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Supplement to The Delphos Herald September 2011

2 The Delphos Herald Fall Home Improvement September 2011

Tips for a healthier bathroom


StatePoint While most people can tolerate some clutter and dust in their home, a grungy bathroom is another story. Ironically, the room devoted to personal cleanliness is often rife with bacteria, mold and mildew even if it looks spotless. Bacteria and mold not only affect the air you breathe, but the structural integrity of your home, say experts. There are several things you can do yourself, as well as efficient home upgrades, to make your bathroom healthier. Clean your shower. Not just once a week, but daily. Use a squeegee to wipe down walls, or spray an eco-friendly white vinegar solution after each use. If you use a shower curtain, wash or change it regularly (depending on how hard your water is, but usually every one to three months). Cooler, drier air will also reduce mildew in grout between tiles. Unclog showerheads. If a showerhead becomes clogged with mineral deposits, fill a plastic bag with undiluted white vinegar and place it over the head and seal tie it off with a rubber band. Soak overnight and then scrub it with a toothbrush. Circulate clean air. That musty smell is a sign your bathroom isnt properly ventilated and is ripe with mildew and other airborne mold spores. To control it, try a ventilation fan with a motion and humidity sensor, which turns on when someone enters the bathroom and automatically shuts off 20 minutes later. When you shower, a humidity sensor overrides the timer and continues extracting moisture until the humidity is back to a pre-set level. This will help eliminate that musty smell and prevent excess moisture from ruining expensive fixtures and cabinetry. Keep toothbrushes apart. Germs can spread from person to person when the heads of toothbrushes touch. Also, make sure you put down the lid whenever you flush the toilet. Bacteria-filled mist can travel several feet, landing on porous surfaces like toothbrush bristles. Dont let paint blister. Paint blisters are caused by moisture that helps mold grow. A typical shower adds half a pint of water to the air. Scrape and repaint blisters. To avoid future growth,

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replace moist air with dry air by ventilating properly. The most important thing you can do to keep mold, bacteria and mildew out of your bathroom, is to properly ventilate it, says Anita So, an executive with the Panasonic Home & Environment Company. Indoor pollutants are virtually impossible to eliminate completely by just opening a window, creating the need

for a second step to improve air quality. A vent fan can remove stale, moist, polluted air and replace it with fresh air. Its important to make sure bathroom ventilation systems are properly installed. By practicing safe bathroom practices, youll breathe cleaner air and prevent structural problems that can decrease the value of your home.

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September 2011 The Delphos Herald Fall Home Improvement 3

Improve your homes air quality


StatePoint As the weather cools, many homeowners take measures to seal leaky windows and doors in order to conserve energy and guard against environmental pollutants. But according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air, and contains everything from smog and allergens to mold spores and viruses. While it might sound simple to get some fresh air, the reality is that its virtually non-existent in our homes and workplaces, says Chris Gibson, Director of Air Quality Products for Humanscale. Most of us assume that the indoor air we breathe is clean, but the truth is were simply not aware of the pollutants in our air and the associated threats to our health. And in fact, the EPA estimates that most people spend upwards of 80 percent of their time indoors either at home or at work. Oftentimes people get headaches or sinus issues and attribute these symptoms to things such as stress or a change in the weather, when it actually may be the result of what they are breathing in. Here are several air quality hazards to keep in mind, along with some easy remedies: Cleaning Supplies: Harsh chemicals and toxins can be found in most household cleaners. So read the labels before you start scrubbing away. All-natural cleaning supplies or ones meant for home use (not industrial use) are best. Stronger chemicals, such as paints, solvents and industrial-strength cleaning supplies, should be stored in a garage or shed. Germs: Between your co-worker sneezing and bacteria lingering on a commonly used item, germs during cold and flu season are just waiting to be caught. Be sure to wash hands frequently and to cough or sneeze into the nook of your elbow to help reduce the spread of these germs. Allergens: Regardless of the time of year, dust, pollen and other allergens are ever present in the air we breathe, often sticking to our clothes and furniture. Air purifiers can help alleviate the symptoms caused by allergies. Consider using a targeted air purifier that delivers clean air right where you breathe at the head of your bed, near your computer at work, or by your favorite reading chair. This new approach to air purification can be far more efficient and effective than traditional room air purifiers, and even less costly. And remember, the next time youre not feeling the best, it might just be the result of what youve been breathing in.

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4 The Delphos Herald Fall Home Improvement September 2011

Prepare your yard and garden for winter


ARA Snow, ice, freezing temperatures and other elements of winter are not far off. Youve enjoyed your backyard all summer long, but now its time to get everything prepped to handle the upcoming cold weather. Preparing your lawn, shrubbery and gardens for the winter months can help ensure youll be able to enjoy your landscaping as soon as the temperatures warm next spring. By renting the right equipment to successfully handle those jobs, youll save time and free up space for all of your home beautification projects. Tree trimming and planting The fall months offer the perfect opportunity to plant and trim trees. If youre planting, make sure to give the new trees plenty of water in the weeks leading up to the first hard frost. Also, make sure your established trees receive a good supply of water, especially if the end-of-summer weather has been hot and dry. Tree trimming allows you to remove dead branches and limbs, as well as growth that may be blocking your patio, sidewalk and driveway, or hanging over the roof of your house. If the tree is quite large in size, consider renting a tree trimmer to reach the high branches. When youre done, rent a wood chipper to make mulch for next years garden with the branches and limbs youve trimmed. A brush cutter can help clear away ground clutter. Give your lawn some life with lawn aeration and dethatching. If your lawn is showing signs of runoff and thinning, it can mean the dirt is very compacted, and needs aeration to allow water and nutrients in. Aerator rental is an option to perforate your lawn with small holes, giving the grass a chance to refresh and thicken prior to the winter freeze. This will help give your lawn a beautiful green look next season. Dethatching is another lawn care option to help your lawn grow thick and lush come spring. Roots, dead stems and clippings often get trapped between the soil and the green vegetation, blocking the soil from receiving water and nutrients. Stop at your local rental store for a thatcher, which will slice through the dead materials, lifting them up and out of the way. Prep your gardens both floral and vegetable to help minimize the work youll have to do in the spring. Remove all the dead plants, and turn over the soil using a rototiller from your local rental store, add-

ing a layer of natural fertilizer like leaf clippings, grass clippings or compost. Dont make the layer too thick. These materials will help provide some additional nutrients to the soil as they break down over the winter months. Fall is a great time to plant bulbs for early spring flower decorations. Cultivate the soil by churning it up and adding a bit of compost or other fertilizer. Plant the bulb, water it and mark it so you dont acci-

dentally dig it up early in the spring while preparing your garden for another season of growing. Renting lawn and garden equipment washes away the worry of having to maintain and store it, leaving more room in your basement, garage and garden shed, and affording you more time to enjoy your backyard and peruse gardening catalogs and magazines as winter arrives and you dream for the first sign of spring.

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September 2011 The Delphos Herald Fall Home Improvement 5

Fun, surprising cost-saving home improvements


ARA Who wouldnt like to save money on utility bills this winter? But have you ever considered some of the more common energy-efficient home improvements - like insulating your hot water heater or replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents and thought dullsville? Sometimes the act of saving money just isnt fun enough on its own. Fortunately, you can make home improvements that will trim your utility bills and boost your homes appeal at the same time. Here are four fun home improvements that are surprisingly energy efficient as well: 1. Buy a new dishwasher Or clothes washer. Older appliances were not only built to be less energy efficient, they can lose what little efficiency they had as they age. If your appliances are more than 10 years old, they likely use more energy and water than newer models, especially new models that are Energy Star qualified. Dishwashers purchased before 1994 use an additional 10 gallons or more of water per cycle than a new Energy Star qualified model, according to EnergyStar.gov. And if you dont have a dishwasher at all, dont think of buying one as just a luxury. Energy Star says youll save 5,000 gallons of water and knock $40 per year off your utility bills if you give up washing dishes by hand - not to mention 230 hours of your time. 2. Beautify your bathroom Kitchens and baths sell homes, but theyre also the rooms where the most water gets used and wasted. Old fixtures and faucets are among the top water-wasting culprits in a home. You can conserve water by turning off the tap when you brush your teeth, but that water savings goes down the drain if the toilet runs constantly when you leave the room. Replacing leaky fixtures can reap significant water savings. Energy Star says a leaky faucet can waste gallons of water. Just one drip per second can waste up to 1,661 gallons of water in a year, according to EnergyStar. gov. You can also conserve water by installing a low-flow showerhead, which can save you as much as 5 gallons of water during a 10-minute shower. Many manufacturers now offer stylish, water-efficient faucets and showerheads. 3. Let the sun shine in A venting skylight is a fun way to fill your home with nourishing natural light and passive ventilation, but did you know its also energy efficient? Installing a venting skylight can help you lower your electric bill by reducing your dependency on artificial light and electric fans. Natural light has been tied to a host of health benefits, including improving mood. A skylight not only enhances the energy efficiency of your home, it adds decorating flair and could make you feel better about living there. Theyre also relatively low-cost when it comes to luxury home improvements. You can get an Energy Star qualified No Leak Skylight from Velux for about $1,000 per unit for a remote-controlled electric venting model that closes automatically should it rain. Log on to www.veluxusa.com to find a local installer for a customized cost estimate. 4. Install a fireplace Zone heating the areas of your home where you spend the most time can reduce your home heating bill by 20 to 40 percent, according to the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association. Installing an energy-efficient fireplace or a stove is a great, appealing way to zone heat the rooms you use the most. Whats more, this type of heating can be greener, if you use renewable fuels like cord wood, pellets or other plant-derived materials in your high-efficiency stove or fireplace. As for the fun quotient, its hard to top a fireplace for a home improvement that adds warmth and appeal to a room. Saving money can be doubly exciting, when you opt for energy-efficient A venting skylight in the bath not only provides natural home improvements that also enhance light and passive ventilation but affords privacy. enjoyment of your home.

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6 The Delphos Herald Fall Home Improvement September 2011

Fall gardening tips to extend the harvest


ARA Kids are heading back to school, tomato harvests have begun to dwindle and the leaves are starting to change color once again. Another hot summer is drawing to a close. This does not have to mean though, that thriving gardens must to fade into blissful memories. Even as temperatures start to drop, cold-weather crops can extend the harvest well into the fall months. A delicious fresh spinach salad would blend beautifully with a hearty squash or pumpkin soup after a cool fall day spent raking leaves or hiking through the woods. Plant crops to use in creative recipes, and feed your family from the garden all autumn long. Plants with shorter and cooler growing seasons thrive in the fall months. Consider setting aside a weekend for the entire family to get outside and plant some beans, peas and salad greens like lettuce, kale and spinach. Check out the regions average date for a hard frost, and calculate back the weeks needed to successfully grow a full late-season crop. Rotate plant location. For example, if peas were planted in the spring in one section of the garden, dont plant them in the same location for the fall growing season. Instead, consider using that area of the garden for spinach this time around. Rotating crops like this will help the gardens soil to replace and retain valuable nutrients naturally. Enhance the growth of plants with Miracle-Gro expand n GRO soil that contains plant food, allowing plants to thrive in both containers and gardens. When combined with water, soil permanently expands up to three times its original size to hold up to 50 percent more water than basic potting soils. And as a soil amendment, expand n GRO radically improves native soil conditions, whether sand or clay. For a great organic option, try using Miracle-Gro Organic Choice Potting Mix or Garden Soil to help keep plants strong and healthy all throughout the growing season. The garden needs food to thrive. Feed edibles, whether in an in-ground garden or in container pots, with MiracleGro Shake n Feed Tomato, Fruits & Vegetables Plant Food Plus Calcium. One application will feed plants for up to three months - which is plenty of time for the fall garden to produce a harvest of delicious vegetables - and contains calcium to help plants grow better quality, longer-lasting fruits and vegetables. Keep an eye on plants as they grow, being certain to water daily and protect from the dangers of a hard frost. Monitor weather reports. If a hard frost is predicted in the area earlier than expected, cover the crops with blankets or plastic for the night, and uncover in the morning, once the threat of freezing has passed. Harvest plants as they reach maturity. Sometimes a chilly night with a slight frost can enhance the flavor if vegetables are picked during or immediately after the temperature drops. Enjoy the bountiful harvest. Miracle-Gro and Americas Test Kitchen have recipes at www.miracle-gro.com/GroYourOwn to explore. Try them all using your own freshly grown produce and see which recipes the family likes best. Assign a family member to record the entire growing season through the winter frost, keeping track of what was planted, the date it was planted, the flavor of the vegetables harvested and even which recipes the family made and enjoyed with the produce. Use this information next year to better plan the fall garden and increase the amount of produce harvested.

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September 2011 The Delphos Herald Fall Home Improvement 7

Is your family as safe as it could be from a household fire?


ARA Did you ever wonder what would happen to your family if a fire started in the house? Would everyone be able to get out in time? Would they know what to do and where to go as soon as they smelled smoke? The reality is that when a fire strikes, every minute counts. Thats why the United States Fire Administration recommends that everyone have a comprehensive fire protection plan that includes smoke alarms, residential sprinkler systems and a well-planned home fire escape plan. Given the proven effectiveness of todays fire sprinkler technologies, its little wonder that residential fire sprinkler systems have grown significantly in popularity and, in some states, are mandated when a house is built or remodeled, says Matthew Kuwatch, global business director for BlazeMaster Fire Sprinkler Systems. Unlike smoke detectors, which simply alert you when a fire has started, fire sprinkler systems provide a proven means for delaying the spread of a household fire or even extinguishing it, thus giving residents the extra time they often need to exit safely. Such precautions, in addition to increased educational efforts, are paying off in the form of fewer fire-related deaths in the United States. The fire death rate in the United States has declined by 66 percent since 1979, according to a July 2011 report issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Thats good news, but not good enough when you consider that the United States still has one of the highest fire death rates in the industrialized world. According to the National Fire Protection Association, there were roughly 480,000 structure fires in the United States in 2009 that resulted in nearly 2,700 civilian deaths, nearly 15,000 related injuries and $10.8 billion in property damage. The best time to start protecting your family is when youre building a new home or remodeling an existing one, as residential fire sprinkler piping runs behind the walls and between the floors, exposing only the sprinkler heads through the ceiling or wall. Just as important as planning your home fire escape plan is researching the right fire sprinkler system, as not all of them perform the same. Piping materials and overall design of the system can be very different with some offering significant cost and performance advantages. As a result of corrosion problems and escalating material costs, metallic systems are no longer being installed as frequently but are being replaced with newer, high-performance, more cost-effective technologies. BlazeMaster Fire Sprinkler Systems, for example, which are made from a revolutionary, high-temperature specialty material that has been effectively used in life safety applications for nearly 30 years, have become the most specified nonmetallic fire sprinkler system in the world. Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and easy to install, they offer significant cost savings over steel systems in the form of reduced material and labor costs. They also provide a superior safety performance over other plastic systems because they do not support combustion and will not continue to burn after the ignition source has been extinguished. From a design standpoint, a fire sprinkler system can operate independently as a stand-alone system or in combination with the plumbing system (often referred to as a multipurpose system). Due to reliability concerns, however, these combination systems are not approved for use in many regions of the country. Regardless of the piping material or sys-

tem design, fire sprinkler systems are a wise investment. Not only do they increase the survival odds if a fire should strike, but they can also result in reduced insurance premiums because of their ability to limit property damage. Unlike the myths and movies that portray multiple sprinkler heads going off simultaneously to discharge a large amount of water, the reality is that automatic fire sprinklers are individually heat-activated to spray water only in the immediate area of the fire. In many cases, only one sprinkler head operates to extinguish a fire. The amount of water discharged from a sprinkler head is roughly 1/8 the amount of water typically disbursed if the local fire department is called in.

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8 The Delphos Herald Fall Home Improvement September 2011

Winterize your home for long-term payback


ARA You may not want to think about it, but winter will be here again before you know it. Of course, winter means its time to turn the heat back on, which can be a strain on your home energy budget. Older windows are a common culprit of air leakage in the home, but todays replacement options have insulating values that are moving closer and closer to the insulating value of a wall, says Chris Pickering, vice president of marketing, Ply Gem Windows. If your home has original windows, having new energy efficient ones installed can make a significant difference in comfort, while also saving energy. For instance, installing highly insulating R-5 windows in a replacement project previously would have been cost prohibitive to most consumers. With new glass technologies now available, windows that achieve R-5 performance (U-value of 0.22 or lower) have become much more affordable. Air leakage through holes, gaps, and cracks is another one of the biggest causes of home heating and cooling loss, says Mike Kontranowski, strategic marketing manager, Dow Building Solutions. It accounts for a significant amount of the energy used in most homes, with older homes being especially vulnerable to air leaks. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), random air infiltration through gaps and cracks accounts for 25 to 40 percent of the energy loss in most residential structures. Wouldnt it be great to save on energy and improve comfort in your home, not only this winter, but for many to come? In fact, you can save energy while the weather is still warm because most of the same things you do to seal your home and save heat in winter can also help keep your air conditioning inside during the hot months. To help control air leakage through gaps and cracks larger than two inches, such as where the wall sets on the subfloor, where pipes and wires go through wall plates, and holes that lead into attics and crawlspaces, Kontranowski recommends that you ask your contractor for products like foam insulation. In addition to sealing your homes cracks, gaps and window openings, there are many other projects to consider for winterizing your home. Pickering offers some additional tips to prepare your home for the cold weather and beyond. Add insulation to your attic to reduce heat loss and drafts. Install glass doors on fireplaces to reduce drafts and make sure your damper is working properly. Clean vents, air ducts and replace filters to promote air flow and ease the strain on your heating and cooling system. Clean out gutters, and if needed, have professional gutter protection installed to reduce the possibilities of ice damming. If melting ice is unable to drain due to debris buildup, it could seep into the walls and ceilings of your home. Drain a few gallons from your water heater to remove sediment and help it operate more efficiently. Upgrade to low-maintenance insulated vinyl siding to efficiently minimize air leakage, especially between wall studs. Wrap your hot water pipes in insulation pre-formed for that purpose to reduce heat loss and lessen the workload on your water heater. Because each home differs in the products that will work best to maximize its energy efficiency in the winter and year round, Pickering recommends having an energy audit to decide which winterizing projects are best for your home. Speak with representatives from your local utility company to set up an audit appointment for your house, or look for home energy

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Suspect a natural gas leak? First, move your feet! Call once youre well down the street! Outside or in, detecting a natural gas leak is easy. A leaking pipeline might make a hissing sound you can HEAR. Or, you might SEE blowing dirt, bubbling water or an unusual area of dead vegetation. The familiar rottenegg-like odor you associate with natural gas is added to help you SMELL a leak from a gas line or appliance. Natural gas is clean, efficient and safe. Remember not to dig on your property without first calling Ohio Utilities Protection Service at 1-800-362-2764. And if you ever suspect a leak - walk away, right away. Once clear of the area, call your natural gas company or 9-1-1.
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September 2011 The Delphos Herald Fall Home Improvement 9

12 green home improvements


Making home improvements doesnt have to mean compromising environmental ideals in the process. There are numerous jobs that a person can do that fit with a green lifestyle. While these improvements help protect the planet, theyll also help keep a few extra dollars in your wallet. 1. Conserve water Turn off the tap between brushing teeth or rinsing off dishes. Better yet, install low-flow faucets, showerheads and toilets that reduce the consumption of water in the household. 2. Motion detection: Motion-detector lights can be installed in different rooms of the home and outdoors. Lights will automatically turn on and off depending on the activity in the area, reducing the chances of a light being left on inadvertently and wasting money and energy. 3. Solar panels You may have been toying with the idea of solar panels for years. They can be installed on the roof or in the yard to power various components of the household, like lights during a traditional power outage or the swimming pool filter. Today it is possible to buy used solar panels, many of which still have a lot of life left to them and are considerably cheaper than new ones. 4. Aluminum-clad storm door Insulate the entryway of your home with a storm door that will buffer against harsh weather conditions. While youre creating a more air-tight space, caulk around windows and doors. 5. Replace air filters Your HVAC system likely has filters inside that trap dirt and contaminants. Replacing the filters leads to cleaner indoor air and helps the unit run more efficiently. 6. Power strips Stock up on power strips and plug all of your peripherals and computer equipment into these strips. This way when you want to power down everything completely, you simply turn off the power button on the strip. This ensures no devices are drawing power even in the off position, which many do. 7. Install fans Fans arent just useful in the summer. In the winter, the blades can be set to rotate in the opposite direction and help draw warm air into the room, heating more efficiently. 8. Rainwater barrels Set up rainwater barrels at the downspouts of your homes gutter system. These barrels collect water that can be used to water indoor and outdoor plants, or even wash the car. Some feature a spigot to which you can directly connect a garden hose. 9. Plant trees Trees are good for the environment in many ways, producing necessary oxygen for life and offering food and living areas for wildlife. Trees can also shade a home during the warm weather, helping reduce energy consumption. 10. Glass fireplace doors Install glass fireplace doors, which are
Years of reliable local service

safer than fireplace screens. Theyll also help protect against heat loss up the chimney when there isnt a fire lit. 11. Buy a solar cover Warm up your spa all season long with a solar cover, which helps keep debris out of the water, too. Solar covers reduce the need to fire up the heater to warm the water. 12. Dog waste composter Create a method to safely dispose of dog waste without having to toss it in plastic bags in the trash. There are devices that can be buried into the ground to serve as a dog waste receptacle. Or you can make one of your own by placing a container with a lid that seals on top but has an open bottom. Sprinkle a natural bacteria septic tank product, such as RidX(R), down the hole routinely and it will break down the waste and turn it into soil fertilizer. There are a variety of ways to go green with home improvements, whether extensive projects or small fixes.

33 37

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10 The Delphos Herald Fall Home Improvement September 2011

Fight the battle of rising heating costs


the season of high heating costs. According to early reports, heat and oil prices will continue to rise, which can cut a large chunk out of your home heating budget this winter, if youre not careful. Its not too late to do something in the battle against rising heating costs. You can start by winterizing your home, plugging up the leaks and drafts that deplete energy and your family budget. Heres your money-saving strategy: Start early When the weather is still balmy, take care of the places outside your home where the uncomfortable chill of new seasons can creep indoors. Then, move inside to ensure there are no holes in the house where the chilly drafts of winter can hide. Be prepared Rounding up products in the fall that will ensure comfort and warmth is a DIY task that is easier than you think. With the affordable, easy-to-use tools on the market, the job is doable in a weekend. Try these products for a sure victory in the heating cost battle: For interior and exterior doors, theres Duck brand Double Draft Seal. Engineered to hug the bot-

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ARA With fall approaching, the leaves drop to the ground and the temperature begins to plummet, but your heating bills move in the opposite direction - tis
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Dave Klaus, Owner

Heating
(Continued from page 10)
tom of a door or window from both sides, the seal offers two layers of protection from drafts. It has exclusive adjustable straps to keep the seal from sliding and getting stuck in the door. The seal is designed to work on a variety of floor types and features abrasion-resistant, washable fabric. It works well on windows as well. The window can be closed onto the flat middle section for a snug, double sided seal. Stop drafts through windows by using Duck brand Roll-On Window Kits, which provide an airtight seal against the energysucking winds of winter. These kits are practically invisible, come in a variety of sizes, are easy to install, fit snugly to your window frame and can be easily removed come spring. You might also consider dressing your windows for the winter. Thermal drapes, blinds or other window clothing can protect not only your windows and your familys comfort, but your finances as well. If you are able to make a more costly investment in window replacement, double glazed windows provide the best protection against wind and ice. For outdoor faucets that freeze from frustrating cold winds, consider covers that insulate and protect. Faucet covers can help prevent pipes from freezing and save on expensive repair work. Duck brand offers two kinds of faucet covers: a rigid foam version and a flexible, insulated version. These faucet covers work on a variety of faucet types. Layer up As the winds of November cause you to wear extra layers, its time to think about insulation for your home too. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that homeowners can typically save up to 20 percent of heating and cooling costs (or up to 10 percent of total energy costs) by air sealing their homes and adding insulation in attics, floors over crawl spaces, and accessible basement rim joists. Discover the best products available, such as foam or eco-friendly ways to do it yourself. Insulation does not require maintenance, upkeep or adjustment, so its a reliable member of the team that will secure your home from the frigid weather. Protect the warmth Make sure your furnace is well maintained, which means cleaning filters monthly to maximize their efficiency (and save money). At a minimum, change the filter every three months. A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system work

September 2011 The Delphos Herald Fall Home Improvement 11

harder to keep you warm or cool - wast- can also be used to insulate around doors ing energy. A programmable thermostat is and windows and keep your home comfortideal for people who are away from home able and cozy. during set periods of time throughout the Make yourself a promise this fall - you week. According to EnergyStar, a properly will close the door on heat loss, slam the programed thermostat can save about $180 windows on energy drain and reward yourevery year in energy costs. self with ample savings throughout the Plug the holes through walls winter. Improving your households energy Select Duck brand Socket Sealers to budget will help keep your family warm combat the cold air that invades your home and comfortable, so start early. Rest assured from indoor and outdoor electrical out- the tools to be victorious over energy loss lets and switch plates. They are easy to are better than ever, the steps are simpler shawoors.com install and made from flame retardant foam. than imagined and the results are almost Rubber, foam or silicone weatherstrip seals immediate.

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12 The Delphos Herald Fall Home Improvement September 2011

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