Page 2 • Mountain Times Publications
Wednesday, April 27, 2022
HOME AND FARM
BBB Scam Alert: Home improvement scammers take money, don’t complete work Use caution when hiring a home improvement contractor, especially following a major storm, flood, or other weather event when many homeowners are trying to repair their homes. However, contractor scams can happen any time, so be wary of high-pressure sales tactics, up front fees, and fly-by-night businesses. Con artists will take homeowners’ money and deliver (or not deliver) less than quality work. How the Scam Works: Home improvement scams can start with a knock on the door, a flier or an ad. The contractor may offer a low price or a short timeframe. One common hook is when the scammer claims to be working in your neighborhood on another project and has leftover supplies. Once started, a rogue contractor may “find” issues that significantly raise the price. If you object, they threaten to walk away and leave a half-finished project. Or they may accept your upfront deposit and then never return to do the job. Following a natural disaster, scammers persuade homeowners to sign over their insurance payment. Tips to spot this scam: • Watch out for “red flags.” Say no to cash-only deals, high-pressure sales tactics, high upfront payments, handshake deals without a contract, and on-site inspections. Not all “storm chasers” are con artists, but enough are that you should be cautious any time a home contractor contacts you first ... especially after a natural disaster. • Ask for references and check
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Repurposing toothbrushes and other household utensils can assist when it comes to accomplishing cleaning tasks in those hard-to-reach areas.
Cleaning hard-to-reach spots
C them out. Bad contractors will be reluctant to share this information and scammers won’t wait for you to do your homework. If you can, get references from past customers, both older references to check on the quality of the work and newer references to make sure current employees are up to the task. Check them out at BBB.org to see what other customers have experienced. And always be sure to get a written contract with the price, materials and timeline. The more detail, the better. • Know the law. Work with local businesses that have proper identification, licensing and insurance. Confirm that your vendor will get related permits and make sure you know who is responsible for what according to your local laws and that your vendor is ready to comply.
leaning your house out after being cooped up indoors for the winter can feel fantastic. Some hard-toreach spots, however, like to hold onto dirt. Here are some creative ideas to tackle stubborn cleaning jobs. Some require a small investment of a specialized tool, while others simply require repurposing common household items.
some citrus peels or ice cubes to freshen up the disposal quickly from time to time, but to deep clean this awkward space, try this process. Turn off the electrical breaker. Spray a foaming cleaner such as Scrubbing Bubbles into the disposal, being careful to lift the rubber flaps (wear rubber gloves). Let it sit for five minutes. Then use a bottle brush to scrub the bottom surface as well as the underside of the rubber flaps. Rinse and run the disposal with cold water. Cleaning small spaces Repurpose old toothbrushDust, crumbs and hair can es for cleaning oddly shaped be nearly impossible to reor tight spots between faucet move from between keyboard levers, hair dryer vents or the keys and in the fine lines and dishwasher filter, or even deawkward spaces inside your tail your cheese grater, waffle car’s interior, such as air iron or toaster. conditioning vents. Just be The floor behind the toilet careful not to get it in carpets is always a tricky spot to or any other fabrics. Alteraccess. ThisOldHouse.com natively, use a small foam Cleaning awkward spaces recommends using a separate paintbrush with a triangular toilet scrubbing brush (not A garbage disposal is inshaped edge, along with some the one you use to clean incredibly useful but notoriously side) to scrub this area. Even warm soapy water, to clean air vents. (This works great in difficult to clean. It’s oddly better, steam the area with a shaped and inaccessible. You your car.) steam cleaner first to loosen might know you can toss in The website OneGoodgrime. Thing.com recommends forming an empty toilet paper or paper towel roll into a window track cleaning tool. Attach one end to the vacuum hose (secure with tape) and press the sides of the other end together to fit into the track. You could even use this trick on sliding door and shower door tracks. Another great hack from this site is to use regular kitchen tongs to clean blinds. Attach a microfiber cleaning cloth loosely over the ends of the tongs, secure with a rubber band and use it to clean both sides of blind slats at once. Similarly, wrap the end of a butter knife with a microfiber cloth, secure with a rubber band, and use it to clean the openings of HVAC registers (don’t forget air intakes).
Wednesday, April 27, 2022
Mountain Times Publications • Page 3
HOME AND FARM
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Page 4 • Mountain Times Publications
Wednesday, April 27, 2022
HOME AND FARM
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A serviceman examines the edge of a closed door with a torchlight. Exterior areas of the home, including AC units, roofing and more, should be part of a regular spring inspection for damage.
Exterior Inspection can extend the life of home and more
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fter enduring the extreme conditions of winter, your home’s exterior could be battered and bruised. Spring is the time to look for signs of damage and make repairs. Some repairs you can make yourself, while others could require professional services. Start by getting outside and walking around your house to perform a visual inspection.
Roof With a pair of binoculars or a camera with a telephoto lens, check for missing shingles, damaged or missing metal pieces or excessive wear. Consult a roofer for any needed repairs.
Masonry and Foundation Check the foundation and masonry for deterioration, cracking and leaks, recommends E&E General Contracting. Check chimney ma-
sonry for signs of vegetation growth, water infiltration, cracked or missing bricks or stones, and have a mason make any needed repairs. You’ll likely need a specialist to make any necessary repairs to the foundation, as this kind of work is difficult and critical to your home’s structural integrity.
exterior, look for signs of termite or carpenter ant damage, such as holes, or actual insect activity. This is also the time to power wash siding, provided it’s in good shape. If a gazebo, deck or other wood structure is looking worse for wear, spring is a good time to stain or seal.
Windows and Doors Siding and exterior structures
Look for holes and tears in screen doors and winCheck for holes or warping dows. If they need repairs in siding. If you have a wood (even small holes should be
fixed), pick up a repair kit at your local home improvement store. Check the seals on windows and doors to be sure they are keeping out water and holding air.
system, they will check for damage to the system and make any necessary repairs.
Air Conditioning
Your AC system can suffer damage during from the winLandscaping ter elements. You’ll want to Check concrete, asphalt be sure it’s in working order or stone paths for damage. before the warmer summer Check your water sprinkler months arrive, so you aren’t system for broken, damaged stuck without cooling. or clogged sprinkler heads. Schedule maintenance by If you have landscapers an HVAC specialist well in perform seasonal mainadvance, as these services tenance on your sprinkler book up early.
Wednesday, April 27, 2022
HOME AND FARM
Mountain Times Publications • Page 5
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Page 6 • Mountain Times Publications
Wednesday, April 27, 2022
HOME AND FARM
Preparing gardens in spring for healthy growing season
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he work you put into making some basic preparations in the spring can pay off with a garden that performs well all season
long. Spring is the time to sharpen and repair tools, get the shed in order, plant bulbs and start your compost pile. Here are some tips to get you started.
GARDENER CLEANING AND SHARPENING
Cleaning and sharpening garden tools prior to the spring planting will ensure a more pleasant and efficient growing season.
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have fertilizers and soil amendments on hand for the season. Some supplies such as grass seed, might not hold up over time, so dispose of old product and replace it with new.
Plant and Divide
Spring is the time not only to plant new bulbs for summer and fall blooms but to divide any perennials that have gotten Shed and Tools overgrown or crowded. Dividing them You could find some nasty surprisnow will allow them to re-establish themes lurking inside your garden shed in selves in a new location and put down spring, especially if it isn’t lighted or strong roots by the winter. In general, heated during the winter. Rodents or oth- fall-blooming plants are best divided in er animals could have made their home the spring, but some plants should be there, or the structure might have sufdivided just after they flower. Be sure to fered a leak or exposure to the elements. consult with your local extension office Once it’s warm enough, venture into the for your plants’ needs. shed to make any necessary repairs. This is also the time to put down new While you’re there, sharpen tools mulch. Dyed mulch, even those varieties with blades, such as shears, loppers and intended to last for multiple seasons, pruners, with a mill file, and oil those typically needs to be replaced each with moving parts. If any tools still have spring. Mulching early will help prevent last year’s dirt or mud on them, remove weed growth before they have time to it with a garden hose and clean them in sprout. warm, soapy water. This will help prevent Remember that any organic material the spread of disease. Give the wheelbar- you remove from your flower beds when row a good cleaning, oil the wheels and you clean them out in the spring to pretighten any wobbly bearings. pare for planting, such as leaves, foliage, Inventory the shed for supplies you’ll stems and sticks, can help start your need in the coming year. Be sure you compost pile for the year.
Spring Cleaning chores for kids
I
f you’re embarking on a spring cleaning project, getting the kids involved can teach responsibility and other valuable life skills. Every parent knows that sometimes teaching a child to do a chore is more work than doing it yourself, but spending a little extra time
now can help set them up to be great household helpers as they grow. An older child who develops useful skills such as bike repair or lawn maintenance could even open their own summer business. Once your kids have new cleaning skills under their belts, they’ll be able to help
more around the house on an ongoing basis. (This is a great time to institute a daily or weekly chore chart, if you haven’t already.) For health and safety, have kids use all-natural cleaning supplies whenever possible, such as diluted SEE KIDS ON PAGE 7
HOME AND FARM
Wednesday, April 27, 2022
KIDS
switches. • Wiping down kitchen CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 cabinets. • Sorting books and vinegar, baking soda, lemmagazines. on juice and toothpaste (for • Sweeping, vacuuming polishing metal surfaces and mopping. such as door knobs and • Pulling weeds and wafixtures.) tering flowers and houseSet each child up with a plants. caddy of cleaning supplies • Sort shoes and put away they will need to complete winter boots. their jobs. Here is a list of • Wipe down outdoor chore ideas for small hands toys. to get you started. • Put away winter clothing and put out springtime wardrobe. Younger children • Using a broom to • Washing windows and remove cobwebs from windowsills. porches and overhangs. • Sorting dirty laundry and removing clean launOlder children dry from the dryer. • Washing and vacuum• Dusting baseboards ing the car. and furniture and wiping • Cleaning bathrooms. down door knobs and light
• Cleaning and vacuuming under couch cushions. • Clean out and wipe down refrigerator shelves and drawers. • Deep cleaning microwave and stove. • Changing bed sheets and laundering linens. • Mowing the lawn and helping with yard work, such as weeding, planting bulbs or putting down mulch. • Sweeping the patio or deck and wiping down outdoor furniture. • Cleaning out pet kennels and laundering pet beds. • Perform maintenance and make simple repairs to sports equipment and bicycles, such as airing up a basketball or replacing bicycle brakes.
Mountain Times Publications • Page 7
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Spring cleaning can be a family activity — involving both older and younger children — with proper planning and supervision.
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Page 8 • Mountain Times Publications
HOME AND FARM
Wednesday, April 27, 2022
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3-D printing has proven to be an effective way to replace or create parts during home repair and improvement projects.
3-D printing a useful tool for home projects
A
3-D printer can be very useful for home repair and improvement
projects. In the past, once a molded plastic part was damaged, the only option was to replace it. If a replacement was unavailable, you were out of luck. Today, with a 3-D printer and the right kind of filament for the job, you can recreate parts that might otherwise have been difficult or impossible to find.
Getting Started An entry-level 3-D printer
can be had for around $200. Popular starting models include the Creality Ender 3 V2 or the Monoprice Select Mini V2. Read online reviews to see how others use the printer for your intended purpose. You’ll also find lots of great tips from the online maker community about how to get your machine up and running.
The Right Filament When making parts, it’s important to choose the right material for the job. There are many kinds of
filaments, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, polylactic acid (PLA) filament can’t hold up above 140 degrees Fahrenheit, so you shouldn’t use it to make parts that will be used in higher-temperature applications. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) filament requires a higher temperature during the printing process, so it may not be usable in some entry-level machines, but it is durable and holds up over time. Do some research before buying a machine to be sure you can print with the
more. If you can’t find the design you need and you’re willing to roll up your Where to Find Designs sleeves and learn a new You can find pre-made skill, you can always design design files for some the part yourself. Download applications via online free or open-source com3-D project databases puter-aided design softsuch as Thingiverse.com ware, such as TinkerCAD or MyMiniFactory.com. A or FreeCAD, to get started. quick search turns up useful Again, the internet is your household items such as a friend here, as there are wall shelf bracket, a power myriad free tutorial videos strip under-table mount, and websites to help you get replacement wheels for a oriented. robotic vacuum, a miter saw box, replacement washing machine buttons, a vacuum Share your Designs Once you’ve created cleaner dust bag clip and kind of filament you need for your jobs.
your own design, you can share them for free or for profit via the internet. After all, if you needed a particular part, chances are others have run into the same problem and are willing to pay. You can also print up some of your creations and sell them through platforms such as Etsy and eBay. A $200 printer and some inexpensive filament could turn into a part-time money-making operation. Invest a little more and you could turn your side hustle into a full-time job. The sky is the limit.
Wednesday, April 27, 2022
HOME AND FARM
Mountain Times Publications • Page 9
More than a customer Receiving electric service from Blue Ridge Energy makes you much more than a customer. You’re a member of an electric cooperative formed by local people to serve the local community.
As a member, you elect the board of directors and receive capital credits — money back based on your cooperative’s financial health. Blue Ridge Energy partners with area leaders to help create new jobs, support education and nurture local youth as leaders of tomorrow. Blue Ridge also offers you innovative services and renewable energy options. Learn more about how your electric cooperative is powering a brighter future for you and all members. Visit BlueRidgeEnergy.com today.
Page 10 • Mountain Times Publications
Wednesday, April 27, 2022
HOME AND FARM
Plants to repel mosquitoes
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hile you should welcome some insects to your gardens — remember those pollinators? — there are other pests that are less welcome. Among those are the scourge of the summer months, the mosquito. What are mosquitoes?Mosquitoes cause the most deaths of any other animal taxonomy per year, killing more than 700,000 people annually. Mosquitoes feed on the blood of host animals, including humans, and
PROFESSIONAL HELP FOR SUMMER PESTS Mosquitoes are indeed a problem through the summer — and that Terminix in Boone offers a mosquito service — and services for other summer pests such as carpenter ants and termites — through the warm months that includes a free inspection and customized plan for the property. In addition, homeowners can keep mosquitoes at bay, he said: “The biggest thing a homeowner can do is eliminate areas around the house that hold standing water — things like planter boxes, toys and tires.” Visit Terminix Triad at terminix-triad.com.
transfer pathogens from host to host. Diseases such as malaria, Chikungunya, West Nile virus, dengue fever and others are spread from mosquito bites.
In humans, mosquitoes appear to prefer people with type O blood, heavy breathers and pregnant women. Most mosquitoes feed during dawn or dusk and
Among those are the scourge of the summer months, the mosquito.
rest during the heat of
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the day. Repelling MosquitoesThere are a host of mosquito repellents on the market. Candles, bracelets, sprays, zappers, they all work, usually with some chemical help. But there’s also a natural way to go. Many plants will help keep mosquitoes from invading your space. Here’s a list of plants with mosquito-repellent properties to help keep your garden pest-free this summer. • Lavender and marigolds. These flowering plants emit a smell that deters mosquitoes. You can grow both of these in pots and they give you gorgeous blooms to boot. • Citronella. You may be familiar with the citronella candles, but those things get their distinctive smell from the citronella plant. It and other lemon-scented plants repel
mosquitoes. • Rosemary, basil and sage. These kitchen herbs also keep mosquitoes and other pests away from your home. Both do well in containers or in the ground. • Bee balm. This pollinator-friendly plant also keeps mosquitoes away. Crush the leaves to release the repellent oils. • Allium. These bulbs are the family that brings you garlic and onions. They release a strong smell that mosquitoes don’t like. What Else Can You Do? While making the environment inhospitable to mosquitoes is a great way to keep them away, you also need to make sure you aren’t doing them any favors. Eliminate standing water as much as possible and treat pools and ponds to keep mosquitoes from laying their eggs there.
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HOME AND FARM
Wednesday, April 27, 2022
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To help extend water heater life, it’s recommended to check the anode rod every 1-2 years, and replace the rod in five years before failure.
Water Heater basics A traditional tank water heater will last about 8 to 12 years. Understanding how a hot water heater works and performing regular maintenance can maximize its life span. Here are some tips to keep get the most out of your water heater.
How it Works Hot water tanks have an anode rod, usually made from magnesium, aluminum or an aluminum/zinc
alloy. Through electrolysis, the rod attracts corrosive particles in the water to itself, which corrodes the rod. Eventually the rod is no longer effective and corrosive particles destroy the lining of the tank, which causes it to need replacement. Replacing the rod before it fails — usually in about five years — can double the life of your water heater, according to FamilyHandyman.com. To find out the condition of your anode rod and decide
if it needs to be replaced, check the rod every one to two years. When buying a new anode rod, keep the following tips from FamilyHandman. com in mind. • A magnesium rod protects your tank better but doesn’t last as long as an aluminum/zinc rod. • Aluminum/zinc rods are cheaper and are recommended if your water has an odor, but you should consult a water treatment specialist before switching
to an aluminum rod.
Routine Maintenance The following routine maintenance tasks will help keep your water heater in working order. Check your heater’s user manual for the steps to perform these maintenance tasks and how often they should be done. • Check the pressure valve to be sure it’s still functional. • Flush the water tank to get rid of sediment buildup.
bacteria or metal contaminating the water. • A red or yellow tint to hot water, which can signal rust. • A drop in water temWhen to Replace perature or heating capacity BobVila.com offers the can be caused by sediment following list of ways to buildup, which can require know when your water replacement if it goes unheater needs to be replaced. checked for too long. • A banging or rumbling • Water pooling around noise, which can be caused the base of a water heater by hardened calcium build- tank. If it’s not a simple up from hard water. fitting or valve problem, the • An odd smell in hot wa- inside of the tank could be ter. This could be caused by cracked or corroded. (A water heater’s warranty usually requires that you do this annually to maintain coverage.)
Page 12 • Mountain Times Publications
Wednesday, April 27, 2022
HOME AND FARM
According to the USDA, more than 100 different crops worth $18 billion rely on pollinators.
Perk up for pollinators B
ees and other pollinators — bats, butterflies, beetles, wasps and birds, among others — play a critical role in nature and in our food production system. According to the USDA, more than 100 different crops worth $18 billion rely on pollinators. But some pollinator populations are in rapid decline. Colony Collapse DisorderThe Western hon-
ey bee, in particular, is vulnerable to colony’s collapse disorder, a condition that causes worker bees to disappear, leaving behind only the queen and some nursemaid bees to care for babies. The USDA says the disorder is likely the cause of stressors in the environment, such as pests, disease, pollutants, nutritional deficits and cloak of habitat. Because the problem was recognized, honey bee
populations are recovering. There’s still work to do, however, in bringing bee and other pollinator populations back.
Ways You Can Help One thing everyone can do is to choose landscaping and gardening projects that include native species that flower at different times of year to provide a steady food source for pollinator populations.
Bees and other pollinators prefer clumps of flowers in different colors and shapes. If you live in an area that hosts a monarch migration, plant milkweed in your yard to provide food for caterpillars. In addition to good groceries, you can also provide nesting sites. Butterflies such as the monarch prefer specific plants for hosting their larvae, like the milkweed,
while hummingbirds like trees and shrubs. Bees like to build nests in the ground on in wood or dry plant stems. Provide nesting sites for bees by leaving ground nesting sites that are well-drained and face south so they get the most sun. Dead or hollow stumps and plant stems also make great bee habitat, or you can buy artificial nesting sites that are attractive additions to your garden.
Bee Better Program Bee Better Certification is a program funded through the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. It certifies the use of pollinator-friendly conservation practices on farms. Manufacturers that qualify can use the Bee Better certification logo on product packaging, giving consumers an option to support farms that support bees.
T
Mountain Times Publications • Page 13
HOME AND FARM
Wednesday, April 27, 2022
Compost is part of the circle of life in gardens
he season for fresh fruits and vegetables grown right in the backyard is almost upon us. Warm weather breathes life into fresh berries, tomatoes, eggplant, cucumbers and many other delectable fruits and vegetables. Home gardens can be supplemented with delicious finds from the supermarket or farmer’s market, including melons, corn and more. The bounty of the garden can be made more abundant and fruitful with the addition of the right soil amendments. Compost is a key element of rich, nutritious soil. Scraps from
items that have been grown in the garden can then be reused in the production of the compost that feeds that same garden. It’s a continuous circle of garden life. Getting started with compost is relatively easy. Homeowners should choose an outdoor space near the garden but far away from the home so that it won’t be disturbed by kids or animals. Some people opt for an open compost pile, while others choose closed bins to contain the possible smell and to camouflage the compost. A sunny spot will help the compost to develop faster, according to Good Housekeeping.
Compost will not only add nutrients to garden soil, but also it can help insulate plants and may prevent some weed growth.
The next step is to start gathering the scraps and materials that will go into the compost. Better Homes and Gardens suggests
keeping a bucket or bin in the kitchen to accumulate kitchen scraps. Here are some kitchen-related items that can go into the com-
post material: • Eggshells • Fruit peels • Vegetable peels and scraps • Coffee grounds • Shredded newspaper In addition to these materials, grass and plant clippings, dry leaves, bark chips, straw, and sawdust from untreated wood can go into the pile. Avoid diseased plants, anything with animal fats, dairy products and pet feces. A low-maintenance pile has an equal amount of brown and green plant matter in the compost plus moisture to keep the bacteria growing and eating at the right rate. Aerating
the compost occasionally, or turning the bin when possible, will allow the compost to blend and work together. Compost will take a few months to form completely, says the Planet Natural Research Center. The finished product will resemble a dark, crumbly soil that smells like fresh earth. Compost will not only add nutrients to garden soil, but also it can help insulate plants and may prevent some weed growth. It is a good idea to start a compost pile as a free source of nutrition for plants and a method to reduce food waste in an environmentally sound way.
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Page 14 • Mountain Times Publications
Wednesday, April 27, 2022
HOME AND FARM
Choosing a room AC unit
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f your home doesn’t have central air conditioning, a room unit can help cool things off. There are many available models to meet various needs, so you’ll need to do some research to pick the right unit.
New Features An EnergyStar-certified room air conditioner can cost less than $75 per year to operate, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, with new variable speed technology saving more energy than in the past. EnergyStar-certified units include more sealing material around the opening than other models, to better keep cold air in. There are even models available with smart home-type features that allow the user to turn them on and off remotely, set temperature schedules and get information about how efficiently the unit is operating. Many units also are capable of “smart grid” features, allowing them to be cycled on and off by the power company to provide savings to the customer and conserve energy during peak demand.
Sizing The cooling capacity of room air conditioners is measured using British Thermal Units. Depending on the size of your room, your unit will need a minimum BTU rating. For example, a 200-square-foot
The cooling capacity of room air conditioners is measured using British Thermal Units. Depending on the size of your room, your unit will need a minimum BTU rating.
room will require a unit with a minimum 6,000 BTU rating, while a 500-squarefoot room will need 12,000 BTUs. Additional factors to consider in the calculations include whether the room tends to be sunny or shaded, as well as how many people typically use the room and
how the room is used. View the EPA’s sizing guide at bit.ly/2V10BUA for tips on measuring the room and to calculate which size unit you need.
Ductless Systems A ductless air condition-
ing unit is a wall-mounted unit that uses an outdoor compressor. They are very efficient and less prone to air leakage, according to HGTV.com, and buying an EnergyStar-certified model can save 30 percent on cooling costs. Some models also can provide heat, as
well. Ductless AC units are, however, considerably more expensive than window units, making them a long-term investment for which you’ll have to wait to see a return in the form of lower energy bills. They also require monthly filter
maintenance. Ductless units are recommended for small new additions to a house or for adding AC to a house where none exists. This is because even with the added cost for the units, it still can be less expensive than running ductwork.
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HOME AND FARM
Wednesday, April 27, 2022
Keep kids safe when mowing the lawn
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arm weather beckons many people outdoors. Perhaps no group of people like being out in the warm sun more than children. Children should be encouraged to spend time outdoors when the weather allows, as physical activity is one of the hallmarks of a healthy lifestyle. But parents must exercise caution When mowing their lawns, parents must make safety their when kids are playing in the utmost priority to ensure kids do not suffer mower-related injuries. yard, especially when the grass is being mowed. According to the Amerimower-related injuries every Many mower-related incan Academy of Pediatrics, year. Of the 800 children juries occur when children more than 9,000 children in who are run over by mowers who are too young and/ the United States go to the each year, 600 ultimately or too weak to operate a emergency room for lawn require amputations. mower are asked to do so.
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The AAP recommends that only children age 12 and older operate push mowers, while riding mowers should only be used by kids 16 and older. No child should use a mower without first being taught how to operate it, and kids should always wear eye protection and close-toed shoes when mowing. In addition, parents should never allow children to ride as passengers while mowing the lawn. Mower-related injuries are preventable if parents emphasize safety. The following are some tips, courtesy of the AAP, that parents can follow to ensure
their kids do not become one of the thousands of children who suffer mower-related injuries in a given year. • Only use a mower with a control that stops the mower blade from moving if the handle is let go. • Keep children out of the yard while mowing. Mower blades can shoot rocks, sticks or other common yard debris out in all directions, and these trajectories put kids at risk of injuries to their eyes and other parts of their bodies. • Scour the yard for toys before mowing. Toys left in the yard can become trajectories if not removed prior
to mowing, and chipped toys with sharp edges can pose a threat to kids even after the grass has been cut. • Exercise caution if going in reverse. The AAP advises against pulling a mower backward or shifting into reverse unless absolutely necessary. If you must do so, look behind you to make sure no kids are trailing you or are nearby. • Only mow when there is adequate daylight. • Periodically inspect your mower. Periodic inspections of your mower can help you make sure guards, shields, switches and other safety devices are in proper working order.
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or visit: Bruce-Terminix Co. (‘Termin ix’) is a NC corp. licensed by the Terminix International Company LP, of Memphis, TN, as a Terminix license_ 801_05 04/12
Page 16 • Mountain Times Publications
HOME AND FARM
Wednesday, April 27, 2022