fbpx

Newsletter Fall 2017

Palmetto Connection Newsletter

News and Events for Palmetto First Federal Credit Union Members

7 RULES for a pain-free winter home

What is in store for us this winter? Let’s reflect on last year. Out of 1,500 weather stations across the U.S., Climate Central reported that 84% had a winter that was hotter than normal. This included 47% that had a winter among their 10 warmest on record. So, why bother winterizing your home?

Regardless of whether the prognosticators are predicting unseasonable chills, heavy precipitation or even a mild winter, the cost of heating continues to rise, as does the overall demand for electricity.

Over the past 10 years, residential electricity rates have risen about 20% on average nationally, according to the Energy Information Administration. By 2030, the U.S. demand for electricity is expected to grow by 25%.

Also, have you ever known a meteorologist who gets a forecast wrong? Even if the 2017–18 winter season is a warm one, there’s bound to be a swing or two in the weather pendulum. It’s always better to play it safe. After all, the best prediction is that weather is unpredictable.

1. CHANGE YOUR FURNACE FILTER – If you have a furnace, you should be changing your filter every 1 to 3 months. Take note that winter is the most demanding time for your furnace filter. Choose a filter with a high Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating and remove to contaminants from the air.

17640 2.INSULATE PIPES AND SEAL LEAKS – The exposed pipes in your crawl space or attic are susceptible to freezing. An electric heat cable kit can be used on metal and plastic water pipes and keep water flowing down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don’t have a plug-in option, use fiberglass pipe wrap insulation. You can also fill in air leaks around dryer vents, pipes and electrical

Here are seven ways you can protect your home this winter.

1. CHANGE YOUR FURNACE FILTER – If you have a furnace, you should be changing your filter every 1 to 3 months. Take note that winter is the most demanding time for your furnace filter. Choose a filter with a high Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating and remove to contaminants from the air.

2.INSULATE PIPES AND SEAL LEAKS – The exposed pipes in your crawl space or attic are susceptible to freezing. An electric heat cable kit can be used on metal and plastic water pipes and keep water flowing down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don’t have a plug-in option, use fiberglass pipe wrap insulation. You can also fill in air leaks around dryer vents, pipes and electrical wiring to keep the cold out. Prevent freezing by using outside faucet covers during the winter.

3. INSULATE DOORS AND WINDOWS – Cracks and openings around doors and windows can account for up to one-third of your home’s overall heating costs. Apply caulk around your doors and windows. Before you start caulking, make sure the area is clean and dry, and remove any old caulking with a utility knife or scraper. Weather stripping is perfect for top and bottom of window sashes and within door frames.

4. INSULATE THE ATTIC STAIRS – A major source for heat loss in most homes is the folding stairs to your attic. You can apply self-adhesive foam weather stripping around the perimeter and install an attic stairway insulator. You can even make one yourself using insulated foam board.

5. INSULATE POWER OUTLETS AND LIGHT SWITCHES – A point of cold air entry into your home can be found in your power outlets and light switches. It may seem like a tiny problem, but when you add them all up, you have a pretty substantial leak. You can install foam insulation pads right behind your switch plates and outlet covers to block the cold air out.

6. RUN FANS IN REVERSE – During the summer, counterclockwise rotation of your ceiling fans produces a cool breeze. Flip the switch to run the fan clockwise and you will circulate warm air back into your living space. Not only will you drive warm air down, you’ll drive down your heating costs.

7. TUNE UP YOUR HEATING EQUIPMENT – Your heating and air conditioning equipment should be inspected, cleaned and serviced twice a year. For the efficiency and life span of your equipment, hire a trained technician to lubricate motors, clean out debris, look for leaks, clean coils and fix other areas that could become a larger problem if left unchecked.

If you are ready to invest in a larger project – an energy efficient roof, HVAC, new water heater, an attic air sealing project or an alternative energy source – check for tax credits available to homeowners, then come talk to us. We have the loan to fit your lifestyle. 

Need some extra cash for the holidays?

You may be eligible to skip a loan payment for the holidays! Watch your inbox or our website for details.

FEE CHANGES

Palmetto First has not had any substantial fee changes in over 10 years! However, we occasionally find it necessary to adjust some of our fees to help offset our expenses.

You’ll find that our fees continue to be less than what most other financial institutions are charging. Thank you for understanding the necessity in making these minor adjustments to help keep your credit union strong and able to serve you.

FEE TYPE                                                                    NEW FEE

Early Closure-Closed within 90 days of open        $25.00

Overdraft/NSF                                                             $30.00

Return Deposit Item (RDI)                                         $20.00

RDI when member is the maker                              $30.00

Stop Pay Fee                                                                $20.00

Stop Pay in Series                                                       $20.00

Stop Pay if Funds Unavailable                                 $30.00

Counter Checks                                                           $2.00

FEE TYPE                                                                     NEW FEE

Wire Transfer                                                               $20.00

Return Wire                                                                  $10.00

Debit Card                                                                    $10.00

PIN Reminder                                                               $5.00

Tax Levy                                                                        $50.00

Bad Address                                                                  $5.00

Excessive Withdrawals                                               $4 free per month then $5.00

IRA Withdraw                                                               3 free per year then $10.00

1-time ACH                                                                    $10.00

Cheer isn’t the only thing Santa’s got…and he wants to help you pay for your shopping!

Every Friday during the holiday season, Santa will pick one purchase from one Palmetto First member and pay a transaction from their Palmetto First debit card!

Promotion runs November 24, 2017 – December 22, 2017. Members and transactions will be chosen at random. Some exclusions may apply. See credit union for details.

“The friendly staff has met all of my financial goals! Why would I go anywhere else?”

– Andy Thompson, retired postal worker and member for 35 years

In Sympathy 

The Board and Staff of Palmetto First Federal Credit Union, along with our members, would like to extend heartfelt sympathy to the friends and families of…

*Larry Harris – Supervisory Committee member
Myrtis Hutchinson • Calvin B. Johnson • Pauline Morris • Larry Robbins Roscoe Watford Jr. • Theodore White • Brandon Williams

…all valued members of your family and ours.

We regret that our updated system no longer notifies us of a member’s passing. We appreciate your assistance in bringing the names of those who have passed to our attention.

X

You are now leaving Palmetto First Federal Credit Union

Palmetto First Federal Credit Union provides links to web sites of other organizations in order to provide visitors with certain information. A link does not constitute an endorsement of content, viewpoint, policies, products or services of that web site. Once you link to another web site not maintained by Palmetto First Federal Credit Union, you are subject to the terms and conditions of that web site, including but not limited to its privacy policy.

You will be redirected to

Click the link above to continue or CANCEL