Fall Home Improvement 2012

A special supplement to:

OurColoradoNews.com

2 Fall Home Improvement

Small fixes can save big money Home improvement costs can be reduced with early action

By Chris Michlewicz cmichlewicz@ourcoloradonews.com

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There are a number of home improvement projects for Colorado residents to consider as they prepare for winter,and there is no shortage of local contractors to help make them happen.

Whether homeowners are looking to winterize with new windows, doors or insulation, or repair a roof that has been battered by summer hailstorms, it seems there’s always something to be done.

But the inevitable question is: Where do you start?

Prioritizing often comes down to the available budget.

Some decide to start small by painting the interior, getting the furnace inspected or installing new lighting, with the idea of saving up for larger undertakings next year or the year after.

After deciding which direction to go first, it’s a matter of finding a scrupulous, well-qualified professional to tackle the job.

Stock photo Douglas County-based DeSpain’s Home Solutions is one respected company that has answered the call for hundreds of homeowners.

Owner Eric DeSpain, of Parker, has built a reputation for solid craftsmanship since opening in 1992.

The Better Business Bureau-approved

company handles general home improvement services, from kitchen and bath design and remodeling to gutter replacement to plumbing fixes.

DeSpain says the tendency to ignore small repairs is often what gets people in trouble.

“There are little things people can do or

October 18, 2012

have done that really keeps other problems from happening,” he said. “The little bit you pay now is a whole lot less than what you pay a year or so down the line.”

He has encountered numerous examples, including exposed hardboard siding, which can soak up water like a sponge.

Broken hose bibs are also a problem because homeowners simply forget or are too lazy to unhook garden hoses before winter hits.

“The water sits in there and freezes and busts the pipe,” DeSpain said. “They don’t know it until summer when they turn it on, and then they end up with water inside their house.”

Furnace inspections by a certified HVAC specialist can prevent burned-out fans and improve efficiency, and the low-cost replacement of a toilet flapper can greatly reduce monthly water bills.

Another issue that Colorado residents confront is dry rot. The intense sun and lack of moisture contribute to dry rot on trim, which can then get into siding and “eat up the boards,” DeSpain said, adding the average siding job costs between $10,000 and $30,000.

He recommends getting an inspector’s checklist online to go over possible fixes on an annual basis.

Roof may need check before winter Get inspection from licensed contractor, association says

By Tom Munds tmunds@ourcoloradonews.com

C

Cooler temperatures and early snows mean it’s time to make sure the roof can deal with what winter has to offer.

For homeowners concerned about the condition of their roofs, the Colorado Roofing Association has a number of recommendations, including advising that the first step is to hire a licensed roofing contractor to do an inspection.

Apex Roofing Consultants is a licensed roofing contractor located in Centennial, and owner Michael Dye said the company often gets calls from homeowners concerned about the condition of their roof.

“Seeing missing shingles, shingles on the ground or shingles that are still on the roof but with the edges turned up are signals the homeowner should call a professional roofing contractor to evaluate the roof, he said. “We fre-

Stock photo

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quently get those calls and when we do, we try to get out as quickly as possible to do an inspection. “ He said his company is aware of the state of the economy, “so, if we can do it safely, we will do minor repairs to restore the integrity of the roof so it is ready for winter weather.”

Apex Roofing has more than 25 years of roofing experience and is a licensed, bonded contractor that does work on residential and commercial roofs, Dye said. He said 95 percent of the company’s jobs come as referrals.

He also talked about roofers he called storm chasers.

“When we have some bad weather, we see the arrival of the storm chasers,” Dye said. “They come into the area and Roof continues on Page 8

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Fall Home Improvement 3

October 18, 2012

A cool way to warm up your home NewsUSA

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As the cost of fuel continues to rise, homeowners look for more efficient ways to heat their homes.

One of the best ways to achieve efficiency, cost-effectiveness and comfort is to use a Hybrid Heat system. Hybrid Heat systems include a heat pump and gas furnace, managed by a compatible control or thermostat.

Hybrid heat or dual fuel systems deliver exceptional performance by using a heating source that provides its most energyefficient comfort during moderate heating conditions.

As the temperature drops outside, the system automatically switches to your second heating source when that becomes the

‘The rising price of gas and oil has spurred a great interest in alternative heating solutions.’

Rob Lambert, product manager and engineer most economical way to keep your family comfortable.

For instance, the Carrier Infinity Hybrid Heat system includes an Infinity 20 heat pump with Greenspeed intelligence and an Infinity 98 gas furnace with Greenspeed intelligence, managed by an Infinity control.

It is more efficient than any gas furnace alone, because it allows the flow between electric and gas heating to optimize the

economy of each fuel source.

“The rising price of gas and oil has spurred a great interest in alternative heating solutions,” says Rob Lambert, product manager and application engineer for Carrier’s residential cooling systems. “A Hybrid Heat system allows homeowners to save money on energy costs for years to come, since the system ‘balance point’ is set to help optimize each fuel source, depending

on utility costs and weather conditions in your area.”

The secret behind a Hybrid Heat system is the heat pump. A heat pump operates as an air conditioner in hot weather but can also reverse the process and heat the home when cold weather arrives. Rather than burning fuel to generate heat, a heat pump moves heat without a flame.

Since most heat pumps operate using electricity, it offers homeowners the flexibility and efficiency of electricity as an alternative fuel source.

With new technology available in the heating and cooling industry, now more homeowners can take advantage of systems that help them save money and provide home comfort.

Visit www.residential.carrier.com for more information on Hybrid Heat systems.

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4 Fall Home Improvement

October 18, 2012

Habitat offers free deconstruction services

Habitat for Humanity Special to CCM

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Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver’s Deconstruction Program offers homeowners a way to reduce the cost of their remodeling, scraping or demolition projects by offering free removal of old household items and materials.

Habitat works directly with homeowners to identify materials in their home suitable for resale.

Then the professionally led and trained Deconstruction Volunteer Team carefully removes the items for donation to Habitat’s ReStore Home Improvement Outlets.

This unique recovery program reduces the costs of home improvement projects, provides homeowners with a tax deduction for donated materials, and helps support Habitat for Humanity’s mission to eliminate poverty housing in Denver.

Selling everything from household appliances and cabinets to furniture and building materials, Habitat’s ReStores generate the revenue that helps to support Habitat’s administrative costs.

This allows Habitat to work in partnership with more local, low-income families.

Since opening their first ReStore in 2004, Habitat Metro Denver’s home production has increased by 70 percent, and this year it’s celebrating the construction of its 500th home.

Since its modest beginnings seven years ago, the Deconstruction Program has quickly become an integral component of the ReStores.

When Corey Biechele, Habitat’s deconstruction supervisor, first took a hold of the reins of the program in 2011, about 40 deconstructions were taking place annually.

But by this end of this year, he and his volunteer team will have completed over 100.

Biechele believes the deconstruction program’s rise in popularity has a lot to do with the benefits it affords homeowners. “On our full-size kitchen deconstructions, we’ve saved clients hundreds of dollars on their remodeling projects,” says Biechele.

But financial reward isn’t the only incentive that attracts donors.

He has found that many of his clients gain a sense of relief and pride when they’re able to put their old items to use rather than scrapping them.

“We hated the idea of just throwing (our cabinets and appliances) away and we knew that trying to sell it would be a challenge and a headache. Fortunately someone told us about Habitat for Humanity and we checked out the deconstruction and donation services,” said Sue, a homeowner in Douglas County. “We couldn’t have been more pleased to help out a good cause and not contribute further waste to our landfills.”

To find out more about the deconstruction program or to schedule a project preview, contact Corey Biechele at

Courtesy photos 303-960-4811 or at corey@habitatoutlet.org or visit www.

HabitatDenverDeconstruction.org.

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Decks can be dicey in winter

Fall Home Improvement 5

October 18, 2012

By Ryan Boldrey rboldrey@ourcoloradonews.com

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As the cold weather sets in, it’s never too late to make sure your deck is ready to hold the pounds of cold wet snow that will soon be sitting on top of it — and for the person who could be caught standing on that deck, shovel in hand, you.

“Snow can be very wet and heavy,” said Katie Scherping, who co-owns Archadeck in Douglas County with her husband, Gary. “And you need to make sure your deck is ready to handle the weight of it and you if you are out there shoveling it off.”

According to Gary Scherping, recordbreaking heat halted outdoor entertaining in a lot of places this summer, leaving homeowners to entertain indoors with the air on instead.

“Because of the extreme summer heat, many homeowners postponed inspection and repair of their decks,” he said. “Now that the elements are more conducive to outdoor entertaining, and the heavy wet snowfalls of winter are not far behind, homeowners should check their decks for

Decks can be great for entertaining year-round, which makes it even more important to make sure they are in tip-top shape for fall and winter. Courtesy photo safety concerns that could lead to accidents.”

The Scherpings recommend a number of things to make sure one’s decks is ready

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• • • • • • •

for fall and winter.

First, the boards need to be examined, ensuring none of them are rotting or damaged. Second, every connection that holds

Roofing Gutters Electrical Drywall All trim needs Decks Landscape

• • • • • •

the boards in place needs to be examined to make sure there is no corrosion and that none of the connectors are compromised.

There should be no nails backing out or rust.

If the structure of one’s deck is visible, the posts, beams and joists that provide the framework need to be looked at and one needs to be sure that there is no sagging between supports. The attachment of the deck to the house, however, is where most deck failures occur, and those bolts should be checked and properly flashed for water protection. Nails should never be used there either.

Additionally, the foundation should be examined for any possible sinking. And last, stairs should all have proper handrails and be examined to make sure they are sturdy.

“The way decks are now, with fire pits and outdoor heaters, you can really enjoy spending time on your deck year-round,” Katie Scherping said. “It’s best to be safe, and always good to make sure you have proper lighting on the deck as it gets dark sooner the more we get into fall and winter.”

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6 Fall Home Improvement

October 18, 2012

Fall care for healthy lawns

By Melinda Myers Special to CCM

S

Melinda Myers fertilizes with a spreader. Photo courtesy of Melinda Myers, LLC

4

Summer can be hard on our lawns.

With much of the country suffering from extreme heat and drought conditions this past summer, many lawns took a beating.

Fall is the perfect time to help your lawn recover from the stressors of summer and prepare for winter.

The warm soil and cooler temperatures promote root growth and thickening of the lawn.

Continue to mow the lawn as long as it keeps growing. Mow high to encourage deep roots and leave clippings on the lawn.

They add nutrients and organic matter to the soil and do not cause thatch.

There’s no need to cut the lawn shorter for winter unless you are in an area subject to winter diseases.

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fall leaves. This will save you time and improve your lawn. The leaves add organic matter and nutrients to the soil.

As long as you can see the grass leaves through the shredded leaves your lawn will be fine.

Or shred and collect the leaves in your bagger and add them to your compost, dig into annual gardens to improve the soil, or use as mulch around perennials in the garden.

Consider core aeration if your lawn is suffering from compacted soil and thatch.

Core aeration machines remove plugs of soil in the lawn, allowing air and water to reach and nourish the grass roots while promoting the breakdown of the thatch.

Overseed thin lawns after core aerating. This will enable you to get good seed to soil contact and ultimately enjoy a thicker more lush lawn.

And be sure to fertilize. Fall fertilization helps lawns recover from summer stress, encourages root growth, thickens your grass stand, and prepares the lawn for winter.

Use a low nitrogen fertilizer like Milorganite to encourage slow steady growth and prevent damage to already stressed lawns.

Plus, research has found when microorganisms work on the Milorganite to release the nutrients they also make some of the phosphorous and potassium bound to the soil available to the plants.

The phosphorous is good for root growth and potassium boosts hardiness and disease resistance.

Those in the south growing Bermuda, St Augustine and other warm weather grasses can make their last fertilization

about one month before the lawn goes dormant.

That’s about the time of the first killing frost.

Fertilizing later can result in winter damage.

Northern gardeners growing cool season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, fescue and ryegrass should make one application in early fall and their last application sometime between Halloween and Thanksgiving before the ground freezes.

And always sweep any clippings, fertilizer and other debris off walks and drives to prevent them from entering our waterways and eventually our drinking water.

Nationally known gardening expert, TV/radio host, author & columnist Melinda Myers has more than 30 years of horticulture experience and has written over 20 gardening books, including “Can’t Miss Small Space Gardening.”

She hosts the nationally syndicated “Melinda’s Garden Moment” segments, which air on over 115 TV and radio stations throughout the U.S. and Canada.

She is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and writes the twice monthly “Gardeners’ Questions” newspaper column.

Melinda also has a column in “Gardening Howto” magazine. Melinda hosted “The Plant Doctor” radio program for over 20 years as well as seven seasons of “Great Lakes Gardener” on PBS. She has written articles for Better Homes and Gardens and Fine Gardening and was a columnist and contributing editor for Backyard Living magazine.

Melinda has a master’s degree in horticulture, is a certified arborist and was a horticulture instructor with tenure.

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Fall Home Improvement 7

October 18, 2012

Lawns not done eating and drinking Autumn prime time to fertilize grass, bushes, trees

By Jane Reuter jreuter@ourcoloradonews.com

D

Despite the dip in temperatures, homeowners shouldn’t stop watering just yet, a local lawn consultant advises.

Instead, it’s time to get out the fertilizer and give grass, trees and bushes a head start toward a healthy summer of 2013.

“Roots are growing more, storing up energy to last them through the winter,” said David Keilt, a Douglas County resident and consultant with Winfield Solutions. “Even though the top may stop growing, the roots keep on going.”

Those roots still thirst for water to carry them through the winter, though the amount of water needed in cooler months is far less than during the summer.

And like an animal preparing for hibernation, they also are primed to absorb fertilizer that will come into play in the spring.

According to Colorado State University’s Cooperative Extension Office, Colorado lawns have a leg up on those in gloomier climates.

‘Even though the top may stop growing, the roots keep on going.’

David Keilt The state’s bright fall sunlight means photosynthesis continues at a rapid rate, but instead of fueling above-ground growth, the food produced by grass in fall goes to the roots.

That translates into less winter damage, an early spring green-up and a healthier plant through the next summer, according to CSU. Fertilizer gives vegetation another boost. But wait, Keilt said, until trees and bushes indicate they’re winding down for the season.

“Once leaves start to turn color, then you can fertilize,” he said. “If they’re still green, they’re still pushing energy up.”

Choose a winterizing fertilizer with a slow release of nutrients that allows grass

Stock photo to absorb at its leisure.

CSU advises applying at least one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet.

Double the rate with a natural organic fertilizer like dehydrated poultry waste.

If snowfall is light, Keilt suggests a good monthly soaking of grass, trees and bushes through the winter.

“Without any moisture, with that nice, warm Colorado sun beating down on your yard, what can happen during the winter is it can get so dry the roots will die.”

Homeowners also may aerate in the fall or spring, though Keilt said there’s little reason to do so more than once a year.

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8 Fall Home Improvement

October 18, 2012

Projects keep cold air out, bills down Easy fall tasks pay off through winter months

By Deborah Grigsby dgrigsby@ourcoloradonews.com

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Here in Colorado, it’s hard to think about winter when it’s still sunny and 80 degrees, but as the leaves begin to turn, tackling a few a few simple projects around the house now can help save plenty of dollars on your energy bill later.

Some of the simplest projects can help save the most.

For example, replacing the filter in your furnace will ensure it operates efficiently.

Trapped dust and dirt blocks the flow of air, forcing the system to work harder and use more energy.

Filters, on average, can often be installed in minutes, simply by following the instructions in your owner’s manual.

Replacing or upgrading air filters will improve the air quality in your home as well as help reduce allergies.

Programmable thermostats are also an easy fix that require little investment and effort.

Available at most home improvement stores, these small digital boxes allow homeowners to program interior temper-

Stock photo Chimney Sweeps in Centennial.

“Checking for the small things, like whether or not your damper is tightly sealed, will make sure the warm air stays in and the cold air stays out, regardless of whether you’re actually using the chimney.”

atures for up to a week at a time.

Lower temperatures at night and during the day when no one is home will result in noticeable energy savings.

Fireplaces are among the most overlooked item on the fall home improvement list, says Karen Fraser of Tip Top

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Windows and doors are also places where cold air can slip in, particularly in older homes.

“Sure, there are companies with infrared and thermal cameras that can tell you if you are losing heat and where,” said Mike Whiteside, a private home contractor in Denver. “But just simply run your hand around the edge of a window at night or when it’s cool outside, and most of the time you can feel the cold air.”

Whiteside suggests checking caulking and installing weather stripping where necessary to tighten seals around windows and doors, ensuring they’re all airtight.

And finally, it’s not always just cold air that slips in during the winter, Whiteside adds.

Mice and rodents also prefer a nice warm home when temperatures drop.

Weather stripping and door sweeps can also be a good deterrent.

Make sure large bags of dry pet food are stored in sealed plastic containers, particularly if they are stored in the garage. Dry pet food left on the floor and under kitchen counters can also attract mice and squirrels.

“If there aren’t allergies involved,” Whiteside said, “A good old-fashioned house cat is always an option.”

Stock photo

Roof: Professional firms provide accurate assessment Roof continues from Page 2

try to sign up as much business as possible as quickly possible. Typically, a storm chaser will go to a house and usually tell the owner their roof is damaged and needs to be repaired. We urge homeowners not to sign anything but to call a local, professional, licensed roofing contractor for a second opinion.”

He said professional contractors will provide an accurate assessment.

“Sometimes repairs are needed,” he said. “But

sometimes we’ll do the second opinion inspection and tell the homeowner that we’d love to sell them a roof but there is nothing wrong with the roof on their home.”

Homeowners searching for a professional licensed roofing contractor can find tips at the Colorado Roofing Association’s website at www.coloradoroofing.com The association states its goal is to help people make informed decisions regarding having work done on the roof.

Fall Home Improvement 9

October 18, 2012

Preparing your home for the holidays Times change, but house still reflects owner’s personality

By Rhonda Moore rmoore@ourcoloradonews.com

W

What might have begun as a Better Homes and Gardens tradition of swapping holiday recipes in the 1950s, segued into reams of Martha Stewart holidays in the 1990s, has today become a Pinterest dream, with countless holiday home decorating ideas.

A recent visit to Pinterest, which touts itself as an online “pinboard” where visitors can “pin” some of their favorite things, disclosed in early October 4,165 followers and 19 pins of holiday home decorating ideas.

The relatively small sampling of pins led to a maze of holiday home decorating ideas that could have lasted a visitor for days.

Among the DIY projects: a recycled Advent calendar idea made of cardboard clusters, a falling snowflake garland, a colorful array of crafts for a “beautiful Christmas mantel” and one pin containing ideas with 30 Christmas crafts.

While several pins provide links to

Stock photo Grandma’s traditional Better Homes and Gardens website, other pins provide links to more personal ideas from Pinterest followers.

And when it comes to holiday decorating, the personal touch is the secret ingredient to preparing your house for any guests, said Alison Kelly, owner of La-

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gniappe, a Parker-based home decorating company.

Originally a “Southern girl,” Kelly named her company after a Cajun-French term that means “a little something extra,” which is something that comes naturally in Louisiana, she said. It is also something that should come after browsing the In-

ternet for holiday inspiration has run its course.

Because when you’re preparing your home for the holidays, one thing you’re getting ready to do is welcome people into your personal sanctuary, Kelly said.

“I see the holidays as an opportunity for a moment of intimacy with your guests; you want them to feel as comfortable as possible,” she said. “People enjoy seeing your home as a reflection of who you are.

It’s going to give them an opportunity to get to know a little bit more about you.”

Kelly recommends using the weeks before holiday decorating begins to gain inspiration by spending time with those you know best - friends and family.

Outings at local boutiques, malls and coffee shops can double as conversations about what kind of holiday entertaining you enjoy the most.

Those who enjoy intimate gatherings will face home preparations that are different from those who are preparing for large, boisterous crowds. Either way, a holiday home should reflect the owner’s personality and send a message of joy to houseguests.

“You need to work with what it is that makes you happy,” Kelly said. “What are your surroundings, your traditions, your memories? The personal touch is best.”

10 Fall Home Improvement

October 18, 2012

Programmable thermostats are where it’s at NewsUSA

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From smart phones to programmable thermostats, today’s electronics come equipped with advanced operating systems that make life easier and more efficient. The challenge is knowing how to take full advantage of the capabilities of these devices.

Consider indoor environment devices like programmable thermostats.

Programmable thermostats are capable of controlling the entire heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) sys-

tem -- from heating to indoor air quality and energy management.

“Adjusting the temperature up and down doesn’t equate to savings or even comfort in the home,” said Jonathan Payne, product manager of programmable controls at Carrier. “The key to total comfort is the homeowner’s ability to control the temperature, humidity, air circulation and energy use.”

Although many homes have programmable thermostats, they may not be programmed or used properly. To truly realize the advantages of a programmable thermostat, consider these tips:

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1. Choose a thermostat that manages your system properly and efficiently.

Select a thermostat that is not only easy for you to understand and program, but one that controls all of the equipment in your HVAC system, including an air purifier, humidifier, air conditioner, furnace and/or heat pump.

2. Have the HVAC control or thermostat installed by a Carrier authorized dealer or other HVAC expert to ensure the wiring and settings are configured to match the needs of your specific system.

3. Choose a program that fits well with your lifestyle, and stick with it. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), energy can be saved if you keep energy-saving set points activated for longer timeframes. So, you could leave home energy-saving set points on during the work/ school day, or at night when family members are asleep, for instance.

4. Avoid overuse of the temporary “hold” feature. If you consistently “hold” or over-ride the pre-programmed settings, you could be wasting energy. The EPA suggests that the “hold” and “vacation” settings should be set several degrees warmer and cooler in the summer and winter months, respectively, and only used when you’re away from home for an extended stay.

5. Try not to achieve a quick fix. The EPA’s Proper Use Guidelines for Programmable Controls indicates that you will not heat or cool your house faster by adjusting the temperature on your thermostat to the extremes -- up to 80 degrees or down to 30 degrees.

To learn more about Carrier programmable thermostats, call 1-800-CARRIER or visit www.residential.carrier.com.

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October

On the horizon...

These are just a few of the projects we are working on for upcoming editions of your award-winning newspaper.

For more information on advertising your business in one of these upcoming special sections, contact Barb Stolte: Phone: 720-409-4764 Email: bstolte@OurColoradoNews.com

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November

Douglas County Charity Section Golden Chamber Directory Hometown Holidays Special Holiday Package Veterans Day Special Pages

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Douglas County Guide

February

Salute to Business

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Fall Home Improvement 11

October 18, 2012

Garden bounty brings fall nuisance Fruit flies annoying but not noxious

By Jennifer Smith jsmith@ourcoloradonews.com

T

They’re dastardly little buggers, and this is their favorite time of year: the dreaded fruit flies.

Fruit flies, also known as pomace or vinegar flies, eat, obviously, fruit. But they particularly enjoy overripe or fermented fruit, which are abundant during the end of summer and early fall harvest season.

“It’s like a candy stick to them,” says Robert Cox, CSU Extension agent. “But they really don’t represent any more than an annoyance.”

So they won’t eat your house plants or bite you, but they love to share your glass of wine or those bananas you’re saving for bread or muffins. The compost pile in your garden is sheer heaven.

To make matters worse, as they’re feasting on your bounty, they’re also laying eggs on it — up to 500 in their weeklong life cycle. Then the tiny little larvae hatch and join the party.

“Fruit flies, if they have a beneficial aspect, were used in early genetics research and experiments,” said Cox. “Because of their rapid life cycle, they exhibited heritable

traits.”

So other than fruitlessly whapping at them, what’s to be done?

“Be patient, and try to keep overripe fruit out of the kitchen,” said Cox. Eliminating their breeding grounds is really the only answer — check drains, old mops, under the refrigerator, the back of the vegetable bin — anywhere remnants of attractants might be.

As far as pesticides, Cox said nothing is very effective against the minuscule monsters.

“Spraying the entire house would be overkill environmentally,” he said.

Instead, try trapping them in a bottle of wine with a bit left in the bottom - they’re good at getting in, not so good at getting out, said Cox. Stock photo Or pour some vinegar into a jar, then make a funnel out of a piece of paper to set inside it for the same effect.

According to the University of Kentucky’s College of Agriculture, “Unless the breeding

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sites are removed or cleaned, the problem will continue no matter how often insecticides are applied to control the adults. Finding the source(s) of attraction and breeding

can be very challenging and often will require much thought and persistence.”

For more information on fruit flies, visit www.ext.colostate.edu.

12 Fall Home Improvement

October 18, 2012

When choosing HVAC system, consider space and needs ARA

W

When you’re remodeling your home it seems that there’s an endless list of design and decor choices to consider. At the end of the day, your decisions often revolve around helping your home put its best face forward.

You might choose hardwood floors because of how they’ll look when the sunlight hits them in a well-lit room. Or perhaps you opt for a vibrant color on an accent wall in a room that doesn’t get a lot of light. Selecting your HVAC system is no different - you want the one that functions the best in your home and meets your needs for comfort.

There are a wide variety of heating and air conditioning systems available for homeowners to choose from, so which one should you choose for your space? Learning more about three common types of systems - window units, ducted central heating and air, and duct-free systems - and the types of spaces where they work best can help you make your decision.

Window units The most basic of air conditioning units, window units do well to address a need in a specific room with minimal cost and no

construction. If you find yourself comfortable most of the time, save when you’re trying to go to sleep, a window unit in your bedroom may be your answer. Window units are an affordable upfront investment and can be moved from place to place, as well as stored for winter, making them a versatile choice.

Ducted central air systems If your home already has the framework of ducts required for this type of system, it can provide both heating and cooling comfort throughout your entire home. These systems are great for larger homes and apartments, as you won’t have to worry about installing and maintaining multiple window units and space is saved by moving the working parts of the air conditioner outside. Advanced systems also allow you to maintain different temperatures in different parts of the home, so everyone can be comfortable.

Duct-free systems Many consumers may not know there is another option out there, one that is actually more energy efficient than traditional central air and still provides even temperature control.

Duct-free systems still include an out-

door fan, but the outdoor unit is connected to the indoor unit via compact lines instead of large, unsightly air ducts. These lines deliver refrigerant directly to an indoor unit, and produce and distribute hot and cold air throughout the space.

LG Electronics offers customizable ductfree units, including its Art Cool series, which conceals the indoor units in a 20-by20-inch picture frame.

The new Art Cool Premier model also ranks in the top 5 percent in their category for energy efficiency, according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR rankings and feature an industry leading seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) of 28.

Where are duct-free systems appropriate? * Remodels and additions, eliminating the need for bulky ductwork * As a supplement for rooms that never seem to be the right temperature * Older homes unable to accommodate ductwork * Design-oriented homes seeking to mask appearance of home comfort systems By taking some time to think about which type of HVAC system works best for your home, you’ll help ensure that you get the best system for your money and that

Stock photo you’ll live in comfort for years to come.

For more on duct-free HVAC systems, visit www.LGhvac.com.

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