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Five energy efficient interior design tips (NAPS)—While most people know that energy efficiency is an important consideration when purchasing appliances or mechanical systems for the home, you may care to consider how your interior design choices can also affect energy efficiency. Try these five tips to help reduce your home’s carbon footprint and save even more on your utility bills: • Furnishings: Your selection and placement of furnishings can change how warm or cool a room feels. Furniture features such as high backs or fabric skirts can help reduce drafts. Throw blankets can introduce a fun color or print while reducing the need for heating. • Flooring: If you have hard flooring such as hardwood, stained concrete, laminate or the like, as opposed to carpeting, adding or subtracting area rugs can help the room feel warmer or cooler. In addition, be careful about where you position pieces so you don’t block air vents. You can also get vent deflectors to redirect the air as it comes out. • Lighting: If you’ve been holding off on switching to
To maximize the energy efficiency of your home, consider a window film that is designed to let light in while keeping heat out.
more efficient lightbulbs because you don’t care for the qualiIn addition to rejecting heat, window films can help keep ty of light they give off, take another look at what’s available. sunlight from fading carpets and furnishings. Newer LED and compact fluorescent bulbs are getting closer to the warm light of incandescents and their energy savings They’re even available in versions that don’t change the are hard to beat. look of your windows or your home, so you can maintain both clear views to the outside and the curb appeal of your house. • Fans: As you’re evaluating your lighting fixtures, consider if you can incorporate a ceiling fan with an integrated light The right energy-efficient upgrades can not only help save into any room. Fans aren’t just for hot weather—those with a you money in the short term, they can increase the resale valreversible setting can be switched to turn clockwise in the ue of your house, so you may want to start thinking about winter, so they recirculate warm air that has risen to the ceil- changes you can make today. ing, which may also help to reduce heating bills. Learn More For further information on Sun Control Window Film, go • Windows: Draperies can sometimes block views to the outdoors as well as deter the natural light from coming in. A to www.3M.com/InteriorDesign. newer alternative can be 3M Sun Control Window Film, which is designed to let light in while keeping heat out. To determine how much this could save on your air conditioner use, try the Cooling Savings Calculator at www.3M.com/InteriorDesign.
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Breathing new life into your home (NAPS)—Whether the urge to remodel strikes during National Home Improvement Month or any other time of year, you can seamlessly update your home with just a few simple steps toward improved design, comfort, functionality, energy efficiency and curb appeal. 1. Work with what you have. Look around your home. Is there anything in dire need of replacing or refurbishing? Updates may not be as expensive as you might think. Consider this: If your kitchen cabinets are looking a little worn, consider resurfacing instead of replacing them. Just remove the doors, then strip and refinish or repaint them. Invest in new handles and pulls, as well as new hinges if they’re visible. 2. Build a greener home with energy-efficient enhancements. Homeowners can dramatically cut energy costs without major renovations. Instead of new windows, try caulk and weather stripping to stop any air leaks on the windows you already have. Install high-efficiency water heaters to drive down heating costs. You can also install an ENERGY STAR–certified air conditioner that adds to your home’s good looks. For example, the Art Cool Mirror ductless indoor unit from LG has a flat panel with a charcoal mirror finish that complements any d cor. Plus, when paired with LG’s Smart AC, homeowners can control the system and monitor temperature on their smartphone anytime day or night, whether at home or away. 3. Beautify your yard to increase personal comfort now and receive more cash later. Try planting deciduous trees on the south side of your house to provide additional shade in the hotter months, allowing you to cut down on air-conditioning expenses and save energy. What’s more, real estate experts estimate that by spending 5 percent of the value of your home on quality, low-maintenance landscaping, you could boost the resale value by 15 percent. 4. Create a seamless look for your kitchen. A counter-depth refrigerator, like a 3-Door French Door Refrigerator from LG, will allow homeowners to get the sophisticated look they desire for their kitchen without sacrificing space or the added cost of installing an actual builtin appliance. To help keep the hub of your home clean, establish a message center in your kitchen. Put a bulletin board or chalkboard on the wall and store a calendar, notebook and writing utensils in a nearby drawer to help eliminate clutter. 5. Stylish lighting is a bright idea. A striking chandelier or light fixture can serve as a charming addition in a well-composed room. Lighting is also one of the easiest ways to update your space; a petite desk lamp or floor lamp can significantly brighten up a room. Be sure to use ENERGY STAR–qualified bulbs to make it a truly eco-friendly yet chic addition (and save up to $70 a year in energy costs). Learn More For further facts and tips, go to www.lghvac.com.
BOOMER™ compact tractors from New Holland give you big tractor reliability wrapped in a compact, maneuverable package. They’re built New Holland SMART, with features that keep you comfortable and productive while saving you time and money. Plus we have your back with a FIVE-YEAR Limited Warranty.* You won’t find a better compact tractor warranty-or a better compact tractor-anywhere. • Choice of transmissions-hydrostatic or shuttle shift • Electro-hydraulic independent PTO • Sloped hood and front and side lighting for outstanding visibility • Ample three-point lift capacity * Offer valid only on tractors purchased from an authorized New Holland dealer.
BORTNICK TRACTOR SALES, INC. 6192 Warren Rd NE • Cortland, OH 44410
330-924-2555
HOURS: Monday thru Friday 8am-5pm, Saturday 8am-12pm See us on the web: bortnicktractorsales.com © 2014 CNH Industrial Americal LLC. All rights reserved. New Holland is a trademark registered in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V. its subsidiaries or affiliates.
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Eight steps to a more appealing home
(NAPS)—Your house can be more comfortable for you screen, Phifer’s BetterVue®, is designed to maximize the outand have more curb appeal for the next owner with a few ward view, making it sharper and more brilliant. Think of it as minor home improvements, including one you can barely see. “high-definition” insect screening. Here are eight tips that can help: BetterVue is woven from smaller-than-usual yarns to • Get in on the outdoor living trend. Add a few comfort- ensure durability and to improve the openness by 10 percent able chairs and table to the front porch or backyard to create over conventional screening. an extra room and a welcoming look. An even better idea may be to screen in the porch. This enhances the view and improves airflow by approximately 20 percent while increasing protection against small • Create an a-door-able view. Your front door is one of the insects by 10 percent. first things people see when arriving at your house and what greets you every day when you come home. You can install it yourself, watch a simple step-by-step video here, or have it done professionally. Keep it bright and welcoming with a fresh coat of paint and perhaps some shiny new hardware. While you have the • Keep things clear. Don’t let your front walkway or the paint handy, see if the shutters, mailbox, front porch or win- front of your home look overgrown. Cut back on the shrubdow boxes could use a touch-up, too. bery, and consider plants in pots instead. • Get good screens. Whether on the window, the door or a • Improve the lighting. Consider motion-sensing lights on screened-in porch or pool, there are a variety of styles and walkways and the driveway and lanterns on posts near the mesh fabrics available to meet a number of needs. One such door.
• Opt for an awning. It can make your entryway more impressive and keep you and your family dry when you open the door. • Really rock your yard. Add a stone border around the flower beds. • Count on this idea. Make sure your house number is easy to read from the street. Learn More For more information about your screening options, go to www.phifer.com/consumerdiy/overview.
See the view, not the screen, while getting durable protection from insects.
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A clean HVAC means less cost and more comfort (NAPS)—There’s good news for homeowners. Having a home’s HVAC system inspected by a reputable, certified HVAC professional can help them breathe a sigh of relief by helping the system to work more efficiently. That’s the word from experts who say a heating and cooling system functions much like the lungs of a home, taking air in and breathing air out. As a result, in a typical six-room home, up to 40 pounds of dust are created annually just through everyday living. Through normal occupation in a home, consumers generate a great deal of contaminants and air pollutants, such as dander, dust and chemicals. These contaminants are pulled into the HVAC system and recirculated five to seven times per day, on average. Over time, this recirculation causes a buildup of contaminants in the ductwork. While dirty ducts don’t necessarily mean unhealthy air in your home, school or workplace, they may be contributing to larger health issues or harboring contaminants that could cause serious problems for people with respiratory health conditions, autoimmune disorders or some environmental allergies. Energy Savings According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 25 to 40 percent of the energy used for heating or cooling a home is wasted. Contaminants in the heating and cooling system cause it to work harder and shorten the life of a system. Although filters are used, the heating and cooling system still gets dirty through normal use.
When an HVAC system is clean, it doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain the temperature you desire. As a result, less energy is used, leading to improved cost effectiveness. Choosing a NADCA Member Trade associations are a way for members of an industry to promote higher standards and performance. NADCA is a trade association comprised of about 1,200 companies in the HVAC inspection, maintenance and restoration industry who have signed the NADCA Code of Ethics. These members have also invested time and resources into industry-related training and education.
Hiring a NADCA member can provide consumers with an added level of security, since members possess general liability insurance and have at least one person on staff who is trained and certified. NADCA requires that all members have at least one certified Air Systems Cleaning Specialist (ASCS) on staff, and they must clean and restore your heating and cooling system in accordance with NADCA standards and guidelines. To learn more, visit www.nadca.com.
East Fairfield United Methodist Church 45675 State Route 558 New Waterford, OH 44445
Phone: 330-457-2465 email efumc@comcast.net website: http:// www.eastfairfieldumc.org Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ EFairfieldumc.org Rev. Susan D. Antolik, Pastor Phone: 330-846-0070 email: efumc-pastor@comcast.net
NICK’S TIN SHOP Heating & Air Conditioning Specialists Installation - Service - Repair
1041 E. Park Ave. Columbiana, OH
330-482-2713
A clean HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain a desired temperature. That can mean less energy costs and more comfort for a homeowner.
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6 ways to get your outdoor space in shape (NAPS)—Here’s the buzz when it comes to backyard fun: Before you plan those barbecues, pool parties and bonfires, you need to transform your outdoors into a great entertaining environment and stop insects from making themselves at home. To keep your backyard looking its best this season, try these six tips: 1. Good gardening: Choose a lively combination of colorful plants and flowers to brighten your outdoor spaces during the day and light them at night to add drama. Try citronella plants and marigolds to naturally repel mosquito populations and be sure to eliminate standing water as it attracts mosquitoes. 2. Check your equipment: Make sure the lawn mower, weed-whacker and the like are primed and ready, blades sharpened, tank refilled and so on. 3. Rake it in. Get rid of last year’s dead leaves and twigs that can keep your lawn from soaking up the sun. Consider composting the debris. 4. Beating the pests: Fortunately, protecting your yard against insect-borne diseases such as chikungunya, West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) does not have to be a challenge, nor does it have to involve chemical sprays. Instead, you can use environmentally friendly solutions to keep bugs at bay while enjoying the outdoors. For example, Dynatrap insect traps can provide relief from mosquitoes, biting flies and other flying bugs without pesticides. Since they come in a variety of styles and finishes, you can even find one to match your deck decor. 5. Grilling idea: Clean the grill after each use to save yourself time and trouble when you want to fire it up for your next get-together. That will also help keep bugs from hovering on the deck. 6. Deck design: Your outdoor space can make or break your backyard, so be sure it reflects your style and makes a statement. Keep in mind the primary use of your outdoor space and remember to think about mosquito control as it relates to the size of your yard. Position the insect trap where it will draw bugs away from where you spend most of your time. Learn More For further facts, visit www.dynatrap.com, Frontgate and other retailers, or on Facebook, Twitter@Dynatrap or Pinterest.
Your Heating & Cooling Specialist! For Integrity, Honesty and Professionalism You’ve Come To Count On. O Therm ur os ALWAYtat is S set on QUALIT Y!
Dave Norris, Owner
New Waterford, Ohio 44445
330-457-2562
NdcHeating.com
Ohio License #23635
Beautify Your Home With Color! FEATURING
PAINT
FOR YOUR YARD: ROUND-UP, ORTHO GROUND CLEAR, MIRACLE GRO SOIL, LIVINGSTON SEEDS AND BAGGED MULCH, YARD DECO AND TOOLS! Mon.-Fri.: 8 am-7:00pm, Sat. & Sun.: 9:00am-5:00pm
“Locally Raised Beef & Pork” Family Owned & Operated
330-868-6439 1548 Union Ave. Rt. 183 Minerva, Ohio (3 Mi. North of Minerva)
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Easy to clean carpeting is key to cleaner home (NewsUSA) - Many homeowners love carpeting. Its look and comfort, in addition to its insulating qualities, make it an essential home-decorating element. The fear, however, can be the stains left behind, such as the red wine that accidentally slipped from someone’s hand one holiday party or a pet that didn’t quite make it outside. In the event mishaps like these occur, it pays to have carpeting that is made from material that you know is worry-free and easy-to-clean. Mohawk Flooring, for example, offers just such a product. “SmartStrand Forever Clean is the toughest, easiest to clean carpet on the planet,” says David Duncan, Mohawk Flooring’s senior vice president of marketing. “It really is the perfect carpet for families with kids and pets. Using the most advanced fiber innovation, it offers the highest level of beauty, comfort and performance available so you can live life worry-free.” Amazingly, SmartStrand is the first new fiber to be introduced in over 50 years, and is the only carpet that boasts durability and permanent, built-in stain resistance. As a result, it should be unsurprising that it is the highestrated carpet for consumer satisfaction, cleanability and durability. The difference, according to Duncan, is that it’s the first carpet to combine built-in stain protection with a nanotechnology spill shield. “Made out of triexta, a greener, more eco-friendly fiber, this fiber is the easiest to clean because it repels and prevents spills from absorbing into the carpet,” says Duncan. “Thus, it cannot become a stain.” Mohawk says it has tried to minimize its usage of natural resources, which in turn has enabled the company to reduce its energy consumption of its carpets while creating a fiber that is long-lasting, and resistant to the toughest stains.
harsh chemicals or cleaners needed — and you have a much more environmentally friendly flooring option. For all the parents and pet lovers out there, know this: It’s just a matter of time before gravity forces an unwanted mess onto one of your floors. And when it happens, you’ll surely rest easier knowing that it’ll be easy to clean. For more information, visit mohawkflooring.com/foreverclean.
Top that off with a carpet that can be easily cleaned with water and mild detergent — no
Taylor Waterstove Dealer
COPE FARM EQUIPMENT, INC. Since 1966
Thermostatically Controlled! Heating Capacity: 2400-6400 SQ. FT. and larger.
Parts & Service • High Efficiency & Low Maintenance
3 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS
William Stock, Owner “SINCE 1961”
We Serve Lunch, Too TUES.-FRI.: 10:30 AM-1:00 PM
REG. HOURS: Tues.-Sat.: 3 PM to 11 PM 301 North Beaver St. Lisbon, Ohio
330-424-3559
BILL’S OUTDOOR FURNACE 12600 State Route 45 Lisbon, Ohio
330-424-0348 877-343-3889
billsoutdoorfurnace@yahoo.com www.billsoutdoorfurnace.com
ALLIANCE
KINSMAN
(330) 821-5867
(330) 876-3191
24915 St. Rt. 62
6401 Rt. 87
AUSTINBURG 4057 Rt. 307 W
www.copefarm.com
(440) 275-2200
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Keeping your home clean during a remodel (NewsUSA) - Maybe you’re finally updating your 1970s kitchen to one that’s more sleek and modern. Perhaps it’s as simple as remodeling a bathroom. Whatever the room, home renovations can be pretty hectic and messy. To get through your renovation, home organization is the key. The following tips should help you stay on top of the chaos. * Have files for everything. Paperwork should be kept in one place. Inexpensive file folders that are portable can help you stay structured. Create a file for all receipts, and as you post them to a budget, move them to another file labeled “posted.” Permits and papers from the city should be kept together. Just for fun, create a folder of design ideas and pictures from magazines to keep you inspired.
task about people you need to contact, or things you need to do or buy for the next day. * Have a place for everything. If you’re doing the remodel yourself, there is going to be a certain amount of chaos and upheaval. One thing that will help reduce your stress level is keeping your tools in one place. Create a space, such as a table, where all small tools are kept. The larger tools can sit on the floor under the table. Every time you’re finished with a tool, put it back. * Contain your stress. If you’re a person who turns to cigarettes or smokeless tobacco in times of stress, try your best to keep things clean by going outside to smoke or by carrying a portable spittoon.
After all, you don’t want a fresh burn mark or stain from a spill to end up on your brand * Cover it up. One word: plastic. No, not credit cards. Use it to cover all heavy furniture new floors. FLASR has created a one-of-a-kind pocket-sized spittoon that allows users to open that can’t be moved from the room. This will prevent dust and debris from getting into the and shut it with just one hand, making it an ideal solution for taking your snuff, dip or chew cracks and crevices and keep the finish on the furniture looking shiny. into any room that’s being renovated. In addition, the Atlanta-based company’s spittoon, has an advanced closing mechanism, ensuring that it stays securely closed when not in use, elimi* Keep a list. No matter how good your memory, things are going to fall through the nating the risk of spill and leaks often seen with cups and bottles. For more information, visit cracks. Hanging a clipboard on a nail in the area you are working in will help you to stay on www.flasr.com. Market listing: FLASR (OTCQB: FLSR).
Kubota tractors/mowers/utility vehicles
THE ANSWER IS Where can I find equipment that works hard but isn’t hard on me? Who has Performance-Matched implements? Which dealer can I rely on for knowledge and service? Who has the right equipment for the job?
PHIL’S SALES & SERVICE LLC.
1472 Columbiana-Lisbon Rd. • Columbiana, OH
330-482-5548 w w w. p h i l s k u b o t a . co m