Home & Harvest : Fall Edition 2017

Fall 2017

Home & Harvest A Publication of The Daily Star, Thursday, Sept. 7, 2017

2 THURSDAY, SEPT. 7, 2017 Home & Harvest - THE DAILY STAR

Canning can preserve the garden’s bounty

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ccording to the United States Department of Agriculture’s “Guide to Home Canning,” canning can be a safe and economical way to preserve quality food at home.

The guide says canning homegrown food can save half the cost of buying commercially canned food, though that figure does not include the value of the canner’s labor.

Many vegetables begin losing some of their vitamins when harvested. Nearly half the vitamins may be lost within a few days unless the fresh produce is cooled or preserved, according to USDA. Within one to two weeks, even refrigerated produce loses half or more of some of its vitamins.

Canning foods slows the loss of vitamins, though the heating process during canning destroys from one-third to one-half of vitamins A and C, thiamin, and riboflavin.

Once canned, additional losses of those sensitive vitamins are from 5 to 20 percent each year.

The amounts of other vitamins, however, are only slightly lower in canned compared with fresh food, the guide said.

Experts say the high percentage of water in most fresh foods makes them very perishable. They spoil or lose their quality for several reasons: • growth of undesirable micro-

organisms — bacteria, molds, and yeasts, • activity of food enzymes, • reactions with oxygen, • moisture loss.

Microorganisms live and multiply quickly on the surfaces of fresh food and on the inside of bruised, insectdamaged, and diseased food. Oxygen and enzymes are present throughout fresh food tissues.

Proper canning practices include: • carefully selecting and washing fresh food, • peeling some fresh foods, • hot packing many foods, • adding acids (lemon juice or vinegar) to some foods, • using acceptable jars and selfsealing lids, • processing jars in a boiling-water or pressure canner for the correct period of time.

The canning process removes oxygen, destroys enzymes and prevent the growth of undesirable bacteria, yeasts and molds.

Good vacuums form tight seals which keep liquid in and air and microorganisms out.

Canning jars, lids and rings are widely available. The USDA guide to home canning has some recommendations for using them.

Before every use, wash empty jars in hot water with detergent and rinse well by hand, or wash in a dishwasher. Unrinsed detergent residues may cause unnatural flavors and colors. Jars should be kept hot until ready to fill with food.

Submerge the clean empty jars in enough water to cover them in a large stockpot or boiling water canner. Bring the water to a simmer (180°F) and keep the jars in the simmering water until it is time to fill them with food. A dishwasher may be used for preheating jars if they are washed and dried on a complete regular cycle. Keep the jars in the closed dishwasher until needed for filling.

The washing and preheating methods do not sterilize jars. All jams, jellies, and pickled products processed less than 10 minutes should be filled into sterile empty jars. To sterilize empty jars after washing in detergent and rinsing thoroughly, submerge them, right side up, in a boiling-water canner with the rack in the bottom. Fill the canner with enough warm water so it is one inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a boil, and boil 10 minutes at altitudes of less than 1,000 ft. At higher elevations, boil one additional minute for each additional 1,000 feet of elevation.

Reduce the heat under the canner, and keep the jars in the hot water until it is time to fill them. Remove and drain hot sterilized jars one at a time, saving the hot water in the canner for processing filled jars.

Fill the sterilized jars with food, add lids, and tighten screw bands.

Empty jars used for vegetables, meats, and fruits to be processed in a pressure canner need not be presterilized.

It is also unnecessary to presterilize jars for fruits, tomatoes, and pickled or fermented

foods that will be processed 10 minutes or longer in a boiling-water canner.

Common self-sealing lids consist of a flat metal lid held in place by a metal screw band during processing. The flat lid is crimped around its bottom edge to form a trough, which is filled with a colored gasket compound. When jars are processed, the lid gasket softens and flows slightly to cover the jar-sealing surface, yet allows air to escape from the jar. The gasket then forms an airtight seal as the jar cools. Gaskets in unused lids work well for at least 5 years from date of manufacture. The gasket compound in older unused lids may fail to seal on jars.

The guide advises home canners to buy only the quantity of lids they will use in a year. To ensure a good seal, carefully follow the

THURSDAY, SEPT. 7, 2017 Home & Harvest - THE DAILY STAR

manufacturer’s directions in preparing lids for use. Examine all metal lids carefully. Do not use old, dented, or deformed lids, or lids with gaps or other defects in the sealing gasket.

Equipment for heat-processing home-canned food is of two main types — boiling water canners and pressure canners. Most are designed to hold seven quart jars or eight-tonine pints. Small pressure canners hold four-quart jars; some large pressure canners hold 18 pint jars in two layers, but hold only seven quart jars. Pressure saucepans with smaller volume capacities are not recommended for use in canning.

Small capacity pressure canners are treated in a similar manner as standard larger canners, and should be vented using the typical venting procedures.

Low-acid foods must be processed in a pressure canner to be free of botulism risks. Although pressure canners may also be used for processing acid foods, boiling water canners are recommended for that purpose because they are faster.

A pressure canner would require from 55 to 100 minutes to process a load of jars while the total time for processing most acid foods in boiling water varies from 25 to 60 minutes.

A boiling-water canner loaded with filled jars requires about 20 to 30 minutes of heating before its water begins to boil. A loaded pressure canner requires about 12 to 15 minutes of heating before it begins to vent; another 10 minutes to vent the canner; another five minutes to pressurize the canner; another eight to 10 minutes to process the acid food and, finally, another 20 to 60 minutes

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Canning foods slows the loss of vitamins, though the heating process during canning destroys from one-third to one-half of vitamins A and C, thiamin, and riboflavin.

to cool the canner before removing jars.

Boiling-water canners are made of aluminum or porcelain-covered steel. They have removable perforated racks and fitted lids. The canner must be deep enough so that at least one inch of briskly boiling water will be over the tops of jars during processing. Some boiling-water canners do not have flat bottoms. A flat bottom must be used on an electric range. Either a flat or ridged bottom can be used on a gas burner. To ensure uniform processing of all jars with an electric range, the canner should be no more than four inches wider in diameter than the element on which it is heated.

Pressure canners for use in the home have been extensively redesigned in recent years. Models made before the 1970s were heavy-walled kettles with clamp-on or turn-on lids.

They were fitted with a dial gauge, a vent port in the form of a petcock or counterweight, and a safety fuse. Modern pressure canners are lightweight, thin walled kettles; most have turn-on lids. They have a jar rack, gasket, dial or weighted gauge, an automatic vent/cover lock, a vent port (steam vent) to be closed with a counterweight or weighted gauge, and a safety fuse.

Pressure does not destroy microorganisms, but high temperatures applied for an adequate period of time do kill microorganisms. The success of destroying all microorganisms capable of growing in canned food is based on the temperature obtained in pure steam, free of air, at sea level.

At sea level, a canner operated at a gauge pressure of 10.5 lbs provides an internal temperature of 240°F. The entire USDA guide is available at nchfp.uga.edu.

Information on canning and other methods of food preservation is available from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schoharie and Otsego Counties at cceschoharie-otsego. org/.

Cooperative Extension in Chenango County has upcoming classes on food preservation. Visit www. extension.purdue.edu/usdacanning/ for a list.

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THURSDAY, SEPT. 7, 2017

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Make lights

sparkle

Home & Harvest - THE DAILY STAR

As days get shorter and natural light is less abundant, interior lighting becomes ever more important.

Chandeliers, pendant lamps, recessed lighting, and tableside lamps are most effective when they are clean. HGTV experts say dirty lights can give off up to 20 percent less light than clean ones. Dirty fixtures also waste energy.

Lighting fixtures that are within reach are easy to tackle, but what about those fixtures that hang or have multiple crystals, globes or bulbs? These tips can cut down on the time needed to give lights a thorough cleaning.

• Stock up on the right cleaning supplies. Microfiber dusting cloths are smart choices because they can help trap grime and tend to be machinewashable and reusable. Extendable static-charged dusters are another handy item to have around, particularly for fixtures that are hard to reach.

• Dust regularly. Dusting regularly can prevent the buildup of grime that’s difficult to wash off. Try to dust light fixtures weekly or biweekly. The more frequent the fixtures are dusted, the less time each cleaning session will take. Soft cloths can remove the dust from most bulbs

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and exterior surfaces. Lamp shades may need more attention. Use a lamb’s-wool duster to attract dirt so it doesn’t leave a residue on the lampshade.

• Deep-clean at table level. Deepcleaning at table level is more manageable. Remove any glass accents and set them out on a cushioned surface so they do not break. Soft cloths dampened with a vinegar solution should remove most of the dirt on chandelier crystals and the globes or outer glass coverings of other types of fixtures. Take a photo of the lighting fixture prior to cleaning so you’ll know how to replace removed parts correctly once everything is clean and dry.

If you cannot remove a fixture for cleaning, use a sturdy stool, a spray bottle with your cleaning mixture and a soft cloth to wipe away the dirt. Remember to place something absorbent beneath the light to catch any drips. Do not spray liquids directly onto light bulbs; otherwise, you can damage the bulb and the electrical components.

It’s best to exercise caution when cleaning lighting fixtures. Turn off the light itself and shut off the circuit breaker to avoid the risk of shock or burns from hot bulbs.

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NEW

THURSDAY, SEPT. 7, 2017

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, there are no safe levels of lead.

Lead is particularly harmful to children’s health. Exposure to lead can stunt children’s growth while also contributing to behavioral and learning problems. Anemia, reduced growth of fetuses in pregnant women, cardiovascular effects, and reproductive problems also are side effects of lead exposure. Many people once came into contact with lead via leadbased paints, which have been banned in the United States for consumer use since 1978. But lead also can be lurking in water supplies. The EPA says that between 10 and 20 percent of instances of lead exposure can be traced to contaminated water. Homes built before 1986 are the biggest risk factors for lead plumbing. As of January 2014, all newly installed water fixtures, pipes and fittings must meet new lead-free requirements.

But within the United States, public water suppliers and existing homes do not need to retrofit. The National Drinking Water Advisory Council found around 7.3 million lead service lines currently deliver water to customers.

Homeowners can request testing through their local water supplier or conduct certified home tests.

Human beings are not the only creatures looking for warm and cozy spots to ride out autumn and winter. Very often wild animals see homes as the perfect spots to nest and survive the cold. Fall is a great time to inspect your home top to bottom and make sure there are no points of entry for unwanted guests. The Humane Society notes that deteriorated trim and fascia boards can make great entry points for animals like squirrels, raccoons, skunks, and possums. Other animals may bed down under porches or decks or even inside chimneys. Seal any holes or repair points that are penetrable by cold animals.

Just be sure to inspect the home prior to sealing or capping any potential entry points to

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Did you know?

Keep critters out of your house

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Getting your house ready for winter Colder weather has already begun in the area. As we trade out summer clothes for winter ones, it’s important to remember that houses need to be prepared for winter, too.

Popular Mechanics Magazine recommends some steps to winterize a home: Change furnace filters. Filters should be changed monthly during the heating season, according to the magazine. Clogged filters can reduce a heating system’s effectiveness and waste energy. Using electrostatic or HEPA filters instead of the basic fiberglass kind can improve air purification, but at a cost.

Reverse ceiling fans. Many people do not know that ceiling fans have switches that allow them to run in either direction. While counterclockwise rotation will have a cooling effect, clockwise rotation will force hot air, which rises to the ceiling, back down.

Stop drafts. Cold air from window and door openings can be stopped by simple weather stripping. Installing new windows and doors may provide greater energy savings, especially in older homes. If new windows are not in the budget, inexpensive shrinkwrap window insulation kits will help.

Tune up the furnace. Annual maintenance, including cleaning and lubrication of furnace parts, can help save energy and prevent breakdowns, as well as extend the life of a

heating system.

The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors has some tips, too.

Check attic insulation. Most of a home’s heat loss is through the attic, so 12 inches of attic insulation is recommended in cold-climate areas.

Check out the chimney. Chimneys are popular nesting places for squirrels, raccoons and other creatures looking for a place to escape the cold.

Inspect the chimney and, if necessary, have it cleaned. Those with fireplaces should check that the damper works freely and make sure it is closed when not in use, to prevent heat loss.

Glass doors can further reduce the transfer of air through a fireplace and chimney.

Clean the gutters. Debris in gutters can get wet and freeze, causing ice dams and blocking drainage as snow melts from a roof. While up there,

check for loose or missing shingles.

Winterization extends outdoors, too. Cover up patio furniture. A deck might need an extra coat of sealer.

Home inprovement television star Bob Vila recommends flushing sediment from water heaters to keep them running efficiently.

Vila also recommends installing programmable thermostats to manage the temperature and heating costs in a home.

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coat and skin.

Choose pet-friendly ice and snow melters that won’t irritate paws or stomachs, especially if your dog or cat licks its paws after being outside.

Protect your dog’s paws with a wax product designed for this purpose by forming a dense, breathable bond, which helps prevent snow buildup during outdoor exercise. After walks, wipe away any snow or ice from your dog’s feet, legs and belly.

Poor weather and decreased daylight may cause limited visibility for drivers at night, so take extra precautions, including using a leash, when walking your pets.

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Home & Harvest - THE DAILY STAR

It’s a fall ritual to get our homes, cars and even ourselves ready for the colder weather. How many of us, though, consider the impact of the changing season on our pets? Michele Dixon, a health and nutrition specialist with Petcurean, says there are simple things we can do to keep our pets healthy and safe through the fall and winter months. Here are some that top the list: Cooler weather usually brings dry air, so using a humidifier will help to keep the nose and throat of our dogs and cats from drying out. It’s the same for their coat and skin. A dog or cat food with omega oils, like Petcurean’s GO! SENSITIVITY + SHINE, will help support a healthy

THURSDAY, SEPT. 7, 2017

Time to prep your pets for cooler weather

8 THURSDAY, SEPT. 7, 2017 Home & Harvest - THE DAILY STAR

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pring and summer may be the seasons most often associated with landscaping and lawn care, but tending to lawns and gardens is a year-round job. If lawn and garden responsibilities dip considerably in winter, then fall is the last significant chance before the new year that homeowners will have to address the landscaping around their homes.

Fall lawn care differs from spring and summer lawn care, even if the warm temperatures of summer linger into autumn. Homeowners who want their lawns to thrive year-round can take advantage of the welcoming weather of fall to address any existing or potential issues.

• Keep mowing, but adjust how you mow. It’s important that homeowners continue to mow their lawns so long as grass is growing. But as fall transitions into winter, lower the blades so the grass is cut shorter while remaining mindful that no blade of grass should ever be trimmed by more than one-third. Lowering the blades will allow more sunlight to reach the grass in the months ahead.

• Remove leaves as they fall. Much like applepicking and foliage, raking leaves is synonymous with fall. Some homeowners may wait to pick up a rake until all of the trees on their properties are bare. However, allowing fallen leaves to sit on the ground for extended periods of time can have an adverse effect on grass. Leaves left to sit on the lawn may ultimately suffocate the grass by forming an impenetrable wall that deprives the lawn of sunlight and oxygen. The result is dead grass and possibly even fungal disease. Leaves may not need to be raked every day, but homeowners should periodically rake and remove leaves from their grass, even if there are plenty left to fall still hanging on the trees.

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• Repair bald spots. Summer exacts a toll on lawns in various ways, and even homeowners with green thumbs may end up with a lawn filled with bald spots come September. Autumn is a great time to repair these bald spots. Lawn repair mixes like Scotts¨ PatchMaster contain mulch, seed and fertilizer to repair bald spots, which can begin to recover in as little as seven days. Before applying such products, remove dead grass and loosen the top few inches of soil. Follow any additional manufacturer instructions as well.

• Aerate the turf. Aerating reduces soil compacting, facilitating the delivery of fertilizer and water to a lawn’s roots. While many homeowners, and particularly those who take pride in tending to their own lawns, can successfully aerate their own turf, it’s best to first have soil tested so you know which amendments to add after the ground has been aerated. Gardening centers and home improvement stores sell soil testing kits that measure the pH of soil, but homeowners who want to test for nutrients or heavy metals in their soil may need to send their samples to a lab for further testing.

Fall lawn care provides a great reason to spend some time in the yard before the arrival of winter.

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10 THURSDAY, SEPT. 7, 2017 Home & Harvest - THE DAILY STAR

Ensure a more enjoyable winter indoors with simple soundproofing solutions As the weather gets colder, Americans inevitably spend more time indoors. If you’re sharing a space with an excitable toddler, an aspiring rock musician or a TV enthusiast with a penchant for loud volumes, peace and quiet may seem increasingly elusive.

Try these simple soundproofing tips to restore or create a more tranquil atmosphere in your home: 1. Hush noisy appliances. Make sure your appliances are working smoothly. Unusual rattles, clanks or vibrations may mean it’s time for a repair. When a replacement is needed, seek out a quieter machine.

New technologies have allowed manufacturers to lower the sound output of many models.

2. Seal sound leaks. Holes and cracks around windows and doors let outside noise into the home. Weatherstripping and/or caulking can help to eliminate the intrusion of exterior noise. Adhesive soundproofing tape can also help seal any problem areas.

3. Anticipate centers of noise when renovating. When designing a new room or renovating an existing one, consider its intended use and potential for generating noise. Playrooms, music studios or home theaters, for example, can be quieted with insulation. Look for a product such as Roxul Safe’n’Sound that is specifically designed to provide superior sound absorption and can be applied to the interior walls of a noisy room to effectively reduce disruptive sounds.

4. Use sound-absorbent materials.

Carpets and window drapes prevent sound from echoing around a room.

If your home has hardwood, laminate flooring or tile, consider investing in a throw rug to reduce ambient noise and add some character to your space.

Taking simple steps to create a more peaceful space will maximize the enjoyment of your home. It can also have the added benefit of helping to keep the peace among spouses, parents and siblings alike.

Corral T entryway clutter

he entryway to a home is the first thing guests experience when coming inside. It also can be the first place residents drop their belongings after long days at school or work. As a result, entryways can quickly be consumed by clutter. Taming such messes takes a mixture of ingenuity and planning.

Homeowners hoping to clear their entryways of clutter must first decide what they want to get out of the space.

Will it simply be a decorative spot with photos and other home decor on display? Or is functionality the primary goal?

Once that decision has been made, take inventory of which items, such as shoes, keys, umbrellas or coats, need to be in the area, which don’t (i.e., old mail). To make things more organized, rearrange the former while removing the latter.

Next it is time to assess storage needs and what’s already available. User-friendly storage items may need to be purchased to make the room as functional as possible.

The following ideas also can help bring order to the space.

• Create a command center. Create a central location where items are neat, orderly and within reach. Use a

bulletin board, dry-erase calendar or something that can house schedules and important notices. Hooks can hold keys, chargers and more.

• Keep it covered. Covered bins can serve as a seating area and also a place to store shoes, hats and scarves.

• Create cabinet space. Store items in cabinets so they are organized but out of sight. This way belongings are not just left on an entryway table.

• Create another drop zone. If the entryway is too small to serve its purpose, outfit another room or area that also can do the job. This can be a laundry room or mudroom area. Install shelves, a bench, cabinets and hooks. Just be sure this space is close enough to the entryway to make it useful.

• Go vertical. An easy way to keep things neater is to remove items from the floor and embrace vertical storage.

Shoe racks, hooks for purses and a cabinet for coats may do the trick.

Clutter can accumulate in entryways. But some simple adjustments can quickly revamp the space to make it neater and much more functional.

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Home & Harvest - THE DAILY STAR

footprints can use fall as a time to take inventory of their behaviors and make changes where necessary. The following are some steps to take right now that fit perfectly with the harvest season.

• Shop at a local farm stand. Take advantage of the many roadside

THURSDAY, SEPT. 7, 2017

Autumn arrives with cool breezes, awe-inspiring foliage and the hint of holidays on the horizon. Fall is a favorite time of year for many people because the crisp weather motivates people of all ages to enjoy the great outdoors.

Individuals conscious of their carbon

• Visit a corn maze. After corn has been harvested, farm owners often use their land for supplemental income.

Corn mazes can be simple or complex depending on visitors’ ages. Engage in family bonding outside and turn off electronics in the process.

• Bake your own pie. After a funfilled day picking apples at a nearby orchard, head home and use those locally sourced apples to whip up a delicious pie.

• Recycle old clothes to dress your scarecrow. Clothing that is not worthy of donation can be transformed into a festive scarecrow just in time for Halloween hijinks. Fill out the body of the scarecrow with newspaper and then add some pieces of straw around the neck, hands and feet.

• Host a football party. Watch the game on television or have a pickup game in the yard. Serve finger foods to cut down on the need for plastic or paper plates and flatware. Purchase a keg of beer from a local brewery to eliminate individual beer cans and bottles.

Set out a nonalcoholic punch bowl so the kids can enjoy refreshments, too.

Autumn can be a great time of year to embrace some eco-friendly practices.

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Enjoy an eco-friendly autumn

stands that crop up this time of year where you can find bushels of apples, pumpkins, gourds, and late-summer vegetables. After a day of sightseeing, visit a farm stand for warm cider and freshly baked doughnuts. Buying local produce reduces reliance on foreignshipped foods and other products, while also cutting back on the fuel consumed to get foods from the farm to the table.

• Use nature to decorate. Skip plastic, mass-produced decorations and rely on nature to dress up your home. Fill vases with leaves and berries. Place small pumpkins on mantles, and enrich the landscape of your home with vibrantly hued mums and other coolweather plants. Corn husks and stalks can add harvest flair to front porches.

Twigs nestled and tied together can make interesting table centerpieces.

• Create a composting pile. Outdoor chores are easier in cool weather than they are when the mercury rises. Set aside a place in the yard for composting. A healthy compost pile should have roughly two-thirds carbon (brown) materials and one-third nitrogen (green) materials, says EarthEasy. com. Use those lawn clippings and raked leaves to make compost for spring plantings.

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Prep the yard for winter weather

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s quickly as autumn weather arrives it seems to move aside for the blustery, cold days of winter. Winter can catch a person off guard and the seasons are now less predictable than ever before.

It’s never too early to begin preparing your yard and outdoor living spaces for winter. Homeowners may be sad to bid farewell to the furniture and accessories of the fair-weather season, but time is of the essence when prepping for impending ice and snow.

• Clean patio furniture. Give cushions and structures a thorough cleaning and allow to dry completely. Cleaning items before storing them for the winter saves time and energy next year when it’s time once again to set up the yard for recreation.

If anything is damaged beyond repair, discard it and look for replacements during end-of-season sales when savings can be had.

• Move things indoors. The more items you can store in a safe and secure location the better.

Load the garage, basement or storage shed with outdoor gear. Leaving items exposes them to the elements, and such exposure can cause rust, wear and damage. Flower pots and lawn ornaments also can blow around in winter wind or collapse under the weight of the snow, so collect these items and store them for the winter. Take out patio umbrellas and put them in the shed. If something is too large to move indoors, such as a barbecue or a pool filter, cover it with a durable tarp and secure it with rope.

• Cover delicate trees. Depending on where you live, certain fruit trees, including fig trees, may need to be covered for the winter. Covering protects them from subfreezing temperatures and helps ensure they will rebound in the spring.

Tropical plants should be moved indoors where they can thrive in a heated home. Do not rip out

chrysanthemum plants. Contrary to popular belief, these are not annuals. They will rebloom year after year if allowed to do so.

• Remove water collectors. Bring in or cover anything that may accumulate water, such as bird baths or kids’ toys. Water expands when frozen, and that means water trapped in any ceramic, glass or even plastic vessel can expand and cause the container to crack.

• Clean up leaves and debris. Piles of leaves not only can suffocate a lawn and cause discoloration, but also can be attractive homes for rodents and insects looking for a warm place to spend their winters. Keep your yard neat and clean to discourage wildlife from taking up residence near your home.

• Cover vegetable and flower beds. Invest in some burlap to lay down over planting beds. This helps to keep the ground from freezing over and minimize weeds for next season.

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• Care for outdoor ponds. If you have a pond on your property, remove any weeds around it and fish out any leaves from the water. Leaves will decay in the water and build up ammonia levels that can harm fish. If the pond is small, cover it for the winter. Also, start cutting back on feeding outdoor fish. These aquatic animals’ bodies begin to prepare for winter by slowing down metabolism.

Continuing to feed them can harm the fish when the temperature drops.

• Wrap up pool season. It’s wise to close the pool and cover it before leaves start to drop. Otherwise you will have a hard time of keeping the water clean.

• Plant spring bulbs now. Now is a good time to plan where you want to put spring bulbs. Once you have mapped things out, get the bulbs in the ground. Bulbs are relatively inexpensive and will provide that first punch of color when winter finally skips town.

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What is a smart home? tion may have the best chances of survival.

Those interested in dabbling in some smart home technology and testing the waters may want to start with the following household items.

• Smart bulbs: Manufacturers offer various types of smart light bulbs.

Some are color-changing, others react to doorbells or alarms, and others can simulate typical lighting patterns when homeowners are away. Integrated apps enable remote access to scheduling so people can arrive home to a well-lit house.

• Home security: Wi-Fi enabled doorbells with video capabilities allow residents to see who is at the door without having to open it. Cameras can even be accessed remotely, simulating that someone is at home at all times. Never wonder if you’ve locked the door again with smart locks that can be engaged via a smartphone. Make sure that homes are secured or that pets are behaving while out with smart cameras.

• Flood sensor: Get peace of mind against damaging floods with Wi-Fi flood sensors.

• Appliances: A new breed of smart appliances can make it possible for users to turn on the washing machine while out of the house, close refrigerator doors from afar or even start their vacuum cleaners remotely.

Smart technology is taking over and is likely to continue changing the way people live and work.

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Home & Harvest - THE DAILY STAR

Refrigerators that inform their owners when it’s time to buy more eggs and thermostats that learn homeowners’ heating and cooling preferences may once have seemed like futuristic ideas straight out of a sci-fi movie. However, such products are no longer a dream but a reality.

The term “smart home” refers to a residence that has appliances, HVAC, lighting, entertainment systems, security, and many more devices that communicate with one another. Such devices can be controlled remotely, according to SmartHomeUSA, an automation product retailer. Proponents of smart home technology say features can help people save money on utilities and conserve natural resources, all the while providing peace of mind to homeowners.

In 2016, 80 million smart home devices were delivered worldwide.

That marks a 64 percent increase from 2015, according to the research data firm IHS Markit. The smart home trend is only expected to grow in coming years.

Although there’s interest in smart home technology, the industry remains fragmented. Consumers are trying to figure out which devices are simply fun and which provide practical benefits. Furthermore, the range of smart devices is expanding rapidly, making potential compatability issues a concern. Companies that plan to educate consumers further about the advantages of smart home features and are open to standardiza-

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14 THURSDAY, SEPT. 7, 2017 Home & Harvest - THE DAILY STAR

4

simple ways to trim your energy bill this winter

T

he cost of home ownership can be considerable. One of the expenses that hits first-time homeowners the hardest upon moving into their new homes is the monthly energy bill.

While utility bills for apartment dwellers rarely break the bank, those bills grow considerably when men and women are suddenly lighting, heating and cooling an entire house.

Come winter, utility bills can be especially harsh on homeowners’ budgets. But there are some simple ways to trim utility bills no matter how low the mercury dips in the coming months.

1. Embrace technology.

Technology can help homeowners control energy costs in various ways.

A programmable thermostat allows men and women to determine when their homes’ thermostats turn on so they are not paying to heat an empty home. In addition to programmable thermostats, homeowners can purchase real-time electricity monitors that allow them to track usage and monitor individual rooms and circuits so they can determine where in their homes, if anywhere, they are needlessly wasting energy. In lieu of a porch light you need to leave on all night, install motion-detecting lights so you aren’t paying to light porches and walkways that are not being used.

2. Inspect windows and doors.

Windows and doors are often to blame when energy bills start to skyrocket. As homes age, cracks can develop around windows and doors, allowing precious and expensive heat to escape. Caulk around any windows that have cracks (you may feel a draft around such windows) and replace ineffective weatherstripping around doors, which is notice-

According to Energy.gov, homeowners can save between $12 and $30 for each 10° F reduction in water heater temperature. able if light is visible around doors’ edges.

3. Cover the water heater.

Water heaters can quickly lose heat, and that can contribute to higher heating bills as winter temperatures plunge. Water heater blankets are an inexpensive yet effective investment, as they can help water heaters retain heat longer, producing lower heating bills as a result.

4. Lower the water heater temperature.

Speaking of water heaters, changing their temperature is another simple way to lower utility costs during the winter. According to Energy. gov, homeowners can save between $12 and $30 for each 10° F reduction in water heater temperature. Many manufacturers set water heaters at 140° F, but setting the heater to 120° F can lead to considerable cost savings without sacrificing comfort.

An added and cost-effective benefit to lowering water heater temperature is that a lower temperature slows mineral buildup and corrosion in water heaters and pipes, reducing the likelihood of costly repairs while extending the life of the water heater.

Winter temperatures can be harsh on homeowners and their wallets.

But there are many ways for homeowners to reduce their energy bills no matter how cold it may get this winter.

15 tiles with MicrobanÂŽ protection employ an antimicrobial agent built into the product during the manufacturing process. When microbes touch the product surface, the agent penetrates the cell wall of the microorganism. Other tiles are treated with micrometric particles of titanium dioxide (TiO2), which is activated by sunlight or artificial light.

This causes a photocatalysis process, which is responsible for the product’s antipollution and bactericidal properties.

Examples of TiO2-treated tiles include Active Clean Air & Antibacterial CeramicÂŽ.

Antimicrobial ceramic tile can be advantageous in rooms where sanitation and hygiene are an utmost priority. This includes not only public places, but private residences. Worktops and floors where microbes can be transfered are particularly beneficial areas to install antimicrobial tile.

A potential side effect of antimicrobial tile is a reduction in reliance on harsh cleaning products. Although regular washing is recommended, residents may not need to use odoriferous or strong chemical cleaners to sanitize their homes. This helps improve indoor air quality and reduce the potential contamination of the environment from chemical runoff.

Homeowners thinking of installing antimicrobial tile in their homes should discuss their options with a tile retailer or contractor during the planning stages.

Home & Harvest - THE DAILY STAR

Antimicrobial ceramic tile can be advantageous in rooms where sanitation and hygiene are an utmost priority.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 7, 2017

T

ile can be a worthy addition to rooms with potential moisture issues or areas in a home that may routinely necessitate quick cleanup.

Because they are not damaged by constant contact with water, tiled floors and walls are often found in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and entryways.

Although tile is resilient, it is not impervious to the microorganisms that tend to proliferate in areas where moisture and humidity are commonplace. Microbes can grow rapidly in warm areas, especially if food is present.

Mold or mildew issues also can become problematic seemingly overnight. But certain modifications can help homeowners alleviate the proliferation of microorganisms.

Various manufacturers have developed their own innovative tile that contributes to cleaner, and sometimes more eco-friendly, home environments. The application of certain treatments can make ceramic tiles even more impervious to water and moisture. Some tile may help reduce the spread of certain strains of bacteria, such as E. coli and staph, without requiring the application of potentially harsh chemical detergents. Others treatments may protect against yeast, molds and fungi that can cause stains and odors and result in the degradation of tile.

Antimicrobial products inhibit the growth of microorganisms and suppress their reproduction. For example,

Antimicrobial tiles help create sanitary spaces

16 THURSDAY, SEPT. 7, 2017

24 Anniversary Open House Home & Harvest - THE DAILY STAR

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Friday September 22nd 9 am-5:30 pm & Saturday September 23rd 9 am-5 pm

FREE Conveggtor and bag of charcoal with every Big Green Egg purchased

HUGE RAFFLE something for everyone – and refreshments all day both days, including samples cooked on the Big Green Egg!

Up to $300 off Harman, Quadra-Fire, Heatilator and Heat & Glo Products: Pellet, Wood and Gas Stoves and Inserts $100 off wood and gas stoves, fireplaces and inserts by Jotul, Hearthstone and Mendota Select models of Harman Pellet products are eligible for up to an additional $2,500 off with the NYSERDA Pellet Stove Program Great deals on Floor Models and Trade Ins. Take an additional $100 off any stove, fireplace or insert stocked in our ware house.

Amazing Deals On Almost Everything (All Open House Offers are Good 9/18-9/30/17) 24 years experience gets you the right stove at the right price for your home!

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7352 State Hwy 23, Oneonta, NY • 607-436-9549 Hours: Sat. 9-5 Mon.-Fri. 9-5:30

email us at: hearthsafire@stny.rr.com • Visit us at www.hearthsafire.com

Serving the tri-county area and beyond for over 24 years