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Table of Contents How to choose an HVAC company How to hire the right in-home caregiver How to choose a diner How to choose a 3D /4D ultrasound shop How to choose a generator
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How to choose a flooring dealer How to choose an insurance company How to choose a preschool for your child How to save money with gas water heaters
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How to choose an HVAC company
Your heating and air conditioning system is a vital component of your home. Whether you’re investing in a new system to replace an aging unit or repairing your existing system, creating a relationship with a professional HVAC company can save you money and headaches — and keep you warm and cool. The best HVAC contractors are helpful and reliable, but a poor contractor can cost you extra money and heartache. Good word of mouth will go a long way toward helping you find the best professionals in your area. Create a list of candidates and call the Better Business Bureau, your state’s board of contractors or the builders’ association to check on their reputations. Your town’s building inspection office may also have informa-
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tion for you. Avoid companies who have many complaints on their record. Upon narrowing the list, call the remaining ones and ask about pricing, guarantees and warranties. Also inquire about how long it would take to complete a job and the manufacturers’ brands they use. If you are purchasing new equipment, find out if you need a separate service contractor or if routine maintenance and repairs are included in the price of installation. Does the company provide around-the-clock emergency service? High quality HVAC companies are fully licensed, bonded and insured. If a worker is injured or causes damage to your property, that insurance should cover it. Otherwise, you could be liable for the damages. Your insurance premiums would
likely increase as a result. Reputable HVAC companies will usually belong to recognized professional and trade organizations. Some wellknown organizations include the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute, and the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers. Membership in one of these organizations is not automatic. Applicants are required to have certain certifications, meet professional standards and meet or exceed other requirements before they are admitted. Before any work begins, verify that all the required building permits are in place. Most companies will file permits on your behalf at the local building codes office. But don’t assume that it has happened. Check with
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the permitting office first. Work done without proper permits could result in a fine and time delay. Have a load calculation done before installing a new system in any building. The best companies perform a thorough calculation rather than estimate. Buildings change over time due to foundations cracking or settling. It will affect the efficiency of any equipment. The HVAC company shouldn’t use the old unit to determine the proper size of a new one. If your old unit was inadequate, you will want to install a unit that is a different size. Speak with your HVAC installer to determine the right size and model for you. Ask your HVAC contractor to perform annual checkups to verify that the unit is running at peak efficiency.
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With these tips, you can choose a reliable HVAC business that will help you for years to come.
How to hire the right in-home caregiver
4 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021
In Home Care is a great option for older adults who wish to age in place and who do not want to move into a facility, such as assisted living or a nursing home. However, before you hire anyone to come into your home, arm yourself with a little extra knowledge.
Understand the terminology
There are three kinds of inhome care: Companion Care, Personal Care (PCA), and Skilled Care (services delivered by a nurse). The first two are considered non-medical and are usually appropriate for most older adults needing care in the home. • Many older adults only need Companion Care, which includes such things as preparing meals, reminders to take
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medication, laundry, incidental transportation, etc. • A Personal Care Aide (PCA) also does household tasks, like a companion caregiver. However, they must be certified by the state and are required to complete training. Training must be supplemented with continuing education every year to maintain the classification of Personal Care Aide. This training allows them to assist older adults with hands-on care, such as bathing, feeding, toileting, mobility and transferring. • Skilled Care, specifically care provided by a nurse, is only necessary if you require medical treatment for health conditions such as tracheotomy, respiratory, colostomy, dressing injuries, etc. A nurse will not provide companion or personal care.
Understand Legal Requirements before Bringing a Caregiver into Your Home
• You may hire a caregiver through an agency or on your own. If you do hire a caregiver on your own, that is referred to as a private caregiver. A private caregiver is an employee and not a contractor by law. This means you must collect and match federal taxes based on their rate of pay. At the end of the year, you provide them with a W2 and not a 1099. • If you hire a private caregiver yourself, the law considers you an employer. As an employer, you must stay clear of illegal questions, such as marital status, race, religion, and a whole host of other subjects when hiring and evaluating a caregiver. • Workman’s Compensation
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insurance is very important, and for most agencies required by law. You should make it a requirement. This insurance covers employees if they get hurt on the job, and it protects you. Typically, homeowner’s insurance will not cover injuries incurred by someone who is working for you.
Other Essential Checks Before Bringing Someone into Your Home
• Background checks are essential. Do not go by your impressions about the person. Unfortunately, scammers and other criminals’ ability to be perceived as very likeable, nice and trustworthy is how they successfully take advantage of their victims.
• A DMV report is essential if the person is going to be driving for you. If they are going to be driving your vehicle, you’ll also want to get a rider on your car insurance policy. Without the proper rider, you could be left financially responsible for injuries and damages in an accident. • A drug test must be conducted to ensure that the person is drug-free. There is no way to tell if someone is a drug user by looking at them. Drug tests should also be given randomly during employment. • It is important to ask for and check references. Those references should not be friends or relatives. Ideally, they should be past employers. If you are checking references, be sure to avoid questions in violation of federal law. There are many questions you cannot ask.
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The diner is an icon among America’s restaurants. Often open 24 hours a day, serving fast, satisfying food and plenty of coffee to the working class, diners had almost disappeared before they staged a vibrant return. Americans are prone to nostalgia, and diners have benefited from these feelings that have brought about the resurgence in diners. Whether it’s a corner shop or housed in a quirky railroad car or streamlined trailer, modern diners are cleaner and classier than the coffee-andeggs shop of old. If it’s been awhile since your last visit to a diner, follow these steps to find an excellent place for a bite to eat:
Atmosphere
A good diner is clean but not stuffy or overly fancy, and the
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decor can range from fun and whimsical to a more retro, nostalgic look. Many diners try to model their style after the heyday of American eating establishments in the 1950s, which can be fun if you want a throwback to a simpler, more carefree time. Others put a modern twist on the theme, though, with trendier decor and funky, fresh styling that reinvents the diner for the 21st century. The best ones will make you feel like a family member from the moment you walk in the door. You’ll know a good diner as soon as you step inside, because it leaves the right impression in an instant, including all the right sights, smells and sounds.
Food
A good breakfast is the key to the diner experience, letting
you start your day in just the right way. You can’t go wrong by ordering the basics: bacon, eggs and hash browns. If the kitchen can cook these just right, with a home-cooked flavor and delivered fast and hot, you’ll know right away how well they can make comfort food. And, let’s face it. Comfort food is what visiting the diner is all about. An extensive breakfast menu should give you lots of options, ideally with a few local treats thrown in for variety. Breakfast should be hearty and delicious, offering some healthy options but focusing more on the heavier, meatier items that make the diner experience so enjoyable. Overall, a good diner should be all about delivering the best comfort food you can buy. For breakfast, lunch or dinner, look for an expertly prepared meal
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that reminds you of being at home.
Service
Diners are known for serving food relatively quickly, and that can be a high hurdle for some establishments. The best ones can serve up delicious meals without keeping you waiting too long, all while providing service in a way that makes you feel relaxed and well cared for. That balance between speedy food and comfortable, detailoriented service can be a tough one to strike, but the best diners manage to pull it off perfectly. And only the best-run restaurants can manage to achieve it during the breakfast or lunch rush, so excellent service at the busiest times is the biggest test you can give a diner. In fact, choosing the best diner comes down to one thing: How
does it make you feel? When everything comes together — the laid-back atmosphere, hearty comfort food and outstanding, family-like service — it’s a special thing indeed. And once you’ve discovered that combination, it means you’ve found a diner that deserves regular visits from you, your friends and loved ones.
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How to choose a 3D /4D ultrasound shop
6 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021
What an exciting time when you are expecting a baby, and you no longer must wonder what you are having and what your baby looks like as we did so many years ago. But even though ultrasound has been around a long time, the technology has come a long way. Women no longer want the old gray image or that quick in and out of the office with a couple of black and white pictures. Yes, times have changed, and women make this an event, they want to bring their family and share that bonding of their bundle of joy. They want beautiful pictures in a family-friendly atmosphere.
What you should know about ultrasound
Not all 3D ultrasounds are the same. GE’s HD live ultrasound
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with no copyrights — they are yours to share. Also ask about discounts for return visits.
technology uses an adjustable light source that not only provides both 3D and 4D imaging, but it illuminates the baby and even casts shadows so you can better see your baby’s precious face. Live means you can watch all of this as this baby moves in the womb.
Things a great shop should offer
• Experienced sonographers scheduled six days a week • Large 50-inch viewing screen • Accurate gender determination as early as 16 weeks • Family and friends are welcomed in large viewing room • Children • Evening and Saturday hours • Central location to all seven cities
Compare Experience
Choose a shop that has been in business a long time and has sonographers with experience and certifications. The sonographers and other staff should also be caring and make this event an experience to remember.
Ask about packages
Choose a shop that does not have hidden fees, is reasonable and does not offer a variety of things other than ultrasound. You are there for what you are paying for, not a boutique or a massage. You want a shop that does that one thing great
Ask their Mission Statement
and does not nickel-and-dime you. You want a set, reasonable price. You want to get your entire package at that price. That package should include prints in
black and white and color, a JPEG with all images of your scan, a DVD of the entire scan, and a gender determination if you want. And you want this
“To provide 3D/4D and HD live ultrasounds at an affordable price in a family-friendly atmosphere. To help create bonding between the expecting family and their unborn child.”
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Electrical power is essential to our lives, but we often take this marvel for granted — until it goes out. A power loss of even a few hours can cause disruption to homes, businesses, medical facilities and basic government services. But a power loss at home can be felt at a very personal level. Whether you’ve lost electricity due to the weather, a downed power line or some other occurrence, a generator will help you get back to business quickly by allowing you to produce enough electricity for your own needs on site. In areas prone to storms, hurricanes and tornadoes, generators can be an especially smart investment. That’s why you should study the types of generators available and visit your local home improvement or hardware store to get advice on the best brands to suit your needs.
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Automatic standby generators
Automatic standby generators are on continuous standby, meaning that the generator can power itself on and off, regardless of whether you are home. Once a stop in the flow of electricity is detected, these machines respond instantly. They turn themselves on and begin supplying power. Installed outside of your home, these generators are similar to central heating and air units. They are powered by liquid propane or natural gas. The generator supplies electricity directly to your home’s circuit breaker. Because they operate quietly and smoothly, they are not an annoyance or distraction to you or your neighbors.
Portable generators
Portable generators are built to remain outside of your home. These mobile units are fueled by gasoline and manually operated. Extension cords will make it easier to plug objects directly into the generator. These kinds of generators are usually cheaper than automatic standby generators.
Standby vs. portable
Despite the price difference,
there are plenty of advantages to buying an automatic standby generator. Since automatic standby generators use natural gas and liquid propane, the cost of running this machine will be cheaper. The Red Cross endorses automatic standby generators because they are a cleaner method of powering your home. Portable generators produce harmful byproducts that can damage the environment. These units keep your house neat and clutter-free. Portable generators require numerous wires and extension cords running through your home. It is much easier to have power connected directly into your home’s infrastructure. Once power is restored, automatic standby units turn themselves off. There is no need
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to worry about shutting it off yourself.
Getting the most from your generator
It is important to pick a generator that can supply power to all the items you need in your house. Understand running and surge wattage. These two values inform you how much power your appliances need and the maximum amount of electricity they can handle. Prior to purchasing a generator, check the safety tags on your appliances for the correct wattage. The running and surge wattage on the generator needs to be high enough to satisfy the ratings of your most demanding appliances. Don’t be caught wishing you had bought a generator the next time there’s a power outage.
How to choose a flooring dealer
8 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021
Carpet, hardwood, bamboo, laminate, stone and tile. The many choices available for new flooring will lead you to flooring deals to determine the pros and cons of each option. Getting the service and value you seek from an expensive and long-term investment requires you consult a reputable, professional flooring dealer with a history of meeting client needs with not only sales but support and service. Here are some things to consider as you shop for flooring. When picking the best flooring and respective dealer, longevity, not price, should be your guide. Everyone wants the best price possible, but it’s important to consider these factors as well: • What if something happens in 10 years and you have no warranty to repair or replace the damage? Or if the installers make
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a mistake and leave your flooring permanently damaged? • Be sure to look at additional support and services. Find a dealer who has a great reputation and long track record of excellent customer service. Spending extra money is worth purchasing a product from a flooring dealer you can trust. You aren’t just buying flooring. You are also creating a relationship. • When looking for a flooring dealer, look on the internet or your local phone book. • On the internet, you can find review sites to see how local flooring dealers compare. You can also check advertisements in your local newspaper to find specials and deals. • Be sure to check with the Better Business Bureau to see if the company has had any complaints lodged against it. If so, look to see how they were
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resolved. You might also check with the Chamber of Commerce. • After making a list of potential dealers you are considering, give each of them a call. Inquire about the background of the company and how long they’ve been in business. You may ask for referrals from previous customers for references. • Find out about the installation services they use and the dealer’s reliability. Do they use in-company groups or outside contractors? Also, find out about prices and warranty coverage. • If you visit their offices, they might even show you a scrapbook of prior work. Experience should play a role in which company you ultimately select. Quality of materials, comparable or lower prices and good references will all make a big difference in finding the right flooring dealer.
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How to choose an insurance company
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Let’s face it: Purchasing insurance isn’t fun. But not having insurance — or not knowing how to access it in an emergency — is worse. And if there’s a loss to your home, auto, or business, the last thing you want to have to do is figure out who your insurance company is when your life’s been turned upside down. Insurance guarantees you peace of mind and protection, so choosing the right insurance company is a worthwhile investment of your time. But unless you know what you’re looking for in an insurance provider, you shouldn’t pick a company based on their marketing hype alone. Premiums from company to company can vary widely, as can the type of coverage they offer. So, before you purchase a plan, you need to understand exactly what type of insurance
you’re buying and how it will affect your bottom line.
Know your policy
You will have to take a look at the fine details and figures for each policy. If you are in the beginning of this process, insurance representatives should act more like teachers instead of salespeople. Your choices may be complicated, with a range of pricing options, deductibles and exclusions. A good company will give you choices, explain them clearly and let you make up your own mind. While reviewing your options, make sure you are comparing similar policies. If a premium seems unusually low, it might have a higher deductible or more limitations. It is important that you get as much information as possible
about each policy before making a decision.
Customer service
Customer service always plays a key role in determining which company is best. If you’ve had friends or family who have filed insurance claims previously, ask them about their
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experiences. Some insurance companies have better reputations than others. Gathering all of these experiences will give you a good idea of how you might be treated. Each company has a different customer service philosophy. Some of them prefer to use a local representative to communicate with clients. Others will discuss policies through their website or a 24-hour phone number. Many insurance companies, however, use a combination of these methods. They might give you 24-hour access to national representatives along with a local advisor.
Financial strength
An insurance company is only as strong as its balance sheet. Financial strength is especially
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important these days. Every insurer is independently rated based on their finances. An insurance agent should inform you of the company’s rating and tell you what it means. A good rating means the company can make a payout in the event of a catastrophic event. A reputable, stable, well-capitalized insurance company is also likely to have more coverage options. While your insurance premiums are an important factor, it is just one piece of a complicated puzzle. Choose a company that will not only give you a fair price, but who will also be prompt and courteous in the event you have to file a claim. The right insurance company will treat you well at every level of interaction, provide quality coverage, and pay out in a timely manner should there be an accident.
How to choose a preschool for your child
10 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021
There’s substantial evidence that children gain valuable skills by attending preschool. These pre-kindergarten schools can act as both child care and learning centers, preparing young children for their education experiences to come. They’ll benefit even more, perhaps, from learning to get along with other children. Choosing the right preschool is an important part of preparing your child for life. It’s the foundation for starting a good education, something that can have repercussions for years to come. But selecting a school will also be based on other factors, such as your schedule and the many types of preschools and the curriculum they offer. With so many options for children, how can you pick the right one? Here are some things to consider.
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Teacher training
One of the most important things to consider — and also something that can have a dramatic impact on cost — is the experience, training and qualifications of the preschool’s educational staff. Some preschools are almost indistinguishable from day care centers, where children will have a safe place to spend time but not necessarily a rigorous academic foundation. Others focus more on learning specific skills and knowledge taught by fully qualified and certified teachers with college degrees. Neither philosophy is necessarily wrong, as some parents don’t want to rush their young kids into academic rigors, while other parents are all about giving their kids an early start from educational pros. The important thing is know-
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ing exactly what training, higher education, experience and certificates are held by your child’s teacher. Only then can you decide if they’re a good match for your expectations.
Length of day
Another aspect that can vary with different preschool programs is the length of the day. Some schools are designed around just a few hours per day, while others are full-day programs that offer more time for learning and play. Again, neither method is necessarily superior, but you should know the schedule up front and make sure it meets you and your child’s needs.
Curriculum
The best preschools do a great job giving your child a head start on life, and the curriculum they
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choose can be a big part of that foundation. Find out what curriculum materials and teaching style the school uses. Dig into the specifics of what your child will be learning, when and how. From the books they’ll be using to math basics and teaching social skills, know as much as possible about the learning process they use so you can make a better decision. To think even further down the road, try to find a preschool that uses a recognized curriculum that will dovetail with your plans for their future education, whether in public or private schools as they get older. The schools they’ll be attending may have some good advice about curriculums that would leave your preschooler well prepared.
Playtime philosophy
Studies show that play time
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serves an important role in your child’s mental and social development. You should make sure the preschool’s philosophy about play time is a good fit for your expectations. When structured properly, a lot of education can take place during play time when children are free to learn and explore in their own, individual ways. Ask about techniques the preschool uses to help children learn important things while having fun at the same time. The best schools are adept at blurring that line between play time and school time, letting kids have fun but always with an eye on their development. In the end, by finding a school with the right schedule, curriculum, staff and philosophy, you’ll be giving your child a great start toward living a happy, healthy, productive life.
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How to save money with gas water heaters
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It is estimated that 20% of the average home’s energy costs can be attributed to heating water. In many areas, gas is cheaper than electricity and can offer higher water flow rates and a wider selection of waterheating options. With electric water heaters you’re constantly paying for power to warm the tank — an aspect many homeowners don’t realize — so converting to gas can mean a substantial energy and money saver. Chances are you’ll pay less and enjoy more benefits with a gas water heater. Another option is to get a tankless system that heats water only when you are using it. While that might sound practical, the tanks are very expensive and
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require a large initial investment. Solar heated water is ideal, but impractical in most parts of the country. A natural gas water heater is your best solution. Natural gas is more consistent and reliable than electricity. It costs less to heat your home, cook dinner, take a shower or boil water. This source works whether you have electricity or not. Gas is pumped into your home through underground lines that are not affected by the weather. Switching to natural gas is simple. If you have a line close to your home, it is even better. While it requires an initial investment of connecting the line to your home, you will pay that off in savings. Your other applianc-
es will work with natural gas as well. Furnaces, stoves, washing machines and dryers can all function by using this resource. In fact, having an alternative energy source will increase your home’s value. Natural gas is an environmentally friendly option because it burns cleaner than other fossil fuels. Check with natural gas companies in your area. Often they have special incentives, such as rebates and discounts for your initial service. When you switch your water heater to natural gas, the savings will astonish you. Not only will you be saving on your power and gas bill, you will also be helping to improve the environment.
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