Drafty windows. Leaky faucets. Dirty air filters.

All are common issues in homes across the country, and they’re not just annoying—they also cost you money in decreased energy efficiency and higher bills.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program estimates that homeowners can save 5% to 30% on annual energy costs by incorporating technologies to make their homes operate more efficiently. Think that’s not a big deal? Based on typical energy costs, it could mean savings ranging from $105 to $627, according to Energy Star.

That sounds pretty good to us. And even if you’re not the handiest person when it comes to home maintenance, checking your energy efficiency is something you can easily do yourself. (Although if you want to get the biggest bang for your buck, Energy Star recommends a professional home-energy audit.)

Just follow the tips below—you’ll see where your home loses energy, how efficient your heating and cooling systems are, and ways you can decrease your electricity use.

First, just for reference, here’s how the average energy bill breaks down:
• Heating: 29%
• Electronics: 21%
• Water heating: 13%
• Cooling: 13%
• Appliances: 12%
• Light: 12%

Where’s the air?

Air commonly leaks from homes through gaps around baseboards, electrical outlets and windows or doors—if you feel like you’re running the heat all the time to no avail, that warm air might be escaping. Stopping these drafts can save up to 30 percent of your yearly energy costs (it will keep the cool air inside during the summer, too). Be sure to check your home’s exterior as well, paying particular attention to areas where two different building materials meet. When you find leaks, seal them with caulk or weather stripping.

Don’t wait to insulate

Check to see if you have enough insulation in your ceiling and walls. The attic door or hatch should be insulated and close tightly. For walls, make a small hole in a closet or other inconspicuous place and probe into the wall with a screwdriver—if the area isn’t completely filled with insulation, you’re probably losing heat in the winter and cool air in the summer.
Check your furnace and AC systems Heating and cooling systems that work correctly and efficiently can save you frustration as well as money. Make sure ducts and pipes are insulated properly, and have your equipment checked and cleaned by a professional each year. Filters for forced-air furnaces should be replaced as soon as they are dirty, or every 30 to 60 days.

Let there be (efficient) light

More than half of the light sockets in the U.S. still contain an inefficient bulb, according to Energy Star—and the average home has about 70 sockets! LED bulbs use 90% energy versus regular bulbs, and they last a lot longer, too. Many will still be going after 20 years.

See how your home stacks up

Energy Star also offers a Home Energy Yardstick that allows you to compare your home’s efficiency to similar homes across the country and get advice on how to improve. It takes just five minutes. Learn more here.

Anyone can take steps to save energy—whether you’re a hardcore do-it-yourselfer or someone simply tired of sending a big check to the power company every month. Just don’t forget what might be the most important thing of all after you finish your audit and make your home more efficient: Deciding how to spend the money you’ll save!

If you have questions about insurance coverage or need help with a claim, we here at Hummel and Plum Insurance Agency are happy to help. Call us at 740-477-3311.

With all kinds of different coverages for all kinds of different needs, insurance can be very confusing. And to make it even more challenging, at times it probably seems like insurance websites and policy documents are written in a completely foreign language.

Of course, that’s why we recommend working with an independent agent—someone who is on your side during the process and who can explain everything you need to know.

Even if you do work with a Hummel and Plum independent agent, however, it’s good to have a little basic knowledge about insurance. Below are definitions for some common terms that will help you understand your coverage a little better.

General insurance terms

• Actual cash value: This type of coverage pays according to what an item was worth at the time it was damaged—it takes depreciation and wear and tear into account. For example, if you could have sold your couch for about $200 just before it was damaged, that’s the actual cash value, even if a similar new couch would cost $1,000.
• Actual replacement cost: This pays the amount it would cost to replace a damaged item with a new one (such as the $1,000 couch above). It does not factor in depreciation or wear and tear.
• Adjuster: A person who works for an insurance company to evaluate losses and settle claims.
• Additional insured: Someone who is not the policyholder, but is still covered by an insurance policy.
• Declarations page: This is what creates a contract between you and the insurance company. It describes who owns the policy, what property is covered and for how much, etc.
• Deductible: The amount you agree to pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. For example, if the cost to fix your car is $2,000, but your deductible is $1,000, you would pay $1,000 of the total cost. Typically, a higher deductible means a lower premium.
• Endorsement: This is a change to your insurance policy’s coverage, usually made through a special form.
• Exclusion: Something specifically listed in your policy that is not covered by the policy.
• Liability: Your responsibility for injuries or damage to other people or property. You purchase insurance to protect against liability and other risks.
• Loss of use: When damage from an accident or other cause prevents someone from being able to live in their home or drive their car.
• Med Pay (medical payments): This pays for medical expenses for those covered by your policy in the event of an auto accident, regardless of fault. It also covers medical expenses for guests if they are injured on your property, but unless it is a car accident, it usually does not cover injuries someone suffers on their own property.
• Premium: The amount you pay for an insurance policy.
• Subrogation: When an insurance company pays a claim, and then seeks damages from a third party who was responsible for causing the damage or loss. For example, your insurance company might pay for your car to be fixed even though an accident wasn’t your fault—and then pursue reimbursement from the person who was at fault.
• Term: The period of time your insurance policy is in effect, usually six or 12 months.
• Umbrella: A policy that provides additional liability coverage. It kicks in after your other insurance policies have reached their coverage limits.
• Underwriting: The evaluation process insurance companies use to determine if they will provide coverage to a customer.

Auto insurance terms

• Aftermarket parts: Vehicle parts made by a different company than the one that manufactured those originally included with the vehicle.
• Bodily injury coverage: Covers expenses for physical injuries, such as hospital bills or medical care.
• Collision coverage: This pays for damage to a vehicle caused by you or someone else covered by your policy.
• Comprehensive coverage: If your vehicle is damaged by something you could not control, such as fire or a tree falling, comprehensive coverage applies.
• PIP (personal injury protection): This pays medical expenses for a policyholder or additional insured, and their passengers, if they are hurt in an auto accident, regardless of fault.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UIM): Pays for your damages and expenses if another driver is at fault in an accident but does not have enough insurance to cover your costs.

Homeowners insurance terms

• Additional living expenses: Coverage for expenses above your usual living expenses, such as if you have to stay in a hotel because you can’t live in your damaged home.
• Catastrophe: A disaster, such as a hurricane or tornado, that impacts a specific area and results in significant damage.
• Flood insurance: Typically, standard homeowners policies do not provide coverage for flooding—it must be purchased separately.
• Home contents: These are the things inside your house that aren’t fixed to the structure, such as your furniture, appliances, etc.
• Peril: A specifically defined risk, such as hail, flooding, wind, etc.
• Scheduled personal property: Separate coverage for high-value items, such as expensive jewelry, that exceed the limits of your policy or are otherwise excluded.

If something isn’t clear when you’re buying or considering insurance, don’t be afraid to ask questions! Your independent agent is there to help you get the coverage you need—and make sure you understand it, too.

If you have questions about insurance coverage or need help with a claim, we here at Hummel and Plum Insurance Agency are happy to help. Call us at 740-477-3311.

Photo by RODNAE Productions

Even if you’re a good driver, you might be costing yourself extra money every time you get behind the wheel in Circleville, Ashville or Chillicothe. How? By doing things that can increase wear and tear on your car — even things that seem perfectly normal.

You may not even realize you’re doing them (most habits are unconscious behaviors), but these driving behaviors may be at least partially to blame for your frequent repair shop visits. So, help keep your car in better shape by asking yourself a few questions about your driving:

1. Is my gas light always on? Regularly driving on a nearly empty tank can increase wear on your car’s fuel pump. It’s best to keep your fuel level at a quarter-tank or above.

2. Do I shift too quickly? Shifting your car into drive while you’re still rolling backward is one sure way to increase stress on your car’s transmission. Always stop before shifting.

3. Am I always on the brakes? Maybe you aren’t leaving enough following distance between you and other cars. And, when you’re going down a steep grade, consider shifting into a lower gear. That can help you slow down more naturally, without putting unnecessary wear on your brakes.

4. Is my car usually packed with stuff? Additional weight means additional stress on many different parts of your car, including your transmission, your brakes and your suspension. So, unless you really need it, don’t pack it.

5. Do I have a lead foot? Putting your foot to the floor might be exhilarating for you, but it’s not so great for your car — especially if it’s still cold and oil hasn’t reached all the different parts of the engine yet. It can wear out your tires more quickly, as well.

If these behaviors fit your driving patterns to a T, it’s time to form new habits behind the wheel. Ones that won’t take a toll on both your car and your bank account over time. And, that’s something both you and your vehicle can be happy about!

If you have questions about insurance coverage or need help with a claim, we here at Hummel and Plum Insurance Agency are happy to help. Call us at 740-477-3311.

Image by Bertsz

With spring in full bloom and summer just on the horizon, prime boating season is upon us. And you might notice more people on the water than ever, because sales of recreational boats have been growing at a steady clip for seven consecutive years now, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association.

Fortunately, the number of boating accidents isn’t growing at the same pace—in fact, they are decreasing. In 2017, the most recent year for which statistics are available, accidents were down nearly 4% versus 2016; fatalities dropped by more than 6%, and injuries by over 9%.

That’s great news, but in order to make sure those numbers keep moving in the right direction, boaters need to keep making safety a priority. We’re here to help: Just in time for National Safe Boating Week May 18-24, we’ve compiled some tips for anyone who’s about to climb aboard.

Choose the right types (and sizes) of life jackets—and make sure everyone wears them.

There are different types of life jackets for various activities, such as vest-type jackets for calm, inland waters, offshore jackets with additional buoyancy designed for rougher water, and even some made for waterskiing, kayaking, etc. Think about what you’ll be doing, where you’ll be headed, and who will be with you, so you have the ones you need. (Click here for a great guide.)

Each individual on board (even pets) should have a life jacket that fits properly, and most important, they should wear it at all times—there probably won’t be time to throw one on when something bad happens unexpectedly. According to the Coast Guard, in most cases of boating-related drowning, life jackets were on board but they weren’t worn by victims.

Make sure you have other key safety equipment on board.

There are plenty of other items you should have (or consider having) on your boat to increase safety. Fire extinguishers are required on most boats, even small vessels, so make sure you have the right type and that you know how to use it. If you have an enclosed area on your boat, you should install a carbon-monoxide detector.

Cell phones don’t always work well when you’re out on the water, so a VHF radio can ensure you’re able to call for help—it might be a good idea to get an emergency position-indicating radio beacon in case you get lost, too. And finally, you should always carry an anchor and signal lights, even if you aren’t planning on being out at night.

Use common sense, both before and after you launch the boat.

Keeping your boat’s systems and equipment (including safety gear, of course) in good shape is the first step to preventing problems, so put in the time to perform inspections and maintenance tasks as needed. Then, before any trip, no matter how quick, check the weather. Look for wind and small-craft advisories in particular.

When you hit the water, the fun can begin! But keep in mind that a quiet, enjoyable day can change in just an instant, too. So don’t speed. Don’t drink or allow excessive distractions. Remember that there are other people out there too, and that when everybody does their part, boating is a lot more fun—and a lot safer—for us all.

If you have questions about insurance coverage or need help with a claim, we here at Hummel and Plum Insurance Agency are happy to help. Call us at 740-477-3311.

Image by pasja1000

Clean Your Way to a Longer-Lasting Car

Motor vehicle corrosion is a billion-dollar problem in the United States, according to the Federal Highway Administration. And, no wonder. Road salt, tree sap, mud, pollution and even dead bugs and bird poop all contribute to a year-round assault on your vehicle here in Circleville, Ashville or Chillicothe, potentially leading to serious damage and pre-mature aging.

Safety is also an issue. Grime across your windshield and windows restricts visibility in all directions, and even a light coating of dust or pollen can impair your vision, especially at night or when driving into the sun’s glare.

That’s why we here at Hummel and Plum Insurance Agency encourage you to visit your local car wash regularly. Washing your car removes dirt, residues and pollutants that degrade your paint finish and corrode the underlying metal. It’s like anti-aging cosmetics for your automobile!

But, is handwashing at home or visiting a commercial car wash your best bet? While both lead to a clean vehicle, you’ll cut your water usage in half by going to a commercial facility and help keep toxins and soap away from street drains, which can lead to local waterways. As a bonus, some commercial facilities recycle their water.

No matter which method you choose, these five tips will help you get the most out of your car-cleaning routine:

1. Wash often. The longer tree sap, dead bugs and other gunk sit atop your paint, the more damage they can cause.

2. Avoid abrasive soaps, cloths and sponges that can grind dirt deeper into your paint finish.

3. Wash the undercarriage thoroughly to help prevent rust, especially after driving on road salt in the winter.

4. Don’t forget the headlights. When you’re driving at night, in the rain or through an unfamiliar neighborhood, you want every lumen of illumination you can muster.

5. Consider eco-friendly car soaps, such as biodegradable or waterless products, to help lighten the environmental impact of washing your car more often.

And, when you’re all done? Finish up with a good waxing to give your car extra protection and shine.

If you have questions about insurance coverage or need help with a claim, we here at Hummel and Plum Insurance Agency are happy to help. Call us at 740-477-3311.

Image by Sasin Tipchai

It seems like the power always goes out in Circleville, Ashville or Chillicothe when it’s either way too hot or way too cold – talk about inconvenient. Also, inconvenient? Not knowing whether your food is safe to eat during and after an outage.

Obviously you want to err on the side of caution here. And, since you shouldn’t taste food to help determine whether it’s safe (harmful bacteria doesn’t always have a rancid smell or taste), here are some tips from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help you decide what to keep and what to toss once the power’s back on:

1. Throw away meat, poultry and seafood once it’s been above 40 degrees Fahrenheit for more than two hours.

2. Discard milk, sour cream, yogurt and soft cheeses after four hours at 40 degrees or higher. Butter and margarine, as well as hard and processed cheeses, should be OK.

3. Toss mayo, tartar sauce, horseradish and creamy dressings after eight hours at 50-plus degrees. Vinegar-based dressings, along with ketchup, barbecue sauce, peanut butter, etc., are likely fine.

4. Refreeze food that still contains ice crystals, or is still below 40 degrees.

5. Dispose of all food that has come in contact with flood waters or firefighting chemicals. Even if it looks unharmed, it could still be unsafe.

We know it’s frustrating to have to throw out food, so try this simple trick to potentially help preserve it for longer: When the power goes out, keep the fridge and freezer doors tightly shut. The longer you keep them closed, the cooler they stay.

As for the cost of all that spoiled food? Your homeowners’ policy may help, but check in with us here at Hummel and Plum Insurance Agency first. If the value of the damages you claim is less than your deductible, you won’t have any coverage. However, if you have both home damage and spoiled food, filing a claim is the way to go.

Finally, why not prepare for the next Circleville, Ashville or Chillicothe power outage? Having appliance thermometers in your fridge and freezer, as well as picking up a food thermometer, will help eliminate some guesswork. And, maintaining a nonperishable food supply (you’ll need a can opener too) in a safe place – somewhere cool that’s not susceptible to flooding – means you’ll have something to eat no matter what. Be sure to replace items as they expire or get used.

If you have questions about insurance coverage or need help with a claim, we here at Hummel and Plum Insurance Agency are happy to help. Call us at 740-477-3311.

Image by F. Muhammad

From genetically modified crops to the environmental and health effects of pesticides, more and more Circleville, Chillicothe and Ashville residents are questioning whether they should grow what they eat.

Wherever you stand on the issues surrounding today’s food supply, however, there are several good reasons to start your own garden:

• You’ll know exactly where your food was grown, and what went into growing it.
• You and your family can enjoy great-tasting vegetables — better than store-bought, some believe.
• Many people find gardening provides both physical and mental benefits and gives them an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.
• Finally, there’s that sense of satisfaction that comes with eating food that you have grown yourself!

Clearly there are plenty of benefits to gardening. But, how do you get started?

Here are some important tips from the Oregon State University (OSU) Extension Service, which, like similar services around the country, provides helpful community resources on agriculture and other topics.

Pick the Right Site

“Choosing a garden site is as important as selecting the vegetables to grow in it,” according to the OSU Extension website. “All vegetables need sunlight and fertile, well-drained soil, and they will contract fewer diseases if the site has good ventilation.”

Here’s what to consider before marking your garden plot:

• Sunlight. Look for a shade-free site. Vegetables need a minimum of six hours of sunshine a day.
• Soil. How is the natural vegetation? If weeds and grass are healthy on the site, the soil will probably be good for vegetables, too.
• Surroundings. The roots of trees and large shrubs can suck nutrients away from your vegetables.
• Proximity. Make it easy on yourself, with water access nearby. Otherwise, you might be less enthusiastic about caring for your garden.

Choose What to Plant

Check with a local gardening organization or search the Web for what vegetables are best for your specific situation and climate. Here are three factors to keep in mind when you’re getting ready to plant, according to the OSU extension:

• Season. Plant your seeds at the right time to avoid damage from temperatures that are too hot or too cold. Follow the instructions on the seed packet.
• Depth. If you plant your seeds too shallow, they can wash away or dry out, but if they’re too deep, they might not come up at all.
• Spacing. Each plant needs its share of sunlight, nutrients and water. Don’t make them fight for it! Putting seeds too close together usually resul
• ts in smaller vegetables, too.

Water Wisely

The best way to water is by monitoring your garden, rather than simply adhering to a set schedule. Follow guidelines for your specific plants, and avoid these common problems, as noted by the OSU Extension website:

• Frequent, shallow watering. This can promote root development in surface layers of the soil, making plants very susceptible to stress and damage.
• Overwatering. Yes, you can “drown” plants; too much water can leave little to no oxygen in the soil.
• Postponing watering. Check your plants regularly. If they appear to need water, don’t wait.

For more specific advice on gardening in [insert city, state or region], check with the local university extension program. And, don’t worry; you don’t have to be an expert to enjoy homegrown food. You just need to be willing to put in a little time and effort — and get your hands dirty!

If you have questions about insurance coverage or need help with a claim, we here at Hummel and Plum Insurance Agency are happy to help. Call us at 740-477-3311.

Image by AllNikArt

4 Tips to Help Cut Road Trip Costs

There’s no better way to see the country than a road trip, and it’s also the way to travel if you’re looking to keep costs under control. To that end, here are a few ideas to help ensure you have a frugal good time out there on the road.

1. Cut your gas costs. Planning your route in advance will help you estimate your gas costs for the entire trip. Then, when you’re on the road, use the GasBuddy smartphone app to search for the lowest gas prices near you. Of course, you’ll also want to stick to the speed limit and keep your tires properly inflated to help improve your gas mileage.
2. Cut your food costs. Think about picnicking and cooking in rather than eating out. Packing healthy snacks in advance won’t just save you money, it may help save your waistline from the drive-through line, too. You’ll also get to explore the local grocery stores and see the different foods available in different parts of the country. And, don’t forget your reusable water bottle to fill up at water fountains.
3. Cut your lodging costs. Why not book a “room” outdoors? As long as you have room in the car for your camping gear, that is. Oftentimes you can book campsites in advance online. Look for campgrounds with nice facilities, such as showers and even Wi-Fi, and you won’t even sacrifice much in the way of comfort. But, you will save a considerable amount compared to staying in hotels. If the outdoor life just isn’t for you, look for last-minute hotel deals using apps from Hotels.com, Priceline or Orbitz.
4. Cut your entertainment costs. No matter where you’re headed, you can likely find some enticing entertainment options that are either free or low-cost. Check the official tourism websites of the cities and states on your route. Depending on the season, you might come across free concerts, lectures or plays at local parks and libraries. Or, check with museums about free admission days.

Whether you’re planning a long weekend or a couple of weeks on the road, we here at Hummel and Plum Insurance Agency wish you happy travels! Remember, we’re here to handle all of your car insurance needs to help keep you on the go.

If you have questions about insurance coverage or need help with a claim, we here at Hummel and Plum Insurance Agency are happy to help. Call us at 740-477-3311.

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Stop Wasting Energy — and Money — This Winter

Are you tired of high utility bills landing in your mailbox in Circleville, Chillicothe and Ashville? Not sure how to lower those bills without turning your heat way down or taking cold showers?

We at Hummel and Plum Insurance Agency can help.

Nearly 70 percent of the average home’s energy use falls into four main categories, according to EnergyStar.gov: Heating (29 percent), water heating (14 percent), appliances (13 percent) and lighting (12 percent). Here are some quick tips to help you save money in each of those areas and stay comfortable at the same time:

Heating

• Use (or install) a programmable thermostat. Running the heat all day when you are at work is a waste, but keeping it off all day means you’re coming home to a freezing house. Today’s thermostats allow you to easily manage when the heat goes on and off.
• Have a professional check your heating and cooling equipment to make sure it’s running efficiently. Also replace air filters regularly — whenever it looks dirty, or every 3 months, whichever is sooner.

Water heating

• In addition to lowering your thermostat to about 120 degrees (F), adding insulation to an older water heater or the pipes themselves can keep water warmer longer.

Appliances

• Wait to run your dishwasher until it is full; a half-load uses the same amount of water and energy as a full one.
• When you’re using the stove, choose the right burner for your pots and pans. Using a big burner for a small pot can waste a lot of energy.
• Keep your washing machine set to use cold water, whenever possible. And don’t forget to clean that lint trap in the dryer.

Lighting

• Using compact fluorescent bulbs is an excellent idea, particularly for lights you use all the time, like above your porch or in your kitchen.
• Replace your old decorative lights with new, energy-efficient models. Not only will they save electricity, they’ll last longer.

It’s not hard to get started with saving energy. Once you do, and you see those bills get lower and lower, you’ll want to keep going. Check out EnergyStar.gov for more tips and information.

If you have questions about insurance coverage or need help with a claim, we here at Hummel and Plum Insurance Agency are happy to help. Call us at 740-477-3311.

Quick, easy, inexpensive – whoever thought those adjectives could apply to home improvement projects in Circleville, Ashville, Mt. Sterling or Chillicothe? But, they can!

To spruce up your home on a budget, check out these five ideas for projects that yield maximum results with minimal effort and cost:

1. Paint: All you need is a can of paint to make big changes. Completely transform the mood of a room, or turn your front door into the main attraction of your porch. You can even paint a tile backsplash or turn worn vinyl flooring into something that resembles stone.

2. Lighting: If you have lamps, you don’t necessarily need new ones — simply changing lamp shades is a great way to update a room. You also can install new overhead lighting, such as a pendant lamp, or add inexpensive LED strips underneath your kitchen cabinets. Finally, dimmer switches can cast a whole new glow on your lighting options.

3. Furniture: You don’t need to buy new furniture to have “new” furniture. A slipcover or new upholstery can refresh a tired couch or chair. Or, if you like your pieces the way they are, why not rearrange them? That won’t cost you anything at all.

4. Don’t forget the hardware: Do your cabinet pulls and handles look dated or worn? Replacing them will make a bigger difference than you might think. And, while you can buy new ones at a local home improvement or department store, check online auction sites or local “freecycle” groups for other interesting options. A new faucet for your bathroom or kitchen is another great update that won’t break your budget.

5. Take a look outside: Spruce up your porch and create an inviting atmosphere with container plants, which are easy to swap out. A new welcome mat, door-knocker or house numbers could further lend an entirely new feel to your curb appeal.

Your options are limitless, and some are even easier than you think. One of the easiest fixes of all? Clearing up clutter around the house. It might not be as much fun as these other projects, but you’ll be just as happy with the results!

If you have questions about insurance coverage or need help with a claim, we here at Hummel and Plum Insurance Agency are happy to help. Call us at 740-477-3311.