2 | April 23, 2016 • Home & Garden
www.addison-eagle.com
Published by New Market Press, Inc.
Take a look at outdoor living trends this spring
(NAPS) Ñ You can still have a hot time in your own backyard, even when the weather cools, if you follow these trends and enhance the natural beauty of your patio, poolscape, walkway or driveway. Top Trends Here’s a look at five delightful ways people make the most of their outdoor space these days, according to the experts at Belgard, the go-to place for paving stones, fire features, brick ovens and other outdoor living elements. • Get cozy: For enjoyment all year round, install a fireplace or firepit as a part of a backyard space to serve as a much-loved gathering spot and a complementary, permanent part of an overall outdoor living design. • Bigger is better: Depart from the traditional small cobble and brick pavers and explore large-format pavers for natural stone looks that mimic the appearance and texture of slate, flagstone or hand-chiseled rock. • Creative cohesion: Take advantage of modular units such as grill islands, brick ovens, wood boxes, fireplaces and more to create a customized outdoor space that works with a patio’s existing pavers to create a harmonious, cohesive look. • Spruce it up: If a deck’s surrounding landscaping thins when the weather cools, consider planting fall perennials that bloom and thrive during those months including certain varieties of hydrangeas, mums and tall grasses. • Pull up comfort: Define a space and create extra seating with built-in seat walls and add ottomans, throw pillows and stools to create an even more inviting outdoor setting. Homeowners can find further inspiration on ways to bring backyard dreams to life using the Belgard Idea Book or even uploading a photo of their own outdoor spaces to the Project Visualizer. Paving The Way For Veterans In addition to creating beautiful hardscapes installations, the company is dedicated to giving back through Welcome Home, an initiative aimed at supporting members of the military and their families. Until Veterans Day, Belgard will donate $100 for every paver project installed to the USO, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting, connecting and comforting American troops and their families throughout every step of their military journey. For more information about how you can contribute, please visit www.belgard.com/home.
This season’s trends are all about taking advantage of cooling temperatures rather than fighting them and adding simple, cozy touches to a patio area to make it a go-to entertaining destination.
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Home & Garden • April 23, 2016 | 3
New comfort for older homes
(NAPS) Ñ The charm of an older home is an attractive selling feature. Less appealing are the inefficiencies of an older heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system or the absence of a cooling system. Updating to an HVAC system improves comfort and often makes good economic sense, but it requires careful planning. Asking the right questions and enlisting the help of a qualified HVAC contractor can make it possible to create a comfortable, efficient environment without spoiling the character of these classic structures. Step 1: Determine how much equipment you need Ask your HVAC contractor to conduct a “Manual J” load calculation to determine your homeÕ s unique heating and cooling needs. This calculation analyzes everything that affects air temperature in your home—things like windows, orientation to the sun, and duct leakage. Using this calculation, your contractor can recommend the right-size equipment for your home. Step 2: Determine the location of the unit and inspect ductwork Ask your contractor where the new equipment will be located and whether your ductwork is properly sealed, insulated and sized for the equipment. Dust and debris in the ductwork can reduce the HVAC system’s efficiency and damage its components, so have the ductwork inspected before shopping for a new system. Your contractor should also inspect the homeÕ s electrical system to be sure it provides enough power to handle a new, upgraded HVAC system. Step 3: Discuss your efficiency and “stage” options Whether shopping for a furnace, air conditioner or heat pump, always check the efficiency of the unit you are considering. The efficiency of a fuel-burning furnace is expressed as the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE). Air-conditioning systems are rated according to their seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) and heat pump efficiency is expressed as the unit’s heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF). Generally speaking, a higher AFUE, SEER or HSPF means increased efficiency and reduced
operating expenses. If you’re in the market for a new furnace, choose from a single-stage, two-stage or modulating furnace. Singlestage furnaces operate at full capacity all the time. Twostage furnaces have two separate heating settings—a lower setting that is used when the furnace turns on and runs during milder winter days and a higher stage for colder conditions. Modulating furnaces, such as the York® Affinity™ Series gas furnaces, can run at any speed within a set range, allowing them to choose the precise speed that’s most efficient for the given heating demand and offering the most energy-efficient heating solution. Also, consider installing a programmable thermostat to control your new HVAC system. These thermostats
offer accurate, reliable, energy-saving performance, and in some cases they include Wi-Fi® support to work with mobile devices to easily program a system remotely. Step 4: Understand your warranty Finally, be sure to check the warranty coverage offered by the equipment manufacturer. Your contractor should be very clear about whatÕ s covered. Also, ask whether an extended warranty is available and what advantages it offers. To learn more about energy-efficient heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) products, visit www. york.com, www.youtube.com/yorkhomecomfort and @ YorkHVAC on Twitter or call (877) 874-7378.
4 | April 23, 2016 • Home & Garden
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Published by New Market Press, Inc.
Tips and tools to make chores easier (NAPS) — Whether your “to-do” list is getting you down or gearing you up for do-it-yourself fun, you want to be sure you have the right equipment to minimize the time, money and elbow grease you have to expend. Therefore, you should look for products that can help make lawn care, gardening, home improvement and other DIY projects easier to accomplish. For example, instead of laboring to push an aerator around your lawn, consider a liquid dethatcher. You apply the dethatcher using a sprayer on the end of the garden hose and the formula works to aerate soil and break up the layer of thatch that hinders grass growth. Renting tools or equipment you use occasionally can save you time and money. Many home improvement stores now offer a wide range of tools for rent, from bench saws and floor sanders to augers and overseeders. By renting, you avoid storage issues and maintenance chores. One piece of equipment a DIYer can use all year round is an off-road vehicle. By having it for heavy jobs, you can avoid the expense of hiring additional workers for projects such as: • Removing dead branches and towing out bushes and trees. With a winch on the front of the vehicle or a tow strap at the rear, you can pull out old brush more easily. • Smoothing out fresh dirt with a plow. Raking by hand is messy and takes a lot of time. Instead, hook up a plow to your off-road vehicle and gently smooth out the dirt. If the dirt is al-
With the right equipment, DIY projects can be easier and more fun.
ready level, attach a pull-behind rake to the vehicle to get set for planting or seeding. • Carting lumber. You take fewer trips and save yourself from muscle aches and splinters. You can also reduce the number of helpers you need for the project. • If you have a boat dock, use your
off-road vehicle to tow it into the water. • Hauling rocks or mulch around. You may be able to get more done with a versatile Polaris RANGER side-byside. These have a rear dump box so you can move and distribute materials in different garden beds or around all your trees. • Now for the best part: After all the
hard work, take your vehicle out on the trail for a bit of fun. The two-passenger RANGER side-by-sides fit into the bed of most full-sized pickups, making it easy for you and a companion to take a break from the work and hit the trails. Learn More For further facts and tips, visit www. polaris.com/en-us/ranger-utv.
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Clear finishes, sometimes called “topcoats,” can protect your wood floors from damage due to water, household chemicals and everyday wear.
Wood finishing tips that will have you and your guests floored (NAPS) — While often overlooked, your floors are your home’s greatest canvas and one of its true untapped features. Replacing your hardwood floors can be expensive and time consuming, but refinishing them will not only restore the richness and elegance of the wood to a beautiful appearance, it will also protect it from everyday wear and add value to your home. To ensure that your floor finishing is a success, consider these tips from Minwax® spokesperson and wood finishing expert, Bruce Johnson: • Test it First: Always test any stain you are considering on an inconspicuous spot, such as in a closet. All woods react differently to stain, so what you see on a sample in the store or online may not be the same as how your wood accepts and responds to the stain you apply. • Sand Away: Don’t skimp on the sanding before you stain. Stains depend on open pores for adequate absorption and only by sanding off any old finish can the pores be opened to receive your new coat of stain. Never sand after you apply your stain. • Brush it Off: Dust is the enemy of a smooth finish. To remove all the sanding dust from the pores and joints, use the bristle attachment on a shop vacuum. Then wipe the floor with a clean, damp cloth. • Note the Exit: Plan carefully so you can exit the room without walking across wet stain. Also plan to complete the staining of the entire room in one session to avoid lap marks that are darker in color. • Timing is Everything: Keep in mind that the final color of any stain is determined in part by how much stain the wood absorbs. The longer the stain sits on the wood, the darker and richer the color will be. During your test, note the amount of time that lapses between applying the stain and wiping off the excess so you can repeat this for the color you desire. • Remove Excess Stain: Never let stain sit on the wood for longer than the label directions recommend. And always remove any stain that the wood does not absorb. Allowing stain to dry on the wood surface will prevent your clear protective finish from adhering. • Between the Lines: When staining in sections, stop your stain application at a joint between two boards rather than in the middle of one board. Individual boards may accept the stain slightly differently, so a slight change in color between boards will not be as noticeable as a change in color created by stopping in the middle of a board. • Give it Time: Do not apply your first coat of clear protective finish until the stain is completely dry. If a clear finish is applied over a wet stain, the stain will be pulled back out of the pores of the wood and will mix with the finish, creating a Ô muddyÕ effect. Or worse, your protective finish may not adhere to the floor. You should allow 24 hours for your stain to dry before applying the finish. • Protect Your Floor: Stain adds color to wood but will not protect your floor from foot traffic, spills and everyday wear. For the best results, apply Minwax® Ultimate Floor Finish, a technologically advanced topcoat for floors that provides a crystal clear finish with superior durability. It dries in just two hours, and cleans up with soap and water. Minwax® Ultimate Floor Finish is certified to GREENGUARD standards for low chemical emission into indoor air during product usage. Learn More For more tips and techniques on floors and other wood projects, visit www. minwax.com.
Home & Garden • April 23, 2016 | 5
6 | April 23, 2016 • Home & Garden
www.addison-eagle.com
Published by New Market Press, Inc.
Why it’s smart to connect with your appliances
Smart appliances can help you get things done the fastest, most energy-efficient and easiest way for you.
(NAPS) — While you’re away from home or busy around the house, your home appliances, if you’re living in a smart home, remain hard at work. It may seem like a concept for the future to many, but the connected home is here, allowing you to control your major electrical appliances and services so you can monitor them from just about anywhere. What A Connected Home Can Do “Smart” systems and appliances can go about their business, doing things for you without you having to be there. • A smart refrigerator could catalog its own contents, suggest menus, recommend healthy alter- natives and order food to be delivered. • You can set up your thermostat to turn the heat or airconditioning on just before you come home. • Your connected home can monitor your pets and children while you’re not in the room and “see” who comes to the door. • You may be able to check messages, open windows, operate lights and curtains, and monitor a renewable energy system through your smartphone, from work, on vacation or just sitting on your couch at home. • A washer and dryer from Whirlpool can integrate with the Nest Learning Thermostat to keep clothes fresh if a cycle ends when youÕ re not home. The dryer can also switch into a slightly longer, more energy-efficient cycle. A mobile app lets you remotely start and pause cycles, track cycle progress, and receive energy use and a notification when the load is finished. Smart appliances can help you get things done the fastest, most energy-efficient and easiest way for you. • You may also warm to the idea of being able to control your oven from anywhere. The new Jenn-Air Culinary Center automatically sets the oven cycle based on the doneness levels you select. Basically, this kind of purposeful connectivity anticipates your needs, adjusting to common behaviors and activating meaningful solutions so you can deal with what matters most to you and your family on a schedule you set. Learn More You can find further facts at www.whirlpool.com and www.whirlpool.com/works-with-nest.
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Home & Garden • April 23, 2016 | 7
Keep your lawn and garden equipment in top shape age. Always keep fuel out of the reach of children and away from heat sources or flames. 9. Lubricate, sharpen and charge as needed. Check the oil levels and blade conditions. Change the oil if necessary. Sharpen lawn mower blades. Inspect the spark plug, replace it and add clean engine oil. Check the air filter and clean or replace as needed. If equipment has a removable battery, take it out and store it in a warm spot. If you have a battery charger, charge the battery before storing it. 10. Service equipment. If you are not comfortable performing some of these tasks or think that your equipment needs additional servicing, take it to a dealer or repair shop. 11. Identify and clear a safe storage space. An indoor storage area will protect equipment from the elements. Your storage area should be cool and dry, and equipment should be out of the reach of children and pets. Store equipment away from pool chemicals, cleaners or fertilizers—anything that could cause corrosion from spills. 12. Properly store supplies. Using approved storage containers for lawn care or yard supplies will help avoid spills. Leftover materials should be stored in sealed containers, so pests are not drawn to them. Keep containers out of the reach of children and pets. 13. Locate your cold weather power equipment. Check your snow shovels, snowblowers or throwers, ice scrapers, ice melt or rock salt. If you are low on supplies, stock up. Keep this equipment and supplies in an accessible location so theyÕ ll be handy when the first snowflakes fall. “Equipment that is well maintained will last longer and save you money in the long run. Maintaining, winterizing and storing outdoor power equipment
properly means that when spring arrives, your equipment will be ready,” said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade association representing
power equipment, small engine, and utility vehicle manufacturers and suppliers. Learn More For further facts and safety tips, go to www.opei.org.
Put your power equipment away properly now for an easier time of it when the growing season starts again.
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(NAPS) — For outdoor power equipment to work better for less cost and effort later in the year, you need to properly maintain and store it now. Here are 13 tips that can help. Storage Suggestions 1. Set up a safe work zone. Identify a safe location with plenty of work space thatÕ s out of the way of children and pets. Work only in a well-ventilated area away from heat sources, sparks or flames. 2. Collect your outdoor power equipment. This might include a lawn mower, generator, string trimmer, chain saw, edger, power washer, blower, chipper, splitter or any other tool that uses a small engine to do outdoor work. 3. Make sure the equipment is turned off. Before servicing or repairing any outdoor power equipment, disconnect the spark plug and battery cables. 4. Protect yourself. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect against harmful chemicals and debris. 5. Inspect the equipment. Make sure safety guards are not disabled or missing. Check for loose belts or missing or damaged guards. Check and tighten all screws and nuts. 6. Clean the equipment. Remove any accumulated grass, leaves and dirt. Use a soft rag or cloth to clean away grime and dirt. 7. Drain the fuel. Many fuels today contain ethanol, which absorbs water and may phase separate, causing operating problems later. If there is fuel in the tank, remove what remains. Run the engine until it stops to use up all the fuel. Get more information on safe fueling at www.LookBeforeYouPump.com. 8. Store leftover fuel properly. Gasoline should be stored no more than 30 days unless it’s treated with a fuel stabilizer. Use a sealed container approved for fuel stor-
8 | April 23, 2016 • Home & Garden
www.addison-eagle.com
Published by New Market Press, Inc.
Living landscapes bring surprising health benefits (NAPS) — There’s a good—and surprising—reason you may pine for greenery. Living landscapes are an important part of the outdoor lifestyle that Americans enjoy but the benefits go beyond the barbecue and backyard baseball. Green spaces are necessary for your health. “The advantages of grass and landscaping surpass the usual physical benefits that result from outdoor activity,” explained Kris Kiser, president and CEO, Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). “Numerous studies have found that people who spend more time outside or who are exposed to living landscapes are happier, healthier and smarter.” Researchers have studied the effect of nature on human well-being for years, but recent studies found a more direct correlation between human health, particularly related to stress, and the importance of access to nature and managed landscapes. Here’s a look at a few: • Getting dirty is actually good for you, according to Dr. Christopher Lowery, a neuroscientist at the University of Bristol in England. Mycobacterium vaccae in soil stimulates serotonin production, which explains why people who spend time gardening and have direct contact with soil feel more relaxed and happier. • Living near living landscapes can improve your mental health. Researchers in England found that people moving to greener areas experienced an immediate improvement in mental health that was sustained for at least three years after they moved. The study also showed that people relocating to a more developed area suffered a drop in mental health. • Green spaces can make you healthier, too. People who live within a half mile of green space (such as parks, public gar-
Studies show that green spaces and landscaping contribute to health, happiness and intellect.
dens and greenways) were found to have a lower incidence of 15 diseases by Dutch researchers—including depression, anxiety, heart disease, diabetes, asthma and migraines. A 2015 study found that people living on streets with more trees had a boost in heart and metabolic health. • Living landscapes can even reduce attention-deficit/hyper-activity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. Children gain attention and working memory benefits when they are exposed to greenery, says a study led by the Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology in Barcelona. In addition, exposure to natural settings may
be widely effective in reducing ADHD symptoms in children. • Spending time around plants also improves concentration and memory in adults. Research shows that being around plants helps you concentrate better at home and at work. Charlie Hall, Ellison Chair in International Floriculture at Texas A&M University, believes that spending time in gardens can improve attention span and memory performance by as much as 20 percent. • Gardening is great for the body and the soul. People who gardened for at least 30 minutes a week had lower body mass
indexes, a measure of body fat, as well as higher levels of self-esteem and better moods overall. They also reported lower levels of tension and stress. • Nature walks (or runs) are great for your brain and stress levels. A National Institutes of Health study found that adults demonstrate significant cognitive gains after going on a nature walk. A Stanford University study found that walking in nature, rather than in a concrete-oriented, urban environment, resulted in decreased anxiety, rumination, and negative affect, and produced cognitive benefits, such as increased working memory performance. • Living landscapes help you heal faster. Multiple studies have discovered that plants in hospital recovery rooms or views of aesthetically pleasing gardens help patients heal up to one day faster than those who are in more austere environments. • You might even be a nicer person when you spend time in nature, as it enhances social interactions, value for community and close relationships. A systematic research review concluded that “the balance of evidence indicates conclusively that knowing and experiencing nature makes us generally happier, healthier people.” All these benefits reinforce the importance of maintaining yards, parks and other community green spaces. Trees, shrubs, grass and flowering plants are integral to human health. Not only do they provide a place for kids and pets to play, they directly contribute to mental and physical well-being. Learn More For tips on maintaining a living landscape, even in drought conditions, go to www.opei.org/stewardship.
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Home & Garden • April 23, 2016 | 9
How to get the most for your home out of your programmable thermostat (NAPS) — Programmable thermostats can help homeowners conserve energy and reduce utility costs but only if they are selected, installed and used properly. To help realize the potential savings that come with this technology, it’s a good idea to keep the following tips in mind: Thermostat Basics • Narrow your search to a thermostat that’s compatible with the heating and cooling system installed in your home. • Choose one that will work for those who use it. Some have traditional push buttons while more advanced models feature intuitive touch screens for quick and clear navigation. • Consider a Wi-Fi®-enabled thermostat, such as the Luxaire® Acclimate™ Residential Communicating Control, which will allow you to control the temperature in your home, even when youÕ re away. Programming Options Choose from four standard models, each of which offers a distinctive scheduling style: • 7-day programming: a flexible option that meets the heating/cooling needs of homeowners with erratic schedules by allowing them to set seven different schedules • 5-1-1 programming: allows you to set one heating/ cooling schedule for the week and two different plans for Saturday and Sunday • 5-2 programming: same as 5-1-1 except Saturday and Sunday have the same plan • 1-week programming: allows you to set one heating/cooling plan that will be repeated daily for the entire week. • Set energy-saving temperature levels based on the habits in your household. Standard models offer four daily temperature changes, although models offering six or more settings are available. Consider programming the thermostat for a comfortable temperature when you wake up, an energy-saving temperature for when you’re at work, a comfortable temperature when youÕ re home and another for when you’re asleep. Ideally, a temperature change should remain at that temperature for at least eight hours to take full advantage of potential energy savings. Installation and Usage Tips • Install the thermostat on an interior wall, away from drafts and supply registers, heat-generating appliances, skylights, fireplaces, windows and doorways. • Follow the manufacturer’s directions for installation, or ask your heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) contractor to do the installation. • Think about using multiple thermostats to take advantage of zoned heating and cooling and maximize energy savings.
• Use the permanent “hold” setting to save energy when you are on vacation or to override preprogrammed settings. However, consider changing your settings when you find you’re using the hold feature too often. • Change the batteries in the thermostat annually. Some thermostats offer prompts for this as well as chang-
ing filters and scheduling maintenance for your heating/ cooling system. To learn more about programmable thermostats and their potential impact on energy savings, visit www. luxaire.com, or follow on YouTube and @Luxaire HVAC on Twitter.
10 | April 23, 2016 • Home & Garden
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Published by New Market Press, Inc.
Window film—a powerful defense for homeowners (NAPS) — Many Americans think they need to worry about skin protection only when they are outside. However, according to the International Window Film Association (IWFA), the harmful UV rays that people are concerned about while outdoors can also penetrate into
homes, with the possibility of causing damage. Typical windows block as little as 25 percent of UV rays which, if left unchecked, can cause extensive damage to the skin, including premature aging, wrinkles and even skin cancer. Additionally, the UV rays may accelerate the fading of furniture, flooring and other décor. Fortunately, professionally installed window film may act as a powerful defense against these problems, by blocking up to 99 percent of the UV rays.
Installing window film can also have a positive affect on energy costs, because it can help regulate room temperatures, thus lowering energy bills during warm and, in some cases, even cold weather. “Thousands of highly-trained dealers and installers across the United States stand ready to help consumers achieve a safer, more comfortable and energy efficient home,” said Darrell Smith, Executive Director of the IWFA. You can learn more at www.iwfa.com.
Protect yourself from harmful UV rays while indoors by installing window film.
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Home & Garden • April 23, 2016 | 11
As we’ve learned—where your new floors come from is as important as how they look
(NAPS) Ñ Some learned the hard way that just because a new floor looks good and the price was right it might not be the best option for you and your family. Where a floor comes from, the company that manufactures the floor, and the retailer that sells and installs it are critical considerations when itÕ s time to buy new floors. Consider the expense and the impact installing new floors will have on you and your family. We all know by now that being an informed consumer is essential. Working with credible companies that always have your backÑ from the decision process to years after your installationÑ will make the process as smooth as possible. Your first task when buying new floors is to be informed and prepared. Even before you seek the store, you should get a sense of what types of flooring would suit you and your family best. Remember, your floor not only has to look good and feel comfortable, it has to be able to take whatever you, your kids, pets and guests care to dish out for years on end. Do you want
a floor that stands up to heavy traffic? Is easy to clean? Warms the room? Blends well with walls and furniture? How much space do you have? What’s your budget? Once you consider these questions, a flooring professional will walk you through the remaining steps to find the best floor to suit you and your family. For help finding a reputable flooring store in your area, check out www.wfca. org, which offers a database of certified flooring retailers across the country. Once you identify a few local stores, check out their reviews on Yelp and Angie’s List. Read the customer testimonials to help make your selection. Another great resource is friends and colleagues who have had new floors installed —find out about their experiences, the good and the bad. The flooring dealer you select should be dialed into your tastes and needs. Stores that sell a variety of goods for the home— tools, plants, groceries and so on—likely will not have the range of products and prices and the in-depth flooring knowledge that you can find in a specialty store. You also can’t count on finding the same
You can rely on independent flooring retailers to provide the latest in looks, room layout and economical options—and be there for you when you make your decisions.
sales associate when you go back for more information or with an issue! Specialty flooring retailers are professionally trained and specialize in just one thing—flooring. Salespeople in these stores make it their business to know the qualities and characteristics of flooring products, as well as the latest styles, colors, trends and proper installation techniques. There may even be interior designers affiliated with the store who can help you find the floor that’s best for your home. Independent flooring retailers invest in continuing education to keep themselves at the forward edge of the industry’s technologies and fashions. They know which manufacturers they can rely on to bring you quality products. They can guide you step by step to get the most out of each square foot of flooring. Since their business is dependent on it, an independent retailer selling flooring exclusively tends to be invested in having happy, satisfied customers and so is likely to stock the brands that best provide value and customer satisfaction over the long term. Plus, they’ll be there to answer any questions you may have when the floor is installed—or even years later. After all, repeat customers and
word of mouth are how they stay in business. When you’ve found the right floor for your home as well as the store you want to work with, one last step may help you save a little more time, trouble and money. Ask your retailer these questions and make sure you are happy with the responses: Do you offer warranties and guarantee customer satisfaction with the end result? Who will be responsible for the flooring installation? Is the installer’s work 100 percent covered by the store? Will you be provided with and given final approval of a complete budget with a thorough breakdown of ALL costs including fees and services? Get the name and contact information of someone at the store whom you can reach in case of an emergency after hours or on the weekend. And lastly, find out who to reach out to at the store if there is a problem down the road. Learn More For further facts and useful tips about buying and enjoying floor coverings, including where to find a certified dealer nearby, visit the World Floor Covering Association at www.wfca.org.
12 | April 23, 2016 • Home & Garden
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