World Business and Finance

With the change in weather, it’s time to winterize your motorcycle. Properly winterizing your bike helps protect it while in storage and helps ensure it will be ready to go in the spring. While you can hire someone to take care of winterizing, it’s pretty easy to do it yourself.  

You’ll need: 

• Cleaning cloths 
• Spark plug wrench 
• Trickle battery charger 

• High quality oil 
• New oil filter 
• Oil can 
• Chain lube (if your bike has a chain drive) 
• Fuel stabilizer 

• WD-40 
• Breathable motorcycle cover 
• Plastic wrap 
• Rubber bands 
• Gloves 

• Cleaning and waxing supplies 
• Rear paddock or main centre stand if your bike doesn’t have one  

Here is the step-by-step process to winterizing your motorcycle: 

1. Place your motorcycle on the main centre stand (or rear paddock stand).  
2. Clean your bike.
   • Don’t spray water in the muffler opening
   • Clean and polish with appropriate metal polishes
   • Clean and lube the chain if your bike

Did you know that broken furnaces contribute to many property insurance claims each year? If your furnace dies or isn’t properly operating in cold weather, your home’s temperature can drop and cause frozen or burst pipes, resulting in damage. Keeping your furnace in good repair can save you money over the long term and protect your home.  

Types of Furnaces in Alberta’s Homes

Most Albertans have forced-air central furnaces heating their homes. These work by heating air and blowing it through ducts throughout the home. Different fuels heat the air, including: 

• Electric – Very efficient, quiet and small furnaces; they’re cheaper to install but the cost of electricity can be higher than other fuels. 
• Natural Gas – The most popular fuel for furnaces in Alberta as natural gas is relatively cheap and plentiful. 
• Propane – A less popular alternative to natural gas. 
• Oil – Found more in rural Alberta; oil

Burst pipes are a nightmare for any homeowner or business owner. Not only can they cause extensive damage, but the cleanup can also be challenging due to cold weather. Most burst pipes are caused by frozen pipes. Here’s how to prevent burst pipes during Alberta’s cold winters. 

1. Ensure pipes are properly insulated.  

Insulation is important for keeping the heat in your home or building. However, even with proper insulation, there can be cold spots inside cabinets or because of a faulty furnace. Ensure your home or building is properly insulated. If this has been done or it’s not possible, you can insulate the pipes themselves by using spray-foam insulation or insulation pipe wrap. Focus on exterior walls and unheated areas (and the pipes adjacent to those unheated areas).  

2. Properly seal any cracks and holes.  

Cracks and holes can let cold air in which can cause pipes to freeze

Who doesn’t love an ugly Christmas sweater? Whether yours is homemade, bought with intention, or found in the back of a closet, these sweaters are a great way to celebrate the holidays. But what happens if that ugly Christmas sweater is stolen or damaged? It all depends on how it’s insured.  

Insuring an Ugly Christmas Sweater Under Property Insurance 

Whether you own or rent a house, condo or apartment, your property insurance includes contents coverage. This covers your personal belongings up to a specified limit if they’re damaged by an insured peril such as fire or theft. If your policy covers you for all risks, make sure you review the exclusions. 

There can be a per item limit ($1,000 to $2,000) and an overall maximum limit for more valuable items. You determine the overall limit when you purchase your tenant’s, condo or home insurance with your broker.  

For example, if