Issuu

AN ANTON MEDIA GROUP SPECIAL

HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE March 3 – 9, 2021

A BETTER VIEW Upgraded appliances Clutter taming

2A MARCH 3 - 9, 2021 • HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE

COLD DAYS, WARM HOME

Start with a FREE Home Energy Audit! A $400 Value! Paid for by Long Island Green Homes can help you save as much as $700 per year. Call us at 800-567-2850 or visit longislandgreenhomes.org. We will schedule your FREE home energy audit that assesses your home’s energy efficiency and details ways to save you money. Long Island Green Homes is a non-profit collaborative project of Long Island towns, organizations, and Molloy College that is helping Long Islanders improve their homes and make Long Island more sustainable. All energy auditors in our program are Long Island-based and certified by the Building Performance Institute.

Join thousands of Long Islanders who have already lowered their energy bills. PSEG Long Island is providing free home energy audits. Every single Long Island homeowner can participate.

800-567-2850

longislandgreenhomes.org 221719 M

HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE • MARCH 3 - 9, 2021

Update Or Replace Windows

nergy efficient windows are an important consideration for both new and existing homes. Heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for 25 to 30 percent of residential heating and cooling energy use. If you are selecting windows for new construction or to replace existing windows, it’s important to choose the most efficient windows you can afford that work best in your climate. If your existing windows are in good condition, taking steps to reduce the energy loss through windows can make your home more comfortable and save you money on energy bills. You have two broad options if you hope to reduce the amount of energy lost through your windows and improve the comfort of your home: 1. Update your existing windows to improve efficiency 2. Replace your windows.

Update Existing Windows to Improve Efficiency

If your windows are in good condition, taking steps to improve their efficiency may be the most cost-effective option to increase the comfort of your home and save money on energy costs. There are several things you can do to improve the efficiency of your existing windows: • Check existing windows for air leaks • Caulk and weatherstrip. Check out our do-it-yourself project to learn how to weatherstrip double-hung windows. • Add window treatments and coverings. Learn more about your window treatment options. • Add storm windows or panels

• Add solar control film •A dd exterior shading, such as awnings, exterior blinds or overhangs. With any efficiency improvements, take steps to ensure proper installation and check for air leaks again after making the improvement.

Replace Your Windows

If you decide to replace your windows, you will have to make several decisions about the type of windows you purchase and the type of replacement you will make. You may have the option of replacing the windows in their existing frame; discuss this option with your window retailer and installer to find out if it will work for you. You will also need to decide what features you want in your windows. You will need to decide on the following: • Frame types • Glazing type • Gas fills and spacers • Operation types Selection Process In addition to choosing the window type, you also need to consider design, energy use and labeling, warranties, and proper installation. First look for the ENERGY STAR label when buying new windows. Then review ratings on the energy performance label from the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) to find the most efficient windows for your needs. NFRC ratings are included on all ENERGY STAR certified windows and provide a reliable way to determine a window’s energy properties and compare products. Learn about energy performance ratings for windows to

understand how to read the labels and energy-use information. Window Selection Tips • Look for the ENERGY STAR and NFRC labels. • In colder climates, consider selecting gas-filled windows with low-e coatings to reduce heat loss. In warmer climates, select windows with coatings to reduce heat gain. • Choose a low U-factor for better thermal resistance in colder climates; the U-factor is the rate at which a window conducts non-solar heat flow. • Look for a low solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC). SHGC is a measure of solar radiation admitted through a window. Low SHGCs reduce heat gain in warm climates. • Select windows with both low U-factors and low SHGCs to maximize energy savings in temperate climates with both cold and hot seasons. • Look for whole-unit U-factors and

SHGCs, rather than center-of-glass U-factors and SHGCs. Whole-unit numbers more accurately reflect the energy performance of the entire product. Installation Even the most energy-efficient window must be properly installed to ensure energy efficiency and comfort. Have your windows installed by trained professionals according to manufacturer’s instructions; otherwise, your warranty may be void. Window installation varies depending on the type of window, the construction of the house (wood, masonry, etc.), the exterior cladding (wood siding, stucco, brick, etc.), and the type (if any) of weather-restrictive barrier. Windows, flashing, and air sealing should all be installed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations to perform correctly. Courtesy of the U.S. Department of Energy

4A MARCH 3 - 9, 2021 • HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE

Shopping For Appliances

hen you’re shopping for appliances, think of two price tags. The first one covers the purchase price—think of it as a down payment. The second price tag is the cost of operating the appliance during its lifetime. You’ll be paying on that second price tag every month with your utility bill for the next 10 to 20 years, depending on the appliance. Refrigerators last an average of 12 years; washing machines last about 11 years and room air conditioners last about nine years. The ENERGY STAR Label ENERGY STAR products usually exceed minimum federal standards by a substantial amount. ENERGY STAR-qualified products exceed the federal minimum standards for efficiency and quality. Look for the label on appliances, electronics, water heaters, windows and other products that consume energy in your home. The EnergyGuide Label To help you figure out whether

an appliance is energy efficient, the federal government requires most appliances to display the bright yellow and black EnergyGuide label. Although these labels will not show you which appliance is the most efficient on the market, they will show you the annual energy consumption and operating cost for each appliance so you can compare them yourself. How to Read the EnergyGuide Label The EnergyGuide label is required to be placed on all appliances by the manufacturers. The label provides information about energy consumption, and shows you how much energy an appliance uses compared with similar models. Keep in mind that the numbers are averages: actual costs will differ somewhat depending on how you use them. The label shows the following: • Maker, model number and size of the appliance. • Estimated yearly operating cost (based on the national average cost of electricity) and the range of operating

What’s the real cost? Every appliance has two price tags—the purchase price and the operating cost. Consider both when buying a new appliance. Courtesy of the U.S. Department of Energy

during times of peak electricity demand. You might not even be aware of it. For example, your air conditioner may run slightly less often. Or your refrigerator might delay its defrost cycle until the middle of the night. If your utility charges lower rates for electricity at Smart Appliances night, also called time-based rates, you Some manufacturers are now offercould save on your utility bill. ing “smart” appliances—appliances Such changes may be unnoticeable that can be connected to smart electric to you, but could add up to significant meters or home energy managesavings for your utility. Your utility ment systems to help you shift your provider can tell you more about the electricity use to off-peak hours. Air availability of smart grid technologies conditioners, refrigerators, dishwashers and time-based electricity rates in your and other appliances may be available area and how they can benefit you. as smart appliances. —Courtesy of the Department of Energy Smart appliances don’t just turn off costs for similar models. • Estimated yearly electricity consumption. • Key features of the appliance and the similar models that make up the cost comparison range.

PAT C H M A S T E R

For The First Time on Long Island, PatchMaster, a National Company and Professional Drywall Repair Specialist, Comes to Long Island’s North Shore!

WE DO THE DRYWALL REPAIRS YOU DON’T WANT TO DO!

WE PATCH:

• HOLES LEFT BY CONTRACTORS • DENTS, SCRATCHES, NAIL POPS • ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE • CEILING DAMAGE • CONCRETE CRACKS/DAMAGE TEXTURE & PAINT MATCHING AVAILABLE (Varies By Location)

CALL TODAY! (516) 341-1622 www.northshore.patchmaster.com

220932 S

HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE • MARCH 3 - 9, 2021

D E M OREMOVAL L I T• ICLEANUP ON DEMOLITION OF:

• Pools, all types • Bathhouses • Sheds • Dormers • Garages • Kitchens/Baths • Complete House Demolition • Buildings • All Phases of Interior and Exterior Demolition for Contractor Projects • Concrete Patios, Sidewalks, Driveways, Stoops

ALL PHASES OF CLEANOUTS:

• Fire and Flood Damage • Garage Cleanouts • Attic Cleanouts • Shed Cleanouts • Lot Clearing • Estate Cleanouts • Complete House and Apartment Cleanouts • Entire Building Cleanouts • Warehouse Cleanouts • Contruction Cleanouts • Eviction Cleanouts • Yard Debris Cleanouts

SAME DAY SERVICE

ALL SIZE DUMPSTERS AVAILABLE 5, 10, 15, 20 & 30 Yard Sizes

FREE

ESTIMATES

DEMOLITION RUBBISH REMOVAL CLEAN-UPS CLEAN-OUTS DUMPSTER RENTALS

MENTION COUPON CODE: EXPRESS

GET 25 OFF $

ANY DEMOLITION, CLEANOUT OR DUMPSTER RENTAL Discount may not be combined with any other offer. Coupon must be submitted at time of service.

FULLY LICENSED & INSURED: Nassau H3900100000 • Suffolk 45336-H

WWW.1866WEJUNKIT.COM A Division of R & C Rubbish Removal & Demolition

516.541.1557 1-866-935-8654 222550 S

6A MARCH 3 - 9, 2021 • HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE

Mark Leventhal brings a wealth of industry knowledge and local expertise to every client and transaction. Just Listed

Tax Time Is The Right Time To Get Organized Five tips to tame paper in your home or office BY TINA O’KEEFFE

purge your files and have a mountain to shred, you can call a shredding ax time is an excellent time to company. Many will come to your purge your papers and get a home and shred while you watch. fresh start. Here are some basic Or you can bring your shredding to tips on how to “spring clean” the filing a local office store where they will cabinet, baskets or cubbies where weigh your shredding and charge you your papers tend to dwell: by the pound. The documents will be placed in a secure bin and shred by a professional shredding service. Go Paperless Before we talk about how to handle paper, we should focus on the fact that “Mail” storm paper is avoidable. Banks, utilities Many struggle with the onslaught of and credit cards all offer paperless op- incoming mail. Use tax time as an options, many even charging customers portunity to revamp your mail intake who opt for paper statements. Opting system. Keep a small trash can and/ out of paper is the easiest and most or recycling bin at the collecting point environmentally friendly method to where mail is received and discard tame paper. unwanted items as soon as they enter. Then have a place for “actionable” items, a basket or tray, to be reviewed Archiving Files and acted on. Whatever your filing system, at tax Alternatively, you can contact time, relevant documents are pulled certain charities or companies that to support your tax return (for example, utility statements may be needed send you mail frequently and ask to be taken off their mailing list. to support expenses of a home office). All other documents should be destroyed, recycled or “archived”. Take Action This means removing them from the When placing items in a to do bin “active” file system you are using and or folder, make a rule that anything filing them in bins or boxes that are that enters requiring follow up (to out of the way and stored for personal be paid, to call, to research, to read) or legal purposes. Consult your finan- should become an item on your to-do cial advisor or accountant about the list or, even more potent, in your appropriate amount of time required calendar. In this way, nothing “gets to retain certain types of documents. lost” and your time as well as your paper is managed. Anytime is the right time to get Document organized, but when reviewing your Destruction papers, like during tax season, take Shredding on a regular basis is the advantage and get yourself organized best way to keep excess paper under so you have less work for next time. control but many are reluctant or procrastinate and the task becomes Tina O’Keeffe is the owner and unwieldy. The most consistent soluchief organizing officer of Stow and tion is to buy a shredder and shred Behold Professional Organizing periodically. Put a shredding date on based in Stewart Manor. your calendar and play music or a Visit www.stowandbehold.com for podcast on headphones as you shred. assistance with paper and other home If you have waited until tax time to or office organizing issues. specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

T 1.

33 Tiffany Circle, Manhasset, NY $1,425,000 · 3 Beds · 2 Baths · 1 Half Bath · 3,569 SF Spruce Pond renovated, luxurious North Shore gated community with 24/7 security. Close to all.

M a rk Leve nthal Founding Agent of North Shore, Long Island Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker mark.leventhal@compass.com M: 516.330.8001 O: 516.517.4751

Mark Leventhal is a real estate agent affiliated with Compass. Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.

220592 S

HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE • MARCH 3 - 9, 2021

Founding Agents of Long Island and Members of the Luxury Division

Celebrating our one year anniversary at Compass, our brand is proud to have found a new home, let us help you find yours! “Experience isn’t expensive...it’s priceless.”

The Colombos-Dooley Team Licensed Real Estate Salespersons colombosdooley@compass.com M: 516.315.7781 · O: 516.517.4751

Nicholas Colombos, Angela Dooley, Ann Heaney, Matthew Heaney, John Gloumis, Sean Passaretti, Marc Prosperi, Olga Themelis, Katie Hertsch

Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.

222457 S

MARCH 3 - 9, 2021 • HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE

From simple to intricate designs, California Closets systems are custom designed specifically for you and the way you live.

G R E E N VA L E 25 Northern Blvd 516.334.0077 C O N N E C T I C U T 565 Westport Ave, Norwalk 203.924.8444 @caliclosetsnyc

NY146_Anton_8.7x11.2_PXWallBed_0221.indd 1

222265 M

californiaclosets.com

2/15/21 9:31 AM