HOW TO...
A helpful guide on how to do just about anything choose an HVAC company
choose a pet groomer hire an in-home caregiver
use propane safely at home
choose the right dentist
select a pest control service
choose a generator
Wednesday, June 19, 2019
2 | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 2019
HOW TO
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How to choose an HVAC company
When your heating or air conditioning system fails, it can be a nightmare. Whether it is a cold winter day or sweltering hot outside, the HVAC system in your home is vital to your comfort and safety. Most people cannot tolerate extreme temperatures. The elderly and people with chronic health problems need to have the temperature stabilized in their homes. Prolong the life of your HVAC system and prevent equipment failure by hiring a qualified professional to service and maintain it. The best HVAC contractors are helpful and reliable, but a poor contractor can cost you extra money and heartache. Ask people in your social network whom they might recommend. Good word of mouth will go a long way toward helping you find the best professionals
in your area. After creating a list of candidates, call the Better Business Bureau, your state’s board of contractors or builders’ association to check on their reputations. Avoid companies that have many complaints on their record. Upon narrowing the list, call the remaining ones and ask about pricing, guarantees and warranties. Inquire about how long it would take to complete a job and the 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 AirConditioning 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 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. With these tips, you can choose a reliable HVAC business that will help you for years to come.
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How to choose a pet groomer
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Pet parents always want the best for their dog, and one of the most important considerations — especially for longhaired and curly-haired breeds — is finding a good, reputable dog groomer. Feeding your dog the right foods, making sure she gets regular exercise and taking her to the veterinarian are all important for your dog’s health, but just as important is the groomer. Not only can a haircut be healthy for your dog, but nail trimming, ear cleaning, teeth cleaning, parasite treatments and more are all done at many groomers and are also important considerations. The American Kennel Club has suggestions for finding fluffy Fido’s next groomer. Ask trusted friends and fam-
ily for recommendations and search online for professional groomers in your area. Once you’ve narrowed the list, have an in-person chat and ask these questions: 4May I see your facility? You’ll want to see a well-ventilated salon, clean workstations, sturdy tables and tubs, as well as pet-friendly products. 4Besides brushing, shampoo and haircut, what services do you provide? You’ll want to understand what services a groomer or grooming salon offers and if they have the proper tools and knowledge. 4May I stay and watch while you groom my dog? It’s also a good opportunity to observe your dog’s behavior for future visits. 4Do you have experience with my dog’s breed? Some breeds have particular groom-
ing needs, so you may want seek out a groomer who has experience with your specific breed. Ask whether he or she knows what the breed standard is and whether they can perform the correct hair cut for your breed. 4What kind of training do you have? Training can vary. Some groomers learn on the job through apprenticeships or mentoring programs. Others attend classes at a pet grooming school. You’ll want to get a sense of the groomer’s experience, training and knowledge. 4How will my dog be housed? Your dog’s safety when outside your care is an important concern. You’ll want to know how your dog will be housed when not on the grooming table. Per the AKC S.A.F.E. Grooming program requirements, pets not being
groomed must be secured in a crate or in a secure designated play area (with owner’s consent). Your dog should have a crate to himself, with clean padding, plenty of air and in view of salon personnel. 4Do you have a first aid kit? Of course you hope it won’t be needed, but just in case. The first aid kit should also be in plain view. You also want to know if a staff member familiar with first aid is always present. 4Do you carry liability insurance? While we don’t often think to ask this, knowing that your groomer has liability insurance can give you peace of mind that, if for any reason your dog is injured while under the groomer’s care, any medical expenses you incur as a result should be covered. 4What do you do in case of
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an emergency? For example, a fire, a hurricane or a tornado? Since weather is out of our control, find out if your groomer has an emergency or disaster plan in place. How will he or she communicate with you in event of an evacuation to let you know where your dog is located? 4How much will my dog’s grooming cost? It shouldn’t be your first concern, but it’s a question you want to ask upfront to avoid any sticker shock. The cost of a dog grooming can vary by dog size and coat type, as well as what services are included in standard bath or groom. Some dogs also take longer to groom than others. A professional groomer will be able to quote you a rate once they are able to assess your dog’s individual needs.
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How to hire an in-home caregiver
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Many Boomers are faced with hiring someone to assist them or their parents with the daily activities of life, such as meals, laundry and other personal tasks. With the aging population, there is a plethora of home care agencies and private pay persons offering these services. Before you hire anyone, 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. The first two are considered non-medical and are usually appropriate for most older adults needing care in the home. 4Many older adults only need Companion Care, which includes such things as preparing meals, reminders to take medication, laundry, incidental transportation, etc.
4A 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 Aid. This training allows them to assist older adults with hands-on care, such as bathing, feeding, toileting, mobility and transferring. 4Skilled Care, specifically care provided by a nurse, is only necessary if you require medical treatment for health conditions. A nurse will not provide Companion or Personal Care. Understanding legal requirements 4You 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 W-2, not a 1099. 4If 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. 4Workman’s Compensation 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 4Background 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. 4A 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. 4A drug test must be conducted to ensure that the person is drug-free. Drug tests should also be given randomly during employment. 4It 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
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federal law. Ask about agencies Agencies simplify getting inhome care and eliminate many of the above responsibilities for you. However, they need to be scrutinized. Inquire whether they are completing the above requirements, such as workman’s comp, drug tests and background checks. Do they have a good reputation? If they are offering Personal Care, are they licensed by the state? Check their reviews and ask forreferences from customers. What are their policies? What kind of training and supervision of employees is provided? What are their business practices, such as minimum hours, higher weekend rates, schedule changes, etc.? Equipping yourself with this knowledge is sure to make the process of bringing someone into your home to care for you or your loved one more satisfying and safer.
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How to use propane safely at home
Most folks don’t want to think about their home heating system during the summertime, but it’s actually the perfect time to have it serviced or to convert to another fuel you may be considering. Propane is a versatile fuel that can actually save you money, according to Parker Oil & Propane. The business’s website says it is less expensive to use than electricity, and it serves a variety of needs. Not only can propane heat the home, it also can be used for gas cooking, drying clothes, gas fireplace logs, heating the pool and more. Some people who aren’t familiar with propane may not know how to stay safe around it. However, propane tanks are 20 times more punctureresistant than tanks filled with ethanol, methanol or gasoline,
according to the Parker Oil website. Propane cylinders are also equipped with a device that cuts off the filling process when the tank has reached 80 percent of its liquid capacity, keeping the tank from becoming overpressurized. Propane also has the lowest flammability rating of any alternative fuel, according to the Parker Oil website. Like all fuels, though, there are some safety tips to keep in mind: 4Modifications or alterations to your propane system should be handled by authorized personnel only. Tampering with the system may cause a potentially dangerous situation. 4The easiest way to detect propane is by its pungent odor. If the scent of propane is in the
air, a potentially dangerous situation may exist. Extinguish all open flames and immediately leave any area where propane fumes are present. 4Avoid touching electrical switches or appliances when a leak is suspected. 4In case of a leak, go to your propane system’s storage vessel, open the tank hood and close the vapor service valve. Then contact a qualified technician for assistance. 4Electronic leak detectors are available. Contact Parker Oil to buy one. 4Propane is heavier than air. The vapor will descend to the lowest point, for example, your basement. Avoid these areas when a leak is suspected. 4Never tamper with your system’s supply lines or any
safety devices, regulators or storage tank fittings. 4Never use an open flame to test for propane leaks. 4Have your propane system checked if you have any of the following symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: headaches, dizziness, loss of muscular control, vomiting or watering of the eyes. 4Purchase a carbon monoxide detector and test it as recommended. 4Never use a range burner as a space heater. 4Never use propane heaters indoors that are not intended for indoor use. 4Never use a barbecue grill indoors. 4Have all propane appliances tested regularly by a qualified technician. 4Always make sure there is plenty of ventilation.
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How to choose the right dentist Choosing the right dentist will go a long way toward helping you maintain your health and appearance. Whether you need a routine cleaning or a complex dental procedure, finding the right dentist will save you time and money. No one wants to have a root canal redone because of shoddy work. It is vital that you find a dentist who makes you feel comfortable, someone who will help you improve your dental health in a hygienic environment. Finding a dentist near your home or workplace will help you make your appointments on time. Their office hours should accommodate your schedule. So how should you start your search? First off, ask your social network for recommendations. Friends, family and colleagues can be a great resource. Searching on the Internet for
dental offices in your area will also help. Professionals often have their own websites, which include the backgrounds of those working there. The website may also tell you about how they handle procedures and appointments, as well as specialized services they offer. Once you have gathered a list, begin calling each prospective dentist. You can talk to a receptionist or other staff person if the dentist is unavailable. Your prospective dentist should accept your dental insurance. If not, you may need to cross that person off your list. If you have no dental insurance, inquire about payment plans. The office should give you an estimate before performing any work. Check that the dentist has earned the necessary degree from a reputable school and is current on all licensing and con-
tinuing educational requirements. Ideally, he will be familiar with the latest dental technologies and trends. Ask if the dental office provides emergency services. If you break a tooth or need to have a root canal done right away, it is vital to find an available dentist. Lead time for appointments is another consideration. Some offices might be able to see you right away, while others may have a three-week wait time. When someone meets all of your requirements, visit the office. The staff should be professional and friendly. Every dentist should be willing to answer all of your questions. Some people are afraid of dentists or pain. If you have any concerns, communicate with the staff and dentist. Many professionals are willing to go above and beyond to help you work
through these issues. A basic oral health history should be taken by the dentist or staff. They should tell you about future treatment and prevention options. A quality dentist will help you feel comfortable during your visit. If you experience anything less, cross that person
off your list. The best dentists offer friendly, happy dental experiences. Teeth are extremely important to your overall health. They can also help or hinder your appearance. Finding a good dentist is like finding a friend who consistently brings out your best smile.
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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 2019 | 7
How to select a pest control service
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Many homeowners, renters and landlords can control household pests through a combination of preventive measures, including proper sanitation and good home maintenance practices. However, some pest infestations may be extensive, or a particular pest may be difficult to control, requiring the services of a pest control company. You should select a pest control company the way you do any other service — look for quality and value. Costs and competency are important. When selecting a pest control service, cost should not be the only factor that determines the company you pick. It is important to make sure the pest control company you choose is competent. If pesticides are
misused, both health and property can be damaged. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency gives these tips for selecting a pest control company: Take your time and research When most people discover a pest problem, they want the problem eliminated immediately. However, most problems can wait a few days, so you have time to select a competent, reasonably priced company. It is wise to obtain several estimates from prospective companies. Most companies will provide free estimates. Questions to ask 4How many years have you been in business at your present address? 4Contact organizations such as the Better Business Bureau, the state Department of Agriculture, the state Attorney
General’s Office or the EPA to determine if complaints have been filed against the company or its applicators for misusing pesticides. 4Would you provide me with a list of references? 4Contact several references to find out if they are satisfied with the service provided by the pest control company. 4Will the person(s) performing the services be a certified, licensed pesticide applicator or a licensed technician? 4Each company must have at least one certified, licensed commercial pesticide applicator in the proper service category. Other company applicators must be certified applicators or licensed technicians under the direct supervision of an certified applicator. Licenses may be verified by calling the state Department of Agriculture.
4Would you provide me with a copy of your pest control license, copies of the labels for all pesticides used and the rates at which they will be applied? 4Reliable applicators will show you their credentials and will be able to provide you with copies of pesticide labels that indicate how the product should be applied, including the proper application rates, and the necessary precautions. More points to consider Some pest control companies offer service contracts in which structures are routinely treated for a particular pest. Contracts may be necessary in some situations such as warehouses that receive crates often infested with cockroaches. In general, routine pesticide applications in and around your home are not good unless there is a constant infestation by a pest and non-
chemical methods have failed to control the pest. Service contracts for the homeowner should include periodic inspections, but pesticides should not be applied unless the pests are actually present and cannot be controlled by other means. Generally, it is customary for termite control work to be guaranteed from one to five years. Make sure you know what the guarantee covers and determine if there is a yearly inspection charge. In addition, find out if the pest control company is responsible for structural damage if the treatment fails to control the termite infestation. The guarantee is only as reliable as the company that offers it. If the service person suggests non-chemical methods of pest control in addition to the pesticides, be sure to follow the instructions.
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How to choose a generator
Many people these days are talking about the weather. Extreme weather conditions are becoming the new normal. 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. Power outages deprive us of all the things we take for granted, such as light, heating and air conditioning. The devices we use most frequently, such as phones, computer and televisions, all rely on electric power. A generator provides you with clean, useful electricity from a local source. If you live in an area prone to storms, hurricanes and tornadoes, then investing in a generator will bring comfort and protection to you and your family.
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 break 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 a central heating and air unit. 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 these machines 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. Automatic standby generators also keep your house neat and clear of clutter. 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
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infrastructure. Once power is restored, automatic standby units turn themselves off. There is no need 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.