Fall 2015 Home Improvement

2015 FALL

HOME IMPROVEMENT kpcnews.com

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Fall Home Improvement

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Welcome!

Fall, it’s that time of the year when we start thinking of buttoning up our homes for the winter and other projects that might enhance our homes with the coming holiday season.

Inside these pages you will find information about a variety of projects you might consider as the leaves turn colors and autumn gives way to the winter months in northeast Indiana.

Thinking about a new kitchen? Jeff Deahl, our Square Corners columnist has advice. Do you want tips on putting your yard and garden to rest for the season?

We have information on that, too.

There’s plenty of information in this section that will help you get things under control in your home this fall, plus there are important messages proided by our advertisers. We hope you patronize them and the many services they provide.

On the cover: caulking is an inexpensive ways winterizing.

This section is also available at KPCnews.com.

September 26, 2015

Caulk, weather-stripping can save on energy costs

BY JEFF JONES jjones@kpcmedia.com

It won’t be long before the leaves begin to turn and thoughts turn to those last-minute home winterization projects.

There are several easy projects homeowners can take to prepare for colder temperatures, according to Natalie Carroll of the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering at Purdue University.

“The typical family spends almost half of its energy budget on heating and cooling,” Carroll said. “Windows can account for 10-25 percent of your heating loss. Insulating or replacing inefficient windows can reduce your heating and cooling costs, making your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

ENERGY.GOV “Installing energy-efficient windows Caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows are easy winterization ideas will reduce your energy consumphomeowners can accomplish before cold temperatures arrive, according to See ENERGY COSTS page 3

Purdue University spokesman Natalie Carroll.

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September 26, 2015

It’s time to put your garden to bed for winter weather, Rosener said.

Ornamental grasses should be left standing over winter and cut down to AUBURN — As the garden year draws to a close, there are a few tasks to about 5 inches in the spring new when take care of before putting gardens and growth appears. lawns to bed for the winter.

Annuals should be pulled and DeKalb County Master Gardener composted after they have finished Kathryn Rosener offers these fall blooming or have frosted. gardening tips.

Cuttings can be taken from plants Cut off all done-blooming flowers like coleus, Rosener said. She on perennials, Rosener advises. This is recommends stripping all but the top leaves, dipping in a rooting powder, and known as “dead-heading.” planting in a porous soil mix.

Purple cone flowers and rudbeckia Spring bulbs, such as tulips, can be left standing as the goldfinches like to eat the seed heads, Rosener said. daffodils, crocus and hyacinth, should be planted the first part of October Perennials can be divided in the fall. so they can get established before the Rosener advises waiting until there are ground freezes, Rosener said. some good rains and even so, watering Mulch well after the ground freezes them well to avoid air pockets.

Do not fertilize perennials after Aug. lightly. Use newspapers with grass 1. It could cause new growth which will See GARDENS page 4 not have time to harden before freezing

BY KATHRYN BASSETT kbassett@kpcmedia.com

ENERGY COSTS From page 2

tion, but this can be costly,” she said.

“Simple, cost-effective options can improve the energy efficiency of existing windows.”

Carroll suggested a couple of tips: • Test your home for air tightness.

On a windy day, carefully hold a lit incense stick or smoke pen next to windows, doors, electrical boxes, plumbing fixtures, electrical outlets, ceiling fixtures, attic hatches, and other locations with a possible air path to the outside. If the smoke stream travels horizontally, you have located an air leak that may need attention.

• Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows. Use foam sealant for larger gaps around windows and other places to seal air leaks.

• Install tight-fitting, insulated window shades on windows that feel drafty after weatherizing.

Fall Home Improvement

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• Purchase insulated shades or curtains when replacing window treatments. This will reduce heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer.

Before colder temperatures arrive, Carroll said homeowners can cover energy-inefficient windows with heavy-duty, clear plastic sheeting or tape clear plastic film to the inside of window frames. Plastic must be sealed tightly to the frame to reduce air movement, she said.

Installing storm windows over singlepane windows is another winterization tip. “Storm windows can reduce heat loss by 25-50 percent,” Carroll said. She said homeowners should first compare the cost of installing storm windows versus new windows.

During the heating season, she said homeowners should keep draperies and shades open on south-facing windows on sunny days. At night, close draperies to reduce the chill from cold windows.

Carroll added that south windows should be kept clean to allow in the winter sun.

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GARDENS From page 3

clippings, straw, or wood mulch on top.

Now is a good time to prepare new beds for spring planting, Rosener suggests. Till in shredded leaves.

Compost can be added now or in the spring.

DeKalb County Extension Educator Elysia Rodgers suggests the Purdue University Extension Service’s Autumn Garden Calendar by Consumer Horticulture Specialist Rosie Lerner as a useful source on when to time horticultural events and practices.

According to Lerner, October is an opportune time for raking larger-sized fallen leaves from the lawn. During October, gardeners also should keep plants well-watered until the ground freezes.

During October, gardeners also should have soil ready for mounding roses for winter, but should not mound or cover the roses until after the leaves

drop and the soil is near freezing, Lerner adds.

Plant debris should be removed from gardens to avoid insect and disease build-up.

Lerner recommends November as the time for late fall fertilizing the lawn to help keep it green longer and boost early spring recovery. Fall tilling also can be done in November and helps improve soil structure, Lerner adds.

Other tasks recommended by Purdue Extension for November include setting up physical barriers to prevent feeding damage from rabbits and rodents, wrapping trunks with commercial tree wrap to prevent frost cracking and removing dead, diseased or damaged branches.

According to Purdue Extension, winter mulch is not necessary for all garden plants, but can mean survival for plants that are less hardy. Winter mulch protects against wide temperature fluctuations in the soil and prevents extreme cold from harming plants.

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PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

For a splash of spring color, now is the time to plant bulbs, like these daffodils.

There are many bulb varieties that can be planted in the fall.

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September 26, 2015

Fall Home Improvement

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Some simple fixes can help reduce your energy bills

BY STEVE GARBACZ sgarbacz@kpcmedia.com

KENDALLVILLE — Changing out light bulbs, replacing dirty air filters and sealing up drafty windows and doors can reduce your energy usage at home and save you money at the same time.

Your electric bill is probably just recovering from the sticker shock of running the air conditioner in hot weather, but it’s not too long before you might need to consider flipping on the furnace to battle the cold. Combine that with the power being used to run your refrigerator, charge your cellphone battery and light up your house when those 5 p.m. sunsets take over, and winter can really take a toll on your wallet.

About 55 percent of the money you spend on utility bills goes toward heating and cooling, compared to 11 percent for lights and 8 percent for your refrigerator.

The rest, 26 percent, is powering all your other appliances and electronics, according to a pamphlet provided by Noble REMC.

Thankfully, utility companies are making it easier and easier to help residents conserve energy. Just about every electric or gas company offers audits that can help identify ways to save energy in your home, and often can connect you to rebates that can save you money making efficiency upgrades.

Every house is different, so those audits can help find major issues that may be affecting your house, but not your neighbor, Steuben County REMC energy adviser Josh Durbin said. Durbin advised checking with your utilities and asking them about similar programs, which are usually free.

“That’s where I’m employed is to do energy evaluations. We can do an appliance checklist. We can do a blower door test and quantify and calculate how much air leakage. And I can walk around with an infared with a camera and pinpoint where heat is either coming in or going See ENEGERY EFFICIENCY page 6

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

You can check with your electric utility provider for tips on making your home more energy efficient. Many utility companies offer a variety of energy audit programs to help determine how best to conserve energy.

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Fall Home Improvement

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ENERGY EFFICIENCY From page 5

out,” Durbin said.

For residents who may need help affording weatherization upgrades at their home such as insulation or weather sealing, Brightpoint can provide free services for people in the four-county area who qualify for the agency’s Energy Assistance Program.

But homeowners can also take some simple steps that would apply to most any homes. Here are some advice local utilities provided: Change out air filters. Dirty air filters in your furnace can significantly reduce the efficiency of your system, Durbin said.

If your furnace is more than five years old, or has run for any period of time without a filter, have a licensed heating contractor perform a thorough safety check and cleaning of the furnace, Brightpoint Development Manager Jennifer Renner said. Expect to pay at least $250 for this service and make sure it involves cleaning of the circulating blower, she said.

Check door and window seals to make

September 26, 2015

sure they’re tight. Drafty windows and doors can cause you to lose a lot of your indoor heat in winter, making the furnace kick on more often, Durbin said.

Use a programmable thermostat and set it properly. If no one’s home, there’s not a huge need to keep the heat going on full blast. Let it take a break, says Denise Rodriguez of NIPSCO. Use the sun to your advantage. Open the curtains and let the sun heat your home during the day in winter, Rodriguez said.

Also, pack away your summer clothes so you’re not running your heater to keep you warm in shorts and T-shirts, Renner advised.

Upgrade to high-efficiency lighting.

Light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, are the best option currently available. Compact fluorescent light, or CFL, bulbs will also help save money compared to traditional incandescent lights. If you currently have CFLs, though, don’t bother updating to LEDs unless one goes out, because the efficiency isn’t large enough to recoup the cost of the bulb, Durbin said.

Power off electronics when not in use.

Plugging those items into a power strip and flipping off the power on the strip when

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METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Replacing old, incandescent light bulbs with energy efficient models like these compact fluorescent lights can help you save a lot of money on electric costs.

you’re not using them can save $100 a year, Rodriguez said. Items such as DVRs, TVs and computers use “phantom load,” meaning they’re still drawing power if they’re plugged in.

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Reduce your hot water usage. Dishes and clothes can effectively be cleaned in cold water, so there’s little reason to turn on the hot tap except for bathing, Renner said.

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September 26, 2015

Fall Home Improvement

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Use care to plan out your new kitchen Q. My husband and I are planning on building a new house and have been working with a builder. We have honed in a good floor plan and are starting to design the kitchen and bath areas. The current kitchen elevations look good but I’m having trouble visualizing what SQUARE the end result will look like.

CORNERS I don’t want to install Jeff Deahl cabinets and have it look plain or have it become quickly outdated. Our builder doesn’t seem to have much input, he just refers us to stores to look at cabinets. We will live in this house forever so I don’t want to make a big mistake. Do you have any suggestions?

— Bonnie from Lake George

•

A. The kitchen and baths are the most

expensive rooms in your house and you don’t want to get your house all done and not be happy with these spaces.

If there is any simple single suggestion would be whoever your working with for your kitchen and bath plans make sure that they are a member of The National Kitchen and Bath Association.This is at least a sign that they are serious about keeping updated with trends and are experienced in kitchen design.

Most stores have someone that can do computer-aided design, but that does not make them an experienced designer, and yes, degrees and certifications make a difference.

Some things to consider when designing a kitchen space: ceilings, traffic flow, cabinetry, islands and plumbing and lighting.

Most designs today are for open common spaces that get used by the whole family.

Years ago, ceiling soffits where common but today most are open ceiling

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

This kitchen was created for Rex and Ellen Geiger of Jimmerson Lake by Four Seasons Design & Remodeling, Angola.

concepts with taller cabinets.

In the past an attempt to create a kitchen work triangle meant building walls that closed off the kitchen space and created bottlenecks. A more open concept is now typical.

JEFF DEAHL is a past president of the Builders Association of Northeast Indiana.

Questions for the Square Corners column may be submitted at ba-ni.com or email info@ba-ni.com.

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September 26, 2015

Budget-friendly outdoor renovation ideas METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

A little spray paint or some new cushions can refresh older patio furniture and give the outdoor space a completely new look.

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where paint has peeled off due to exposure to the elements. Updating cushions and purchasing a coordinating umbrella can revitalize the patioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entire look. Also, very often stores run sales to clear out merchandise for new displays.

Defining edges of planting borders and refreshing the landscape may be all that is needed to improve the yard. This is easily achieved with inexpensive mulch and some vinyl edging. While cleaning up the yard, use a pressure washer to clean stains off of siding and patios and create a like-new appearance.

End-of-season sales can also be the ideal opportunity to purchase big-ticket items like a pool, a hot tub or an outdoor fireplace/fire pit. Shoppers can learn when stores discount their merchandise to make room for new inventory and then use these sales as opportunities to save.

Sometimes saving means repurposing antiques or items found at garage sales.

Thanks to the Internet, people can easily advertise items they no longer need or desire. A person can search for backyard items they need at a deep discount if they are fine with previously used materials.

From patio furniture to masonry blocks to above-ground pools, patient homeowners can find just about any item they may need to upgrade their backyards.

Though not all homeowners can afford to create the backyard of their dreams, with a little ingenuity and some sweat hard work, homeowners can still create an outdoor oasis.

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Homeowners are increasingly extending their living spaces outside the walls of their homes. Expansive and intricate stonework patios and decked-out outdoor kitchens are the kind of additions many homeowners dream of. Those with unlimited budgets can enjoy just about any look they desire, but many homeowners may not have the money to go all the way with their outdoor living spaces. But that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s impossible to create budget-friendly spaces that are functional, fun and eye-catching.

Decks and patios are popular gathering spots outside a home, and homeowners have numerous inexpensive options at their disposal when choosing patio materials. And those who can do their own labor when installing a patio can save a substantial amount of money. Instead of higher-priced composite or resin decks, homeowners can go with standard wood, which will need to be stained periodically. Scaling back the size of the deck means less materials to buy and less labor involved.

The cost of patio blocks depends on the material and style. Poured concrete patios will cost less than placed blocks or stones because concrete is less labor-intensive.

For those who desire the look of patio blocks without the cost, stamped concrete can mimic the look for less.

Homeowners may not need to replace patio furniture, even if chairs and tables have seen better days. A can of spray paint can cover up any rusted areas or spots

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September 26, 2015

Fall Home Improvement

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Home improvement projects perfect for fall METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Home improvement projects can add value to a home and do-it-yourselfers know the sweat-equity that goes into such projects can give homeowners a greater sense of pride in their homes.

But no two home improvement projects are the same, and homeowners should know that certain projects are best tackled during certain times of the year.

Fall is a great season to work on your house, as the weather is often at its most agreeable once the summer heat has gone and before winter weather arrives. The following are a handful of fall-friendly home improvement projects for homeowners looking to improve their homes.

Roof repair Whether you’re repairing or replacing the roof, fall is a great time of year to dust off the ladder and get some work done on your roof for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, fall is ideal for roof work because you won’t have to be up on the roof with the summer heat bearing down on you. This can make the project move along more quickly, which is especially beneficial if you are paying laborers to work on the roof. The fewer hours workers are fixing your roof, the less you will be paying in labor costs.

In addition, fixing up the roof in the fall ensures those winter storms, be it rain or snow, won’t find their way into your home via leaks. A leaky roof in winter is hard to fix, as the roof surface could be treacherous in the winter and winter winds can make it dangerous to be up on the roof at all. Addressing leaks in the fall can prevent damage to your home’s interior, which can mount up if a leaky roof is not addressed until the following spring.

Window work When the weather outside gets frightful, poorly insulated windows can allow cold air into the home. That often has a trickle-down effect on finances, forcing you to turn up the thermostat in an attempt to offset the cold air pouring into the home. Whether you need your windows replaced or simply need to patch up any leaks, a proactive approach to leaky or older windows in the fall can save you from unnecessarily high heating bills come the winter.

Addressing leaky windows also makes a

home more comfortable for its inhabitants.

Fall is the ideal time to address a home’s windows because the temperature outside tends to be pleasant. This means you likely won’t have to make much of an effort to offset the elements, and open windows in the fall won’t make your home’s interior very hot or cold like they might if you were to tackle the project during the summer or winter.

Fixing the floors Wood flooring is a hot commodity for many homeowners. But not all flooring can be added to a home at any time of year. That’s because certain types of flooring employ adhesives that need temperatures inside the home to be within a certain range, and that range is often within 70-80 degrees, which makes fall a great time to install such floors. Colder temperatures can make it difficult for the flooring to dry and bond, which will prove problematic down the road. What’s more, many people entertain friends and family come late fall and into the holiday season, and it can be difficult to do so if you are busy installing new flooring.

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Fall is an ideal time of year to tackle home painting projects.

Painting projects Painting is another home improvement project that seems tailor-made for fall. A fresh coat of paint or a new color scheme around the house can give a home an entirely new look and feel.

But paint can be pungent and the aromas may last if it’s applied at a time of year when it can’t dry while the windows are wide open. Paint fumes inside a home can make the home uninhabitable, but painting at a time of year like the fall, when you can keep the windows open during and after the project, can help air the home out.

But interior painting isn’t the only painting project homeowners can tackle in the fall. Many exterior paints are temperature-sensitive and need the temperature outside to be above 40 degrees. Paint that freezes won’t dry properly, and homeowners might be left with a costly and unsightly mistake on their hands. Fall temperatures tend to be amenable to both interior and exterior painting projects, just be sure to check the weather forecast before making your first brush stroke.

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September 26, 2015

How to prevent winter soil erosion METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Acres upon acres of landscape may be under siege this winter, and not by foraging animals looking for food. 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.

Especially harsh winter weather can cause soil to break down, subjecting the soil to erosive forces. 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

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Homeowners can take steps in the fall to prevent winter soil erosion.

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.

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September 26, 2015

Guide to replacing home siding METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Few home improvements can transform a home more than the installation of new siding. Replacing siding can be a costly venture, but the right siding will maintain its appeal for years to come.

Updated siding can improve a home’s energy value by enabling owners to save on heating and cooling costs. A new design and color also can improve a home’s property value and set it apart from neighboring properties. According to the Professional Builder’s Home Exteriors Survey, exterior design and materials used are a top priority for new home buyers.

Project costs depend on the size of the home as well as which siding material homeowners choose. Considering new siding is a major renovation, it pays to get the job done right.

Choose a qualified contractor It is important for consumers to do their research when it comes to siding materials and contractors. A contractor who takes shortcuts or improperly installs the siding may void a manufacturer’s warranty.

Always ask family members and friends

for recommendations before choosing a contractor, and check out each prospective contractor’s work for yourself. Interview more than one contractor and compare both their costs and what they offer. Ask plenty of questions of the contractors, and avoid those who try hard-sell methods.

Questionable contractors may try strategies like a promise of a considerable discount if you “act now” or scare tactics that your home is unsafe in its present condition.

Be sure the contractor carries general liability insurance as well as workers’ compensation insurance for their subcontractors. Ask for a license number as well and verify its accuracy.

Select a durable material Siding comes in all types of materials — from wood to plastic to fiber cement — but vinyl is among the most popular due to cost and availability. Research how well particular brands of siding stand up to conditions and which are the least likely to crack, warp or discolor. Find this information from online reviews or through consumer advocacy groups.

Also remember, vinyl and other synthetic

materials have improved and can now mimic the look of many other materials for a fraction of the cost.

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Calculate how much you need Before you price out siding with contractors, estimate how much you will need for your house. Consumer Reports suggests multiplying the height times the width of each rectangular section of your house in feet, going by what you can measure from the ground, to determine their areas. Multiply the approximate height and width of gables and other triangular surfaces and divide each total by two. Then add all the totals. To allow for waste, don’t subtract for doors, windows or other areas that won’t be covered.

Finally, divide the total square footage by 100 to estimate how many squares of siding you will need. A square represents 100 square feet. Knowing how much you need can save you money.

Vinyl siding can completely transform the look of a home and make it more energy efficient. Consumers who do their homework will get the best value for their investments.

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September 26, 2015

How to improve indoor air quality in winter METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

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 wood-burning 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.

• 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 extremely 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 year-round priority, but homeowners may have to go the extra mile to keep their homes’ interior air clean when winter arrives.

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September 26, 2015

Fall Home Improvement

13

Get your home fall- and winter-ready with 5 simple projects Your Favorite Local METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

If boots, a warm hat and a tuned-up snow blower are the only items on your winter preparation list, your home maintenance plan may need a makeover.

These simple home maintenance projects can help lower your energy bills, prevent more costly repairs and/or increase the lifespan of your home.

1. Heating & Ventilation — Examine your fireplace and chimney system to ensure that no soot or creosote has collected. Any cracks or voids could potentially cause a fire. Before you turn the furnace or boiler on, replace the air filter and hire a professional to inspect the unit more thoroughly. These steps will improve the efficiency and life of your furnace and will ensure stable indoor air quality.

2. Seal Windows and Doors — If not properly sealed, windows and doors can be a major culprit for heat loss. To keep the warm air inside, inspect the weather-stripping around your home’s

windows and doors for leaks, rot or decay. Repair or replace structural framing, and caulk inside and out, if necessary.

3. Insulate well — One of the easiest and most effective defenses against heat loss is proper insulation. Prevent cold drafts from entering and the loss of heated air through basement headers, which, when left exposed, can make your furnace work harder. Look for a moisture-resistant product offering high thermal performance, such as Roxul Comfortbatt insulation. This type of mineral wool insulation makes installation simple. All that’s needed is a serrated blade or bread knife. Cut the batt to fit the cavity and press into place.

The insulation will help improve energy efficiency as soon as it’s in place and provide savings over the lifetime of your home. Comfortbatt can also be used to top or replace old attic insulation. Aim for an R-50 or a depth of 16 inches.

4. Backyard Care — Save your

property from potential damage by trimming overgrown trees and shrubs to prevent ice-laden branches from thrashing against electrical wires and your home’s exterior. Drain/shut off any exterior faucets and sprinkler systems to prevent freezing. Ensure rain or snow drains away from the house to avoid foundation problems.

5. Roof and Gutters — Inspect your roof for shingles that are warped, damaged or even missing to prevent a future leak. Use roofing cement and a caulking gun to seal joints where water could penetrate, such as around the chimney, skylights or vent pipes. Make sure that your gutters and downspouts are securely fastened. Downspouts should extend at least five feet away from the home to prevent flooding.

When it comes to preventative maintenance, a little time and effort can save thousands in energy costs and repair bills over the lifetime of your home.

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Fall Home Improvement

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September 26, 2015

Tips on shopping for new appliances METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

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.

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 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

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time and money to have an appliance delivered only to find it doesn’t fit at the time of installation.

Energy savings Consider appliances that reduce energy usage. Energy Star appliances 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.

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

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Now may be the right time to make large appliance purchases. Know the product before visiting the store.

may not require an oversized washing machine.

Do your research and comparison shop so you won’t have any regrets later on.

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September 26, 2015

Prep work important before painting METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Painting a home’s interior can give it a completely new look and feel. A fresh coat of paint can make a room feel more vibrant and up-to-date, creating a whole new attitude within the room without breaking the bank.

Whether creating an accent wall or painting each wall within a room, painting is a relatively easy and inexpensive home improvement project. But that doesn’t mean painting does not require a little prep work before the project can begin.

• Address any holes or bumps on the wall. Holes or cracks in the wall will need to be patched with spackle, which then must dry before the wall can be given a new coat of paint. In addition, sand down any bumps until the walls are smooth and free of any unsightly abnormalities.

• Wash the walls. Walls can get dirty, and that dirt may or may not be masked by paint. Before adding a new coat of paint, wash the walls and inspect them for dust. Dust can collect on molding, especially in rooms that get little natural air. When dust has collected on the molding and around doorways and trim, use a damp cloth to wipe it away before adding any new paint.

• Apply primer. Primer can serve many functions, not the least of which is its role as a bonding agent between the wall and the top coat of paint. Primer can also help conceal dark colors, prevent stains and increase the life expectancy of the paint job you are about to undertake.

• Prepare your paint. Preparing the paint is a simple task, but one novice painters may not be aware of. When opening a new can of paint, stir the paint before using it. In addition, even if you don’t plan to use a roller when painting, do not paint straight from the can, which can be heavier to hold than a small bowl, and a light bowl is less likely to be spilled than a potentially heavy can of paint. In addition, once paint has been removed from the can, replace the lid so dust and other impurities do not settle in the can.

• Purchase painter’s tape. Painter’s

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Even though painting does not require the technical know-how of more large-scale home improvement projects, it still requires some prep work.

tape can be especially valuable to novice painters. Painter’s tape makes it easier to paint smooth and clean paint lines, giving a room a more professional looking coat of paint without the cost of hiring a professional painter.

Painting can be an inexpensive and fun way to upgrade a home’s interior. But even though painting does not require the technical know-how of more large-scale home improvement projects, it still requires some prep work and attention to detail to ensure the job is done right.

15

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Fall Home Improvement

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September 26, 2015

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For over 100 years, people have relied on Andersen. We stand by our products and the people who use them. The Andersen Owner-to-Owner® limited warranty* is recognized as one of the most comprehensive and reliable in the window and door industry. Why choose anything else?

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“Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. ©2014 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved.

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