HOME YOUR
Fall 2012
Including indoor and outdoor ideas to spruce up your home and get ready for winter.
A SUPPLEMENT TO THE COURIER-GAZETTE, THE CAMDEN HERALD AND THE REPUBLICAN JOURNAL
2
Your Home • Sept. 27, 2012
Inexpensive ways
to update a home now
Courier Publications, LLC Publisher of The Courier-Gazette, The Camden Herald and The Republican Journal 91 Camden St., Suite 403, Rockland, ME 04841 • 207.594.4401 Graphics Department Production Manager: Christine Dunkle
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Table of contents How to winterize your lawn............................................................................................4 Finding the right roof for you ........................................................................................5 Make the most of small bathrooms .............................................................................6 How to select the right carpeting for your home ...................................................7 A couple really digs geothermal ...................................................................................8 Home offices in tight spaces ..........................................................................................9 Ten good reasons to heat with wood ...................................................................... 10 Fall heating system maintenance .............................................................................. 12
O
ftentimes, buying a home opens up a bottomless pit of opportunities for projects and improvements. While some homeowners engage in different repairs and fix-ups out of necessity, many others like to freshen-up their spaces out of personal preference instead of need. But even the most well-intentioned projects can be waylaid if budgets are tight. What many homeowners may not realize is that there are many ways to make updates and changes to a home that do not require a major overhaul or a large price tag. The following are seven projects that won’t break the bank. 1. Move around furniture. You may be able to change the look of a room without spending any money. Interior designers know how
to arrange furniture for maximum appeal, but the average homeowner can do it, too. Find a focal point in the room and angle the furniture toward it. Don’t make the focal point the television, however. Try changing the placement of chairs and sofas. Simply moving a curio cabinet from one corner to another may also make a difference. 2. Add lighting. Lighting at different levels in the room can create a vibrant impact. Many homeowners mistakenly put in a couple of table lamps and think that will be adequate. However, properly illuminating a room means varying the lighting to create different moods at different times. Plus, more light can make a room feel more welcoming. UPDATE, page 3
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3. Add new pillows or drapes. Changing a few aspects of a room can give it an entirely new look. If you want to add a splash of color but don’t know what to do, think about incorporating some new throw pillows or change the curtains. An accessory here and there in a bright color also can incorporate a new hue without it being overwhelming. 4. Change knobs or small accents. Give a room a new look by focusing on the small details. Switch out cabinet knobs for something updated and modern. Take inventory of wall outlets and light switches and think about selecting new ones that coordinate with your home decor. 5. Use plants. Empty corners or spots you’re not certain how to fill may benefit from a plant. Plants are inexpensive ways to add instant color and visual appeal to a room. Plus, having live plants can help improve indoor air by filtering out contaminants. A home with plants also feels more cozy.
3 6. Hang new wall art. It may be time to look at your photos and artwork and make a few adjustments. Finding new prints to hang could instantly change a room’s ambience. And you needn’t spend a lot of money on professional photography, either. Grab your camera and take a few close-up shots of flowers or take in a landscape scenery. Many of today’s home printers can produce professional-quality prints in minutes. 7. Try a new coat of paint. After Throw pillows are accessories that can easily and inexpensively change you’ve exhausted other avenues, the look of a space. choosing a new paint color may be the new look you desire. Painting is one of the least expensive yet most dramatic methods of changing a home’s interior. With dozens of hues to choose from, Heating Specialists and new apps that enable you to take Geo Thermal Systems snapshots of things in nature or in your Forced Hot Water life and match them up to a paint color, Forced Hot Air • Radiant Heat you will have scores of opportunities to explore fresh new colors for your home. Free Estimates When you get inspired to make 24 HR Emergency Service improvements to the home but fear 277 Swan Lake Ave. how much it may take out of your wallet, consider inexpensive tricks that can induce a big “wowâ€? factor.
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Your Home • Sept. 27, 2012
winterize your lawn
How to
E
very weekend of the last few months you have spent mowing, weeding, edging, and trimming your lawn so that it will look its best. In order to ensure your lawn makes a complete recovery after winter hibernation, you may want to spend the fall taking steps to help your lawn survive the winter months ahead. Winterizing a lawn varies depending on where you live and how harsh a typical winter is. There are certain key tasks to complete before you can rest for the winter season. • Remove fallen leaves and debris. Leaf cleanup is among the tasks homeowners dread the most. Raking leaves can be arduous, but it is well worth the effort. Fallen leaves can smother the grass and lead to dead spots and decay next season. Wait until the majority of the leaves have fallen
from the trees before you begin to rake; otherwise, you could find yourself repeating the process throughout the fall. Mulched leaves can be added in small amounts to garden beds to provide rich organic material for next year’s crop of flowers. Be sure to pick up any twigs and other debris as well. Additional debris can become up trapped under snow and hinder grass growth when spring arrives. • Cut your lawn short. Unless the season is unseasonably wet and warm, your lawn shouldn’t grow too much in October and November. Continue to cut your lawn until there is no visible growth for about two weeks. It pays to give it a short cut before frost arrives so that long piles of dead grass will not smother any new growth in the spring. Also, long grass tends to bend down upon itself, trapping moisture that can
lead to fungal diseases like snow mold. • Aerate the lawn. Soil can be compacted over time, especially in yards that see heavy foot traffic. You can rent an aerator from a lawn supply store so that water and fertilizer can reach the soil. • Fertilize. Now is the time to give the lawn fresh food to overwinter and also replenish the strength of the root system. All summer long the lawn has been depleting the soil of nutrition, but autumn presents a great opportunity to strengthen those roots. Consider a slow-release formula designed for winterizing that will feed the lawn all winter long. • Edge the garden beds. Take advantage of the cooler weather and slow-growing grass to re-edge around flower beds. Even though the grass above the surface of the soil will stop
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Raking leaves is a key step in preparing your lawn for the winter months. growing, the roots will remain viable and the lawn will still be sending out rhizomes and tillers to produce new grass blades in the spring. These can easily encroach on garden beds. Edge now so you will have less work to do in the spring. • Trim hedges and trees. If there are any overhanging tree branches or shrubbery blocking sunlight from reaching the lawn, cut back these areas once the foliage has thinned. Take advantage of your town’s leaf and twig pickup services. • Seed bare patches. Scour the lawn for bare patches and put down some seed in these areas. The cooler weather will enable the seeds to germinate without having to compete with weed growth. Once you have prepared your lawn for the winter you can bring in any lawn tools that need repair and have them set and packed away for the spring.
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Sept. 27, 2012 • Your Home
5
Finding the right roof for you
R
oofs seem to come in all different styles these days! If you are thinking about a new roof, you may be wondering what types of roofs are out there, and which one would be best for you. The three types of roofs that Horch Roofing specializes in are: metal roofs, asphalt roofs, and single ply rubber roofs. Each has its own benefits for a homeowner who is looking for specific details regarding the roof of their home. Horch Roofing will work with architects and builders to make sure the plans for your home are written in a way that will maximize the performance of the materials used on your roof. This also guarantees that your warrantees will be valid and protects the lifetime value of your roof and your home.
curl, split, or rot with age and will last for 50 or 60 years. Maintenance expenses are also very low, so you will have a roof that lasts longer with very little hassle. There are also environmental benefits of metal roofs. Roofing, particularly at Horch Roofing, is made from between 60% to 65% recyclable material. Due to its light weight, metal roofing can be installed over existing roofs, which eliminates the need to throw out old roof material. The metal roofing material can also be recycled when it comes time to replace it. One major problem that we in the Northeast face during the winter time is ice dams. Metal roofs shed snow and ice, helping to prevent these ice dams from forming.
Metal Roofs
Sixty-five percent of Horch Roofing annual sales are from asphalt roofing, where shingles are used to construct the roof of the house. These shingles are very simple to install and come in a variety of colors and styles. They are very durable and can be repaired and maintained easily. Ventilation is very important with asphalt roofs because improper ventilation is a common reason for deterioration. During installation, an asphalt roof is generally
Metal roofs and steel roofing is growing in popularity across Maine. In fact, sales have doubled for us in the last year! We suspect this is due to additional benefits that metal roofs offers for homes, especially in the tumultuous climate we often have up here in the Northeast. Metal roofs are very durable, flame retardant, and low maintenance. The nice thing about these roofs is that it will not crack,
Asphalt Roof
the most affordable, and therefore reasonable, option for a homeowner. These roofs require some frequent maintenance, like replacing broken or missing shingles, but this work is very easy to keep up. Luckily for us, asphalt shingles seem to last longer in our cooler climates than they might in warmer climates. In Maine, an asphalt roof has a lifespan of about 20 years before it needs additional maintenance, whereas a warmer state would be closer to 15 years.
Single Ply Rubber (EPDM) Roofs With EPDM Rubber Roofing, you will find a roof surrounded by a rubber membrane that allows rain and snow to run off. This is particularly beneficial for homes in Maine, where it snows aplenty and roofs take a beating. With this rubber roofing, you won’t ROOF, page 14
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6
Your Home • Sept. 27, 2012
Make the most of
small bathrooms
R
A frameless shower can take up less space in a small bathroom.
enovating bathrooms is commonly at the top of home improvement to-do lists. Though some rooms around the house may remain timeless, bathrooms, like kitchens, show their age (and era) much more easily, which could be why homeowners are always on the lookout for new ideas. Although many people may dream about creating a spa-type oasis in their homes, not everyone is lucky enough to have a large bathroom, much less a large budget for a full-scale renovation. Small bathrooms are common, particularly in older homes, but they needn’t force homeowners to compromise on style when renovating. Small bathrooms may be a half-bath on a main home level or even a full bath, depending on the home. By thinking creatively, homeowners can maximize their spaces and redo bathrooms in ways that bring out their best assets.
• When space is at a premium, it’s best to look for fixtures and items that fit with the scale of the bathroom. Although you may want a large vanity and cabinet in which to hide all of your toiletries, this simply may not be practical -- taking up most of the bathroom real estate. Instead, look for elegant pedestal sinks that have a much smaller profile. They’ll also help you control the clutter in the bathroom because there won’t be anywhere to hide it. • Use optical illusions to make the bathroom appear more roomy. For example, lay tile diagonally to create the impression of space. A large mirror will reflect the room back and make it appear much larger than it really is. • Select lighter hues in paint colors and accessories. Dark paints and fixtures could
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Sept. 27, 2012 • Your Home BATHROOMS, from page 6
make the room feel cramped. Dark colors are generally used to make spaces feel more cozy. In a small bathroom, it may make the space feel claustrophobic. Instead, think light and bright and the room will instantly feel more airy. • Minimize wall hangings and keep fixtures smaller. Filling the walls with knickknacks may contribute to clutter and make the space appear closed in. Use decorative items sparingly. • If possible, store towels in a closet outside of the bathroom. This way you won’t have to devote space inside the bathroom to a closet, leaving more room for other things. • While some people like the thought of a separate bath and shower, in smaller bathrooms this may not be possible. Instead, look for a combined shower and bath, or select a walk-in shower with a much smaller profile. • Windows are often welcome in bathrooms because of the ventilation they provide, but they could be a
7 hindrance in smaller bathrooms because they take up prime wall space. Cover a window in a shower stall to free up space. Just be sure to install a venting fan to reduce moisture in the bathroom. • Maximize wall space if you need storage. Find cabinets that will fit beneath windows or be able to fit in thin areas between sinks and toilets. Over the toilet is prime area for cabinetry. • Consider a frameless shower. This is a partitioned area of the bathroom that’s set aside for the shower and is typically only cordoned off by a thin wall or piece of glass. Or a shower with no walls at all is the ultimate in space-saving. The entire bathroom floor is decked out in tile, and a portion is sloped toward a shower drain. • Think about installing a skylight if you prefer natural light, but there is no room for a traditional window. Thinking creatively can help turn a cramped bathroom into a spacesaving and well-designed room homeowners desire.
How to select the right carpeting for your home A
sound better than carpet. Choosing the right carpeting for a room comes down to identifying the kind of foot traffic you expect in your home and which carpeting options most suit your needs. Here are some tips to get started. • Don’t overlook padding. Padding can make the difference in the way carpeting feels and how long it lasts. The thickest or most expensive padding isn’t necessarily the best or the best-suited for your home. However, it is wise to pick a pad that matches the type of carpeting you’re selecting. You may be able to go with a thinner pad in low-traffic rooms and under dense carpeting like berber. In hightraffic rooms, choose thicker, more durable padding. Padding prevents
lthough many people may tout the benefits of hardwood flooring over carpeting, there are plenty of individuals who like to have the soft and luxurious feeling of carpeting underfoot. Selecting the right carpeting for a particular room and purpose can be a bit daunting because of the abundance of available colors and materials. According to the Carpet and Rug Institute, carpeting is an added safety measure that makes play areas safer, potentially lessening the severity of an injury in the event of a fall. This is why carpeting is often preferred in children’s rooms and play areas. There are other advantages to carpeting as well. It can help insulate rooms both in the summer and winter. It can be easier on feet than a hard floor, and few materials absorb
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8
Your Home • Sept. 27, 2012
A couple
really digs
By Holly Haining - Zulieve
A
The idea of geothermal stood out to the Norma and Alan Bardos, and appealed to their philosophy to re-cycle and use available resources. The air conditioning is making their 12 year old German Shepherd/Border Collie cross Dusty very happy as well.
lan and Norma Bardo were married in 1967 while both served in the US Air Force. When their tours were up, they found a large, old farmhouse on River Road in Madison, Maine that satisfied their requirements for space and need for connection to the land. Alan went to work at SAAPI Paper in Skowhegan as a millwright welder. Norma tended their 190- acre farm. Her days were spent milking dairy cows, haying and cultivating a large vegetable garden, all the while raising the couples’ three boys. Fast forward twenty plus years later, their kids grown and gone, Norma and Alan started to consider downsizing. After living in a 100+-year- old drafty farmhouse for so many years, they knew what they wanted in a new house. Like most old houses, heating can be challenging and require a major financial outlay. Norma recalls that in those days the Maine winters were much harsher, noting that “the old house was always freezing.” The couple became interested in solar/ passive house designs and soon found one that met their criteria in a book of plans at a used bookstore. The plan they chose seemed to address the relationship between the external and internal environment, a key
geothermal
design consideration for the couple. As far as location was concerned, the Bardos carved out a 4-acre parcel from their 190-acre spread. In order to keep the larger house and farm in the family, they sold the property to their eldest son and began to plan and build their new smaller, efficient house. To complement the solar/ passive design, they installed an oil-fired boiler, a wood boiler, radiant heat and a greenhouse addition that all worked together and independently, depending upon the season. This was a good combination that worked well, if not efficiently, for several years. Then the price of oil began to climb steadily with no end in site. The Bardos began to rely more and more on the wood boiler, which of course, demanded considerable physical drudgery. Other adjustments obviously were needed to improve their comfort level and quality of life. For instance, the new south facing house had not previously been fitted with an air conditioning system, which meant that summer could be very uncomfortable since the house was designed to capture the heat of the sun. As Alan approached the age of retirement, Norma wondered if she could handle their home’s mechanical systems if faced with that situation. After some discussion, Alan began to think of more GEOTHERMAL, page 9
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attractive alternatives for heating and cooling the house. The idea of geothermal stood out to him, as it appealed to his philosophy to recycle and use available resources. One doesn’t have to look far onto the Bardos property for obvious, working examples. For instance, the impressive frame of his large barn was built using discarded iron rods once used to hold huge rolls of paper machine fabric shipped to SAPPI. Impressive stonework both inside and outside the new home was constructed with rescued granite cast-offs from a New Hampshire rock quarry. Because Alan worked for a commercial refrigeration and airconditioning company in the late sixties, he understood the process and theory behind the geothermal concept. However, what ultimately sealed the deal was when one of their sons, a mechanical engineer, installed a geothermal heat source in his home in upstate New York. During their visits to their son’s home, Norma and Alan were able to actually “feel” how
9 geothermal works. They came away impressed with the performance of the system, which Alan describes as “much improved in recent years.” Their minds made up, Alan and Norma began to search for a local Maine company to install a geothermal system in their home. While attending a home show in Augusta, someone suggested that they contact Mid-Coast Energy Systems. According to Alan, they were very happy to find MidCoast Energy and, based on their extremely positive experience with its technicians and other employees, have referred the company to friends. Alan expressed his appreciation of the company’s practice of finding creative solutions for efficient heating resolutions, and not hesitating to think out of the box to find one. During the initial project phase, MCES was quick to accommodate Alan’s request to “do his own digging” using his own heavy excavation equipment. MCES’s willingness to be flexible ultimately saved $5,000. The ground loop was laid horizontally
as opposed to vertically bored. Though not all ground source loops can be installed in this way, upon examination of the property and accessing the soil condition, MidCoast Energy determined that the site would indeed accommodate this type of installation. Although the Bardos have yet to experience a winter with geothermal, they have great confidence in its future performance, noting according to Norma that “the air conditioning has already improved our lifestyle considerably.” She added that “this summer has been so hot and humid, after gardening it’s so nice to come inside to the cool comfortable air.” For the Alan and Norma sitting in their newly geo-fitted home on a lot thoughtfully carved from the larger property, owned by their eldest son; the past is still present, and the present still past — just how they planned. More information on heating with Geothermal can be obtained by calling Mid-Coast Energy Systems at 207-563-5147.
Home offices
in tight spaces
A
home office is a necessity for many adults these days. While some people have entire rooms available to house a home office, others have to make do with less space, and that can mean fitting an office into a tight space. The first step in establishing a small home office is figuring out the space you have and any limitations that may accompany it. For example, maybe you have an unused corner in the living room but don’t want to have wires and equipment out in the open. An armoiretype desk that can be closed when not in use is a viable option in such a situation. Perhaps there is an unused closet in a bedroom. A wall-mounted desk surface, such as a piece of custom-cut countertop material, complete with foldaway mouse and keyboard tray can easily turn the space into a compact nook. Maybe there is an entryway with a small table that would be large enough for a laptop. A stool or ottoman that can be tucked under it can serve as a desk chair and extra seating for company.
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10
Your Home • Sept. 27, 2012
Ten good reasons to heat with wood 1. It’s a renewable energy resource Renewable means you don’t run out. Renewable means you don’t deplete the earth’s resources. Wood is energy from the sun, stored by the tree as it grows. When you burn wood you are releasing this stored energy. In the dark of winter, it’s like having a bit of summer sun on your hearth. 2. No global warming When fuels burn they release carbon
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dioxide, the greenhouse gas responsible for global warming. Burning fossil fuels such as oil and natural gas is like pumping carbon dioxide from the centre of the earth into the atmosphere – a one-way trip. Trees absorb carbon dioxide as they grow. When wood burns, the carbon dioxide is released, only to be absorbed again by young trees. Because trees recycle carbon dioxide, woodburning just warms you, not the globe. 3. You’re in charge Stop writing cheques every month to the energy utilities. Take control by heating with wood. In our climate, staying warm is right up there on the list of the most important things in life. Do you really want to leave something so important in the hands of a faceless corporation? 4. No more freezing in the dark The big, centralized energy sources are not very reliable. When a storm interrupts the electrical supply, all the conventional heating systems are useless; the fancy heat pump falls silent, the gas furnace can’t work. But the wood stove or fireplace
keeps you warm and cozy and safe. Now a power failure is kind of fun; you get to use the candles. 5. Warms you like no other The radiant heat from a stove or fireplace is like the rays of the sun. It warms you through and through. Come in from the storm and stand near the fire rubbing your hands together. It’s one of life’s small pleasures. 6. The romance of the flame Sure it’s a cliché, but that doesn’t make it any less true. The soft glow of the fire is the favourite setting for an intimate conversation. It’s the place where friends and family gather to talk and laugh in comfort. Gazing into the fire, your imagination is free to soar on flights of fancy or probe the depths of the soul. Take a break from the harsh world outside – you’ll find solace there in the flames. 7. Raise your energy I.Q. Flick the switch, turn up the thermostat. Now, what did that cost? What impact did it have on the natural world? What sins were committed in getting that
energy to you? You’re in touch when you heat with wood. That arm load will last the day. That log you placed on the fire is a tangible measure of the cost to the environment of keeping your family warm. It’s the wood heat way of knowledge. 8. Heat a space, save some energy Well-planned space heating saves energy. That stove or fireplace in the living room keeps you warm and cozy in the place you spend your time. The basement and bedrooms stay cool. Regardless of WOOD, page 14
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Your Home • Sept. 27, 2012
Fall heating system maintenance By Kathleen Meil
W
e’ve all heard that it’s important to schedule annual maintenance for your heating system, but what are you supposed to do, and why? We spoke with Ronnie Linscott, Service Manager at Maritime Energy, and Pat Coon, co-founder of ReVision Heat, to answer those questions, and discovered that this isn’t the only heat-related task that belongs on your list of essential Fall chores.
off in the fall. During a tune-up, the service tech should: * replace air filters, oil filters, and nozzles; * clean the heat exchanger; * determine if the chimney needs to be professionally cleaned (or if any birds need to be evicted!); * adjust the burner; and * test combustion safety. These steps will get your boiler or furnace clean, but don’t stop there.
What else is there? What’s annual heating system maintenance anyway? Service technicians recommend an annual heating system tune-up, either at the end of the heating season in the spring or before temperatures cool
There’s a reason it’s called a heating system – it takes more than just a boiler or a furnace to heat your home effectively. Pipes or ducts distribute heat throughout your home; thermostats control when the burner fires; and the tightness and insulation of your house provides the context for the whole system. Fall is a perfect time to look at the big picture: * Make sure the pipes or ducts that deliver heat to your living space are well insulated. * Install programmable thermostats and schedule setbacks of 8° at night and while you’re out of the house all day. * Ask your service provider about optimizing your boiler or furnace’s performance. The average system is oversized and inefficient, and a new one could cut your fuel bill dramatically. If you’re not ready for that, installing smaller nozzles that limit the amount of oil entering the burner and adjusting temperatures and flow from pumps or fans can make
Evergreen Home Performance Energy Advisor Brian Robinson points out uninsulated ductwork to Rockland homeowners. Sealing and insulating pipes and ducts isn’t glamorous, but it can reduce energy costs dramatically. PHOTO BY JIM DUGAN year’s worth of gunk will be a good your current system more efficient investment, especially in an oil fired and still provide enough heat for the system. In fact, a tune-up can shave 3coldest day of the year. 8% off your heating bill, and “down* Seek a home performance firing� your boiler will cut even more. evaluation from a qualified energy A home energy audit is the key to auditor. A comprehensive home unlocking maximum energy savings energy audit will identify where your and comfort gains, though, because house is wasting energy and help you it indicates how adequate air sealing, plan improvements that help your insulation, and basement encapsulation whole house –not just your heating can increase your home’s efficiency, system – function at a higher level. lowering the heating demand for good.
Are these services really worth the money? A clean heating system is more efficient than a grimy one, so maintenance that clears away a
Can’t I do some of this myself? You can – and should – change your air filter every few months if HEATING, page 13
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Sept. 27, 2012 • Your Home HEATING, from page 12
have a forced hot air system, and insulating your pipes or air ducts is fairly straightforward, too. But you should call in an expert to optimize your burner, test combustion safety, and help you make a comprehensive energy efficiency plan.
My house is empty for most of the winter. Can I skip the maintenance and turn off the heat? Short answer: NO. Long answer: Servicing your heating system is even more important if your house will be vacant for any stretch of the winter, and what you do depends on how long the house will be empty. If this is a seasonal home that won’t be used again till spring, it makes sense to shut down completely. If you have a hot water boiler, that means calling in your plumber to drain the pipes and blow the valves this fall, and to open the house in the spring. Whatever cost is associated with this will be lower than heating an empty house all winter.
13 However, if you’ll be back and forth throughout the winter, you’ll want to maintain a constant temperature to prevent problems from developing. Somewhere around 50-55 degrees will probably do the trick in a house that doesn’t have an ideal amount of tightness and insulation(any lower and you risk frozen pipes), but there is a maintenance cost to that unnecessary, unenjoyed heat. A better insulated and airsealed home may be able to handle slightly lower settings and be able to make the most of passive solar heating. A qualified energy advisor can help you identify solutions that will lower energy waste, but they need to be tailored to your home and your usage patterns. Since you won’t be there to notice if the heat goes out, it’s important to catch potential problems now. During your annual tune-up, ask your service tech about installing a freeze alarm, which can alert you if the temperature drops too low. You should also arrange for a caretaker to check on your home regularly, and daily during really cold spells.
Stack firewood. Paint the trim. Fix the back step.
Anything else I need to know to get the most out of my heating system? Assuming this maintenance helps you avoid any heating crises, you’re probably thinking about your heating system more right now than you will for the rest of the year. It’s a good time to make that system work harder – and smarter – for you. Small, simple changes – like installing and setting programmable thermostats for each of your heating zones – can add up to big differences. If you have plenty of hot water on hand, try lowering the temperature (shut off power before making any adjustments!). Bigger changes are more complicated, but home performance upgrades based on an integrated analysis can yield huge results. If you’re serious about conserving fuel, and gaining control of your heating costs, you need to talk to a professional. Efficiency Maine maintains a list of qualified energy advisors on their website, www.efficiencymaine.com. Kathleen Meil is the Marketing & Customer Relations Manager for Evergreen
Evergreen Home Performance Energy Advisor Liza Wheeler explains and conducts combustion safety testing on a System 2000 high efficiency home heating system. PHOTO COURTESY EVERGREEN HOME PERFORMANCE
Home Performance in Rockland. Her building science expertise is rooted in the homeowner perspective, and she shares that background, as well as financing information, with customers in their initial calls and throughout their projects.
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Your Home • Sept. 27, 2012
CARPETING, from page 7
carpet backing and fibers from coming apart over a duration of time, so if you’re spending a lot on the carpet, it pays to invest in a padding that will last the duration of the carpet as well. • Recognize the type of carpeting that best suits your needs. There are many different types of carpeting, and they won’t all be the perfect match for your home. For example, plush and saxony carpets are better in low-traffic areas. These carpets may show footprints and also vacuum tracks and dirt. Berber, meanwhile, is more flat and dense, making it highly effective at masking stains and tracks. Textured carpets like ROOF, from page 5
have to worry about leaks or damages to your house’s interior again. EPDM has been used on roofs in the United States since the 1960s, and it is one of the most common types of low-slope roofing materials. It is relatively inexpensive and easy to install. One major benefit of an EPDM
frieze are cut from fibers of different heights, so they mask stains and are also softer on the feet than berbers. An entryway or a den may be better off carpeted in a dense carpeting, while a bedroom may be fine and luxurious with plush carpeting. Carpeting may come in stain-resistant varieties or low-maintenance options. These are generally best in homes with pets and children. However, you may be able to save money by opting out of special treatments to resist stains and simply invest in a steam vacuum, instead. • Choose color wisely. Choosing a color comes down to preference and how much the room will be used. Although light, neutral colors are often roof is that it will not pollute the run off of water, which is an added bonus for those who harvest rain water. As a result, these EPDM roofs play their own role in environmental conservation. With such a wide selection of options, how can you possibly choose? Horch Roofing can help you make the best decision for your home.
FAMILY FALL FESTIVAL th
Saturday, September 29 Family Fun on a Fall Saturday
SALES GALORE YARDWIDE Visit Hobbiton – “Where the Hobbits Work and Play” Dress like a Hobbit and do the Hobbit Shuffle – 1:00 pm Prizes for Best Shuffle and Best Dressed! Bounce House, Dunk Buck, Scarecrows, Orrey-oh The Pirate Parrot, Arts and Crafts Vendors, Giant Pumpkin Weigh In, Animals, Kid’s Games, Food and the musical duet of Phil Clement and Lincoln Blake!
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preferred because they work well in just about any room, lighter colored carpets will show stains much more easily than other carpet colors. Textured, multicolored carpets are preferable to hide stains and can look just as elegant as solid-colored carpeting. Much in the way paint colors are chosen, carpeting colors come down to personal preference. Drama may be created with bold colors that draw the eye to the carpet. However, for those who want the carpet to fade into the background instead of upstaging decor, neutral colors are better. • Hire a good installer. There are many beautiful carpets available, but unless you choose a reliable installer WOOD, from page 10
what you pay for energy, space heating with wood clips 25% right off the top. 9. Invest in your community Spend a buck on oil, natural gas or electricity and you feed a corporate giant. Spend a buck on firewood and you feed a neighbor. Save a buck by heating with wood and you can spend that buck in your
and store, you may end up paying more or receiving subpar service. Poll friends and family members for recommendations to help you narrow down options. Then be sure to have stores price out materials separate from installation so you can make more accurate comparisons. Also, you don’t necessarily need to use an installer provided by the carpet store. You can shop around to find a separate installer or even do the work yourself. Carpeting can make a fine addition to your home and make it feel more comfortable and inviting. Remember to take your time when selecting carpeting, as your decision will have long-lasting effects. community. Heating with wood makes you richer in ways beyond counting. 10. It’s cheaper! We almost forgot to mention it. Wood is the cheapest heating fuel you can use if you don’t live in a large city. Some people actually think the only reason we heat with wood is to save money. Poor souls, they miss so much of what is good in life. List provided by woodheat.org.
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Sept. 27, 2012 • Your Home
15
• Residential HVAC • Gas Fireplaces
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Your Home • Sept. 27, 2012
What can you do for FUN this weekend? How about • Corn Maze • Hay Rides • Hay Pyramid • Wagon Rides • Kids Play Area • and more . . .
Beth’s Farm Market “Quality Produce Direct From The Farm” Western Road, Warren • 273-3695 www.bethsfarmmarket.com Stand Hours: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., 7 days a week Corn Maze, Hay Rides, etc. Fri. 12-5, Saturday & Sunday 9-5 $5.00 per person, Seniors $3.00, Children 6 & under FREE