morning journal

2 | all about home/fall-winter 2015page

Remote control your home...............................4Hi-tech ways to protect your home....................6Cooking with cast iron.....................................8Shades of gray.............................................10Pallet pleasing.............................................12Build a clay-pot smoker.................................14It’s smart to soften water...............................16Keep your garden growing during frost. . . . . . . . . . .18Protect your family three ways.......................20Keeping older homes toasty...........................21A rustic remodel...........................................22Potato Pancakes...........................................24Hawaiian Toast.............................................25Keeping the power going...............................26Keeping up with flooring...............................28What’s cooking in kitchens.............................30Choosing the right furnace.............................32Avoid gutter cleaning....................................33Maintain your septic system...........................34Increasing your home value...........................35Less messy remodeling..................................36Creating fall curb-appeal...............................37Winterize your home.....................................38Smart tips for winter.....................................40Professional service directory....................42-45Common home safety issues...........................46c

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fall/winter 2015

PROJECT DIRECTOR | RON FLAVIANOEDITORIAL DIRECTOR | DORMA J. TOLSON

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR | MICHELLE SPENCER

All About Home is a special publication of the Morning Journal,The Review and the Salem News.

If you would like to advertise in the next issue, please contact:Morning Journal........................................330-424-9541The Review................................................330-385-4545Salem News..............................................330-332-4601

Visit these web sites to seeour online editions.

www.morningjournalnews.com www.reviewonline.com

www.salemnews.net

©2015 Morning Journal, all rights reserved.

Remote control your home...............................4Hi-tech ways to protect your home....................6Cooking with cast iron.....................................8Shades of gray.............................................10Pallet pleasing.............................................12Build a clay-pot smoker.................................14It’s smart to soften water...............................16Keep your garden growing during frost. . . . . . . . . . .18Protect your family three ways.......................20Keeping older homes toasty...........................21A rustic remodel...........................................22Potato Pancakes...........................................24Hawaiian Toast.............................................25Keeping the power going...............................26Keeping up with flooring...............................28What’s cooking in kitchens.............................30Choosing the right furnace.............................32Avoid gutter cleaning....................................33Maintain your septic system...........................34Increasing your home value...........................35Less messy remodeling..................................36Creating fall curb-appeal...............................37Winterize your home.....................................38Smart tips for winter.....................................40Professional service directory....................42-45Common home safety issues...........................46c

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Turning on your exterior lights at home can be as easy astalking on your phone— from work. “Siri, turn on the lights.”

Or maybe you want your coffee ready— immediatelywhen you get out of bed. “Siri, turn on the coffee

maker.”

Home automation is growing in popularity as so-ciety becomes more and more wireless and inter-connected. Users can configure all their homeservices through the Internet, using a WiFi con-nection to monitor and control such utilities andequipment as lights, HV/AC systems, locks and ap-pliances.

“You can buy an interface for just about anythingnow,” said Frank Zamarelli, president of Salem Com-

puter Center. “Eventually the interfaces will be built induring (home) construction.”

Zamarelli said home automation is about having controlover the home from anywhere. He summed up the processwith one word— convenience.

“Does it make the home operate better, I don’t know,” heexplained. “But it is pretty nice to be able to unlock the doorfrom half a country away because your wife locked her keysin the car.”

There are many manufacturers of home automation kits,but with HomeKit, Apple has created a common languagethat smart devices from any manufacturer can understandand support, creating total home control from one source.

More interestingly— and far more conveniently— HomeKitusers can operate the system hands free with a voice com-mand using Siri.

By pairing a HomeKit-enabled accessory and iOS device,Siri commands can be used to turn it on or off, or adjust it(depending on what the accessory does). Users can alsoset up homes, zones, rooms, or scenes in order to com-mand specific areas of a home, such as a room, and ac-tions for several areas, such as a “bedtime” commandwhich could shut off lights, locks doors and set the ther-mostat at a sleeping temperature around the entire home.

[email protected]

Shown is anexample of the

AppleThermostatthat can be

synced with theApple HomeKit™,

a homeautomation

system that linksdevices made byany manufacturerand controlled byvoice command

through Siri.(Apple photo)

Remote control your homeBy KEVIN HOWELL

Staff Writer

all about home/fall-winter 2015 |5page

Shown is an example of ahome automation system which

provides users the abilityto control home services froman alternate location through a

cell phone or tablet app.


(NewsUSA) - The smart home hasgone mainstream. Currently avail-able technology allows homeown-ers to further personalize theenvironments in their homes and tomonitor their homes remotely.

Consider the increasing popular-ity of smart appliances such as mo-tion-sensor lights, programmablethermostats and sound-control sur-round systems. Such technologieswill likely expand as ways to makehomes not only more comfortable,but also safer and more efficient.

Smart home technology is be-coming increasingly affordable andwill become increasingly common innew homes.

For example, in 2013, approxi-mately half of all new homes built inthe United States included struc-tured wiring, which is needed for thetransmission of high-speed video.

Homeowners are able to set upsystems that program the housedoors to unlock, certain lights tocome on, and the thermostat to ad-just to preselected settings auto-matically when someone arrives atthe home.

In addition, homes can be pro-grammed to send emails or textmessages to alert homeowners topotential problems, which can beaddressed before they escalate intoexpensive repairs.

Another point in favor of smarthome technology: resale value. Ifyou want to boost the value of yourhome, smart home technology is aworthwhile investment, and a sys-tem that monitors plumbing is agood place to start.

Preventing water damage is onearea in which smart home monitor-ing technology can be especially

helpful. Water damage accounts fora significant portion of home insur-ance claims, and being able to iden-tify potential water problems andaddress them early can save timeand money.

The FloLogic System is engi-neered to act like a circuit breakerfor the plumbing system in thehome, and it may be fitted to anyhome, old or new. The systemmonitors the water flow throughoutthe home.

The system is designed to shut offthe water if it detects any sign of aleak, from something as large as abroken pipe to as small as a pin-hole. It sounds an alarm at the con-trol pad and shuts off the water.

The FloLogic System may belinked in with a home security sys-tem and will be WiFi enabled byyear end.

Hi-tech ways to protectyour home


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The FloLogic System is engineered toact like a circuit breaker for the plumbingsystem in the home, and it may be fittedto any home, old or new. The systemmonitors the water flow throughout thehome.


LISBON — Shoved to the back of household kitchencupboards by those favoring more low-maintenancenonstick skillets over the years, the cast iron skillet ismaking a comeback.

People appear to be realizing the pay back the dark,heavy, not always beautiful but certainly functionalcookware offers, like their heat retention, durability, andversatility — they can be used both on the stove top orin the oven.

It also helps that, according to a Tampa Bay news-paper article published earlier this year, a preseasonedversion of the skillets was released by Lodge about adecade ago, making owning a cast iron skillet a littlemore simple for cooks.

Lodge skillets are typically available in Walmart or Tar-get stores. The company also has a cookbook avail-able for those willing to shell out roughly $24, accordingto the article.

It’s called, Lodge Cast Iron Nation: Great AmericanCooking from Coast to Coast.

Cooks on a lower cookbook buying budget can al-ways browse Pinterest or other online websites forrecipe ideas, or just strike up a conversation with a castiron skillet owner.

The skillets can be used to make anything fromsteak, homemade macaroni and cheese, cornbread,stir frys and roasted vegetables.

Bonappetit.com cautions that cooks should avoid at-tempting to use cast iron skillets for lighter fish, liketilapia fillet, however. Thicker fish could be attempted.Cooks should also avoid attempting recipes that callfor tomato sauce, like marinara or bolognese, as theacidity is not good for the pan.

The website also cautions against using vinegar orwine to deglaze the pan.

While the skillets have a lot to offer, the fact that theymust be treated differently than other nonstick pansmay have caused cooks to shy away.

A cook used to the nonstick versions may routinelythrow some soap and water in the pan for a wash after

Cookingwithcast iron

By KATIE WHITEStaff Writer


a good meal and then realize it was a terrible mistake, as the suds begin to flow every-where.

Bonappetit.com says proper carecomes down to avoiding metal scouringpads, as they can result in scratches andthe removal of the layers of seasoning. Thefood magazine recommends rubbing theskillets down with kosher salt and akitchen towel while it is still warm, thenwiping it down with fat, like flaxseed oil orlard.

The skillets can be reseasoned by ap-plying a film of fat over the pan’s interiorand exterior after it is fully scrubbed andthen placing it in a 350-degree oven with asheet pan or foil underneath. The skilletshould remain in the oven for one hour andthen cool, according to bonappetit.com.

If you have a cast iron skillet or plan to buy one, try your luck with this Foodnetwork.comcornbread recipe: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alexandra-guarnaschelli/cast-iron-skillet-corn-bread-recipe.html

[email protected]


Shades of gray By MARY ANN GREIERStaff Writer

SALEM — Is gray the new white inhome decorating?

“I don’t know if it’s the new white, butit’s definitely affecting the market,” ac-cording to Bill Allison.

Allison owns Superior Paints in Salemand he’s used to seeing trends changein the paint palette. Right now he saidthere’s a tendency to go gray.

“We’re starting to see more use of grayoff-whites. The trend before was beigeand a creamier off-white,” he said. “Andnow the trend is gray...grayer tones inthe off-whites.”

When asked why he thought the trendwas moving toward gray, he commentedthat it’s just time for a change.

Allison explained that the paint indus-try follows behind the fashion industry,noting that the colors they produce forthe fashion industry eventually make itinto paints for the home decorating in-dustry.

The names of the shades vary asmuch as the tones themselves, such asStormy Monday, Barren Plain, Secret,Wrought Iron, Sea Haze, Storm, Cinder,Pewter, Silver Half Dollar and Metropoli-tan.

He also said there’s a trend to usesofter tones in all colors and they can be gray-toned, both for walls and wood trim. In new homes,he said people are generally leaning toward the cooler tones of color and using muted grays.Custom-made stains can be used at a customer’s request.

“There’s definitely a trend toward painted kitchens rather than varnished kitchens,” he said.One of the reasons grays are coming into the mix could be because stainless steel appliances

are becoming so popular, Allison said.In his experience, the market is cyclical.“What’s old is new again,” he said. [email protected]

In paints, there are manygray tones available forhome decorating, whetherthe homeowner is lookingto update the walls andtrim or perhaps perk up apiece of furniture.


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Recycling wooden pallets has become very commonin the realm of decorating. This is mostly due to the factthat pallets are an easily accessible and inexpensivewood. Sometimes they can even be free, dependingon where they come from.

The look that pallets provide is that of a simple coun-try decor, which has also become trendy. The publicseems to be shying away from high end sophisticatedlooks andleaning moretoward therustic, at leastthe public thatwants to savemoney has.

My husbandis a veryhandy manand has usedpallets to buildseveral piecesof furniture forour home. Ithas saved usmoney andadded to thetheme of ourhouse.

His workplace allows employees to take pallets homefree of charge, otherwise they just pile up and are even-tually disposed of.

All of the pieces my husband has built have been

weekend projects. He also has never been too partic-ular with sanding the boards since part of the beauty ofpallets is theirworn appear-ance. Hedoes make apoint tochoose uni-form palletsthat aren’ttoo dirtythough.

The firstpallet projecthe took onconsisted oftwo nightstands and ah e a d b o a r dand foot-board for ourbedroom. He didn’t follow any sort of blueprint or pat-tern, just simply envisioned the finished product in hishead and tried his best to duplicate it. Drawing out adesign would be helpful to beginners though.

The only tools necessary for building are a chop sawand screws. He learned that screws are a better choicethan nails because they are sturdier. Nails tend to weardown and don’t hold up in the wood as long as screwsdo.

He finished the bedroom pieces off with a dark brownwood stain and they instantly became the highlight ofour bedroom.

Pallet pleasing By LAURA [email protected]


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The counter he made for our kitchen was probablythe biggest pallet project he’s done. Part of our kitchenhas a circular breakfast nook which until recently hadbeen an area of unused space. We love the shape ofthe area, but it was difficult to arrange furniture in.

Our kitchen is small and we really wanted to utilizethis space, so my husband came up with the idea tobuild a countertop out of pallets that would wraparound the circular wall. Again, he simply used hisimagination when it came to designing the counter andjust improvised as he went along.

As mentioned, chances are the pallets one may beworking with won’t be expensive, which allows thebuilder room for flexibility and imagination. If a mistakeit made it’s easy to just start over.

We stained the finished counter top a sea foam greenand it has since become the focal point of our eclectickitchen.

Pallets can be used in any size project. For instancemy husband also made a simple outdoor crate in lessthan 30 minutes. I was trying to figure out how to dis-play fall flowers and pumpkins on our porch. He told

me he had an idea and whipped up the crate before Ihad time to see what he was doing. He didn’t botherstaining it, just left it in its natural state, and it workedperfectly.

Pallets have an innumerable amount of uses. All ittakes is a little imagination and the right tools to getstarted. Whether it be patio furniture, shelves, decora-tive signs or something as simple as a crate to setpumpkins on, the pallet possibilities are endless.


If the thought of smoking meat and fish conjures upimages of heaps of hardwood, a large smokehouse,and a big investment of time and cash, think again. Youcan start small with this simple homemade clay-potsmoker that assembles quickly.

Begin this weekend proj-ect with a shopping trip forreadily available materials, orby rooting around at homefor spare parts. So, find yourmaterials, lay out your tools,and let’s get cooking — out-doors.

How to Build a Smoker1. Purchase materials. Fol-

low the materials list below.Because you’ll acquire partsto build this homemadesmoker from a variety ofsources, measure as you goand purchase the parts inthe following order:

• Electric hot plate. Thesmaller, the better, but makesure it runs on at least 1,000watts to maintain the tem-perature required for smok-ing meats.

• Clay pot. The bottommust be large enough to ac-commodate the hot plateand control knob, with a littleroom to spare.

• Grate. You can find a grate at hardware stores oronline. The one you choose must be of the right diam-eter to nestle inside your clay pot about 1/4 of the waydown the sides.

• Cover. Find a pot tray or a clay pot that will fit over,inside of, or directly on top of the lip of the larger pot.The cover should create a decent seal and not beprone to sliding off the larger clay pot.

• Handle. Make sure the handle assembly hardwarewill work with the cover you chose.

2. Drill a hole. Use a masonry or glass-and-tile bit todrill a hole — or enlarge an existing hole — in the bot-tom of the large clay pot for the hot plate’s electricalplug to pass through. To minimize the chance of dam-age as you drill the hole, cradle the pot on a bag of

sand for support.

3. Assemble a handle forthe lid. Use the eye bolt, bolt,washers, nuts, and a 6-inchlength of wood or wooddowel. Drill a hole in the bot-tom of the clay cover for thehandle assembly.

4. Test-fit the parts. Posi-tion a few 2-inch-thick brickor patio block scraps insidethe pot to prop up the hotplate for air circulation. Placethe pie pan for wood chipson top of the hot plate, insertthe cooking grate, and thenadd the cover. When every-thing fits, you’ll be ready tostart smoking.

Prop the pot on threebricks or patio blocks. If yourcooking grate wobbles ortilts, create three support lipsfor the grate to rest on usingdabs of silicone caulk on theinside of the larger pot.

5. Get smokin’. Positionthe smoker outdoors on anoncombustible surface in a

sheltered area. On the trial run of my homemadesmoker, a 5-pound brisket took 4-1/2 hours to get tothe recommended internal temperature of 180 degreesFahrenheit.

Some trial and error will be required to find the hotplate setting that will keep your DIY smoker within thedesired temperature range — between 210 and 220degrees.

Use gloves to handle the hot components of yoursmoker, and keep curious kids and pets away from thedesignated smoking area.

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Meat Smoker Materials List

• Electric hot plate, 1,000 watts or greater• Clay pot, 12-inch to 16-inch diameter• Smaller clay pot or tray for lid• Circular cooking grate, sized to pot interior• 5 to 7 pieces of 2-inch-thick brick

or patio block scraps• Metal pie pan• Oven thermometer with range up

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• 1 eye bolt, 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch x 6-inch,with 2 washers and 2 nuts

• 1 bolt, 1/4-inch x 2-inch, with washer and nut• 1 wood dowel for handle, 6 inches long

Excerpted from MOTHER EARTH NEWS, the Origi-nal Guide to Living Wisely. To read more articles fromMOTHER EARTH NEWS, please visit www.MotherE-arthNews.com or call (800) 234-3368 to subscribe.Copyright 2015 by Ogden Publications Inc.


It’s smart to soften water

(NAPS)—You can save money, feel betterand maybe even look better if you take yourwater with a grain of salt. Well, lots of grains.That’s because the right sort of salt and systemcan soften hard water—and hard water istough on your clothes, appliances, pipes andcomplexion.

Hard water is water with a lot of minerals in it.It’s the kind found in most homes in Americaand it can lead to such problems as:

• Dry, itchy, irritated skin• Razor burn• Fading hair color• Spots on glassware• Dingy, rough clothes, which tear easily• A “funny” taste in your water, coffee and

other drinks made with water or ice

• The need for more soap and detergent toget things really clean

• Crusty buildup on faucets and shower-heads. According to the Water Quality Associ-ation/Battelle Institute research study,showerheads on hard water lost 75 percent ofthe flow rate in less than 18 months.

Fortunately, you can prevent all those trou-bles with a quality water softener system.

A good water softener such as ProMate Eco-Max will also use less salt (saving you moneyand from having to carry so many heavy bags)and less water while reducing the amount ofchloride it gives off, which is good for the envi-ronment. So is the fact that a new water sof-tener is likely to be energy efficient.


Where can I find equipment that works hard but isn’t hard on me?Who has Performance-Matched implements?

Which dealer can I rely on for knowledge and service?Who has the right equipment for the job?

Kubota tractors/mowers/utility vehicles

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In addition, it can improve the life span of your appli-ances, saving you from maintenance and early re-placement expenses. Hard water can lead to as muchas a 24 percent loss of operating efficiency in gas-stor-age water heaters and it’s a problem for washing ma-chines and dishwashers, too.

By some estimates, softened water lets you use 60percent less detergent and save energy by lowering thewater temperature.

What’s more, many households could benefit from adrinking water filtration system. All the water that everexisted on Earth still exists today; it is simply recycledover and over. Herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers areentering the environment, along with prescriptiondrugs, and they all end up in our drinking water. MotherNature is not designed to adequately address this.

A properly designed filtration system, like the Millen-nium Reverse Osmosis System, can reduce theamount of many of these contaminants in your water.

Learn MoreFor further facts about water softening and drinking

water filtration, and to find a nearby Hellenbrand dealerwho carries the ProMate EcoMax, go to www.hellen-brand.com/locate-your-water-expert.


(BPT) — As summer winds down and frost threatens,even avid gardeners may be tempted to pack up theirtrowels and call it a season. You may think it’s better toleave the victory garden gracefully, than risk the disap-pointment of watching crops wither in chilly tempera-tures.

But fear of frost and failure don’t have to stop youfrom enjoying a fruitful fall garden. With the right plantchoices and a few tricks, producing a hefty harvest canbe easy.

A few facts about frostFrost occurs when temperatures drop enough to

condense and freeze the moisture in the air. In fall,when air temperatures sink, it’s common to find frostlayering the ground, leaves and crops. Frost may occurfrequently in the fall before the ground really becomesfrozen — known as a hard freeze.

While a hard freeze generally heralds the end of thegrowing season and frost can harm warm weathercrops like oranges, some veggies actually do very well— and taste better — when nipped by frost. By stock-ing your fall garden with frost-loving varieties, you canensure your garden remains victorious and bountiful

Tips to keepyour garden

growingthroughfall’s chill


right up to the first hard freeze. Not sure when the hardfreeze will occur in your region? Check out the USDAFreeze Map.

When you consider the many advantages of fall gar-dening, frost shouldn’t be feared. Cooler temperaturesmean you’ll have a more comfortable experience whileworking in the garden, and you’ll have fewer insectpests and weeds to deal with.

Frost-friendly choicesJust because the growing season is over for summer

crops like tomatoes, you don’t have to give up gar-dening before the cold winter weather. Instead, clearout the remnants of summer plantings and debris andget the ground ready for fall favorites like spinach, cab-bage, collards and kale.

These hearty, leafy vegetables — available from Bon-nie Plants — actually like the chill weather and canstand up to some frost.

Certain root veggies, such as radishes and turnips,also do well in cooler temperatures. All are packed withnutrients, so you can plant them knowing you’ll be fill-ing your dinner table with fresh, nutritious, great-tastingveggies this fall. For a list of fall-weather favorites, tipsand harvest advice visit www.bonnieplants.com.

Get a good startWhen planning your fall garden, time is of the

essence. Start with well-established, vigorous plantslike those Bonnie Plants offers in some regions at gar-den retailers.

Starting out with more mature plants not only allowsyou to get your fall garden growing faster, it helps en-sure your vegetables are strong enough to endure un-expected or extreme temperature variations. And

remember to choose short-season varieties that willproduce quicker in fall’s shorter growing season.

When frost arrivesEven though your fall vegetables might be able to

handle the cold, you may want an extra layer of pro-tection for unseasonably cool nights. Fortunately, youcan do a lot to protect plants from sudden dips intemps.

Growing veggies in the right spot can make a big dif-ference. Choose a location for your garden that getsplenty of sun, especially in the morning when you’llwant plants to quickly shake off overnight chill.

Planting in a raised bed also helps insulate plants andtheir tender roots from ground freezes. Container gar-

dens are also great for fall; when a severe frost or hardfreeze threatens, you can bring plants inside, overnightfor protection.

Sometimes you may want to cover plants against ex-treme cold. One option is a cold frame. Typically con-structed of wood and glass or plastic, the frame sitsover plants like a portable mini greenhouse.

You can build your own — an online search will yieldplenty of how-to plans — or purchase a prefabricatedone. For less severe situations, simply turning a pot orbucket upside down over tender young plants can beenough to shield them from cold.

When fall arrives, you don’t have to fear frost, or giveup your garden. Success starts with choosing cold-hearty varieties that prosper and produce well in coolweather. Visit www.bonnieplants.com to learn moreabout fall vegetables.


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(NAPS)—A few simple steps can help reduce the riskthat your loved ones will be injured in your house.

1. Be sure your home is adequately protected bysmoke alarms. Smoke alarms should be installed inevery bedroom, outside each sleeping area and onevery level of the home.

For the best protection, smoke alarms should be in-terconnected, so that they all sound if one sounds. Youcan now interconnect battery-operated alarms by wire-less technology.

Combination devices that include both ionization andphotoelectric alarms offer the most comprehensive pro-tection. An ionization alarm is more responsive toflames, while a photoelectric alarm is more responsiveto a smoldering fire.

Once the alarms are installed properly, be sure to testthem monthly and replace the batteries once a year oranytime an alarm “chirps” or “beeps” to indicate lowbatteries. In any case, smoke alarms should be re-placed every 10 years.

2. Childproof. If children live in or visit your house, youshould know that every day, nearly seven youngstersare treated in hospital emergency rooms for electricalshock or burn injuries caused by tampering with a walloutlet. Fortunately, tamper-resistant receptacles (TRRs)can replace standard outlets to protect children frominjury.

They include a built-in shutter system that keeps for-eign objects out. When equal pressure is applied si-multaneously to both sides, the receptacle cover plates

open, so a standard plug can make contact with thereceptacle contact points. Without this synchronizedpressure, the cover plates remain closed.

3. Give your home a check-up. To reduce your risk,your outlets, extension cords, appliances and lightbulbs all need to be safely inspected, installed, utilizedand maintained.

Learn HowTo help you identify and remedy any electrical haz-

ards in your home, the Electrical Safety Foundation In-ternational has a variety of resources that can show youhow to protect your home and loved ones. Visitwww.esfi.org to view and download these materialsfree of charge.

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Keeping older homes toasty(NAPS)—Older homes often have a unique charm—

but few have insulation that meets modern energy effi-ciency standards. This can result in air leaks, wastedenergy and high utility bills. One way to fix this is withspray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation.

It can be seamlessly added in and around walls, at-tics and roofs. By sealing cracks, seams and joints,some SPF products provide a waterproof membranethat acts as a vapor and air barrier, which in addition toinsulating improves energy efficiency. A properly insu-lated home can reduce heating and cooling needs by30 percent, according to the Department of Energy.

Many homeowners don’t realize that the attic is oneof the main places where heat and cold air can escape.As the Department of Energy explains, holes in a typi-cal attic account for 15 percent of a home’s energyloss.

Cracks and gaps let air out and rainwater in. SPF canfill in around the cracks to create an effective barrier.

You can learn more at www. whysprayfoam.org. Sav-ings vary. Find out why in the seller’s fact sheet on R-values. Higher R-values mean greater insulating power.


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By DEANNE JOHNSONStaff Writer

LISBON — Need a modern face lift for your kitchen?Consider a rustic farmhouse kitchen.

A growing trend in kitchen decorating, farmhousekitchens are not just in old farmhouses. Those whoenjoy a more rustic or down-home style, one which iswelcoming to guests and say comfort foods shouldconsider this kitschy trend.

While wood and other natural materials are big infarmhouse kitchens, older cabinets in need of a face liftcan be painted or stained to achieve the look, too.

Old wooden kitchen cabinets can be painted onesolid color, white, something bright and cheery or evendarkened. However even allowing them to appear stillworn can achieve this look. Hardware can be updatedto something more modern, but keep them a rusticmetal or wooden handles for that farmhouse kitchenlook.

When Teresa Schoeppner decided to renovate thehome built in 1862 by her great- great-grandfather An-drew Deppen, a harness maker, she decided to makethe home including the kitchen similar to what it mayhave looked like when he lived there. That meant evenhiding the modern refrigerator and stove in woodencabinets.

A rustic remodel


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Painted first a light shade and then a dark shade, thecabinet holding the refrigerator was then rubbed orsanded to allow the lighter shade to show through andmake the new wooden cabinet look worn and old.

Some newer finishes for wood are meant to makewood look old. Schoeppner’s husband had built redoak cabinets for her several years earlier and they de-cided not to paint them. Instead, they mixed stains to-gether and darkened them adding wax and allowingthe wood grain to show through.

Local stores like Junque in East Palestine and thePaper Rose in Lisbon are selling milk paint, meant tomake cabinets and other items look older.

One type of paint will even crackle the paint under it,creating a finish that looks as if it were here at the turnof the century.

Often in farmhouse or rustic kitchens, the walls andbacksplashes are remodeled in a matching shade tothe freshened up cabinets.

Open shelving containing enamel pitchers and inter-esting rustic china are good options to add morecharm.

Schoeppner said she collects crocks, whisk brooms,cutting boards, wooden bowls, wooden spoons andbutter molds. She likes to decorate with items from out-side like dried flowers and gourds.

The most expensive part of creating the farmhousekitchen look appears to be changing out the kitchensink. Farmhouse sinks somewhat resemble a troughfor animals.

They can be found in stainless steel, porcelain, ce-ramic and even cement varieties. They are deeper thanan average kitchen sink. Again, don’t forget the rustichardware.

[email protected]

Anyone interested in seeing Schoeppner’skitchen, the rest of her home and her rustic,colonial and primitive decorating ideas can at-tend an open house at the Deppen home-stead 1862. There are two scheduled in thenear future — from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Satur-day, Sept. 26 and Saturday, Nov. 28. Thehome is located on state Route 183 just southof state Route 172 in New Franklin. However,the actual address is 210 Union AvenueSoutheast, Minerva.


POTA

TOPA

NC

AKES

INGREDIENTS• 2 lbs. Yukon Gold potatoes• 1 small onion• 2 eggs• 4 Tablespoons flour• 1 Teaspoon salt (or to taste)• Vegetable oil for frying

PREPARATIONPeel potatoes and onion.With a box grater or

food processor, finely grate potatoes into a bowl.

Place grated mixture into a strainer; press out asmuch liquid as possible with your hands or awooden spoon.

Reserve liquid and let settle. Pour away potato liq-uid but don’t throw away the starch sediment that

has settled at the bottom of the bowl. This will bereturned to the potato mixture.

In food processor, chop onion until smooth. Addeggs, flour and salt to bowl. Add onion and pota-toes and the reserved potato starch; mix thor-oughly. Heat cooking oil in skillet.

Drop potato mixture into skillet (two heaping ta-blespoons at a time) and fry until crisp and golden.Turn and brown other side.

Serve with applesauce. If you like, use a dollop ofsour cream.

Note: Fry pancakes as soon as mixture is madeto prevent darkening of batter.

Recipe by Helga WenglerLocal Television Host


HAW

AIIA

NTO

AST

INGREDIENTS• 4 slices sandwich bread (Helga recommends

Texas Toast)• 8 slices Black Forest ham, thinly sliced• 4 slices Swiss cheese (thinly sliced)• 4 pineapple rings• 1 large strawberry sliced (for topping)• In Germany, the preferred topping

is sour cherries.• Butter

PREPARATIONPreheat oven on broil setting. Line a baking sheet

with foil. Toast bread slices in a toaster; butter eachslice.

On to the buttered sides of the toast, place 2

slices of Black Forest ham (fold over each slice ofham).

Place one ring of pineapple on each toast slice,then top with a slice of Swiss cheese.

Fold the cheese so it fits nicely over the toast.Place the toast slices on a foil-lined baking sheet,and place under the broiler until the cheese ismelted and bubbly.

Quickly remove from oven, plate and garnishtoast with fresh strawberries or a teaspoon of sourcherry preserves.

Makes 4 light servings, or two hearty servings.You can also top with sour cherries.

Recipe by Helga WenglerLocal Television Host


(NAPS)—It’s not the year 2062, but Jetson-esque,digital homes have become a residential building stan-dard (think automated controls and home theater sys-tems). Digitally updated homes are dependent on areliable power grid, along with our modern digitallifestyle.

Realizing our “futuristic” amenities are only as goodas the electricity that powers them, Generac, a leadingmanufacturer of generators, has a solution.

Home standby generators turn on automatically themoment the power goes out, meaning the digital com-forts of home will continue to work even during a poweroutage.

Digital Dependence On The Rise• More electrical appliances: Consumers enjoy an in-

creasing number of electrical appliances with eachpassing year, but power quality has been decliningsteadily since the 1990s. Along with the higher fre-quency and severity of storms and hurricanes, the dig-ital luxuries that consumers rely on (even for simpledaily tasks) are increasingly vulnerable to damage thatcan render them useless.

• Digital building trends: 2015 building trends showthat homes today are outfitted with advanced technol-ogy the moment the foundation is poured.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, homes built inthe 2000s have more amenities and security featuresthan ever before.

• Staycations with all the amenities: With the risingpopularity of the “staycation,” families are investing in

Keeping the power going


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media rooms and home theaters, which are often wiredand installed as the home is built. Automated controlsand smartphone monitoring are the new standard forentertainment, lighting and appliance operation.

Even modern home health care, like chairlifts andheart monitors, is becoming a design standard— es-pecially for homes built for retiring couples and agingfamilies.

• Increased household energy consumption: Energyconsumption of household appliances has nearly dou-bled between 1978 and 2005, and the energy demandof the home itself has increased 25 percent.

The majority of homes built in the 2000s have higherthan average ceilings and average 2,465 square feet.Eighty-nine percent of those homes also have centralair. That’s a lot of space to cool—and a lot of energy toburn.

The SolutionMany new homes are so advanced and reliant on

power that the aging and vulnerable power grid isstruggling to support them. Home standby generatorsare the solution to guaranteeing power reliability whenpower is the crutch that daily life rests on.

Generators should be a natural consideration forhome builders and consumers building, designing andliving in digital homes.

Generac’s home standby generators offer advancedprotection for digital homes. They kick on within sec-onds of a poweroutage and canbe wired to powera few appliancesor the wholehouse.

Remote moni-toring is now stan-dard on allmodels, and 2015models are quieterand require less maintenance, so homeowners canprotect their homes despite any outside power disrup-tions.

The use of technology is guaranteed to grow, andpower consumption will rise along with it.

Investing in home standby generators ensures thepower will continue, uninterrupted, so digital homeswon’t be a thing of the past.


(NAPS)—This year, homeowners looking for ways tochange their living spaces are taking inspiration fromthe great outdoors.

Whether soft or hard surface, Mother Nature is defi-nitely influencing the look of flooring today.

Contrasting Textures Are On TrendOne of the latest styles growing in popularity is

termed “rustic elegance.” The look consists of both rawand refined materials displayed together. Organic ele-ments including hardwood and stone receive added di-mension and beauty when juxtaposed with highlytrendy porcelain tiles made to look like stratified rockand burnished, smooth metal.

Another look growing in popularity is rustic, industrialconcrete, commonly associated with outdoor spaces,paired with smooth alabaster marble, glass and otherglossy materials.

Colors Are Quiet Patterns, DramaticIn all its many shades, gray has become the new

beige. Combined with the weathered looks are huesthat range from desert to ocean. These calming colorsbring warmth and character to interiors.

Meanwhile, eye-catching, over-sized geometrics andclassic patterns larger in scale than normal are popu-lar in carpeting, rugs and tiles.

What It All Means For YourFloors

Here’s how the latest looks aretranslated in each flooring category:

• New technology and digital im-aging deliver high-quality laminatesthat put their natural cousins, in-cluding hardwood and marble, tothe test. Laminate today is highlydurable, offers photo-real imagingand enhanced sound absorption, iseasy to maintain and, best of all,very affordable!

• Porcelaintile today can also look like fabric,metal, even concrete. Long-lastingand affordable tile is always in style.Intricate geometric patterns andmosaics found throughout historyare now on tiles in dozens ofshapes that come in all sizes. Even

the warmth and natural texture of wood can be con-vincingly re-created in tile for kitchens and bathrooms.

• If it’s stone you seek, here’s something that couldrock your world. Stone may be an old building materialbut it’s getting a new look with unique shapes, etchedsurfaces, and pairings with other material—both natu-ral and manmade, including glass, hardwood and bur-nished metal.

• Hardwood floors remain popular amidst changingtrends. According to the National Association of Real-tors, 54 percent of homebuyers would pay more forhouses with hardwood floors. Rugged and warmbrowns from ebony to leather to honey golden are all in,but for different reasons.

Dark floors make a bold statement and help highlighta room’s other features; lighter ones are easier to main-tain. Understated, weathered gray and muted metallicshades offer a great base and mask imperfections anddirt so they’re good for high-traffic areas. Flax, blondand whitewash add light and modernity.

Keeping up with flooring


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Planks salvaged from old beams and antique floor-ing, or logs reclaimed from rivers and lakes, are in highdemand and short supply, so costs can be high. For asimilar effect at a lower price, you can try hand-scrapedor machine-distressed woods.

If a patterned wood floor pleases you, good news:Mosaics and parquet designs are back in fashion andare available at most price points and in styles to ap-peal to every taste, from modern to vintage.

• Versatile vinyl is more durable, more affordable andeasier to maintain than any other flooring. Yet withtoday’s advanced photographic and embossing tech-nology, vinyl can be made to look like anything from re-claimed boat wood planks to stone slate tiles.

Vinyl is naturally water resistant, making maintenanceas easy as a quick mopping, and unyielding againstscratches, stains, dents and scuffs. Vinyl is also easy toinstall, even over existing flooring.

• Sustainable and eco-friendly cork and rubber offerclassic looks, comfort underfoot, acoustic qualities andinherent antimicrobial protection.

• Legend has it that Cleopatra presented herself toJulius Caesar rolled in a rug. Today, top clothing de-signers are basing the latest fashions on fabrics andmotifs usually found on the floor.

One reason may be the beautiful colors, patterns andtextures that rugs and carpets can come in. In additionto the classic looks, distressed and striated patternsare popping up in almost every collection.

These patterns are very forgiving when it comes todirt and blemishes. And the distressed looks—well,they’re already distressed, so you don’t have to worryabout added wear from your family.

The influence from nature is also seen in carpets.From actual natural materials such as wool and sisal tonature-inspired patterns—including animal prints, in-sect wings and layered rock looks—if you’re a naturelover, you’ll likely fall for today’s soft floors.

Some of today’s carpets and rugs even boast per-manent, built- in stain resistance that never washes orwears off and man-made fibers that offer the look ofwool with the durability and price of nylon.

Learn MoreThe World Floor Covering Association has more in-

formation on all these trends. Visit www.WFCA.org.


(NAPS)—If you’ve been thinking—or just dreaming—of a remodeled or upgraded kitchen, a look at the lat-est trends may prove inspiring.

Industry experts say today’s kitchens are influenced,on the one hand, by the very industrial appliances yousee in restaurants and on the other, by the makermovement ingenres such asfoodie, reclaimedand do-it-yourself. Particu-larly popular arethese four styles:

Kitchen De-sign Trends

1.The ClassicKitchen. For thislook, use boldcolors and mixand match mate-rials used forcabinets andc o u n t e r t o p s .Open shelving isstill popular, butglass doors withand without pat-tern are trendingas well.

When it comesto the kitchensink, it’s all aboutthe basin. Modu-lar or apron sinks,and single-basinsinks are where the flow is going. Sleek and profes-sional-grade stainless steel appliances serve to balancethe color scheme of this kitchen while furnishings pro-vide pops of colors and feature larger-scale hardware.Fixtures feature warm finishes in tones of gold, brushedbrass and copper.

It’s a bright idea to light up this kitchen with distinc-tive, unusual lighting pieces over an island or diningtable. Look for tiles that tell of texture, geometrics, neu-tral shades, artisan looks and craftsmanship to useagainst the wall.

2.Farmhouse Kitchen. For a homemade attitude witha farm-to-table feel, go for brightly colored or neutralpainted cabinets.

Find lighting, furniture and accessories that have ahandmade, antique feel. They don’t actually have to beold. Distressing the new can be nice and it’s easily done

with certain staintechniques and alittle roughing upof the wood.

Wrought ironand dark metals,natural stone andreclaimed materi-als add to thewarm and invitingatmosphere.

3. Black andWhite Kitchen.Here, high con-trast and boldgraphic patternsin classic blackand white createa backdrop for afew pops of colorin accessoriesand kitchenware.

The restaurantinfluence is par-ticularly promi-nent in thiskitchen and so isFactory Chic,

consisting of dark, rich painted wood, modular andapron sinks, with lots of built-in accessories and pro-fessional-grade appliances. Use task lighting to high-light focal points such as wall sconces.

4.The Sophisticated Naturalist Kitchen. For a brightclean look, this kitchen comes in several shades of grayor brown. Soft, natural-colored or palely painted woodadds a refined vintage look.

Organic textures in rugs and linens provide depthwhile accent colors are understated and nature in-spired.

What’s cooking in kitchens


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Sleek, professional-grade, stainless steel appliancesbalance out this look and blend beautifully with the graycolor pallete.

For reliable, heavy-duty, professional-grade, stainlesssteel appliances, many people turn to the FrigidaireProfessional series. These offer a simple design and el-evated cooking experience and fit in just about any newor current home. The collection is affordably priced andcompatible with standard-sized spaces so each piececan easily fit into existing kitchens.

When shopping for appliances, it’s also a smart ideato look for:

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Choosing the right furnace(NAPS)—The next time you’re looking to buy a fur-

nace, you can make a smart and informed decision ifyou consider the following:

• Your contractor: Choose a contractor you cantrust—one who is knowledgeable, dependable, li-censed and located close enough to provide promptservice. Ask friends and family about their experiencesand check out ratings on online sites.

• Efficiency: Annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE)measures the percentage of energy consumed by thefurnace that actually heats your house. The higher theAFUE, the more efficient the furnace and the greaterthe amount of heat delivered for your money. Whenshopping for a high-efficiency furnace, choose one withan AFUE of 90 percent or higher.

• ENERGY STAR: ENERGY STAR recognition meansproducts meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set bythe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Different gasfurnace efficiency requirements and labels are used fordifferent regions of the country.

Certified gas furnaces in the southern half of the U.S.,where homes require less heat, are labeled with aunique “U.S. South” ENERGY STAR logo and are upto 12 percent more efficient than standard models.Certified gas furnaces in the northern half of the U.S.are labeled with the standard ENERGY STAR logo.These furnaces are up to 16 percent more energy effi-cient than baseline models.

• Modulating furnaces: By modulating the gas valve(similar to turning up the burner on a gas stove) andvarying the speed of the indoor fan, modulating fur-naces respond to the outdoor weather to keep yourhome warm, comfortable and quiet. As a result, theyuse less energy when the heating demand on yourhome is low. Some modulating furnaces, including theColeman Echelon modulating variable-speed furnacefrom Johnson Controls, are rated up to 98 percentAFUE and are equipped with an additional efficiencyfeature—an electronically commutated motor (ECM).An ECM offers nearly continuous, gradual fan speedoperation for fewer stops and starts. This makes thefurnace quieter while still providing great efficiency.

• Sizing: Before settling on a furnace, be sure yourcontractor does a load calculation to determine the ap-

propriate furnace capacity. A furnace that is too big forthe space will turn on more frequently and waste fuel.One that is too small will not generate enough heat.

• Thermostat: It makes sense to pair your high-effi-ciency furnace with a programmable thermostat thatallows you to monitor and adjust settings according toyour unique heating needs. Look into your options.

Premium high-efficiency furnaces offer unique high-tech solutions to reduce energy use and increase com-fort. Knowing the options available to you as youchoose a new furnace can help you make an informeddecision.

To learn more about high-efficiency furnaces, visitwww.colemanac.com, www.youtube.com/Coleman-HomeComfort and follow @ColemanHVAC on Twitteror call (877) 874-7378.

Look for the Department of Energy’s Energy Star logowhen buying home appliances such as a furnace tofind the most efficient.


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The bad news is, covered gutters are breedinggrounds for mosquitoes and for nesting bees, wasps,even small rodents. Torrential rains can overwhelm thecover, causing ground erosion. The covered gutter canincrease the chance for damaging winter ice-dams.

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(NAPS)—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agencyis reminding homeowners of the importance of main-taining their septic systems.

Maintaining a septic system every three to five yearscan prevent homeowners from spending thousands ofdollars on repairs or replacement.

Inspecting your system is not a do-it-yourself projectfor most. Putting an additive into your system will notdetect or fix a malfunction. The best course of action isto go with a professional service provider every threeto five years to inspect and pump your system.

In addition to regular maintenance, here are someother things you can do to ensure your system func-tions properly:

Think at the Sink: Avoid pouring fats, grease andsolids down the drain. These substances can clog asystem’s pipes and drain field.

Don’t Overload the Commode: Only put things in thedrain or toilet that belong there. For example, coffeegrounds, dental floss, disposable diapers and wipes,feminine hygiene products, cigarette butts and cat lit-ter can all clog and potentially damage septic systems.

Don’t Strain Your Drain: Be water efficient and stag-ger water use. Fix plumbing leaks and install Wa-terSense labeled products to save water, includingfaucet aerators, faucets, toilets and showerheads.Spread out laundry and dishwasher loads throughoutthe day—too much water at once can overload a sys-tem that hasn’t been pumped recently.

Shield Your Field: Do not park or drive on a system’s

drain field, where the vehicle’s weight could damageburied pipes or disrupt underground flow.

Aside from saving money, there’s another reason tomaintain your system. In many places, water is scarcethese days,particularly inthe West.With water inlimited supply,we need toensure what isthere is safe.

Failing sep-tic systemscan contributeexcess nutri-ents andpathogens toour waters o u r c e s —lakes, rivers,g r o u n d w a -ter—and canmake thewater unsafe.When your system functions properly, it protects youand those around you. If you get your drinking waterfrom a well, this is critical.

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Increasing your home value(NAPS)—Making your home more attractive to

prospective buyers can be easier and less expensivethan many realize—if you heed these eight suggestionsfrom the real estate listings experts at Trulia:

1. Look to your landscaping. Just a few hundred dol-lars on grass seed or replacement sod, new flowers,bushes or trees, a weekend and a little effort can im-prove a house’s curb appeal.

2. Help your home clean up nicely. Give the exteriora thorough scrub down, including screens, windowsand gutters. Pressure wash the walks and driveway. In-side, steam clean the carpets, wash or wax laminate,hardwood or linoleum, and clean the grout on tile wallsand floors.

3. Give the trim a treat. Paint just the trim and frontdoor, two items that buyers’ eyes are naturally drawn towhen driving by your places.

4. Change the caulk around the plumbing fixtures.Over time, caulk, the silicone that protects surfacesfrom water seepage, can discolor, tear or degrade.Stripping this material out and replacing it with a freshbead of silicone can improve both bathrooms andkitchens.

5. Be clever: declutter. A house full of furniture, cloth-ing, collections, exercise equipment and memorabiliacan look much smaller than its actual size. Have agarage sale, rent a storage unit, or start making tripsto the landfill to whittle down your home’s contents.

6. Fix the small things. Replace burnt-out light bulbs,fix holes in doors or walls, grease squeaky cabinets ordoors, fix leaks and change the air filters.

7. Update lighting fixtures. It’s a bright idea that does-n’t have to cost a fortune. Just change a few, especiallyif they look dated. See if the exterior garage lights,bathroom lights or bedroom lights in particular are goodcandidates for a change.

8. Refresh your kitchen and bath. Consumer Reportsestimates you can increase your home’s value by asmuch as 7 percent by renovating these rooms. Choosea neutral palette to increase the appeal to as manytastes as possible.

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(NewsUSA) - Maybe you’re finally updating your1970s kitchen to one that’s more sleek and modern.Perhaps it’s as simple as remodeling a bathroom.Whatever the room, home renovations can be prettyhectic and messy.

To get through your renovation, home organization isthe key. The following tips should help you stay on topof the chaos.

• Have files for everything. Paperwork should be keptin one place. Inexpensive file folders that are portablecan help you stay structured. Create a file for all re-ceipts, and as you post them to a budget, move themto another file labeled “posted.”

Permits and papers from the city should be kept to-gether. Just for fun, create a folder of design ideas andpictures from magazines to keep you inspired.

• Cover it up. One word: plastic. No, not credit cards.

Use it to cover all heavy furniture that can’t be movedfrom the room. This will prevent dust and debris fromgetting into the cracks and crevices and keep the fin-ish on the furniture looking shiny.

• Keep a list. No matter how good your memory,things are going to fall through the cracks. Hanging aclipboard on a nail in the area you are working in willhelp you to stay on task about people you need to con-tact, or things you need to do or buy for the next day.

• Have a place for everything. If you’re doing the re-model yourself, there is going to be a certain amount ofchaos and upheaval. One thing that will help reduceyour stress level is keeping your tools in one place.

Create a space, such as a table, where all small toolsare kept. The larger tools can sit on the floor under thetable.

Every time you’re finished with a tool, put it back.

Less messy remodeling


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Creating fall curb appeal(BPT) - Soon,

all things pump-kin spice will behere, includingthe home visi-tors that bringthem. In prepa-ration of thedoor bell ring-ing, create a lit-tle spice of yourown with someseasonal curb appeal. You don’t have to limit yourselfto pumpkins and hay bales - below are tips and proj-ects for sprucing up your home’s view from the curbthis season.

Front door, first impressionsYour front door is one of the first things people notice

about your home. Give your door a fresh face with acoat of paint in a bold fall color to draw the eye to thisfocal point of your home.

Another project is to replace the door entirely. Con-sider options with decorative glass accents, and stun-ning sidelights (windows on either side of the door) toadd more natural light while maintaining a sense of styleand privacy. Plus, as temperatures start to drop, En-ergy Star -qualified entry doors, like those from Pella,will help maintain your home’s energy efficiency. Forentry door inspiration check out Pinterest, your residentshowroom or your local home improvement store.

Accessorize with new hardwareReplace your front door hardware for a quick, easy

face lift. Choose hardware finishes that complimentlight fixtures, mailbox and house numbers for a pol-

ished, cohesive look. You’ll be delightfully surprisedwhat a difference new hardware can make in creatingan updated look to your home.

Refresh exterior body and trim colorsFor a dramatic change, repaint your home’s exterior.

It’s bold and can make your home stand out from otherhomes on the block. Not up for the bold change? Tomake an impact with a smaller change, add new trimcolors. When updating trim, choose color schemes thatmatch your home’s primary exterior color, or comple-ment it with a fresh twist.

Create points of interest with plantsYou don’t have to stop enjoying beautiful plants and

flowers simply because summer is over. Add pops ofcolor by arranging pots filled with hearty fall flowers likemums, sedum or asters around your front door, or ona porch or deck. Incorporate planters or container gar-dens of varied sizes, shapes and colors to add visualinterest.

Accent with lightingAs summer light fades into shorter, darker days, add

exterior accent lighting to the front of your home. Illu-minate a walking path with ground-insert solar lights.Or consider solar spotlights to bring out landscapingor to shine on your updated front door. Install matchinglight fixtures outside your front door, garage door orpatio door to provide well-lit entrances that are stylishand inviting to neighbors and guests.

For more curb appeal inspiration, follow Pella on Pin-terest and Houzz and visit Pella.com to connect withyour local Pella representative for ideas on how totransform the look and comfort of your home insideand out.


(BPT) - It’s coming - the white, windy weather of win-ter. Are you ready? Is your home? Now is the time toprotect your home and wallet with a quick window anddoor checkup to make needed repairs and reducecosts.

Clear sills and moving parts of dirt and debris. Debrislike sand, dirt or leaves can get caught in window sillsand moving parts of windows or doors. Clean theseareas with a dry paintbrush to create a tighter seal andenhance window and door performance.

Check weather stripping. Re-attach or replace looseor worn weather stripping around windows and doors.Loose weather stripping can let cold air in, reducing en-ergy efficiency.

Reapply caulk or sealant around windows and doors.To help reduce potential drafts and leaks, reseal areasaround windows and doors that may have been ex-posed to heavy weather or extreme sunlight, creatingbreaks in caulk or sealant.

Install snap-in blinds or shades. Snap-in between-the-glass blinds or shades help insulate your homefrom cold outdoor temperatures. Pella Designer Serieswindows and patio doors feature convenient between-

the-glass options to add energy efficiency and privacy.

Repair or replace damaged exterior surfaces.Cracked or deteriorated wood on the roof or near thefoundation is typically associated with water penetra-tion and may allow moisture or cold air to leak into yourhome. Look closely for signs of moisture leakage andreplace damaged wood. Consult a professional to helpcorrect any roof or drainage problems around yourhome.

Install storm doors. Storm doors add an extra layer ofprotection and help reduce air and moisture leakage.

Replace old windows and doors with energy-efficientones. If you have single-pane glass or older windows ordoors, you may be paying more to heat your home inthe winter. Replace them now with energy-efficient,double- or triple-pane glass versions, such as those of-fered by Pella, and made with insulating argon, or installnew durable fiberglass doors to help save money andenergy year round.

For more home tips, follow Pella on Pinterest andHouzz and visit Pella.com to connect with your localPella representative.

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(BPT) - Cooler temperatures and shorter days canonly mean one thing - winter is on its way. January andFebruary are typically considered the coldest monthsin the Northwest, Northeast and Midwest regions of theUnited States. It can be tough for homeowners to staycozy inside without run-ning up monthly heatingcosts.

Building professionalssay fall is the ideal timeto consider winterizingyour home for a moreenergy efficient andcomfortable winter.

Look for simple,affordable fixes.

There are some sim-ple, inexpensive meas-ures that homeownerscan do to ensure theirhomes remain energyefficient, warm andcomfortable.

For less than $100,weather-stripping forwindows, a door sweepstrip and some caulkingcan help fill any air leaks to limit energy loss. Replacingthe furnace’s air filter every three months can also helpcreate a more comfortable environment since aclogged filter can reduce the unit’s overall efficiency andlifespan.

Set the temperature.Investing in a programmable thermostat allows

homeowners to monitor the indoor temperature of theirhome remotely via a smart phone or online. Keepingthe temperature low when no one is home and pro-

gramming the thermo-stat to increase thetemperature wheneveryone arrives home,annual heating costscan be reduced any-where between 5-15percent, according tothe U. S. Department ofEnergy. The same prin-ciple can be appliedduring summer monthsto help save on coolingcosts.

Prevent icedamming.

If ice damming on theroof is an annual prob-lem, consider takingmeasures to completelystop dams from form-ing.

Major damage canresult from ice damming, so it’s never too early to startthinking about a long-term solution. Ice damming oc-curs when warm, indoor air escaping through the roofmelts snow on the shingles. The water then refreezesas it runs off the roof, creating a barrier of ice at theedge. Shovelling snow or chipping ice away can

Smart tips for winter


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Thanks to spray foam insulation’s air-sealing qualities,homeowners can reduce the size of their heating andcooling equipment since less effort is required to heator cool the home.

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(BPT) - For many Americans, “home” evokes warmth,comfort, security and safety. But while home may besweet, statistics show it’s far from safe. From falls andother types of accidents to fires and poor indoor airquality, home can be a dangerous place - so it’s im-portant to make simple home improvements that canhelp minimize avoidable home safety and health risks.

FallsFalls are the leading type of accident that sends peo-

ple of all ages to the emergency room, each year, andthey’re particularly dangerous for older people and veryyoung children, according to data from the Centers forDisease Control and Prevention. Simple changes toyour home can help reduce the risk of someone falling:

• Make sure all stairways are equipped with handrailsthat are securely fixed to the wall.

• Outfit bathrooms used by seniors with grab bars inshower and toilet areas.

• Provide adequate lighting for when people movearound at night, especially in stairways, hallways andbathrooms. The same is true during the day, especiallyfor older adults and for anyone with reduced vision. Tra-ditional or tubular skylights can bring abundant naturallight into these and other areas of the home.

• Remove or tack down area rugs to reduce the risksomeone will catch a toe and trip.

• To prevent small children from falling out of win-dows, install window guards with an emergency re-lease device in case of fire.

• Use safety straps when placing babies and youngchildren in high chairs, carriers or swings, and neverleave a child alone while he or she is strapped in to adevice.

Indoor air qualityWhile you may think of pollution as an outdoor prob-

lem, the air inside your home can actually host moreharmful irritants than outside air, according to researchby the Environmental Protection Agency. Air pollutionhas been linked to a host of health problems, from res-piratory ailments like allergies and asthma, toheadaches and even depression. Several home up-grades can help improve air quality inside your home.

When painting choose low or no-VOC paints. Con-sider removing carpets if you suffer from allergies orasthma. Good ventilation can make a home more com-fortable and the air inside it healthier. You can improveventilation in a variety of ways, including by installingfresh air skylights. In addition to venting stale indoor airthrough passive ventilation,

FiresEach year, thousands of Americans are killed or in-

jured in home fires, according to data from the NationalFire Protection Association. Yet homeowners can do alot to reduce the risk of a fire occurring:

• Every home should be equipped with smokealarms. If your home is older, it may not already havealarms. Add them - smoke alarms reduce the risk ofhome fire fatality by half, according to the NFPA. If youdo have smoke alarms, but they’re old, replace themwith newer models, and consider the investment ofhaving your home hard-wired with alarms.

• Replace old electrical wiring and appliances -they’re a leading cause of home fires.

• If you have a wood-burning fireplace, use a safetyscreen to catch sparks and prevent burning materialfrom rolling out.

• Finally, if you’re building a new home or renovatingan existing one, consider adding a home fire sprinklersystem. According to the NFPA, they reduce thechance of someone dying in a home fire by 80 percent.When installed during new construction, a home firesprinkler system costs about $1.35 per square foot ofcovered space, the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition says,noting that’s about what you would pay to upgradeyour carpeting.

Common home safety issues


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morning journal - all about home - fall 2015

Documents

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common home safety issues

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older homes toasty

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smart tips

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