Fall Home Improvement 2011

Fall

HOME IMPROVEMENT 2011

Fall Home Improvement | Morning Star Publications Morning 2011 Star Publications Inc. Š2011 1

Fall

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HOME IMPROVEMENT

Home Improvement ideas that save energy, too

Fast, easy and inexpensive ways to improve your home Prepping the fireplace for the cold-weather season Understanding different siding option benefits Do it Yourself: Good idea for saving or recipe for disaster?

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Create a great lawn for the fall Area rugs can provide dramatic look Clogged gutters can cause serious problems for homeowners Rescue your basement from damaging moisture problems Space heaters should be used with caution

Fall Home Improvement | Morning Star Publications 2011

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Home Improvement ideas that save energy, too Making home improvements doesn’t have to mean compromising environmental ideals in the process. There are numerous jobs that a person can do that fit with a green lifestyle. While these improvements help protect the planet, they’ll also help keep a few extra dollars in your wallet.

Conserve water - Turn off the tap between brushing teeth or rinsing off dishes. Better yet, install low-flow faucets, showerheads and toilets that reduce the consumption of water in the household.

Motion detection - Motion-detector lights can be installed in different rooms of the home and outdoors.

Lights will automatically turn on and off depending on the activity in the area, reducing the chances of a light being left on inadvertently and wasting money and energy.

Solar panels - You may have been toying with the idea of solar panels for years. They can be installed on the

roof or in the yard to power various components of the household, like lights during a traditional power outage or the swimming pool filter. Today it is possible to buy used solar panels, many of which still have a lot of life left to them and are considerably cheaper than new ones.

Aluminum-clad storm door - Insulate the entryway of your home with a storm door that will buffer against harsh weather conditions. While you’re creating a more air-tight space, caulk around windows and doors.

Replace air filters - Your HVAC system likely has filters inside that trap dirt and contaminants. Replacing the filters leads to cleaner indoor air and helps the unit run more efficiently.

Power strips - Stock up on power strips and plug all of your peripherals and computer equipment into these strips. This way when you want to power down everything completely, you simply turn off the power button on the strip. This ensures no devices are drawing power even

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Fall Home Improvement | Morning Star Publications 2011

in the off position, which many do.

Install fans - Fans aren’t just useful in the summer. In the winter, the blades can be set to rotate in the opposite direction and help draw warm air into the room, heating more efficiently.

Rainwater barrels - Set up rainwater barrels at the downspouts of your home’s gutter system. These barrels collect water that can be used to water indoor and outdoor plants, or even wash the car. Some feature a spigot to which you can directly connect a garden hose.

Plant trees - Trees are good for the environment in many ways, producing necessary oxygen for life and offering food and living areas for wildlife. Trees can also shade a home during the warm weather, helping reduce energy consumption.

Glass fireplace doors - Install glass fireplace doors, which are safer than fireplace screens. They’ll also help

protect against heat loss up the chimney when there isn’t a fire lit.

Warming up - While you are running water for the temp to warm up, catch the water in a bucket. Think of all the uses for a couple of gallons of water. Wash the floor, the car, the bird bath. Water the flowers. And you are not filling up your septic tank!

Microwaving - Instead of using plastic wrap to cover a plate of leftovers in the micro, use a casserole lid.

Coupons - Share grocery coupons with friends. If you don’t have pets or babies, give those coupons away!

Plates - When attending a church pot luck meal or a barbecue take dishes for your family to use. Save on the paper products.

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Fast, easy and inexpensive ways to improve your home Make aesthetic improvements. Structural improvements are often the most expensive and require the largest time commitment. However, projects that are purely aesthetic aren’t terribly expensive and can be completed in a much shorter period of time.

One easy project that can give the home a new feel is to work on the entryway of the home. Painting the front door can create an entirely different look and first impression by visitors, and it’s a very easy and inexpensive project to undertake.

Another low-cost aesthetic improvement is to power wash a home that has vinyl siding. Siding often collects mold, mildew and grime that requires the use of a power washer to remove. One can be rented rather inexpensively and a thorough power washing can be completed as a weekend project.

Painting the interior of the home can also add new

life to a room that a homeowner has otherwise grown accustomed to or a room in which the paint has begun to dull or even chip.

Because paint is relatively inexpensive, this is a great way to make major changes to a home without a major impact on the pocketbook.

Clean up. Cleaning a home is not only inexpensive to improve its feel and look, but it should also be free unless the occupants are genuine pack rats. For homeowners who have lived in the same home a long time, clutter has probably crept its way into the home and taken over certain areas.

Clearing out this clutter can create whole new areas of the home, and unless the local sanitation department needs to be called to tote it all away, clearing out the clutter costs nothing except some time and effort on the weekend.

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Prepping the fireplace for the cold-weather season People looking to embrace the cold-weather season often find snuggling up in front of a roaring fire is both relaxing and warming. Fireplaces are popular components of homes across the country. Ensuring fireplaces are prepared for a season of use is important from a safety standpoint and for personal comfort as well.

The U.S. Fire Administration states that heating fires account for 36 percent of residential home fires in rural areas every year. Often these fires are due to creosote buildup in chimneys and stovepipes. All home heating systems require regular maintenance to function safely and efficiently.

One of the most important steps to fireplace maintenance and preparation is having the entire thing cleaned by a professional. A chimney sweep provides a variety of services. According to Ace Chimney Sweeps of Maryland, a chimney sweep will clean out the entire chimney.

Many use a high-powered vacuum so that there is no soot

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or dust entering the home. Depending on the range of services, some sweeps also offer a series of inspections of the chimney, interior flue and checks of attic spaces for any damaged areas that will need repair.

The next step will be securing your source of fuel.

Many homeowners contract with a provider of seasoned firewood. A delivery of one or two cords of wood may take the average fireplace user through the season. Wood can also be purchased at supermarkets or picked up free in different areas.

It’s not adviseable to use wood that has just been cut down. It likely contains high levels of moisture that will result in more smoke than burn power, and could lead to deposits forming on the inside of the chimney. Synthetic logs are also available, but use caution because they may burn unevenly and put out higher levels of carbon monoxide. Follow directions on the packages of these products carefully.

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It is important to inspect a fireplace screen or guard to ensure it can safely protect against embers escaping the fireplace. In homes where there are young children, an added barrier may be needed in front of the fireplace to prevent little hands from touching the hot screen.

It is vital to open up the chimney flue before starting any fire. This allows fresh air to feed the fire and will enable smoke to exit the home. Failure to open the flue can result in smothering, dirty smoke filling the home quite quickly. The flue should be closed after the fire is completely extinguished so that animals and outside debris don’t enter the home via the opening.

Be sure to have a metal container for removing and storing hot ashes handy. Embers and ashes can stay hot for quite some time, so they should be placed outdoors, ideally far from the home so they don’t set anything ablaze.

Educate household members about the rules of fireplace use. They should be aware that no items should be discarded into the fire to avoid the emission of toxic fumes or dangerous embers. All it takes is one stray ember to start a huge fire. Also, improper fuel materials may lead to the buildup of flammable creosote on the chimney.

A fireplace can be a focal point, a source of home heating and just a nice place to which to retire when the weather is cold. Preparing the fireplace for use and maintaining it properly are the keys to a safe season of use.

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Understanding different siding option benefits Seemingly from the moment a home is purchased, its new owners start envisioning ways to transform their new pad into their dream home.

Once they turn their key for the first time, homeowners enter an empty home and see a blank slate on which they can improve.

But even before homeowners enter their new home, chances are the home’s exterior has inspired a few improvement ideas as well. One of the more common home improvements is changing a home’s exterior siding. Many new homeowners want to change their home’s appearance with siding but might not be sure which option is the best fit for them.

The following guide to siding options might help make this decision that much easier for homeowners still on the fence.

• Vinyl: Vinyl siding is a popular choice among homeowners who don’t want to break the bank to change their home’s exterior look.

Vinyl siding is one of the more affordable siding options, and many homeowners are attracted to its durability and reputation as a very lowmaintenance siding option. Seamless vinyl attracts homeowners because of its aesthetic appeal. In general, vinyl siding is wind-resistant and unlikely to rot, scratch or blister, and vinyl siding does not attract insects nor is it susceptible to mold or mildew.

However, some vinyl siding cannot withstand extremely cold weather.

• Solid wood: Wood siding can last for decades and many homeowners love its old-fashioned appeal.

However, homeowners who don’t want the hassle of worrying about their home’s exterior might be better suited to other options, as wood siding can be difficult to maintain. Because wood will expand or contract depending on the season, wood siding is prone to cracking or splitting,

and especially humid climates might foster mildew in wood siding. Wood siding typically requires restaining or repainting every few years, and such maintenance is necessary throughout the siding’s lifespan. Proper and routine maintenance of wood siding can also help reduce the risk of termites or mold.

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maintain than wood, though many homeowners still choose wood over aluminum on the basis of aesthetic appeal. Many homeowners often come down to deciding between aluminum and vinyl siding, and environmental concerns might come into play when making that decision. Aluminum siding is considered by many to be the more eco-friendly option, as some feel vinyl siding is bad for the environment and might even negatively affect human health. Aluminum siding is generally wind-resistant and homeowners enjoy its status as a relatively low maintenance siding option.

• Stucco: Many homeowners prefer stucco siding because of its unique makeup that allows them to choose a design and color uniquely their own. A manufactured product made up of cement, lime, sand, and water, stucco is easy to maintain and can last a very long time. Stucco installation, however, is an intricate process and homeowners can expect to pay more for stucco’s installation than they would with other options, even though the installation can be finished very quickly, particularly when compared to wood siding.

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Do it Yourself: Good idea for saving or recipe for disaster?

Many homeowners or renters wrestle with the question of whether to tackle a project as a do-it-yourself venture to save some money or simply leave it to a professional. Each situation is unique, but there are certain factors that must be considered regardless of a homeowner’s particular situation.

On the surface, a DIY task can seem a very good way to save some money. After all, a large percentage, sometimes as much as 50 percent, of the cost of hiring a contractor goes toward labor. For a DIY job with no such costs, the final financial tally can be substantially less.

Although labor can be expensive, that cost is often justified. People who hire carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and the like are paying for the workers’ experience. They’re also paying with the expectation

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that the job will be done correctly. With jobs that require a building permit or must be done to specific code, the contractor often puts his reputation on the line and will be held accountable if the work doesn’t meet requirements.

That isn’t to say an untrained individual can’t tackle a specific job around the house. There are some guidelines that may make such projects go more smoothly and, as a result, more affordable.

• Read up and learn as much as you can about the particular work to be done. It’s easier to make mistakes if you do not know where to start.

• Talk to others who have also done the work. They may have some tips or advice that can save you time and money. You may also want to ask if they can help and show you the ropes.

Spring Home Improvement | Morning Star Publications 2011

• Be sure to obtain all necessary permits before starting any work. Don’t risk a fine for doing work without permits or having work inspected.

• When applying for permits, find out if there is a list of code-specific requirements that you can follow -- a cheat-sheet of sorts. It may list rated materials required and any techniques. See if you can speak to an inspector who will be visiting your property later on to find out what he or she looks for specifically.

• You must feel confident with the endeavor. If you are unsure about anything, you may risk injury or make a significant mistake and be forced to hire someone to clean up your mess.

• Consider reputable sources for information. While it’s easy to go online and scour message boards for pointers on certain tasks, not all of the information is accurate. Trust only content from sources that are licensed or backed by certification in a certain area.

These things being said, there are a number of DIY projects that regular people can try. Starting off small and building up as skills are developed are good ways to begin. For example: • Tile a small kitchen backsplash before tackling an entire bathroom shower enclosure or floor.

• Build an outdoor potting stand before attempting furniture or cabinetry work in a main room of the house.

• Change out a ceiling fan or lighting fixture before re-running electrical lines through the home.

• Succeed in repairing a leaky drain pipe before taking on a more advanced plumbing issue.

• Use regular painting techniques first before experimenting with a trendy faux finish or plaster application.

There are many different things individuals can do themselves that stretch beyond routine home maintenance.

Fall Home Improvement | Morning Star Publications 2011

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Create a great lawn for the fall

By Ralph Palmer Soil Service

A beautiful lawn adds pleasure to your life and value to your home.

It’s surprising how little time and effort it actually takes to create a great lawn. And now is the best time to get started.

The warm days and cooler nights of September and October are perfect weather for our lawns. To start a new lawn or rejuvenate an old one it’s always good to have a soil test.

Walk your yard and take a slice of soil from the top down six inches in about a dozen random spots, mix them together, and send them to a reputable lab through your lawn care center. The results will tell you how much lime and fertilizer you will need. The lime and fertilizer can be applied ahead of seeding, or all three can be done the same day. Liming is usually done at 50 lbs. per thousand square feet once every three to five years while fertilizer is applied each spring and fall. A good “slow release” nitrogen fertilizer is best for a lawn, but a general purpose fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 14-7-14 can add more plant food at a lower price than the slow release products, if needed.

Our soils typically do well with 2 lbs. of nitrogen per thousand each application. Fertilizer numbers are expressed as percentages of nitrogenphosphorous-potassium so a 10% nitrogen fertilizer times a 20 lbs./1000 rate gives 2 lbs. nitrogen.

The best grasses for our area are tall fescues. The basic choices are Kentucky 31, an old standard, and the many varieties of turf type tall fescues. Kentucky 31 is a wide bladed coarser grass that does well in difficult growing conditions and with limited water. The turf types, such as Guardian 21 and Winning Colors, require more care to look best. Irrigation is a huge help. The turf types are much greener, fine bladed, softer and generally prettier that Kentucky 14

A beautiful lawn adds value to your home.

31. Disease and insect resistance and shade tolerance are similar for all tall fescues. It takes at least a minimum of three to four hours of sunlight for these grasses to thrive. To plant seed it’s always best to use a seeder, aerator, or thatcher to get the seed to contact the soil rather than simply throwing it on top of undisturbed ground. Seed should be applied at 5 lbs./1000 for over-seeding an established lawn or 10 lbs./1000 for bare ground. After seeding it’s best to water lightly several times a day if possible to keep the soil surface damp. This time of year seed should germinate in five to seven days.

By late October into November it may take up to two weeks as soil temperatures cool. Once the seed begins to grow resume normal watering if necessary. When the new grass reaches mowing height of 3-3 ½ inches, cut it. The mower will make marks in the tender new lawn but they will disappear in a few days.

Once your grass is up and looking good you’ll want to maintain it.

Crabgrass and broadleaf weeds are best controlled in the spring. Crabgrass is an annual that dies each fall

and grows from seed each spring.

Crabgrass pre-emergence prevents the seed from growing for three to four months and should be applied by the end of March. Broadleaf weeds are killed by contact controls.

The dry materials must stay on the weed leaf for one to two days for the best results. Liquid controls need to dry for six hours on the leaf to work.

Broadleaf weeds can be treated anytime they are present and actively growing. It usually takes three weeks for weeds to die. Although springtime seeding is not recommended it is sometimes necessary.

Crabgrass pre-emergence treatments prevent any seeding for up to four months and is not compatible with spring seeding. Broadleaf weed controls require a four-week delay between application and seeding. You often must choose between seeding or weeding.

Moles, watering, and mowing are other issues. Moles can quickly mess up a lawn with their tunnels. They are searching for beetle grubs, their favorite food. Grub controls once or twice a year often but not always control mole damage.

Fall Home Improvement | Morning Star Publications 2011

To keep a green lawn during the summer requires one-two inches of water per week, rainfall and watering combined.

It is best to water no more than two to three times a week. Watering every day promotes shallow roots and keeps the soil surface too wet. It is preferable to water early in the day to allow the lawn to dry.

Mowing our tall fescue at 3-3 ½ inches is best. Shorter cutting removes too much leaf surface, stressing the grass plant and allows sunlight to reach the soil promoting weed growth. Cutting more than one-third of the grass height can create a thatch problem.

Our main disease problem is brown patch. It occurs during periods of high nighttime temperatures.

Excessive fertilization, moisture, and poor air circulation make it worse.

The lawn rapidly begins to turn brown in ever-larger circular patterns until the weather changes. Regular fungicide applications can prevent it.

Reseeding in the fall fixes the dead spots.

The final lawn challenge is wire-

This time of year seed should germinate in five to seven days.

grass. If you have wiregrass (bermuda grass) and want to get rid of it, the only option is a total vegetation control such as Roundup. Begin spraying in August, every two weeks until there is no more green wiregrass. You can then seed September and Octo-

ber. You must, however, continue each year to look for and spray any recurring wiregrass.

So go ahead and spend the time this fall to spruce up your lawn. Your property will look better and you’ll be proud of the results. Good luck!

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Fall Home Improvement | Morning Star Publications 2011

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Area rugs can provide dramatic look While big-ticket renovations may not fit your budget these days, there are still plenty of improvements that can offer a dramatic impact without emptying your wallet.

“Start from the ground up when considering costeffective changes that make a big impact,” says Linda Jacobs, a design expert from Nourison, a leading manufacturer of quality area rugs and broadloom. “Cosmetic changes such as a beautiful area rug on the floor can give the impression that you’ve altered your entire living space. Available in any price range, a new rug can instantly transform a room.”

Additionally, Jacobs offers the following checklist for home decor chic on a budget: * Use area rugs to separate spaces or tie rooms together where large expanses of hardwood floors do not make for a cozy, inviting space. Using a larger area rug can make a space appear larger. * Use an area rug on top of a carpet. Create a striking focal point in a wall-to-wall carpeted room with contrasting color area rugs strategically placed in a room. * Experiment with color. Choose your favorite color palette. Once your rug is in place, you’ll have several colors to use to match when introducing small accent pieces throughout your room. * Texture, Texture, Texture. Even solid colors can become interesting because of their texture. Natural wools from flat-weave to plush, wool blended with pure silk or today’s high tech synthetics, plus shags and novelty yarns are just some of the many choices of constructions with different textures. Additionally, many of today’s best handmade and even machine-made area rugs feature hand carving for additional textural appeal. * Don’t be afraid of patterns. Adding geometric patterns can take a traditional setting and make it appear more modern, while floral patterns and Persian designs have a more traditional appeal. In today’s fashion forward rug selections, many of the traditional patterns are revitalized in newer color palettes so a traditional rug can have a totally new appeal.

Luxurious wall-to-wall carpeting also completely changes any space. Nourison has unique hand-carved wool and wool blend carpets in patterns that are truly extraordinary, offering three-dimensionality in patterns unlike most ordinary carpets.

Creative use of area rugs and carpets can replace costly renovations for totally new looks throughout your home. Nourison offers a variety of collections available in patterns and colors that complement all types of design styles. Visit www.nourison.com for design ideas and use the dealer locator to find a store near you.

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Clogged gutters can cause serious problems for homeowners Cleaning gutters is risky business

Rain flowing over windows, doors, and siding can rot fascia as well as door and window framing. It can erode the soil around your home and damage its foundation, and also cause a wet basement, mold, and mildew. To help keep gutters operating properly and to protect your investment, try these tips: • Think Safety First. Always use a solid, quality ladder to reach your gutters. Safety glasses and gloves are a good idea, too. And watch out for power lines.

• Use the Right Tools for the Job. In addition to needing something to contain gutter debris, you’ll also need a tool to scoop it out. The Gutter Getter Scoop from Working Products, Inc. is a good option. It’s the only flexible scoop shaped to fit all gutters, plus it will keep your hands away from the debris.

• Don’t Over-reach. Over-reaching can destabilize your ladder and cause you to fall. Instead, consider using a special tool to extend your reach. The Gutter Grabber is a cleaning tool on an extension pole that lets you clean up to 18 feet of gutter without moving your ladder.

• Check the Downspouts, Too. If the spout is clogged, a coat hanger or the handle of your Gutter Grabber can help get the debris out of the spout. Then, use a garden hose to flush out any remaining debris. For stubborn clogs, it may be necessary to remove the downspout and back flush it with the hose. Covering your downspout with a strainer such as the Gutter Getter Big Top Downspout Strainer will help reduce future clogging, too.

• Clean Gutters Anytime They Need It. Most homeowners know they need to clean their gutters in the fall.

But once you understand the importance of gutters, you’ll know why its vital to clean them out anytime they get full. To protect the value of your home, keep your gutters clean throughout the year.

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Rescue your basement from damaging moisture problems Water entering a home’s basement is very unpredictable. One minute the basement could be dry and the next there could be a river running through it. For homeowners, ignoring a water problem could prove costly and rob its residents of an otherwise enjoyable place to spend their time.

For concerned homeowners, protecting the basement from potential water damage is easier than you might think. Waterproofing a basement is a simple job that beautifies a space while protecting it against future damage from water. First, know what properties to look for in a waterproofer. The property that is the most important to look for in a masonry waterproofing paint is the ability to hold back hydrostatic pressure, which makes a waterproofer different than a water sealer and an ordinary house paint. Ordinary house paints merely adhere to the wall surface while masonry waterproofers penetrate the pores of the masonry to become part of the wall.

Most waterproofing paints will go through pressure tests that will determine the Pounds Per Square Inch (PSI) the coating will hold back. It is also important that the coating be tested to withstand wind-driven rain.

The makers of DRYLOK Masonry Waterproofer developed the specs for hydrostatic testing. They state the PSI should be at a minimum of 4 psi, which is a wall of water 9 feet high. Look for products that have been tested independently on standard grade building materials. Be leery of products that say they will withstand above 15 psi (which is a wall of water higher than 33 feet), as a standard grade building block could never withstand that much pressure. In fact, independent testing facilities will not test products to over 15 psi.

Once you have selected your waterproofer, it is time for surface preparation. Examine the surface for loose or broken mortar or any holes or cracks in the surface.

The surface should be clean and patched with a hydraulic cement, such as DRYLOK Fast Plug. Be sure there are no signs of efflorescence, which are natural salts leaching from the masonry surface. These salts should be cleaned with an etching solution or DRYLOK Etch, which is a safer alternative than Muriatic Acid. After cleansing, rinse the surface thoroughly.

A waterproofing paint is thicker than house paint, so it will take longer to apply, but its application is just as simple. Most waterproofing paints can be applied with a stiff bristle brush or a roller. Simply work the product into the surface of the masonry, filling the texture with the coating. The thing to remember is that this coating needs to perform a task, so it is important to follow the label 18

instructions. The experts at UGL recommend applying the first coat with a nylon or polyester bristle brush for best results. The second coat can be applied with a brush or masonry roller. Follow directions for application carefully. If the area covered is more than the recommendation on the label, you’re spreading the paint too thin. Two coats are usually sufficient to stop seepage. However, if seepage is still present after several days, an additional coat may be necessary.

Whether your plans are for a basement pantry, woodshop, laundry room or even a living room or play room, you have to start with a dry space and the best start is with a reliable, reputable waterproofing paint. Simple step by step instructions on waterproofing your basement can be found at www.ugl.com.

Fall Home Improvement | Morning Star Publications 2011

Space heaters should be used with caution Space heaters may seem like an excellent way to provide supplemental heat on chilly days.

However, research points out that these units tend to be dangerous.

According to the National Fire Prevention Association, around one-third of fires in the home can be attributed to space heaters.

They also account for three-quarters of fire-related deaths in U.S. homes.

One of the biggest risk factors with space heaters is their tendency to get hot on the surface.

When a hot space heater comes in contact with surrounding combustible materials, such as draperies or bed linens, the risk for a serious fire will only increase.

Space heaters should come with instructions for proper use and placement, including several feet from walls and other combustibles. However, in crowded liv-

ing situations or homes with small children and pets, it is easy for space heaters to be inadvertently moved or knocked over.

If a space heater is needed in a home, select a type that will be the safest option.

• Consider an electric model that doesn’t require the replacement of fuel, such as kerosene.

• Choose a radiator type that doesn’t feature any external heating coils.

• Look for models with a tip-over safety shut off. There are others that will automatically shut off if the unit senses too much heat from a close-by object.

• Select sturdy models that aren’t prone to tip over, meaning look for short, stout heaters, rather than tall, skinny ones.

• Use space heaters as a last resort. Heavy blankets and clothing can chase away the chill.

Ceiling fans benefits Though ceiling fans are most associated with warm-weather seasons, most can be effective throughout the winter months as well, helping circulate warm air throughout a room in much the same way they circulate cool air during the warmer weather.

Most of today’s fans have a switch near the motor housing that alters the direction in which the fan’s blades turn. When a ceiling fan is used in the summer, its blades push the air downward, moving cool air around the room.

The air blowing around the room is what cools people within the room.

When the blades’ direction is altered, the blades then push the air upward toward the ceiling.

This drives the hot air, which typically rises to the top, down toward the edges of the room.

This helps circulate warm air throughout a room, making for more even heating and helps combat window sweating that results from condensation.

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