Canon City Shopper - Fall Home Improvement

Fall Home Improvement

Tips

(BPT) “Expect the unexpected”is a common mantra when preparing for emergencies. However, with severe weather becoming more frequent in recent years, nearly everyone can expect to encounter a natural disaster within their lifetime This uptick means storm-related property damage costs have also been on the rise, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reporting more than $145 billion in damages from weather-related disasters in 2021 alone

Home emergencies, unfortunately, are not only caused by the weather The National Fire Protection Association reported that roughly 346,800 home fires occur per year, most often from everyday activities like cooking, resulting in $7.3 billion in total property damage Knowing how vulnerable many homes are to catastrophe, it’s now more important than ever to plan ahead and invest in dependable solutions

In recognition of National Preparedness Month, The Master Lock Company, a trusted name in security and safety for over 100 years, is partnering with the American Red Cross of Wisconsin by donating 1,000 SentrySafe Fire Bags to at-risk communities in its home state as part of the nonprofit’s Home Fire Campaign. The security company is also sharing advice on preparing for emergencies to help safeguard everything worth protecting.

1. Know the types of disasters in your area. Different types of severe weather require different types of preparation, making it imperative to find out which disasters you are most at-risk for and plan accordingly. For example, earthquakes can happen in all states at any time of year, while wildfires are more concentrated in forested areas with low rainfall, such as Southern California.

2 Prep your home and those who live in it If you know a storm is coming, store lawn furniture or other loose items in a secure location and check if nearby trees should be trimmed to reduce post-storm debris For added security, consider locking sheds using Master Lock’s Weather Resistant Padlocks and installing hurricane windows if you live in a vulnerable coastal region.

To prepare for non-weather emergencies like house fires, check that your home contains the right number of smoke alarms and that the batteries function properly Ensure all household members especially children know what a smoke alarm sounds like, what to do when they hear it, how to escape from every room and where the family meeting spot is once outside.

3. Pack a“go kit”and secure hard to replace items In case you need to leave your home in a hurry, prepare an emergency“go kit”containing medical supplies, food, water and other essentials

For personal documents and valuables like passports, birth certificates, photos and jewelry, consider storing them in a portable fire and water-resistant container like the SentrySafe Fire Bag. For a more permanent solution to withstand fires and floods, consider a fire and water-protected safe like the SentrySafe Combination Fire/Water Safe

4. Invest in reliable security Though smart home security systems are now the norm, it’s recommended to keep traditional solutions as backup options. For a compact, portable solution, the Master Lock Folding Door Bar is strong enough to prevent forced entry on hinged, patio and sliding doors, but can also be folded to fit inside your go

kit. Lock boxes are also helpful, should friends or family require access into the home to check on a loved one Consider battery-powered options like the Master Lock Portable Bluetooth® Lock Box, which can function via smartphone or personal code

Though there’s much uncertainty when emergencies arise, these precautions are the first steps toward peace of mind No matter the crisis, households can depend on The Master Lock Company for durable, reliable solutions to protect both the people and the belongings that mean the most to you For more information, visit insights.masterlock.com.

(BPT) As temperatures drop and seasons turn, that doesn’t mean you have to give up on the vivid blooms you love so much in your yard. Strategically adding seasonal plants that can withstand cooler weather is a great way to bring color and dimension to outdoor spaces, enhancing your curb appeal into the autumn months

To educate and inspire, the plant and gardening experts at Ball Horticultural Company share simple tips, top trends and standout plants that are ideal for fall:

Pollinator plants in traditional autumn hues

There’s no easier way to add autumn atmosphere to your entryway, walkways and flower boxes than with the warm hues of rich yellows and sunny oranges Blooms in these colors convey happiness and warmth, making them beautifully eye catching Some plants in these tones are especially attractive to bees and butterflies, helping create pollinator-friendly spaces

For example, award-winning Echinacea Artisan Yellow Ombre is a native-type prairie plant that attracts songbirds, bees and butterflies throughout fall, and

into winter. It’s drought tolerant and low maintenance, making it a no-brainer for colorful autumn gardens. Another great option as the weather cools is Achillea Milly Rock Yellow Terracotta. This perennial has a breathtaking golden-orange color that is perfect for fall because it is frost tolerant, plus it attracts pollinators while resisting hungry rabbits and deer

Moody blues are trending for fall

While yellow and orange are quintessential fall colors, you can add an on-trend element to your outdoor space with Spreading Pansy Cool Wave Blue The stunning dark, moody blue hue plays nicely when combined with a jewel-toned autumn palette. It is also a standout choice by itself, reflecting the cooler weather, crisp air and clear night skies associated with the fall months

The vibrant shade of solid blue is beautiful in planters and hanging baskets, as well as in landscaping and window boxes This sun-loving variety is a spreading pansy, meaning it can serve as great groundcover, as well You can enjoy this pansy in fall, and with superior overwintering hardiness, it’s the earliest pansy to return in the spring.

Create dimension through floral shapes

Color is one important aspect of landscape design, but to really elevate your outdoor appeal, consider dimension as well Creating variables in plants through shape and texture adds visual interest, bringing new depth to a space. To create this, mix florals with greenery and don’t be afraid of nontraditional flower shapes

The perfect example is Celosia, which features blooms in unique shapes such

as plumes, spikes or wavy crests You can create any outdoor aesthetic you desire with varieties available in yellow, orange, red and dark purple Each adds texture and dimension, pairing well with mums and other popular autumn florals.

Whether it’s containers, window boxes or several strategic places in your landscaping, you can update your home for the fall season and boost your curb appeal with fall flowers A dash of color and texture will help your home be a standout on the block.

(BPT) While home maintenance may seem pricey, being proactive about home upkeep can save more money by preventing expensive repair or replacement costs in the future not to mention safeguarding against damage to your home. The hard part is knowing how often and what type of maintenance to do, and where to start

According to State Farm, fall is the perfect time to take care of many jobs, whether by yourself or by hiring professionals Here are some top maintenance tasks to help protect the largest investment you have your home

1. Check your smoke detectors

According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 96% of homes are now installed with smoke detectors However, nearly 20% of them have non-working smoke alarms The NIST estimates that if every home had working smoke alarms, deaths from U.S. residential fires could drop 36%. Why aren’t these smoke detectors working?

Primarily missing or dead batteries Smoke detector batteries need to be replaced at least annually, not just when they chirp The average claim from a home fire according to State Farm is $57,000 So buy some batteries, and replace those old ones

2.Trim your trees

Little known fact, you’re responsible for the damage if a tree on your property falls on a neighbor’s house Or if a dead branch damages your home, it can result in a homeowner’s insurance claim, meaning you have to pay the deductible For peace of mind, trim the trees on your property every fall Find tips on tree trimming at StateFarm.com/simple-insights/residence If you prefer hiring a professional, contact your local State Farm agent and they can help you find an arborist with community roots

3. Check washing machine hoses

Did you know a washing machine hose holds 70 pounds of pressure? If it fails, it can spray 650 gallons of water per hour into your home So if you’re away for the weekend and a hose bursts, you may open the door to the equivalent of a 20-foot by 40 foot in-ground pool’s worth of water, which can damage floors, drywall and personal items Between June 2021 and June 2022, State Farm paid nearly $36.7 million to help customers recover from damage due to washing machine hose bursts, with an average claim of over $12,000 Hose maintenance is easy: Inspect the hot and cold washing machine supply lines monthly, looking for blisters, worn tubing, cracks or loose connections It’s best to replace supply hoses every 3-5 years

4. Conduct a generator safety check

A portable generator is handy equipment for when the power goes out, and regular maintenance will

ensure that it works when you need it First, always unplug and turn off all power to the generator Examine the AC wiring and alternator to clear dirt and debris Inspect the air intake system and replace the air filter Oil in your generator needs to be changed every 25 hours of running, or one year unused When you’re ready to use the generator, take it outside to a well-ventilated area before starting up Generators produce carbon monoxide from the exhaust and can cause serious injury or death if used indoors, in a garage (including with open doors) or even on a porch

5. Maintain your HVAC

One of the most critical items to maintain is your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Regular maintenance helps keep the system in working order, extending the life of the system and saving on energy costs According to HomeAdvisor, replacing an HVAC system costs from $5,000 to $10,000 To save money and extend the life of your system:

* Change air filters regularly Set a reminder every few months to replace filters Dirty filters can impede airflow and make the HVAC system work harder, decreasing efficiency and increasing energy costs

* Schedule regular maintenance checks (spring/ fall) from your local HVAC professional Some HVAC companies and local utilities have service programs where you pay a monthly or annual fee and they will conduct semi-annual maintenance checks Pros will check the thermostat, clean or replace filters, lubricate moving parts, check refrigerant levels, inspect the condenser and coils and investigate unusual noises Reach out to your local State Farm agent for a list of reliable HVAC pros

Take care of your home, so your home can shelter you and your family These regular maintenance tasks will help reduce the likelihood of unpleasant surprises and costs to help give you peace of mind

(BPT) Home renovation can be tricky, especially if you want to add a bathroom or kitchen to a part of a home where plumbing doesn’t exist Adding on to basements, attics, garages and unfinished spaces usually requires breaking through concrete or doing a major structural renovation that can compromise a home’s structural integrity However, above-floor plumbing like macerating toilets and drain pumps can simplify home-improvement projects

There are many above-floor toilets and other macerating-technology products on the market today But not all macerating systems are created equal If you’re planning to add an above-floor plumbing system to your home, here are six things to look for when purchasing a macerating pump system for a new addition or to replace an existing one

1. Quality

Home renovations can be expensive It may be tempting to opt for cheaper options, but they might cost you more if they break or cause damage to your home This same principle applies when buying above-floor plumbing systems

While there are cheaper options out there, you’ll want to do your research and pick a product that is known for quality

2 Manufacturing

Where a product is made can significantly impact its quality In-house manufacturing means that a company can ensure the highest quality control possible, which isn’t guaranteed or easy to verify when manufacturing is outsourced

Why does this matter? Knowing where your macerating pump comes from can tell you about the quality and reliability of the product For example, a recognized brand of macerators such as Saniflo is made and assembled entirely in-house in France These products are shipped to be distributed to the company’s headquarters in North America and then sold to professional installers through the company’s nationwide distribution partners

3. In country customer service

Opting for cheaper above-floor plumbing solutions could lead to dealing with a defective product down the line Your next step would likely be to call the manufacturer’s toll-free number to try to sort it out But what if you’re met with customer service based in another country, one that is unhelpful, unreliable or just plain hard to communicate with? In contrast, communicating with U.S.- or Canada-based customer service agents should ensure quicker responses, more reliable problem-solving and more effective communication. Purchasing from a manufacturer with a North America-based salesforce will also ensure faster, more efficient customer care

4. Compliance

It’s essential to find out if any plumbing product is made according to U.S. codes and standards, especially when it comes to above-floor plumbing

A reputable company invests in testing its products to be in compliance with major plumbing codes This way the product will be

Macerating technology uses a pump powered by electricity, and any electrical product that contacts water is potentially hazardous You’ll want to ensure the product is compliant with safety standards Otherwise, you could be waiting for an accident to happen.

5 Warranty

Many above-floor plumbing systems have a product warranty of up to one year only This can be a problem if the product breaks down or fails down the line, resulting in costly repairs or replacement

A major brand such as Saniflo offers customers a standard three year warranty for their macerating pump products Also, they have offices and multiple warehouses throughout the United States and Canada, ensuring optimal availability and distribution, especially during global supply shortage challenges

6. Insurance

As mentioned above, issues can occur with electrical products that contact water It’s crucial that you can insure these products should something occur Not all brands of macerating pump products can obtain or offer insurance

To be specific, products should carry some type of third-party certification to vouch for their reliability in protecting property as well as the health and safety of those who use them.

Examples of independent laboratories that test for compliance would be“CSA”and“IAPMO”

These nationally recognized laboratories test products to conform with ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) standards for code compliance in the United States and Canada. Without such certifications, products could be deemed unreliable or even unsafe by insurance carriers

Using these six tips, you can choose the right above-floor macerating pump system that will last for years to come To learn more about macerating technology and how it can help you with your home renovation dreams visit Go.Saniflo.com.

approved to be installed anywhere in the country while safeguarding the customer from any potential issues

(BPT) As temperatures begin dropping this fall, you may be worrying about rising energy costs. Fortunately, there are a number of simple, proactive steps you can take that will save on energy and expenses for your home while also increasing comfort today and well into the future. On top of that, you will also be helping to increase the value of your home with these effective energy-saving measures

Consider these 5 steps to help your home become more energy efficient

1. Give your furnace or boiler a checkup

Get in the habit of having your furnace or boiler professionally tuned up and cleaned at least once a year, ideally just before the weather starts turning colder Just as you perform regular maintenance on your vehicle, make sure your entire HVAC system is in top condition and replace your furnace filter at least every 90 days to help your HVAC system run more efficiently This will reduce your

utility bills over time, while keeping you and your family warmer

2. Go tankless

Looking for a great way to cut down on energy usage and also ensure more consistent access to hot water? Upgrading to a tankless water heater will save on energy and expenses compared to a traditional water heater For example, Noritz EZ Series high-efficiency, condensing tankless water heaters are engineered to replace larger, conventional storage tank-type units, cutting both installation time and costs substantially The wall-hung technology also has zero footprint in your home, which is a great space saver for smaller homes or if you just need more areas for storage Tankless water heaters efficiently provide continuous hot water meaning no more cold showers along with big energy savings In addition, tankless water heaters like the Noritz EZ Series also result in reduced carbon emissions and have a longer life expectancy than traditional models Tankless water heaters use top-mounted water connections, avoiding the need for additional and costly plumbing Even better, you can often find money-saving rebate programs from your local gas utility for your new tankless water heater that will help cut the installed cost even more

3. Insulate your attic

You’re probably aware that heat rises so if your attic is not properly insulated, you may be losing a lot of heated air through your roof every winter. Lack of good attic insulation can also lead to damage from ice buildup, which is costly to repair If you own an older home, it’s a good idea to have your attic inspected for insulation before winter sets in. And

while older homes are the least likely to have properly insulated attics, even if you have a newer home it’s worth having a professional check to see if your attic is under-insulated This can make a big difference when it comes to heating costs

4. Make your thermostat programmable

If it’s been a while since you upgraded your thermostat, you may be surprised at what new programmable thermostats can do to help keep your home comfortable while also saving on utility bills The latest models provide much better fine tuning when setting your thermostat, allowing better control of the energy you’re using to heat (or cool) your home You can make sure you’re not overheating your house when you’re asleep or not at home Traveling or on vacation? New smart thermostats allow you to adjust your home’s thermostat controls remotely, using your phone or another electronic device

5. Check for leaks

Every year, homeowners lose a lot of heated (or cooled) air through leaks around areas like windows, doors and chimneys Inspecting your home for leaks can alert you to spots where you may need to improve caulking, flashing or weather-stripping for a fairly low cost fix. For a longer-term solution, you may want to consider replacing older, less energy efficient windows and doors with new ones For help finding leaks, call your utility company Many provide energy audits to help customers locate trouble spots in their homes

By taking a few of these proactive steps, you can help your family stay cozy and comfortable all winter, while also helping to save energy and protect your budget

Visit EZSeries.Noritz.com to learn more about how you can save energy, space and expenses on heating water for your home