Everything You Need to Know About Distracted Driving in Alberta [2019]

Posted on: February 12, 2019 by Admin

Distracted Driving in Alberta

There’s no denying it – the laws governing distracted driving in Alberta are here to stay – and for good reason. This bad habit causes millions of collisions every year in North America, and many of those are unfortunately fatal.Drivers of many types of vehicles on rural and urban roads can be fined for distracted driving: cars, trucks, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, truck tractors, farm vehicles, and bicycles.

What is Distracted Driving in Alberta?

In Alberta, distracted driving includes the following activities:

talking on hand-held cell phones
texting or e-mailing
playing video games
writing, drawing or painting
personal grooming
entering information on to a GPS system
referencing, adjusting or looking at any electronic devices like laptops, tablets or mp3 players
reading printed materials
having your vision of the road compromised by a pet
being distracted by a pet in the front seat, on the driver’s lap, or in the vehicle

Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act

Alberta’s Ministry of Transportation’s Traffic Safety Act is Alberta’s source for distracted driving regulations.

Lesser-Known Instances of Distracted Driving

Reading a quick text message while waiting for your chai tea latte?

A fast catch-up on e-mailing, even when stopped at a red light?

While some may feel there is some ambiguity around distracted driving while in a drive-thru or while stopped at a red light, the truth of the matter is that it both situations are indeed included and could lead to a distracted driving charge.

Permitted Activities While Driving

While the activities outlined above constitute distracted driving, there are a number of activities that are permitted while driving, to the extent that they do not compromise the driver’s ability to focus on the road.

These interesting exceptions include:

drinking a coffee or other beverage
eating a granola bar or other snack
making a call using a voice-activated feature on a phone in hands free mode
smoking a cigarette
listening to music with earphones
making an emergency phone call to 9-1-1

For a complete list of activities permitted while driving, see FAQ Sheet here.

Startling Facts About Distracted Driving

Reading a text message while driving distracts a driver for a minimum of five seconds each time. This means that the chances of an accident occurring while reading a text is extremely high.
It takes an average of three seconds after a driver’s mind is taken off the road for any road accident to occur. This is the bare minimum amount of time it takes, and it is surprisingly small. Three seconds is the time it takes to turn your ignition when starting your car.
Each year, over 330,000 accidents caused by texting while driving lead to severe injuries. This means that over 78 per cent of all distracted drivers are distracted because they have been texting while driving.
Texting and driving is six times more likely to get you in an accident than drunk driving. That’s right, it is actually safer for someone to get wasted and get behind the wheel than to text and do it.
Every day, 11 teenagers die because they were texting while driving.
94 per cent of teenagers understand the consequences of texting and driving, but 35 per cent of them admitted that they do it anyway.

What are the Penalties for Distracted Driving in Alberta?

The penalties for distracted driving may and could include:

Steep Fines – offenders may receive either one or two tickets, with fines starting at $287
Demerit Points – offenders may receive either one or two tickets, and 3 to 6 demerit points
Missed Events – drivers pulled over for distracted driving may be late or miss important events
Injury or Fatality – distracted driving continues to result in an astonishing number of injuries and fatalities
Jail Time – should a driver who is found to be distracted end up injuring or killing another individual, they may face incarceration
Lifelong Guilt and Shame – an individual who finds themselves in a collision due to distracted driving causing injury or death may deal with serious emotional issues

What is the Fine for Distracted Driving in Alberta?

Individuals charged with distracted driving in Alberta will be handed a pricy penalty; that is, a whopping $287 fine.

In the case that the police officer laying the charges finds the driver to have been exhibiting an even more serious threat or risk, they may also fine the driver an additional $402 for Driving Carelessly.

Demerit Points for Distracted Driving in Alberta

Drivers who are found to be driving distracted will have 3 demerit points put on to their record.

Individuals charged with Driving Carelessly will receive 6 demerit points.

Car Insurance for New Drivers

Sadler Insurance is an Edmonton-based auto insurance broker, proudly providing auto insurance for drivers throughout Alberta. For a quote on car insurance for new drivers, request a quote today!

Tenant Insurance: An Expert’s Answers to 10 of the Most Popular Questions

Posted on: January 16, 2019 by Admin

Tenant Insurance in Alberta

Often called tenant insurance, renters insurance or apartment insurance, this insurance policy is undoubtedly one that is lesser-known types of coverage we offer, yet incredibly essential to those renting their place of residence.

1. What is Renter’s Insurance?

Renter’s Insurance is a type of insurance coverage that protects individuals living in rental units; whether that is an apartment, condo or home. Most commonly, this coverage is purchased by university or college students, young professionals, or simply those who prefer renting to owning. Tenant insurance, in layman’s terms, is essentially home insurance for renters.

2. Is Renter’s Insurance Necessary in Alberta?

A frequently asked question is whether or not Renter’s Insurance really is necessary. While apartment insurance is not legally mandated or required in Alberta, the property owner or landlord may choose to require that you purchase a tenant insurance policy before they will approve your application.

3. What is the Biggest Misconception about Tenant Insurance?

Sadly, the most common misconception about tenant insurance is that the landlord’s insurance policy would cover the cost to replace your personal belongings if they were to be stolen, damaged or destroyed.

4. What are the Advantages of Renter’s Insurance?

Renter’s Insurance boasts a wide range of important benefits, including:

Compensation for any additional living expenses incurred while displaced from your home
Replacement of your personal property
Affordable for any budget
Personal peace of mind

5. How Much is Tenant Insurance? (Tenant Insurance Cost)

The cost of renters insurance pales in comparison to the amount of benefit it can provide should you ever have to make a claim. Apartment insurance is one of the most affordable policies we offer and often costs as low as $25/month, although the price of each policy will vary based on a number of factors.

6. What does Renter’s Insurance Protect Against?

Apartment Insurance protects against a number of conditions for all risk of loss or damage, subject to exclusions. These include, but are not limited to:

Theft
Lightning
Wind
Hail
Water
Explosion
Fire

7. Why do I Need Renter’s Insurance?

Imagine you’ve just started to fill the bath tub and turn around to grab your adorable little puppy when all of a sudden, he’s nowhere to be found!

After searching high and low, you realize the door to your apartment has swung open and he’s wandered out in to the hall.

In a panic, you start searching high and low, knocking on doors to see if anyone has seen little Tucker, and running up and down the stairwells shouting your dog’s name.

Of course, your priority immediately becomes finding your little puppy and bringing him back home safe; and you’ve completely forgotten that the bath tub stopper is in, and the water is running.

Water begins to overflow and flood not only your unit, but starts to seep down through the flooring into the unit below you.

Before you know it, the water spot on your neighbour’s bathroom ceiling is growing and beginning to drip through their vent into their bathroom.

Although it may be shocking, you now hold the legal personal liability for the damage to not only your rental unit, but to the unit you have accidentally damaged, as well as any other damage to the building.

Regardless of the scenario; if you accidentally leave a candle burning and it starts a fire, or leave your window open on a frigid winter day and freeze the pipes in the apartment building; if you don’t have a renter’s insurance policy, you will be held personally liable.

8. What does Tenant’s Insurance Cover?

Renter’s Insurance covers a wide range of valuables that you most likely own, including:

Clothes including expensive purses or jackets
Textbooks that can quickly add up to hundreds of dollars
Electronics like digital cameras, headphones, iPhones, iPads and laptops
Kitchen tools and appliances including premium blenders, food processors and juicers
Musical instruments like guitars or violins
Bicycles, snowboards or skateboards

9. What are some Renter’s Insurance Tips?

The most important tip for tenant insurance is simply to ensure that the high-ticket items you own are disclosed to your insurance agent in the quoting process.

If the correct value for your belongings isn’t included in the quote, you may risk a compromised replacement cost in the case that you do need to file a claim.

10. How to Get Renter’s Insurance?

Getting covered with renter’s insurance is a quick and easy process. Simply get in touch with one of our experienced insurance agents over the phone or through our Request a Quote form listed below.

Get Your Tenant Insurance Quote Today

Sadler Insurance has been providing reliable, affordable insurance to Edmontonians and Albertans for over 80 years. We are proud to have been chosen as your insurance company of choice, Edmonton!

Learn more about tenant insurance or connect with our team to get your quick and easy tenant insurance quote today!

5 Absolutely Incredible Travel Destinations for 2019

Posted on: December 27, 2018 by Admin

1. Naxos, Greece

This undiscovered Greek island gem boasts beautiful, clear cyan blue waters, small town charm, and a rich history – all with a much lower price tag than many of it’s more popular counterparts. A quick ferry ride from Paros, it’s sister island, Naxos if the perfect Greek island to discover for families and honeymooners. Rent an ATV and spend your day open air cruising along the coast while popping into pool and beach bars as you go. At night, enjoy a romantic walk along the main street and marina or people watch while indulging in gelato in the Old Town.

2. Sorrento, Italy

Lesser-known Amalfi Coast addition, Sorrento, packs an incredible Italian punch without the crowds. Located just west of Positano, on the northern edge, travel bugs can revel in all of Italy’s glory in this seaside town. Snack on local lemon slushy sweet treat, a granita, and lounge in the sweet Italian sun at one of the town’s ocean-side beach clubs. At night, sip on an Aperol Spritz at one of the many charming outdoor restaurants.

3. Copenhagen, Denmark

Experience Scandinavia in Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen. Widely known for it’s foodie culture, minimalist style and bicycle-first city structure, Copenhagen is an untapped and incredibly interesting travel destination for 2019. Take the high speed train across the water to Sweden in 1 hour, and tell all of your friends you visited two European countries in one day.

4. Marrakesh, Morocco

This up and coming destination, located in Northern Africa, has become somewhat of a hot spot for world travellers in the past number of years, and for good reason. With a mix of old and new, Marrakesh offers both the modern, updated shopping streets of “New City” yet manages to robustly contrast this glitz and glamour with the preserved, authentic “Old City”, just a few blocks away. If you dare, venture into the food stalls in the main square to sample foreign delicacies, or try your hand at bartering with a local vendor in the winding, open air shops called the ‘souks’.

5. Singapore

Sip swanky cocktails in a rooftop infinity pool as you watch the sun set over this Asian metropolis. Owing it’s recent skyrocketing fame to the film, Crazy Rich Asians, Singapore has no shortage of exciting activities to offer. Adventure out on a night safari, take in some the destination’s botanical gardens, or soak in the city’s unique skyline on the Singapore Flyer; Asia’s answer to the UK’s famed London Eye.

As you plan your travel for 2019, keep in mind that any exciting trip can soon leave you reeling if you risk adventuring without travel insurance. Get in touch with our knowledgeable team to learn more about protecting yourself while you travel with a travel insurance policy today.

You May Also Enjoy These Exciting Travel Tips

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4 Fascinating Myths About Travel Insurance That Simply Aren’t True

7 Healthy Holiday Appetizers You Need to Make ASAP

Posted on: December 19, 2018 by Admin

Healthy Holiday Appetizers To Lighten Up Your Holidays

Christmas may often become a time when our waistlines endure a little stretching, but with a bit of planning, intentionality, and these delicious and healthy holiday appetizers, you’ll be able to enjoy a happy, healthy holiday season.

When entertaining, or visiting those closest to you during this festive time, try to stay on track by following these helpful tips.

1. Ciao, Bruschetta

If you’re able to find some ripe, juicy tomatoes in the middle of winter, you’re well on your way to creating a delicious, nutritious holiday snack. Chop tomatoes, drizzle with heart-healthy olive oil, minced garlic, aromatic basil and serve over thinly sliced baguette rounds. Try opting for a whole-wheat baguette for added fibre, or spreading the toast round with goat cheese and drizzling with balsamic glaze for an extra flavour punch.

This healthy holiday appetizer will serve up a healthy dose of lycopene thanks to the tomatoes, and fill your belly with healthy vegetables, too.

2. Guacamole with Crudite

It’s no secret that avocados have really grown in popularity over the past few years, and for good reason. This green gem is loaded with potassium, healthy fats, and fibre, which will fill you up – the right way – so that you have less room to overindulge on sweets. Whip up a simple and easy batch of guacamole and serve in a beautiful bowl, with a side of freshly sliced vegetables to dip.

3. Lean and Mean Meatballs

Lighten up festive holiday meatballs by swapping out regular ground beef for it’s leaner counterparts; either chicken or turkey. Meatballs provide a good source of protein, and ensuring you use chicken or beef will reduce the amount of fat in each tasty treat. Try to sweeten the sauce using a reduced amount of sweetener, and opt for honey or maple syrup over white sugar.

4. Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Yes. We just said bacon. While these divine little indulgences may seem counterintuitive, dates are actually packed with fibre, among many other health benefits. Slice pitted dates down the middle, add a spoonful of goat cheese, then wrap each packet in one third of a slice of bacon. Secure with a toothpick, and bake on a cookie tray at 350 F until the dates have softened. These delicious treats incorporate whole foods and provide both fibre and a touch of protein from the goat cheese – much better than many alternatives.

5. Carrot Fries

Peel and slice carrots, season with cumin, salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil. Roast the sticks until tender and serve with a nutritious dip like tzaziki.

6. Buffalo Chicken Celery Boats

Simply pick up a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store, pull chicken from bones, and toss with hot sauce in a bowl. Slice and trim celery sticks, fill with spicy chicken mix and drizzle with blue cheese dressing or crumbles of blue cheese.

7. Corn and Bean Salsa

Dice a few bell peppers and an avocado, and rinse and drain a can of black beans and corn and toss them together. Season with the juice of a lime, salt, and a spoonful of juice from a jar of banana peppers. Serve with baked tortilla chips for dipping.

Enjoy a ‘lightened up’ holiday spread this year by incorporating some of these delicious healthy holiday appetizer ideas today!

Taking care of your health is an important piece of enjoying a long, happy life. Ensuring you are covered with life insurance allows you to live worry-free that if anything were to happen, your loved ones will be covered financially.

Learn more about life insurance coverage, or speak with one of our experienced team members today about getting protected.

More Tips for a Healthy Lifestyle

5 Thoughtful Tips for a Stress Free Holiday Season

5 Harmful Habits You Need to Stop Today

5 Outstanding Tips for a Stress Free Holiday Season

Posted on: November 28, 2018 by Admin

Christmas, and the holiday season in general, can be a time of tremendous stress for many. Avoid the overwhelm by planning ahead and keeping these helpful tips for a stress free holiday season in mind.

1. Follow in Granny’s Footsteps

Remember the good old days when people, like Granny, paid with… cash?

Overspending is one of the holiday season’s major contributors in causing financial stress.

This year, leave your plastic at home and pay in cash.

If you’re married, start by sitting down with your partner or setting time aside alone to create a Christmas budget – and stick to it!

Get envelopes together with each person’s name on it, and fill the envelope with the right amount of cash. When it’s gone, the shopping spree ends.

By having a clear and concise plan for Christmas spending, and avoiding access to imaginary unlimited amounts of money available on credit cards, you’ll ease the financial stress inherent with uncontrolled spending.

2. We’re Gonna Wrap Around The Clock Tonight

Bill Haley might have been on to something.

This year, instead of being consumed by the shopping frenzy, and then engulfed in a pile of last minute wrapping projects, take the time to wrap each gift you purchase as you purchase them.

By tucking into the storage box full of wrapping supplies early, you’ll also be able to purchase staples like clear tape or ribbons as you go instead of having those added to the already long list later on.

3. Eat The (Christmas) Frog

Any fan of self help books will be familiar with Brian Tracy’s famous phrase – eat the frog – which encourages the largest, toughest tasks to be tackled first.

The top-to-bottom list of cleaning tasks required to get your home in host-worthy condition can often become a major stressor when combined with all the other demands of the holiday season.

Tackle the deeper cleaning tasks like wiping down the baseboards or cleaning the inside of your oven as early on as possible, and don’t be afraid to enlist the help of your family!

4. Choose Empathy

It’s easy to let expectations run high around the holiday season and allowing this mindset to take root can often lead to disappointments and extra stress.

Hoping for the perfect gift from that special someone?

Praying Aunt Ethel won’t hit any nerves with awkward topics and intrusive questions at the dinner table?

It’s easy for extra family time around the holidays to become stressful but by choosing to approach any disappointments with empathy, you won’t only make for a more peaceful party but a less stressful experience for yourself.

Try to understand their point of view, circumstances or reasoning behind their actions and instead of scoffing at them and allowing yourself to become upset, choose to let it go.

5. A Card Counts

Getting caught up in trying to make everyone in your life feel considered and appreciated during the holiday season can become consuming.

Release the expectations that you may put on yourself of having to give a gift to everyone who matters in your life.

By writing a present purchasing list that includes everyone from the milk man to your dentist, you’re setting yourself, and your wallet, up for disaster.

Decide to write out a thoughtful and personalized card for individuals in your life that you’d like to include, and if you have the time, consider a batch of home baked Christmas cookies instead of a gift, to show you care.

Do you have any go-to tips that you follow around Christmas to create a stress free holiday season for you and your family?

More Interesting Holiday Tips

The 3 Christmas Gifts You Really Ought To Insure

Stop Doing These 5 Things For a Healthier New Year

6 Things You Need To Know About Demerit Points in Alberta

Posted on: November 22, 2018 by Admin

Demerit points in Alberta are incurred on your driving record when you are convicted of a traffic offence. The following 4 important facts about demerit points in Alberta will help you better understand the regulations and consequences involved with receiving demerit points.

1. This chart listing Demerit Points in Alberta

As this demerits point chart shows, demerits range from two (2) to seven (7) points, depending on the seriousness of the offence.

2. How Long do Demerit Points in Alberta Stay on my Record?

Demerit points in Alberta operate on a revolving basis.

For Class 5 drivers, license suspension will occur once 15 demerits have been accumulated over a two (2) year period. At eight (8) demerits, a written notice will be mailed to the driver.

For Class 7 drivers, also known as those with a GDL, license suspension will occur once eight (8) demerits have been accumulated, and a written notice will be mailed at four (4) demerits.

3. How Long Will my License be Suspended?

For Class 5 drivers, the initial license suspension is one (1) month long.

If 15 demerits are accumulated for a second time within a one (1) year period, the license suspension will be three (3) months long.

If 15 demerits are accumulated for a third time within a two (2) year period, the license suspension will be six (6) months long and the driver may be required to stand before the Alberta Transportation Safety Board.

For Class 7/GDL drivers, the same time periods and suspension lengths apply, but they are invoked once the driver accumulates eight (8) demerits, not 15.

4. How Can I Reduce The Number of Demerit Points On My Record?

Many local Edmonton driving schools offer courses directing aimed at reducing demerits; however, not every course offered at Edmonton driving schools is approved, so be sure to check beforehand.

If a driver successfully completes an approved defensive driving course before they have accumulated eight (8) demerit points, they may earn a demerit point reduction of three (3) points.

5. How Can I Check The Number of Demerit Points on my Record?

If you’re wondering how to check demerit points in Alberta, a quick trip to your local Alberta Registry is all it takes. Simply request an updated driver’s abstract, which will cost around $20.

6. How Many Demerit Points Are Given for Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving is no joke. Besides the risk of both injuries and fatalities, distracted driving also comes with a hefty price tag.

Drivers found to be driving distracted in Alberta will be faced with a minimum $287 fine, as well as three (3) demerit points.

Think texting is the only distraction while driving? Think again.

Distracted driving demerit points in Alberta can be handed out for:

Holding, viewing or manipulating a cell phone or other electronic device
Using a GPS system while driving
Reading or viewing any printed material
Writing, printing or sketching
Personal grooming or hygiene

Accumulating too many demerit points can affect your ability to drive, the cost of driving and the cost of insurance. Be street smart by keeping this crash course on demerits in Alberta in mind and keep those roads safe!

If you know a new driver or someone who has already received a number of demerits, share this article with them today!

6 Expert Winter Driving Tips for New Drivers

Posted on: October 25, 2018 by Admin

If there’s anyone in Canada who knows about snowy, icy, roads, it’s Albertans. Each winter, drivers in Edmonton are presented with challenging conditions and when it comes to new and less experienced drivers, a few winter driving tips are sure to help.

1.Three Point Check Before The Winter Months

Ensuring your vehicle is ready for the more challenging snowy and icy driving conditions ahead is a key component of safe winter driving. Be sure to check these 3 things on your vehicle before you hit the road this winter:

Check your vehicle’s wiper blades to ensure they are streak-free and provide an unobstructed view of the road
Have your brakes tested to ensure they provide firm braking capabilities
Check your tire tread to ensure they are in good form. Pro Tip: insert a nickel in the tire tread. If you are able to see the top of the Queen’s crown, the tread is insufficient.

2. Slow And Steady Wins The Race

Expect to experience slower travel speeds, congested roadways and collision delays, especially with first snowfalls. Give yourself extra time to get to your destination.

3. Fuel Up

Rollin’ on empty? Think again. Keeping your gas tank at least half full will prevent gas line freeze-ups.

4. Testing, Testing, 1, 2, 3

Not sure how a recent snow or rainfall has affected driving conditions? Before leaving your block, test your brake’s traction by braking suddenly. This will give you an idea of how your vehicle will handle. Of course, be sure to check that there are no vehicles behind you before suddenly braking.

Remember, accidents raise auto insurance rates so be mindful behind the wheel.

5. Danger Zone

Take note of higher risk driving segments such as highways, deceleration or braking zones (stop lights, steep hills, curves or bends in the road). Bridges are also danger zones as they can ice more quickly than roads due to cold air passing above and below the driving surface.

6. Best Case Scenario

Did you know that the speed limit is actually just that – a limit? Speed limits are simply meant as a guideline for ideal driving conditions. Roads that are compromised by rain, snow, ice or fog are best navigated with a reduced speed, especially the danger zones listed above.

Help make Edmonton’s roads safer this winter by sharing these tips with the new and young drivers in your life. And remember, when it comes to auto insurance in Edmonton, keep your local neighbourhood insurance broker in mind, Sadler Insurance.

Declutter: Five Home Clutter Culprits and How to Fix Them

Posted on: October 15, 2018 by Admin

Living with clutter starts to become the norm the longer you have lived in your home, but have you yearned for the cleanliness and open feel of a decluttered living space? There may be several factors causing your clutter. Today we will discuss the top five home clutter culprits and how to fix them so you can truly enjoy your home.

Culprit: Kitchen Countertops

Over the years of using your kitchen, you start to end up with a lot of things that just pile up on the countertop, like daily use items that are too inconvenient to constantly put away. But never fear, there are several things you can do to fix your kitchen clutter issues. One of the best ways is to invest in some kitchen organization items to maximize the amount of space you can use in your cabinets and drawers. For convenience items you would prefer easily accessible, store them in stylish boxes or baskets to keep them out in the open while looking tidy.

Culprit: Bookcases and Shelves

Bookcases and shelves are great organizational furniture, but over time you can lose control of them. One of the best ways to fix clutter on bookcases and shelves is just to get rid of things you haven’t used in a long time, then sort books and items by size, colour, and type. Place alike items in piles with good spacing between them to give a sense of openness. A nice trick for bookshelves is only use half a shelf for books, and the other half for decorative items. Anything you don’t need on display, place in stylish boxes and store on the top or bottom shelf.

Culprit: Entryways

Entryways in homes can quickly get slogged with daily items such as keys, mail, clothes, boots, backpacks… the list goes on and on. A great way to start fixing this is to get a nice shelf where thing can be placed, and maybe a decorative bowl for your keys. Next, you’ll want to make sure you have hooks easily accessible for coats, a boot rack for any shoes and boots that come off right in the door, and a basket or two for other items like umbrellas. With modern living, having a charging station for mobile devices right at the entryway can be a convenient addition.

Culprit: The Closest

As you buy clothing over time, your closest can start to become a cluttered mess. A great way to solve this is to keep track of items you have worn over the last year or two. If you haven’t worn an item in a while, it may be time to consider donating it. Hanging rods aren’t often the most efficient use of space, so consider boxes, baskets, shelves and drawers. For seasonal items consider storing them in boxes or bags in the higher shelving areas when not in use.

Culprit: The Garage

Garages inevitably end up being the last resting place for a lot of boxes in your home. When decluttering a garage, you need to be realistic and get rid of anything you aren’t likely to use anymore, have a garage sale or donate the items. Once you are down to the essentials, start working on garage organization ideas, like shelves, pegboard systems and labeled storage bins. Hooks on the walls also work great to store things like bikes.

Once you’ve decluttered these five major problem areas, you are well on your way to an open and clean home you can feel more comfortable in.

How to Save Money on Gas in Your Home this Winter

Posted on: September 24, 2018 by Admin

There are many things about your house that affect the cost of your homeowner’s insurance. Some of these include the type of roofing (metal or shingles), building frame, and heating system. You must have heat in all areas of your home because if an item freezes in an unheated area, such as a pipe, your insurance may not cover it.

What Type of Furnace do you Have?

If your furnace is older than 15 years, you should replace it with a new efficient model to offset high energy prices. In addition to saving money, modern furnaces give off less pollution and produce more heat. An Energy Star® certified forced-air furnace is recommended on the Natural Resources Canada website because it uses 6 per cent less energy.

Check your Furnace Temperature in the Winter

According to Stats Canada, you should have a programmable thermostat to optimize the operation of your furnace. The Canadian Centre for Housing Technology did a study to examine the impact of thermostat temperature on gas and electric furnaces.

The following is what the study discovered with respect to gas furnaces:

Using a daytime temperature of 22°C and a nighttime temperature of 18°C resulted in a 6.5 per cent savings.
Setting the temperature to 16°C at night and when the home was unoccupied during the day resulted in a 13 per cent reduction in the amount of gas used.

You can use the above as a benchmark for what you set your temperature to during the winter. When Edmonton goes through it’s common deep freezes you might want to adjust your numbers. There are other things to consider such as the type of home you have, if pipes freezing is a concern, and the needs of people in your home such as babies, small children, and seniors.

Monitor Water Heating Costs

Your water heater consumes quite a bit of energy (14 per cent to 25 per cent). If you don’t have an energy-efficient model you should consider buying one to save money on gas. It’s also recommended that your hot water tank is turned to 49°C to save on energy usage.

Use Your Dishwasher!

Did you know that washing dishes in a newer model dishwasher uses less hot water than if you clean dishes by hand? It might sound crazy because dishwashers spray water continually, but they’re really using less water. Washing dishes by hand uses up to 102 litres of water per load; while an efficient dishwasher can use as little as 11 litres.

So, how does using your dishwasher save money on gas? When you wash dishes by hand the water heater makes the water hot. When you use an energy efficient dishwasher it has a heater inside to warm up the water.

To save money on gas you need to have energy efficient appliances such as your furnace, hot water heater, and dishwasher. With the tips presented here you can save money on gas and still enjoy the winter season in comfort.

Why Do I Need Equipment Breakdown Coverage?

Posted on: August 20, 2018 by Admin

Curious about whether or not you need equipment breakdown coverage? If your equipment isn’t covered and it breaks down, you might find yourself with an unexpected debt. If you’re a small business you can’t afford this kind of surprise.

What Equipment Does Your Business Rely on Daily to Operate?

If you’re a retail shop owner, contractor, skilled tradesperson, web developer, or a professional service provider, your small business probably relies on some type of equipment on a daily basis. Whatever equipment your business needs to operate, you should always ensure that it’s protected under the safety umbrella of your business insurance policy.

Why Doesn’t My Property Insurance Cover the Cost of My Equipment Breakdown?

Your commercial property insurance policy is designed to protect the building you operate your small business out of and the contents inside. A commercial policy can protect a number of possessions from specific losses including furniture, equipment, inventory, computers and electronics.

Additionally, property insurance can protect items outside the building. These can include landscaping, outdoor signs, and fencing. Unfortunately, your policy may not cover you for the sudden, accidental breakdown of your equipment.

Equipment Breakdown Insurance

If you had purchased equipment breakdown insurance in addition to your commercial property insurance you would have been covered for your loss. At one time this coverage was limited to major manufacturers but is now an increasingly important part of a sound small business insurance package.

Equipment Breakdown Insurance for Electronics

Technology: New technology such as computerized and electronic equipment is subject to breaking down frequently and depending on your system can be more expensive to repair than mechanical equipment (such as a welding machine).

The Internet and Marketing: Necessary business practices such as Internet marketing make all businesses (large and small) more dependent on their computer systems.

Critical Business Information: Businesses keep sensitive information about their clients and their business on their computer or on an online management system that can’t be accessed when equipment is down.

Employee Travel: Employees now travel with electronics and many work from home. At one time computers were at one fixed location so now there’s more opportunity for equipment breakdown in different areas of the world.

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