16 minute read
Fall Home & Garden Guide
Tips For Keeping Heating Bills Down This Winter
By the HVAC Experts at S.J. Kowalski
A toasty home is welcomed when escaping the chilly weather. Less welcome are the heating bills that can come with keeping your home cozy and warm. By taking a few preventative steps it’s possible to optimize energy usage, and get the most from your heating system and still live comfortably.
SEAL UP YOUR HOME
Keep cold air from seeping into your home. Insulate windows and doors with weather stripping and caulking. Capture natural heat by opening curtains on south-facing windows during the day and close them when the sun goes down to keep the warmth inside. If feasible, consider replacing old windows and updating insulation with newer more efficient versions that will make your home both more comfortable and cut down on heating bills.
MAKE SURE YOUR HEATING SYSTEM IS WORKING PROPERLY-
Consider scheduling a service check up with S.J. Kowalski, Inc a Trane Comfort Specialist to assure it’s running at its best. Keeping your furnace clean, lubricated and properly adjusted can save about five percent on heating costs. A technician from S.J. Kowalski, Inc. can assess your system, suggest any
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repairs it might need and make sure you are ready for the coldest temperatures before they arrive.
WHAT THERMOSTAT SETTING IS BEST?
Agreeing on where to set the thermostat isn’t easy. To save money, set it as low as possible while still maintaining a comfortable temperature, usually between 65 to 70 degrees. If you aren’t home during the day, consider lowering it even more. And if your household can manage it lower your thermostat by 10 to 15 degrees at night to sleep comfortably while saving on your utility bill. Compromise with the family by placing warm throw blankets on the couch, adding layers of bedding and investing in warm fuzzy socks.
REPLACE YOUR FILTER
A dirty HVAC filter restricts air flow and increases energy usage as your system works harder to push air through it. Replace or clean filters once a month when the system is being used most to ensure that the air can pass through freely.
Call S.J. Kowalski, Inc. at 570-4552600 to schedule your maintenance if you haven’t already done so.
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3 Health-Conscious Home Updates Worth The Investment
(BPT) - The pandemic has brought new focus to home enhancements that not only add value, but also support wellness.
Here are three, big-impact home improvements trending in 2021 that support health and safety:
UPGRADE YOUR HOME'S WATER
From drinking and cooking to bathing and cleaning, water is in constant use in a home. Essential to life, high-quality water that helps your family live healthier is vitally important. However, many homes are plagued with poor water sources that may contain toxins or contamination. A good first step is to get your water tested - many communities and organizations offer free testing - and then determine necessary upgrades.
If taste or water quality is a concern, a filtered water system can help provide safe drinking water at the tap. If you have hard water, you may want to research systems that condition the water such as a water softener. These systems remove excess minerals and produce water that helps appliances run more efficiently and is easier on the skin and hair while bathing.
Keep in mind, older homes may require upgraded plumbing systems to replace aging and deteriorating pipes. One modern solution for repiping homes is using Uponor AquaPEX®, a flexible
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Is Your Home Ready For Old Time Winter?
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Now that fall is upon us, homeowners should have their garage doors serviced to ensure they are functioning properly and to ensure their long life, said Brian Lucas, president of F&L Doors, the area’s premier garage door installation and service company.
In order to avoid any inconvenience and costly repairs to their garage doors, Lucas said homeowners are encouraged to look into the necessary door inspection and general service options that will extend the life of their existing garage door.
“Garage doors and their parts are often forgotten, but it’s critically important that they be serviced. The springs should be thoroughly inspected – and replaced, if necessary,” Lucas said.
Fall is an excellent time to upgrade old garage doors because today’s doors are much more energy efficient than in the past, which can directly translate into savings on each month’s heating bill.
While it’s important to get a good deal, it’s equally critical to buy from a reputable factory-authorized dealer who stands by their product, Lucas explained.
“F&L Doors has been selling, installing and servicing quality namebrand garage doors since 1970. We offer the best of both worlds: attractive pricing and outstanding customer service for years to come,” Lucas said. “From choosing the best garage door, to making emergency repairs quickly, you can rely on our professional team.”
F&L Doors is proud of its reputation for quality and dependable service, and offers an extended one-year labor guarantee on all of their garage doors. “Our reputation is on the line with every purchase, and that’s something I take very seriously,” said Lucas.
Call F&L Doors at 570-454-7254 or 800-344-3667 and they’ll discuss garage door solutions that will also meet your budget. Visit F&L Doors at www.fldoors. com for tips on choosing a garage door.
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Kitchen & Bath Upgrades To Do Before The Holidays
(BPT) - Days are beginning to shorten and the evening air has a hint of coolness, which means soon there will be thoughts of planning for the holiday season. Many homeowners saved money during the past year due to putting vacations on hold, working from home and not spending as much on events. More households have the money for the home renovation they may have been planning. "People are beginning to think about the holidays and renovating spaces where visitors will gather," said Christopher O'Rourke, Mercury Insurance Vice President of Property Claims. "Due to the costs of raw materials increasing, the price of goods has naturally increased. Before you set out remodeling the kitchen of your dreams, consider the quality of the type of materials you will be using, how much they will cost, and how much they can alter your insurance premium."
Time is another item to consider. The average kitchen remodel can take anywhere from six to eight weeks while bathrooms can take four to six weeks.
Here are three kitchen and bath upgrades you can still do before the start of the holiday season.
UPDATE LIGHTING AND FIXTURES
The right kitchen lighting can create the optimal holiday mood where a warm glow can stir feelings of cozy comfort for your guests. A dimmer switch in the bathroom can offer calming light for a bath. Beyond the ambience, however, you should consider what function these rooms
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will serve after the visitors have gone and they become everyday use spaces. "A change in lighting can make all the difference in the look of your home, but when considering any electrical changes it's best to hire a qualified electrician to examine your home's electrical system," said O'Rourke. "Updating old electrical installations may eventually reduce your homeowners insurance cost as older electrical systems are more likely to be considered fire hazards, which can impact the cost of your coverage. Updated electrical equipment can lower this cost."
REPLACING OLD APPLIANCES WITH HIGH ENERGY-EFFICIENCY APPLIANCES
Smart refrigerators and dishwashers will generate looks of admiration from your guests while making holiday meal prep and cleanup easier and less time consuming. These appliances go beyond their aesthetically pleasing qualities as they can also lower energy consumption and costs, and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. "Innovations such as improved design and reduced water and energy consumption make Energy Star appliances a smart choice when replacing older appliances," said O'Rourke. "They are a great investment because they can save you money by cutting consumption costs as soon as they are installed."
UPDATE FLOORS AND COUNTERTOPS
Granite and marble countertops, wood cabinets, and stone floors are some of the more popular materials being used to give homes a modern look. These high-end renovations will increase your home value, as well as your premiums, but not by as much as you think. "There is a misconception that premiums will jump significantly with the installation of contemporary materials, but on average, Mercury Insurance policyholders may only see an increase of several more dollars a month added to their policy," said O'Rourke.
It's important to review any home renovations with your insurance agent in a timely manner. If not, there could be gaps in your existing coverage that may not protect your new investment if disaster strikes.
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polymer piping material that resists corrosion, pitting and scale buildup. Flexible pipe like this lasts longer and makes repiping easier, bending around corners and fitting into tight spaces without having to cut large holes in drywall.
INSTALL A SNOW AND ICE MELTING SYSTEM
Much of the nation faces seasonal snow and ice, which presents many challenges for homeowners. As winter weather begins to cover driveways and walkways, slip hazards increase, not to mention the risk of injury during removal. Hydronic radiant snow-removal and ice-melting systems are a smart solution that melts snow and ice quickly, eliminating the need to shovel and plow, as well as the use of toxic ice melt chemicals that are harmful to the environment.
How do they work? Installed by a professional, the Uponor residential snow and ice melting systems use durable PEX tubing buried in concrete, asphalt or a sand bed to circulate a warm water and glycol solution that heats the surface until it is warm enough to melt snow and ice. A simple on/ off manual switch can control the system, or it can be fully automatic, sensing when melting is needed.
These systems improve the health and safety of a home by eliminating slippery ice and snow, which in turn reduces the likelihood of injuries, as well as the associated liability and lawsuits. The system also helps meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations if a home is opting to follow those standards. Plus, at the time of resale, it's a notable healthy home upgrade to catch the eye of a potential buyer.
ELEVATE AIR QUALITY
When you heat or cool your home, conventional forced-air systems push treated air through ductwork in the walls and ceilings, which often circulates pollutants as well as dust and allergens that lower overall indoor air quality. This is a concern because Americans spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, where the concentrations of some pollutants are two to five times higher than typical outdoor concentrations.
A whole-home air filter system is worth considering for ongoing air treatment as well as other steps that reduce reliance on these systems. For example, hydronic radiant heating works by warming water at a heat source and circulating it through PEX piping installed beneath the floor. There is no fan to circulate dust, allergens and odors, so you can breathe easier while enjoying warmth and comfort.
In addition to improving your home's heating and air conditioning methods, it's important to take steps to limit new pollution in a home. When doing home projects, be mindful of using supplies and materials with high concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can infiltrate the air you inhale. VOCs can be found in various home-building products, including paint, plywood, fabric, carpet and foam.
It may cost more to purchase items with low VOCs, but people are increasingly willing to make this investment to support home air quality.
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Home Cleaning Hacks for Fall
(Family Features) Cooler fall temperatures mean you’re likely to spend more time indoors. Taking time to spruce up inside and out can make you more comfortable and give you peace of mind that your home is tidy, clean and prepared to weather the months ahead.
TIDY OUTDOOR SPACES - Before stashing your lawn care equipment, give your home and landscape some end-of-season attention. Use a power washer to clean lawn furniture and store it away from the elements or use covers to protect it. Clean out gutters and remove debris from flower beds to encourage proper drainage.
CHECK FOR REPAIR PROJECTS - Give your home a thorough inspection to identify any problems that need attention before cold weather sets in. Look for concerns like loose shutters or siding, cracked or loose shingles, cracks and gaps around doors and windows that may allow moisture or cold air to creep in. Severe weather and cycles of freezing and thawing can exacerbate these problems, so it’s best to make repairs before they result in major damage.
ELIMINATE DIRT AND DUST
- Moving indoors, take time to remove any dirt and grime that has accumulated. Wash textiles like curtains and rugs. Wipe down kitchen and bathroom surfaces with an antibacterial solution. Dust other parts of the house, including blinds, windowsills, baseboards and other hard-to-reach places.
When it comes to vacuuming, make sure to keep floors clean and free of outside dirt all season long with an all-around cleaner that can vacuum and mop simultaneously, like the DEEBOT OZMO T8 AIVI. It provides convenient, efficient, hands-free cleaning you can control via smart home devices. With a built-in HD camera, the AI-powered robot identifies common household obstacles and intelligently determines how to clean around them, while also providing on-demand home monitoring. Complete with laser mapping and navigation technology to scan and map your floors for faster cleaning and fewer missed spots, it is also compatible with an optional, automatic emptying station that allows for up to 30 days of fully maintenance-free cleaning.
PROMOTE AIR QUALITY - In addition to keeping floors clean and allergens under control, there are other steps you can take to promote better air quality while you’re spending more time indoors. Scheduling service for your furnace can help ensure it’s in good condition before cold weather hits. This is also a good time to replace your air filter and consider a duct cleaning. Take time to clean ceiling fans and reverse the blades so the air circulates but fans don’t create a chilling effect.
SWAP SEASONAL ESSENTIALS - A new season brings change, whether it’s simply swapping out your wardrobe or gearing up for a busy season of school activities and sports. Make time to put away out-of-season clothes and other necessities to make room for the things you’ll need for the autumn months. Keep only the things you need and store the rest to help keep clutter under control.
Find more tips for efficient fall home maintenance and cleaning at ecovacs.com.
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