H&d mar 2015

Homes & Design

M arch 2015

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March 2015

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The next time you’re looking to instantly transform a piece of wood furniture or your kitchen cabinets, try a one-step stain and clear finish product to change the look and color of your wooden piece.

You can update a tired room by making over one item without removing its existing finish or replacing the furniture.

Consider a rich dark wood tone or beautiful red tone to refresh a family treasure. Whether it’s a redo for an entryway table, new life for a family heirloom or sprucing up kitchen cabinets, the project is easier and faster to accomplish with a one-step product.

For a beautiful finish Test to see whether your wood has a

polyurethane finish on it; if it does, give it a light sanding with fine-grit sandpaper and remove sanding dust.

Using a natural-bristle brush, apply a one-step product such as Minwax PolyShades according to its application instructions. It’s available in 13 colors ranging from the light wood tones of Honey Pine or Classic Oak to the deep, rich colors of Espresso or Bombay Mahogany.

Apply a thin, even coat. To deepen the color, a second or third coat can be applied.

For a dramatic change, choose a darker color than your original finish to really see the difference.

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March 2015

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SUBMITTED PHOTO Homes & Design

When going to the trouble of making home upgrades, homeowners should opt for projects with lasting value that will improve comfort and safety.

Top home upgrades that offer long-term value

It’s no secret that home upgrades cost time and money.

But certain projects can actually save you money in key areas and improve the resale value of your home, while making it more beautiful and livable now.

When it’s time to replace worn-out roofing, doors and trim, ensure you’re getting good value on your investment. Here are some guidelines for making durable, long-lasting upgrades.

weather events are growing more common and severe across America.

A new roof can pay off, according to “Remodeling” magazine, which cites a 71.6 percent recoup of costs in their 2015 Cost vs. Value study.

Skip over bargain-basement priced roofs, even if you’re on a budget. What’s important is finding a roof that will be virtually maintenance free for years to come. You may pay more Roofing out of pocket now, but you’ll save The roof is an integral part of big on repairs, inspection and a house’s curb appeal. It’s also a maintenance in the long run. vital protective layer between the Natural slate and shake elements and your family. Roofing roofing materials evoke images should be impact-, fire- and severe of traditional charm and longweather-resistant, as well as standing durability. However beautiful – especially as extreme they have an inherent tendency to

Homes & Design March 2015 Published by Southern Lakes Newspapers LLC 1102 Ann St., Delavan, WI 53115 (262) 728-3411

degrade as they age.

Check out manmade materials, such as polymer slate and shake roofing tiles, which offer the authentic look of natural materials but are more resistant to chipping, flaking and splintering over time.

For example, DaVinci Roofscapes offers 50 colors, which can help you focus on your home’s ‘top down’ curb appeal in order to create a cohesive exterior. And some polymer roofing options can even help you get a break on homeowner’s insurance.

Trim

Boost curb appeal, as well as interior style, with millwork, moulding and trim. While these elements don’t always serve a

functional purpose other than to add beauty and value to your home, it’s important that they resist humidity, moisture and insects all the same, so you don’t experience warping or decay.

Manufacturers such as Fypon are turning to polyurethane to create varying textures for millwork, from smooth to stone to woodgrain. These design pieces can help emphasize your house’s architecture, reflecting the style of your home and furnishings.

Entryway

Your home’s entryway should be welcoming, beautiful and energy-efficient. To better insulate against cold and heat, and improve long-term performance, consider upgrading to a fiberglass

Homes & Design

door. It’s a cost-effective home improvement project with true value. Indeed the “Remodeling” magazine study finds a 72 percent cost recouped rate for new fiberglass doors and a solid fiberglass door can be up to four times more energy efficient than solid wood.

Brands like Therma-Tru carry EnergyStar-qualified options to help you save on utilities, and offer decorative features, such as privacy glass that is triple-paned to create an exceptional thermal and acoustical barrier. A new app available for Android and Apple, entitled DoorWays, can help you visualize your new entryway before making any purchases.

(STATEPOINT)

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March 2015

HOMES & DESIGN

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March 2015

Page 5

LAWN AND GARDEN

Five ways to revamp your outdoor living space this year Do long winter days holed up indoors have you dreaming of a new deck to relax on come springtime? Whether you envision transforming a deck into a personal sanctuary or building a new outdoor living space for backyard entertaining, now is the perfect time to start turning those dreams into reality.

Get a jump-start by preparing to enjoy warmer weather with these five easy steps that will take your deck from functional to fantastic, before spring.

Add style underfoot by selecting the right decking product A deck only looks as good as its boards, which is why it is important to select decking that is as durable as it is attractive. Even well designed outdoor living spaces can disappoint if deck boards crack, fail, fade or warp.

Many deck products are available, but composite decking is one material that has quickly grown in popularity, and market research firm the Freedonia Group predicts the material will see continued growth in the coming years. Composite decking products, like ChoiceDek, fuel these growths by helping homeowners realize that decks can require minimal upkeep while still providing lasting beauty.

“Homeowners are looking for outdoor living spaces that will allow them to relax and enjoy their backyards,” says Scott Spencer, ChoiceDek national account manager. “They don’t want to worry about the chore of cleaning or maintaining their outdoor products regularly. Composite decking brings the beauty of real wood to a deck with less maintenance and lasting durability.”

Design your outdoors as an extended living space Once you have the perfect materials in mind, consider that your outdoor living space serves as an extension of the home. Your deck, patio or porch doesn’t have to be boxy in design. By incorporating level changes, handrails, lighting and the right furniture, you can clearly define areas for eating, socializing and relaxing. If you have multiple outdoor living spaces you can also incorporate pathway features and ground lighting to connect the spaces and help your guests travel smoothly from one area to the other.

Don’t let difficult terrains or space limit you. By using platform decks to tame hard-to-navigate slopes and including raised portions in smaller designs, you will be able to expand your usable space and extend your views of the scenery.

Create drama on deck Once you’ve got a basic idea of how you want to design your deck, get creative and pinpoint areas where you could make use of artistic focal points that will make your deck even more unique.

Some of the simplest ways to add distinction to your deck are to alternate the plank directions, create in-laid patterns and inset frames.

With moisture-resistant deck boards you can accent nature in your design by simply encircling a tree near the deck or highlighting a water feature. Similar levels of creativity can also be applied to fire pits, planters, built-in seating and storage boxes.

Stay ahead of the curve If those simple design tricks aren’t enough to set your outdoor living space apart, consider incorporating curves into your deck design. Circles, sweeping arcs and other unique shapes that are juxtaposed against straight lines can add a distinctive touch of customization that will showcase your creativity.

Contemporary materials like composite decking make shaping deck boards into these eye-catching curves a breeze. Contractors and do-it-yourselfers following manufacturer instructions can rip, route and bend the boards into a range of one-of-a-kind custom shapes.

Give guests something attractive to lean on While railings are an important safety feature, they can also double as a decorative accent that takes your deck to a whole new level. You can finish out your deck with color-matched composite railing components and accessories for a seamless look, or contrast colors to create visual interest. If preserving views is important, consider using tempered glass panels, horizontal cables or shaped metal instead of traditional balusters.

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SUBMITTED PHOTO Homes & Design

With the right tools, you can accomplish everything on your DIY list this summer, and enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done without the sweat of going it alone.

Take the sweat out of your DIY projects this year You’ve been dreaming about digging in your garden, changing your landscaping or improving your house all winter long. Finally the weather is nice, your yard is clear and dry, and it’s time for you to get your hands dirty. With the right tools and equipment, you can get all your DIY tasks done while saving time, money and elbow grease.

Look for products that can help make lawn care, gardening, home improvement and other DIY projects easier to accomplish.

For example, instead of laboring to push an aerator around your lawn, consider a liquid dethatcher. You apply the dethatcher using a sprayer on the end of the garden hose and the formula works to aerate soil and break up the layer of thatch that hinders grass growth.

Renting tools or equipment you use occasionally or only once a year can save you time and money.

Many home improvement stores now offer a wide range of tools for rent, from bench saws and floor sanders to augers and overseeders. By renting, you avoid storage issues and maintenance chores.

One piece of equipment a DIYer can use all summer long is an off-road vehicle. By using your off-road vehicle for heavy jobs, you can avoid the expense of hiring additional workers for projects such as: Hauling rocks or mulch around your yard Get more done with the family of versatile Polaris RANGER side-by-sides. Their rear dump box allows you to move and distribute these

materials in different garden beds or around all your trees.

Removing dead branches and towing out bushes and trees By either using a winch, installed on the front of the vehicle, or a tow strap attached to the rear, you can pull out old brush easily.

Smoothing out fresh dirt with a plow Raking by hand is messy, and takes a lot of time.

Instead, hook up a plow to your off-road vehicle and gently smooth out the dirt with the plow lowered to the level you want. If the dirt is already level, attach a pull-behind rake to your vehicle to make the dirt perfect for planting or seeding.

Moving lumber Carting lumber from the driveway to the back patio for easier access to the house project you’re working on. This will allow you to take fewer trips and saves your muscles from a few aches and pains, and also splinters. You also can reduce the number of helpers you need for the project – just make sure you have another person handy to help you load the vehicle.

Water fun If you have a boat dock, use your off-road vehicle to tow it into the water for some summer fun.

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March 2015

HOMES & DESIGN

INTERIOR

Are your spring cleaning products safe?

Do you know what ingredients are in the cleaning products you buy? Probably not, as there are no federal governmental regulations requiring companies to disclose their contents. But harsh chemicals can take their toll on the indoor air quality of your home, are harmful to the environment and may irritate eyes and skin.

So how can you learn more about the cleaning products you plan to purchase? Luckily, certain retailers are making it easier for consumers to make informed decisions. For example, in 2011 Whole Foods Market introduced the Eco-Scale Rating System, which are the first household cleaner standards offered by a retailer.

This season, don’t just spring clean your home; take stock of your cleaners and clean up your entire act. By opting for green cleaning products, you can help make your home a safer, healthier place.

Here’s how:

Do an audit

SUBMITTED PHOTO Homes & Design

During this spring cleaning season, take the time to protect your family by removing harmful pollutants from your home.

Is your home hurting you?

Tips to reduce pollutants and chemicals when cleaning

The spring cleaning season is a great time to take a closer look at some of the potentially harmful chemicals present in your home – and to seek out healthier alternatives.

In recent years, homeowners have started asking better questions about what pollutants are lurking around nearly every corner – from building materials to the paint on the walls down to the backing on carpeting. While it’s neither realistic nor necessary to remove every toxin from a home, there are a few common sources that can be addressed easily.

“The good news is, you don’t have to be a chemist to understand what products and materials are safe to have in your home,” says Anne Hicks Harney, architect and Director of Sustainability at architectural firm Ayers Saint Gross and member of the American Institute of Architects’ Materials Knowledge Working Group. “You can arm yourself with the knowledge needed to make smarter choices for you and your family.”

Harney offers a few tips to help reduce or eliminate common toxins in the home: Go natural Whenever possible, use natural or water-based materials and cleaning agents. Also, be aware of: Volatile organic compounds (VOCS) – From paint to composite wood, VOCs are found in many products and are responsible for that tell-tale chemical “smell.” When it comes to paint, “Low VOC” or “No VOC” are your best options and are easy to find.

Flame retardants and petrochemicals – Commonly found in such foam products as couch cushions and insulation, these are a bit

more challenging to avoid. The risk is that these chemicals are known to accumulate over time in the human body. Looking for an alternative? Try a natural fiber such as down in your upholstery.

Plastic additives – Plastics are beneficial in a number of household materials but their use should be limited when possible. Search for a carpet with a polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-free backing or try wool, a natural alternative. For tile or sheet flooring, avoid vinyl products and consider linoleum or cork and rubber options instead.

Take a look at the cleaning products you currently own. Just because a brand or product is well known does not make it a healthy option. A quick Internet search can reveal the safety attributes of a product’s ingredients -- so long as the manufacturer has chosen to disclose ingredients. Toss anything problematic and make a shopping list of what you need to replace.

Full disclosure

Avoid cleaning products that don’t disclose what ingredients they use. Look for brands, such as 365 Everyday Value, that make it easy for you to know what ingredients are being used in the product you’re purchasing.

Be informed

Know what ingredients to avoid entirely. Harsh ingredients like formaldehyde and chlorine can still be found in cleaning products today. Don’t know where to start? Take a look at the list of more than 40 ingredients that aren’t allowed in Whole Foods Market’s cleaning products, including chlorine, formaldehyde, phosphates, phthalates and triclosan.

Lock-up

No matter the contents of your cleaners, it’s good practice to keep them stored in a safe place, such as a locked cabinet. Young children and pets should not be able to access your cleaning products supply.

Do it yourself

A quick and easy way to know exactly what’s in your cleaning products is to make them yourself. Luckily, only a few inexpensive ingredients are needed to make your own all-purpose cleaner. Simply mix one part water with one part vinegar, add a few drops of your favorite pure essential oil, and you have an all-purpose spray.

Baking soda is another great cleaner that has a mild scrubbing power and helps combat odors.

Don’t have the time to make your own cleaner? The EcoScale Rating system evaluates products for environmental impact, safety, efficacy, source, labeling and animal testing. Visit WholeFoodsMarket.com/ecoscale to learn more.

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Ventilate your home It’s good to open your windows every now and then to get the air circulating into your home and any chemical smells out. If you can’t open your windows due to outdoor allergies or poor outdoor air quality, indoor plants constantly regenerate air and provide a pretty alternative.

Take to the web Manufacturers and professional organizations are becoming more transparent about educating consumers. Check out resources like the AIA Materials webpage or architectfinder.aia.org to learn more about sustainable products and to find professionals who can assist your efforts.

Don’t know? Don’t buy As a general rule of thumb, if you don’t know and understand what a product contains, don’t put it inside your house. Take advantage of the wealth of information now available at your fingertips to make safer choices.

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SUBMITTED PHOTO Homes & Design

When using conventional cleaning supplies, homeowners may be exposing their family to harmful ingredients.

Green up the annual spring cleaning for a healthier home.

HOMES & DESIGN

March 2015

Page 7

EXTERIOR

Creating the perfect porch can be

simple and low-maintenance Your porch should be a warm, welcoming outdoor living space that offers comfort and helps make a house a home. Whether you want to remodel your porch from the ground up, or just give it a refreshing new look and feel, it’s easier than you think to create a perfect porch.

Start with a Kleer deck as enchanting flooring for your remodeled porch, choosing from the rich, nature-inspired color palettes available for the Sierra Series and Coastal Series Decking.

Sierra offers deep, solid earth tones with wood grain textures such as Sequoia, plus streaked tropical wood looks, such as Golden Teak. The Coastal Series offers charming Cobblestone and serene Sand Dune hues, which give your porch a relaxing feel reminiscent of a seaside resort.

Framing your porch, like a picture for the world to see, is easy with Kleer Trimboard. Add elegant white or colorfully painted accent trim around the top, bottom and sides of the porch using durable cellular PVC trimboards in a variety of sizes. This trim can even be crafted into ornate gingerbread or curved using heat bending to make soaring arches.

Kleer Mouldings can be readily cut so that you can add eye-catching detail anywhere. Using Kleer Beaded Sheets, you can build a porch ceiling with great warmth and charm. For a picturesque

porch, enclose columns in Kleer Post Wraps to protect them from the elements while adding wood’s natural, finished look.

To complete your perfect porch, dress up nearby windows and doors with distinctive touches that complement the look and feel of your outdoor living space.

High-impact, budget-friendly ideas include adding Mid-America Siding Components’ richly colored shutters with matching window headers to enhance your porch’s warmth and curb appeal.

The sophisticated Flat Panel and geometric-style Classic Dentil headers pair perfectly with decorative shutters like the classic Open Louver or Old World-style Board-n-Batten.

Another quick, easy upgrade is an inviting door surround in cream, white or another neutral color to enhance porch aesthetics. Adding a door surround is a natural way to create that “welcome home” feeling too.

Designed for easy living, Tapco’s enduring Kleer and Mid-America brand solutions never require painting or wood’s time-intensive upkeep.

Whether you want to transform your porch into a cozy gathering spot or grand wrap-around retreat, Tapco’s exterior products can put the perfect lowmaintenance outdoor living space within your reach.

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SUBMITTED PHOTO Homes & Design

Creating the perfect low-maintenance porch for year-round enjoyment is easy with Tapco’s Kleer and Mid-America brand exterior products.

Spring projects that are sure to spruce up your home Warmer weather and sunnier days are on their way and many homeowners are itching to begin home improvement projects. If you are one of them, consider these areas of your home when prepping for spring.

Windows and doors

SUBMITTED PHOTO Homes & Design

Spring is approaching and so are the annual spring chores around the house.

From a full window replacement to a simple coat of paint, updating your windows and doors can have a big impact on your home.

If your windows felt drafty this winter, it may be time for replacements. Replace your old single-pane windows with energyefficient double-pane windows.

Double-pane windows can help you save on heating and cooling bills; they help keep the temperature in your home consistent year-round and help protect your furniture, carpet and window treatments from the sun’s fading rays.

Need to bring some fresh color into your home but don’t want to paint? Try updating your blinds or shades. From different styles to colorful fabrics, blinds and shades can add a pop of color to your room.

Motorized blinds and shades with Pella Insynctive technology come in more than 300 style and color options

so you can find the right fit for your home’s decor.

Your front door is a major focal point of your home, enhancing your home’s curb appeal. Make a bold statement and improve your home’s energy efficiency with a new EnergyStar-certified front door.

Consider options with decorative glass accents, and sidelights to add more natural light while maintaining a sense of style and privacy.

Looking for something even easier? A new coat of paint to your existing door is a quick and easy way to give your home a fresh, new look.

Give Pantone’s Color of the Year – Marsala a try, or get inspired by your favorite Pinterest collection of favorite front doors.

Gutters and downspouts

Excess water near your foundation can cause thousands of dollars in damages. Luckily gutter cleaning and downspout repair is fairly low-cost.

After all the snow melts, you’ll want to make sure to clean your gutters and clean out any debris that may keep spring rains from flowing freely through your downspouts.

Along with replacing damaged gutter or downspout sections, you’ll

also want to make sure you have added downspout extenders to ensure water is draining far away from your home’s foundation. Extenders should reach at least five feet into your yard.

Gutter covers can also be added to minimize debris from gathering in gutters throughout the year.

Air conditioning

It may be a few more months before you’re turning on the A/C, but spring is a great time to start getting your cooling system ready.

Often you have to call in the pros for air conditioning work, but things like spraying off any overgrowth or debris, cleaning coils and changing filters are fixes you can easily do on your own. Also, trim back any shrubs that are near by. Keeping the outdoor unit clean from debris will boost your A/C system’s efficiency.

You can keep part of your indoor ductwork clean by removing register covers and wiping clean any of the visible parts. You’ll need to contact a professional for a full duct cleaning.

Visit Pella Windows and Doors on Pinterest or www.houzz.com for more home tips and design inspiration, or visit Pella.com for product information.

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March 2015

HOMES & DESIGN

INTERIOR

Three upgrades sure to turn kitchen time into The average American spends an hour a day in the kitchen preparing food and cleaning up afterward, according to the American Time Use Survey by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Add in the time it takes to put groceries away, load and unload dishwashers, organize cabinets and pantries or just hang out, and you spend a whole lot of time in your kitchen.

But do you really enjoy that time? Whether cooking is your favorite activity or you would rather clean the bathroom, the livability and usability of your kitchen can directly affect how you feel about the time you spend there.

If you’re considering a kitchen renovation – among the most popular and profitable of all home improvements – keep in mind the value of upgrades that will enhance the efficiency, practicality and beauty of the space. This type of improvement will not only pay off at the time of resale, but can improve the time you spend in your kitchen.

Here are three key kitchen upgrades that can elevate the appeal and usability of your kitchen.

Improved natural lighting and ventilation The positive effects of natural lighting on mood are well documented. If your kitchen is small and dark, it can feel dingy and tired, no matter how new your appliances or shiny your granite countertops.

Consider adding natural light sources such as skylights and roof windows. Not only can these natural light sources improve the feel of your kitchen, they can decrease the need for artificial lighting.

What’s more, if you opt for an Energy Star-qualified, solarpowered fresh air skylight, like those made by Velux, you can improve your kitchen’s ventilation as well.

These skylights create a chimney effect that passively vents fumes, odor, humidity and cooking smoke from the kitchen without the need for a noisy, less efficient exhaust fan.

Adding energy efficient solar blinds can allow you to control the amount of sunlight that enters your kitchen, closing the blinds to keep the room cooler in summer and opening them to admit more warming light in winter.

Operated by remote control, solar skylights and blinds, as well as the installation costs, are eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit. Visit www.veluxusa.com to learn more.

Upgraded fixtures Sinks and faucets are functional essentials for a kitchen, but they can – and should – also make a design statement. Replacing a basic, dated faucet and swapping out an older sink can have a significant impact on the overall look and utility of a kitchen – for a fraction of the cost of grander renovations.

It’s possible to find new sinks that fit virtually any design taste.

Stainless steel provides a sleek, modern look while delivering outstanding durability. Apron sinks, which come in a variety of materials, blend well with a rustic design theme.

Undermount and integrated sinks eliminate unsightly edges on countertops. You can also find a variety of basin styles in virtually every material, from single to double basins and prep sinks.

Whatever sink you choose, be

y t i l a u q e m i t

SUBMITTED PHOTO Homes & Design

Proper lighting in a kitchen is a must. Solar powered fresh air skylights with energy efficient designer blinds in the kitchen can save valuable wall space for storage while providing natural light, passive ventilation and style. Solar powered skylights and blinds, along with installation costs, are eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit.

sure to accent it with a high-tech faucet. Pull-down faucets make cleaning and filling pots a breeze, while touch-free faucets allow you to turn the flow of water off and on without ever touching the faucet itself – thereby avoiding the spread of germs. A vast array of colors, styles and handle types ensure you can find an upscale faucet that improves usability and looks great in your kitchen.

Energy-efficient appliances Appliances are a kitchen element well worth a little extra

investment. Considering how much the average American family uses their refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave and stove, improving the usability and efficiency of these appliances can both elevate your enjoyment of the kitchen and save you some money in the long run.

In the typical American home, appliances represent 13 percent of the household’s total energy consumption, according to the Department of Energy. Replacing older appliances with newer, more energy-efficient models can reduce your energy costs.

For example, replacing an older refrigerator with an Energy Star certified appliance could reduce your energy costs as much as $300 over the lifetime of the refrigerator, according to the Department of Energy.

What’s more, newer appliances offer many of the high-tech features that make life in the kitchen easier, from touchscreen interfaces and temperature controls on dishwashers to Wi-Fi enabled refrigerators. For more kitchen ideas visit www.houzz.com.

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How to address ceiling stains Many stains are instantly noticeable. But while a wine stain on a light-colored carpet or a gravy stain on a white shirt tend to jump out right away, other stains sneak past our radars every day.

Ceiling stains are one type of stain that tend to go unnoticed for long periods of time. But ceiling stains can be unsightly, and some are even indicative of a larger problem, so it pays for homeowners to address stains on their ceilings as soon as possible.

Fix the problem Once you have identified what’s causing the stain, fix the problem as soon as possible. Ceiling stains SUBMITTED PHOTO Homes & Design Don’t just paint over ceiling stains. Identify and fix the under- are often indicative of much larger problems, and the longer those lying problem first.

problems are allowed to fester, the bigger they become.

Some water stains on ceilings result from cracks or joints that have not been adequately sealed or caulked. Reseal or recaulk any cracks you suspect are leading to ceiling stains.

Remove the stains Different stains require different treatments. A solution made of water and bleach may be effective at removing ceiling stains, but only apply such solutions on days when you can open the windows and air out your home.

Larger stains may require the application of a stain blocker, which may need to be applied with a roller and brush. No matter the stain, you

need to leave time for the ceiling to dry before you can move on.

Opening the windows can prevent your home from being overcome by the smell of bleach and also speed the time it takes the ceiling to dry.

Cover the ceiling with primer Once the ceiling has completely dried, you can apply a stainblocking primer to prevent future stains. Allow the primer ample time to dry. After the primer has dried completely, you can then repaint the ceiling. Some paints may blend in even if you only paint the affected areas of the ceiling, but others will require a complete repainting of the ceiling. The eye test will help you determine how much work you have to do in that regard.

HOMES & DESIGN

March 2015

Page 9

HVAC

Heat pump or furnace – which is right for your home?

When a new heating system is in your home’s future, you’d be wise to consider the pros and cons of heat pumps and furnaces. Both distribute air through a home using heated air rather than heated water.

A heat pump does this by extracting heat from outside air and circulating it through your home. A furnace uses electricity or gas to produce heat.

The following tips can help in selecting the system that’s right for you.

Consider the climate For people who reside in areas where the temperature rarely dips below 30 degrees, a heat pump may be more affordable than a furnace, removing heat from outside air and transferring it to the home. As temperatures drop below 30 degrees, the heat pump must work harder to extract heat and its efficiency decreases as a result.

Compare efficiencies The efficiency of a heat pump is indicated by the unit’s heating seasonal performance factor, while the annual fuel utilization efficiency measures the efficiency of a gas furnace. The higher the HSPF or AFUE, the more efficient the unit and the less fuel it requires to heat your home.

Evaluate fuel costs Electric furnaces are often considered 100 percent efficient.

However, these units may be more expensive to operate, depending on the cost of electricity. That’s why it’s always important to consider the cost of available fuels, including electricity, natural gas and oil, and how they will affect operating costs of the unit you select.

Consider controls Electronic ones may offer tighter temperature control and the ability to program periods of temperature setback, improving system efficiency and occupant comfort.

Choose a quality brand Look for a brand of equipment with a reputation for quality and reliability.

Look for multi-stage units Some furnaces, such as the Luxaire Acclimate series from Johnson Controls, offer multi-stage and variable-speed capabilities that improve efficiency, maintain constant temperatures and reduce sound levels.

To learn more about heating systems, visit www.luxaire.com.

(NAPS)

SUBMITTED PHOTO Homes & Design

A quality furnace or heat pump can help you keep comfortable at home without straining your wallet. When replacing the heat system, homeowners need to do their research as to which furnace will meet their needs.

Give your house a fresh start: Get the ductwork cleaned

While professionally cleaned ductwork can be like a breath of fresh air to many houses, there are a few facts you should know when it’s time to have your home’s air ducts cleaned.

• In a typical six-room home, up to 40 pounds of dust are created annually through everyday living.

Your heating and cooling system is the lungs of your home. The dander, dust, chemicals and other contaminants are pulled into the HVAC system, where they can build up and possibly contribute to health problems, especially for people with respiratory conditions, autoimmune disorders or allergies.

• According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 25 to 40 percent of the energy used for heating or cooling a home is wasted. Contaminants in the heating and cooling system cause it to work harder and shorten the SUBMITTED PHOTO Homes & Design life of your system. A clean HVAC If your ducts look dirty, they probably are and should be in- system doesn’t have to work as spected by a reputable, certified HVAC professional. hard so it uses less energy.

• When you do hire a professional cleaner, ask if it belongs to NADCA, a trade association of the HVAC inspection, maintenance and restoration industry. Its members have signed a Code of Ethics and invested time and resources into industry-related training and education. They also have general liability insurance.

• You should be aware that some non-NADCA companies use scare tactics and “bait and switch” methods to squeeze money out of their clients or don’t clean the HVAC system at all, let alone to the industry’s standards.

How to tell you’re getting a professional cleaner Is the company able to show proof of NADCA membership and certification?

Is the contractor willing to conduct a thorough inspection of the HVAC system prior to performing any work and disclose

any problems discovered?

Will the contractor clean the supply and return air ductwork, the airstream side of the heat exchanger and the secondary heat exchanger?

After cleaning, are access panels properly sealed; blower blades and compartment clean and free of oil, dust and debris?

Point a flashlight into the cooling coil. Does light shine through? It should if the coil is clean. Check to make sure the coil fins are straight and evenly spaced and the coil drain pan is clean and that it is draining properly. Do the filters fit properly and are they the proper efficiency recommended by the manufacturer?

Learn more You can get free brochures about HVAC inspection, maintenance and restoration as well as a complete checklist and more information online at http://nadca.com.

(NAPS)

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HOMES & DESIGN

March 2015

Page 11

ORGANIZATION

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Homes & Design

Roof windows bring not only vision-friendly natural light and fresh air into the home office but provide access to the roof for maintenance or for emergency egress. A number of models are available including a double-sash balcony model that opens onto the roof and provides much more light than a dormer.

Skylights can bring much more natural light and fresh air into a home office for additional working comfort and increased productivity.

They also save premium wall space for shelves, storage or other uses. Solar powered fresh air skylight and blinds, along with installation costs, are eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit.

Decorating a home office?

Here are some productivity-enhancing principles to guide you It’s a common piece of advice from effective home-based workers: start each day as if you were going to work in an office outside your home (translation – take a shower and don’t work in your jammies).

The philosophy behind this tidbit is easy to understand. By dressing professionally, you’ll feel more professional and your productivity and quality of work will keep pace.

The same axiom can apply to your home office. Is it tucked in a dark corner of the spare bedroom? Is your desk beside a bed covered in old toys? Is your filing cabinet stuffed in the closet under clothes that no one has worn since the first Bush presidency? If your home office doesn’t feel professional and uplifting, how productive and happy will you be spending eight or more hours a day there?

Decorating your home office isn’t an art, but following some basic principles of office design can help create an organized, effective and productivity-enhancing space.

Choose the right color Even if your home office will be in the guest room that you just painted last year, it may be a good idea to repaint. Not only

does a fresh coat of paint make a room feel energized and new, repainting gives you the opportunity to put a color on the wall that’s office-appropriate.

In an interview by Chris Bailey of the blog “A Life of Productivity,” color psychologist and author Angela Wright suggests that your home office color scheme needs to match the type of work you do because different colors create different effects.

For example, Wright says, blue might be stimulating if you do a lot of mental work in your home office. Additionally, yellow could encourage creativity, and green might be soothing if your work is particularly stressful and balance is important.

Luxuriate in light “You are stuck in your office – albeit at home – all day, working and slaving away, staring at the same wall and some bland office furniture you got at a garage sale,” writes Herman Chan in Home Business Magazine. “Spending all those hours in the same spot, it would behoove you to splurge on one luxury piece.” Chan suggests an inspiring piece of furniture, but you can also

create a luxe effect – with only a modest “splurge” – by decorating with lighting elements such as a skylight.

“The mental and physical health benefits of natural light and fresh air are well documented,” says Ross Vandermark of VELUX America, makers of Energy Starqualified skylights. “Energy efficient venting skylights not only make your home and your home office feel more open, airy, bright and productive, they can help you control heating, cooling and lighting costs, too.”

Add a solar-powered fresh air skylight and an energy-efficient solar-powered blind to your home office and the products, as well as the installation, can be eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit as a green home improvement.

If your home office happens to be located in a renovated attic space, roof windows, which are very much like skylights but are in-reach, can offer natural light and fresh air plus access to the roof for debris removal, maintenance or for emergency egress.

Organize with attractive storage If your idea of home office storage includes the cardboard boxes you used to

transport files from the last job you had outside your home, it’s time to revisit your organizational plan. A cluttered, disorganized home office can cause you to misplace important documents and can make you feel overwhelmed.

As more people have begun working from home, office furniture manufacturers have branched out from the sterile-looking metal storage units ubiquitous in workplaces across the country. Today, it’s easy to find attractive storage options that fit with virtually any home office decor.

If you just can’t find a file cabinet that speaks to your soul, why not try some alternative storage options? Move that beautiful sideboard you inherited from grandma – that just never fit anywhere else in your house – into your home office and use it for filing. Not in love with any of the desk options available at your local office store?

Hit an antique shop and find an antique desk or even a dining table that you adore.

Remember to keep furnishings and storage solutions size-appropriate for the room so your home office doesn’t feel crowded.

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March 2015

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