morning journal - home improvement - spring 2015

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Great tips on improving your living spaces!

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(NAPS)—While most people know that energy efficiencyis an important consideration when purchasing appliances ormechanical systems for the home, you may care to considerhow your interior design choices can also affect energy effi-ciency.

Try these five tips to help reduce your home’s carbon foot-print and save even more on your utility bills:

• Furnishings: Your selection and placement of furnish-ings can change how warm or cool a room feels. Furniturefeatures such as high backs or fabric skirts can help reducedrafts. Throw blankets can introduce a fun color or print whilereducing the need for heating.

• Flooring: If you have hard flooring such as hardwood,stained concrete, laminate or the like, as opposed to carpeting,adding or subtracting area rugs can help the room feel warmeror cooler.

In addition, be careful about where you position pieces soyou don’t block air vents. You can also get vent deflectors toredirect the air as it comes out.

• Lighting: If you’ve been holding off on switching to

more efficient lightbulbs because you don’t care for the quali-ty of light they give off, take another look at what’s available.Newer LED and compact fluorescent bulbs are getting closerto the warm light of incandescents and their energy savingsare hard to beat.

• Fans: As you’re evaluating your lighting fixtures, consid-er if you can incorporate a ceiling fan with an integrated lightinto any room. Fans aren’t just for hot weather—those with areversible setting can be switched to turn clockwise in thewinter, so they recirculate warm air that has risen to the ceil-ing, which may also help to reduce heating bills.

• Windows: Draperies can sometimes block views to theoutdoors as well as deter the natural light from coming in. Anewer alternative can be 3M Sun Control Window Film,which is designed to let light in while keeping heat out.

To determine how much this could save on your air condi-tioner use, try the Cooling Savings Calculator atwww.3M.com/InteriorDesign.

In addition to rejecting heat, window films can help keepsunlight from fading carpets and furnishings.

They’re even available in versions that don’t change thelook of your windows or your home, so you can maintain bothclear views to the outside and the curb appeal of your house.

The right energy-efficient upgrades can not only help saveyou money in the short term, they can increase the resale val-ue of your house, so you may want to start thinking aboutchanges you can make today.

Learn MoreFor further information on Sun Control Window Film, go

to www.3M.com/InteriorDesign.

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Five energy efficient interior design tips

To maximize the energy effi-ciency of your home, consider awindow film that is designedto let light in while keepingheat out.

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HOURS: Monday thru Friday 8am-5pm, Saturday 8am-12pm

6192 Warren Rd NE • Cortland, OH 44410330-924-2555

BORTNICK TRACTOR SALES, INC.

See us on the web: bortnicktractorsales.com

BOOMER™ compact tractors from New Holland give you big tractor reliability wrapped in a compact, maneuverable package. They’re built New Holland SMART, with features that keep you comfortable and productive while saving you time and money. Plus we have your back with a FIVE-YEAR Limited Warranty.* You won’t find a better compact tractor warranty-or a better compact tractor-anywhere.

• Choice of transmissions-hydrostatic or shuttle shift• Electro-hydraulic independent PTO

• Sloped hood and front and side lighting for outstanding visibility• Ample three-point lift capacity

* Offer valid only on tractors purchased from an authorized New Holland dealer.

© 2014 CNH Industrial Americal LLC. All rights reserved. New Holland is a trademark registered in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V. its subsidiaries or affiliates.

(NAPS)—Whether the urge to remodel strikes during National Home ImprovementMonth or any other time of year, you can seamlessly update your home with just a few simplesteps toward improved design, comfort, functionality, energy efficiency and curb appeal.

1. Work with what you have. Look around your home. Is there anything in dire need ofreplacing or refurbishing? Updates may not be as expensive as you might think.

Consider this: If your kitchen cabinets are looking a little worn, consider resurfacinginstead of replacing them. Just remove the doors, then strip and refinish or repaint them. Investin new handles and pulls, as well as new hinges if they’re visible.

2. Build a greener home with energy-efficient enhancements. Homeowners can dramatical-ly cut energy costs without major renovations. Instead of new windows, try caulk and weatherstripping to stop any air leaks on the windows you already have. Install high-efficiency waterheaters to drive down heating costs.

You can also install an ENERGY STAR–certified air conditioner that adds to your home’sgood looks. For example, the Art Cool Mirror ductless indoor unit from LG has a flat panelwith a charcoal mirror finish that complements any d�cor. Plus, when paired with LG’s SmartAC, homeowners can control the system and monitor temperature on their smartphone any-time day or night, whether at home or away.

3. Beautify your yard to increase personal comfort now and receive more cash later. Tryplanting deciduous trees on the south side of your house to provide additional shade in the hot-ter months, allowing you to cut down on air-conditioning expenses and save energy.

What’s more, real estate experts estimate that by spending 5 percent of the value of yourhome on quality, low-maintenance landscaping, you could boost the resale value by 15 per-cent.

4. Create a seamless look for your kitchen. A counter-depth refrigerator, like a 3-DoorFrench Door Refrigerator from LG, will allow homeowners to get the sophisticated look theydesire for their kitchen without sacrificing space or the added cost of installing an actual built-in appliance.

To help keep the hub of your home clean, establish a message center in your kitchen. Put abulletin board or chalkboard on the wall and store a calendar, notebook and writing utensils ina nearby drawer to help eliminate clutter.

5. Stylish lighting is a bright idea. A striking chandelier or light fixture can serve as acharming addition in a well-composed room.

Lighting is also one of the easiest ways to update your space; a petite desk lamp or floorlamp can significantly brighten up a room. Be sure to use ENERGY STAR–qualified bulbs tomake it a truly eco-friendly yet chic addition (and save up to $70 a year in energy costs).

Learn MoreFor further facts and tips, go to www.lghvac.com.

Breathing new life into your home

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(NAPS)—Your house can be more comfortable for youand have more curb appeal for the next owner with a fewminor home improvements, including one you can barely see.Here are eight tips that can help:

• Get in on the outdoor living trend. Add a few comfort-able chairs and table to the front porch or backyard to createan extra room and a welcoming look. An even better idea maybe to screen in the porch.

• Create an a-door-able view. Your front door is one of thefirst things people see when arriving at your house and whatgreets you every day when you come home.

Keep it bright and welcoming with a fresh coat of paintand perhaps some shiny new hardware. While you have thepaint handy, see if the shutters, mailbox, front porch or win-dow boxes could use a touch-up, too.

• Get good screens. Whether on the window, the door or ascreened-in porch or pool, there are a variety of styles andmesh fabrics available to meet a number of needs. One such

screen, Phifer’s BetterVue®, is designed to maximize the out-ward view, making it sharper and more brilliant. Think of it as“high-definition” insect screening.

BetterVue is woven from smaller-than-usual yarns toensure durability and to improve the openness by 10 percentover conventional screening.

This enhances the view and improves airflow by approxi-mately 20 percent while increasing protection against smallinsects by 10 percent.

You can install it yourself, watch a simple step-by-stepvideo here, or have it done professionally.

• Keep things clear. Don’t let your front walkway or thefront of your home look overgrown. Cut back on the shrub-bery, and consider plants in pots instead.

• Improve the lighting. Consider motion-sensing lights onwalkways and the driveway and lanterns on posts near thedoor.

• Opt for an awning. It can make your entryway moreimpressive and keep you and your family dry when you openthe door.

• Really rock your yard. Add a stone border around theflower beds.

• Count on this idea. Make sure your house number is easyto read from the street.

Learn MoreFor more information about your screening options, go to

www.phifer.com/consumerdiy/overview.

See the view, not the screen, while getting durable protectionfrom insects.

Eight steps to a more appealing home

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1041 E. Park Ave.Columbiana, OH330-482-2713

Heating & Air ConditioningSpecialists

Installation - Service - Repair

NICK’STIN SHOP

Phone: 330-457-2465

45675 State Route 558 New Waterford, OH 44445

East Fairfield United Methodist

Church

email [email protected]: http://

www.eastfairfieldumc.orgFacebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/EFairfieldumc.org

Rev. Susan D. Antolik, PastorPhone: 330-846-0070

email: [email protected]

A clean HVAC means less cost and more comfort(NAPS)—There’s good news for homeowners. Having a home’s HVAC system inspected

by a reputable, certified HVAC professional can help them breathe a sigh of relief by helpingthe system to work more efficiently.

That’s the word from experts who say a heating and cooling system functions much likethe lungs of a home, taking air in and breathing air out. As a result, in a typical six-roomhome, up to 40 pounds of dust are created annually just through everyday living.

Through normal occupation in a home, consumers generate a great deal of contaminantsand air pollutants, such as dander, dust and chemicals. These contaminants are pulled into theHVAC system and recirculated five to seven times per day, on average. Over time, this recir-culation causes a buildup of contaminants in the ductwork.

While dirty ducts don’t necessarily mean unhealthy air in your home, school or workplace,they may be contributing to larger health issues or harboring contaminants that could causeserious problems for people with respiratory health conditions, autoimmune disorders or someenvironmental allergies.

Energy SavingsAccording to the U.S. Department of Energy, 25 to 40 percent of the energy used for heat-

ing or cooling a home is wasted. Contaminants in the heating and cooling system cause it towork harder and shorten the life of a system. Although filters are used, the heating and coolingsystem still gets dirty through normal use.

When an HVAC system is clean, it doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain the tempera-ture you desire. As a result, less energy is used, leading to improved cost effectiveness.

Choosing a NADCA MemberTrade associations are a way for members of an industry to promote higher standards and

performance. NADCA is a trade association comprised of about 1,200 companies in theHVAC inspection, maintenance and restoration industry who have signed the NADCA Codeof Ethics. These members have also invested time and resources into industry-related trainingand education.

Hiring a NADCA member can provide consumers with an added level of security, sincemembers possess general liability insurance and have at least one person on staff who istrained and certified.

NADCA requires that all members have at least one certified Air Systems Cleaning Spe-cialist (ASCS) on staff, and they must clean and restore your heating and cooling system inaccordance with NADCA standards and guidelines.

To learn more, visit www.nadca.com.

A clean HVACsystem doesn’thave to work ashard to main-tain a desiredtemperature.That can meanless energy costsand more com-fort for a home-owner.

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For Integrity, Honesty and Professionalism You’ve Come To

Count On.

Dave Norris, Owner

Ohio License #23635330-457-2562

New Waterford, Ohio 44445

NdcHeating.com

OurThermostat isALWAYSset onQUALITY!

Your Heating& Cooling Specialist!

Beautify Your Home With Color!FEATURING

PAINT

Mon.-Fri.: 8 am-7:00pm, Sat. & Sun.: 9:00am-5:00pm

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DECO AND TOOLS!

330-868-64391548 Union Ave.

Rt. 183Minerva, Ohio

(3 Mi. North of Minerva)

“Locally Raised Beef & Pork”Family Owned & Operated

(NAPS)—Here’s the buzz when it comes to backyard fun: Before you plan those barbe-cues, pool parties and bonfires, you need to transform your outdoors into a great entertainingenvironment and stop insects frommaking themselves at home.

To keep your backyard looking its best this season, try these six tips:

1. Good gardening: Choose a lively combination of colorful plants and flowers to brightenyour outdoor spaces during the day and light them at night to add drama. Try citronella plantsand marigolds to naturally repel mosquito populations and be sure to eliminate standing wateras it attracts mosquitoes.

2. Check your equipment: Make sure the lawn mower, weed-whacker and the like areprimed and ready, blades sharpened, tank refilled and so on.

3. Rake it in. Get rid of last year’s dead leaves and twigs that can keep your lawn fromsoaking up the sun. Consider composting the debris.

4. Beating the pests: Fortunately, protecting your yard against insect-borne diseases such aschikungunya, West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) does not have to be achallenge, nor does it have to involve chemical sprays. Instead, you can use environmentallyfriendly solutions to keep bugs at bay while enjoying the outdoors.

For example, Dynatrap insect traps can provide relief frommosquitoes, biting flies and oth-er flying bugs without pesticides. Since they come in a variety of styles and finishes, you caneven find one to match your deck decor.

5. Grilling idea: Clean the grill after each use to save yourself time and trouble when youwant to fire it up for your next get-together. That will also help keep bugs from hovering onthe deck.

6. Deck design: Your outdoor space can make or break your backyard, so be sure it reflectsyour style and makes a statement. Keep in mind the primary use of your outdoor space andremember to think about mosquito control as it relates to the size of your yard. Position theinsect trap where it will draw bugs away from where you spend most of your time.

Learn MoreFor further facts, visit www.dynatrap.com, Frontgate and other retailers, or on Facebook,

Twitter@Dynatrap or Pinterest.

6 ways to get your outdoor space in shape

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www.copefarm.com

COPE FARM EQUIPMENT, INC.

ALLIANCE24915 St. Rt. 62

(330) 821-5867

KINSMAN6401 Rt. 87

(330) 876-3191AUSTINBURG4057 Rt. 307 W

(440) 275-2200

Since 1966

3 CONVENIENT LOCATIONSWilliam Stock, Owner

12600 State Route 45Lisbon, Ohio

330-424-0348877-343-3889

Taylor Waterstove DealerParts & Service • High Efficiency & Low MaintenanceThermostatically Controlled! Heating Capacity: 2400-6400 SQ. FT. and larger.

[email protected]

BILL’SOUTDOOR FURNACE

301 North Beaver St.Lisbon, Ohio

330-424-3559

“SINCE 1961”We Serve Lunch, Too

TUES.-FRI.: 10:30 AM-1:00 PM

REG. HOURS:Tues.-Sat.: 3 PM to 11 PM

Easy to clean carpeting is key to cleaner home(NewsUSA) - Many homeowners love carpeting. Its look

and comfort, in addition to its insulating qualities, make it anessential home-decorating element.

The fear, however, can be the stains left behind, such asthe red wine that accidentally slipped from someone’s handone holiday party or a pet that didn’t quite make it outside.

In the event mishaps like these occur, it pays to have car-peting that is made from material that you know is worry-freeand easy-to-clean. Mohawk Flooring, for example, offers justsuch a product.

“SmartStrand Forever Clean is the toughest, easiest toclean carpet on the planet,” says David Duncan, MohawkFlooring’s senior vice president of marketing. “It really is theperfect carpet for families with kids and pets.

Using the most advanced fiber innovation, it offers thehighest level of beauty, comfort and performance available soyou can live life worry-free.”

Amazingly, SmartStrand is the first new fiber to be intro-duced in over 50 years, and is the only carpet that boastsdurability and permanent, built-in stain resistance.

As a result, it should be unsurprising that it is the highest-rated carpet for consumer satisfaction, cleanability and dura-bility.

The difference, according to Duncan, is that it’s the first carpet to combine built-in stainprotection with a nanotechnology spill shield.

“Made out of triexta, a greener, more eco-friendly fiber, this fiber is the easiest to cleanbecause it repels and prevents spills from absorbing into the carpet,” says Duncan. “Thus, itcannot become a stain.”

Mohawk says it has tried to minimize its usage of natural resources, which in turn hasenabled the company to reduce its energy consumption of its carpets while creating a fiber thatis long-lasting, and resistant to the toughest stains.

Top that off with a carpet that can be easily cleaned with water and mild detergent — no

harsh chemicals or cleaners needed — and you have a much more environmentally friendlyflooring option.

For all the parents and pet lovers out there, know this: It’s just a matter of time before gravi-ty forces an unwanted mess onto one of your floors.

And when it happens, you’ll surely rest easier knowing that it’ll be easy to clean.

For more information, visit mohawkflooring.com/foreverclean.

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1472 Columbiana-Lisbon Rd. • Columbiana, OH330-482-5548

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

PHIL’S SALES & SERVICE LLC.

THE ANSWER IS

w w w . p h i l s k u b o t a . c o m

(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. What-ever the room, home renovations can be pretty hecticand messy.

To get through your renovation, home organizationis the key. The following tips should help you stay ontop of the chaos.

* Have files for everything. Paperwork should bekept in one place. Inexpensive file folders that areportable can help you stay structured. Create a file forall receipts, and as you post them to a budget, movethem to another file labeled “posted.” Permits andpapers from the city should be kept together. Just forfun, create a folder of design ideas and pictures frommagazines to keep you inspired.

* Cover it up. One word: plastic. No, not credit cards. Use it to cover all heavy furniturethat can’t be moved from the room. This will prevent dust and debris from getting into thecracks and crevices and keep the finish on the furniture looking shiny.

* Keep a list. No matter how good your memory, things are going to fall through thecracks. Hanging a clipboard on a nail in the area you are working in will help you to stay on

task about people you need to contact, or things youneed to do or buy for the next day.

* Have a place for everything. If you’re doing theremodel yourself, there is going to be a certain amountof chaos 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 tools arekept.

The larger tools can sit on the floor under the table.Every time you’re finished with a tool, put it back.

* Contain your stress. If you’re a person who turnsto cigarettes or smokeless tobacco in times of stress, tryyour best to keep things clean by going outside tosmoke or by carrying a portable spittoon.

After all, you don’t want a fresh burn mark or stain from a spill to end up on your brandnew floors. FLASR has created a one-of-a-kind pocket-sized spittoon that allows users to openand shut it with just one hand, making it an ideal solution for taking your snuff, dip or chewinto any room that’s being renovated. In addition, the Atlanta-based company’s spittoon, hasan advanced closing mechanism, ensuring that it stays securely closed when not in use, elimi-nating the risk of spill and leaks often seen with cups and bottles. For more information, visitwww.flasr.com. Market listing: FLASR (OTCQB: FLSR).

Keeping your home clean during a remodel