners surveyed, 20% plan to review their home insurance policy and 12% want to increase their coverage to be better prepared for emergencies.

When reviewing your policy, check to see what it covers. It’s important to understand the type of coverage you have. For example, Actual Cash Value protection subtracts depreciation from the value of your home or belongings. However, Replacement Cost does not subtract for depreciation, so it’s based on today’s costs. In addition to your house, your insurance may cover sheds, fences, detached garages and other structures on your property, but you may need to add coverage for things like sump pump failure. This is also a time to inform your insurance agent of upgrades you have made to your home to make sure you’re covered.

5. Upgrade your home

Home improvement projects not only increase your home’s curb appeal, but they can also keep you safe in cases of severe weather. For example, you can replace your current windows with impact-resistant ones or install hurricane shutters.

During a storm, your roof is vulnerable to hail, water and debris damage. If you are replacing your roof, consider upgrading to a metal roofing system, which is known to be more durable and can sustain higher winds.

There may be cases of severe weather where you’ll need to shelter in place. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recommends locking doors and windows, shutting air vents and turning off AC and heating systems. Head to the basement until the severe weather abates. If you don’t have a basement, head to an interior room, such as a bathroom, with few or no windows.

Learn more about what home insurance covers and find a home insurance agent near you at countryfinancial.com.

2023-05-03T12:00:00

(BPT) – More and more Americans enjoy spending time outdoors and are looking for ways to achieve their backyarding goals without breaking the bank.

Licensed landscape contractor, author and TV personality Sara Bendrick offers these eco-friendly tips on how to create your ideal lawn and garden that are not only sustainable but can lead to big savings.

1. Create and maintain a climate-resilient eco-friendly yard.

Create a climate-friendly landscape design using native plants or climate-appropriate plants. Native plants are ideally suited to designing a landscape for water efficiency because they’ve adapted to their local soil and their roots are adjusted to the natural weather patterns.

• Consider low-water-use landscape and planting trees or high-growing plants for shade, which will help conserve water. You can even create a rain barrel to collect water for plants and grasses. Benefits include cost savings on water bills, improved health for plants and reduced likelihood of flooding or erosion.
• When cutting your grass, use a mulching mower, such as the STIHL battery-powered RMA 460 V that allows you to recycle key nutrients back to your lawn and reduce waste.
• Utilize local nurseries, garden centers and landscape professionals to assist you in developing your plan.

Plant for pollinators—bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, moths, flies and beetles. Pollinators are critical to our food supply. You can plant flowers and shrubs that help encourage their survival in your own yard and the greater community at large.

• Choose plants that flower in different seasons to enjoy blooms while also providing nectar and pollen year-round.
• You can also plant flowers that bloom at night for evening foragers.
• Pollinators are also attracted to different colors! Butterflies are drawn to red, orange and yellow; hummingbirds prefer red, fuchsia and purple.

2. Grow your groceries.

Not everyone has a ton of space to grow food, but even a small qarden can lead to major savings. Whether you have a large yard for a full garden, a small patio space or even just a windowsill, you can grow your own food. Do some research to find out what grows well in your area. Your local garden center is a great resource.

For large yards, one of my favorite projects is building a planter box that can also serve as a one-stop shop for a delicious side dish—salsa! For smaller yards, container gardens have many benefits:

• Space-efficient
• More protective against disease than growing plants directly in the ground
• More protective against pests that would typically move from plant to plant in a traditional garden

The most cost-effective way to grow your own food is to start with seeds. And even save seeds from your harvest for next year. Be sure to use native and organic soils when planting.

3. Use battery-powered tools.

Battery-powered equipment is the biggest trend in the outdoor power equipment industry. Advanced battery technology from STIHL offers homeowners an option to reduce their impact on the environment while providing a powerful alternative to gasoline-powered equipment. These tools have a longer run time than ever before. For example, the STIHL RMA 460 V mower can mow the length of 12 football fields on a single charge.* Also, one battery can power multiple tools — including blowers, chain saws, hedge trimmers, mowers and trimmers — so you’ll have a high-performance battery tool for every project. The benefits of using battery-power equipment include the following:

• No need for messy and smelly fuel, eliminating exhaust emissions concerns. This is especially important in parts of the country with emissions restrictions.
• Battery products are quiet and can be used early morning or late afternoon without disrupting neighbors.
• Lightweight and easy to use, so homeowners can tackle yard work with less fatigue.

*Usage claim tested and verified by an independent third-party test laboratory. Run-time per charge may vary depending on usage and application.

Sara Bendrick

Licensed landscape contractor, author and TV personality Sara Bendrick is best known for her work as the host of I Hate My Yard where she tackles the tough yards of homeowners and shows them the possibilities that exist for their exterior spaces. She is also the author of “Big Impact Landscaping: 28 DIY Projects You Can Do on a Budget to Beautify and Add Value to Your Home.”

2023-05-04T12:55:00

(BPT) – The YORK^® brand of Johnson Controls, the global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, has compiled six proven tips to help homeowners reduce cooling bills this spring and summer as energy costs nationwide remain above pre-pandemic rates.

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates that home cooling accounts for 12% of the average household’s monthly electric bills. As many homeowners experience higher-than-average utility costs, simple HVAC upgrades and routine maintenance can help reduce cooling expenditures by improving system efficiency. Before setting the thermostat to cool, homeowners should try these cost-saving tips:

1. Replace filters and clean vents: HVAC filters help keep dust and debris from being recirculated throughout a home. However, when these filters become too full, they can limit airflow and cause the blower to work harder. Maintaining a filter replacement routine can help improve efficiency and extend the life of the HVAC system. For most systems, the recommendation is to replace the filter every one to three months, but homeowners should follow the frequency indicated by the HVAC system manufacturer. Routinely cleaning the grates of the air vents will also help to maintain efficient airflow.
2. Schedule preventative maintenance: The Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA) estimates that routine HVAC maintenance can reduce annual heating and cooling bills by as much as 30%. Routine maintenance involves cleaning and inspecting the evaporator coil, examining the drain pan and condensation line, evaluating blowers and fans, testing system controls and checking refrigerant levels. Establishing a routine of scheduled service prior to the hottest and coldest times of the year — when HVAC systems are used most — will ensure equipment is in peak working condition and can even help to reduce costly repairs over time.
3. Cover windows: The Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that as much as 76% of the sunlight that hits a standard, double-pane window will transfer as heat into the home. Window coverings of nearly any nature will help to reduce solar heat gains, especially when installed in south-facing rooms or homes with little to no exterior shade. But for the greatest energy reduction, homeowners should opt for insulated cellular shades certified by the Attachments Energy Rating Council (AERC). These specially designed shades incorporate an interior layer of insulation and can reduce solar heat that enters through the windows by as much as 60%.
4. Inspect and seal ductwork: EnergyStar estimates that as much as 20% of HVAC efficiency is lost to poorly connected or damaged ductwork. An HVAC technician can inspect the ductwork throughout a home and evaluate the system’s air supply and return balance. Airflow imbalances could be a sign of damage, loose seals or even that the ductwork isn’t sized correctly. Ductwork located within basements, attics or crawl spaces can also be a point of efficiency loss if the ductwork isn’t properly insulated.
5. Update the thermostat: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that the average homeowner could reduce their annual heating and cooling bills by as much as 10% by using a programmable thermostat to reduce HVAC demands overnight or while away from the home. Some smart thermostats incorporate geo-fencing features to further reduce energy use by detecting homeowners’ proximity to the house and adjusting the temperature based on home and away settings. Some thermostats can even alert homeowners to potential system issues and provide the option to grant their HVAC contractor with remote service access.
6. Utilize Inflation Reduction Act savings: With higher-efficiency HVAC equipment from YORK, homeowners can reduce their heating and cooling costs by as much as 50% compared to low-efficiency systems, helping homeowners see a reduction in their energy bills while lowering their environmental impact. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has made the transition to high-efficiency systems, including heat pumps, even more affordable by offering tax rebates up to $2,000 dependent on household income. IRA incentives can also be combined with local and manufacturers rebates to further increase cost-savings. Since heat pumps are powered by electricity and operate by transferring heat rather than producing it, heat pumps can reduce site energy use by as much as two-thirds when compared to a conventional, fuel-powered heating systems.

For more information on rebates, visit YORK.com.

2023-05-04T09:47:00

(BPT) – Electric bicycles (e-bikes) and scooters are more popular than ever with kids and adults alike. Whether for having fun around the neighborhood, running errands across town or even commuting to work, these are convenient, eco-friendly options to get around thanks to rechargeable lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries.

These powerful batteries can be recharged and used over and over again; however, they also pose an often-overlooked danger: They can catch on fire. With the increase in Li-ion devices, it’s even more important to be aware of risks and take precautions to stay safe while preventing home fires that can lead to property damage, personal injury or worse.

In 2021, 880,000 e-bikes were imported into the U.S., and they can be conveniently stored in homes, apartments and public spaces, according to the Light Electric Vehicle Association. Li-ion powered devices are common in households and can include laptops, tablets and hoverboards.

To help prevent fires and ensure the integrity and safety of your Li-ion batteries, follow the acronym PREPARE, and these steps provided by Kidde, North America’s #1 home fire safety brand¹:

P: Plug and unplug — don’t overcharge! Once a Li-ion battery is fully charged, unplug it as soon as possible and avoid overnight or unsupervised charging.*

R: Risky charging practices like using extension cords, plugging multiple products into one circuit, charging for 3+ hours, and charging in direct sunlight can lead to wire degradation and create a source of fire ignition.*

E: Exits are vital — don’t charge or store devices in an entrance or exit, as these spaces need to be clear in the event of a fire.

P: Pay attention and immediately stop using your device if the battery has an odor, change in color or gives off too much heat.*

A: Always shop smart and look for officially listed e-mobility devices, batteries and charging equipment that qualify for UL 2849, the Standard for Electrical Systems for e-Bikes.

R: Reach for Kidde products in stores, such as the HomeSafe™ enabled Kidde Smoke + Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Indoor Air Quality Monitor, a triple detection, industry-first alarm that can send instant notifications of home safety threats right to your mobile device.

E: Engage your friends and family. Share this infographic on social media and download it to hang in your home.

Most importantly, if there is a fire, get out of the space immediately and call 911.

If you take inventory of the devices in your home that are powered by Li-ion batteries, there are probably more than you think. Remember these safety steps and invest in fire safety products to help protect your home and your family.

*Source: NFPA.org/ebikes

1. Based on total household installations as of December 2021

2023-05-04T08:01:00

(BPT) – After a wild weather ride across the country, everyone is ready to welcome the beautiful summer months. Is your home and yard ready, too? If not, there’s no better time than the present to create a to-do list and get things done so you’re ready to enjoy your best life in your best home.

In honor of National Home Improvement Month, consider this top 13 list of important tasks for homeowners from the experts at Neighborly^® — the world’s largest home services company with more than 30 brands and 5,000 franchises that collectively serve more than 12 million customers.

Clean your air conditioner: Start by looking over your outdoor condenser unit and clearing away external debris, such as leaves and dead branches. Special brushes and cloths are required to clean the coils on your air conditioner’s condenser unit to ensure safe and effective debris removal. Attempting to do this yourself could result in damage, so instead schedule a tune-up from a company like Aire Serv^® so you know the job will be done right and you’ll be ready when the temperatures climb.

Repair garage door springs: Is your garage door getting noisier or something seems off? Garage door torsion springs are under tension and may require repair or replacement. While it can be tempting, doing this yourself can be dangerous to you and may damage your home. Contact a local Precision Door Service^® professional who can inspect the situation, and if needed, use the correct tools and processes to fix any issues or replace the garage door.

Clean your dryer vents: Many homeowners don’t realize the importance of hiring someone to clean or repair dryer vents. Unkempt dryer vents can lead to fires or the buildup of toxins, mold and bacteria. You can protect your family and home by getting a professional inspection of your venting system and scheduling yearly cleanings from a company like Dryer Vent Wizard^®.

Introduce a new shade of paint: A fresh hue can add a new look and feel to any space, indoors and out. Painting kitchen cabinets, interior walls or exterior trim are some examples. Some people enjoy painting and have the knowledge and time to do it themselves, but remember, painting the right way is a multistep process that requires expertise for things like picking the right paint, brushes, finish, coverage, primer and other details. If you’re unsure, call the painting professionals from Five Star Painting^® for results you’re guaranteed to love.

Get creative with new storage solutions: Organization is an important part of spring cleaning that can make your home more streamlined. Creating highly organized spaces in your home is important, but to make them more useful you need to go beyond the basics. Consider working with professional designers from ShelfGenie^® who can create custom solutions for every room in your house, leaving a lasting impact on the efficiency and value of your home.

Think green when you spring clean: Spring cleaning can be green and health-conscious with green tips from Molly Maid^®. Creating your own all-purpose cleaner with essential oils, vinegar and baking soda can help reduce toxicity in your home. Being mindful of water use while doing laundry, scrubbing floors and doing dishes can also help keep water usage down. Microfiber dusting cloths can help you use less water and fewer paper towels — an earth-friendly win!

Revitalize lawn and update landscaping: Is your yard looking a bit drab? Consider completing tasks like trimming overgrowth, fertilizing grass and installing landscaping. Preventative measures are also important, such as adding weed barriers and treatments. Need assistance with any of these tasks? The Grounds Guys^® can help make your yard the envy of the neighborhood.

Clean windows and your home’s exterior: Your home’s windows are your eyes to the outside world, but they can get dirty over time along with your home’s exterior. While cleaning the inside of your windows may be easily accessible, the outside of the windows can be more difficult, not to mention that cleaning different types of siding can be complex. Consider hiring Window Genie^® to do the job for you and make your house shine.

Have your yard sprayed: No one wants their outdoor event to turn into a flurry of swatting or slapping away bugs. If you’re looking for an effective way to keep insects from ruining your outdoor fun, the experts at Mosquito Joe^® will spray your yard in specific areas where mosquitoes like to hide and breed to help make your outdoor event more enjoyable.

Deck repairs and installation: Spring is the ideal time to inspect your deck for loose or rotting boards and other damage that can happen over time. You can opt to make repairs or perhaps you’ll decide to build a new deck. Either way, a deck is an important investment in a home’s value, and you want it to be attractive and safe, so it’s best to work with a professional. Mr. Handyman^® is an expert at framing, decking, railing, staining and other areas of the project.

Make wiring upgrades: Want to add some new lighting to your deck or patio? Or, maybe you’ve noticed some existing wiring that’s frayed and in need of repair? Modifying or replacing electrical wiring can be extremely dangerous and lead to injury or fire damage. Stay safe and ask a qualifed electrician from Mr. Electric^® to upgrade or replace your home’s wiring.

Repair your oven or stove: DIY oven or stove repairs can have serious consequences like gas leaks and fires. This is especially common with gas appliances, so if you have these units, it’s best to let expert service technicians provide an effective, long-lasting repair while keeping your home safe. Check out Mr. Appliance^® for help with oven and stove repair.

Bonus tip for your vehicle: Many new vehicles have an Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system, a feature that reduces the likelihood of your vehicle running into the car in front of you. Be aware that even a minor crack can degrade the level of clarity the system needs to operate effectively to help prevent accidents. If your windshield is damaged or broken, trust the auto glass specialists at Glass Doctor^® to repair your windshield and calibrate your systems.

Remember, everyone is different in their desire and abilities to do these tasks. That’s why expert help is available if you need it. Through Neighborly.com and the Neighborly mobile app, you can find trusted local service providers that meet rigorous franchisor standards so you can feel confident no matter which job you need to be completed.

2023-05-04T10:01:00

(BPT) – Believe it or not, mowing season is now upon us. And depending on where you live, you may have less time to prepare than you think. Making sure your lawn stays healthy, green and beautiful all season long is a great goal — and with the right approach, it’s not hard to achieve.

Here are tips from the lawn pros at John Deere to help you grow a healthy, attractive lawn, so you can enjoy it with your family all summer long.

1. Prep your mower

Whether your first mow is days or weeks away, now’s the time to get your mower ready. The most important things are to make sure your mower blade is sharp, clean and above all, properly installed. A dull blade won’t provide a clean cut, which can make your grass look ragged. Even worse, it injures the grass, causing vulnerability to insects and disease. Your blade must also be correctly installed, as an upside-down blade won’t cut.

A yearly tune-up is recommended that would include an oil change and replacing spark plugs and filters. John Deere offers both a Home Maintenance Kit that includes all you need to perform this tune-up or, if you want to save time, call your John Deere Dealer — they offer spring maintenance specials on all types of turf equipment.

2. Set a proper mowing height

Cutting too short can cause problems down the road, as the lower canopy of a shorter lawn allows more light to reach the soil, which can allow weeds to prosper. On the other hand, if you let grass grow too long and then cut it down dramatically, that can stress the turf. This may cause grass to pull nutrients from its root system, causing a thinning, unhealthy lawn.

The rule of thumb is to cut no more than one-third of the leaf — so to maintain a two-inch lawn, cut down by one inch when it reaches three inches. Some grasses flourish with longer or shorter cuts, so it can help to find out what species your lawn has and ask advice about ideal length from your local county extension.

3. Mow according to need

To help nurture a thriving lawn, mowing should occur when grass needs a trim, not just when it’s convenient (like on weekends). If your lawn is heavily fertilized and irrigated, or during active growing, you may need to mow twice a week. But if your grass has entered a dormant season or is suffering from drought, it may not need to be mowed at all. In early spring, your grass might not need cutting yet, but winter annual weeds that pop up before grass starts growing can be somewhat controlled by mowing until the weather warms up. Keep an eye on your lawn and watch the weather in your area to set a proper schedule for mowing, ensuring you trim only when needed.

4. Maximize clippings

Your lawn clippings are full of nitrogen-rich nutrients that help feed the soil, so it’s best to deposit them right back onto the lawn. If you mow regularly, you shouldn’t have big clumps of clippings, but just enough to provide good nutrients — reducing how much fertilizer you’ll need. Even leaves can be mulched, as long as there aren’t so many that the grass is smothered with them. Mulch mowing allows clippings to be cut finely enough so they can’t be seen when redistributed into the lawn. Using the John Deere MulchControl™ Kit with One-Touch Technology is an easy way to mulch while you mow.

5. Mow grass when dry

If it’s rained recently, or early in the morning when there’s still dew on the lawn, resist the temptation to mow until the grass is thoroughly dry. Wet conditions can cause grass clumping and excessive buildup on the mower deck underside, leaving you with a poor-quality cut. Cutting when your grass is dry will allow you to get the sharpest trim on your lawn to ensure it looks beautiful all summer long.

6. Plan your mowing paths

Wherever possible, be sure to mow your lawn in a straight line. It’s also recommended to overlap your mowing paths by about 2-4 inches, to avoid leaving unsightly strips of uncut grass. Altering your mowing path prevents compaction that occurs from mowing on the same path. This also can create a beautiful-looking mowing pattern, adding curb appeal.

7. Water in the morning

The experts all agree it’s best to water your grass in the morning. If you water in the evening, droplets can cling to the grass and promote fungus growth overnight. Watering in the morning allows for moisture to reach the roots of the grass, improving overall lawn health.

Following these tips, you can ensure that your lawn will stay as healthy as possible for you and your family to enjoy, all season long. Visit YourBackyardTips.Deere.com for more tips on how to keep your grass looking great this summer.