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WhyÊ itÕ sÊ smartÊ toÊ connectÊ withÊ yourÊ appliances

(NAPS) — While you’re away from home or busy around the house, your home appliances, if you’re living in a smart home, remain hard at work. It may seem like a concept for the future to many, but the connected home is here, allowing you to control your major electrical appliances and services so you can monitor them

from just about anywhere. What A Connected Home Can Do “Smart” systems and appliances can go about their business, doing things for you without you having to be there. • A smart refrigerator could catalog its own contents, suggest menus, recommend healthy alternatives and order food

to be delivered. • You can set up your thermostat to turn the heat or airconditioning on just before you come home. • Your connected home can monitor your pets and children >> See SMART APPLIANCES | pg. 5

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Tune-upÊ tipsÊ forÊ yourÊ summerÊ equipmentÊ

(NAPS)—Before you get out your mower, trimmer, blower, chain saw or pruner this season, there are a few steps and safety procedures you should review. First, preparing your coldweather outdoor power equipment for storage is important, says Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). “Your snowblower may have worked hard all winter, so it’s time to give it a good cleaning,” said Kiser. “Remove any dirt or debris. Drain the fuel tank, and cover your snow-blower so it is protected from dirt and debris. Store your equipment in a safe place where it won’t be exposed to corrosive chemicals or moisture.” Next, make sure the engine in any equipment is in good working order. Here are tips to help: • Check the fuel tank. Fuel left in the tank over the winter months should be drained or it could damage your equipment. Most fuel contains some level of ethanol, which contains corrosive alcohol and can phase separate. Drain the tank responsibly and put in fresh fuel that contains 10 percent or less ethanol (E10 or less). Dispose of old fuel properly. An annual tune-up can extend the life of your outdoor power equipment so it runs better and uses fuel more efficiently. • Inspect your equipInstall the new plug, being careful not to overtighten it, which equipment. Some gas stations may offer E15 or other fuel ment. Check for loose belts blends, but this higher-ethanol fuel is dangerous—and is in and missing or damaged parts. Examine all cables, brakes and could prevent the mower from starting. wheels for signs of wear and damage. Make sure no safety fea• Examine and sharpen your cutting blade. Have your fact illegal—to use in any small-engine equipment, such as tures or guards have been disabled or removed. If you find lawn mower’s cutting blade sharpened so you can get a clean lawn mowers, chain saws, generators, and other lawn and garanything concerning, replace the parts or take your equip- cut on your lawn and not tear the grass. Sharper blades mean den equipment not designed for higher-ethanol blends. ment to a qualified service representative. • Store fuel properly. Label fuel storage cans with the your lawn will be healthier and your lawn mower will operate • Replace old oil. Run the engine for a few minutes more efficiently. Replace nicked or broken blades, which can purchase date of fuel. Never leave fuel that is more than 30 days old in outdoor power equipment. to warm up existing oil so it will drain more easily. Stop the come from hitting rocks or other debris. engine, remove the drain plug and empty the old oil (tilt the • Review the instruction manual. Read the operator’s • Check the undercarriage. Always disconnect the mower back to get it all out, if necessary). Replace the plug spark plug before working around the underside of your manual and refamiliarize yourself with the controls and what and refill the engine with oil recommended by the product mower. Use a wire brush to scrape any old grass clippings or they do on the equipment. Make sure you know how to stop manufacturer. Properly dispose of the drained oil. the machine quickly if needed. dirt sticking to the underside of equipment. • Install clean air filters. Engines and equipment run Learn More • Clean the equipment. Dirt, oil and grass can stick to much better with clean filters. Paper filters need to be re- equipment. Give everything a good cleaning so the machines For lots of other safety tips, go to www.opei.org. For further placed. Some foam filters can be cleaned and put back in. can run more efficiently and last longer. information on proper fueling, go to www.LookBeforeYou• Change the spark plug. Pull off the spark plug wire • Fuel equipment with E10 or less. Don’t use gasoline Pump.com. and remove the old plug with a socket or spark plug wrench. with more than 10 percent ethanol (E10) in outdoor power

Smart Appliances << Continued from | p. 4

while you’re not in the room and “see” who comes to the door. • You may be able to check messages, open windows, operate lights and curtains, and monitor a renewable energy system through your smartphone, from work, on vacation or just sitting on your couch at home. • A washer and dryer from Whirlpool can integrate with the Nest Learning Thermostat to keep clothes fresh if a cycle ends when you’re not home. The dryer can also switch into a slightly longer, more energy-efficient cycle. A mobile app lets you remotely start and pause cycles, track cycle progress, and receive energy use and a notification when the load is finished. Smart appliances can help you get things done the fastest, most energy-efficient and easiest way for you. • You may also warm to the idea of being able to control your oven from anywhere. The new Jenn-Air Culinary Center automatically sets the oven cycle based on the doneness levels you select. Basically, this kind of purposeful connectivity anticipates your needs, adjusting to common behaviors and activating meaningful solutions so you can deal with what matters most to you and your family on a schedule you set.

Learn More You can find further facts at www.whirlpool.com and www. whirlpool.com/works-with-nest.

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ThreeÊ simpleÊ DIYÊ woodÊ projectsÊ thatÊ willÊ makeÊ aÊ bigÊ impact

(NAPS)—Sometimes, all it takes to make a big difference in the look and feel of your home are a couple of minor updates. By picking the right pieces to refresh and choosing colors that make a statement, smaller projects can end up making a lasting impact. An Unexpected Pop of Color. Make any room come to life in an unpredictable way by adding a bright color to an ordinary piece of furniture. Minwax® Water Based Wood Stain is the perfect choice for a variety of projects like an end table or your child’s headboard. It is available in 40 different colors—ranging from rich wood tones to decorative colors like Perfectly Pink and Tangerine. First, apply Minwax® Water Based Pre-Stain Wood

Conditioner to the wood prior to staining to ensure even stain color penetration and reduce grain raising on both soft and hardwoods. Then apply the stain in the color of your choice. To complete your project, topcoat with Minwax® Polycrylic® Protective Finish for long-lasting beauty and protection. Show Off Your Artsy Side. Create decor that you will be proud of and want to show off. One simple way to do this is to create a wood art project to use as wall decor. Whether you create a wooden frame for a prized photo or a trendy wooden sign, use Minwax® Wood Finishing Cloths to complete your project. They are easy-to-use cloths that come pre-moistened with stain and finish— even

Smooth once more: Drywall tips

gloves are included! Minwax® Wood Finishing Cloths make completing a wood finishing project quick and convenient—in one easy step. Simply wipe on the stain and then wipe off the excess, and let it dry for an hour. Once the stain dries, hang your creation on the wall and sit back to admire it! Bring the Outdoors In. A simple way to liven a room is by bringing nature in with flowers or plants. Create a colorful indoor planter box that doubles as wall decor. To ensure even stain color penetration and reduce grain raising, start by applying a coat of Minwax® Water Based Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner to a lightweight unfinished planter box. Then stain the wood with Minwax® Water Based

Wood Stain in a bright hue such as Daffodil to add a splash of color to the room. For both beauty and protection, don’t forget to topcoat your project with Minwax® Polycrylic® Protective Finish. Once the finish dries, fill the box with your favorite potted flowers or indoor plants.

Learn More

For more information, inspirational photos, detailed project plans and tips on how to stain, visit www.minwax.com or www.Pinterest.com/Minwax.

OutdoorÊ livingÊ trendsÊ Ê

By Tresa Erickson

uild a house, and you may just get everything you want. Buy a house, and there will probably be some things you want to change. Maybe you’d rather have hardwood than carpet or a tiled backsplash in the kitchen. One thing that many homeowners long to change is textured walls. While texture can hide imperfections, it does not appeal to everyone. It can be difficult to clean and paint, and depending upon the quality of the application, it may not be aesthetically pleasing to the eye. If you are considering smoothing out some of the textured surfaces in your home, follow these tips. Gather everything you will need, including a couple of sanders and loads of drop cloths to catch the mess. You can purchase or rent a drywall sander and a pole sander. Don’t use a regular sander. It will take longer, and it will create a bigger mess. Drywall sanders have vacuum attachments to suck up the dust. You will also need loads of coarse, medium and fine-grit sandpaper, as well as a dusk mask and eye protection. Don’t forgo the mask and eye protection. All of the dust swirling could easily lead to a sinus or eye infection. Finally, you will need some primer, paintbrushes, rollers and trays, as well as a trowel, putty knife and some joint compound. First up will be the sanding. Even with all of the best precautions-heavy drop cloths and a drywall sander-this step will be messy. Move everything possible out of the room, cover whatever remains including light fixtures, tape down some drop cloths, and prepare for the dust to fly! Strap on your dust mask and goggles, and grab that pole sander. Use it to scrape off large, heavy chunks of texture. Then get out the drywall sander and get to work. Start on one wall and work your way around the room, being careful not to press too hard and damage the walls. Make sure you stop from time to time to change out the sandpaper. When you have made your way around the room, you can start cleaning up the mess. Take the drop cloths outside and shake them out. Then grab a bucket of water and wash down the walls. Now you are ready to prime the walls. When the primer has dried, you can apply joint compound to the walls to fill in any holes and even out the surface. Apply one coat and let it dry. Then apply a second coat. Sand the walls once more with your pole sander, this time using low-grit sandpaper. Now you have smooth walls that you can paint as you wish.

(NAPS) — You can still have a hot time in your own backyard, even when the weather cools, if you follow these trends and enhance the natural beauty of your patio, poolscape, walkway or driveway.

Top Trends

Here’s a look at five delightful ways people make the most of their outdoor space these days, according to the experts at Belgard, the go-to place for paving stones, fire features, brick ovens and other outdoor living elements. • Get cozy: For enjoyment all year round, install a fireplace or firepit as a part of a backyard space to serve as a much-loved gathering spot and a complementary, permanent part of an overall outdoor living design. • Bigger is better: Depart from the traditional small cobble and brick pavers and explore large-format pavers for natural stone looks that mimic the appearance and texture of slate, flag-

stone or hand-chiseled rock. • Creative cohesion: Take advantage of modular units such as grill islands, brick ovens, wood boxes, fireplaces and more to create a customized outdoor space that works with a patio’s existing pavers to create a harmonious, cohesive look. • Spruce it up: If a deck’s surrounding landscaping thins when the weather cools, consider planting fall perennials that bloom and thrive during those months including certain varieties of hydrangeas, mums and tall grasses. • Pull up comfort: Define a space and create extra seating with built-in seat walls and add ottomans, throw pillows and stools to create an even more inviting outdoor setting. Homeowners can find further inspiration on ways to bring backyard dreams to life using the Belgard Idea Book or even uploading a photo of their own outdoor spaces to the Project Visualizer.

Paving The Way For Veterans

In addition to creating beautiful hardscapes installations, the company is dedicated to giving back through Welcome Home, an initiative aimed at supporting members of the military and their families. Until Veterans Day, Belgard will donate $100 for every paver project installed to the USO, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting, connecting and comforting American troops and their families throughout every step of their military journey. For more information about how you can contribute, please visit www.belgard. com/home. This season’s trends are all about taking advantage of cooling temperatures rather than fighting them and adding simple, cozy touches to a patio area to make it a go-to entertaining destination.

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Totally transform your driveway this spring By Tresa Erickson

oil settles, tree roots expand, rain falls, the sun beats down, and before you know it, your driveway has not one but several cracks. Replacing the whole driveway can be expensive. Repairing the cracks can be much more cost effective, but the results may be unsightly. The best solution might be to repair the cracks and resurface the driveway. Resurfacing is essentially applying a new layer of concrete over the existing slab. It only takes a few days, and if done right, it can make your driveway look like new. The first step is to repair the cracks, and in order for them not to resurface, you must repair them right. Grind them out. Then give the whole driveway a good cleaning. This will ensure good adhesion of the concrete resurfacer later. Use a power washer to remove all dirt, debris, oil, grease and loose concrete. Pay special attention to the cracks, making sure all debris has been removed. Finally, fill the cracks with concrete epoxy. This will bond the broken slabs together and keep the cracks from reappearing. In order to resurface the driveway, you will need a concrete resurfacer. Regular concrete will not do. It may cost less, but it has no bonding agents and will not adhere to the slab. Be prepared to spend the amount needed for a quality concrete resurfacer. Most brands come in gray, but if you desire, you may have the resurfacer tinted. Ask the salesperson for assistance with tinting the resurfacer of your choice. Check the weather and choose a good day for application. The temperature must be 50 or above on the day of and 40 or above in the day following, with no rain for at least eight hours after application. You may also want to gather a few friends to assist you. Resurfacing an entire driveway is a lot of work.

Before you get started, there is some prep work you should do. Sweep your driveway, and if needed, clean it again. Then fill all expansion and control joints with weather stripping to prevent the concrete resurfacer from getting into them. Finally, mix the resurfacer according to the manufacturerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s directions. You want a syrup consistency. When you are ready for application, pour the resurfacer onto the slab in one-foot wide strips and use a long-handled squeegee to scrub it in and spread it back and forth. Wait five minutes and then use a concrete broom to apply a non-slip finish. Mist it with water for the next 24 to 48 hours to cure it. Stand back and admire your new driveway. You should be able to walk on it in six to eight hours and park on it in 24 to 48 hours.

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The right finish can make all the difference By Tresa Erickson

o to the hardware store, request a gallon of paint, and in addition to the color, they will also want to know what finish you want. There are five basic paint finishes, and it pays to know the differences between them so you can choose the right one for your needs. Paint finishes vary in sheen. A flat or matte finish is just that-flat with no sheen. It reflects no light and is easy to touch up, making it a good choice for imperfect surfaces. Experts recommend a flat finish for the ceilings and walls in most rooms but bathrooms and kitchens. Cleaning flat paint can be difficult, so you might want to avoid using it in areas like bathrooms and kitchens. If you are looking for a finish with a hint of sheen like the surface of an egg, try eggshell. It touches up easily and holds up better to cleaning than flat, but it can be delicate. You don’t want to use it in areas with a lot of traffic. For a silky, pearl-like sheen, try a satin finish. It is not as easy to touch up, but it is easier to clean, making it a good choice for ceilings, doors, walls and trim. It can be scrubbed and works well in areas that get a lot of traffic. For kitchens, bathrooms and other areas where cleanup takes place on a regular basis, a semigloss finish is ideal. Not only is it resistant to humidity, staining, chipping and scuffing, but it is super easy to clean. Just wipe it down with warm, soapy water, and watch the dirt disappear. Because of the higher sheen, the durable finish will bring attention to surface imperfections and it can be harder to touch up. Finally, there is high gloss. Experts recommend the shiny finish mostly for furniture, cabinets, woodwork and trim because it reflects so much light and magnifies imperfections. Prepwork is essential for creating a good surface for a high-gloss paint. Once it is applied, however, it is highly durable and super easy to clean, though hard to touch up. Manufacturers are working hard everyday to make all finishes easy to clean and durable. Generally, the shinier the finish, the better it will stand up to washing and scrubbing. That’s why experts often recommend the use of more than one finish in a room. In a playroom, for example, you might use flat paint on the ceiling, satin on the walls and semigloss on doors,

trim and other areas little hands are likely to touch. Selecting a paint color is just one part of the process. You must also select a finish. Think about the purpose and condition of the surfaces you intend to paint, and choose the right finishes. Glossy doesn’t always mean better.

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Living landscapes bring surprising health benefits

Studies show that green spaces and landscaping contribute to health, happiness and intellect.

(NAPS)—There’s a good—and surprising— reason you may pine for greenery. Living landscapes are an important part of the outdoor lifestyle that Americans enjoy but the benefits go beyond the barbecue and backyard baseball. Green spaces are necessary for your health. “The advantages of grass and landscaping surpass the usual physical benefits that result from outdoor activity,” explained Kris Kiser, president and CEO, Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). “Numerous studies have found that people who spend more time outside or who are exposed to living landscapes are happier, healthier and smarter.” Researchers have studied the effect of nature on human well-being for years, but recent studies found a more direct correlation between human health, particularly related to stress, and the importance of access to nature and managed landscapes.

Here’s a look at a few: • Getting dirty is actually good for you, according to Dr. Christopher Lowery, a neuroscientist at the University of Bristol in England. Mycobacterium vaccae in soil stimulates serotonin production, which explains why people who spend time gardening and have direct contact with soil feel more relaxed and happier. • Living near living landscapes can improve your mental health. Researchers in England found that people moving to greener areas experienced an immediate improvement in mental health that was sustained for at least three years after they moved. The study also showed that people relocating to a more developed area suffered a drop in mental health. • Green spaces can make you healthier, too. People who live within a half mile of green space (such as parks, public gardens and greenways) were found to have a lower incidence of 15 diseases by Dutch researchers— including depression, anxiety, heart disease, diabetes, asthma and migraines. A 2015 study found that people living on streets with more trees had a boost in heart and metabolic health. • Living landscapes can even reduce attentiondeficit/hyper-activity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. Children gain attention and working memory benefits when they are exposed to greenery, says a study led by the Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology in Barcelona. In addition, exposure to natural settings may be widely effective in reducing ADHD symptoms in children. • Spending time around plants also improves concentration and memory in adults. Research shows that being around plants helps you concentrate better at home and at work. Charlie Hall, Ellison Chair in International Floriculture at Texas A&M University, believes that spending time in gardens can improve attention span and memory performance by as much as 20 percent. • Gardening is great for the body and the soul. People who gardened for at least 30 minutes a week had lower body mass indexes, a measure of body fat, as well as higher levels of self-esteem and better moods overall. They also reported lower levels of tension and stress. • Nature walks (or runs) are great for your brain and stress levels. A National Institutes of Health study found that adults demonstrate significant cognitive gains after going on a nature walk. A Stanford University study found that walking in nature, rather than in a concreteoriented, urban environment, resulted in decreased anxiety, rumination, and negative affect, and produced cognitive benefits, such as increased working memory performance. • Living landscapes help you heal faster. Multiple studies have discovered that plants in hospital recovery rooms or views of aesthetically pleasing gardens help patients heal up to one day faster than those who are in more austere environments. • You might even be a nicer person when you spend time in nature, as it enhances social interactions, value for community and close relationships. A systematic research review concluded that “the balance of evidence indicates conclusively that knowing and experiencing nature makes us generally happier, healthier people.” All these benefits reinforce the importance of maintaining yards, parks and other community green spaces. Trees, shrubs, grass and flowering plants are integral to human health. Not only do they provide a place for kids and pets to play, they directly contribute to mental and physical well-being. Learn More For tips on maintaining a living landscape, even in drought conditions, go to www.opei.org/stewardship.

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PrepareÊ yourÊ airÊ conditionerÊ forÊ summer (NAPS)—Although the dog days of summer are months away, it’s never too soon to begin preparing for them. This includes taking a few simple steps to make sure your air-conditioning system is ready to properly cool your home. Begin by clearing the area around your outdoor compressor, removing leaves, twigs and other debris that may have accumulated over the winter. The space around and above the unit should be clear and uncluttered. Next, check the system’s filters, typically located along the return duct. Dirty filters can block airflow and reduce system efficiency, so it’s important to clean or replace them regularly, preferably every month when the system is operating. Holes or separated joints in the ductwork can also impact airflow and efficiency, so turn your system on and make sure air is flowing properly through the vents. If you suspect a leak in the ductwork, hire a professional to make the necessary repairs. Use this time to caulk and weather-strip around doors and windows. This often overlooked step will help keep cool air inside your home during warm summer months and warm air outside. It’s also a good idea to add insulation around air-conditioning ducts when they are located in unconditioned spaces, such as attics, crawl spaces and garages. Finally, contact a certified technician to do a preseason check of your system. An annual inspection should include the following: • Clean indoor and outdoor coils • Check your system’s refrigerant charge and adjust it, if necessary, to meet manufacturer specifications • Clean and adjust blower components to provide proper system airflow • Lubricate all moving parts • Inspect the condensate drain for clogs that can cause water damage, affect indoor humidity levels, and breed bacteria and mold • Check thermostat settings and system controls to

ensure proper and safe operation • Tighten all electrical connections • Measure voltage and current on motors Taking these steps to prepare your air conditioner for summer will also help to extend the life of your system and save

you money by detecting small issues before they become major problems. To learn more or to locate a Champion HVAC contractor near you, please visit www.championhomecomfort.com, or follow them on YouTube and @Champion_HVAC on Twitter.

Window film—a powerful defense for homeowners (NAPS) — Many Americans think they need to worry about skin protection only when they are outside. However, according to the International Window Film Association (IWFA), the harmful UV rays that people are concerned about while outdoors can also penetrate into homes, with the possibility of causing damage. Typical windows block as little as 25 percent of UV rays which, if left unchecked, can cause extensive damage to the skin, including premature aging, wrinkles and even skin cancer. Additionally, the UV rays may accelerate the fading of furniture, flooring and other décor. Fortunately, professionally installed window film may act as a powerful defense against these problems, by blocking up to 99 percent of the UV rays. Installing window film can also have a positive affect on en-

ergy costs, because it can help regulate room temperatures, thus lowering energy bills during warm and, in some cases, even cold weather. “Thousands of highly-trained dealers and installers across the United States stand ready to help consumers achieve a safer, more comfortable and energy efficient home,” said Darrell Smith, Executive Director of the IWFA. You can learn more at www.iwfa.com.

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NewÊ comfortÊ forÊ olderÊ homes (NAPS) — The charm of an older home is an attractive selling feature. Less appealing are the inefficiencies of an older heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system or the absence of a cooling system. Updating to an HVAC system improves comfort and often makes good economic sense, but it requires careful planning. Asking the right questions and enlisting the help of a qualified HVAC contractor can make it possible to create a comfortable, efficient environment without spoiling the character of these classic structures. Step 1: Determine how much equipment you need Ask your HVAC contractor to conduct a “Manual J” load calculation to determine your home’s unique heating and cooling needs. This calculation analyzes everything that affects air temperature in your home—things like windows, orientation to the sun, and duct leakage. Using this calculation, your contractor can recommend the right-size equipment for your home. Step 2: Determine the location of the unit and inspect ductwork Ask your contractor where the new equipment will be located and whether your ductwork is properly sealed, insulated and sized for the equipment. Dust and debris in the ductwork can reduce the HVAC system’s efficiency and damage its components, so have the ductwork inspected before shopping for a new system. Your contractor should also inspect the home’s electrical system to be sure it provides enough power to handle a new, upgraded HVAC system. Step 3: Discuss your efficiency and “stage” options Whether shopping for a furnace, air conditioner or heat pump, always check the efficiency of the unit you are considering. The efficiency of a fuel-burning furnace is expressed as the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE). Air-conditioning systems are rated according to their seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) and heat pump efficiency is expressed as the unit’s heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF). Generally speaking, a higher AFUE, SEER or HSPF means increased efficiency and reduced operating expenses. If you’re in the market for a new furnace, choose from a single-stage, two-stage or modulating furnace. Single-stage furnaces operate at full capacity all the time. Two-stage furnaces have two separate heating settings—a lower setting that is used when the furnace turns on and runs during milder win-

ter days and a higher stage for colder conditions. Modulating furnaces, such as the York® Affinity™ Series gas furnaces, can run at any speed within a set range, allowing them to choose the precise speed that’s most efficient for the given heating demand and offering the most energy-efficient heating solution. Also, consider installing a programmable thermostat to control your new HVAC system. These thermostats offer accurate, reliable, energy-saving performance, and in some cases they include Wi-Fi® support to work with mobile devices to easily program a system remotely.

Step 4: Understand your warranty Finally, be sure to check the warranty coverage offered by the equipment manufacturer. Your contractor should be very clear about what’s covered. Also, ask whether an extended warranty is available and what advantages it offers. To learn more about energy-efficient heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) products, visit www.york.com, www.youtube.com/yorkhomecomfort and @YorkHVAC on Twitter or call (877) 874-7378.

TipsÊ andÊ toolsÊ toÊ makeÊ choresÊ easier (NAPS) — Whether your “to-do” list is getting you down or gearing you up for do-it-yourself fun, you want to be sure you have the right equipment to minimize the time, money and elbow grease you have to expend. Therefore, you should look for products that can help make lawn care, gardening, home improvement and other DIY projects easier to accomplish. For example, instead of laboring to push an aerator around your lawn, consider a liquid dethatcher. You apply the dethatcher using a sprayer on the end of the garden hose and the formula works to aerate soil and break up the layer of thatch that hinders grass growth. Renting tools or equipment you use occasionally can save you time and money. Many home improvement stores now offer a wide range of tools for rent, from bench saws and floor sanders to augers and overseeders. By renting, you avoid storage is-

sues and maintenance chores. One piece of equipment a DIYer can use all year round is an off-road vehicle. By having it for heavy jobs, you can avoid the expense of hiring additional workers for projects such as: • Removing dead branches and towing out bushes and trees. With a winch on the front of the vehicle or a tow strap at the rear, you can pull out old brush more easily. • Smoothing out fresh dirt with a plow. Raking by hand is messy and takes a lot of time. Instead, hook up a plow to your off-road vehicle and gently smooth out the dirt. If the dirt is already level, attach a pull-behind rake to the vehicle to get set for planting or seeding. • Carting lumber. You take fewer trips and save yourself from muscle aches and splinters. You can also reduce the number of helpers you need for the project. • If you have a boat dock, use your off-road vehicle to tow it into the water. • Hauling rocks or mulch around. You may be able to get more done with a versatile Polaris RANGER side-byside. These have a rear dump box so you can move and distribute materials in different garden beds or around all your trees. • Now for the best part: After all the hard work, take your vehicle out on the trail for a bit of fun. The twopassenger RANGER side-bysides fit into the bed of most full-sized pickups, making it easy for you and a companion to take a break from the work and hit the trails.

Learn More For further facts and tips, visit www.polaris.com/en-us/ ranger-utv.

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