Find Advice & Local Savings to get your projectS StArted!

W hy It Pays To Hir e Contr actor s For Home Renovations

A sense of pride comes from a successful do-it-yourself home improvement project However, quite often inexperience and time constraints lead homeowners to tur n to professional contractors to make sure jobs get done correctly and on time Allied Market Research reported in 2021 that the home improvement services market is predicted to reach $585 3 billion by 2030 The following are some reasons why renovation-minded homeowners benefit from the services of professionals

• Tasks can be overwhelming: A home remodel is a large undertaking with many different steps Contractors who have been around the block a time or two understand how to organize and manage time to get the job done Plus, they’re devoting all of their attention and time toward the remodel when on the job This differs from when a do-it-yourselfer tries to work on a remodel in between other responsibilities

• Network of suppliers: A good general contractor will have a list of material suppliers he or she routinely uses Often contractors become preferred sellers, which means they get a lower wholesale rate, and will often pass those savings on to the customer

• Licensed and bonded protection: Licensed and bonded contractors not only have the skills for the job, they have insurance protection behind them Therefore, if an injury occurs or the job goes awry, the homeowner will be protected from liability A license means the contractor will have to uphold licensing standards, which could mean staying current on trade practices and skills

• Expertise: Experienced contractors have done the work they have been hired to do many times, which means their skills are fine-tuned Knowing the correct way to do a job results in fewer errors (and thus fewer repairs), shorter time periods to get the work done, and potentially lower costs overall

• Frees up time: Homeowners who hire out for remodels can utilize their time in other ways, such as on the job or spending time with family

• Reduces stress: Putting the work in capable hands means homeowners do not have to educate themselves about how to do the task, purchase tools, prevent injuries, and/or deal with potentially negative outcomes Certainly having extra people in the house can be challenging, but it may not equal the stress caused by tackling a job on one ’ s own There are many advantages to hiring contractors to renovate a home instead of taking the DIY route

Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips

There is no denying the relief cool air provides when the temperatures outdoors are particularly steamy In fact, having a place to cool off is a necessity for those who have succumbed to heat exhaustion or have difficulty regulating their body temperatures

Even though air conditioning can provide relief, some people are reluctant to tur n it on because of the drain on electricity and the subsequent high energy bills that come with it Certainly running the air conditioning can be costly, but regular maintenance helps a system to work more efficiently It also enables homeowners to recognize issues that can lead to expensive repairs if left unchecked

Here are some air conditioning maintenance tips to keep a system in top condition

• Change the filters Dirty, clogged filters can cause a system to work harder to cool down rooms, compromising efficiency Check the HVAC system’s manufacturer recommendation for how frequently to change the filters Some may benefit from monthly replacement if the air is running constantly

• Consider the MERV rating The filter will have a minimum efficiency reporting value, or MERV, according to This Old House The higher the number, the better the filtration But a higher MERV rating requires more energy to pull air through the filter Therefore, choose a balance of filtration and energy cost requirements

• Maintain the outdoor unit Clean the AC unit with a soft-bristle brush and vacuum the fins at the start of the season and if the unit becomes dirty from weather, pollen and other elements Bent condenser or evaporator fins can restrict air f low that would nor mally pass through the air conditioning system Gently straighten them to improve air f low

• Check and repair leaks Airf low leaks through ductwork and with window AC units can reduce efficiency Hold an incense stick or another smoldering item to check for leaks If the smoke blows around, there is leakage Use foil tape to seal small gaps and duct mastic for large ones Stuff foam around a window unit and use taping as necessary

• Supplement with a whole-house fan The Family Handyman says an attic-mounted fan pushes hot air out through the attic vents and draws cooler, outside air through open windows and doors The whole-house fan can be used to draw out most of the hot air before tur ning on the AC, or as a substitute on cooler days when having the AC on may not be crucial

• Schedule annual maintenance. Homeowners may be able to handle various maintenance tasks, or they may want to have an HVAC technician come out and do the following: clean and inspect coils; adjust and replace fan belts; lubricate motors and bearings; inspect controls and safeties, check refrigerant; and deter mine if the unit is large enough for the home Air conditioning systems need routine maintenance to operate efficiently and at the lowest cost possible

((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( )2- -3)2! "" (((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( #& ((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( "# # ((((((((( ' ((((((((((((( $ ! ((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((

! $

0-7-*= 7-2-)8- )22 +2)138 .57 ,)3)/- 3)= 0);- )/)1489 "9122<)9-7 %)22-= 52. 2:*

! # $ ! " #$! (((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((

+'$0' (-/3$/& $++ .2'01*-,0 1- '++4 -//*0 $1

" ! # '*%1 & !'/0$*++'0 )*-

Two From Area Named To Spring Dean’s List At Cedarville University

Cedarville University located in Cedarville, Ohio, has announced that Madison Lozier of New Bremen and Quinci Voisard of Minster were named to the spring 2023 Dean’s List Students earn this distinction by obtaining a 3 5 GPA or higher for the semester and carrying a minimum of 12 credit hours

Abigail Pleiman Named To Dean’s Honor List At Cedarville University

Abigail Pleiman of Anna, majoring in Biblical Studies, was named to the spring 2023 Dean’s Honor List at Cedarville University located in Cedarville Ohio

This recognition requires the student to obtain a 3 75 GPA or higher for the semester and carry a minimum of 12 credit hours

Two from Area Named to Dean’s List at Ohio Wesleyan Ohio Wesleyan University, located in Delaware, Ohio, is pleased to announce its Dean s List for spring semester 2023 To qualify for Dean’s List recognition students must earn a GPA of 3 5 or better on a 4 0 scale in all applicable classes

Local residents recognized for their academic achievements include Katie Lucas and Kyle Lucas, both of New Bremen

Kyle Lucas Graduates From Ohio Wesleyan

Kyle Lucas of New Bremen has graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University, located in Delaware, Ohio

Lucas earned a Bachelor of Arts degree cum laude He majored in Psychology and minored in Sociology/Anthropology