Shopper news • OCTOBER 7, 2013 • MY-5
Get Ready For
Trade-ins on old units... Up to
Fall!
CELEBRATING
31 Years!
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A-1 Finchum 24-Hr. Emergency Service 7 Days A Week! In Business 31 Years Licensed • Bonded • Insured
K
eeping your home in shape may not top your daily to-do list, but completing certain small seasonal tasks can save you money, time and the need to complete larger, more expensive projects in the future. “Investing a small amount for preventative fall home maintenance can save thousands in the long run,” Leah Ingram, personal finance expert, says. Don’t know where to start? The following checklist from HomeAdvisor can help homeowners prepare their homes for the cooler months:
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■ Clean gutters: During the year, debris such as leaves and twigs can pile in your gutter. Cleaning them once a year prevents problems such as water damage, roof damage and flooding. ■ Service your furnace: A well-maintained furnace can help save on heating costs and prevent the need for repairs. Before temperatures drop, schedule your furnace to be serviced. ■ Install weather stripping: As fuel and electricity costs continue to rise, keeping your home warm without wast-
Courtesy: HomeAdvisor
ing money and energy is important. Weather stripping your doors and windows can make a big impact. ■ Winterize sprinklers: Removing all the water that’s in the lines, pipes, fittings, valves, sprinklers and pumps will prevent your equipment from freezing, expanding and potentially breaking. Hire a professional to attach an air compressor to the system to blow out the water from the lines, pipes and other parts. The service is inexpensive and a professional will know the proper amount of volume and pressure to use to ensure no water is left in the system. ■ Clean your chimney: Chimney maintenance is not optional. Deadly fires, carbon monoxide poisoning and expensive chimney repairs are serious consequences associated with neglected chimney maintenance.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends all fireplaces, chimneys, flues and venting systems be inspected at least once a year by a pro. ■ Flush your water heater: Generally speaking, water heaters are fairly reliable, so they usually aren’t top of mind. But flushing your water heater periodically can prevent leaks and promote efficiency. “Hiring a professional for fall maintenance tasks like these is a great idea,” Ingram says. “Use a resource such as Cost Guide to research the average price of a project in your zip code before hiring a pro.” To use Cost Guide and find a professional, visit www.HomeAdvisor.com.
NEWS FROM CLOSET SOLUTIONS
Closet Solutions brings organization home By Shana Raley-Lusk
F
or many of us, one of the most daunting challenges of domestic life is the neverending task of home organization. Even with the best of efforts, it is easy for our things to take over our living space. From the closets to the garage, making sense of the clutter can become a chore indeed. Fortunately, there is an area business that specializes in creating stylish, tasteful solutions for any organizational need. Since 1997, Closet Solutions, located in Franklin Square, has the answer for any home storage design dilemma, and closets are just the beginning. With products to accommodate the pantry, laundry area, home office and more, the possibilities are truly endless. A wide selection of cabinet hardware is also available in the store. As the most experienced and largest dealer of its kind in the East Tennessee area, Closet Solutions offers products and services to fit every budget and taste. The company also puts considerable effort into using environmentally friendly materials such as powder-coated accessories and 100 percent recycled or recovered wood fiber. According to Pam Neuhart, the owner of Closet Solutions, it is the long-term relationships that she has developed
Closet Solutions 9700 Kingston Pike The Shops at Franklin Square
690-1244
goclosets.com
with her clients over the years that really make the difference. “Most of my business comes from the referrals of previous happy customers,” she said. This exceptional level of customer service coupled with the expertise and professionalism of the company’s designers and installers makes for a winning combination. Proof of this lies in the fact that Closet Solutions is one of the top five ORG dealers in the country. Fast and efficient service also sets the company apart. “We try to be in and out of customers’ homes in a day if possible,” Neuhart said. Investing in your home is a big decision, but when you are dealing with the trusted professionals at Closet Solutions it is always one that you can be confident in. Whether you are looking to update the style of your home or just need a little help in the organizational department, this company has your solution.