September 2021 KDH HomeFinder

TABLE OF CONTENTS 5 Stylish Ways to Make Your Dorm Room Feel Like Home............................ 5 Tips for a Budget-Friendly D.I.Y. Home Upgrade.......................................... 6 Lost and Found: Tips for Managing Commonly Misplaced Items................. 9 The Essential National Curb Appeal Month Checklist for Homeowners....... 10 How to Personalize Any Space Using Custom-Designed Wallpaper............... 12 What to Know When Updating Your Home’s Siding....................................... 14 3 Ways to Fuse Art and Nature in Your Home................................................. 18 Reduce Your Energy Bills This Fall With These Tips..................................... 20

Home Finder September2021 • 3

5 Stylish Ways

to Make Your Dorm Room Feel Like Home (StatePoint) Making your dorm room feel like home takes work and planning, but starting with a blank canvas allows you to bring your personality to life! Here are some fun, unique ideas to incorporate style and comfort into your space that you can enjoy while you study, socialize and sleep:

1. Add a Pop of Color

Most dorm rooms are bland and neutral, but you can jazz up your space with color! Colorful bedding is a good staple, but why not kick things up by tossing some brightly colored throw pillows onto versatile white bedding? Or pick a lively accent color to incorporate into your décor through accessories and artwork.

Colorful tapestries or curtains add flair without damaging walls or paint. The best part? Any item can be swapped out if you change your mind.

2. Use Friendly, Warm Lighting

Fluorescent lights make dorms look stark, which is not something you want when you’re away from home. Softer lighting can provide a cozy feel that’s easy on the eyes. A floor lamp is another way to add a softer vibe to a bland, institutional room. For a more industrial look, opt for an Edison bulb lamp, or a smart bulb that adjusts from cool to warm tones.

Don’t forget string lights! They’re an easy, affordable way to create a twinkle effect, and rope lighting can provide a fun colorful alternative.

3. Toss in a Blanket or Rug

Adding a cozy blanket or rug only boosts the comfort factor. It’s also another great way to seamlessly incorporate that accent color or a fun pattern into your

space. Nothing’s more comfy than a good blanket to help you feel at home, especially when you’re away at school.

4. Bring the Outdoors In

Plants in any size, shape and color add a relaxed touch to any space. Wild Interiors, grower of foliage and succulent plants, offers curated style-focused collections: Bohemian Dreams, Desert Retreat, Woodland Whimsy and Tropical Oasis, as well as a special Signature Collection. Wild Interiors makes it easy to balance studying and plant care, with lots of easy-care plant options ranging from low light to bright sun. Mix big and little, flowering and foliage, tall and cascading – get wild with your plant choices!

5. Macrame I Help?

Think great heights! Hanging a trendy macrame planter from the wall or ceiling is a wonderfully creative way to fill the room with greens and vibrant living décor while saving on space. Suspending your plants leaves more room for books, not to mention other fun décor items, to give your dorm room spark and personality.

Wild Interiors’ curated Bohemian Dreams collection offers plants that are perfect for stylish macrame hangers. Opt for an easy care Pothos, Ivy or beautiful Zebrina for a vintage, indie look.

Home Finder September2021 • 5

(StatePoint) As a homeowner, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by necessary renovations and all the things you’d like to accomplish around your property. If your list of updates is long, but your time and budget are strapped, remember, even small changes can make a big impact.

Here are simple, affordable ways — inspired by FrogTape brand painter’s tape’s annual Paintover Challenge Room Makeover Contest — to make your space feel like new.

USE BRIGHT & BOLD COLORS

It’s common to keep interiors neutral with trendy grays and off-whites, occasionally adding in pops of color with accessories or accent walls. If you’re looking to take a unique approach to rejuvenating a room, consider adding bright and bold hues to your walls. Take inspiration from the outdoors, fruity drinks or blue skies to evoke emotions of joy with vivid greens, pinks or blues.

Each year, celebrity designer Taniya Nayak teams up with FrogTape brand to share design trends. In 2021, Nayak suggests using the bright and bold colors of the “play hard” design trend, which is all about designating a place for fun and happy activities.

EMBRACE PATTERNS IN

UNEXPECTED PLACES

You may think of patterns for playrooms or children’s bedrooms, but have you ever considered using them to create a focal point in your kitchen, dining room or even your patio?

With just a few tools, including paint, brushes and tape, you can add striped or checkered designs to walls, tables and floors. Creating a pattern doesn’t have to mean splurging on a variety of paint colors. You can create subtle variety by alternating high gloss and matte finish paints, or by adding varying amounts of white paint to create multiple shades of the same base color.

6 • Home Finder September 2021

However you create the pattern, having the right tape will be critical to avoid paint bleed from stripe to stripe. FrogTape Multi-Surface Painter’s Tape is made with PaintBlock Technology, which forms a barrier that seals the edges of the tape, to ensure sharp paint lines and professionallooking results every time.

CREATE CALMING SPACES While old homes have unique character, outdated features can make the task of modernizing interiors feel like a major undertaking.

For bathrooms, it’s simple and affordable to sand down what you have and refresh it with a coat of paint. Consider giving boring, outdated square tiles a contemporary look with different tones of gray. You can take it a step further by updating the vanity with deep green paint and gold accents.

When you’re finished, you’ll have a sanctuary from your daily stresses created efficiently and affordably.

ADD PERSONAL POPS OF STYLE

Think about the spaces where you spend a lot of time doing things you may not always enjoy – like the office or laundry room. Give these spaces a little TLC. Add

fresh color to the walls, organize and hang photos of your favorite places to balance energy, encourage productivity and make everyday tasks feel less like chores.

DEDICATE AREAS FOR HAPPY MOMENTS

Do you have that one spot that you’re not sure what to do with? It could be a nook or the basement. Use these areas as places to live well and embrace the calming, happy moments in life, like relaxing with family, reading a good book or playing a board game.

Add comfy, cozy textures of knit throw blankets, worn leather sofas or knobby rugs. Consider comforting, familiar shades like navy, light blues and grays, and cognac. These colors and textures work well on fireplaces, bookshelves or walls.

To see more of Taniya Nayak’s 2021 Design Trends for FrogTape brand and check out the 2021 Paintover Challenge projects for inspiration, visit www.frogtape.com/paintoverchallenge.

With creativity and the right tools, making impactful interior updates can be simple and affordable.

(StatePoint) In the haste to break free from your pandemic routine, you may find your new schedule overwhelming and hectic. And with that, comes the inconvenience of misplacing commonly used items. According to a survey conducted by Bluetooth tracking company Pixie, Americans spend an average of 2.5 days out of each calendar year searching for lost items.

The most common reason we keep misplacing our items is absentmindedness. Psychologists have a phrase for this, “If you don’t encode, you can’t retrieve.” This means that if you go through your day without consciously thinking about where you’re placing your keys, your brain has no information stored about the item’s whereabouts. Other factors, such as stress levels and overall mental health, can also play a role in how often you misplace items.

Set digital reminders: If you regularly lose track of specific items, digital reminders might be for you.

There are a variety of great productivity apps available on most smartphones to remind you to double check your wallet before leaving the house. Most calendar apps such as Google Calendar and Outlook have remind features that can help you organize your valuables. There are also useful apps like Todolist that specialize in creating reminders and daily lists.

Try a Bluetooth tracker for smaller items: For smaller items like your phone, wallet and keys, Bluetooth trackers can provide muchneeded tech relief. Trackers like these are designed for those times you lose an item within close proximity. Instead of wasting precious moments searching for your lost item, you can pull up an app to tell you where it is.

Retrace your steps: “Retracing your steps” after losing an item can be a useful approach when activating your brain’s contextdependent memory. With contextdependent memory, your memory is the strongest when you mentally or physically place yourself back in the environment in which the item was lost. Reconstructing these events visually can help trigger your memories and be an important step in rediscovering a misplaced item.

Use the power of GPS tracking devices for high-value items: When it comes to highly valuable items like photography equipment, luggage and even pets, you’ll need more protection. Products like T-Mobile’s SyncUP Tracker uses a combination of GPS technology and T-Mobile’s reliable nationwide network to track an item at any moment from anywhere. Other devices that rely on Bluetooth technology often have tracking range limitations and shorter battery life. T-Mobile’s SyncUP Tracker includes a rechargeable battery and virtual boundaries that alert you if an item leaves the designated location, all via your smartphone through an app available on both iOS and Android.

Just because you lost an item doesn’t mean that you should lose hope or panic. With a few changes to your routine and even some tech upgrades, you’ll find it much easier to cope during those forgetful moments.

Home Finder September2021 • 9

(StatePoint) Whether you want to boost the value of your home to put it on the market or you want to enhance its beauty and settle in for long-term living, it’s important to keep curb appeal top of mind.

That’s because first impressions count. Indeed, curb appeal accounts for up to 7% of home value, according to research conducted at the University of Texas at Arlington. It’s also the first thing people see when they visit your home, whether those folks are prospective home buyers or friends and family.

During National Curb Appeal Month this August, let this checklist be your guide to beautifying your home’s exterior:

1. Raise the roof.

Work your way from top to bottom of your house, taking into consideration that the roof is one of the most prominent features of your home exterior. If it’s time to replace your roof, be sure you’re investing in a product that’s impact- and fire-resistant, as well as resistant to fading, rotting, cracks and insects. The good news is that you don’t need to compromise beauty to get this level of long-term durability. To capture the authentic look of real cedar shake while getting the high-performance benefits of composite materials, consider upgrading with the Select Shake composite tiles from DaVinci Roofscapes, which come in 11 color blends for a finished multi-width look. The brand also offers a Lifetime Limited Warranty, giving you peace of mind.

2. Beautify the entry door.

Upgrading your entry door handle is like icing a cake: it adds a special finishing touch to your home and makes a great first impression. Step up your style with Delaney Hardware’s

10 • Home Finder September 2021

premium Bravura designer collection. Made of solid forged brass, the pieces in this line provide timeless sophistication and craftsmanship that can’t be duplicated. Available in a variety of styles, from an elegant farmhouse design to a sleek modern handleset, you can customize your hardware with one of several finishes: aged bronze, aged pewter, oil rubbed bronze, polished chrome, satin brass, or satin nickel.

3. Create a perfect pathway.

Are your front walkway and steps riddled with hairline cracks and minor flaws, or are they simply drab? Revitalize them completely with a real stone coating. The Terrazzo line from Daich Coatings offers the beauty of real granite in six colors, and can be applied to concrete, masonry, linoleum, vinyl and tile surfaces. Tested for water, salt, chemical, impact and abrasion resistance, this long-lasting stone coating is easy to apply, easy to clean and works in any environment. Though it creates a surface that’s naturally slip-resistant, it’s a good idea to apply TracSafe Anti-Slip Sealer on top for added safety in both wet and dry conditions.

4. Stock your toolshed wisely.

Stepping up your curb appeal is simple when you have the right tools on hand. Battery-powered outdoor products enable you to tackle all your routine chores quickly and easily. For tasks ranging from mowing the lawn and trimming bushes to blowing leaves, consider stocking your toolshed with RYOBI Outdoor Products. The 40-volt lineup includes 50 cordless outdoor products that share the same battery. Since they’re battery-powered, the products are quieter and require no mixing of gas and oil, no maintenance, and no hassle starting, delivering maximum cordless convenience.

PLAN 1784

PLAN 1465 $199,500 $184,000

PLAN 2045

$214,900 $198,900

SR-Belton, TX: GNR-Killeen,TX:

SR-Belton, TX: GNR-Killeen,TX:

SR-Belton, TX: GNR-Killeen,TX:

$227,900 $211,750

SR-Belton, TX: GNR-Killeen,TX:

SR-Belton, TX: GNR-Killeen,TX:

$203,000 $184,900

$231,000 $212,900

$222,900 $201,900

PLAN 1594 SR-Belton, TX: GNR-Killeen,TX:

$246,900 $226,900

$223,900 $206,500

SR-Belton, TX: GNR-Killeen,TX:

$206,900 $189,900

WWW .JDBTX. COM

254.518.1162

SR-Belton, TX: GNR-Killeen,TX:

SR-Belton, TX: GNR-Killeen,TX:

PLAN 1973

PLAN 2224

PLAN 1676

$203,500 $186,500

Specializing in Custom Homes and Commercial Construction

PLAN 2122

PLAN 1971

PLAN SR-Belton, TX: 1571 GNR-Killeen,TX:

(StatePoint) In case you missed it, wallpaper has made a comeback in the interior design world. This is for good reason. Today, there are literally millions of designs from which to choose. Not only that, new types of wallpaper can make application and removal easier than ever.

Need a little inspiration? The world’s largest custom, print-on-demand fabric, wallpaper and home decor digital marketplace, Spoonflower, recently challenged home decorating bloggers to “facelift” a small space using wallpaper.

Having successfully completed their updates, these DIY-ers are sharing tips and insights for enhancing your own spaces:

• Create a focal point.

Bethany Sy, the blogger behind Reality Day Dream, who enhanced the wall behind her mantel with wallpaper says, “A little color and pattern can create the perfect focal point in any room.”

• Think beyond walls:

With a little creativity, wallpaper doesn’t just have to be for walls, you can use it to update furniture too. Take a cue from Victoria Ford, the Prepford Wife blogger who recently refreshed an old dresser with the Bee Life Toile wallpaper designed by independent artist, Lucinda Wei. “This dresser has lived many lives in our homes and it was time for it to get a little update with a design that was irresistible and perfectly on brand,” says Ford.

• Complement your current style:

As Ashley Dusing of Our 1917 Farmhouse notes, wallpaper can be paired with any room’s current design elements to enhance its overall style. “We selected a wallpaper with a vintage style to complement our mid century bedroom decor and offer a bold pop of color. It was everything this bedroom (turned office space) needed.”

• Consider Your Needs

Before selecting wallpaper, think about your home decorating habits. For example, Spoonflower offers three wallpaper options: Prepasted Removable Smooth wallpaper, Peel and Stick Removable wallpaper and Non-Pasted Traditional Pebble wallpaper. If you love to mix things up every year or every season, Charlotte Smith of At Charlotte’s House says peel and stick is the way to go. She recently wallpapered the fireplace surround in her family room, but already has sights on the future. “I used removable peel and stick wallpaper so I can easily change things up in a year or two if I want a different vibe.”

When redesigning your space with wallpaper, consider shopping with a

12 • Home Finder September 2021

company that supports independent artists, such as Spoonflower, which connects artists and makers with consumers in the creative economy, and pays a commission to an independent artist with every purchase. With over one million unique designs available and the ability to upload your own design, you can easily use wallpaper to create your own signature style at home. To learn more or to shop styles, visit spoonflower.com.

Whether you wallpaper an entire room, create an accent wall or revamp a piece of furniture, adding style and personality to your interior spaces can be easy with this impactful DIY project.

(Brought to you by spoonflower.com)

Prepasted Removable Smooth Wallpapers

These wallpapers are ideal for rooms with non-textured walls and painted with light colors, such as kitchens and nurseries.

The glue on the back of the wallpaper sheets will activate when water is applied. Because of this, a paint roller and sponges are recommended in order to distribute water to the adhesive surface evenly, and ensure an even, smooth surface during installation.

Prepasted wallpaper also come with a smooth, satin finish, and is scratch-resistant. However, darker designs or designs with vivid colors may come out with a more glossy finish rather than a satin one due to the heaviness of the inks on the paper.

Peel-and-Stick Removable Woven Wallpaper Peel-and-stick is one of the most popular ways to apply wallpaper, with its minimal prep and easy installation. The woven fiber material of the wallpaper makes it durable, as well as rip and wrinkle free. It is perfect for providing a pinch of color and accenting a room, as well as being relatively easy to take down; it can be peeled off the wall like a giant, removable sticker!

However, its one major drawback is that, due to its durable material, the inks on the wallpaper can be lifted if an astringent cleaner or heavy rubbing is applied to it, so be mindful of where you install this wallpaper!

Non-pasted Traditional Pebble Wallpaper

Traditional Pebble Wallpaper is a highly durable wallpaper, and is highly recommended for any high-traffic environments that might easily scuff walls, such as bathrooms or playrooms. It is mold, mildew, and water-resistant, and comes with a matte finish and subtle leather-esque texture. The biggest downside to this wallpaper, however, is that it lacks the DIY qualities that make peel-and-stick and prepasted wallpaper so appealing, and therefore a professional installation of this wallpaper is highly recommended. Much like prepasted wallpaper, traditional pebble wallpaper needs to be prepped prior to installation by applying an even coat of wallpaper paste on the back before adhering it to the wall.

Home Finder September2021 • 13

(StatePoint) With climate change spurring an uptick in extreme weather events in recent years, homeowners today know that to keep their property -- and the people in it -- best protected, the siding they select matters.

“Not only will the right materials better insulate against extreme temperatures, but durable materials will also help guard against wicked weather and storms,” says Jon Lapp, siding project manager, ProVia. “And of course, siding has a major impact on the look of your home exterior.”

The good news is that you don’t need to sacrifice curb appeal in the pursuit of high-quality siding. Here’s what to know when making this important upgrade: • Materials: Your choice of materials can impact how you feel about your house for years to come. To that end, consider the most popular home siding material, which, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction, is vinyl siding. First introduced in the 1960s, its popularity is no accident. Thanks to its low cost, ease of installation, minimal maintenance and long-term beauty and durability, it’s a favorite choice among installers and homeowners. Just be sure that the siding you select is formulated with weather- and heat-resistant materials, as well as UV blockers to protect against color fade.

• Insulation: Did you know that most wall insulation is placed only between the studs? Since wall studs represent up to 25% of the wall surface of an average home, that’s like having one entire wall with no insulation at all. Insulated siding

blankets your home, providing continuous insulation between the studs and exterior wall of your home. Look for insulated siding options that are tested and proven to increase the R-value (a measure of a material’s resistance to heat flow) of an exterior wall. One such option is CedarMAX insulated vinyl siding from ProVia. One of the most energy-efficient exterior claddings on the market, it can help reduce your energy bills. It’s also built with a strong, rigid foam backing that can bridge the subtle bows and dips present on almost every wall. This will make for longer, straighter panels for increased curb appeal, as well as greater impact resistance against rain, hail and contact with your child’s fastball. And because it resists fading, chalking, cracking, peeling and thermal expansion and contraction, it will have a longer, more environmentallysustainable life.

• Color: Color and beauty are huge factors in your home improvement

14 • Home Finder September 2021

decision. To get it right, start by using the color selection tools on your manufacturer’s website. It’s important to know that the monitor settings on your device can impact the way the color displays, so contact the dealer to see real color samples made from its actual products before making a final decision.

Choose from classic whites, earth tones, bright and colorful shades, or bold, darker hues. Just be sure your beautiful new siding contains anti-weathering ingredients that prevent weather and sun exposure from causing it to fade.

Additional siding information and resources can be found by visiting provia.com/siding.

“Approach this home improvement project carefully. With the power to boost your home’s beauty and energy efficiency, new siding can offer a great return on investment and protect your home for years to come,” says Lapp.

(254) 526-5117

www.jwchomesales.com

3800 S W.S. Young Dr Ste 101 • Killeen, TX Jim Wright, Broker • TX Lic # 277160

COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES

4100 MESA DRIVE

•2,100 sq. ft.

•$1.00 Monthly/ sq. ft.

•Located off busy Stan Schlueter Loop

CALL JIM WRIGHT at (254) 526-5117 FOR LEASE

307 W VETERANS MEMORIAL BLVD. • Coming Soon!

• 960 sq. ft. - $1,350 Monthly.

• Located on 0.47 acre lot.

• Ramp for ADA access.

CALL JIM WRIGHT at (254) 526-5117 FOR NNN LEASE

www.texasccim.com

4008 STAN SCHLUETER LOOP

2025 MEMORY LANE

2904 SOUTH TRIMMIER

•2,200 sq. ft. •$1.50 Monthly/sq.ft.

•Located off busy Stan Schlueter Loop

•Two Suites Available!

•Suite 300: 909 sq.ft. - $1,363 Monthly •Suite 500: 2,985 sq.ft. - $4,627 Monthly

• Suite A-3 available!

• 1,000 sq. ft. - $1,250 Monthly • Located near shopping and schools.

CALL JIM WRIGHT at (254) 526-5117 FOR NNN LEASE

CALL JIM WRIGHT at (254) 526-5117 FOR NNN LEASE

CALL JIM WRIGHT at (254) 526-5117 FOR LEASE

4003 W. STAN SCHLUETER LOOP

440 E CENTRAL TEXAS EXPY

2703 E. STAN SCHUETER LOOP

CALL JIM WRIGHT at (254) 526-5117 FOR NNN LEASE

CALL JIM WRIGHT at (254) 526-5117 FOR NNN LEASE

•Located on West Stan Schlueter Loop in the middle of the growth corridor •Priced below market at base rent of $1.30 per sq. ft.

CALL JIM WRIGHT at (254) 526-5117 FOR NNN LEASE

• New retail-office space!

• Suite 104 now available.

• 1,709 sq. ft. - $1.50 Monthly/sq ft.

• Great location with good visibility and access from Central Texas Expressway.

• New 1,145 sq. ft. office building • Stan Schlueter Loop • $1.45 per sq. ft.

JWC RENTALS #12713

it’s all about attention-grabbing colors, such as the mustard, navy and wine, which are featured in the Harvest Votive and Agatha styles from LiveTrends’ fall 2021 collection. When you fuse nature with bold hues, you can easily elevate a houseplant into art status. Bonus: You don’t have to shell out serious dough like you would for framed wall art or a sculpture.

Add joy

The pandemic accelerated the plant parent trend and many found themselves deeply embracing “biophilia,” or the innate desire to connect with nature -- from the great indoors that is.

To give you a moment of joy during your day or even perk up your Zoom background, look for whimsical and fun plant designs.

(StatePoint) Beyond sprucing up your work and living environments, there’s certainly much to love about houseplants, whether it’s the simple act of taking care of something or the fact that some varietals can even improve the air quality in your home (peace lilies, we’re looking at you).

However, if you’re like many people who have done virtually everything from home this past year, your living room has turned into a veritable plant nursery. Rather than add more plants to your living spaces haphazardly, consider these easy tips from LiveTrends, a company that creates and designs over 500 original living art product collections each year:

Befriend color

When it comes to pots for your greenery, succulent and shrubs, you may think neutral is the way to go. Think again. Right now,

Make Holiday Swaps

Add vitality to your holiday home decorating game by swapping in festive plants for elements in your regular lineup. During Halloween for example, LiveTrends offers designs like the delightfully ghoulish yogi skeleton mini plants, a collection of skeleton figures seated in Sukhasana pose. During the winter holiday season, their “Snomann” plants make a cute and festive addition to your mantel or tablescape.

For more design inspiration and tips or to view the latest collections, visit instagram.com/livetrendsdesign.

By fusing nature with art, you can elevate your houseplant collection and create truly beautiful living spaces in your home.

What’s the Deal with Peace Lilies?

Peace Lilies are a unique plant in that they possess a self-cleaning process for the air around them, neutralizing toxic airborne gases like benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide. They are also a popular indoor houseplant, due to its low maintenance.

Despite its name, however, peace lilies aren’t actually lilies, technically.

Its scientific name is spathiphyllum, and it doesn’t come from the same family as “true” lilies, or the liliaceae family. One of the biggest tells in this plant being separate from other lilies is the lack of toxicity it poses to animals, as opposed to the highly dangerous and poisonous “true” lilies.

18 • Home Finder September 2021

Which plants are best for me?

Are you interested in growing a green thumb, but aren’t sure where to start?

Here’s some factors to consider when selecting a new houseplant for your home.

WATER

An obvious essential to raising flowers, most plants need at least some water to thrive optimally.

How “much” water varies from plant to plant. Most plants that are suitable for indoor habitats don’t require a lot of watering, and can even be at risk for over watering, such as the Ponytail Palm, the Sansevieria, and the Zamioculcas zamiifolia (also known as the ZZ Plant). Others, such as the Ficus Ginseng, Juniper Bonsai, and Peperomia Rosso require more frequent, scheduled watering. If you can’t remember when it was last watered or how much water is needed, a good rule of thumb when it comes to your plants is not to leave any standing water in the pot or tray after watering, and to let the soil dry to a mildly damp touch before watering again.

FERTILIZER

LIGHT

Much like water, the amount of light that a houseplant might need varies. There are houseplants like the Fatsia that need medium to low light, making them perfect for office spaces and any room that doesn’t get a whole lot of light. Other plants, like the Dracaena, may require bright, indirect sunlight or its leaves will start to pale in color.

Make sure you doublecheck the amount of light a houseplant might need before you place it in its new home.

TEMPERATURE Most houseplants that are suitable for indoors require a temperature at least at 60 degrees Fahrenheit. There are some that can survive at temperatures as low as 40 degrees, such as the Juniper Bonsai or Succulents, but even they aren’t immune to extreme temperatures, so keep them away from any environments that may rise to this temp. In general, you also want to keep indoor plants away from air conditioning or heating vents, as the hot or cold air blowing out might cause the plant to wilt unexpectedly.

Many people think that fertilizer is mainly a concern for outdoor plants as well as crops, but the truth is even indoor plants need some soil food! Most houseplants usually only need fertilizer at half its strength once every other month during the warm growing months. Some might need houseplant food monthly during the warmer months, while other don’t really need any fertilizer unless their leaves have begun to wilt.

Home Finder September2021 • 19

(Statepoint) The updates you make in fall can prepare your home for the long winter months ahead, helping you stay more comfortable all season while reducing your energy bills and other expenditures.

Here are some home improvements to consider, as well as tips and insights for making the most of these upgrades: • Select insulated siding: Did you know that most wall insulation is placed only between the studs? Since wall studs represent up to 25% of the wall surface of an average home, that’s like having one side of your home with no insulation at all! Check out siding that provides continuous insulation, such as CedarMAX insulated vinyl siding from ProVia, which is not only one of the most energyefficient exterior claddings on the market, but offers enhanced curb appeal and durability.

• Improve windows and sliding glass doors: New windows can make a substantial impact on your overall energy efficiency, if you select wisely. To identify the most energy-efficient windows for your home, refer to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) climate zone

map, which divides the country into four regions. For each region, the agency provides recommended values for the two major characteristics that affect the energy efficiency of vinyl windows: the U-Factor (which measures the window’s insulating value) and the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (which represents the amount of heat from the sun that passes through the glass). Learn the specs of any windows you’re interested in before making a purchase to ensure they’re a good fit for your region.

Wherever you live, make sure the windows and sliding patio doors have been independently tested to meet strict EPA energy efficiency standards, and check to see that the windows are ENERGY STAR Certified. The ecoLite, Aspect, Endure and Aeris lines from ProVia all offer comfort and energy efficiency, as well as optional upgrades that can help make an additional dent in your energy bill or add aesthetic appeal. Some lines come standard with ComforTech Warm Edge Glazing, a high-tech glass package that measurably improves thermal performance for less heat loss, warmer glass temperatures and reduced interior

20 • Home Finder September 2021

condensation. Finally, be sure any new products are delivering their full value with a proper installation that eliminates drafts.

• Seek further savings: Did you know that by installing energy efficient products, you may be eligible to receive an energy tax credit? When purchasing products for your home, consider shopping with companies that are clear about the status of their products, as well as provide needed documentation certifying your eligibility.

• Pass it on: Environmental stewardship is a valuable lesson to impart to the next generation. While you make energy-saving updates to your home, consider checking out free resources that can help your children understand why this matters. For example, the “Sammy the Star” ENERGY STAR Educational Program, found at provia.com/energy-star, teaches children about the importance of saving energy.

Energy savings and environmental protection go hand-in-hand. This fall, consider home upgrades that prioritize both.

22 • Home Finder September 2021

ADVERTISING YOUR HOME SERVICES IN THE

DAILY HERALD CLASSIFIEDS?

Ask your sales representative for more information or contact (254) 501-7500.

Home Finder September2021 • 23