1217 House & Home

How to keep your house warm - even in freezing temperatures more warm air can be redirected to rooms in use

(BPT) — With the early arrival of winter, the grip of cold temperatures and snowfall that landed along with it, now is a good time to start thinking about keeping your home warm and cozy all season long.

This winter, consider the strategies below to keep your house warm, even during the most frigid days of the year.

• Schedule an energy audit from your energy company to identify areas for improvement • Attic insulation is also recommended, since heat rises

4. Reverse ceiling fans As heat does rise, ceiling fans set on low and adjusted to turn clockwise will help pull up cold air and draw down and circulate warm air that’s hanging out near the ceiling.

1. Help your HVAC system work more efficiently No matter what kind of heating system you have, you can take steps to keep it working at its best.

• Schedule annual heating tune-ups • Change the furnace filter frequently • Make sure ductwork dampers are open • Check air vents - are they open? Are any blocked by furniture?

• If you have a home with radiators, make sure they aren’t blocked • Avoid wild temperature swings - set your thermostat for reasonable highs and lows at night and during the day, since extremely low temps could result in freezing pipes, and your system has to

work extra hard to aim every room. In the middle for higher temps than of winter, all of that adds it can handle up to a more comfortable and cozy home without 2. Consider the enormous utility bill. upgrading your For the latest and greatest in comfort techHVAC system nology for your winter If you have an older upgrade, consider a ductsystem that just can’t keep free split system equipped up or you live in a climate with LG’s newest heating with extreme temperatures, consider upgrading technology, the compact and powerful LGRED° to a new high-efficiency (Reliable to Extreme Deheating system. It may save you money and ener- grees), designed for even the coldest of climates. gy in the long run, while With continuous heating increasing your comfort capabilities down to -13° level.

Thanks to advances in Fahrenheit, LGRED° techtechnology, today’s HVAC nology provides superior heating performance that equipment can provide will keep you warm all more consistent air flow winter long. This inand better maintain a creased performance not constant temperature in

5 ways to refresh your home for the holidays

and windows for any drafts.

• Improve your doors’ weather stripping and use a draft blocker to further keep cold air out • For windows, an insulation kit and heavy drapes can help you prevent leaks • If you have an unused fireplace, install a fireplace plug to keep warm air from heading up the chimney • Cover up mail slots or pet door flaps that may 3. Block the leaks be leaking air, especialIf you have drafts or ly at night leaks in your home, you’re losing valuable heated air • Close vents and shut and letting in the cold. doors to rooms that are seldom used, so Start by checking doors

only delivers heat when traditional HVAC systems are unable, but operates with top notch efficiency, cutting energy costs and increasing savings.

Pair this technology with sleek indoor units, like the LG Art CoolTM lineup, for comfort without sacrificing style.

An added plus is that LG systems can make one or many rooms perfectly toasty without tearing up walls or altering the home’s appearance.

scuffs and scratches will appear on walls over time.

A fresh coat of paint in key areas, like the living room, bathroom and guest bedroom, will help the entire home feel clean and fresh. Be sure to first prep (BPT) — Tis the season home is merry and bright behind your delicious walls by filling holes and holiday spread!

Spruce for festive holiday gathfor the holidays. cracks with a spackling for up your countertop and erings with family and a smooth finished surface.

1.

Refresh kitchen backsplash by removing friends. Whether hosting DAP DryDex Spackling and replacing the old counters your first or fifteenth takes the guess work out caulk. Consider using a Since the kitchen is celebration, you want your of dry time with a unique caulk that’s formulated where people mingle the home to be ready to imspecifically to ward off dirt indicator that goes on pink press. Here are five simple most, don’t leave old, dirty and mold, like DAP Kwik and dries white so you ways to make sure your caulk to be the focal point Seal Ultra Sealant. It not know when it’s ready to sand and paint. only repels water, liquids, soap scum, stains and 3. Clean and prep dirt, but it’s backed by a the floors lifetime mold and mildew resistance guarantee so If you have the time, the sealant stays clean and schedule a carpet cleaning keeps the area looking for the week before your fresh and new. guests are scheduled to arrive. And, consider ap2. Repair Dawn A. Fink Esquire plying a fast-drying polish imperfections and to hardwood floors for a paint on walls squeaky clean finish. It’s Real Estate • Estate & Wills • Family Law also a good idea to keep It’s inevitable that

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a multi-surface vacuum in an easy-to-access location for quick spot cleans and pick-ups.

4. Salvage broken holiday décor Don’t fret when you pull out holiday décor and ornaments from storage and find a few have broken. Instead, grab a strong, fast-setting glue to make simple, long-lasting repairs before guests arrive. DAP’s RapidFuse All Purpose Adhesive is perfect because it sets in just 30 seconds and is two times more durable than other super glues - there’s even a plastic primer available that will help with hard-to-fix plastic décor.

5. Warm your floors When heat rises, don’t leave your floors out in the cold.

• If you’re interested in remodeling, radiant floor heating can help warm up a room, and has become especially popular for bathrooms • Invest in thick, plush rugs to help rooms feel warmer to your feet Following just a few of these tips will make a big difference in helping your house feel cozy and warm, even during the most extreme cold temperatures of winter.

To learn more about ways to easily improve your home’s warmth this winter, visit LGHVAC.com.

Making these quick fixes yourself is worth it to save these cherished items!

5. Update decorative accessories Small updates like adding plants, rugs and throws to your space are low-cost but high-impact.

Lighting is another quick change that can really help warm a space. Consider swapping out the shades on your lamps or installing updated light fixtures for an entirely new look, but for a fraction of the cost.

With these easy tips, there’s still plenty of time to have your home feeling festive and fresh all the way through the New Year!

4 home upgrades that are good for the environment (BPT) — Consumers today are more mindful about the environmental impact of everything they do, from driving and traveling to energy usage in their homes. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps homeowners can take to save energy and help the environment.

1. Boost your insulation You may already know what areas of your home are poorly insulated, simply by how you feel when it’s cold or hot outside. You can have a professional home energy audit conducted to help pinpoint areas that need improvement. Many energy companies provide an audit free of charge.

Start with the attic: If your attic is insufficiently insulated, you could be losing a lot of heat over the winter, which means your home is wasting energy - and money. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that boosting attic insulation can save 10-50 percent on heating costs.

2. Upgrade your heating and cooling system

want to look for “Energy Star Most Efficient” HVAC solutions. For example, the Art Cool Mirror Heating and cooling earned the 2019 desigyour home uses the most nation and also features energy, so investing in advanced “Reliable to Energy Star certified HVAC Extreme Degrees” LGRED, products can make a big heating technology that difference when it comes delivers 100 percent to cutting energy costs heating capacity down to and your home’s impact 5 degrees Fahrenheit and on the environment. continuous heating down For a new HVAC to -13 degrees Fahrenheit. system in a variety of styles to fit any décor that This will keep you warm and comfortable all winter weather stripping to recan be easily installed by long with remarkable duce air leakage, but also a contractor, you might energy efficiency. use improved core mateconsider wall-mounted rials for superior insuladuct-free systems from 3. Replace doors tion. Where glass is used, a trusted brand like LG. and windows they reduce heat flow via They offer a variety of You may be losing a double- or triple-paned ultra-quiet “Art Cool” lot of heat in the winter insulating glass. options (the sleek Mirror, Windows: Energy Star stylish Premier and unique and air conditioning in qualified windows use Gallery, which looks like a the summer through your doors and windows, superior framing matepicture frame and allows especially if they’re older. rials, including multiple you to display your own The latest energy-efficient panes of glass, with air- or artwork). These sysmodels of windows and gas-filled space between tems are smart-enabled, doors not only reduce for additional insulation. allowing homeowners to leaks around the frames, They’re made from Low-E adjust the temperature but they’re made from (low emissivity) glass, with from their LG ThinQ app special coatings to reflect for Android and iOS users, materials that enhance infrared light. Warm edge or with simple commands insulation.

Doors: According to spacers keep the glass via Google Assistant and EnergyStar.gov, energy-ef- panes the correct distance Amazon Alexa. ficient doors not only fit apart reducing heat transThe most eco-conscious consumers will better and have improved fer through the window.

Prevent frozen pipes while traveling During winter, many people plan vacations to warmer climates so they can enjoy a relaxing respite from the snow and ice. While travelers are enjoying the sand and surf, their homes may be in danger from extreme weather conditions.

According to the State Farm Insurance Company, frozen water pipes affect a quarter-million families each winter. Both copper and plastic pipes can freeze. State Farm notes that a single 1⁄8-inch crack in a pipe can result in up to 250 gallons of water leakage per day. Flood water can contribute to serious structural damage, mold and a host of other problems.

Water expands as it freezes, so pipes can be put under strain if the

pressure from expanding water has nowhere to go, offers the American Red Cross. Pipes that tend to freeze most frequently include those exposed to severe cold, such as outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool lines and water sprinkler systems. However, even pipes inside a home, such as those in unheated areas or those that run against exterior walls, can freeze.

To avoid returning from a relaxing winter escape to find a home in need of repair thanks to frozen pipes, homeowners can take these steps.

• Add insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces to help maintain higher temperatures within the areas where some water pipes may run.

• Pipes themselves can

be insulated with special coverings or sleeves. Homeowners also can explore heat tape or wrap pipes in heat cables controlled by their thermostats.

• Disconnect outdoor hoses, and drain water from pipes leading to outdoor faucets. Turn off the indoor valve to shut off the water supply to the outdoors, but leave the outdoor bib in the “open” position to allow water to drip and relieve pressure should some freezing occur.

• The same technique can be applied indoors.

A trickle of hot and cold water can keep pipes from freezing during extremely cold snaps of weather.

• Set the thermostat to a consistent temperature, ensuring that the temperature indoors will not drop dramatically overnight. The temperature should be no less than 55 F. • Open cabinet doors to allow heat to reach under sinks and appliances.

• Check around the

4. Go solar While most people are aware that solar power harnesses the sun’s energy to create electricity, many don’t know how easy and cost-effective it is to go solar.

The newest technology behind solar energy has made it increasingly accessible and appealing for homeowners. For example, new energy solutions such as LG’s “NeON R ACe” are high-efficiency solar panels that incorporate a built-in micro-inverter (that converts DC electricity to AC) instead of a separate traditional inverter. Recessed into

house for drafty areas that can contribute to colder temperatures in garages, basements and crawl spaces.

• Consider relocating pipes that are exposed to the elements to provide increased protection.

• Ask a neighbor to periodically check on the house to ensure

the frame of the solar module, the micro-inverter simplifies the installation process and allows more flexibility to create a solar array that looks attractive on your roof. When going solar, it’s important to seek out a brand you trust, one like LG that offers solar panels covered by a 25-year limited product, part and performance warranty.

Choosing just one area to upgrade will save energy, reducing your home’s carbon footprint. You’ll also feel more comfortable throughout the year, as you better regulate the temperature of your home.

that pipes are in good working order.

Homeowners who know where the main water shut-off valve in their homes is located and who act quickly can prevent serious damage should a pipe burst. In such instances, leaks can be contained and extinguished as quickly as possible.

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