​Heating bills can become very large if homeowners do not take steps to make their heating systems as efficient as possible. The following tips are helpful for lowering heating bills during the winter.

1. Ask about flat rates. Many providers offer flat rates, which means consumers pay the same amount every month regardless of the amount of energy they use. This makes it easier to plan monthly expenses and eliminates the worry of receiving a large heating bill.

2. Look for local heating assistance programs. From one-time payment assistance to regular discounts, most states have one or more programs to help consumers pay their heating bills. This is especially true for low-income individuals and families.

3. Talk to the energy company. Whether consumers have gas or electric heat, energy companies are usually able to work out payment plans for large heating bills. They may also offer discounts or reductions for people who are unable to pay in some circumstances.

In addition to these suggestions, it is important to conserve energy in every possible way. By using the following tips, consumers can make their homes more energy efficient:

- Make sure basements, attics and walls are insulated properly.
- Use thick curtains during the winter to eliminate drafts around windows.
- Seal any cracks under doors with weatherstripping, and seal any window cracks.
- When rooms are not in use, keep the doors to those rooms closed.
- Put an insulating jacket around the hot water heater.
- Make sure heat pumps, boilers and furnaces have annual tuneups.
- Use ceiling fans to help circulate the air.
- Keep shrubs that are near heat ducts trimmed to allow ample air flow.
- Use a programmable thermostat to lower heat at night or when away from home.
- Seal any leaky heat ducts with caulking.

With Groundhog Day just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about spring. (Or time to at least hope that springtime is coming, anyway.) And whether Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow or not, we here at HALO Insurance & Benefits Group have you covered.
 
Get ready for spring
 
Although everyone thinks of cleaning when it comes to spring, there are a number of things you should do to make sure your home is ready when the weather in St. Louis changes. Below is a selection of maintenance tasks from the National Center for Healthy Housing (you can see the full list at http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=DOC_12334.pdf).
 

• Check to make sure your roof’s shingles are in good condition, and check your attic for any possible roof leaks that should be repaired.
• Look for peeling paint and repair/touch up as needed.
• Check for signs of leaks at window and door sills and use caulking or weather stripping to seal.
• Clean your dryer vent and make sure exhaust ducts are clear.
• Make sure there are no puddles or wet spots in your basement or crawlspace.
• Look for signs of rodents, roaches, termites, etc. Call an exterminator if you suspect an infestation.
• Clean your gutters and downspouts.
• Clean air conditioner coils and drain pans.
• Check/replace the batteries your home’s smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
• Replace filters in your air conditioner and dehumidifier.
• Store winter heaters, ensuring that liquid-fuel heaters are completely emptied. These should be stored outside, if possible.

 
What? Six more weeks of winter?
 
Well, you can take solace in the fact that spring will be here eventually. In the meantime, here are some quick tips from Johns Hopkins University to avoid the “winter blues” and get through those long weeks of waiting.
 
Keep active. Exercise releases endorphins that will elevate your mood.

Eat well. High-sugar foods and large amounts of caffeine can feed depression and actually decrease your energy level. Foods such as whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood and lean meats can help your immune system.

Go to the light. Bring as much light into your life as possible, by spending time outdoors, opening your shades so your home receives more natural light, or even get help from a “light box.”

Get your rest. Go to bed around the same time every night and wake up at the same time each morning. You’ll have more energy during the day.
 
Of course, if you have strong feelings of depression, please seek assistance from friends, family or a trusted health-care provider. There are people ready to help, whatever the season.
 
 SIDEBAR: Time for an insurance review?
 
If an annual insurance review wasn’t included in your New Year’s resolutions, why not get it done while you’re in the cleaning and organizing mood this spring? Your life changes over the course of a year — sometimes in monumental ways. That means your insurance needs can change, too.
 
At HALO Insurance & Benefits Group, we can work with you to make sure you’ve got the coverage you need, while at the same time utilizing all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just give us a call at 314-351-HALO (4256). We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what’s important to you is protected!

While most Americans welcome the spring season with its warmer temperatures and sunnier days, seasoned homeowners know that it can also bring several problems. As the snow melts, the damage of winter weather is often revealed. These are some of the most common spring insurance hazards.

1. Flooding
When a region experiences several big snowstorms with substantial amounts of snow or ice during the winter, spring flooding often ensues as the frozen precipitation melts. As the water runs into rivers and creeks, they may rise beyond their banks. If there are spring showers, the added flood waters can cause major problems for residential areas in flood zones.

It is important for all homeowners to remember the difference between flood damage and water damage. While flood damage is caused by widespread rain or flooding bodies of water, regular water damage comes from broken pipes, roof leaks and similar home-related problems. A home insurance policy covers water damage but not flooding. All homeowners who live in flood zones should purchase flood insurance.

2. Potholes
Salt, sand, ice and traffic create a damaging combination for roads. When spring approaches, it is common to see more potholes in the road. These can ruin tires and damage the wheels on some cars. Drivers who have collision insurance are usually covered for pothole damage. When unsure, ask an agent about what an individual policy covers.

3. Hail Damage
Spring storms are often severe enough to produce hail. These ice balls hit roofs and unprotected vehicles hard enough to cause cracks or dents. Damage to the roof is usually covered under a home insurance policy. If the hail breaks a window and causes rain to leak into the home, the broken window and resulting water damage are both usually covered as well. Auto owners should review their coverage to find out if they are covered for hail damage.

4. Driveway Cracks
Extreme temperature changes and the pressure from snow, ice and vehicles can cause a driveway's surface to crack. Homeowners should check their policies to see if they are covered for cracks. If the damage was caused by a neighbor using sand or salt, the neighbor's insurer is liable.

5. Rust
When spring arrives, vehicle owners should wash their cars at a drive-through carwash that also sprays the undercarriage. This helps remove salt residue that accumulates on the vehicle from the roads. Salt can damage a car and cause rust or worsen existing rust problems. Rust is not typically covered on an auto policy. Fortunately, this is not a common problem with newer vehicles.

6. Damaged Landscape
Heavy snow or ice storms may flatten trees, bushes and landscaping. It is important to remove dead tree branches every spring. This is especially true if they are hanging over the home itself. Rotting mulch and other hazards should be removed. Home insurance policies do not cover snow-damaged trees, bushes or grass.

Make a habit of watching for these hazards as temperatures start to rise. It is important to address issues immediately and take preventative measures. To learn more about preparing for hazards and updating insurance, discuss concerns with an agent at 314-351-HALO (4256).

Many homeowners in Missouri see their energy bills each winter and think, “How can I be spending this much when the house isn’t even that warm?”

To get an answer to that question, you should start with some other questions that will help determine just how efficiently you’re heating your home. 

•    Where is the warm air going? If you’ve got a leaky house, you’re costing yourself money, plain and simple. Heat ends up escaping and cold air keeps flowing in, which means you either turn up the thermostat or just shiver in your living room. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends getting an energy audit so you can find and seal the gaps.

•    When is the heat on? Are you keeping the house at the same temperature all day and night? Even when you’re or sleeping or at work? There’s no reason to, and programmable thermostats mean you can still have a warm house when you wake up and when you get home.

•    Am I maintaining my system? A lot of homeowners simply forget to do things such as changing their air filter regularly or getting periodic examinations of their furnace. These routine tasks can not only prevent more costly problems down the road, they can help you more effectively heat your home right now.

•    Is my fireplace hurting more than it’s helping? It could be, if you always leave the damper open even when you don’t have a fire going. And, if you have the damper closed, a leak can make it yet another place where warm air gets out and cold air seeps in. Check the seal around your damper, and consider using a chimney balloon when you aren’t using the fireplace.

Taking some time to answer these questions can increase your efficiency, decrease your bills and perhaps even prompt another, more pleasant question this winter: “Is it too warm in here?”

When the colder temperatures start to set in, many homeowners will turn to their fireplace, wood or pellet stoves as an additional heat source. While fireplaces can provide warmth and comfort, if you are not careful, they can also be a hazard. Keep in mind the following precautions to help ensure a safe winter season.

Keep Your Chimney Fireplaces and Wood Stoves Clean
​

• Have your chimney, fireplace, wood or pellet stove inspected and cleaned by a licensed chimney specialist. They should be maintained annually to help ensure they are functioning safely and efficiently. 
• Be sure to keep the area around the hearth clear of debris, decorations and any other combustible materials.
• If you have a wood burning, insert or pellet stove, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for additional guidance related to operation and venting.

Keep Fires Burning Safely 

• Be sure the flue is open before lighting your fire to help ensure the fireplace will vent properly. Do not close your damper until you are sure the fire is out.
• When starting a fire, only use a match or commercial firelighter. Never use flammable liquids to start a fire.
• Glass doors of a fireplace should be kept open while burning a fire. This allows the fire to receive enough air for complete combustion and to help reduce creosote build-up in the chimney.
• Metal mesh screens should remain closed whenever your fireplace is in use to help keep embers in the fireplace.
• Only use dry wood in your fireplace. Wet wood can increase creosote buildup, which can lead to chimney fires.
• Do not burn plastic because it can release toxic chemicals and cause damage to your chimney, fireplace or wood stove.
• Never burn a Christmas tree in your fireplace as the sparks from the burning needles can increase the risk for a chimney fire. Also, do not burn cardboard boxes, wrapping paper or trash in your fireplace.
• Never leave a fire in a fireplace unattended. Before leaving the house or going to bed, you should make certain to fully extinguish the fire.
• Allow ashes to cool completely before disposing of them — ashes can take several days to cool completely. Never empty ashes directly into a trash can. Instead, place ashes in a covered metal container located at least 10 feet away from your home and any other building.

Keep the Outside of Your Home and Your Chimney Safe

• Firewood should be stacked at least 30 feet away from your home
• Your roof and chimney should be kept clean of leaves, pine needles and other debris. Prune trees and branches to keep them away from your chimney.
• Install a chimney cap with spark arrester to help keep debris, leaves, branches and animals out, and to help prevent burning embers or sparks from escaping and creating a fire hazard.

Keep the Inside of Your Home Safe with Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors To help make your winter even safer, we recommend that you take the time to test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. A smoke detector is the most effective way to detect smoke from a fire and signal an alarm so that you can get you and your family out safely. A carbon monoxide detector can alert you to the buildup of this dangerous odorless and colorless gas. Make sure you test the detectors monthly, and after you change the batteries to ensure they work properly.

Source: 
1 National Fire Protection Association. (2015). Wood and Pellet Stove Safety. PDF accessed fromhttp://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/safety-tip-sheets.
2 National Fire Protection Association. (2015). Wildland Fire Safety. PDF accessed from http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/safety-tip-sheets.

When the temperature drops, frozen pipes are one of the biggest risks of damage to your home. This article has great information everyone should know.

Insulate water pipes under your house as well as attic with snap-on foam insulation.

Drip both hot and cold water in faucets inside

Periodically run warm water rinse cycle in the washing machine if there is no faucet to drip to keep the water moving
​
Check out more great tips here:

/how-to-prevent-pipes-from-freezing-and-thaw-frozen-pipes/

Cold weather is coming! Take steps now to prevent frozen pipes in your home
​
It’s about to get very cold outside! Freezing temperatures can lead to frozen pipes and water damage in your home. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take right now to help prevent freezing pipes.

• Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
• Disconnect all outdoor hoses and turn off water to exterior faucets and sprinkler systems.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.
• Keep heat at 55 degrees or higher even when you are out of town.
• During a cold spell, turn on both hot and cold faucets near outside walls to allow a small trickle of water to run during the night.
• Wrap pipes in foam insulation tubes, especially those close to outside walls, attics or crawl spaces where the chance of freezing is greatest.
• Seal air leaks surrounding or near pipes.
• If you need to be away from home, leave the heat on and drain your water system before you go.
• Identify the locations of shutoff valves so you are prepared to stop the flow of water as soon as possible should a pipe burst.

For more tips, including what to do if a pipe does freeze, check out this helpful article:
http://disastersafety.org/wp-content/uploads/Freezing-Bursting-Pipes_IBHS.pdf

​​

Freezing Temperatures Can Lead to Frozen Pipes and Water Damage

You wake up on a cold winter morning, head into the bathroom or kitchen, turn the faucet and … a trickle. Or, nothing at all.
You have a frozen pipe. What do you do now? Better yet, how do you avoid this messy, potentially expensive situation in the first place?
Here are some ideas to help keep the water flowing inside, even as the freeze sets in outside:
Before It Gets Cold

• Drain water supply lines to your sprinkler and swimming pool. Don't put antifreeze in the lines; spills or leaks can threaten pets, wildlife and landscaping.
  
  
• Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses before putting them in storage. Place an inexpensive foam cover over the faucet. Better yet, close the inside valves that supply water to the hose bibs. Then open the outside hose bibs to let any remaining water drain out, and leave them open.
  
  
• Insulate water pipes with pipe sleeves, heat tape or heat cable, particularly pipes that run through unheated areas of the house, such as attics, basements, crawl spaces and garages.

As Temperatures Drop

• Keep your house warm, and allow the warm air to circulate as much as possible. Seal drafts and keep interior doors open. If you’re going to be gone for an extended period, don’t turn off the heat. Keep it set to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
  
  
• Open cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow heat to reach the pipes. Be sure to move cleaners and other chemicals out of reach of children and pets.
  
  
• Open indoor faucets, hot and cold, to allow a trickle of water. Flowing water is less likely to freeze.

When a Pipe Freezes​

• The first thing to do, faced with the telltale trickle, is try to find where the pipe is frozen. Keep the faucet open, and open other faucets in the house to determine if the problem is widespread. If it is, turn off the main water supply and call a plumber.
  
  
• If it's a single pipe, and you can reach the frozen section, try using a hair dryer, heating pad or portable space heater – just never leave it running unattended. Keep the faucet open and work up and down the pipe, starting at the faucet and working backward to the frozen section. Apply heat until full water pressure returns, then reduce the flow to a trickle until the cold snap ends.
  
  
• An alternative method: Wrap the frozen section with towels soaked in hot water. Don't pour hot water directly on a frozen pipe, and don't use a propane torch or other open flame.

If these approaches don't work, or if you have a leaking or burst pipe, don't hesitate to turn off the main water supply and call in a licensed plumber. And, be sure to touch base with your insurance agent, too, preferably before a crisis. You'll want to know whether you're covered for burst pipes and the ensuing water damage.