Page B2 Home & Garden October 7-8, 2015
188 County Road, Barrington, RI • 401-245-5800 HOURS: Monday – Friday 9-5 • Saturday 9-4 • Sunday – Closed
Home & Garden October 7-8, 2015 Page B3
5 simple ways to increase energy efficiency and savings Fall and winter can be tough on your home and your wallet. As temperatures drop, chances are your furnace will be working overtime. This results in two things — greater energy consumption and higher heating bills. In fact, costs associated with heating and cooling a home year-round typically comprise two-thirds of the average energy bill.
Try these easy DIY projects to help cut down on energy loss and expenses: 1. Replace worn weather-stripping around doors and windows. Worn weather-stripping can create drafts and let heated air out, stressing your furnace and compromising your comfort. Replacing it takes little time and is a low-cost, high-impact solution. 2. Top up or replace old insulation in your attic. A poorly insulated attic is a primary source of energy loss. Also, over time, some types of insulation can settle and compact, allowing heat to escape through gaps. Experts recommend topping up or replacing attic insulation with
a dimensionally stable batt insulation like Roxul Comfortbatt. Aim for an R-value of at least R-50 or a depth of roughly 16 inches. 3. Insulate basement headers and walls. Uninsulated basement headers are common, especially in older homes. They can act as a gateway for heated air to escape. Fixing the problem is fast and easy. Simply cut the insulation to fit the cavity and compress into place. Doing this throughout your basement will prevent heat loss and can potentially save hundreds of dollars each year. 4. Caulk around windows. Cracks and crevices are a source of heat loss. They can also be an entry point for water/moisture, as well as for unwelcome insects. Preventative maintenance, such as caulking, can improve energy efficiency and prevent costly repairs. 5. Change your furnace filter. Make it a point to check your furnace filter monthly, always changing it when it’s dirty. This will improve the performance and efficiency of your furnace, saving you money.
Page B4 Home & Garden October 7-8, 2015
How to improve indoor air quality in winter Homes tend to be stuffier in autumn and winter. As temperatures outside dip, windows are closed and air quality inside homes can suffer. Poor indoor air quality can not only be uncomfortable, causing residents to experience headaches, dry eyes and nasal congestion, but also can be unhealthy. According to the American Lung Association, poor indoor air quality can cause or contribute to the development of infections, lung cancer and chronic lung diseases, such as asthma. Though it’s not feasible or healthy to open windows when temperatures outside dip to near or below freezing, there are steps everyone can take to improve the indoor air quality in their homes. ■ Add to your décor with plants. Plants provide both aesthetic and practical appeal to a home’s interior. Houseplants can clean and purify the air in a home, helping to remove formaldehyde, benzene and other toxins that can make indoor air unhealthy to breathe. Benzene is an irritant that can cause dizziness, headache, nausea, and blurred vision, among other side effects.
Formaldehyde, which is often found in homes thanks to its widespread use in a range of products, can cause watery eyes, nausea and wheezing. ■ Watch what you are lighting up. Many homeowners know that smoking indoors drastically reduces indoor air quality, putting even nonsmokers at heightened risk of developing various respiratory ailments. Homeowners concerned about the indoor air quality in their homes should ban smoking inside, no matter how low temperatures dip outside. In addition, homeowners with woodburning stoves and fireplaces should be especially diligent maintaining these features, as they can release harmful soot and smoke if they are not taken care of. Some people may also be allergic to incense and scented candles, so keep a watchful eye on residents and guests whenever you light candles or sticks of incense. If any symptoms of allergies appear, avoid lighting any more candles or incense, waiting until you can open the windows if you want to light any again.
Plants can improve indoor air quality by helping to remove harmful irritants from the air. ■ Purchase an air purifier. Air purifiers are beneficial year-round, helping to remove allergens and particles from a home. High-efficiency particulate air filters, known as HEPA filters, are extreme-
ly effective at removing airborne particulates from the air inside your home. ■ Pay attention to pets. Like their owners, pets tend to spend more time indoors during the winter. That means more fur and pet dander, the skin flakes in an animal’s fur or hair that can trigger allergic reactions, is likely in your home during the winter than in the summer. To combat this, bathe your pets regularly in the winter, making sure to wash the animal’s bedding in hot water on a weekly basis as well. ■ Open the windows when possible. Winter does not typically provide many opportunities to open the windows, but you might get a few chances to let some fresh air in through the windows during winter. Make the most of these opportunities, and when possible crack the windows when you’re cleaning so dust and other particles that kick up have a path outside of your home. Clean interior air should be a yearround priority, but homeowners may have to go the extra mile to keep their homes’ interior air clean when winter arrives.
Home & Garden October 7-8, 2015 Page B5
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Bristol home creates its own energy, wastes none Net-zero homes are designed from the ground up to be self sufficient A Bristol home on Acacia Road is the town’s first “net-zero” dwelling, generating all its energy needs through clever design and cutting edge materials. This is the second home of its kind in Rhode Island. A home on Seaside Drive in Jamestown was the first. The home was designed and insulated to use less energy than a traditional home of similar size. Geothermal underground wells heat the house in winter and cool it in the summer. But the home isn’t just efficient – it’s capable of generating all the energy it needs through renewable systems on the property. A solar array on the rooftop generates electricity. There is no carbon footprint. No need for external energy sources. Such buildings already exist in the state, such as a former Olneyville jewelry factory that was transformed in 2008 and the Metropolitan Career and Technical High School campus in Newport. The shingles are made from recyclable PVC. Custom panels, built by Quonset Business Park company Delta H, are cut to fit together like 3D puzzle pieces. According to Kari Klaus, of MotherEarthNews.com, net-zero homes achieve their energy efficiency by working from the very start with this goal in mind. “There are two sides to this equation
— the home design must be as energy efficient as possible so they require less energy and then it must maximize the use of on-site energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal so they produce enough energy to power the home on their own, achieving a net zero intake of grid energy,” wrote Ms. Klaus. These are not cookie cutter homes. Building one takes a holistic approach – or organic, if you will – by working with and considering the benefits/limitations of the site and climate of the area. “This is why net-zero homes are typically newly built, not retrofitted. Although building materials and systems are extremely important to achieving zero energy, beginning with a smart design can be paramount to a successful outcome.” Many net-zero homes begin with the passive design model, utilizing the climate and surroundings of a home to ensure that the energy needs are minimal. Newport Renewables, which also built the Jamestown home, is in charge of the Bristol project. Renewable energy is all they do. “Our mission is to provide professional consulting, development, construction, management, operation, acquisition/divestiture and asset management expertise to its clients, and to be a committed partner in adding value to low risk, high quality projects, which meet or exceed projections, over time,” according to their web site.
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Page B6 Home & Garden October 7-8, 2015
Top 5 renovation tips to create more space in your home As real estate prices continue to climb, the cost to trade up to a larger home is on the upswing across the country, especially as markets remain hampered by tight inventory levels. As a result, more and more Americans are choosing to renovate their current homes instead of relocating. In fact, some forecasts predict that 2015 renovation spending could exceed the record of $324 billion set during the peak of last decade’s housing boom. While the hunt for more square footage can be challenging, homeowners shouldn’t feel like a costly second story or complete addition are the only options. Here are five great ways to create or optimize space in your existing home. 1. Finish an unfinished basement. A basement renovation can hold limitless potential and increase the resale value or income potential of your home. Think about the possibilities: a home theater, office, spare bedroom, basement apartment or recreation room. The key to doing it successfully is to
focus on what’s behind the walls, especially since moisture is a common issue in basements. Choosing the right insulation is critical. Look for products that are vapor permeable, dimensionally stable and mold and moisture resistant. 2. Create a more open-concept feel with light and color. If your home wasn’t blessed with towering windows, installing French doors and pot lights can encourage light to travel more freely, creating the illusion of space. Likewise, choosing a paint color for walls, trim and moldings that is lighter and cooler in tone (think soft grays or blues) will help to reflect light and give the room a more open feel. 3. Remove non-load-bearing walls. Homeowners have the opportunity to rethink the layout of their home by removing non-load-bearing walls. Removing structurally unnecessary walls can make your whole home feel larger, improve flow, lighting and the function of your home.
See FACING PAGE
Home & Garden October 7-8, 2015 Page B7
Top 5 renovation tips to create more space in your home From FACING PAGE 4. Convert your garage into usable living or work space. For many homeowners, the garage becomes an overflow room for storage –– and is often a walk-in headache. Convert your garage (or a portion of it) into another living space, guest bedroom or home office. Install carpet and quality thermal insulation to block outdoor noise and keep in warmth. 5. Choose furniture and accessories carefully. Adopt a minimalist’s eye. Begin looking around your home for furniture or accessories that overwhelm the space. Interior designers recommend choosing low-profile or small-scale furniture for rooms with less square footage. Dual-purpose items, such as ottomans with storage chests inside, are a budget-friendly way to save on space while staying organized.
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Page B8 Home & Garden October 7-8, 2015
Tips on shopping for new appliances As the weather turns cooler, outdoor improvements become less practical. Homeowners’ thoughts may turn to projects they can tackle inside of the home. Now may be the time to consider the purchase of new appliances that can be the finishing touches to renovated spaces. Fall is prime time to purchase new large appliances. Manufacturers typically unveil their latest models during September and October. At this point, prices on older models will be reduced to make room for new ones. By the end of the year, any older models that have not yet been cleared out will be discounted further. Even though the end-of-the year deals will be better, the selection may be limited the longer you wait. It is best never to wait until an appliance is on its last leg for repair or replacement. Then consumers do not have the luxury to price shop nor find items that include the features they desire most. Here are some other buying tips.
experiences with brands and/or retailers. Ask about which features they like the most and how often they have had to call for repairs. If they could do things differently, what would those things be?
Know your space Perhaps you are familiar with the adage to measure twice and cut once. The same can be said for measuring prior to purchasing an appliance. Be sure you know the exact measurements of the space that will house the new appliance. Take into consideration the clearance needed to open doors, such as with a refrigerator or front-loading washing machine. It can be a waste of time and money to have an appliance delivered only to find it doesn’t fit at the time of installation.
Research Shoppers should begin their research at home before they even enter a store. Make a list of features you want in the
appliance, which helps narrow down the playing field and better focus your purchasing decisions. Once you have a list handy, speak with friends or family members about their
Energy savings Consider appliances that reduce energy usage. Energy Star® appliances
See FACING PAGE
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Home & Garden October 7-8, 2015 Page B9
Tips on shopping for new appliances From FACING PAGE are produced in adherence to international standards for energy efficiency. The program was started more than 20 years ago by the EPA and the Department of Energy. Since then, other countries have adopted the program. Appliances that feature the Energy Star® logo use 20 to 30 percent less energy than required by typical federal standards. Homeowners who purchase qualifying appliances may be eligible for tax breaks and other incentives.
Now may be the right time to make large appliance purchases. Know the product before visiting the store.
Consider your lifestyle It is easy to be overwhelmed and awestruck by the number of appliances available. You may desire the biggest and best there is, but if you are not a superstar in the kitchen, you may not need the commercial stove. A bachelor may not require an oversized washing machine. Do your research and comparison shop so you won’t have any regrets later on. Contact me for a FREE in Home Consultation
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Page B10 Home & Garden October 7-8, 2015
Find creative ways to recycle leaves Leaves cascading down from trees indicate the arrival of autumn. However, colorful and awe-inspiring autumn leaves can be a hazard if left to lie on the ground too long. Fallen leaves form a dense insulator to protect trees’ roots and prevent competing plants from growing. Decomposing leaves also provide nutrients for the tree. But wet leaves can be a safety hazard and leaves left on the lawn through the winter can pose a threat to the grass These are just a couple of reasons why so much effort is placed on leaf clean-up in the fall. Following are some creative ways to recycle leaves that fall from your trees in the weeks to come. ■ Mulch: Shredded leaves can make for a great amendment to fertilizer for garden beds and even the lawn. Leaves lying on the grass can be mulched into small pieces with a mulching mower so they don’t choke the blades of grass. Leaves also can be broken down with a string trimmer, a leaf blower that has a vacuum function or a commercial shredder/chipper.
Add the shredded leaves to a compost pile or use them to fill container plants before adding regular potting soil. ■ Insulation: Collect leaves to mound over delicate perennial plants and shrubs. The leaves will add more warmth to the soil and may help plants make it through harsh winters. Just remove the leaves slowly when spring arrives so that the soil underneath can get the sunlight
and water it needs to thrive. Leave some leaves in the yard so that animals can use them as nesting material and line their dens for the winter. ■ Stuffing: Create whimsical scarecrows as part of your autumn decoration scheme. Gather older clothes that you no longer use and stuff the sleeves of shirts and the legs of pants with leaves, which are less expensive and easier to come by
than straw. Use a few pieces of straw around the neck and hand areas of the scarecrow for visual effect. Tie off with twine and display your scarecrow. ■ Decorations: Natural leaves can be used as decorations both inside and outside a home. String freshly fallen leaves together and wrap them around a grapevine wreath for a rustic door decoration. Leaves can be placed in clear vases and put on display for a cheap way to showcase some autumn color. Preserve favorite leaves with a lamination machine or by sealing them between heated sheets of waxed paper. Cut out the leaf shapes and use for hanging window decorations. ■ Recreation: Leaves have long been favorite toys for children, who eagerly await jumping into large piles of fallen leaves. Fill paper bags with leaves and draw a target on the front. Let kids test their skill aiming for the targets. Children can camouflage their clothing with leaves and masking tape and have a more intense session of “hide and seek.”
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Home & Garden October 7-8, 2015 Page B11
Ensure a more enjoyable winter indoors with simple soundproofing solutions As the weather gets colder, Americans inevitably spend more time indoors. If you’re sharing a space with an excitable toddler, an aspiring rock musician or a TV enthusiast with a penchant for loud volumes, peace and quiet may seem increasingly elusive. Try these simple soundproofing tips to restore or create a more tranquil atmosphere in your home: 1. Hush noisy appliances. Make sure your appliances are working smoothly. Unusual rattles, clanks or vibrations may mean it’s time for a repair. When a replacement is needed, seek out a quieter machine. New technologies have allowed manufacturers to lower the sound output of many models. 2. Seal sound leaks. Holes and cracks around windows and doors let outside noise into the home. Weather-stripping and/or caulking can help to eliminate the intrusion of exterior noise. Adhesive soundproofing tape can also help seal any problem areas.
3. Anticipate centers of noise when renovating. When designing a new room or renovating an existing one, consider its intended use and potential for generating noise. Playrooms, music studios or home theaters, for example, can be quieted with insulation. Look for a product such as Roxul Safe’n’Sound that is specifically designed to provide superior sound absorption and can be applied to the interior walls of a noisy room to effectively reduce disruptive sounds. 4. Use sound-absorbent materials. Carpets and window drapes prevent sound from echoing around a room. If your home has hardwood, laminate flooring or tile, consider investing in a throw rug to reduce ambient noise and add some character to your space. Taking simple steps to create a more peaceful space will maximize the enjoyment of your home. It can also have the added benefit of helping to keep the peace among spouses, parents and siblings alike.
Page B12 Home & Garden October 7-8, 2015
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