Veritas Insurance News

Family Emergency Preparedness Checklist

Fri, 06 Jan 2023 21:15:00 GMT

It seems like every day on the news that we hear stories about a hurricane, flood, or wildfire creating massive damage in the U.S. and putting people out of their homes. Have you thought about how your family would handle this kind of emergency? Here are a few tips to keep you and your household safe if disaster strikes.

Plan a Fire Escape Route

Home fires strike thousands of families every year in America. If your home were to catch on fire, do you have an escape route planned?

Every member of the family, including children, should know what to do if your smoke alarm sounds. Do they wait for an adult or exit the house on their own via a path you’ve discussed previously? Do you have emergency escape mechanisms, such as window ladders, if your doors aren’t accessible?

If you have children, seniors, or someone with a disability in your household, it’s wise to practice escaping a fire so you know what to do if the real thing happens.

Be Ready to Evacuate

Some emergencies, like wildfires and severe storms, require you to leave your home. If you live in an area particularly prone to evacuations, it’s smart to have a “go bag” packed for each household member in case you have to leave in a hurry.

Keep a list of other things you want to pack if you only have a few hours or a day to leave, such as before a hurricane. This includes items like medications, precious valuables, important papers, and electronics.

Your first priority is the safety of you, your family members, and your pets (see below). Next is your go bag. If you have time after that, work through your list, taking as much as you can but never jeopardizing your lives to save things. That’s what your homeowner insurance or renters insurance is for.

Have Reunification and Communication Plans If Separated

Sometimes disasters strike while household members are at work or school. Therefore, have a plan for where you will reunite if you are separated and can’t return to your home. Usually, meeting at a designated evacuation center is preferable.

You may not be able to directly communicate if power is out and cell towers go down or are used to prioritize 911 calls. Try to develop a plan for how you will get in touch with each other if your cell phones or email don’t work, like using a nearby relative as an intermediary.

Don’t Forget Your Pets

Remember, your pets are part of your family too! Don’t forget to include them in fire escape and evacuation plans. Your evacuation supplies should include food and water for them, as well as anything else they need, such as medications, bedding, and leashes. Having crates and carriers for your pets will make evacuation much easier, especially if you have to stay away from home overnight.

Keep Emergency Supplies on Hand

Everyone should have supplies handy at home in case you need to shelter in place after a storm or earthquake. You may not have tap water or electricity, so in addition to nonperishable food and medications, keep these items at the ready:

Enough bottled water for everyone
Disinfectant and wipes
Batteries
Emergency radio
Power bank to charge phones and small electrical devices
Flashlights and electric lanterns
Warm blankets and clothing
Camp stove or grill (always use outside, never inside the house)

Consider the kind of emergencies you’re most likely to face depending on your location and climate, and plan accordingly. If you have frequent power outages already, you may wish to install an emergency backup generator or keep a supply of firewood on hand for heat and cooking.

Are high winds a hazard where you live? Be sure to keep your supplies in a shelter below ground, if possible, along with pillows and blankets if you have to hunker down there.

Make Your Home Less Prone to Damage

There are ways to minimize damage to many homes. Some common methods include:

Improving drainage through the yard with greenscaping, water catch basins, French drains, etc., or adding a sump pump
Upgrading your roofing materials or redoing an old roof
Adding hurricane straps to the roof
Trimming back large trees around your home
Installing new windows and doors or hurricane shutters
Reinforcing your structure and securing tall furniture to the wall

Some disaster-proofing can also save you money on your home insurance. To learn more about proper insurance coverage, call Veritas Insurance Group at 866-808-3344 today.

Read the full article at www.veritasinsurance.com

What to Check Before Buying a Used Car

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 16:56:00 GMT

Row of cars by welcomia

With the new car market impacted by shipping delays, many people are choosing to buy used cars lately. And some people only purchase a used vehicle because it saves them money and lets the first owner figure out if it’s a lemon or not (most major problems show up by around 60,000 miles). Here’s a checklist for things you should assess if you’re looking at used cars.

Tires and Brakes

While tires can be replaced, they can run hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Make sure the tires are in good shape with no worn treads or patches; otherwise, this can be a good opportunity to knock some money off the price of the vehicle with your offer.

The brakes should be in excellent working order too. There should be no noise when you apply the brake pedal, and you shouldn’t have to pump the pedal or push hard on it to stop the vehicle. No brake warning lights should be illuminated on the dashboard.

Suspension and Alignment

The vehicle should ride smoothly when you take it for a test drive. Before you get in, check to make sure the car or truck sits level on the pavement. Also, the alignment should be correct, and the vehicle should not pull to one side or the other.

Air Conditioning and Heat

No matter where you drive, you’ll want air conditioning or heat… or both. Don’t forget to turn them on to ensure they’re working properly. Check all the vents, including those in the rear, if there is a separate vent system behind the driver’s seat.

Safety Elements

If certain components are not functioning, driving the vehicle may not be safe, and you can get a traffic citation. This includes:

Headlights, tail lights, and directional signals
Seat belts and airbags
Dashboard lights
Horn
Windshield (no cracks or stars) and wipers

Make certain the door locks and window controls work too.

Accident History and Repair Record

Ideally, you want as many records for the vehicle as you can get your hands on. There are multiple sites online where you can enter the vehicle identification number (VIN) to see if it’s been in an accident. The owner’s certificate (pink slip) should not indicate that it’s a salvage vehicle.

If the owner has repair and maintenance records, that’s even better. It’s a good sign if a seller can provide this documentation because it usually shows they have nothing to hide and have been meticulous about the car’s upkeep.

If you’re not sure about a car’s mechanical soundness, take it to a mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection. It’s well worth the money to save yourself from buying a vehicle that needs too much work.

Miscellaneous Other Items

Depending on the vehicle you’re buying, there are other elements you may wish to check:

Sound system
Luxury electronics like navigation systems, smartphone connections, video players, etc.
Seating (fabric, heating, adjustment controls, etc.)
Trunk or hatchback mechanism
Sunroof or convertible roof
Spare tire and jack
Roof rack, trailer hitch, running boards, etc.
Exterior paint condition

Insurance Quote

Before you buy, it’s wise to get a quote on what it will cost to insure the vehicle, so there are no surprises. And, of course, you'll want to have the vehicle insured before you start driving it if you do decide to purchase it. Most states require liability insurance to register and operate a motor vehicle, plus you probably need collision and comprehensive coverage to be fully protected.

Have you found the used car you want and are ready for an auto insurance policy? Call Veritas Insurance Group at 866-808-3344 today to make sure you have the protection you need.

Read the full article at www.veritasinsurance.com

Should I Notify My Insurance Company About a New Puppy?

Fri, 04 Nov 2022 15:37:00 GMT

Australian Shepherd puppy by Brett Sayles

Having a new puppy join your household can change your life. The snuggles and kisses make getting up in the middle of the night for potty breaks worth it, but in the whirlwind of change, it’s easy to forget some practicalities. For example, should you inform your insurance company about your new dog? Are there things you can do to keep your puppy safer? What about protecting yourself financially if your dog bites someone? Here’s what you need to know as a dog owner.

A New Puppy and Insurance Coverage

Whether you own your own home or rent, you probably have insurance coverage for the property. And you should definitely let your insurance company know if you have a new puppy because it may change your policy.

First, you want to know if you’re covered for things like damage caused by your dog. Also, you need to find out if you should add more protection (see dog bite liability below).

Pro tip: while you’re inquiring about insurance coverage, it’s worth asking your insurance agent about your vehicle. Are you covered if your pooch chews a hole in the seat (it doesn’t just happen in the movies) or punctures something with its nails?

Keeping Your Pup Safe

Did you know that Great Dane puppies grow as much in a year as the average human does from birth to high school? While your dog may become practically pony-size very quickly, you still need to protect it while it’s tiny. Here are some home puppy-proofing tips, so hopefully, you won’t have to rely on that pet insurance policy:

Remove attractive items like shoes and kids’ toys until your dog learns not to chew on human belongings or can reliably respond to “Leave it!”
Investing in pet gates can protect your puppy from hazards and rooms you want to keep dog-free.
Decide from the start if you want to allow your puppy on the furniture. Once you have a policy, be consistent. It’s perfectly okay to insist your pup sleeps in its own bed and doesn’t romp on your sofa.
Keep your pup on a leash, even at places like the dog park, until its recall (coming when you call its name) is trustworthy. Never walk your puppy off leash in places where this is not allowed, even if you think your dog won’t roam. It can still get into garbage or chase a squirrel into the road.
Seriously consider crate training your puppy. This will give you a safe place to leave your dog in your absence or when you have workers in the house. It’s also great for calming down an anxious or high-energy dog — bonus points for helping with potty training, as dogs generally won’t go where they sleep.
Don’t forget about your yard. It’s best not to leave very young dogs unsupervised there, even for a minute, but you still need to check for toxic plants, gaps in the fence, and other dangers. Make sure gates shut firmly, and consider posting a sign if people enter your yard for landscaping or playtime with kids. Chasing a loose puppy through your neighborhood (they always seem to get away when you’re still in your pajamas) isn’t nearly as fun as it looks!

Find a good vet before you bring your new puppy home or soon thereafter, and they can offer more tips specific to your breed and lifestyle.

The Importance of Dog Bite Liability Coverage

Even the most friendly dog can wind up biting someone if it is scared, or believes it’s defending its owner or home. And of course, some breeds are more protective than others, particularly as they grow, and larger breeds can inflict serious damage with a bite.

That’s why every new puppy owner should discuss dog bite liability coverage with their insurance agent. Your current renters insurance and homeowners insurance policies may cover liability up to a certain amount, but dog owners might want to supplement that with a personal umbrella policy.

Do you need to double check your insurance coverage as a new puppy owner? Call Veritas Insurance Group at 866-808-3344 today. We can help ensure you’re properly protected when it comes to your new four-legged household member.

Read the full article at www.veritasinsurance.com

How to Choose the Right Smart Security Camera

Fri, 07 Oct 2022 14:58:00 GMT

Security Camera by ipeema

A security camera can help protect your property against intruders or provide evidence in the event of a break-in. But with all the technology available today, it can be tough to figure out which smart security camera is right for you. Here are four points to consider when you shop for a camera for your home.

24-Hour vs. Motion-Activated Recording

Some cameras run continuously, while others are only triggered to turn on when they detect motion nearby. There are pros and cons to each.

A 24/7 camera won't miss anything, since it's always on, but you’ll have to go through all that footage to find one or two moments if you’re looking for a specific event, such as a trespasser in your yard (though some systems have the ability to find notable events automatically). However, an always-on camera will capture even the slightest movement, which a motion-activated security camera might miss.

A motion-activated camera will be triggered by anything that moves, including pets, wild animals, and tree branches. As a result, you may get some false alarms if you’re receiving notifications that your camera has turned on. However, because it only records movement, this type of camera can store data more efficiently, which is a consideration if you’re using local storage (see below).

Battery Powered vs. Wired

Battery-powered cameras run the risk of having their batteries run out just when you need to capture something, which isn't an issue for cameras that gets their power from a wired connection. Therefore, you have be sure to change the batteries whenever they've been used up. But battery-powered cameras can be more portable than hardwired versions, depending on the model you buy, which can be helpful if you want to make small adjustments to their positioning or take them to another property.

Cloud vs. Local Storage

In the old days, you had to store security camera data on a local device like a video cassette, disc, or DVD. Then came microdisks for smaller and easier storage.

Some cameras still use these tiny discs today, while others have migrated to cloud storage. In general, cloud storage is preferable, as it has fewer size limitations, if any at all, and is more reliable, assuming sending information to the cloud from your camera works properly.

The biggest advantage of cloud storage is you can access the footage anywhere. If you’re on vacation in Europe and want to see your backyard back in the States, you can do so from your mobile phone or tablet.

There are also camera systems that use centralized local storage and allow remote access, but you'll likely pay more for this type of setup.

Price vs. Features

Like other electronics, your security camera will be more expensive the more features it sports. Better image resolution, two-way talk, integrated spotlights, night vision, and smartphone alerts are some of the options that drive up price but may well be worth it to you.

Finally, the cost of a security camera starts rising when you integrate it with other security system components, especially monitoring services from an alarm company. So you may have to crunch the numbers to find your sweet spot between price and features and be willing to sacrifice bells and whistles you don’t really need if budget is the main concern.

Don’t forget to protect your home with the right home insurance policy. Call Veritas Insurance Group at 866-808-3344 to explore coverage today. Between homeowners insurance and your security camera, you’ll sleep easier knowing you’re fully protected.

Read the full article at www.veritasinsurance.com

Things to Know When Shopping for Home and Auto Insurance

Fri, 09 Sep 2022 15:02:00 GMT

Car in front of a house by Jose Rago

If you’re looking around for home or auto insurance, you may find the process confusing, especially if you’re new to buying coverage and aren’t familiar with the terminology. Here are five essential things you should know when you consider options for your residence or vehicle.

What Is a Deductible?

A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket when you file an insurance claim. Deductibles were created decades ago to discourage policyholders from filing petty or even fraudulent claims.

In most cases, deductibles are a flat fee, such as $500 or $1,000, but can vary based on your policy. You can potentially lower your deductible by paying a higher premium (the cost of the insurance policy). This works in reverse, too: being willing to pay a higher deductible typically results in a lower premium. It’s a bit of a gamble, but if you have a good driving record or never file homeowner claims, it may be worth having a higher deductible so you can pay less for your policy.

What Is Full Coverage Auto Insurance?

Full coverage auto insurance usually has three components:

Liability insurance (almost always dictated by your state)
Collision insurance
Comprehensive insurance

Liability coverage can help pay for medical care and property damage if you are at fault in an accident. Collision insurance is designed to help cover the repair or replacement of your vehicle if you are at fault or are the victim of a hit and run or your car is damaged by an uninsured or underinsured driver. Finally, comprehensive insurance is intended to protect your car or truck in the event of damage from something other than a car accident, such as theft, vandalism, or loss to fire or most natural disasters.

Does Your Insurance Always Pay After a Motor Vehicle Accident?

Insurance carriers usually pay out for liability or collision insurance only when you are at fault in an accident. If someone else is determined to be at fault, their insurance typically pays.

There are exceptions to this; for example, some states are “no-fault” states, meaning each party’s insurance pays for their own damages, regardless of who is at fault. There are also situations where an uninsured or underinsured driver may hit your car. We recommend you understand how this works before purchasing auto insurance and deciding on coverage options.

What Is Replacement Cost Versus Actual Cash Value?

Most home insurance policies are based on either replacement cost or actual cash value (ACV). The former reimburses you for what it costs at the time of your claim to replace lost furnishings, appliances, clothing, and personal items or to repair or rebuild your dwelling.

Actual cash value insurance pays out at what your property is worth at the time of the claim, with depreciation for wear and tear over time. This is why ACV insurance usually costs a bit less than replacement coverage.

Why Do Independent Agents Offer More Choices?

Independent agents don’t work for just one insurance carrier with a limited number of insurance products — we network with multiple insurance carriers to find you the right coverage.

Do you have more questions about selecting home or auto insurance? Call Veritas Insurance Group at 866-808-3344 for more information, or contact us for a quote.

Read the full article at www.veritasinsurance.com

Grill Safely With These Outdoor Cooking Tips

Fri, 05 Aug 2022 17:24:00 GMT

Grilling by Luis Quintero

Grilling food is a fun pastime, and it’s ideal on those summer days when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen. But every year, there are accidents and home fires because people don’t grill safely. Follow these tips to make sure you and your household don’t become one of those statistics.

Avoid Grilling on Dangerous Days

It’s not the time to grill if winds are super high, as just a spark can ignite dwellings and landscaping. This is especially important in drought areas, where trees and plants may be tinder dry due to lack of water. Your fire department may even have warnings, such as black flag or red flag days, when grilling or other types of outdoor fires are not allowed.

Place Your Grill in a Safe Place

Use your grill in the safest location possible. Ideally, that’s on a paved surface or sandy area, not on a wood deck or forested area when camping. Also, move your grill away from any structures, so if flames grow, they don’t touch anything.

Never Leave Your Grill Unattended

It takes only a second for a stray ember to catch your home or a neighbor’s home on fire. Always keep an eye on your grill once it’s been lit. Rotate with someone in your household if you need to go inside.

Clean Your Grill Before Every Use

Scraping down your grill with the appropriate tools can remove old oils and drippings that could ignite and cause a fire. This will make your food look and taste better too.

Only Use Fire Starting Fluid on an Unlit Grill

If you need to use a flammable liquid to start your fire, only use it on cold, unlit charcoal briquets. Never add a fire starter to a grill once it has ignited, even if it looks like it’s not burning much. You run the risk of burns from fire arcing from the grill to your hand. Never use any kind of flammable liquid in conjunction with a gas grill.

Have Fire Control Measures Nearby

Keep proper fire suppression methods handy when using your grill, whether that’s a fire extinguisher, garden hose, or bucket of sand. The type of fire control you choose should depend on the kind of grill you’re using (charcoal vs. gas vs. campfire).

Dispose of Ash Properly

When your grilling is done, you may wind up with ash that needs to be discarded. Like with your fireplace ash, you need to dispose of this correctly. Never use a plastic or other type of flammable container to hold ash, even if it appears the fire is out. Instead, use a metal bucket or stony part of the yard to contain old ash.

Let it sit for a week or two for good measure before disposing of ash in your trash. It can take days for embers to completely die out. Every year there are trash and house fires because unaware or careless property owners don’t dispose of ash properly.

And, even when you're careful, it's still important to be properly insured. Make sure you have the right protection in place. Call Veritas Insurance Group at 866-808-3344, or get in touch online.

Read the full article at www.veritasinsurance.com

Simple Household Pest Control Methods

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 19:05:00 GMT

Rodent by Pixabay

No one likes the thought of having pests in their home, whether they be rodents, cockroaches, ants, or any other common household pests. If pest activity is common in your area, it is important to take steps to prevent them from infesting your home. Try these tips to help keep pests at bay over the years.

Seal Off Access Points

The best way to prevent pest infestations is to stop the pests from ever getting inside your house in the first place. To do this, you'll need to ensure there is no way for them to gain access. Check the weather stripping around your doors and windows, and ensure all vents are covered with screens. This includes in the eaves around your roof, as attics are common homes for pests.

Store Food Properly

Pests typically come inside looking for sources of food, so your goal is to make that task as challenging for them as possible. Once you have opened a package of food, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container rather than leaving it in the package. Pantries are the most common areas for pests to look for food, so make sure everything is sealed up tightly. The same goes for pet food. Invest in a storage container or choose pet food that comes in a resealable bag. If possible, keep it inside the house rather than in the garage.

Use Natural Deterrents

Before you resort to chemical pest control substances, try planting some natural pest deterrents, such as mint, basil, and lavender. Your local nursery or garden store can help you select varieties that are appropriate to the climate in your area, so don't be shy about asking. They can also advise you as to how to properly care for the plants to maximize their pest-deterring properties.

Know When to Call in the Professionals

Despite your best efforts, you may still end up with pests in your home. Particularly with wood borers, such as termites and carpenter ants, time is of the essence in getting rid of them to prevent damage. You generally won't be able to get rid of these types of pests on your own, so be sure to call in a pest control expert right away if you suspect you have an infestation. Regular visits from your pest control service can help keep most other common pests away as well, so you may wish to consider investing in an ongoing service if pests are a constant problem in your home.

Read the full article at www.veritasinsurance.com

Landscape Maintenance Tips for Your Yard

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 20:56:00 GMT

Backyard landscaping by iriana88w

You've worked hard to create a beautiful garden for your yard, but there is more to yard maintenance than simply mowing the lawn and watering the plants. There are plenty of other tasks you'll need to complete in order to keep your yard looking its best over the years. Here are a few yard-care jobs you may have overlooked.

Trimming Large Trees

Pruning tall trees can be a daunting task, but it is an essential one. Whether you choose to do it yourself or hire someone to do it for you, it needs to be done each year. For most trees, fall is the best time to prune, as the trees will come back even stronger when the weather warms up again in the spring. In addition to keeping the trees as healthy as possible, this will also prevent wayward branches from scratching against the side of your house or top of your roof, potentially causing damage. Be sure to keep them away from power lines as well.

Cleaning Your Gutters

If your home is equipped with gutters, they'll need to be cleaned out periodically. This is especially true if you have large trees on your property, as their leaves can clog up your gutters. When your gutters are full of debris, they can't do their job of directing water away from your house properly. This can lead to water pooling in the gutters, which can cause damage to your eaves and roof over time. You should expect to clean your gutters at least once a year, though you may need to do so more often in heavily wooded areas. Check them a few times a year, and clear them out as needed.

Keeping Plants Away from Your House

When you first planted your bushes or shrubs, they were likely much smaller than they are now. Over time, they can grow and spread, bringing them closer and closer to your house. This can provide homes for rodents and other pests, and eventually, they may try to come inside. Keeping the plants at a safe distance will enable you to see any damage to the structure of your home so you can repair it as quickly as possible.

Keeping Your Yard Clutter-Free

Finally, piles of yard waste, old garden equipment, and other debris can also create homes for pests, so do your best to keep your yard as clean and tidy as possible. After all, you've done a lot of work to keep your plants looking great, and you don't want a bunch of clutter distracting from their beauty!

Read the full article at www.veritasinsurance.com

Avoiding Water Issues in Your Home

Mon, 09 May 2022 14:10:00 GMT

Rain drops by Pixabay

Water damage is one of the worst problems that homeowners can run into. Not only can it be incredibly expensive to repair, depending on the extent of the damage, but it can also create the potential for mold and mildew to form. This can pose a serious health risk to you and your loved ones, especially if anyone at your home has allergies, asthma, or other breathing problems. Follow these helpful tips to minimize your risk of water issues in and around your home.

Know Where the Shutoff Valve Is

Everyone in your home should know where the water supply shutoff valve is located. In many homes, it is in the garage, in the basement, or along the side of the house towards the front of the property. Make sure that everyone knows how to operate it as well. This way, if you encounter a burst pipe or other complication, you'll be able to turn off the water supply as quickly as possible to minimize the extent of the damage.

Maintain Your Sprinkler System

As long as your plants and lawn are healthy, you probably don't give much thought to your sprinkler system. However, this is one of the most common areas for burst pipes, as plant and tree roots are often strong enough to puncture the pipes and hoses throughout your sprinkler system. When your system is running, take the time to inspect your yard, looking for any areas that are especially wet, as this could be a sign of an underground leak. Fixing the leak not only prevents the damage from spreading to your home but stops your water bills from skyrocketing as well.

Winterize All Outdoor Pipes and Faucets

If you live in an area that is prone to freezing in the winter, it is crucial that you winterize any exposed pipes. Water expands as it freezes, which can rupture the pipes, leading to a massive leak when the water thaws once again. Thermal wrappings for pipes are relatively inexpensive, but they don't last forever. Be sure to inspect them before the cold weather hits each year, replacing them as needed to keep your pipes protected.

The better you are able to keep watch on your water system, the easier it will be to spot any potential leaks before they can cause major damage to your property. So, stay vigilant throughout the year to keep your home safe!

Be Sure You're Covered

If you have any questions about what kinds of water damage are and are not covered by your homeowner insurance, please get in touch with us and we can discuss your current policy with you and help identify any potential gaps in coverage.

Read the full article at www.veritasinsurance.com

Tips for Saving Money on Heating and Cooling Your Home

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 18:11:00 GMT

HVAC units by Sonar

If you're like most people, you like to keep your home at a comfortable temperature throughout the year. However, running your heater or air conditioner constantly uses a lot of energy, and your electric and gas bills can seriously add up over time. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can reduce your energy costs to save money without having to sacrifice comfort. Try these helpful tips, and watch the savings roll in.

Check window and door seals. Doors and windows are among the worst culprits for allowing inside air to escape, so it's important to check the seals around them on a regular basis. Inspect them once at the beginning of the summer and again going into winter. Watch for any cracks, broken seals, and other signs of deterioration. In general, replacing these seals is not very expensive, and this small repair can make a big difference in your energy bills over time.
Upgrade your insulation. Your roof is another common area for cool air and warmth to escape. While your home was likely built with insulation in the roof, the insulation materials can deteriorate over time, causing them to be less effective at regulating the internal temperature of your home. Rodent and other pest activity in your attic can also wreak havoc on your insulation, as these little critters use the materials to make their nests. Especially if your home is older, you may need to upgrade your insulation, as technology has come a long way over the decades.
Use a programmable thermostat. If you keep your home at a constant temperature throughout the day, you're likely wasting a lot of energy when you aren't even at home. Rather than having to remember to adjust the thermostat before you leave for work each morning and when you return home in the evenings, invest in a thermostat that you can program. This way, you'll be able to let your house get a bit hotter or colder while you are away, then have it come back to a comfortable temperature before you get back. By shutting off your system when you are out of the house, you can reduce your energy consumption dramatically.

Of course, the old standby tips of opening windows in the summer and putting on an extra layer in the winter still hold true and can help you reduce your energy costs even further. It's all about striking a balance between comfort and affordability to find what works best for you.

Read the full article at www.veritasinsurance.com