Fall Home & Garden 2015

Home & Garden A Special Supplement to The Daily Republic & ADvisor

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• Home & Garden • September 2015 •

Not too late to paint

Fall popular time to finish up outdoor summer projects are lower as well. Gramm said the ideal temperature to paint outside is under 80 degrees, because while the paint will fight through heat, the painter might not.

Hotter than that, though, and you may need to repaint the whole project.

Casey Palmer, wall coverings manager at Menards in Mitchell, said paint dries too fast in 90 degree temperatures, which can make it peel later on.

Additionally, Palmer said temperatures below 35 degrees put the water in the paint in danger of freezing, keeping the paint from bonding to the surface.

Before applying paint, it’s important to check the forecast over the next 24 hours. If temperatures rise or fall beyond these limits, it’s a better option to wait.

Palmer also said that someone should not paint if there’s rain forecast in the next 24 hours, and

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By JAKE SHAMA The Daily Republic As autumn brings its beautiful colors and cooler temperatures, now is the time to finish those last-minute painting projects.

“Don’t put it off too long. The longer you wait, the more work it is,” said Jim Gramm.

Gramm owns Schuh Painting in Mitchell since 2007, which specializes in completing interior and exterior painting projects. He said summer is the most common season for outdoor painting, but he always expects an influx of customers every fall who want to get a last-minute project done.

“Right now, people are panicking because they didn’t get jobs done they wanted to do themselves over the summer,” Gramm said.

Gramm said fall can be a challenging time to paint, because the weather is unpredictable. A rainstorm could arrive unexpectedly, and temperatures can drop overnight.

Fortunately, daytime temperatures in autumn

PAINT

Continued from Page 2

Gramm said to wait 24 hours after a rainstorm before applying paint.

Painters should also be aware of how long their project will take. Gramm said he recently painted a ranch-style house in one day, but a two-story house might take two weeks.

Fortunately, Gramm said people usually have until the end of September or into October if the weather remains agreeable.

Palmer said the best time to start painting is in spring following the heaviest rains.

“It’s a good time throughout the summer (to paint) so you’re not rushing in fall before it freezes and gets messy,” Palmer said.

Still, Palmer said fall is a popular time for painting, and two of the most common fall projects are staining decks and painting houses.

“It’s a popular time to finish up outdoor projects and move to the indoor again in the winter time,” Palmer said.

Ultimately, Palmer said the time of year is not the most important factor.

“The main thing is to use quality roller covers, quality brushes and quality paint,” Palmer said.

Lastly, it may be worth considering hiring a professional to take away the stress and still bring a splash of color before winter.

• September 2015 • Home & Garden •

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Tips on shopping for new appliances Metro Creative As the weather turns cooler, outdoor improvements become less practical.

Homeowners’ thoughts may turn to projects they can tackle inside of the home. Now may be the time to consider the purchase of new appliances that can be the finishing touches to renovated spaces.

Fall is prime time to purchase new large appliances. Manufacturers typically unveil their latest models during September and October. At this point, prices on older models will be reduced to make room for new ones. By the end of the year, any older models that have not yet been cleared out will be discounted further. Even though the end-of-the year deals will be better, the selection may be limited the longer you wait.

It is best never to wait until an appliance is on its last leg for repair or replacement. Then consumers do not have the luxury to price shop nor find items that include the features they desire most. Here are some other buying tips.

Research Shoppers should begin their research at home before they even enter a store.

Make a list of features you want in the appliance, which helps narrow down the playing field and better focus your purchasing decisions.

Once you have a list handy, speak with friends or family members about their experiences with brands and/or retailers.

Ask about which features they like the most and how often they have had to call for repairs. If they could do things differently, what would those things be?

Know your space Perhaps you are familiar with the adage to measure twice and cut once.

The same can be said for measuring prior to purchasing an appliance. Be sure you know the exact measurements of the space that will house the new appliance.

Take into consideration the clearance needed to open doors, such as with a refrigerator or front-loading washing machine. It can be a waste of time and money to have an appliance delivered only to find it doesnÕt fit at the time of installation.

Energy savings Consider appliances that reduce energy usage. Energy Star¨ appliances are produced in adherence to international standards for energy efficiency. The program was started more than 20 years ago by the EPA and the Department of Energy. Since then, other countries have adopted the program. Appliances that feature the Energy Star¨ logo use 20 to 30 percent less energy than required by typical federal standards. Homeowners who purchase qualifying appliances may be eligible for tax breaks and other incentives.

Consider your lifestyle It is easy to be overwhelmed and awestruck by the number of appliances available. You may desire the biggest and best there is, but if you are not a superstar in the kitchen, you may not need the commercial stove. A bachelor may not require an oversized washing machine.

Do your research and comparison shop so you won’t have any regrets later on.

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• Home & Garden • September 2015 •

The many benefits of hiring a professional landscaper

Metro Creative The flowers are blooming, and the grass has begun to grow anew, making spring a great time for homeowners to once again turn their attention to landscaping. Those who arenÕt looking forward to dusting off their lawnmowers and rethreading their string trimmers may want to hire professional landscapers to tend to their lawns and gardens.

A recent joint study by the National Gardening Association, Residential Lawn and Landscape Services and the Value of Landscaping found that homeowners spend roughly $45 billion per year on professional lawn and landscape services, as nearly 30 percent of all households across the United States use at least one type of lawn or landscape service. The rising use of lawn care services is indicative of homeowners’ apprecia-

tion of the convenience and craftsmanship professional services can provide.

While the impact professional landscapers can have on a propertyÕs aesthetic appeal is considerable, homeowners also benefit from working with professional landscapers in various other ways.

• Time savings: One of the biggest benefits of leaving lawn care to the professionals is the amount of time it will save for the average homeowner.

Lawns generally need to be mowed once per week during the spring and summer seasons and, depending on the size of the property, that can take an hour or more. Add the time it takes to clean up clippings, mulch landscaping beds and edge the property, and homeowners can expect to devote a significant chunk of their weekends to caring for their lawns.

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• Reduced risk for injury: Maintaining a landscape is hard work, and those unaccustomed to this type of activity may find themselves winded or at risk of injury. Improper use of lawn equipment also is a safety hazard. Leaving the work to professionals can help homeowners avoid strained backs, lacerations, pulled muscles, sunburns, and any other dangers that can result when tackling landscaping projects.

• Financial savings: On the surface, hiring a landscaping service may seem like a costly venture. However, after crunching some numbers, many homeowners realize that doing the work themselves may cost more in the long run than hiring a professional landscap-

ing service. Homeowners who decide to go it alone must purchase expensive equipment, and those lawn tools will require routine maintenance, which costs additional money. Inexperienced homeowners may incur extra fees to ÒfixÓ mistakes that occur during the learning process. Each year, new seed, fertilizer, mulch, pesticides, and other supplies also must be purchased. But professional lawn care services typically charge a set fee per month, and that fee covers the maintenance of both your property and the equipment needed to keep that property looking great.

• Know-how: Many professional landscapers know how to address lawn care issues that may arise throughout the year. They will know how to deal with dry patches of lawn or poorly draining

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• September 2015 • Home & Garden •

Continued from Page 4

areas, and they also can make recommendations on plants that will thrive under certain conditions.

• One-stop shopping: Certain landscaping services provide many different options for prospective customers. Basic lawn cuts may be one package, but there also may be services for seasonal seeding, weeding, leaf clean-up, and winterizing.

Metro Creative photo Time saved and a professional job are just two of the reasons homeowners hire lawn care companies.

• Consistent maintenance: Homeowners who frequently travel or spend much of their summers away from home often find that lawn care companies are a wise investment. Established weekly schedules ensure the landscape always will look its best whether homeowners are home or out of town.

Spring is a great time for homeowners to decide if hiring professional landscaping services is in their best interests. The time and money saved, as well as impact professional landscapers can have on a property, makes landscaping services a great investment for many homeowners.

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• Home & Garden • September 2015 •

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• September 2015 • Home & Garden •

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Tips to finding the right contractor Metro Creative Home improvement projects tend to be costly. Because of the considerable financial investment homeowners must make when improving their homes, itÕs important to find a contractor you can trust and feel comfortable with.

The vast majority of professional contractors are trustworthy and willing to work with homeowners to help them design the homes of their dreams. But there are still some tips homeowners can keep in mind as they begin their search for a contractor.

• Work only with licensed contractors.

Licensed contractors have been verified as legitimate by your local governing body, removing much of the fears homeowners have with regard to finding trustworthy contractors. Unlicensed contractors may not be insured or bonded, and their estimates may be lower than their licensed competitors’ because they do not contribute to unemployment.

Licensed contractors often are subjected to criminal background checks as well, calming homeowners’ fears about invit-

ing strangers into their homes.

• Ask for recommendations. Word-ofmouth is great when looking for contractors. Oftentimes, a contractor’s best friends are his past clients. Ask friends or neighbors for recommendations on local contractors, inquiring about prices as well as each particular contractor’s demeanor and openness to suggestions.

Contact your local Office of Consumer Affairs to check each contractor’s complaint history.

• Get written estimates. Before hiring a particular firm, get written estimates from several contractors. Some contractors will charge fees for the estimate, but they must inform you of those fees before the estimates are provided.

Compare estimates so you can get a better grasp of how much your project will cost. While cost is important, try to avoid choosing a contractor based on cost alone, as a good rapport with a contractor who may be more expensive might make spending a little more money worth it.

• Make sure the contract is specific.

When you choose a contractor, make sure the contract he or she provides is very specific, going into great detail about the specifics of the project. This contract should spell out the materials and equipment that will be used, as well as the final cost of the project, the payment schedules while the project is ongoing and the work schedule.

• Keep track of all paperwork and pay by check. Once you sign the contract, create a folder where you can store all paperwork. Scan each document so you can store them on your computer as well. When payments must be made, never pay in cash. Pay by check and do not pay for the entirety of the project upfront, opting instead to pay at predetermined intervals spelled out in your contract.

Nerves often come into play when hiring a home contractor, but homeowners who take a careful approach to the hiring process will likely end up hiring a trustworthy contractor who does great work.

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• Home & Garden • September 2015 •

Winter plants brighten spaces Metro Creative Spring and summer have the colorful blooms and rich greenery that make the great outdoors so lush and inviting.

Autumn is awash in vibrant colors that beckon people outdoors to explore. But winter has a poor reputation with regard to natural beauty. While it’s true that many plants and wildlife retreat into hibernation come the colder temperatures, some choose the wintertime to bloom.

Other plants and shrubs continue to hold on to their leaves and color despite the cold.

Hardy winter plants do more than just survive the snow and ice. Many thrive and have the potential to add that unexpected touch of color to an otherwise dreary landscape.

In addition to berry bushes that can feature bright red, yellow and orange berries perfect for holiday decorating, plenty of other plants are visually appealing through colder temperatures.

• Mahonia: Some varieties of mahonias bloom in the winter and can be hardy up to USDA Zone 9. The close relative

Oregon grape holly will flower in very early spring.

• Camellia: Camellias grow flowers similar in shape and size to roses. They range in shade from light pink to bright red. Camellias can bloom all year long in moderate temperature zones. Even in colder zones, some cold climate hybrids can continue to add welcome color to the garden.

• Daphne: The fragrant flowers of many daphnes appear in mid-winter.

The variety Jacqueline Postill is evergreen.

• Evergreen holly: Perhaps the evergreen holly is the quintessential winter plant. Green shiny leaves and bold red berries can be a bright spot in a winter garden. A holly hedge also can serve as a wind and privacy barrier.

• Japanese pieris: Flower buds on this shrub, sometimes called the “Mountain Fire,” thrive from fall through winter.

This shrub needs moist, well-drained soil and should be placed in a shaded location in warmer climates.

• Hellebore: Also called the “Christ-

mas Rose,” hellebores can be delightful in areas of the country where winter flowers tend to be rare. The plant bears pure white flowers that often age to pink.

• Snowdrop: These delicate white blooms often pop out of a layer of snow even before the first crocuses of spring.

Snowdrops can wait out harsh weather and even extended snow events before eventually sprouting.

• Crape myrtle: There are around 50 species of these trees and shrubs that are native to parts of Asia and India. The trees bloom beautifully and continue to hold on to their bright colored flowers in warmer climates.

• Winter jasmine: If you want to create a mid-winter color splash, consider the climbing winter jasmine, which is hardy in zones 5 to 10 and blooms in January.

• Jelena witch hazel: These curly, odd-shaped blooms have a rich, copper color and can bloom as early as January.

This plant also is an orange-red color in autumn.

Metro Creative photo • Kaffir lily: Also known as the “Red River lily,” these perennials appear in the fall but can still bloom on mild days in the winter. These plants prefer wet conditions.

• Winter vegetables: Planting cabbage, spinach or swiss chard can give you something fresh to eat through late autumn and even into winter if you have a greenhouse or cold frame in the yard.

Winter may be characterized by dreary landscapes, but plenty of plant life

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• September 2015 • Home & Garden •

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End-of-summer checklist

Metro Creative After a few months of blue skies and warm temperatures, summer revelers will soon bid adieu to the sultry days of this beloved season.

Summer is often a season filled with vacations and recreation, but as the warm days dwindle and work and school commitments begin anew, there is additional work to be done in preparation for the months ahead.

• Stock up on pool equipment.

Homeowners who have pools can take advantage of end-of-season sales to purchase a few more gallons of pool chlorine or other pool equipment. Store them after you have winterized the pool, and you will be ahead of the game in terms of supplies for next year.

• Plan your garden harvest. If you have a backyard garden, pick your tomatoes and other vegetables before the weather starts to get chilly.

Herbs can be washed and frozen in zipper-top baggies so they can be used when cooking over the next

several months. Boil tomatoes for sauce and freeze or jar them. Begin to clear out residual stems and plant debris from the garden.

• Clean patios and furniture.

Scrub and hose down outdoor furniture, cushions and living areas.

Clean and dry items before storing them for the winter, so everything is ready to go when the warm weather returns next year.

• Purchase spring bulbs. Buy bulbs for spring-blooming flowers and map out where they will be planted for beautiful flowers next year. Wait until temperatures start to dip before planting the bulbs, otherwise they may begin to produce shoots prematurely, zapping the bulbs of energy.

• Check the heating system. Although turning on the heat may be the last thing you're thinking about, it's a good idea to test it and, if necessary, have the system serviced prior to the arrival of cold weather.

• Tend to the deck and other repairs. Make repairs to outdoor

structures now, and they'll be more likely to survive the harsh weather that's just over the horizon. Apply stain or sealant to further protect wood structures in advance of snow and ice.

• Examine the roof and chimney. Winter is a poor time to learn you have missing roof shingles or a leak. Furthermore, ensure the chimney and venting to the outdoors is not obstructed by abandoned animal nests.

• Check your closets. Go through clothing and remove any items that are damaged or no longer fit, donating them if possible. Clean out kids' closets as well, as pants that fit perfectly in May will not necessarily fit come September.

• Stock the shed. Once the weather has cooled down, move outdoor flower pots, hoses and lawn ornaments you no longer need into the shed or garage while ensuring items needed in fall and winter, such as rakes, snow shovels and snowblowers, are more accessible.

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Home projects perfect for fall

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Metro Creative Home improvement projects can add value to a home and do-ityourselfers know the sweat-equity that goes into such projects can give homeowners a greater sense of pride in their homes. But no two home improvement projects are the same, and homeowners should know that Metro Creative photo certain projects Fall is an ideal time of year to tackle are best tackled home painting projects. during certain In addition, fixing times of the year. up the roof in the fall Fall is a great season ensures those winter to work on your house, storms, be it rain or as the weather is often snow, won’t find their at its most agreeable way into your home via once the summer heat leaks. A leaky roof in has gone and before winter is hard to fix, as winter weather arrives. the roof surface could be The following are a treacherous in the winhandful of fall-friendter and winter winds ly home improvement can make it dangerous projects for homeownto be up on the roof at ers looking to improve all. Addressing leaks their homes. in the fall can prevent damage to your home’s Roof repair interior, which can Whether you’re mount up if a leaky roof repairing or replacing is not addressed until the roof, fall is a great the following spring. time of year to dust off the ladder and get some Window work work done on your roof When the weather for a variety of reasons. outside gets frightFirst and foremost, fall ful, poorly insulated is ideal for roof work windows can albecause you won’t low cold air into the have to be up on the home. That often has a roof with the summer trickle-down effect on heat bearing down on finances, forcing you to you. This can make turn up the thermostat the project move along in an attempt to offset more quickly, which is the cold air pouring especially beneficial if into the home. Whether you are paying laborers you need your windows to work on the roof. The replaced or simply need fewer hours workers are to patch up any leaks, fixing your roof, the less a proactive approach you will be paying in labor costs.

See PROJECTS Page 11

• September 2015 • Home & Garden • 11

PROJECTS Continued from Page 10

to leaky or older windows in the fall can save you from unnecessarily high heating bills come the winter. Addressing leaky windows also makes a home more comfortable for its inhabitants.

Fall is the ideal time to address a home’s windows because the temperature outside tends to be pleasant. This means you likely won’t have to make much of an effort to offset the elements, and open windows in the fall won’t make your home’s interior very hot or cold like they might if you were to tackle the project during the summer or winter.

Fixing the floors Wood flooring is a hot commodity for many homeowners. But not all flooring can be added to a home at any time of year. That’s because certain types of flooring employ adhesives that need temperatures inside the home to be within a certain range, and that range is often within 70o to 80o F, which makes fall a great time to install such floors. Colder temperatures can make it difficult for the flooring to dry and bond, which will prove problematic down the road. What’s more, many people entertain friends and

family come late fall and into the holiday season, and it can be difficult to do so if you are busy installing new flooring.

Painting projects Painting is another home improvement project that seems tailor-made for fall. A fresh coat of paint or a new color scheme around the house can give a home an entirely new look and feel. But paint can be pungent and the aromas may last if it’s applied at a time of year when it can’t dry while the windows are wide open.

Paint fumes inside a home can make the home uninhabitable, but painting at a time of year like the fall, when you can keep the windows open during and after the project, can help air the home out.

But interior painting isn’t the only painting project homeowners can tackle in the fall. Many exterior paints are temperature-sensitive and need the temperature outside to be above 40o F. Paint that freezes won’t dry properly, and homeowners might be left with a costly and unsightly mistake on their hands.

Fall temperatures tend to be amenable to both interior and exterior painting projects, just be sure to check the weather forecast before making your first brush stroke.

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• September 2015 • Home & Garden • 13

Creative ways to recycle leaves

Metro Creative Leaves cascading down from trees indicate the arrival of autumn. However, colorful and awe-inspiring autumn leaves can be a hazard if left to lie on the ground too long.

Fallen leaves form a dense insulator to protect treesÕ roots and prevent competing plants from growing.

Decomposing leaves also provide nutrients for the tree.

But wet leaves can be a safety hazard and leaves left on the lawn through the winter can pose a threat to the grass. These are just a couple of reasons why so much effort is placed on leaf clean-up in the fall. The following are some creative ways to recycle leaves that fall from your trees in the weeks to come.

• Mulch: Shredded leaves can make for a great amendment to fertilizer for garden beds and even the lawn. Leaves lying on the grass can be mulched into small pieces with a mulching mower so they donÕt choke the blades of grass. Leaves also can be broken down with a string trimmer, a leaf blower that has a vacuum function or a commercial shredder/chipper.

Add the shredded leaves to a compost pile or use them to fill container plants before adding regular potting soil.

• Insulation: Collect leaves to mound over delicate perennial plants and shrubs. The leaves will add more warmth to the soil and may help plants make it through harsh winters. Just remove the leaves slowly

when spring arrives so that the soil underneath can get the sunlight and water it needs to thrive. Leave some leaves in the yard so that animals can use them as nesting material and line their dens for the winter.

• Stuffing: Create whimsical scarecrows as part of your autumn decoration scheme. Gather older clothes that you no longer use and stuff the sleeves of shirts and the legs of pants with leaves, which are less expensive and easier to come by than straw. Use a few pieces of straw around the neck and hand areas of the scarecrow for visual effect. Tie off with twine and display your scarecrow.

• Bedding: Chicken owners can use fallen leaves as bedding in their chicken coops. Dry leaves also may create more comfortable and drier conditions for goats and other livestock. Goats may look to recently fallen leaves as a nutritious food source. Gather the leaves and let the goats munch before you further rake and compost the leaves.

• Decorations: Natural leaves can be used as decorations both inside and outside a home. String freshly fallen leaves together and wrap them around a grapevine wreath for a rustic door decoration. Leaves can be placed in clear vases and put on display for a cheap way to showcase some autumn color. Preserve favorite leaves with a lamination machine or by sealing them between heated sheets of waxed paper. Cut out the leaf shapes and use for hanging window decorations.

• Recreation: Leaves have long been favorite toys for children, who eagerly await jumping into large piles of fallen leaves. Fill paper bags with leaves and draw a target on the front. Let kids test their skill aiming for the targets. Children can camouflage their clothing with leaves and masking tape and have a more intense session of hide and seek.

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14 • Home & Garden • September 2015 •

Create a lighting scheme that works for the kitchen

Metro Creative When designing a kitchen, homeowners typically give substantial consideration to many elements of their dream design, including cabinet and countertop materials and which brand of appliances they most prefer. But few may consider the lighting for the room as thoroughly.

Lighting is an important consideration in any room, but most especially in the kitchen, where people tend to gravitate and spend a good portion of their time.

The right lighting can have a dramatic effect on the functionality of the kitchen, including how the space feels when you enter it. The right blend of lights can create a vibrant mood in the kitchen, while light can be adjusted according to what needs to get done in the space.

Establishing a lighting plan in a kitchen requires a combination of different

lights. The main focus should be on three distinct lighting types: task lighting, ambient lighting and accent lighting.

Task Lighting Task light is beneficial anywhere a person will need to perform tasks that require close concentration, such as chopping vegetables. Task lighting shines direct light onto a surface, illuminating it thoroughly, and it can be turned off when it is not needed.

Task lighting is generally placed above counters and islands where one will be slicing vegetables and preparing food.

There may be lighting over the sink to illuminate dirty dishes. If a kitchen has a desk area, lighting above the desk will make that area more functional. Many task lighting designs include lights under cabinetry to shine down onto count-

ers and eliminate shadowed recesses.

Under-cabinet lighting is a relatively inexpensive add-on for existing kitchens.

Homeowners can add lighting afterward to focus more light onto countertops.

Ambient Lighting Ambient lighting is another name for all-over lighting that fills a room. During the day, ambient light may stream in from windows and skylights. However, at night, ambient lighting is created by different light fixtures in a room. In the kitchen, overhead fixtures are a popular choice for ambient lighting. A blend of hanging pendant lamps, chandeliers and recessed lighting can create the amount of light needed. Homeowners should pay special attention to the bulbs and fixtures they choose, as not all produce the same amount of light. Those concerned

about energy efficiency also must give mind to whether the bulbs will use a lot of energy or last a long time. Compact fluorescent bulbs as well as LED lighting are long-lasting and do not use as much energy as incandescent bulbs.

Indirect ambient lighting softens shadows in a room, creating a warm, inviting glow. It is an important layer of light that is often overlooked in the kitchen. Setting ambient lighting on a dimmer enables homeowners to cast a mood that is desired when the kitchen isn’t being used for prep work.

Accent Lighting If there are key elements around the kitchen that a person would like to highlight, such as a china set, accent lighting can do the trick. Spotlights can be used

See LIGHTING Page 15

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• September 2015 • Home & Garden • 15

LIGHTING Continued from Page 14

to show off collectibles, while a subtle strip of lighting can illuminate a wall of artwork. Many people like to install accent lighting inside of cabinetry to create dramatic focal points.

Some homeowners may want to incorporate decorative lighting in their kitchens. This is the use of ornate chandeliers, hanging pendants and other eye-catching fixtures. Decorative lighting should be considered in proportion to the size of the kitchen. Therefore, smaller kitchens will have smaller fixtures and vice versa. Decorative lighting may be the most expensive type of kitchen lighting, so some homeowners prefer to plan ahead for the inclusion of decorative accents by having the wiring ready and then adding the fixtures over time.

Lighting in a kitchen can be just as important as which appliances and other accessories homeowners choose for their kitchens. Without the right mix of lighting, the kitchen may not be functional or inviting.

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• September 2015 • Home & Garden • 17

Lower your energy bill and stay warm this winter

By AMBER HILES The Daily Republic You won’t need to blast the heat this winter to keep warm. Conserve energy and save money by weatherizing your home.

According to Tom Glanzer, Northwestern Energy company spokesperson, there are a lot of easy things to do to save on energy costs in the coming winter season.

“Right now is the time to be thinking about weatherizing the home,” Glanzer said. “Everything is still accessible outside, and it isn’t too cold out, yet.”

Saving big bucks According to the U.S. Department of Energy, wind drafts can waste 5 to 30 percent of your energy use.

Northwestern Energy offers a free en-

ergy audit of houses to customers. They will tell you where the leaks are and how to fix them. They will also check insulation, and give more tips to weatherize for the winter months.

Glanzer said proper attic insulation is a must, so start at the top of the home.

“Most heat is lost through the roof,” he said. “Insulation in the attic will be an instant saver.”

Properly insulating the home is a good weekend project and can often be done on a Saturday morning, according to Glanzer. He suggested blow-in insulation, a mixture of cellulose and recycled newspapers. When blown around in the attic, this thick mixture acts as a blanket, keeping heat inside.

Glanzer said local contractors might be informed about tax credits for such

projects.

“Don’t take for granted that the furnace will work. It might be time to have a qualified HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning) technician to take a look at your units,” Glanzer said.

Your furnace needs to be properly maintained to run best. Cleaning, lubricating and properly adjusting the unit will reduce energy use, according to energy.gov. Some furnace manufacturers offer free or discounted inspections. Using a certified Energy Star furnace could also save money in the long run.

It’s easy to forget, but important to replace or clean furnace filters at least once a month during the winter season.

Dirty filters restrict airflow and increase energy demand, according to popularmechanics.com. Mark a calendar or set a

Clean & ADry

reminder to change it.

Glanzer said a good rule of thumb is to at least change filters every time you switch from A/C to heat, but it should be changed more than that.

Installing a storm door can increase energy efficiency by 45 percent, and storm windows will keep warm air inside.

It also pays to caulk. Weatherstripping and caulking gaps could increase energy efficiency by 5 to 30 percent each year, according to popularmechanics.com.

Pay close attention to where different building materials meet, such as corners, around chimneys and where pipes and wires exit the foundation. You can test where air is coming in by waving an

See ENERGY Page 18

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18 • Home & Garden • September 2015 •

ENERGY Continued from Page 17

incense stick around the walls and windows. Where the smoke wavers, there is air sneaking in. Another method of testing involves a blow dryer and a candle. One person stands outside blowing toward the windows, and another person stands inside with the candle. If the candle flickers, you will need to caulk or weatherstrip the frame.

Once the problem areas have been detected, it is time to seal them up.

A demonstrator shows how to utilize expandable foam in basement cracks. This screenshot comes from a how-to video provided by northwesternenergy.com

“Caulk will weather out, so make sure to check places that already have it,” Glanzer said.

Adding more insulation between walls and ensuring the attic floor and basement are well-covered will also keep the home or building warmer. Similarly, insulated pipes will decrease the chance of freezing, which can cost a lot more than an expensive energy bill. If your pipes are warm to the touch, they might need insulation. Pre-slit pipe foam is available at most hardware stores. Cut it to size and fasten it with duct tape.

“You can feel air coming through switchplates,” Glanzer said. “There is no insulation to the outlet receptacle.”

Foam gaskets are easily installed behind the faceplate cover to remedy this issue.

“A good tool to seal cracks in unfinished basements is expandable foam,” Glanzer said, “and it’s fun, too.”

It could pay to have a professional technician test your duct system to fix any problems. Sealing ducts properly can save the average home up to $140 annually, according to the American Solar Energy Society. Plus, you will be better protected against mold and dust.

Every little bit counts A draft snake, which can be easily

copied with a rolled bath towel, placed against the bottom of the door, can put cash back into your wallet. Make your own with holiday fabrics to spruce up your space a bit.

Lower the the temperature of your water heater to 120 degrees. Anything over that is not necessary, according to Glanzer. Water heating costs will reduce by 6 to 10 percent.

“A lot of water tanks don’t have an actual temperature reading, so check your owner’s manual,” Glanzer said.

“You can also check the water itself with a kitchen thermometer.”

Fans don’t just keep you cool. Many ceiling units come with a switch that reverses the direction that the blades rotate. A counterclockwise rotating fan will re-circulate the warm air that has pooled near the ceiling.

Make sure your hoses are drained and stowed away neatly around October. Exterior water spigots should be turned off, and seal any water leaks. If you have an A/C unit in the window, remove it.

“Watch the overnight lows,” Glanzer said.

Pay attention to your thermostat.

Heating an empty home wastes energy, and since 50 to 70 percent of the household energy budget goes to heating and

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cooling, turning the heat down when leaving your home or building is a great energy saver.

Local hardware stores carry window insulation kits, and at only a few dollars, this is an inexpensive buffer against drafts. If properly installed, the plastic is invisible, and it helps your home hold the heat, according to Glanzer.

“In this day and age, learning how to do any of these projects is only a YouTube video away,” Glanzer said.

In addition, Northwestern provides energy efficiency how-to videos at http://www.northwesternenergy.com/ save-energy-money/residential-services/efficiency-plus-rebates-and-programs/south-dakota/how-to-videos.

Projecting costs is another way to be mindful of your energy budget. The Energy Detective is a device that indicates household electrical usage in real time and even projects your monthly bill. By seeing how much energy each appliance uses, ways to cut wasteful use are more apparent.

Low-income households can qualify for weatherization improvements to their homes through government programs, and tax credits are also available for select energy efficient projects.

But, Glanzer said these weatherization

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• September 2015 • Home & Garden • 19

techniques will pay for themselves over time.

Front-end investments like solar panels, geothermal heating and cooling, biomass stoves and small wind turbines are also big energy savers. According to popularmechanics.com, some do-ityourself enthusiasts even rig up their own outdoor cooling and freezing systems to make use of the cool air in the winter months.

Finally, dress warmer for winter.

Don’t just don winter clothing outside -- wear it inside, too. Lounging around in shorts and T-shirts in the wintertime will cost you energy efficiency. Each degree on the thermostat costs more money, Glanzer said.

“We tend to be more sedentary in the Midwest in the winter months due to less light, inches of snow and freezing temps,” Glanzer said. “Throw on a hoodie, some sweats and cover up with a blanket. You don’t have to have the thermostat at 76 or 78 degrees to stay warm.”

The price of utilities, he said, is something that is controllable, and sometimes it can be as simple as turning the thermostat down, shutting off lights when you leave and turning the water heater down.

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A demonstrator shows how to properly install window plastic. This screenshot comes from a how-to video provided by northwesternenergy.com “Think about what you are trying to do,” Glanzer said. “If it is minus 20 degrees outside, and you want it to be 72 to 74 degrees inside, that’s a big difference.”

A programmable thermostat will control the climate in your home while you are away, and if you don’t have one, Glanzer suggests the investment.

“Think about how much money runs out of your fingertips every time you flip a switch,” Glanzer said. “You need to be in that mindset when it comes to saving energy costs.”

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