HomeXpert Spring 2012 4C by Hudson Ink

Inside This Issue:

Weather Wilting Your Garden? Rise and Shine A Tidy House in Less Time?

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Homexpert

Smart and simple ways to enrich your home living

Spring 2012

Who Doesn’t Want to Save Money on Electricity?

hat’s definitely a rhetorical question. In this day and age, any rational human being wants to save money any way they can. One of the easiest ways to cut costs is to save money on your recurring bills – your monthly electricity bill, for instance. Some ways to do that are common sense. Here are easy ways to cut your energy costs: Buy a programmable thermostat. Programming your thermostat allows you to control your home’s temperature 24/7 so that your system only runs during preset times. Check out double-paned windows. These industrial windows will allow you to be cooler during the summer and warmer during the winter due to their ability to block air leaks and create more insulation. This means your heating and

cooling unit will have to work less, saving you money. Check your hot water heater. Make sure it is set to 120o. This still gives you plenty of hot water for your daily routine, while saving you a great deal on your next electricity bill. Invest in blankets… or Snuggies. Having blankets in your den or living room will give you the ability to stay warm during those slightly cold months – without having to touch your thermostat. Turn off your lights when they’re not in use! Such a simple task, yet so many of us neglect this easy money-saver. Whenever you walk out of a lighted room, have the presence of mind to turn off the lights – unless someone’s still in there, of course! Your Quick Call Comfort Hotline:

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I wonder if you’ll relate to this. I was reading about what life was like in the 1990s, and someone said, “Remember when you called your friends on the phone and had to talk to their parents first?” It seems that, not long ago, when a phone in the home rang, someone said, “I’ll get it,” and the person on the other end of the line had to actually talk to someone else before reaching the one called! In this mobile, connected world, times have changed. Yet some things never change. For instance, whenever you call us with a problem, you’re going to get help no matter who answers the phone. Your phone call counts. Have you got plans for home improvements this Spring? It’s a great time to be thinking about making things “new and better.” Some home improvements are continued on page 4

HealthWise Rise and Shine

et’s face it, we all hate waking up in the morning – though it sure beats the alternative! Even though staying up until 3 AM watching Storage Wars may have been fun at the time, you’re going to be tired in the morning. The good news is that there are proven things you can do that will jump-start your day and leave you feeling refreshed and ready to go… �Wash your face immediately after waking up. There’s something about cold water on your face that acts as an immediate trigger to wake up. Incorporate this into your daily routine, and your body will learn that cold water means it’s time to wake up.

now it’s wake up and smell the coffee. If your coffee is already brewing when you wake up, the aromatic smell will automatically make you more alert and ready to go. �Move your alarm clock across the room. This way, you’ll actually have to get up and move to turn off your alarm clock. Now you can’t throw your alarm clock across the room either! �Don’t snooze! Once your alarm goes off, get up. Hitting the snooze button will make you even grumpier. Just go ahead and get up and get your morning started.

�Program your coffeemaker in advance. You know the phrase, “Wake up and smell the roses.” Well,

�Go outside. Imagine sitting outside on your porch, sipping a hot, steaming cup of coffee and just relaxing. Connecting with the outside world (and getting fresh air) is a great, relaxing way to wake up.

HomeFront Weather Wilting Your Garden?

e’ve all heard the phrase “April showers bring

May flowers.” But what if these proverbial April showers never come? With droughts becoming more common, it can be hard to maintain your yard. There is an automatic way to have a lush lawn. Consider implementing a home irrigation system. Here’s why:

Convenience. Everyone has forgotten to water their lawn at some point. A game is on, you’re out of town, or you simply just didn’t want to take the time out of your busy day. Irrigation operates on a regular schedule and issues the correct amount of water every time.

This leads to the perfect amount

Beauty. Because irrigation systems work on a timer, they can be fine-tuned to fit your yard.

dispense automatically can help

of water for your lawn and flowers. Value. Adding an irrigation system instantly increases your home’s value leading to more money in your pocket when it comes time to sell. Plus having the right amount of water you cut water waste – which is good news for your utility bill.

Seasonal Shift What’s on Your To-Do List for Spring?

dose of fresh spring air has been known to breathe new life into neglected home improvement projects. If you’re re-energized for tending to things around the house, here are some areas that could welcome your attention:

with an application of fertilizer and add seed to the sparse areas. If you’d like to try your hand at growing your own food, set aside a section of your yard for a vegetable garden. Or get your flower beds ready for a burst of color and brightness.

Lawn and Garden Growth Tired of a brown and gray landscape? Get ready to go green. Prepare your lawn for growth

As you know, there are serious safety issues to keep in mind when running a home. A spring safety inspection is a good way to get a sense of risks that may be developing. Check throughout your home, inspect for hazards

Start at the Top The roof and gutters could have seen some rough times during the winter weather, so be sure to inspect them for damage and repair or replace as needed. Add a Fresh Coat of Paint Spring is the perfect time for painting projects – because you can finally open the windows before the sweltering summer heat arrives. A fresh coat of paint can give your home a whole new look.

Preventing Home Hazards

and tend to any that you see. For example, spring is a good time to clean out the venting system in your clothes dryer. Spring is also the traditional time to replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. It may be time for you to replace them if they’ve been in operation for longer than As you take time to improve your landscape, you may also want to create outdoor spaces where you’ll be able to entertain and enjoy your efforts. Spring is a great time to make those projects happen.

five years. We can help with that, so just call. Your safety is very important to us. So call us too if you’d like to ask about an electrical safety inspection.

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<NAME> P.S. Hope you’ll use the offers on this page for helpful savings – or share them with a friend!

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“It” refers to all the new computers, tools,

games, appliances, and entertainment devices your family enjoys.

So let us come out for a friendly, free, and fast review of the needed items in your home. Our techs can wire your home or office quickly and safely.

But most homes weren’t built for all these gizmos!

Just say you want to “Switch it, plug it, or click it” We’ll know what you mean.

Just present this ad with your next repair bill, and we’ll give you $25 dollars off. Why? Because when you need a repair on your electrical system, you’re already not having a good day. We understand and would like to make things a little easier on your wallet. Of course, the best benefit is that our repair professionals can get your system up and running as soon as possible. And that’s good for a lot. Call <COMPANY> at <PHONE>. ©2012

That’s <Company> at <phone>.

The Electrifying Truth About Surge Protection se fo th r a is pa ad, ck on ag e e of of y ot ou he r o rs w am n, o pl r c e a ad ll s. us

That’s what many things you get in the mail are worth, but not this…

Tornados and thunderstorms Prevention can save you – and occur every Spring – and cost your wallet – from experiencing a thousands of dollars each year shock later. in damage and lost goods due to As a valued customer, you can power surges. call us for a <%> discount on Since certain surge protectors simple surge protection measures must be positioned in the main and installation. U

Sincerely,

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Home improvement experts say that it’s a mistake HomePoints to try to tackle About 6% of home something energy costs come from lighting. One of that you’re not the fastest ways to cut prepared to do. energy expenses is For example, to use more efficient light bulbs. standing on your roof completing a task while trying to overcome a fear of heights is not a good idea. Put anything related to your electrical wiring in that same category. Working with electricity poses serious risks to people and property, so let a professional do it. Just call.

Good for Nothing

fun and give you a real sense of “I did it myself” accomplishment. But do be careful when it comes to your electrical system.

Switch it. Plug it. Click it.

electrical panel, you should contact a qualified professional for installation. (That’s us!)

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