How to prepare HVAC systems for extreme weather conditions
(BPT) - Severe temperatures, whether scorching heat or frigid cold, can put a strain on a home’s HVAC system. Preparing systems for these conditions is essential to ensure reliability, efficiency and comfort throughout the year.
THE IMPACT OF INTENSE HEAT OR COLD ON HVAC SYSTEMS:
When temperatures soar, HVAC systems must work harder to maintain a comfortable indoor climate. This increased energy demand can lead to higher utility bills and the potential for overheating, causing components to wear out faster. Reduced efficiency can be another concern, as continuous operation without adequate maintenance may result in service interruptions.
Just as extreme heat may strain HVAC systems, frigid temperatures can also wreak havoc on heating components. Freezing temperatures pose the risk of frozen pipes, which can cause damage if they burst. Thermostat malfunctions and
insufficient heating are examples of common issues homeowners may face during the winter months. Ice buildup in outdoor units can restrict airflow and reduce efficiency, making it even harder for the system to operate effectively. Without proper preparation, homeowners may find themselves without heat when they need it most.
THREE TIPS TO PREPARE HVAC SYSTEMS FOR EXTREME WEATHER:
PERFORM ROUTINE UPKEEP
One of the most important steps in preparing a home’s HVAC system for unpredictable weather is conducting regular maintenance checks. Scheduling seasonal inspections with a professional technician ensures that potential issues are identified and addressed before they lead to system problems. Key components such as filters, refrigerant levels and thermostat calibration should be closely monitored to maintain optimal performance.
ADOPT SMART TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS
Investing in smart technology is another effective way to optimize HVAC performance during unpredictable weather. Smart thermostats offer more accurate temperature control by adjusting settings based on occupancy and external conditions. Rheem®, a leading HVAC manufacturer, created its EcoNet® Smart Thermostat as an advanced solution designed to optimize home comfort and efficiency. With intelligent temperature control, remote access via the EcoNet app and real-time system alerts, it helps homeowners monitor and adjust their HVAC settings effortlessly.
ENSURE THE HOME IS WELL INSULATED
Another crucial step is improving insulation and sealing any air leaks. Proper insulation helps prevent heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, reducing the strain on the HVAC system. Seal-
ing ducts, windows and doors can enhance efficiency and prevent energy waste, leading to lower utility costs and improved overall performance.
Preparing a home’s HVAC system for severe weather helps safeguard against unexpected issues while maintaining efficiency. Utilizing these steps can ensure any home is better prepared. Also, it is helpful to consider reaching out to a trusted, local HVAC professional for a maintenance check to guarantee a system is weather ready. Visit Rheem.com to find a local professional.
Tips to renovate on a budget
Renovations around the house require an investment of time and often considerable amounts of money. Findings from the 2024 U.S. Houzz & Home Study show that home renovations are becoming more expensive. The median renovation spending for homeowners has gone up 60 percent since 2020. Angi, a home services website, reports the average renovation cost for homes between 1,250 and 1,600 square feet is $51,772, but the final cost of home renovations depends on the scope of the project.
Homeowners who are conserving funds can rest assured that it is possible to make meaningful changes both inside and outside a home without breaking the bank. Here are some ways to renovate a home on a budget.
• Create a budget and don’t waver. Figure out exactly what you can afford for a renovation and then make that your maximum dollars spent. Research comparable projects in your area and be honest about whether you can afford the renovation as-is or if you must adapt ideas to fit your price. Make sure to build in a cushion of around 15 to 20 percent for any unforeseen expenses that may arise once a renovation is underway.
• Maximize an existing oor plan. This Old House suggests looking for ways to maximize your current layout before you invest in major renovations like an expansion. Bring in a designer with an eye for utilizing space. For example, see how you might be able to replace shelves with pull-out drawers in the kitchen. Moving furniture around or rethinking floor plans also can help to lower costs.
• Balance DIY with hiring contractors. You can save money by tackling some projects yourself, but only if you are confident in your renovation skills. Rather than risk making costly mistakes and having to redo things, hire
well-vetted professionals but ask if there’s any DIY work you can do to cut costs.
• Check clearance and resale stores. Shop discount stores for building materials to save money. For example, if a builder ordered too many cabinets they may offer them to Habitat for Humanity ReStores, which are nonprofit home improvement stores and donation centers. Checking the clearance and markdown sections of other stores may yield considerable savings on items needed for a renovation. Warehouse retailers like Costco or Sam’s Club also can be great places to find certain home improvement materials and furnishings.
• Take advantage of free services. Certain stores may offer things like free consultations with designers who can show you what a renovation can look like. This is advantageous to the stores because once you see the potential you’re more likely to buy the products, even if it’s not mandatory.
• Resurface instead of redo. Certain items can be made to look new with minimal effort. Paint is a relatively inexpensive tool that can transform walls and more. Finding ways to perform home renovations on a budget may require some creative thinking, but it’s possible to get results at the right price point. EL255830
HAPPY'S SUPER SERVICE LOCATED AT 101 E. DAKOTA STREET, SPRING VALLEY, IL, stands as the leading provider of full-service gas, towing & auto repair services in the region since 1936.
HAPPY'S SUPER SERVICE LOCATED AT 101 E. DAKOTA STREET, SPRING VALLEY, IL, stands as the leading provider of full-service gas, towing & auto repair services in the region since 1936.
This iconic business has been honored to serve residents and businesses across Spring Valley, Putnam County, Princeton, La Salle, Peru, Ottawa, & neighboring areas providing full-service gas station, convenience store, a complete mechanic shop, 24-hour towing services plus propane tank refills, license and title services, video gaming, and lottery!
This iconic business has been honored to serve residents and businesses across Spring Valley, Putnam County, Princeton, La Salle, Peru, Ottawa, & neighboring areas providing full-service gas station, convenience store, a complete mechanic shop, 24-hour towing services plus propane tank refills, license and title services, video gaming, and lottery!
PRIME COMMERCIAL LOCATION!
PRIME COMMERCIAL LOCATION!
Great Exposure/High-traffic intersection
Great Exposure/High-traffic intersection
Real estate plus business to include:
Full-service gas station with active repair bays, towing, vehicle storage, convenience/liqueur store, propane gas, video gambling, lottery, license/title services, equipment, fixtures, & inventory. Investment/redevelopment opportunity for national franchise or professional office space.
Real estate plus business to include: Full-service gas station with active repair bays, towing, vehicle storage, convenience/liqueur store, propane gas, video gambling, lottery, license/title services, equipment, fixtures, & inventory. Investment/redevelopment opportunity for national franchise or professional office space.
433 1ST. STREET, LA SALLE, IL 61301 CHRISTINE DAHM, LISTING BROKER 815.303.4622 FOR
AMAZING LEASE OPPORTUNITY BUSINESS RELOCATION OR START-UP! Ideally situated, this high-end office/retail provides ADA accessibility, ample parking & easy access to I-80 & I-39. Move-in ready! AMAZING ICONIC BUILDINGLOCATED IN HISTORIC DOWNTOWN LA SALLE. Perfect for retail or professional office. Features original maple flooring & 13' tin ceiling. Ample street parking!
Ideally situated, this high-end office/retail provides ADA accessibility, ample parking & easy access to I-80 & I-39. Move-in ready!
12 GUNIA DR., LASALLE, IL 61301 BEVERLY MALOOLEY, BROKER 815.488.5159
PERU-PEORIA & 36TH ST., 5.25 ACRE COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT-$595,000 DEPUE-ROUTE 29 & EAST ST., BUILDING SITE -TIMBER 7 RECREATIONAL 12.9 ACRES - $69,250 SPRING VALLEY-217 E CAROLINE ST., 100'x130' RESIDENTIAL BUILDING SITE -$24,900
E CAROLINE ST., 100'x130' RESIDENTIAL BUILDING SITE -$24,900
Lostant-Affordable 4 bedroom, 1.5 bath home, 2 car garage on scenic corner lot, backyard shed
#12395393 $119,900
LaSalle-Beautiful brick ranch 3 bedroom, 2 bath home, 2 car heated garage, fully fenced backyard with firepit.
#12400891 $225,000
LaSalle- Complete remodeled 2 bedroom, 2 bath home, new plank flooring throughout.
#12343225 $110,000
L aMoille-A great first time home, 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, main level laundry, large fenced lot, shed.
#12303754 $120,000
LaSalle- Brand new 2 bedroom, 2 bath mobile home, spacious open floor plan, quiet and friendly park.
#12369227 $108,500
Oglesby-Updated 3 bedroom, 1 bath home, full basement, covered patio, spacious 2 car garage.
#12396160 $165,000
Ladd-Charming 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch home, walkout basement, multi level deck, paver patio.
#12335213 $299,900
Spring Valley-Cozy 2 bedroom, 1 bath home, sunny front deck, covered patio, 1 car garage.
#12302340 $167,900
LaSalle-Two distinct homes, front home 3 bedroom/1 bath, rear home 1 bedroom/1 bath.
#12391963 $147,000
Oglesby-Charming 4 bedroom, 1.5 bath home on spacious .33 acre lot, 1 car garage.
#12348097 $174,000
Spring Valley- Lovely 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with attached 2+ car garage on wooded 8+ acres.
#12332636 $449,000
Putnam-Lovely lake living, spacious 4 bedroom, 1 bath home on 3 lots, 2 car garage.
#12191710 $184,900
LaSalle- Incredible value in this 3 bedroom, 1 bath home, convenient main level laundry, fully fenced lot.
#12390498 $82,500
Ladd-Updated 2 bedroom, 2 bath home, main level laundry, covered deck, large yard.
#12343403 $99,000
Oglesby- Main house features 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, amazing detached 2 car garage with upper living space.
#12399445 $199,500
Utica-Open floor plan, 2 bedroom, 2 bath townhouse, completely furnished, lush woods in back.
#12189829 $154,999
Jaime Bazydlo Janet Benvenutti
Wendy Fulmer
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Robin Guerrero
Kelli Geinosky
Judd Heess
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VERMILIONVUE SUBDIVISION
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Carol Wlodarchak
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#11903322
#12361601
Tips for budget-friendly home decor
Home interiors can be spruced up in a number of ways. Ideas run the gamut from relatively inexpensive changes in paint color to more extensive (and expensive) remodels that may include demolition and reconstruction. Investing in new home decor is another way to breathe new life into spaces, and this approach that falls somewhere in the middle in regard to cost.
Material and product costs remain high across the board, so individuals interested in changing the furniture and other design elements in their homes might be seeking ways to do so in the most affordable way possible. In such instances, homeowners can try these budget-friendly ways to overhaul their home decor.
• Create the illusion of more space. Light, bright and white are key attributes to remember when selecting design elements for rooms where you want to create the illusion of more square footage. Painting the walls in very light colors,
increasing natural and artificial light, including using wellplaced mirrors to reflect light, and decorating with light-colored fabrics can help a space seem more roomy.
• Replace the accessories. Replacing curtains, area rugs, throw pillows, and chair cushions is an easy way to change a room without a big investment. Consider updating some wall art and tying color schemes together with all of the newly introduced elements.
• Splurge on statement pieces that will be used frequently. These may include chandeliers, unique rugs or an eye-catching piece of furniture.
• Shop ‘discount’ stores for furniture and accents. Traditional design centers can be great places to find plenty of high-quality merchandise. However, don’t overlook local discount or close-out centers that may have items at very reasonable costs. Stores like Home Goods, At Home and
Rooms featuring neutral colors and minimal clutter tend to appear large and modern.
Big Lots routinely get new merchandise that changes with the season, helping homeowners to refresh their spaces without having to dig deep into their pockets. Shop the high-end stores for inspiration, then try to find “dupes” in the discount stores that will mimic the looks for less.
• Cut out the clutter. Modern homes are lean and clean. A home’s interior instantly looks
more high-end and appealing when the clutter is removed. Consider keeping main living areas free from too many knickknacks and other accents. If you want to display a special collection, set aside a room specifically for such items. There are many budget-friendly ways to make interior spaces more inviting.
SH232661
A kitchen is widely recognized as the most popular room in a home. Though it might be true that the hustle and bustle of home life runs through the kitchen, many a memory is made in the living room as well.
Living rooms tend to be go-to spaces for family movie nights, game watches with fellow fans and places to gather during holiday celebrations. That’s a lot of quality time spent in the living room, and those moments can be more enjoyable if the space is as comfortable as possible. With that in mind, people can consider various ways to make living rooms more comfortable.
• Prioritize comfort over aesthetics. In an era of Instagram, it’s easy to fall head over heels with images when designing a living room. Aesthetic appeal certainly has its place in a living room, but it’s important to remember how much living will be done in these rooms when designing them. Comfortable couches and furnish-
ings like ottomans can make it easier to relax in the living room whether you’re watching a movie, cheering on your favorite team or reading a book.
• Ensure there’s ample seating. It can be hard to feel comfortable in cramped quarters whether you’re welcoming friends and family into your home or simply lounging around on Sunday mornings. If comfort is your top priority, arrange the room so there’s ample seating throughout and people don’t feel like they’re sitting on top of one another when spending time in the room.
• Consider neutral paint colors. Furnishings are not the only things that can affect how comfortable people feel in a living room. The home improvement experts at The Spruce note that neutral paint colors with warm undertones help to establish a cozy feel in a living room. Various shades of white, beige, tan, or even gray can help to establish a warm, comfortable vibe in a living room.
• Incorporate the outdoors into the room. The great outdoors can have a calming effect on anyone, so it makes sense that incorporating the outdoors into a living room can make the space feel more comfortable. Furnish the room with plants and look for items with earth-toned furnishings to create a calm and comfortable vibe in the space.
In addition, new windows that allow for more natural light and offer views into a yard can help lift spirits and make the room feel more comfortable. A comfortable living room is a space where people will want to spend their time. A few simple strategies can help create an inviting and comfortable vibe in any living room. HI254738
MLS# 12260290 $385,000
609 S. MAIN ST. PRINCETON, IL 61356
Location is everything when it comes to setting up your dream business, and you can’t beat the charm and convenience of Princeton’s thriving Main Street. Take a drive through town, and you’ll see the pride this community takes in preserving its historic beauty. Shoppers come from near and far to explore Princeton’s one-of-a-kind stores, and this is your chance to be part of it all. This building offers so much potential! The main floor boasts approximately 1,700 square feet, ready for you to make your own. Whether you’re envisioning a boutique, an office space, or something entirely unique, this property can bring your ideas to life. The current layout includes office spaces and a community room, but with a little imagination, the possibilities are endless. And there’s more! Upstairs, you’ll find a beautifully designed apartment with a modern urban vibe. The open-concept kitchen features white cabinetry, quartz countertops, and plenty of storage, flowing seamlessly into a spacious living area with high ceilings giving the space a grandiose appearance. The apartment includes two bedrooms and two stunning bathrooms. The primary suite feels like a retreat, with a custom-tiled ensuite bathroom, double vanity, glass-enclosed shower, and a large walk-in closet. The second bathroom is just as stylish, with navy accents, a shower/tub combo with a glass door, and impeccable tile work throughout. This property is truly a gem-offering a prime location, versatile business opportunities, and an upscale apartment. No expense was spared on updates... they include electrical, plumbing, flooring, HVAC, lighting, duralast roof (2015) windows, and doors, it’s ready for you to step in and create something amazing.
Ed Neaves, Managing Broker
Backyards have long been places to unwind and enjoy some peace and quiet surrounded by nature. Thanks in part to financial instability brought on by rising inflation and measures to tame it, homeowners may decide to forgo traditional vacations in favor of staying home this season. There’s no better time to invest in a home, particularly outdoor spaces, to make them welcoming respites. The following are some ways to accomplish that goal.
ADD LIGHTS FOR AMBIANCE
Outdoor lighting options include professionally installed, hardwired lights on the home itself or accent lighting that draws attention to trees or architectural structures on the property. It also may include twinkling lights, which some consider a must-have for any outdoor retreat. Lights come in all types and price points. Hang them on porches, pergolas or cement posts inside decorative planters and then
string lights between the posts. This way the lighting can be moved around as desired.
INCORPORATE
A WATER FEATURE
The sound of trickling or bubbling water can make surroundings more serene. A low-maintenance water feature can help to create a calming ambiance. A fountain that does not require a collection pond will reduce the chance it becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Locating the fountain out of the sun can keep algae growth at a minimum.
LOUNGING SPOTS
A comfortable outdoor loveseat or chairs may be a focal point of the yard, but build in some additional cozy spots specifically for lounging around. Nestle a hammock in a quiet corner of the yard, or enhance a chaise lounge with throw pillows and a large umbrella for napping poolside.
ADD LUSHNESS WITH PLANTS
Plants can transform any
