Fall Home Improvement 2018

Simple tips to turn down the heating bill Austin Daily Herald

of course a simple phone call to Austin Utilities will The coming of winter always help lead the way to means a lot of things to a lessening that burden. lot of people.

However, there are some It can mean outdoor rec- things you can do to cut reation in the form of ski- costs that require very liting, snowshoeing and even tle work. building a snowman.

Keep in mind these five It can also mean head- things that can help you on a c h e s i n t h e f o r m o f your way to cheaper bills. blinding snowstorms, icy roads and shoveling side- 1. Change walks. furnace filters But these headaches can Make an effort to change also mean financial bur- filters once a month. Dirty dens on your utility bills filters decrease air flow. each month as energy demands rise.

2. Run ceiling fans T h e re a re p l e n t y o f in reverse things you can do to help Many ceiling fans can be take down these costs and reversed through the flick plenty of online sites that of a switch. Switching a fan will help guide you. And to run clockwise circulates newsroom@austindailyherald.com

warmer air at the ceiling down into living spaces, helping to cut heating costs by as much as 10 percent.

3. Turn down your water heater

Water heaters are often set to 140 degrees Fahrenheit when installed, but lowering the temperature to 120 degrees would lower heating costs by 6 to 10 percent.

4. Taking care of drafts

Drafts in the house can zap your energy use. Often these drafts sneak in under doors. This is as simple of a fix as you can get. Simply grab a towel and place it against the door. Many stores also have items you

With the onset of winter brings a mindfulness of higher energy use. Help decrease those bills with simple tips to winterize your home. Metro image. can purchase to get the job your favorite hoodie, put on some wool socks and knock done. down that thermostat a few notches.

5. Bundle up The simple act of putting — Infor mation taken a heavy shirt or a sweater on can make a noticeable from a 2017 Popular Medifference in bills. Slip on chanics. Read more about

these tips as well as several others to make your energy needs this winter a little less of a headache. www.popularmechanics.com/home/ interior-projects/how-to/ g52/winterize-home-tips-energy-461008/

Weatherization myths – debunked!

Weatherizing your home for each season can make it more comfortable — but how to do it can be confusing. Here are four common weatherizing myths — busted! — to help get your home ready for cooler weather to come.

Myth 1: It doesn’t matter where your thermostat is placed.

Truth: Location, location, location!

You may be spending more on heating and cooling than you need to be if your thermostat is in the wrong place. Placed in direct sunlight, you run the risk of getting false readings, as it can “think” the room is warmer than it actually feels, causing your air conditioner to turn on when it isn’t needed. Similarly, a thermostat placed near the kitchen often reads that the home is far warmer than it truly is due to the stove and oven. The best location is on an interior wall, centrally located and near areas where you spend the most time, ensuring these rooms are the most comfortable.

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fitting snuggly to indoor window frames to provide an airtight, crystal-clear seal.

Myth 3: It’s expensive to draft-proof your home.

Truth: Homeowners can actually save hundreds of dollars annually on heating and cooling costs with proper weatherization early in the season. How do you do it?

There are many inexpensive, do-it-yourself weatherization products that are easy on the wallet and easy to install, requiring minimal — if any — tools.

Windows and doors are the two largest draft sources in any home and should be top priorities for homeowners. Duck brand MAX Strength Silicone Weatherstrip Seals Myth 2: Closed curtains and blinds in are quick to install and seal various size gaps around windows and doors that may cold weather prevent heat escape.

Truth: According to the Department be allowing air to escape. of Energy, shades and drapes can reduce heat loss from a warm room by up to 10 Myth 4: It’s cheaper to keep your percent. However, opening curtains and home at a constant temperature.

Truth: A common misconception is that blinds during the day when direct sunlight hits can also allow for a warming effect. In it’s better to keep your home at a constant winter, draperies should be closed at dusk temperature, even when you’re not home.

However, if the system runs less during the but opened at dawn.

In addition, heat escape through win- day, it uses less energy. According to Enerdows can be prevented with window insu- gy.gov, you can save as much as 10 percent lation products such as Duck brand Roll- a year on heating and cooling by turning On Window Kits, which create a barrier your thermostat back 7-10 degrees from its between outdoor air and a home’s interior, normal setting for eight hours a day.

Don’t let common myths scare you. helping block drafts and air leaks. And, it’s also a myth that these are hard to install: A Weatherizing can be an affordable, easy pre-taped edge makes for easy roll-on ap- do-it-yourself project — especially if you plication, requiring no measuring, while plan ahead.

How to select the best ceiling fans for your home State Point Media

If you have a “less is more” outlook on home decorating purchasing decisions, you probably want your lighting fixtures to not only be functional, but also fashionable elements that complement other accessories and contribute to your overall interior design. When it comes to ceiling fans, experts say that by shopping around, you can find a highly functional fixture that can even serve as the focal point of a room.

“Today’s ceiling fans incorporate beautiful features, such as hand carved blades, sleek finishes and natural elements — to appeal to a variety of different design trends,” says Steve Register, ceiling fan product manager for Progress Lighting.

So how do you select the best one for your space?

Choose Your Features

• Versatile functionality. Do you want to use your ceiling fan year-round? Simply select a fan with reversible blades for the option to circulate cool air in summer or warm air in winter.

• Efficiency. To save energy and green your home, consider an ENERGY STAR rated fixture.

• Lighting. To get in on today’s lighting trends, go for a layered lighting design in your space by installing a light kit or selecting a fan with a pre-installed fixture.

• Control. Some fans feature full-range dimming and full-function remote control capabilities, to offer added convenience in controlling a room’s environment.

Size it to Your Space

Size is really important when selecting a ceiling fan.

If a fan is too large, it can overwhelm the space. On

the flip side, if the fan is too small, the airflow may be inadequate. The American Lighting Association suggests the following fan sizes compared to square footage: • Up to 75 square-feet – 36 inches or less • 75-144 square-feet – 36 to 42 inches • 144-225 square-feet – 44 to 40 inches • 225-400 sq. ft – 50 to 54 inches

Find Your Style

Once you’ve identified the size and application of your fan, it’s time for the fun part -- choosing a style that complements your style.

Consider fan shape, blade features and finish to help you meet the room’s design needs.

For a simple home upgrade that goes a long way, consider a ceiling fan with all the features you’ll want and need for year-round comfort and beauty.

Make yourself at home with a loan from Accentra Whether you’re looking to make improvements to your current home or you’ve decided to make the move to a new address, Accentra will work with you to find the best loan for your needs.

Learn more at accentracu.org/homeloans accentracu.org • 800-533-0448 Federally Insured by NCUA

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AUSTIN DAILY HERALD  FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT

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I s i t t i m e t o re p l a c e your home’s entry door?

If your foyer is drafty, the answer is yes. Par ticularly with winter around the corner. Not only will a new door boost exterior appeal, it will prepare interiors for a temperature dip, making your home more comfortable, while saving you money on utility bills.

So, what should you be looking for in a door?

• A tailored fit. Nothing feels quite as good a s we l l - t a i l o re d cl o t h ing created specifically to your size, shape and style preference. Off-therack clothing just doesn’t fit everyone’s measurements. Similarly, off-therack doors fall short of expectations in the same way. The materials and

workmanship that go into custom-made doors are of exce ptional quality and durability, and far exceed what is available as ready-made. Unlike consumer-grade doors, which are cut down to fit your need, professional-class doors are built to your exact measurements for a more secure and energy efficient door.

• Energ y ef ficiency.

Look for ENERGY STAR cer tified doors, which have been independently tested and certified to meet strict energ y-ef ficiency standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency. While a new door does come with a price tag, it’s important to keep in mind that the right choice can help you lower your utility bills and ultimately present a return on your investment.

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD  FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT

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Is it time to replace your entry door? What to know

• Quality materials.

While wood doors of fer a beautiful classic look, they require regular m a i n t e n a n c e a n d l a ck the endurance, security and energy efficiency of fiberglass or steel. Con-

sider opting for quality materials that will last a long time but not force you to sacrifice the look you want. For example, the low-maintenance fiberglass options offered by d o o r s y s t e m m a nu -

facturer ProVia include the Signet and Heritage collections and provide the classic look of real woodgrain, but are engineered to be highly energy efficient. The Legacy steel collection provides

durability and energy efficiency, whether you opt for a woodgrain texture or smooth steel look, and is a good choice if security is your top priority.

• T h e r i g h t s t y l e.

When selecting a style and color, take into consideration the cur rent architectural elements of your home. Use online tools that allow you to upload an image of your home’s exterior and play with various combinations to deter mine the right fit. Kee p in mind that an entry door can either be a place to maintain the overall mood of your home’s exterior or a way to add a pop of color.

This fall, set yourself up for a comfortable winter. Upgrade your entry door for substantial energy savings and a more secure home.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2018

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Tips to upgrade your home gaming experience An Intelligent Light Control feature senses ambient brightness in the room and automatically adjusts the projection brightness accordingly, to ensure gamers will have quality visuals in any lighting conditions.

When it comes to connectivity, this lamp-free model features two HDMI terminals as well as a USB power supply.

“In the gaming industry, it’s clear that enthusiasts are passionate about creating a complete experience to truly immerse themselves in the game,” says Joe Gillio, senior director, Casio’s Business Projector Division. “Those who love video games want to ensure they have

innovative features, bright images and great visuals at an affordable price.”

Ergonomics

Let’s face it. If you’re a serious gamer, you’re spending hours a week on your hobby. May as well settle in and get comfortable, right? Opt for ergonomic accessories and furniture so you can keep playing for a long time, without straining your back, neck or wrists. You may just become a better player if you do.

You already have the latest console and today’s top-notch games. With a few upgrades, you can ensure your tools and accessories are up to snuff, too.

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with a multi-piece speaker system that includes a subwoofer. If Whether going on an epic ad- you want to pump up the sound venture, hunting for treasure, without disrupting the rest of exploring vast wondrous lands, the household, consider soundor playing sports, video gamers proofing the room where you do are always seeking the latest your gaming. Stylish, affordable ways to create the ultimate ex- ways to do so include hanging thick tapestries or curtains. perience at home.

Here are three ways to upgrade your home gaming tools Better Visuals Take your visuals to the next for a more immersive experilevel with a high-quality proence. jector, such as the XJ-F210WN, part of Casio’s award-winning Surround sound Today’s games feature sound Advanced Series line. Reaching design that deserve the best at- maximum brightness in as fast home sound systems to match. as five seconds, its dust resistant To truly bring your games to life, design helps ensure that projeccreate a surround sound effect tion brightness stays consistent.

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3 easy ways to illuminate your home for the holidays State Point Media

‘Tis the season of friends, family and entertaining! If you’re planning on hosting guests — whether for an entire week of family fun or a one-night celebration — now’s the time to get your home in the holiday spirit.

“Preparing a home for the holidays doesn’t have to require adding extensive decorations or undergoing a total remodel to update favorite spaces,” says Jennifer Kis, director of marketing communications for Progress Lighting. “Small changes through lighting can create a festive and comfortable environment with minimal effort and investment.”

Here are three easy tips to try: •Update Entryways and Foyers. Your entryway is your opportunity to make an exceptional first impression and set the tone for the rest of the interior.

Add drama to your foyer with a grouping of striking, oversized pendant lights in lieu of a traditional chandelier.

•Pay Attention to Shared Spaces. Popular spaces where friends and family are likely to

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gather most during the holidays include great rooms, living rooms and dining areas. A large statement chandelier in a common living space creates a focal point and also ensures there is enough illumination for card games, movies and coffee and cocoa by the fireside.

•Illuminate Walkways to Enhance Curb Appeal. Simple outdoor lighting techniques can improve a home’s appearance

and also offer functional features during the holidays and beyond.

Added illumination will improve safety and enhance security, while bringing a new bold look to the front of your home. To create instant curb appeal, hang a large lantern on either side of your front door, or install a post lantern at the front of your walkway.

In a few easy steps, you can light up your home for a warm and welcoming holiday season.

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD  FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT