Trusted Tips and Resources

Trusted Tips & Resources

Trusted Saskatoon Group Benefits Professionals at Aurora Workplace Solutions Explain The Rising Cost Of Group Benefits In Canada

Aurora Workplace Solutions are about creating brilliant futures by developing wealth security for businesses and individuals. As experts in the industry, they keep on top of recent news including changes to relevant group benefit plans, retirement savings options, and guidelines and policies. They also keep their eyes open for informative articles we think are of interest to our current and potential clients. Aurora Workplace Solutions are Trusted Saskatoon Group Benefits and Insurance Professionals! 

HOW TO MANAGE THE RISING COST OF GROUP BENEFITS 

Rising cost of group benefits in Canada



It is understandable to be concerned about the rising cost of group benefits in Canada. Several factors contribute to the increasing costs of group benefits, including rising healthcare expenses, increased utilization of healthcare services, evolving insurance regulations, and demographic shifts. Here are some factors to consider and potential strategies to manage the rising costs:


1. Analyze Plan Design: Review your group benefits plan design to ensure it aligns with the needs of your organization and employees. Consider adjusting coverage levels, co-pays, deductibles, or maximum limits to balance cost and coverage. Working with a benefits consultant can help you evaluate your plan design and identify areas for cost optimization.


2. Employee Wellness Programs: Implementing employee wellness programs can help promote a healthier workforce, reducing the utilization of healthcare services and related costs. Encourage healthy lifestyle choices, provide wellness resources, and offer incentives for employees to participate in wellness activities.


3. Shop Around for Competitive Rates: We regularly review and compare quotes from different insurance providers to ensure you are getting the best value for your group benefits plan. 


4. Consider Self-Insurance or Alternative Funding Options: Depending on the size and stability of your organization, self-insurance or alternative funding arrangements (such as level-funded or partially self-insured plans) could be worth exploring. These options provide more control over plan costs, allowing you to pay for claims directly rather than through traditional insurance premiums.


5. Employee Education and Communication: Communicate the value of group benefits to your employees and help them understand the costs associated with providing comprehensive coverage. Educate employees on the responsible use of healthcare services, the importance of preventive care, and ways to maximize their benefits. This can help reduce unnecessary healthcare expenses and mitigate cost increases.


6. Data Analysis and Predictive Modeling: Use data analytics and predictive modeling to identify trends, patterns, and high-cost areas within your group benefits plan. By understanding utilization patterns, you can make informed decisions on plan design adjustments, wellness initiatives, and targeted interventions to address specific health issues proactively.


7. Government Programs and Tax Credits: Stay informed about government programs, incentives, and tax credits related to group benefits. For example, the Canadian government offers tax incentives for employers providing certain types of group benefits. Understanding these programs can help offset some of the costs associated with providing group benefits.


Managing the rising costs of group benefits requires a proactive approach that considers plan design, employee wellness, market comparison, and data-driven decision-making. It is advisable to consult our advisors who specialize in group benefits to navigate the complexities and identify cost-saving opportunities specific to your organization.



Aurora Workplace Solutions design & create custom group benefits plans that meet custom organization goals. Read more about their Group Benefits Plans or contact them today to get started!

'Creating Brilliant Futures'


Aurora Workplace Solutions are Trusted Saskatoon Group Benefits and Insurance Professionals! 



Trusted Saskatoon Air Conditioning & Furnace Pros at JOB Heating & Air Conditioning Explain How to Save on Your Gas Bill!

JOB Heating & Air Conditioning Saskatoon is eager to provide the best possible customer experience. Their aim is to be a professional resource for our clients before, during, and after the sale! Their team takes pride in service knowledge of modern equipment and training. They are recognized by peers and offer sales, service, training & installations for residential, and commercial Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing systems in Saskatoon and areaJOB Heating & Air are Trusted Saskatoon Plumbers. In their latest tip, they share how you can save on your gas bill! 



SAVE MONEY ON YOUR NATURAL GAS BILL


Natural gas is an important part of Canada’s energy resources. More than six million Canadians use natural gas to light, heat and cool homes and businesses, to heat water, and for cooking.  Many Canadians have higher natural gas bills than they would like.


Check for Aging Equipment

If you are running an old, inefficient boiler or heating system, it may be wasting much of the energy it produces. It may never have had top-notch efficiency, to begin with, or it may have lost some capability with time and wear.

Blocked Vents and Impeded Airflow

The arrangement of the furniture and appliances in your home may block vents and restrict airflow. In this case, your natural gas heating system is likely working overtime because it’s much more difficult to heat your home to a comfortable temperature.

Lower the Thermostat

Especially in the winter, when gas bills soar, lowering the thermostat by even a couple of degrees can make a difference in your bill, helping you save as much as 5 to 10%. If lowering the heat would make your home uncomfortable in the evenings, try reducing the temperature only at night, or during the day if family members are at work. 

Invest in a Smart Thermostat

JOB Heating & air Conditioning recommend a smart thermostat for your home. A smart thermostat can adjust the heat to your particular schedule, so you won’t have to heat or cool your house even when no one’s home or everyone’s snuggled in bed. 

Turn Down the Water Heater

Some homes’ water heaters are set as high as 140 degrees, but most people don’t need their water that hot. To help save money on your gas bill, check your water heater and see if you can turn the temperature down while still allowing for comfortable showers and warm water for dishes.

Keep Doors and Windows Closed During the Winter and Open During the Cool Summer Nights

Along the same lines, keep doors and windows closed when your natural gas heating system runs. Opening windows and doors is great for cooling off a hot house on summer evenings, but it will let valuable heat escape in the colder seasons.

Bundle Up

Especially in the winter, wearing extra layers helps keep your thermostat settings low and your gas bills reasonable. If you’re wearing a sweater or some cozy flannel pants, you may not even notice that you’ve turned the thermostat down a few degrees. And using extra blankets or down comforters can help keep you warm at night when your thermostat is in its energy-saving mode.

Natural Gas Check-Up

Do a check-up on your plumbing, air conditioning and furnace. The check-up may show you how to save money on your Natural Gas Bill.



JOB Heating & Air Conditioning offers 24/7 emergency service. Known for prompt and courteous service, they are ready to assist if your Saskatoon plumbing heating or cooling system needs repair or if you want to upgrade or update it. Their professional local team is happy to provide free estimates for any home comfort or plumbing improvements you have in mind.

JOB Heating and Air Conditioning is a Trusted Saskatoon Plumber 



Tips To save Money On Utilities From Trusted Saskatoon HVAC pros at JOB Heating & air Conditioning

JOB Heating and Air Conditioning is a Trusted Saskatoon Plumber renowned for their excellent reputation, JOB has been a leader in the Saskatoon HVAC industry since 1989. They provide air conditioning, furnace, and plumbing repair, sales, and service to residential and commercial clients in Saskatoon and the surrounding areas. Their team prides itself on being experts in water heating system technology, specializing in new in-floor and boiler installations throughout Saskatchewan.They  also maintain and repair existing hot water heating systems.  Prices are on the rise—fuel, groceries, and now utility bills. Homeowners in Saskatoon and the surrounding areas are all searching for ways to reduce their utility costs, in their latest article they share some tips on how to save energy and money.


JOB Heating & Air Conditioning Money Saving Utility Tips 


The good news is that there are numerous money-saving techniques available, ranging from simple changes in usage to the installation of new, efficient appliances. It's important to remember that every plumbing tactic aimed at saving money can make a difference.


Lower Your Water Heaters Water Temperature


There’s no doubt that a hot shower works wonders to soothe a person, especially after a long day of work or a night out in the cold. However, is a 140-degree bath significantly more relaxing than a 120-degree one? Most water heaters are set to 140 degrees by the manufacturer. This temperature setting ensures the water feels instantly warm and helps eliminate the risk of legionella bacteria. Lowering the water heater to 120 degrees, though, can save a homeowner up to 10 percent on energy costs and reduce the risk of scalding.

 

Use Low-Flow Faucets


We’ve all been preached about how much money goes literally down the drain when the water is left running while brushing teeth in the morning. Most of us have curbed that bad habit but we can make the morning and evening routine even more energy-friendly with the use of low flow faucets. These devices can reduce water usage by 20-50 percent a year by either mixing air within the water or lowering the output from around 2.2 gallons per minute down to 1.5.

 

Use Flood Detectors


For around $20, you can buy devices that can be attached to appliances like washing machines to detect leaks and overflows. These units can automatically shut off the appliance or the water supply, offering peace of mind when you start a load of laundry and leave the house. They can potentially save you thousands of dollars in damage if your washer overflows and water seeps into the drywall of the room below.

Replace Or Repair a Leaky Toilet


Another drain on your energy bills is a leaky toilet. A toilet that constantly drips or refills every 20 minutes can waste up to 7,000 gallons a month. Fixing a faulty flapper can cost as little as $3 and save you up to $840 a year. Replacing your toilet with a low-flow model can boost those savings to over $1,000 annually. 

Get a Plumbing Inspection


Have JOB Heating & Air Conditioning examine the plumbing throughout your home to identify any water loss (and money) through leaks, blockages, or other issues. By detecting and repairing leaks early, you can save money and reduce the risk of severe damage in the future. They will also ensure that shutoff valves and sump pumps are functioning properly in case of an emergency.


JOB Heating & Air Conditioning offers 24/7 emergency service. Known for prompt and courteous service, they are ready to assist if your Saskatoon plumbing heating or cooling system needs repair or if you want to upgrade or update it. Their professional local team is happy to provide free estimates for any home comfort or plumbing improvements you have in mind.

JOB Heating and Air Conditioning is a Trusted Saskatoon Plumber 



7 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Windows From Trusted Saskatoon Window Pros at Wiebe Windows & More

Owner, Bradley Wiebe has been installing windows and doors in Saskatoon and area for over 10 years. They only install Canadian manufactured windows and doors. These products are built for the Saskatchewan climate. Brad takes pride in ensuring that his client’s windows and doors are installed correctly and that quality products are being used. In their latest Saskatoon windows and door tip they share a helpful article originally written by Ply Gem on the 7 signs your windows need replacingWiebe Windows & More are Trusted Saskatoon Windows & Door Experts!

7 SIGNS IT'S TIME TO REPLACE YOUR WINDOWS


Connecting the inside to the outside, windows have the important job of helping to keep your home well-ventilated, comfortable, and safe. Windows can last anywhere from 20 to 40 years, depending upon the type of window, where it’s located and the amount of maintenance provided. Wear and tear from exposure to the elements also affects their condition over time, decreasing energy efficiency and comfort by creating drafts and leaks

So how do you know when it’s time to replace your windows? You probably pay little attention to them until they stop working properly, but here are 7 signs that the time is now!


Opening and closing them has become difficult.


When your windows are difficult to open and close it will prevent you from allowing fresh air into your home. If they don’t close properly or you have trouble locking them, the window won’t provide a tight seal against leaks and drafts and can also impact the safety of your home. New windows and doors are designed to open and close with ease, provide protection from wind and rain and help keep your home safe. Learn more about how different types of windows operate and the benefits they can provide for your home.


You notice a draft.

If you can never seem to get your house warm enough during the winter, you may be suffering from drafty windows. Over time, deterioration and normal wear and tear will cause old windows to stop protecting your home like they should and allow significant amounts of cold air inside. Noticeable drafts mean your windows are not functioning properly and you should consider replacement windows.


They look old and outdated.

 
You may not realize it, but replacing old, worn-out windows can drastically improve the look of your home’s exterior. Faded paint, antiquated storm windows, and old-fashioned window grilles often detract from your curb appeal, making your home look and feel outdated. New windows give you a refresh and can better complement the overall design of your home. (Yes, you can replace your windows during the winter!).
 

You struggle with “dropping" windows.

 
Windows that slide down when you raise them are not only annoying but can also be dangerous. This occurs on double and single hung windows when the spring system is broken or has deteriorated over time. For parents with children, it’s important to watch your children around windows that have the potential to fall down and injure them. If you’re tired of propping up windows that won’t stay up and have safety concerns, it’s time to look for newer, safer windows that function properly.
 

Your energy bills spike.

 
During the winter, an abnormally high energy bill may tell you that your windows aren’t operating efficiently – letting cold air in and warm air out. This means your heater has to work overtime to compensate for the loss of heat. Instead, reduce your heating and cooling costs by installing energy-efficient windows that are good for your wallet and the environment.
 

You can hear outside noise.

 
Your home is where you find peace and quiet away from noisy neighbors and busy traffic. However, when your refuge is disturbed you can possibly blame poorly sealed windows and outdated glass. Noise-reducing windows with dual-insulating glass units decrease sounds coming into your home. For added protection against unwanted outdoor noise choose a sound-reducing glass package.
 

You can see visible damage.
 

Signs of chipping, deterioration, or water stains on or around the window may indicate rot and water infiltration. Visible damage to the windows not only looks unattractive but can also reveal that the integrity of your windows may be compromised. Leaky windows can lead to unwanted water infiltration that can also cause additional water issues in your home.

Have questions about this article or anything else you need advice on?  Contact Brad and Anna today! 


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Wiebe Windows & More are Trusted Saskatoon Windows & Door Experts!

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