Welcome to the 18th Annual North Atlanta Home Show
SEMCO President, Michael Schoppenhorst is pleased to invite you to attend the 18th Annual North Atlanta Home Show at the Gwinnett Center, Friday through Sunday, February 6-8, 2015. SEMCO Productions, owners and producers of the Atlanta Home Shows is very excited about this year’s show at the Gwinnett Center and proud of its status as a quality event and important resource for homeowners looking to make improvements to their homes. Take advantage of one-stop comparison shopping for everything for your home, inside and out and talk face to face with over 150 companies offering the latest home improvement products and services. Whether you are buying or selling a home, adding a member of your family to your household, or if you just want to enjoy your home to the fullest, you will find what you are looking for at this Atlanta tradition. For 18 years the North Atlanta Home Show has been improving home lifestyles and adding value to your largest single investment, your home. This year’s event is Sponsored by the Gwinnett Daily Post, Window World, Reliable Heating & Air, Georgia Spa Co., Jackson EMC, 95.5FM & AM750 News/Talk WSB, Atlanta Home Improvement Magazine and Proof of the Pudding. Be sure to stop by the Gwinnett Daily Post booth in the show lobby and enter to win hourly drawings for tickets to upcoming events and attractions such as tickets
to Blue Man Group at the Fabulous Fox, tickets to ‘I Love Lucy’ at Cobb Energy Centre, premium tickets to the Atlanta Hawks on February 25 at Philips Arena, tickets to The Power of Poison at Fernbank Museum, a family 4-pack to Ringling Bros. Legends Circus, Gwinnett Gladiators tickets, tickets to Monster Supercross at the Georgia Dome, a beautiful Cosmetic and Fragrance basket valued at $150 from Belk Mall of Georgia, and tickets to James and the Giant Peach at the Alliance Theatre. Don’t miss the fun activities at the Gwinnett Daily Post booth, meet Chopper from the Gwinnett Braves on Saturday 11am until noon, and sign up for Mall of Georgia Simon Rewards Saturday from 10am - 4pm for your chance to win a $100 gift card, tickets and more! The Reliable Heating & Air Home Show Stage features a fantastic line up of expert speakers on a variety of fun and educational topics including Adaptive Gardening techniques, design and décor tips to refresh your living space, creating a wildlife habitat and butterfly gardening. For a complete line up of speakers, topics, dates and times please visit www.AtlantaHomeShow.com or see the listing in this special section on this page. Special guests abound at this year’s show! 95.5 FM and AM750 News/Talk WSB’s Walter Reeves, Dave Baker and Belinda Skelton will be sharing their expert knowledge and useful tips. Bring your questions, photos and ideas and get the most of your Home Show visit. Georgia Spa Co. supplies this year’s Grand Prize – A Big Green Egg! There really is something for everyone regardless of the size, style or value of your home. The time and money saved by doing business with exhibitors at the show will help you explore more options for your next project, keep more of your hard earned money and allow your family to enjoy your home to the fullest! Be sure to visit AtlantaHomeShow.com for complete show information and thanks in advance for attending this Atlanta tradition and another quality SEMCO Productions produced event. Atlanta based and family owned since 1959.
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Show Details
Location: Gwinnett Center (next to the Gwinnett Arena – Exit 108 off I-85) 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway • Duluth, GA 30097 • 770-813-7500 www.GwinnettCenter.com 2015 Show Dates & Hours: Friday, Feb. 6th Noon – 6pm • Saturday, Feb. 7th 10am – 6pm Sunday, Feb. 8th Noon – 5pm Ticket Prices: General Admission (13 to 64 years old) $8 Military (with ID) Buy One Get One Free Seniors (65 and over with ID) Free Children (12 and under) Free Tickets may be purchased at the door. Trade Day – Friday Feb 6 – members of the housing trade receive free admission compliments of Window World. Simply give your business card to the ticket taker. For complete show information including a $2 off discount coupon courtesy of Holtkamp Heating & Air, please visit www.AtlantaHomeShow.com. SEMCO Productions produced event.
Atlanta based and family owned since 1959.
PLUMBING • ELECTRICAL HOME PERFORMANCE
18th Annual North Atlanta Home Show Reliable Heating & Air Home Show Stage February 6-8, 2015 Gwinnett Center
Friday, February 6th
1:00pm–2:00pm • “Refreshing Your Landscape” Walter Reeves - 95.5FM and AM750 News/Talk WSB 2:00pm–3:00pm • “Adapt & Garden Smart” Joe Washington-HGTV Ground Breakers 3:00pm–4:00pm • “Design & Décor Tips to Refresh Your Space” Tonya M. Williams - HGTV’s Real Estate and Home Décor Expert 4:00pm–5pm • “What to Consider When Considering a Remodeler” Rick Goldstein, Principal, Mosaic Group Architects & Remodelers, NARI-Atlanta 5:00pm–6:00pm • Butterfly Gardening Carole Teja, Gwinnett Master Gardener Extension Volunteer
Saturday, February 7th
6:00am - 9:00am • The Lawn & Garden Show - Live On-Air Broadcast Walter Reeves - 95.5FM and AM750 News/Talk WSB 9am-Noon • The Home Fix It Show - Live On-Air Broadcast Dave Baker -95.5FM and AM750 News/Talk WSB 12:15pm–1:00pm • “What’s New for 2015 with SEER Ratings and Hot Water Heaters” Daniel Jape, Owner and Chris McKinney, Plumbing Manager, Reliable Heating
1:00pm–2:00pm • “Adapt & Garden Smart” Joe Washington – HGTV’s Ground Breakers 2:00pm–3:00pm • “Design & Décor Tips to Refresh Your Space” Tony M. Willams - HGTV Real Estate and Home Décor Expert 3:00pm–4:00pm • “Creating a Backyard Wildlife Habitat” Judy Stoops, Owner, Wild Birds Unlimited Suwane 4:00pm-5pm • “Growing Herbs” Timothy Daly, County Extension Agent, Gwinnett County Extension
Sunday, February 8th
1:00pm–2:00pm • “Design & Décor Tips to Refresh Your Space” Tony M. Willams - HGTV Real Estate and Home Décor Expert 2:00pm–3:00pm • “Reduce Your Energy Bills - Ways to Save” George Hobby, Owner, Home Energy Solutions 3:00pm–4:00pm • Gardening in the Shade Shirley Bohm, Gwinnett Master Gardener Extension Volunteer
Meet Window World!
Window World of Atlanta offers windows, vinyl siding, gutters, entry doors, storm doors, patio doors and French rail doors. They offer a lifetime, transferable warranty and low prices on all of their products. They offer multiple types of windows, including double hung, bay and bow, casement and awning, slider, and garden windows. They offer comfort world 2000, Comfort World 4000 and Comfort World 6000 windows. “Simply the best for less is our motto, and we fully stand behind our products,” Michael Edwards said. “We provide a superior product, installed by a professional craftsman with a low price guarantee. The superior line of vinyl products, as well as top-of the line customer service has earned Window
World of Atlanta many awards, including the coveted Good Housekeeping Seal for seven consecutive years, JD Power and Associates has ranked them “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Windows and Doors,” two years in a row, EnergyStar Certification, EPA Lead-Safe Certification and Support from the Better Business Bureau. From Start to finish, Window World performs each job with care, patience and expertise,” Edwards said. Comfort World Vinyl Windows from Window World, Inc. help customers improve their homes living environment by offering a durable, high quality, 100 percent vinyl frame, which is easy to clean and requires very little maintenance. Replacement Windows from Window World of Atlanta are also available in a variety of energy efficient and money saving glass options, as well as multiple interior and exterior color and finish options to fit any decorating theme. Window World of Atlanta is licensed and insured and they always use up front pricing on their nationally rated products. Their products are installed by factorytrained installers and have the industries strongest warranty.
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Trends that add a “WOW!” Factor to Your Pool For many decades, residential swimming pool designs seemed to be frozen in time. Your options were mostly a kidney or freeform pool with a little rock waterfall or a rectangular shaped pool. Fortunately, things have changed significantly in the last several years. We attribute this shift to more customized pools to a renewed focus on the quality of life, especially time spent with family, and the desire to stay closer to home rather than travel. Today, the backyard has become an extension of one’s living room; blending functionality, design and dreams. When a swimming pool is the focal point, custom features like color lighting, fire features,
majestic waterfalls and grottos, as well as vanishing edge perimeters can take a simple backyard to sensational. Lighting is probably one of the most popular and inexpensive ways to create a dramatic effect in your yard. Today, with the innovation and cost effectiveness of LED lighting options, you can add multiple lighting features to your pool. LED lighting can also be used for the landscaping surrounding your pool, creating a resort-like feel without having a high utility bill. Fire features are becoming increasingly popular as they can add excitement, flair and a dramatic effect to a basic pool. Whether you are looking to create a
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modern, clean setting or a naturalistic rock and waterfall paradise, adding a fire feature may be one of the more affordable ways to give your project something special for those nighttime swims and parties. Also trending is the installation of functional fire features such as more fire pits and fireplaces. Design can create a very cohesive look by matching the same tile, stone, or travertine as the pool. Of all the beautiful water feature and pool designs, few are quite as dramatic and breathtaking as a well-designed vanishing edge pool. Also called, “infinity” edge, and “negative” edge, these pools have the distinguishing feature of a section of the pools perimeter serving as an overflow permitting the water’s edge to seemingly “vanish” into the distance. Obviously, not all backyards are suited for a vanishing edge pool. There has to be a slope or a drop-off plus an attractive vantage point such as a lake, ocean or beautiful hills. There is also extra engineering and costs involved with vanishing edge pools but can be stunning if done correctly by a reputable pool builder. Premier Pools and Spas has over 26 years of experience with all types of pools in any type of setting. They have been awarded numerous APSP (International Awards of Excellence) for Design and named the #1 Pool Builder in the country by the Pool & Spas News. For great design ideas and more information, please visit www.ppas.com.
EXHIBITOR BOOTH 360 PAINTING 449 ADT SECURITY SERVICES 650 AERUS ELECTROLUX 437 ALADDIN INSULATION & HOME IMPROVEMENT 741 ALAN MURPHY WINDOW & SIDING COMPANY 655 ALARM MONITORING SERVICE OF ATLANTA (AMSA) 925 ALL NATURAL DIPS/ELITE ENTERPRISES 853 ALLIANCE RESTORATION AND CONSULTING 735 AMERICA’S MATTRESS 847 AMERICAN CASUAL LIVING 1 AMERICAN SIGNATURE FURNITURE 637 AMERISERV 828 ANGIE’S LIST, INC. 733 AQUAGUARD FOUNDATION SOLUTIONS 949 ARCADIA SOUTHEAST 746 ARCHADECK/OUTDOOR LIVING 835 ARS - UNIVERSAL HEATING COOLING & AIR PURIFICATION 429 ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT MAGAZINE 943 ATLANTIS GRANITE AND MARBLE 334 AVI / MARVIN DESIGN GALLERY 641 B-LEVEL SOUTHEAST 945 BATH FITTER - TENNESSEE, INC. 734 BATTLE RENOVATIONS 940 BLUE RIBBON FOODS 542 BLUE RIDGE & GREAT SMOKY MTNS 251 BOWEN AND BOWEN HOMEBUILDERS 540 BOYCE DESIGN AND CONTRACTING, LLC 713 BUILDER SPECIALTIES 440 & 446 CABLE NELSON 136 CLAVINOVA 136 CLEARVIEW MOTION SCREENS 623 CONCRETE RESURFACING PRODUCTS 937 CONSULT A HOME PRO.COM 647 COOLSCREENS 840 COSTCO WHOLESALE (DULUTH) 935 CPI SECURITY SYSTEMS 833 CREATIVE CONCRETE RESURFACING 850 CSI KITCHEN & BATH STUDIO 241 CUTCO CUTLERY & COOKWARE (Olean) 346 DECK BUILDERS USA 651 DIRECT BUILD HOME IMPROVEMENT 348
North Atlanta Home Show Exhibitors DIRECT BUY 743 DISKLAVIER 136 E-SHIELD 1100 141 EMC SECURITY 732 ENCORE COATINGS 855 ENTRYPOINT DOORS OF ATLANTA 841 EVERDRY WATERPROOFING 911 EXOVATIONS 441 EZ HANG CHAIRS 809 FARMERS INSURANCE 600 FERN VALLEY LANDSCAPE & INTERIORS 921 FILTERSNAP 434 FIVE STAR PAINTING 146 FLOOR COVERINGS INTERNATIONAL 934 FLOORMAX 330 GARAGE EXPRESSIONS 737 GEORGIA AWNINGS 709 GEORGIA CENTRAL VACUUM 551 GEORGIA IN-HOME SERVICES, INC. 933 GEORGIA SPA COMPANY 609 & 613 GEORGIA SPCA 603 GEORGIA SUNROOM 455 GO TOUCH DOWN TRAVEL & TOURS 923 GRANITE TRANSFORMATIONS 625 GUTTER DOME 915 GWINNETT COUNTY COOPERATIVE EXTENSION 148 GWINNETT DAILY POST 601 HOLTKAMP HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING, INC. 613 HOME & GARDEN DESIGN, INC. 646 HOME ENERGY SOLUTIONS 141 HOUSLEY ENTERPRISES OF GA, INC. 532 HUPER OPTIK 840 HUPER OPTIK 919 IRONWOOD TOOLS 543 J & J PAINTING OF GEORGIA 829 J&K ENTERPRISES 547 JACKSON EMC 729 JAMES HARDIE 441 JENNIFER’S GLASSWORKS, LLC 928 JOHNNY RHINO RESIDENTIAL REMODELERS 929 KITCHEN CRAFT 728 KNIGHT AC & HEATING 927
LEAF FILTER NORTH OF GEORGIA, INC. 430 LEAFGUARD OF NORTH GEORGIA 934 LEISURE LIFESTYLE PRODUCTS, LLC 854 MADARIS SIDING & WINDOWS ATLANTA 128 MAID RIGHT OF NORTH FULTON/EAST COBB 751 MASTERPIECE DOORS & SHUTTERS 140 MASTERSHIELD 635 MATTRESS 4 YOU 147 MERRY MAIDS 834 METAL BRITE PRODUCTS 455 MITSUBISHI 613 MOSQUITO SQUAD OF DULUTH-LAWRENCEVILLE 931 NARI - ATLANTA 604 NO LIMIT, LLC 831 ORECK VACUUMS 528 ORGANIC LAND CLEARING 2 OUTDOOR LIGHTING PERSPECTIVES 436 PATTEN SEED CO. / SUPER SOD 347 PELLA WINDOW & DOOR COMPANY 813 PGT EZE BREEZE 840 PIANO DISTRIBUTORS 136 POLYLEVEL - AQUAGUARD 451 POWER HOME REMODELING GROUP 329 PREMIER POOLS AND SPAS 336 PROACTIVE PEST CONTROL 432 PROTECT PAINTERS 433 PROUDLAND LANDSCAPE GROUP 233 PULL OUT SHELF COMPANY 640 PURDY FLOORING & DESIGN 132 QUALITY CLOSET CONNECTION 335 RADON TESTING ATLANTA 750 RAINAWAY DECK DRAIN SYSTEMS 817 RAINBOW OF NORTH GEORGIA 355 RAINIER 840 REELSCREENS 840 RELIABLE HEATING & AIR 254 RHEEM 254 RHINO SHIELD BY GEORGIA COATINGS, INC 917 SAFE RACKS 435 SCENIC DESIGN GROUP 130 SCENTSY WICKLESS CANDLES (WICKFREE CANDLES INC) 428 SCREENS OF GEORGIA (PHANTOM SCREENS) 341
SELF DEFENSE ATL 328 SHELF GENIE 916 SHLAGE 613 SLEEP NUMBER 723 SOFTUB 349 SOUTHEAST COATINGS - TURTLE COAT 629 SOUTHEASTERN UNDERDECK SYSTEMS, LLC 546 SOUTHERN CLASSIC FLOORING, INC 823 SOUTHERN HOME INNOVATIONS 846 SOUTHERN VIEW ENERGY, INC. 941 SPECIALTY STUMP GRINDING 337 SPRAY FOAM SERVICES 447 STAIRSOLUTION LLC 541 STATE FARM INSURANCE 231 STONE CRE8TIONS OF ATLANTA 709 SUMMER ACCENTS 654 SUNTEK 919 TAYLOR CONSTRUCTION 946 THE FAN MAN 648 THE LOUVER SHOP 642 THE SUNSHINE BOYS BY GEORGIA SOLAR LIGHTING 908 THE TRUSTED TOOLBOX 548 TIGHT LINE EXTERIORS 247 TRANE 254 TRANE 613 TREMRON 836 TREX 441 TUPPERWARE 598 TURTLECOAT 629 UNLIMITED LAWN CARE 142 VITAMIX 229 W & W METAL ROOFING INC. 747 WADDELL AND REED 848 WE IN GEORGIA - 3 BEER RUB 333 WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED 126 WILDWATER ADVENTURE CENTERS 947 WILSERV COATINGS, LLC 549 WINDOW GENIE 919 WINDOW WORLD 529 WOOD HOLLOW CABINETS 129 XANTHIA CORP 235 YAMAHA 136
Sunday, February 1, 2015 • NORTH ATLANTA HOME SHOW • 5
Personal Service is at the Forefront of Growing Family-Owned Business
Over the last 36 years, Reliable Heating & Air has morphed from the small business that owner Dan Jape started in his basement to a 24-hour operation that includes HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, Home Performance and Duct Cleaning. In 2014, Reliable was named the largest Trane Dealer in North America. The Woodstock-based company, which employs more than 320 professionals, manages a fleet of 200 plus trucks and a year- old satellite location in Fayetteville. Reliable serves a 26-county territory that stretches north to Jasper and Flowery Branch, west to Villa Rica, east to Loganville and south toward Warner Robbins. “Woodstock is a good base of operation for us because it has both the space and accessibility to the interstate that we need to continue to serve our growing customer base,” says owner Dan Jape. “We are honest, up-front and do each job correctly. We give our customers a very personal experience.” Customer service doesn’t end when the day shift leaves for home at 8 p.m. That’s when the overnight crew comes in – three employees who take service calls throughout the night. “Water, plumbing, heating and air conditioning problems can’t wait,” says Jape. “Our customers do not have to leave a message with an answering service. We have someone answering the phones 24 hours a day, seven days a week.” Reliable is a family-owned business – Jape’s son Daniel is the president and heads up the install department. The father/son duo recently achieved a difficult accolade: landing on the 2013 Angie’s List Super Service Award. Duct cleaning is the newest division, started in Feb. 2014, to be added to Reliable’s lengthy menu that includes plumbing, electrical and home performance and heating and cooling. The company’s growth in these divisions has been guided by customer requests. “We found that more and more of our customers were asking us for referrals for their plumbing, electrical and other needs because they trusted us,” Jape says, “but oftentimes the work performed by those outside vendors didn’t meet our standards.” Ultimately, Jape made the decision to bring those areas inhouse. “Many customers asked if we could become their ‘one-stop’ service provider, and we finally decided it was time.” Quality products and experienced professionals also play a large part in Reliable’s 36 years of success, according to Dan, who said
he has hired the best in each industry to lead successful divisions in plumbing, electrical and home performance. A solid staff and dependable equipment allow Reliable to comfortably offer a 100 percent customer satisfaction guarantee. Heating and Air Reliable’s HVAC technicians are certified Trane Comfort Specialists. Reliable is also NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certified, which means Reliable’s technicians have passed the NATE test that certifies technicians as having the most knowledge and experience in servicing and installing heating and cooling systems. Dan also requires that technicians wear booties, put down drop cloths and clean up debris so customers’ homes are treated with respect and care. “The people at Reliable are the sum of the company,” he says. “We’re honest, up-front and provide complete pricing so customers aren’t surprised by hidden fees.” Dan believes customers also choose Reliable because the company has been family-owned for decades and will continue to be around for many years to come as Jape’s son Daniel prepares to take over the business one day. “Customers seem to like knowing the faces behind the business,” Jape says. “Many of Reliable’s customers have been with us since the beginning. They know who they’re dealing with and who they’ll be dealing with in the future. Customers can’t build that kind of relationship and familiarity with corporations or a large retailer like they have with us at Reliable.” Daniel Jape, President — “I have grown up working at Reliable; and after getting my Business Management degree in college came to work full time. I enjoy the day to day challenges and logistics of running a business and try my best to be someone our employees can come to at any time. I am thankful for all of our employees that work hard 24/7 to make our company what it has become. It has been a great joy for me to see the company expand with new departments and continue to grow. I take pride in what my father and I have built and am excited for the future of Reliable Heating & Air.” Plumbing Master Plumber Chris McKinney, who has more than 10 years’ experience, directs the plumbing division. Reliable’s plumbers must be licensed by the state of Georgia as a journeyman or master plumber. Reliable Heating & Air specializes in fast, efficient, emergency sameday service and repair of all plumbing systems
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with a first-class service experience at fair prices. Electrical Master Electrician and Manager Mike Grayeski brings more than 19 years of experience to this department. Mike’s team is made up of highly trained and certified electricians. Mike has been in Woodstock for eight years and owned an electrical company until it was acquired by Reliable in May 2012. “I was incredibly impressed with Reliable’s history, brand in the marketplace, and ultimately the quality of work that they deliver in all that they do. It is an honor to now be a part of this incredible Reliable team,” Grayeski says. Home Performance Air tightness and thermal efficiency in the home is the focus of this division, led by Jason Bouchard. Members of this team are Building Performance Institute (BPI) certified auditors and members of the National Comfort Institute. The goal is to identify leaks around attic doors, ducts, lighting excessive dust and other issues that make your home a poor performer. Auditors compile a complete, detailed report from diagnostic testing and present clients with a written report of changes that can be made to increase comfort level and decrease energy consumption. Reliable’s certified, trained technicians can make all the necessary corrections, including areas of caulking and sealing, duct insulation and tightening, crawl space, can light and attic door sealing. They also can add insulation in any area that is needed. The technicians also perform a complete health and safety inspection to identify any issues a home may have with proper combustion of gas appliances and the correct drafting of carbon monoxide from furnaces, water heaters and kitchen appliances. “Whether people have comfort issues in a home, such as high and low humidity, excessive dust build up and/or drafty, cold homes and rooms, they are calling us to help, and we are bringing fantastic results,” says Jape.
Duct Cleaning Alex Peleaz is manager of this newest division, which started just a few months ago, and has three dedicated trucks and six technicians. “It’s very fulfilling to help people who struggle with respiratory problems like allergies. We can help make a difference in their quality of life,” Paleaz says. Steve Hallock, Chief Information Officer, Service Operations Manager — “At Reliable we leverage the use of technology throughout our operations. Our field technicians are equipped with Android tablets enabling smart dispatching, data collection and data dissemination. Today we are looking at how your heating and cooling system can achieve maximum efficiency through smart use applications and this is just one example of why Reliable will remain a leader in HVAC, electrical and plumbing services.” Mark Wall, Director of Sales & Customer Service — “I consider it a blessing to work for an owner that truly values, understands, and cares for the customers well-being and comfort. Daily he is involved at all levels and knowledge of the business he owns/operates.”
Featured in the September 2014 edition of Sixes Living Magazine -- sixeslivingmagazine.com
What to Expect – When You are Expecting New Hardwoods! Purdy Flooring & Design Shares a Prep/Checklist PREPARATING FOR MY NEW FLOORS When installing a new wood floor, the material needs to acclimate to your home environment. To acclimate properly, it is recommended to store the hardwood material inside your home, not in your garage or on a porch. Proper acclimation reduces the amount of natural movement a wood floor will have throughout the seasons. All furniture and personal items will need to be removed from the work space. You may choose to do this yourself, or make arrangements with the contractor to do so. Remember to clear countertops and remove toilet(s) if necessary or arrange for the contractor to do the work. Also, consider opening your blinds and shutters. Also suggested is for window treatments be removed or lifted off of the floor to protect fabric and create a well-lit working environment. Appliances such as your refrigerator and range also need to be removed. It is recommended to do this before installers arrive. After project completion, you will be responsible for re-hooking the icemaker on the refrigerator as well as a gas stove. Make sure the connections are good. After reconnection, it is advised you check the hook-ups at least once in the following hour. You don’t want water to damage your new floors. Please make sure that your pets are in a secure and safe area or not on the premises. Let your contractor know if you would like any cabinets or valuables draped.
INSTALLATION DAY The average time for most projects range from 2 to 7 days. However, the amount of time that your hardwood project will take depends on the scope and size of your project. Dust is an element of the project that is inevitable. There is dust containment equipment available; however, even the best equipment will not be dust free. Please be aware that there will be some dust during the installation process. Be aware that dust may continue to settle several days after project completion. You will need to please wait 24 hours before walking on your new floors. Allow 48 hours for furniture and pets and 1-2 weeks before placing carpets or other area rugs. Also avoid using water on the floor for one week. TAKING CARE OF MY NEW HARDWOOD FLOORS You will find that your new hardwood floors are a great pleasure. They are also easy to care for, clean, and maintain. Remember to vacuum regularly using a brush attachment. Dust mopping works well, but do not use a household dust treatment on your mop. These chemicals may cause your floors to become slick or dull. It is recommended to use a floor cleaner called Bona. This cleaner is a water based, environmentally friendly formula that leaves no residue. For more information visit Purdy Flooring & Design in booth 132 at the North Atlanta Home Show – Gwinnett Center, Feb 6-8.
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Take it Outside! Home trends continuously evolve, and one of the hottest trends for home owners now is outdoor living. Gone are the days of the standard 8x10 foot concrete patio, in fact, outdoor living spaces including outdoor kitchens are now consistently one of the top 3 requests that homeowners are asking for in new homes as well as remodeling projects. Few things are as much fun as a summer barbecue and the smell of the grill cooking in the back yard by the pool, but in the southeast we have the advantage of having cooperative outdoor living weather for the large majority of the year. It’s hard not to have a good time when you’re enjoying the outdoors with family and friends beside the pool
or fireplace and have a great meal to enjoy – but it’s not so much fun if you are constantly running back and forth between the grill and the inside kitchen with ingredients, condiments, drinks, etc. A few years ago, the outdoor kitchen wasn’t much more than a concept, but today, the outdoor kitchen is the new indoor kitchen. Manufacturers of quality products offer complete kitchen concepts including grills, warming drawers, sinks, refrigeration, kegorators, etc. What is important to determine are the components that you would need for your family’s lifestyle. Many outdoor living environments have a fire and water feature – whether it be a fireplace or fire pit, a pool or waterfall. When it comes to the kitchen,
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think of it as a separate entity from what is inside – many customers regret not including refrigeration and cleaning zones, as well as serving or libation zones as they enjoy in their indoor space. These are the top components to consider if you are planning an outdoor living space: • Outdoor grill (may choose both gas and an outdoor smoker like a Kamado) • Refrigeration (high quality with high BTUs to sustain in heat of summer) • Power burner (for low country boil or fried turkey) • Warming drawers • Sink/Clean up product • Dry sealed storage (utensils, etc) • Fire Feature
• Water Feature • Landscape lighting to enhance environment Most importantly, consult a professional with experience that can help you achieve your dream and provide a space that you and your family will enjoy for years to come. A properly planned and constructed space will add not only enjoyment to your lives but value to your home as well. This information is provided by: Lisa Connor, Business Development Manager, Outdoor Living Builder Specialties, Inc. lconnor@ builderspecialties.net. Be sure to visit Builder Specialties, Inc. in booths 440 & 446 at the North Atlanta Home Show – Gwinnett Center – February 6-8, 2015.
How to decorate on a budget Using Items You Already Own
By: HGTV Real Estate and Home Décor Expert – Tonya M. Williams Every homeowner has an idea of what they like and dislike about their current home. The majority of people would like to redecorate at least one area, space or room within their home but have no idea of how to start. This article is aimed at helping you—the homeowner—repurpose items you already own to achieve a fresh new look for your home sans the sticker shock of purchasing a bevy of new items. There are three basic rules to achieving the successful make-over of an area: • Have a Plan—select the “project area”. This is the room, area or space you would like to redecorate. Do not switch areas once you have made the decision. • Make a List—list action items numbered 1-10 on how you want to change the space, i.e., paint, lighting, furnishings, etc. The entire project should take no more than a weekend and well under $1500.00.
• Organize/Take Pictures—the “project area” should be photographed before you begin and at project completion. Ok, you’ve identified the “project area,” listed all action items, and taken pictures. Now comes the fun part—shopping! Shopping within your home is a personalized experience because all of the items reflect your personal style. This is also a great time to identify and dispose of items you no longer use. Fabulous In-Home Finds • Ottomans—Reclaim old ottomans; the trend is for ottomans to double as coffee tables and/or extra seating. Have the piece reupholstered if it has good bones. This will give it a fresh new look and cost significantly less than purchasing a new one. Also, you won’t have to figure out what to do with the old one. • Shop inside your linen closet!--Chances are, you will find beautiful towels hidden away. Take them out, use them, display them if you are redecorating a bathroom or powder room. • Mirrors—Check the attic for old mirrors that
may have beautiful trimming or unique details that make them a fabulous find. Mirrors add depth and make rooms appear bigger. Leaning mirrors are great for living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms. • Paint—Painting is the fastest and most economical way to add life/rejuvenate a room. If you choose to paint remember to prep the space correctly. There are few things worse than a sloppy painting job. Now that your “project area” is painted, you’ve shopped in-house, and also picked up a few inexpensive ‘new items’, it’s time to bring it all together! The newly decorated space should be a reflection of you, your taste, your style and your inner “decorating diva.” Remember, every successful redecorating project starts with a plan. If you follow the three basic rules listed above, you should be able to successfully redecorate your space and achieve a high-end look on a very reasonable budget. Tonya M. Williams owns a Staging and Décor Firm in
Buckhead and has been a top producing Real Estate Broker in Metro Atlanta for over 13 years. Tonya M. Williams Designs—Couture Pillows and Throws can be purchased on www.Amazon.com (Amazon Prime). Email: Tonya5000@ gmail.com
Sunday, February 1, 2015 • NORTH ATLANTA HOME SHOW • 9
ST AG E
Reliable Heating & Air G
IN
T
SE
A
Reliable Heating & Air Home Show Stage
Mattress 4 You
Gwinnett County Cooperative Extension 148
Five Star Painting
146
Unlimited Lawn Care
Rainbow of North Georgia 355
254
248
Blue Ridge & Great Smoky Mountains 251
147
247
Georgia Sunroom
Summer Accents
555
654
Direct Build Home Improvement
Softub
348
349
360 Painting 449
Cutco Cutlery & Cookware 346
Patten Seed Co. Super Sod 347
Spray Foam Services 447
Tight Line Exteriors
Mattress 4 You
Metal Brite Products 455
Aquaguard Foundations Solutions 451
Builder Specialties
446
Alan Murphy Window & Siding Company
Georgia Central Vacuum 551
ADT Security Services 650
Wilserv Coatings, LLC 549
The Fan Man
548 Southeastern Underdeck Systems, LLC 546
Blue Ribbon Foods
The Trusted Toolbox
Home Energy Solutions
CSI Kitchen & Bath Studio
Screens of Georgia (Phantom Screens)
Builder Specialties
Exovations
542
141
241
341
440
441
Bowen and Bowen Homebuilders 540
All Natural Dips Elite Enterprises 853
655
651
Radon Testing Atlanta 750
Maid Right of North Fulton/East Cobb 751
648
ConsultAHomePro.com
Arcadia Southeast
J&K Enterprises 547
Home & Garden Design, Inc. 646
W&W Metal Roofing, Inc.
647
746
747
Ironwood Tools 543
The Louver Shop 642
StairSolution, LLC
Pull Out Shelf Company 640
541
Deck Builders USA
Creative Concrete Resurfacing 850 Waddell and Reed
Leisure Lifestyle Products, LLC 854
America’s Mattress
Taylor Construction
847
946
743 Aladdin Insulation & Home Improvement 741
641
Aquaguard Foundation Solutions Wildwater Adventure Centers 947 B-Level Southeast 945 Atlanta Home Improvement Magazine 943
Direct Buy AVI / Marvin Design Gallery
855
949
848 Southern Home Innovations 846
Encore Coatings
Coolscreens
Entrypoint Doors of Atlanta
Battle Renovations
840
841
940
Southern View Energy, Inc. 941 Concrete Resurfacing Products
142
Xanthia Corporation
Masterpiece Doors & Shutters
140
Piano Distributors
Wood Hollow Cabinets
129
235 Proudland Landscape Group 233
Premier Pools And Spas 336
Specialty Stump Grinding 337
Outdoor Lighting Perspectives 436
Aerus Electrolux 437
Atlantis Granite And Marble 334
Quality Closet Connection 335
Filtersnap
Safe Racks
434
435
Floormax
We In Georgia (3 Beer Rub) 333
Proactive Pest Control 432
Protect Painters 433
532
Leaf Filter North of Georgia, Inc. 430
ARS Universal Heating Cooling & Air Purification
Oreck Vacuums
429
528
State Farm Insurance 231
330
Vitamix
Self Defense Atl
Power Home Remodeling Group
229
328
329
Scentsy Wickless Candles (Wickfree Candles, Inc.) 428
American Signature Furniture 637
Housley Enterprises of GA, Inc.
635
Alliance Restoration and Consulting 735
Merry Maids
734 EMC Security
Angie’s List
Holtkamp Heating & Air conditioning, Inc.
732
733
631
Kitchen Craft
836 834
Jackson EMC
Southeast Coatings Turtle Coat 629
529
Tremron
Tennessee, Inc.
Mastershield
Window World
Garage Expressions 737
Bath Fitter
728
Ameriserv
Archadeck/Outdoor Living
Floor Coverings International
835
934
CPI Security Systems 833
Leafguard of North Georgia 932
No Limit, LLC
Jennifer’s Glassworks, LLC
831
729
828
J & J Painting of Georgia 829
928
Granite Transformations 625 Clearview Motion Screens 623
Sleep Number
Southern Classic Flooring, Inc.
723
823
Organic Land Clearing
130
Madaris Siding & Windows Atlanta 128
Georgia Spa Company
Gallery Info Table
Bulldog Carts
Grand Prize
Tupperware
597
599
598
Boyce Design and Contracting, LLC
Johnny Rhino Residential Remodelers 929 Knight AC & Heating 927
Go Touch Down Travel & Tours 923 Fern Valley Landscape & Interiors 921
602
613
604
126
Farmers Insurance
Bath Planet
Gwinnett Daily Post
Georgia SPCA
600
601
701
603
Rainaway Deck Drain Systems
Shelf Genie
817
916
Pella Window & Door Company
NARI
Wild Birds Unlimited
10 • NORTH ATLANTA HOME SHOW • Sunday, February 1, 2015
Mosquito Squad of Duluth/Lawrenceville 931
Window Genie 919
132
Scenic Design Group
Georgia In-Home Services, Inc. 933
Alarm Monitoring Service of Atlanta (AMSA) 925
136
Purdy Flooring & Design
937 Costco Wholesale (Duluth) 935
Georgia Spa Company 609
713
Stone Cre8tions of Atlanta 709
EZ Hang Chairs
809
813
Rhino Shield by Georgia Coatings, Inc 917 Gutter Dome 915 Everdry Waterproofing
911
The Sunshine Boys by Georgia Solar Lighting 908
Sunday, February 1, 2015 • NORTH ATLANTA HOME SHOW • 11
ST AG E
Reliable Heating & Air G
IN
T
SE
A
Reliable Heating & Air Home Show Stage
Mattress 4 You
Gwinnett County Cooperative Extension 148
Five Star Painting
146
Unlimited Lawn Care
Rainbow of North Georgia 355
254
248
Blue Ridge & Great Smoky Mountains 251
147
247
Georgia Sunroom
Summer Accents
555
654
Direct Build Home Improvement
Softub
348
349
360 Painting 449
Cutco Cutlery & Cookware 346
Patten Seed Co. Super Sod 347
Spray Foam Services 447
Tight Line Exteriors
Mattress 4 You
Metal Brite Products 455
Aquaguard Foundations Solutions 451
Builder Specialties
446
Alan Murphy Window & Siding Company
Georgia Central Vacuum 551
ADT Security Services 650
Wilserv Coatings, LLC 549
The Fan Man
548 Southeastern Underdeck Systems, LLC 546
Blue Ribbon Foods
The Trusted Toolbox
Home Energy Solutions
CSI Kitchen & Bath Studio
Screens of Georgia (Phantom Screens)
Builder Specialties
Exovations
542
141
241
341
440
441
Bowen and Bowen Homebuilders 540
All Natural Dips Elite Enterprises 853
655
651
Radon Testing Atlanta 750
Maid Right of North Fulton/East Cobb 751
648
ConsultAHomePro.com
Arcadia Southeast
J&K Enterprises 547
Home & Garden Design, Inc. 646
W&W Metal Roofing, Inc.
647
746
747
Ironwood Tools 543
The Louver Shop 642
StairSolution, LLC
Pull Out Shelf Company 640
541
Deck Builders USA
Creative Concrete Resurfacing 850 Waddell and Reed
Leisure Lifestyle Products, LLC 854
America’s Mattress
Taylor Construction
847
946
743 Aladdin Insulation & Home Improvement 741
641
Aquaguard Foundation Solutions Wildwater Adventure Centers 947 B-Level Southeast 945 Atlanta Home Improvement Magazine 943
Direct Buy AVI / Marvin Design Gallery
855
949
848 Southern Home Innovations 846
Encore Coatings
Coolscreens
Entrypoint Doors of Atlanta
Battle Renovations
840
841
940
Southern View Energy, Inc. 941 Concrete Resurfacing Products
142
Xanthia Corporation
Masterpiece Doors & Shutters
140
Piano Distributors
Wood Hollow Cabinets
129
235 Proudland Landscape Group 233
Premier Pools And Spas 336
Specialty Stump Grinding 337
Outdoor Lighting Perspectives 436
Aerus Electrolux 437
Atlantis Granite And Marble 334
Quality Closet Connection 335
Filtersnap
Safe Racks
434
435
Floormax
We In Georgia (3 Beer Rub) 333
Proactive Pest Control 432
Protect Painters 433
532
Leaf Filter North of Georgia, Inc. 430
ARS Universal Heating Cooling & Air Purification
Oreck Vacuums
429
528
State Farm Insurance 231
330
Vitamix
Self Defense Atl
Power Home Remodeling Group
229
328
329
Scentsy Wickless Candles (Wickfree Candles, Inc.) 428
American Signature Furniture 637
Housley Enterprises of GA, Inc.
635
Alliance Restoration and Consulting 735
Merry Maids
734 EMC Security
Angie’s List
Holtkamp Heating & Air conditioning, Inc.
732
733
631
Kitchen Craft
836 834
Jackson EMC
Southeast Coatings Turtle Coat 629
529
Tremron
Tennessee, Inc.
Mastershield
Window World
Garage Expressions 737
Bath Fitter
728
Ameriserv
Archadeck/Outdoor Living
Floor Coverings International
835
934
CPI Security Systems 833
Leafguard of North Georgia 932
No Limit, LLC
Jennifer’s Glassworks, LLC
831
729
828
J & J Painting of Georgia 829
928
Granite Transformations 625 Clearview Motion Screens 623
Sleep Number
Southern Classic Flooring, Inc.
723
823
Organic Land Clearing
130
Madaris Siding & Windows Atlanta 128
Georgia Spa Company
Gallery Info Table
Bulldog Carts
Grand Prize
Tupperware
597
599
598
Boyce Design and Contracting, LLC
Johnny Rhino Residential Remodelers 929 Knight AC & Heating 927
Go Touch Down Travel & Tours 923 Fern Valley Landscape & Interiors 921
602
613
604
126
Farmers Insurance
Bath Planet
Gwinnett Daily Post
Georgia SPCA
600
601
701
603
Rainaway Deck Drain Systems
Shelf Genie
817
916
Pella Window & Door Company
NARI
Wild Birds Unlimited
10 • NORTH ATLANTA HOME SHOW • Sunday, February 1, 2015
Mosquito Squad of Duluth/Lawrenceville 931
Window Genie 919
132
Scenic Design Group
Georgia In-Home Services, Inc. 933
Alarm Monitoring Service of Atlanta (AMSA) 925
136
Purdy Flooring & Design
937 Costco Wholesale (Duluth) 935
Georgia Spa Company 609
713
Stone Cre8tions of Atlanta 709
EZ Hang Chairs
809
813
Rhino Shield by Georgia Coatings, Inc 917 Gutter Dome 915 Everdry Waterproofing
911
The Sunshine Boys by Georgia Solar Lighting 908
Sunday, February 1, 2015 • NORTH ATLANTA HOME SHOW • 11
Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage or Invest?
Owning a home outright is a dream that many Americans share. Having a mortgage can be a huge burden, and paying it off may be the first item on your financial to-do list. But competing with the desire to own your home free and clear is your need to invest for retirement, your child’s college education, or some other goal. Putting extra cash toward one of these goals may mean sacrificing another. So how do you choose? Evaluating the opportunity cost Deciding between prepaying your mortgage and investing your extra cash isn’t easy, because each option has advantages and disadvantages. But you can start by weighing what you’ll gain financially by choosing one option against what you’ll give up. In economic terms, this is known as evaluating the opportunity cost. Here’s an example. Let’s assume that you have a $300,000 balance and 20 years remaining on your 30-year mortgage, and you’re paying 6.25% interest. If you were to put an extra $400 toward your mortgage each month, you would save approximately $62,000 in interest, and pay off your loan almost 6 years early. By making extra payments and saving all of that interest, you’ll clearly be gaining a lot of financial ground. But
before you opt to prepay your mortgage, you still have to consider what you might be giving up by doing so--the opportunity to potentially profit even more from investing. To determine if you would come out ahead if you invested your extra cash, start by looking at the after-tax rate of return you can expect from prepaying your mortgage. This is generally less than the interest rate you’re paying on your mortgage, once you take into account any tax deduction you receive for mortgage interest. Once you’ve calculated that figure, compare it to the after-tax return you could receive by investing your extra cash. For example, the after-tax cost of a 6.25% mortgage would be approximately 4.5% if you were in the 28% tax bracket and were able to deduct mortgage interest on your federal income tax return (the aftertax cost might be even lower if you were also able to deduct mortgage interest on your state income tax return). Could you receive a higher after-tax rate of return if you invested your money instead of prepaying your mortgage? Keep in mind that the rate of return you’ll receive is directly related to the investments you choose. Investments with the potential for higher returns may
12 • NORTH ATLANTA HOME SHOW • Sunday, February 1, 2015
expose you to more risk, so take this into account when making your decision. Other points to consider While evaluating the opportunity cost is important, you’ll also need to weigh many other factors. The following list of questions may help you decide which option is best for you. • What’s your mortgage interest rate? The lower the rate on your mortgage, the greater the potential to receive a better return through investing. • Does your mortgage have a prepayment penalty? Most mortgages don’t, but check before making extra payments. • How long do you plan to stay in your home? The main benefit of prepaying your mortgage is the amount of interest you save over the long term; if you plan to move soon, there’s less value in putting more money toward your mortgage. • Will you have the discipline to invest your extra cash rather than spend it? If not, you might be better off making extra mortgage payments. • Do you have an emergency account to cover unexpected expenses? It doesn’t make sense to make extra mortgage payments now if you’ll be forced to borrow money at a higher interest rate later. And keep in mind that if your financial circumstances change--if you lose your job or suffer a disability, for example--you may have more trouble borrowing against your home equity. • How comfortable are you with debt? If you worry endlessly about it, give the emotional benefits of paying off your mortgage extra consideration. • Are you saddled with high balances on credit cards or personal loans? If so, it’s often better to pay off those debts first. The interest rate on consumer debt isn’t tax deductible, and is often far higher than either your mortgage interest rate or the rate of return you’re likely to receive on your investments. • Are you currently paying mortgage insurance? If you are, putting extra toward your mortgage until you’ve gained at least 20% equity in your home may make sense. • How will prepaying your mortgage affect your overall tax situation? For example, prepaying your mortgage (thus reducing your mortgage interest) could affect your ability to itemize deductions
(this is especially true in the early years of your mortgage, when you’re likely to be paying more in interest). • Have you saved enough for retirement? If you haven’t, consider contributing the maximum allowable each year to taxadvantaged retirement accounts before prepaying your mortgage. This is especially important if you are receiving a generous employer match. For example, if you save 6% of your income, an employer match of 50% of what you contribute (i.e., 3% of your income) could potentially add thousands of extra dollars to your retirement account each year. Prepaying your mortgage may not be the savviest financial move if it means forgoing that match or shortchanging your retirement fund. • How much time do you have before you reach retirement or until your children go off to college? The longer your timeframe, the more time you have to potentially grow your money by investing. Alternatively, if paying off your mortgage before reaching a financial goal will make you feel much more secure, factor that into your decision. The middle ground If you need to invest for an important goal, but you also want the satisfaction of paying down your mortgage, there’s no reason you can’t do both. It’s as simple as allocating part of your available cash toward one goal, and putting the rest toward the other. Even small adjustments can make a difference. For example, you could potentially shave years off your mortgage by consistently making biweekly, instead of monthly, mortgage payments, or by putting any year-end bonuses or tax refunds toward your mortgage principal. And remember, no matter what you decide now, you can always reprioritize your goals later to keep up with changes to your circumstances, market conditions, and interest rates.
Show Photos
Sunday, February 1, 2015 • NORTH ATLANTA HOME SHOW • 13
What to Look for When Selecting Professional Outdoor Lighting Professional outdoor lighting for your home can provide several benefits. It offers curb appeal and enhanced safety for pathways, walkways and steps. Outdoor lighting allows you to extend the enjoyment of your outdoor living spaces long after the sun goes down and adds a layer of security against unwanted visitors. When considering outdoor lighting there are several options to choose from. DIY products are available in big box stores and online. Solar lights are everywhere, but don’t provide a sufficient amount of light output to light a pathway properly. Line voltage lighting is an option, but a licensed electrician must install it and bulbs tend to burn out quickly. (Not to mention a higher electricity bill.) The Basics A legitimate professional outdoor lighting system installation will include: • A custom design plan • Quality products (fixtures, transformer, cable, etc.) • Thorough, meticulous installation • Ongoing service to ensure that the system always performs in perfect condition Outdoor Lighting Design Elements Less is more with landscape lighting. Over lamping and poor placement of fixtures can wash out landscaping and create unnecessary glare for the homeowner. When working with a professional designer a needs analysis should be developed to determine the goals for the homeowner. Pathway Lighting Energy efficient path lights direct light downward to showcase pathways and highlight low flowerbeds. Avoid placing the fixtures in a straight line and be sure to choose quality fixtures that have a large light spread. Up-Lighting and Grazing Create that welcome home feeling in the evening hours by evenly up-lighting your home. Be
sure to highlight those special architectural details that set your home apart. Extend the look of your home and add a pop of color by highlighting some specimen trees in the front yard. Lighting for Outdoor Living Spaces Daylight savings may be around the corner but a well-designed lighting plan will help extend your outdoor living into all four seasons of the year. Don’t forget the perimeter trees to create some depth in your backyard. You will most likely find that the evening hours are soon to be your most cherished! Deck and Step Lighting There are great options for under mount deck lights that don’t show much by day, but certainly give off a great deal of light at night. Rope lighting almost completely disappears by day when installed properly underneath a deck rail. It gives off a soft glow in the evening hours. Step lighting is an ideal way to keep your stairs safe by placing lights in the stairs themselves. Festive and Holiday Lighting What a great way to spice up your patio or pergola to create the perfect space to entertain. Your local lighting professionals have just the lighting solutions for you to get the party started whether you are shopping for temporary or permanent lighting solutions. Choosing a Provider Now that you have a basic understanding of what’s involved and what to expect relative to lighting solutions, do your homework. Check with satisfied neighbors on who provided their outdoor lighting, and check accredited referral sources like Angie’s List. This information provided by Outdoor Lighting Perspectives, America’s most trusted source for professional outdoor lighting. Be sure to visit Outdoor Lighting Perspectives in booth # 436 at the Spring North Atlanta Home Show – Gwinnett Center – February 6-8, 2015.
14 • NORTH ATLANTA HOME SHOW • Sunday, February 1, 2015
Sunday, February 1, 2015 • NORTH ATLANTA HOME SHOW • 15
Conserving Energy by George Hobby, Home Energy Solutions www.hesnow.com As homeowners, where do we start? We start by educating ourselves and having an open mind. For years, we have had the unpleasant experience of opening up a high gas bill, power bill or water bill. We all dread that time each month when these unexpected bills come and these bills are hard to predict, control and budget for. There is so much information available to us today via the internet that educating ourselves on conserving energy is simply a click away; however, we all seem to get tied up on day to day business – the hustle and bustle of life which causes us to bite the bullet and pay these high bills because we don’t know we have a choice. The most common way that we conserve energy today is summed up in two phrases: turn the thermostat up or down and turn off the lights. These are two actions that have been passed down to us by our parents and grandparents. Conserving energy is really quite simple. The most effective way to conserve energy is to use less of it. You may say,” That’s great! How do we do that?” One very simple way to start is by switching from incandescent lighting to LED (light emitting diode) bulbs. By taking this one step, you tackle three issues that exist in your home today. You can cut wattage up to 75%, you eliminate radiant heat which works against your cooling your home during warm months and you increase the longevity of the bulb life. An incandescent bulb is designed to last approximately 1,000 hours and an LED light bulb is designed to last up to 25,000 hours. This is just one simple step to take. One of the largest energy problems in our homes
today is unconditioned air mixing with conditioned air, commonly known as air leaks. Air leaks equal 30% of the energy lost in our homes. By preventing unconditioned air from mixing with conditioned air you now are only recooling the air you have already paid to cool and re-heating the air you have already paid to heat. How do we do this? We can do this by caulking windows, weather-stripping doors, sealing receptacle plates and switch plates and sealing air plenums. You can also locate and stop any drafts you may feel in your home, such as your chimney. By installing a chimney balloon you can cut your energy consumption up to $300 per year. The most effective way to detect air leaks and identify the problems that may exist in your home is to schedule an energy analysis. There are many companies in our area that perform this service but there are few that will perform this at no charge. Home Energy Solutions provides this service to homeowners 100% free. Feel free to visit our site for more energy tips or stop by our booth at the North Atlanta Spring Home Show at the Gwinnett Center. Mention this article and receive a free gift from Home Energy Solutions! Make today the day you start conserving energy!
16 • NORTH ATLANTA HOME SHOW • Sunday, February 1, 2015
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Sunday, February 1, 2015 • NORTH ATLANTA HOME SHOW • 17
How to prevent winter soil erosion
Soil erosion is a significant problem when the temperatures dip, as snowstorms and wind can blow unprotected soil away. What’s more, when warmer weather returns, even more soil may erode from spring melt and runoff. Unprotected soil that is exposed to wet and windy weather can quickly deteriorate. Soil loss is wasteful and can compromise landscapes, leaving lawns and gardens susceptible to further damage. To combat poorly performing gardens, landscapers may have to rely more heavily on chemical fertilizers and supplements, neither of which is an especially eco-friendly alternative. Rather than reacting to the problem of soil erosion, homeowners can take proactive steps to protect soil before winter weather has a chance to wreak havoc. Composting can protect and improve soil conditions throughout the winter season. Some people see gardening as a spring and summer activity. However, by making gardening a year-round effort — and choosing plants for all seasons — homeowners can protect landscapes and provide hardy habitats for wildlife. Speak with a landscaping professional about which plants are hardy enough to survive through the fall and
winter seasons. Certain ornamental bushes and shrubs can thrive in colder temperatures. Root vegetables, such as carrots and potatoes, are viable in the winter months. Many people plant flower bulbs in early winter to protect the soil and to enjoy vibrant color upon the arrival of spring. If your goal is to plant a placeholder for spring crops or plants, cover plants, such as rye, are an ideal winter protection crop. Rye will remain rooted into spring and then can be mulched into a soil amendment. Another solution is to use leaves and other compost matter to cover naked soil until planting resumes. The compost will be heavy enough to stay in place and will add healthy soil nutrients, including potassium, phosphorous and nitrogen, as it decomposes. Place a breathable soil fabric on the compost to help slow decomposition. Soil fabric also can be used elsewhere to protect soil and plants where thick layers of compost may not be practical. Some home landscapers and gardeners may overlook the importance of preventing soil erosion during the winter. But preventing such erosion can protect resources and guarantee a landscape that is ready to thrive when spring planting season returns.
18 • NORTH ATLANTA HOME SHOW • Sunday, February 1, 2015
It’s Time to Get Energy Fit Join the Home Energy Fitness Challenge
By Jackie Kennedy Put your home on notice: It’s time to shape up! Do just that by joining our Home Energy Fitness Challenge. Simply make a plan at www.jacksonemc. com/challenge to reduce your home energy use, and you’ll have the chance to win prizes— plus the motivation to start energy-reducing habits to make your home energy fit and save money on your power bill. Jackson EMC members who sign up for the Home Energy Fitness Challenge and create a plan to cut back on energy use will be eligible to win one of three $1,000 shopping sprees at Academy Sports + Outdoors or one of 15 Fitbit Flex activity and sleep tracker. For full details about the Challenge, visit www.jacksonemc.com/challenge. For ideas on creating your energy fitness plan, visit www. jacksonemc.com’s Save Energy and Money tab where an abundance of helpful tips, services, products and rebates are available to help you meet the Challenge. “Our online pages are a great resource to get you started on the Home Energy Fitness Challenge,” says Residential Marketing Manager Amy Bryan. “Consider them your own personal trainer on your way to helping your home become energy fit.” Here’s how it works: To enter the Home Energy Fitness Challenge, go to www.jacksonemc.com/challenge and: • Sign up for Track My Progress. • Create your Home Profile at the Home Fitness Monitor for your personal Energy Report. • Set energy saving goals to create your own Energy Fitness plan.
When you’ve completed all three steps, you’re automatically entered in the Home Energy Fitness Challenge and eligible for prizes. The Challenge runs from December 12 through March 31 with prize drawings to take place on April 1. Ideas to Create a Winning Strategy Concentrate your efforts on the two biggest energy users: • Air conditioning • Water heating Encourage family members to use the following low- or no-cost ways to lower your power bills: • Lower thermostat setting to 68 degrees in the winter and raise it to 78 degrees in the summer. • Regular maintenance like changing filters and having your system serviced will improve the efficiency and lower operating costs. • Use fluorescent lights and LEDs to save energy. • Add weather-stripping to doors and windows to keep conditioned air inside. • Wash full loads of clothes and dishes, or smaller load settings. Wash clothes in cold water. • Set water heater thermostat at 120 degrees for maximum efficiency. • Caulk and seal cracks. Seal plumbing penetrations under sinks. Install insulators in electrical outlets on exterior walls.
For Home Improvements with Purpose, Get Your Personal Home Fitness Evaluation By Jackie Kennedy Your home, like you, is unique. It has its own character and appeal that separates it from the pack. Since no two homes are created equal, Jackson EMC offers the Right Choice Personal Home Fitness Evaluation designed to diagnose your home’s energy weak spots and suggest remedies to fix them. Energy efficient improvements to your home can save you as much as 20-30 percent on annual heating and cooling costs. That’s reason enough to get energy fit. Your Right Choice Personal Home Fitness Evaluation begins with an inspection performed by a Right Choice-certified technician who uses state-of-theart equipment to determine if your insulation and air sealing meet energy standards. This personalized analysis of your home’s energy performance will measure air infiltration, test supply and return air flows, check humidity/temperature and examine your heating and cooling system’s efficiency. If the evaluation determines a need for energy upgrades or repairs, we’ll connect you with a contractor in the Participating Contractor Network. After your home energy fitness improvements are made, we’ll follow up with another inspection to verify that the work we recommended improved your home’s energy efficiency. When all is said and done, you’ll use less energy and save more money in your energy fit home. Depending on the improvements you make, you may receive valuable Jackson EMC rebates* when you follow recommendations from your personalized evaluation: • You’ll receive a $200 rebate just for completing the evaluation. • If you add recommended insulation and/or air
sealing, you’ll receive a rebate of up to 50 percent of the cost, to a maximum of $400. • Add recommended ductwork sealing and/or complete replacement work, and you’ll get a rebate of up to 50 percent of the cost, to a maximum of $400. • If your evaluation determines that you need a new heat pump, we offer a heat pump replacement rebate of up to $400. Along with these generous rebates, we offer special financing through our strategic partners.
Andy Butler of Home Diagnostic Solutions uses a blower door test to check for air leaks. A blower door test locates air leaks by using a special fan to depressurize a house. Blower tests are conducted before and after air sealing to measure the effectiveness of the work.
To learn more about the Right Choice Personal Home Fitness Evaluation, visit jacksonemc.com/energyfit. To schedule your evaluation today, call 770-822-3211. *Rebate program requirements must be followed. Rebates may be discontinued at any time.
For more tips, visit www.jacksonemc.com/save
Technicians from Home Diagnostic Solutions use an air flow capture hood to measure air supply flow and return at each register vent when performing a Home Fitness Evaluation.
Sunday, February 1, 2015 • NORTH ATLANTA HOME SHOW • 19
20 • NORTH ATLANTA HOME SHOW • Sunday, February 1, 2015