2020 Tri-County Home & Auto

&

Home Auto SPRING

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2020

2 HOME & AUTO

The Daily Clarion Friday, March 27, 2020

Why is my house so dusty and what can I do?

S pring is a season of rebirth and renewal. As trees and flowers bloom anew, many people get renewed vigor to tackle projects in and around the house.

Spring cleaning projects can take on many forms, from garage overhauls to washing the interiors and exteriors of windows. According to the 2019 American Cleaning Institute National Cleaning Survey conducted by Wakefield Research, 77 percent of households surveyed commit to spring clean projects every year.

Dust is a formidable foe during spring cleaning projects. Dust is unsightly and dust mites can trigger allergic reactions. But many homeowners lament that, once they dust, dust returns in a flash. Dust may seem like a never-ending nuisance, but there are some ways to mitigate dust for more than just a few hours.

INVEST IN A BETTER VACUUM CLEANER

Vacuuming carpets can release and resuspend dust and allergens that were trapped in carpeting and throw rugs, advises the Queensland University of Technology. Traditional vacuums may toss that dust into the air rather than remove it. However, vacuums with HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters can catch particles at .3 microns in size or larger at an efficiency rating of 99.97 percent. Another solution is to switch to hard-surface flooring, which is less likely to trap dust.

CHANGE THE AC UNIT FILTER According to Kadi Dulude, owner of the New York-based Wizard of Homes cleaning ser vice, HVAC filters

are supposed to trap particles that flow through the air and the heating and cooling system. Inadequate or dirty filters cannot do that job as thoroughly as new filters. Check the filters in both window and wholehouse AC or heating units and replace according to the recommended schedule. Consider filters with a higher MERV rating, which can catch smaller particles, suggests Ragsdale Heating, Air & Plumbing company.

USE LESS CLOTH AND LINEN The cleaning ser vice Maid to Shine Cleaners suggests that textiles trap more dust, particularly synthetic fabrics. Replacing items around the house with leather or wooden furniture may alleviate some of the dust problem.

TAKE OFF SHOES Dirt and debris from outside can contribute to dust in the house.

Remove shoes when entering the house to reduce the accumulation of dust.

KEEP PETS BRUSHED AND GROOMED Pets bring many positive things to a home, but no matter how short their coats, pet dander can be part of the dust problem. Washing and grooming pets regularly may put a dent in the dust situation.

In addition to these suggestions, getting a whole-house filtration system, increasing wet dusting and checking for leaky ducts that can be sucking dust from attics, basements or garages are some other ways to reduce dust in a home.

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Friday, March 27, 2020 The Daily Clarion

HOME & AUTO

3

Improve storage space at home H

omes are getting bigger, but it seems like people are still lamenting a lack of storage

space.

National Public Radio says the average American home has nearly tripled in size during the last 50 years.

Despite that, 10 percent of Americans still need to rent off-site storage, according to a report in the New York Times Magazine. Self-storage facilities are one of the fastest-growing commercial real estate segments, and the Self Storage Association says there are more than 50,000 storage facilities in the U.S. alone. The commercial real estate company CBRE, Ltd., says there are roughly 3,000 self-storage facilities across Canada, and 65 to 85 percent of self-storage tenants are residential users.

Improving storage at home can be a cost-effective alternative to renting storage space. With these easy tips, homeowners can maximize space immediately.

UTILIZE TRACK STORAGE SYSTEMS

INVEST IN STORAGE BENCHES/OTTOMANS

Closets may be plentiful, but if not efficiently utilized, space may still seem lacking. Track closet storage systems often make greater use of closet space than traditional shelf and hanging rod systems. Customizing closets using track systems or other modifications can improve utility of all closets in the house.

A stopping area inside the front door replete with a storage bench can house shoes, umbrellas, hats, backpacks, and other items, keeping them tidy and out of sight. In living rooms, look for chests or ottomans that are decorative and functional. Store throw blankets or board games inside.

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RECESS DRAWERS OR SHELVES

Storage beds typically feature cubbies Gain more storage by recessing a or drawers within a platform-style bed chest of drawers into what is called frame. It’s a practical home storage solu- the “knee wall” of homes that have tion, and does not require any building. sloped ceilings in attics and upstairs bedrooms. Utilize these short walls in an efficient manner by sinking drawers THINK VERTICALLY or shelves into them, without taking up Maximize spaces by looking up and down for storage possibilities. Items that floor space. are not used frequently, such as seasonal decorations or travel suitcases, can be RAFTER SHELVING stored in high spaces. Shelving on walls While in the attic (or a garage), add can go as high as necessary and be put hanging shelves to rafters or exposed to use in awkward wall areas, such as in beams to create off-the-floor storage as corners or under eaves. well.

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4 HOME & AUTO

The Daily Clarion Friday, March 27, 2020

Tips for waterproofing a basement or crawl space

W

ater can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Few things have the potential to damage a home as much as water. From leaks to flooding to moisture problems like mold, water can wreak havoc on a home.

Basements or crawl spaces are areas of a home where water can do the most damage. Basements and crawl spaces tend to be the lowest-lying spots in a home, and therefore prime spots for water to enter. Water problems in these areas can contribute to the demise of the structural integrity of the foundation.

According to Olshan, a foundation solutions company, water can enter homes in numerous ways. Many building materials, including concrete, that seem solid at first glance actually are quite porous. As ground water collects around these materials, the weight of the accumulated water, called hydrostatic pressure, can weaken the materials, causing cracks where water can seep through.

Water also can enter subterranean spaces through basement windows and gaps between footings and concrete slabs, or push up through foundation floors when

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homes are in areas with high water tables.

Remedying water issues in a home generally breaks down into two methodologies: exterior waterproofing and interior waterproofing. Depending on the cause and severity of the water issue, one or the other, or even both, may be recommended.

EXTERIOR WATERPROOFING Exterior waterproofing aims to keep water away from and out of the home.

The home improvement information resource DoItYourself.com says that exterior waterproofing generally includes the application of a waterproofing agent to the concrete foundation. In addition, exterior waterproofing also could include excavation so a drainage system can be installed around the entire footing of the home. Regrading a property and properly relocating gutters and downspouts can help with many water issues.

INTERIOR WATERPROOFING When water in a basement or crawl space needs to be remediated indoors, a system to collect, drain and remove water

may be necessary. This can include sump pumps, drains, gravity discharge systems, and more. Moisture barriers, which can include special paints or products applied to the foundation walls and floor, also can help keep water from entering the space.

MOISTURE SOLUTIONS Keeping water out is only one part of the equation. Homeowners also need to manage moisture, like excessive humidity. A marriage of HVAC and waterproofing techniques may be necessary to improve air flow and remove humidity in the air.

While many homeowners have attempted to address water issues on their own, many times it is a job best left to the professionals. Because water penetration can have multifaceted causes, a professional can best assess the situation and create solutions that fit with homeowners’ budgets and needs. The review and advice site Angie’s List suggests finding at least three waterproofing companies that offer both interior and exterior waterproofing services that can provide the best ideas for fixing the issue.

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Friday, March 27, 2020 The Daily Clarion

HOME & AUTO

5

How to clean when faced with a shortage of supplies

I

n light of concerns about COVID-19, various health organizations have issued specific instructions on how to maintain personal safety and cleanliness. These recommendations involve using common household products to sanitize homes, of fices and public spaces. As people take such precautions, many are stocking up on extra essentials — resulting in shor tages.

Ever ything from hand sanitizers to paper towels may be hard to find on grocer y store shelves, leaving some to wonder what they can do to remain safe without sanitizers?

The Environmental Protection Agency states that coronaviruses are some of the easiest types of viruses to kill because they have an envelope around them that enables them to merge with other cells and infect them. If that protective coating can be disrupted, the virus can’t do its job. For those having trouble finding well-known cleaning agents, these alternatives may suf fice.

HOT WATER AND SOAP

The reason hand-washing is at the top of the list of sanitizing methods is because it is so effective at washing away viruses and bacteria.

Friction from scrubbing with soap and water can help break the protective envelope, states the EPA. Soap and water can clean all surfaces in a home, especially when applying a little extra elbow grease.

HYDROGEN PEROXIDE As people clear isopropyl (rubbing alcohol) off the shelves, do not discount hydrogen peroxide. The CDC says household hydrogen peroxide at 3 percent concentration can deactivate rhinovirus, the virus that causes the common cold, within six to eight minutes of contact. Coronavirus is easier to destroy than rhinovirus, so hydrogen peroxide may be effective at combatting that virus as well.

Natural items can be used for general cleaning, but have not been endorsed for use on COVID-19 disinfection. In lieu of shortages, white vinegar, baking soda pastes and citrus oils and juices could fill the void of chemically-based cleansers for other home tasks.

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6 HOME & AUTO

The Daily Clarion Friday, March 27, 2020

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HOME & AUTO

7

Signs your tools may need some TLC A

do-it-yourselfer is only as good as his or her tools. Without the proper tools, even the handiest men and women may struggle to complete jobs well within their abilities.

It doesn’t take a seasoned do-it-yourselfer to recognize when hammers and screwdrivers need to be replaced. And such tools are generally so affordable that replacing them, even when they still have some utility, won’t affect too many DIYers’ budgets. However, power tools are considerable investments that do not necessarily need to be discarded when the first signs of trouble pop up.

In fact, sometimes power tools just need some TLC to become useful once again. The following are some common symptoms of power tool problems, and what may be behind those problems.

DIFFICULTY STARTING A power tool that won’t start can

delay a project. But a tool that won’t start should not be immediately written off, especially not before DIYers employ a multimeter. The cost of digital multimeters varies widely, with some retailing for less than $20 while others sell for hundreds and hundreds of dollars. Serious DIYers who spend every weekend working on one project or another may find the more expensive multimeters more to their liking, but many weekend warriors can get by with less expensive alternatives. Multimeters are useful because they can measure voltage on a power tool to determine if power is effectively moving through the tool.

Dust and dirt also can compromise power tools. This may be especially likely in spring, a time synonymous with home renovations, when many homeowners pick up their tools for the first time in months. Inspect a power

tool that emits an odor of burning. The power tool experts at Grainger notes that tools like sanders contain drive belts, and these belts should be the first place to look when tools produce LOSS OF POWER Some power tools may start but still a burning smell. When the drive belt lack the extra muscle that make power is to blame, the tool will typically stop working even when the motor is runtools more beneficial than manual ning. Capacitors may be behind the tools. In such instances, the carbon burning smell when using tools withbrushes might need to be replaced. out drive belts. Sometimes tools have Heat damage to brushes can reduce simply overheated. Whenever DIYers the overall conductivity of the brush, get a whiff of that burning smell, turn resulting in less power reaching the tool’s motor. In such instances, replace off the tool immediately and let it sit for 30 minutes before trying to diagnose the carbon brushes. In addition, chipped or damaged brushes can result the problem. Replacing these parts can in inconsistent power output. Replacing restore them to full usefulness and get rid of that unwelcome aroma. the brushes in such instances may be Replacing worn or damaged power all that’s necessary to restore a tool to tool parts as opposed to the tools themits powerful self. selves is often the most budget-friendly way to get these must-have DIY accesBURNING SMELL Many a DIYer has dealt with a power sories back on track. tool that’s not starting to see if dust or dirt is the culprit. If so, clean the tool and then try to start it again.

8 HOME & AUTO

The Daily Clarion Friday, March 27, 2020

Symptoms of engine control module problems Modern vehicle maintenance requires more than tools and dirty hands

T

he notion of vehicle maintenance often conjures images of greased-stained hands and car hoods propped up.

While professional and amateur mechanics are still no strangers to getting their hands dirty, vehicle maintenance in the 21st centur y also involves diagnosing issues that might arise with a car’s engine control module.

WHAT IS AN ENGINE CONTROL MODULE?

An engine control module, or ECM, ser ves as the primar y computer system for many critical components in modern vehi-

the true culprit can be identified cles. ECMs essentially ser ve as and the problem can be fixed. the brains behind the engines, • CHECK ENGINE LIGHT controlling ever ything from fuel COMES ON: Many drivers have mixtures to emissions controls. experienced the dreaded check Sensors within the engine send engine light, which signals to the ECM, and indicates some type the ECM then uses that of issue with the information to help the car engine. That issue can run smoothly. Issues that Identifying be a failing engine arise with the ECM can ECM issues component, or it may make driving difficult and, indicate a failing or in some cases, impossible. and promptly bad ECM. A mechanic addressing WHAT ARE SOME determine why the them can help can POTENTIAL SIGNS OF light has come on. drivers keep ECM ISSUES? • ENGINE PERFORtheir vehicles The automotive ser vice MANCE ISSUES: Even provider Aamco notes though the ECM is a on the road. that a faulty or failing separate entity from ECM will exhibit various the engine itself, a symptoms. However, it’s bad or failing ECM impor tant to note that can af fect engine perthese symptoms are not always formance. That’s because such indicative of issues with the ECMs throw of f the timing and ECM, so when they arise drivers fuel settings of the engine, leadmay want to schedule appointing to a sudden and noticeable ments with their mechanics so reduction in engine per formance.

Engine power may be af fected, and the vehicle may experience a drop in fuel ef ficiency and issues with acceleration.

• VEHICLE WILL NOT START: A failed ECM means the vehicle won’t star t, as there’s nothing controlling the engine to tell it do so. Failing ECMs may lead to struggles star ting the vehicle, and whenever drivers experience these issues, they should consult their mechanics immediately so the issue does not escalate to the point where the engine won’t star t at all.

• ERRATIC ENGINE BEHAVIOR: A malfunctioning ECM can lead to stalling or misfiring.

These issues are often sporadic, which may give drivers the impression that nothing is seriously wrong. However, erratic engine behavior is a strong indicator of problems with the ECM, and these issues should be addressed immediately.

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Friday, March 27, 2020 The Daily Clarion

HOME & AUTO

9

Charge up your car battery knowledge V

ehicles consist of many essential components to keep them running efficiently and effectively.

Car and truck owners should have an understanding of how their vehicles function so they can diagnose and address problems as they arise.

Car batteries are an important component of any vehicle.

Even though engines are the powerhouse of any car or truck, without a battery, the engine wouldn’t be able to work. According to Firestone Complete Auto Care, car batteries work by providing a jolt of electricity necessary to power all the electrical components of the vehicle. This is achieved through a chemical reaction that changes chemical energy into the electrical energy needed to deliver voltage to the starter. In addition to initially starting the car, the

battery also keeps electric current steady to keep the engine running.

The battery also works in conjunction with the alternator to power the electronics in the car, according to the automotive information blog Autosessive. While the car is running, the alternator reverses the current produced by the battery, recharging it as a result. This happens during long journeys, so people who drive for short bursts of time may find that their batteries will not have a chance to recharge and may not have the longevity desired.

There is quite literally a lot riding on a functioning battery.

No one wants to be caught stranded by a dead battery, so drivers may wonder if there are any indicators that may signal the battery needs replacement.

• SLOW TURNOVER: If a vehicle does not immediately

start or if the cranking is sluggish and takes longer to start, it may mean the battery is starting to fail.

• FREQUENT, SHORT TRIPS: Drivers who make frequent, short trips may find their car batteries do not have time to fully recharge.

This, coupled with overtaxing

thanks to a lot of accessory use, may cause the battery and the alternator to have shortened life spans.

• LOW BATTERY FLUID LEVELS: If the fluid level is below the energy conductor inside, it is often indicative of overcharging and excessive heat.

• CORROSION: Corrosion buildup, dust, dirt, and grime on battery connections may cause performance problems.

Inspecting and cleaning the terminals can prolong the battery life.

• ODORS AND LEAKS: Batter y leaks can produce a sulfur odor similar to the smell of a rotten egg. This can become problematic over time, and leaks may indicate an aging or damaged batter y.

• AGE: Most batteries have a finite life span. A well-maintained battery can last up to five years. Neglect can reduce that life expectancy considerably.

• BLOATED OR CRACKED BATTERY CASE: Replace the battery immediately if the case is cracking, as it could be because excessive heat is swelling the battery.

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10 HOME & AUTO

The Daily Clarion Friday, March 27, 2020

Navigating automobile incentives and rebates P urchasing a new car can be an exciting endeavor. Cars and trucks are among the most expensive items a person will buy over the course of his or her lifetime, and no one wants to spend more than necessary. Getting a good deal on a car or truck may come down to researching rebates and incentives.

The online automotive resource Edmunds.com says incentives and rebates are used by automakers to spur sales of particularly slow-selling models. Incentives and rebates also are used to entice previous customers to stay loyal to a brand. Potential buyers who are aware of incentives and rebates are being offered can use that knowledge to negotiate lower prices on desired vehicles.

Here is a close look at some of the incentives that may be available.

• DEALER INCENTIVES: Dealer incentives are factory-to-dealer offers that reduce the true cost to buy a vehicle from the factory, according to Cars.com. Dealers are under no obli-

gation to pass on these cost-cutting measure to customers, but many do just to move stock.

• CASH-BACK REBATE: This wellknown incentive is based on manufacturers offering cash rebates directly to customers when they make a purchase before a given date. Cashback rebates are generally offered on models that may not be selling as well as manufacturers had hoped. Some rebates are rolled over from month to month until desired quotas have been met. Think of a rebate as a coupon of sorts applied to the cost of the vehicle.

• LOW APR FINANCING: With this incentive, dealerships offer low interest rates on vehicles financed through their preferred lenders. Rates may range from 0 to 5 percent. Keep in mind that buyers’ credit scores need to be fairly high to qualify, and the low APR may only be on certain models.

• LEASE SPECIALS: Customers who lease may find manufacturers often offer special lease programs

through captive financing companies.

These are subsidized leases based on a residual value that’s much higher than the actual worth of the vehicle at term’s end. Dealers are playing with the numbers to bring down the monthly payment and thereby make their vehicles seem more appealing.

RealCarTips says that sometimes dealerships will apply cash-back rebates or financing incentives towards a lease instead of a financed vehicle.

• BONUS CASH INCENTIVE: This type of incentive generally targets a specific demographic, such as recent college graduates or military personnel. These incentives are not widely advertised, so it may be necessary to inquire about what is being offered.

• GOVERNMENT REBATES: Some savings are realized not through the manufacturer or dealer, but from government rebate programs. For example, tax credits may be available to buyers who purchase cars that run on alternative fuels or hybrids.

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Friday, March 27, 2020 The Daily Clarion

11

HOME & AUTO

Learn how depreciation affects car value B

uying a new car can be an exciting prospect. Having something that no one has previously owned or used can elicit pride.

But new car buyers are no doubt familiar with the conventional wisdom that, the moment a new car leaves the dealership, it loses a considerable amount of its value.

Drivers may be surprised at just how much and how quickly that value drops.

According to Capital OneÂŽ, car value can depreciate as much as 20 to 30 percent in the first year. The rate at which cars lose value after the first year is not as steep, and can be influenced by factors like age, mileage and how well the car has been maintained. However,

Kelley Blue BookÂŽ says cars generally shed about 60 percent of their original purchase price within the first five years.

A snapshot of how average depreciation works for a sedan can paint a clearer picture. Here is the value of a sedan over five years, according to Edmunds.

Full price: $30,000 1 year: $24,300 2 years: $20,700 3 years: $17,400 4 years: $14,700 5 years: $12,000

If a person is planning to keep a vehicle for the long haul, depreciation may not be much of a concern. However, for those who may not plan on holding on to a car for long, it is important to know about depreciation and how it affects car resale value and

the total cost of owning the car. For example, if a person borrowed money to buy a vehicle and decides to sell it shortly thereafter, he or she might end up upside down on the loan or owe more money than the car is worth. Car depreciation also can affect trade-in value when moving on to a new car.

One of the ways to avoid the perils of depreciation is to purchase a used car, since depreciation will have largely been absorbed by the previous owner. Another way to mitigate depreciation is to purchase a vehicle that has a slower rate of depreciation. CarFaxÂŽ says that when SUVs and trucks are in higher demand than sedans and compacts, they will retain their value lon-

ger. When fuel prices rise and cars that are more fuelefficient are in demand, the reverse is true.

Ways to reduce depreciation include: • driving the vehicle around 10,000 miles a year; • keeping up with maintenence, such as oil changes and replacing worn out parts; • buying new cars with high levels of safety technology, which can help a car retain more value over the first five years; and • researching Kelley Blue Book’s Best Resale Value Awards to see which vehicles hold their value the most.

Vehicle depreciation is something all new car buyers should be aware of when they are shopping for their new automobiles.

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12 HOME & AUTO

The Daily Clarion Friday, March 27, 2020

How to lower the cost of auto insurance

A

uto insurance is a must-have for drivers.

While it might seem hard to believe, as of 2019 there are still some places in the United States where auto insurance is not mandatory.

Auto insurance is mandatory in Canada, though each province has its own requirements in terms of the minimum amount of coverage allowable by law.

Many people, even those in places where auto insurance is not mandatory, recognize the importance of being insured before they get behind the wheel. However, that doesn’t mean those same drivers would not like to cut the cost of their auto insurance policies. A 2019 analysis from the online financial resource NerdWallet found that the average cost of car insurance in the United States is $1,621 per year. Average insurance costs

vary significantly in Canada, where data from the General Insurance Statistical Agency found that, in 2019, the average annual insurance premium in British Columbia exceeded $1,800, while drivers in Quebec paid slightly more than $700 annually.

No matter where drivers live, chances are they would love to lower their auto insurance costs. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to cut auto insurance premiums, drivers can try various strategies to save money on their policies. • RAISE YOUR POLICY’S DEDUCTIBLE. Higher deductibles may sound scary to drivers, but raising the deductibles is a great way to lower the cost of auto insurance.

The auto insurance provider Progressive notes that deductibles typically range from

$100 to $2,000. A driver whose policy has a $100 deductible will pay considerably more on his policy per month than a driver with a higher deductible. In fact, the Insurance Information Institute notes that drivers who increase

• BUNDLE YOUR POLICIES. Some drivers save money on their auto insurance policies by buying two or more types of insurance from the same provider. For example, homeowners may save money by buying homeowners insurance from their auto insurance providers or vice versa. • RESEARCH POTENTIAL DISCOUNTS. The III notes that many companies offer discounts to policyholders, even if those discounts are not necessarily promoted. Drivers can contact their insurance companies, or shop around with other providers, to ask about various their deductibles from $200 discounts that can save them to $1,000 can save 40 percent money on their policies. Antior more on their coverage theft devices, defensive driving costs. Drivers who choose this courses, low annual mileage, option should always be sure and a strong credit record they have enough money in are just a handful of the many the bank to cover the cost of potential discounts drivers may their deductibles. be eligible for.

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HOME & AUTO

13

New to RVs? Here’s what you should know

R

oad trips are a unique way to travel that afford travelers the freedom to stop and take in sights and scenery on their own time.

Traveling the highways and back roads gives people a chance to slow down and really enjoy an adventure.

Such trips can be made even more special by traveling in recreational vehicles, often referred to as “RVs.” The RV industry has been consistently growing for years.

The Recreational Vehicle Industry Association says the RV industry creates $50 billion in economic impact in the United States, with roughly 23,000 businesses currently in operation. More than 504 RVs were shipped in 2017, and in Canada the industry is responsible for more than $7 billion in retail sales, states RVIA and Statista.

Roughly 40 million Americans go RV camping each year, and millennials make up approximately 38 percent of campers, according to a report from CNBC. New RV enthusiasts are getting on the road every day, and such travelers

can benefit from the wisdom and experience of those who have blazed trails before them.

• Budget for all RV expenses. It can be tempting to overspend on the RV itself, but buyers should factor in other expenses like hoses, wheel chocks, levelers, navigation systems, campsite fees, and more.

• Consider the size of the RV. Buy the smallest RV that is comfortable.

Doing so opens up more options regarding places to stay. In addition, small RVs are morely easily maneuvered on the road than large ones, especially for novices.

• Add time to your ETAs. The estimated time for trips that popular map and navigation software provide are customized to average car speeds. RVs generally move more slowly than cars, so allow for more time to arrive at your destination.

This is an important consideration if you need to be at a campground by a certain time.

• Save condiment packages.

When visiting restaurants and carryout places, save any unused

condiment packets, napkins and packages of disposable cutlery.

These items take up much less room than full-sized packages, and space inside RVs is often at a premium.

• Invest in storage boxes. Store belongings neatly and cleanly in plastic storage containers. Choose uniformly shaped and sized bins, which are more easily stacked and stored than bins of varying sizes.

• Pack a paper map. Navigation services that are powered by satellite or cell phone signals may not be available in inclement weather or when traveling through mountain ranges. Paper maps can fill the void and keep you on track.

• Check towing capacity. Make sure you do not exceed the manufacturer-recommended towing capacity.

This is usually found on a sticker in the driver’s door. Overloading the vehicle can cause transmission issues and/or burn out engines.

RVs can be a fun and relaxing way to travel, and novices can make such trips more enjoyable by following a few tips from seasoned road trippers.

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14 HOME & AUTO

The Daily Clarion Friday, March 27, 2020

10 maintenance tasks experts say many miss I

f you pride yourself on keeping your home in tiptop shape, you’re the kind of homeowner who takes the necessar y steps to keep your house running like a well-oiled machine — or at least you think you’re taking all of the right steps. The hard truth, though, is many people overlook a number of important home maintenance tasks.

Experts say homeowners often miss these home maintenance tasks, which can have serious consequences, as maintaining your home is a whole lot easier — and a lot less expensive — than dealing with big repairs.

1. CLEAN YOUR REFRIGERATOR’S CONDENSER COILS Most refrigerators have condenser coils located across the bottom or at the back of the unit that cool and condense the refrigerant. These coils can collect dust and pet hair and get clogged, forcing your refrigerator to work harder to stay cold.

Clean refrigerator’s condenser coil once a year, twice if you have a pet that sheds. You can do this yourself by unplugging the refrigerator, removing the grill protecting the coils and gently using the hose from a vacuum cleaner to suck out dust particles and debris.

Make sure to wear a dust mask.

er’s collection bin annually, or two to three times a year if you have “hard” water, meaning it’s high in dissolved minerals, specifically calcium, iron and magnesium, and causes limescale buildup. (You can buy a water test kit online for about $15 to $30 to test your water’s hardness yourself.) An even mixture of white vinegar and warm water will do the trick.

3. CLEAN YOUR BATHROOM’S EXHAUST FANS TWICE A YEAR Bathroom exhaust fans help eliminate odors and remove moisture that would other wise land on surfaces and turn into mold; however, a fan can’t operate properly if its cover is dirty. Give bathroom vent covers a thorough cleaning with soapy water twice a year to keep your exhaust fans running efficiently.

4. CLEAN THE DRYER VENT, NOT JUST THE LINT SCREEN Most homeowners know it’s important to clean their dr yer’s lint screen in between loads to prevent fires, but many people don’t check for lint buildup in and around the dr yer duct and vent filter. Failure to clean the dr yer is the leading cause of clothes dr yer fires, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

Dr yer vents should be cleaned at least once a year.

5. FLUSH THE WATER HEATER FOR BETTER PERFORMANCE

Your home’s water system will 2. CLEAN YOUR REFRIGERATOR’S perform better and last longer if you ICE CUBE MAKER You’ll want to clean your ice mak-

flush the tank once a year to remove

sediment. According to HomeAdvisor, plumbers will include flushing in their annual tuneup for about $200.

6. SWEEP THE CHIMNEY TO AVOID FIRES, CARBON MONOXIDE LEAKS Love using your wood-burning fireplace? Smoke can leave behind ash and carbon deposits called creosote. The National Fire Protection Association recommends a chimney inspection at least once a year.

7. CLEAN THE DISHWASHER A FEW TIMES A YEAR A good trick for deodorizing the dishwasher is to place a bowl full of vinegar in the middle of the bottom rack and then run a normal wash cycle.

The vinegar trick is mainly for deodorizing, but it will also remove some of the stains and discolorations that can build up over time in a dishwasher’s interior. For more stubborn stains, which are common in homes with hard water, homeowners can tr y a store-brought dishwasher cleaner.

ly to build up mold, but it can happen to top-loaders, too.

9. REMOVE CALCIUM DEPOSITS FROM SHOWER HEADS To remove calcium deposits and other gunk, fill a small bag with one cup equal parts water and distilled white vinegar and attach it to the shower head’s nozzle with a twist tie, letting it soak for 20 minutes. For a more thorough clean, remove the shower head to let it fully soak and then use an old toothbrush to clean away any remaining debris. Make sure to flush the shower head with hot water once you’re done cleaning before using it.

A full soak should be done about once ever y three months.

10. INSPECT TREES AND TREE LIMBS NEAR YOUR HOME FOR SAFETY

Depending on its proximity to your home and the tree’s condition, strong winds could force it to come crashing into your house.

If you have trees close to your home, you’ll want to hire a profes8. KEEP YOUR WASHING sional arborist to do an annual MACHINE MILDEW-FREE sweep of your property. Doing Run a cup of white vinegar this means you’ll have an expert through the washing machine, using who can identify early signs of a cleaning cycle (available on some disease or rotting. Expect to pay washers) or a normal cycle with hot $75 to $100 for an inspection of water, once per month. one to five trees, and each addiAlso, keep your washing tional tree will cost around $25. machine’s lid or door open in Then, follow the arborist’s advice between cycles to allow the basket to on what foliage to trim or cut dr y out. Front-loaders are more like- down.

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Friday, March 27, 2020 The Daily Clarion

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16 HOME & AUTO

The Daily Clarion Friday, March 27, 2020

John Deere 1025R Compact Utility Tractor

MORE THAN A MOWER Don’t let its size fool you. The John Deere 1025R can do more than just mow.

From building fences and landscaping to maintaining gardens and driveways, there aren’t many things this compact can’t do. What could you use it for?

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