Life and Homes Birmingham Alabama

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Life and

Homes

ExclusiveLocal Listings

Springtime in Birmingham

Notes from the EditorBirmingham, Alabama is one of the most beautiful and colorful cities in the

South this time of year. April is a colorful month that births new growth

from the deadness of the Winter hibernation. What seems dead one day

can bust with life the next. There is a lot to learn from nature and the

seasons life offers us. Spring is the time of miraculous growth and

unfortunately, excessive pollen.

As we go through the seasons in our lives we face the challenges that go

with them but every season illustrates its beauty and splendor that makes

us better and builds our character. As we begin our outdoor projects and

activities, may we always be reminded that nothing lasts forever and that

this too shall pass. Enjoy the season that you are in and encourage those

who are in a different season as well.

In due time, this season will give birth to the next and before we know it our life's seasons will be over. Enjoy the

little things that God puts in our path that we seem to overlook; the cool, crisp mornings, the birds that sing, the

flowers that bloom, the leaves that grow and the stars that shine. Growth is all around us so no matter what may be

happening in the world, may we continue to grow, learn and mature…

All the best,

Chuck Frusterio

Published ByLIFEAndhomES FrAnChISE, InC.

Publication FranchisordAvId P. LISI

Corporate EditorKIm LISI

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Birmingham SW Franchise

LAh1, LLC.139 St Charles drivehelena, AL 35080205-914-5299

Managing Editor ChuCK FruSTErIo [email protected]

Marketing ConsultantLIndSEy SImS

JAmIE GurGAnuS

Contributing WritersroBErT nEEdhAm

mArK SChrAdE

Advertising Deadline May Issue

April 15, 2011

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Every effort has been made to ensure that home listings, advertisements and

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This information has been compiled from public records and other sources we believe

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Life and

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Chuck Frusterio Managing Editor205-914-5299 • [email protected]

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Tips on making A do-It-Yourself MoveFor a growing number of families, relocating has become a “moving experience.” That’s because whether they’re going across town or across the country, they’re choosing to move themselves.

For some, it’s a way to have more control over the process. For others, it can add up to significant savings.To help you take part in this trend, here are some tips from the professionals at an industry-leading company—Penske.

• Rent from experts. renting trucks from knowledgeable professionals can help ensure that your move is smooth and easy. “moving is one of life’s most stressful moments,” said don mikes, vice president of truck rental for Penske. “our goal is to help guide people through their journey.”

• Select smart. A 12 or 16-foot truck can be a very versatile size—excellent for moving everything from a few large items or the contents of a small condo or apartment.

• Reserve early. Book your rental truck at least two weeks in advance.

• Pack wisely. Load your heaviest items first. Avoid injury by always bending your knees and lifting with your legs.

• The right accessories can make a difference. Boxes, bubble wrap, moving blankets and hand trucks are essential to protect your items and make your move more enjoyable.

• Mark it up. Label as you pack. It makes it easier to put the boxes in the right room when unloading.

• Think safety first. rental trucks are taller, wider, heavier and require more stopping distance than cars. Pick up your truck early. Practice driving. Take precautions when the truck is loaded. Beware of low-hanging branches and overhangs when cornering. Park in well-lit areas and padlock the rear door. Penske Truck rental has 24/7

emergency roadside assistance and optional protection plans.

• get oriented. Ask the truck rental associate to walk you through the vehicle’s features. It should be a clean and well-maintained vehicle.

• drive green. use a truck rental company affiliated with EPA’s SmartWay program. A little preparation goes a long way to ensure an easier and safe move.

more free moving tips are available at www.PenskeTruck-rental.com. (nAPSI)

make your Lawn Something to Share A lawn is an extension of our living space, a place we can enjoy outdoor activities with family and friends. When pests invade our yards and threaten our comfort and safety, it’s important to take action to control insects and weeds by choosing and using lawn and garden products carefully.

Follow these simple instructions for a PEST (plan, execute, stay aware and treat products with care) plan of action for caring for your lawn:

Plan - Before taking action on any lawn care project, research potential problems carefully.Execute - once a plan is in place, proper action can be taken. remember, however, that lawn care products are not effective unless they are used properly.

Stay aware - After the application of pesticides and other pest-management tools, keep track of lawn conditions. Lawns require care beyond the use of pesticides, so it remains important that grass is kept trimmed and watered.

Treat products with care - Store all pesticides according to label directions, away from children and pets. handling pesticide products responsibly protects both lawn and homeowner.

For more information on properly choosing and using pesticides and fertil-izers, visit debugthemyths.com or www.pestfacts.org. (ArA)

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avoid Foreclosure Rescue ScamsFollowing a few suggestions can help save many homeowners struggling with mortgages and other debt from seeing things go from bad to worse.

you can get free assistance from a housing counselor approved by the u.S. department of housing and urban development at (888) 995-4673 and makinghomeaffordable.gov.

As for people or companies offering mortgage modification assistance or foreclosure relief, Federal Trade Commission rules ban advance fees, require clear disclosures and prohibit false or misleading claims.

Experts at the office of the Comptroller of the Currency suggest you beware of these 10 lines:

1. “Pay us $1,000 and we’ll save your home.” Companies cannot collect fees until you have a written, acceptable offer from your lender and a written description of the key changes to your mortgage.

2. “I guarantee I will save your home—trust me.” Beware of guarantees like this one. Providers must give you realistic evidence for any claim they make.

3. “Sign over your home and we’ll let you stay in it.” Signing over the deed gives the recipient the power to evict you, raise your rent or sell your house—and you’ll still have to pay the mortgage.

4. “Stop paying your mortgage.” don’t trust anyone who tells you to stop making mortgage payments to your lender or servicer, even if that person promises to do it for you. you could lose your home and hurt your credit rating.

5. “If your lender calls, don’t talk to them.” Providers cannot tell you to stop communicating with your lender or servicer.

6. “your lender never had the legal authority to make a loan.” don’t listen to anyone who claims “secret laws” can erase your debt.

7. “Just sign this now; we’ll fill in the blanks later.” read and understand everything you sign. never let anyone else fill out paperwork for you. don’t let anyone pressure you into signing anything.

8. “Call (800) Fed-Loan.” Beware of companies that imitate official federal programs. Providers must tell you they are affiliated with the government.

9. “File for bankruptcy and keep your home.” Filing for bankruptcy stops foreclosure only temporarily. If you don’t make your mortgage payments, the bankruptcy court will eventually let the lender foreclose. Some scam artists may file bankruptcy in your name, without your knowledge, to temporarily stop foreclosure and give you the impression that he or she has negotiated a new agreement on your behalf.

10. “Why haven’t you replied to our offer? do you want to live on the streets?” high-pressure tactics signal trouble.

you can learn more at helpwithmybank.gov, makinghomeaffordable.gov, consumerfinance.gov, consumeraction.gov and nw.org. (nAPSI)

Spring Clean Your FinancesSpring’s arrival might mean cleaning out the basement, attic, and garage. But while you’re making a clean sweep, you might also want to consider other areas of your life that could use tidying up.

national credit bureau Transunion recommends using the spring cleaning impulse to see what areas of your finances you can clean up and provides the following tips:

• Clean out, throw out: Take time to go through expenses that aren’t really necessary or useful anymore. Consider cutting them and saving that money or applying it toward paying down another debt.

• get organized: Explore how you can simplify your finances by making savings and payments automatic, switching to online statements, and consolidating accounts if appropriate.

• Check your credit health: Consumers should check their credit once every three months. If you haven't checked your credit report and score lately, obtain yours today at Transunion.com.

• Plan today for tomorrow: make sure to save for the unexpected and future goals. Also, if there is a large purchase on the horizon, save now and pay more upfront later - helping you avoid charging the purchase to a credit card and accruing more interest. (ArA)

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2530 Queenstown RoadBirmingham, AL [email protected]

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Our Building Blocks toExceptional Service

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With real estate sales still sluggish across the country, curb appeal is taking on a new meaning for many homeowners. While an attractive home exterior can still boost potential resale value, homeowners are also looking at curb appeal as a way to enhance the enjoyment of their homes. Giving the exterior of their home a facelift not only makes the house stand out on the street, it also allows home-owners to "move up" without the expense of remodeling or moving. Fortunately, many curb appeal-enhancing projects can be cost-effective too, yielding significant improvements for a modest investment.

"Projects can be inexpensive and simple while adding tremendous value and curb appeal," says mark Clement, hGTvPro.com how-to expert and host of "myFixItupLife."

If you're looking for low-cost, high-impact ways to create or improve curb appeal, consider these ideas:

* make small improvements that have a big impact. Simple touches like repainting the front door, window trim and shutters, planting flowers, and switching outdated light fixtures can create a whole new look. Plus, these simple improvements have the advantage of

being scalable. Instead of re-siding the entire house, you can freshen the facade by tackling smaller portions, such as a porch or garage. Later, if you want to continue the improvement, you can re-side other areas of the facade.

* Choose materials that are durable and stylish. Skimping on materials may seem like a great way to save money, but you could end up spending more in the long run if you have to redo a job that was first done with lower quality materials. Purchase the best quality materials you can afford - not only will they look better than cheaper goods, they'll last longer and provide more enjoyment and value.

Ways to Boost Curb appealCost Effective

Anyone who's ever bought, sold or even just looked at a house can tell you first impressions matter. A house can be filled to the rafters with luxury touches, but if it

lacks curb appeal, few potential buyers will ever step in the door to see what's inside.

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* dress up the exterior with accents. Adding touches like accents to gables, posts and beams, drain chains in place of downspouts or planter boxes made with beautiful, sustainable materials like Western red Ce-dar is a great way to improve curb appeal while stretching your budget. Quality mate-rials retain their beauty over time better than cheaper materials.

* Illuminate. Light is a powerful accent, and, thanks to the availability of easy-to-install solar lights, you don't need to pay a professional to light your landscape. Solar lights - readily available in home improvement stores - provide decorative illumination to driveways, walkways and gardens.

* Introduce shade. Arbors and trellises adorned with flowering vines are not only beautiful in warm months; they're a great way to add areas of shade to your landscape. They can even be used to block the scorching heat from the afternoon sun from parts of your home's interior. Building an arbor or trellis is well within the capabilities of most do-it-yourselfers. For free ideas and plans, visit www.wrcla.org. * Add a splash of color to your landscape with low-maintenance plantings that require little attention. As an added "green" step, consider plants that require less water, too. your local home extension office can help you identify what types of plants will grow best in your region.

* Think "green." Whenever possible, choose materials that are truly sustainable, like Western

red Cedar. Sustainable materials are ones that have been harvested and/or manufactured through methods designed to reduce their impact on the environment.

"natural, long-lasting materials, like real wood, return beauty, durability and value," Clement says. (ArA)

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9292 HWY 145 2 Bedrooms / 2.0 Baths

For more details visit www.LifeandHomes.comType in Quick Search #46098RE/MAX Advantage SouthDeb Long • 205-991-1500

Realtor • [email protected]

Bank of America Home Loans • Free Pre-Approval • 205.967.0585 Equal Housing Lender • Member FDIC

Clanton $199,900

1069 INVERNESS COVE WAY 877-694-4646, ext. 504 - 24 info line

For more details visit www.LifeandHomes.comType in Quick Search #44224Keller Williams Metro SouthColleen Black • 205-605-1000



Hoover $194,900

5721 PARK SIDE PASS 4 Bedrooms / 3.0 Baths

For more details visit www.LifeandHomes.comType in Quick Search #68287RE/MAX AdvantageJulie White • 205-979-9854



Hoover $249,500

6217 N Black Creek Loop 3 Bedrooms / 2.0 Baths

For more details visit www.LifeandHomes.comType in Quick Search #42546Re/Max First ChoiceTed McLaughlin • 205-746-0393

Licensed Agent • [email protected]


Hoover $220,900

1073 South Lake Cove 4 Bedrooms / 4.5 Baths

For more details visit www.LifeandHomes.comType in Quick Search #42317RealtySouth-OTM-Acton RoadBecky Hicks • 205-533-4445



Hoover $535,000

5928 Waterscape Pass 4 Bedrooms / 2.5 Baths




Hoover $279,900

5208 CREEKSIDE LOOP 4 Bedrooms / 3.0 Baths

For more details visit www.LifeandHomes.comType in Quick Search #70182RE/MAX First ChoiceDonna Gaskins • 205-663-4402



Hoover $279,000

307 Great View Circle 6 Bedrooms / 4.0 Baths




Hoover $324,999

100 SWEETGUM DR 3 Bedrooms / 2.5 Baths




Chelsea $164,900

2482 HUNTINGTON GLEN DR 877-694-4646, ext. 505 - 24 hr info line.

For more details visit www.LifeandHomes.comType in Quick Search #51641Keller Williams Metro SouthColleen Black • 205-605-1000



Homewood $389,977

Open Market Listing Service™ LifeandHomes.com

50 Gilbert DriveAlabaster, AL 35007

[email protected]

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The Sanctuary off Valleydale RoadLinda Ford - 401.4565 • Pat Morgan - 531.8157

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German engineering.American Value.Buy three or more Bosch kitchenappliances and receive a rebate of up to

via a Bosch VISA® prepaid card.*

15%

For all the latest Bosch products visit our show room

across from The Galleria.205.402.72871773 Montgomery Hwy S.Hoover, Alabama [email protected]

The possibilities are endless. Select from the quietest line of dishwashers,**

wall ovens with a leading 4.7 cu ft of capacity, or induction cooktops with

AutoChef™, a programmable cooking system so east, it’s like putting a car

on cruise control. Get these and more—plus hundreds in rebates when you

purchase precise, efficient, high-performance Bosch appliances for your

kitchen. www.bosch-home.com/us

© 2011 Bosch Home Appliances. Promotion runs from January 1 though May 31, 2011. * Cards are issued by Citibank NA pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc., and managed by Ecount, a Citibank company. Cards can be used any-where Visa Debit Cards are accepted. ** Based on available sound information on competitors’ websites, June 2010.

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For all the latest Thermador products visit our show room

across from The Galleria.

SOMEAPPLIANCESARE JUSTFOR STATUS

THESECHALLENGE THE STATUS QUO

205.402.72871773 Montgomery Hwy S.Hoover, Alabama [email protected]

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LifeandHomes.com Open Market Listing Service™

3627 MORGANS RUN PKWY 4 Bedrooms / 3.5 Baths




McCalla $246,900

1981 Rocky Brook Dr 5 Bedrooms / 4.5 Baths




Vestavia Hills $650,000

6682 Lou George Loop 3 Bedrooms / 2.5 Baths




McCalla $299,000

1797 Glennwood Road 4 Bedrooms / 2.0 Baths




Morris $175,000

366 OXFORD WAY 3 Bedrooms / 2.0 Baths

For more details visit www.LifeandHomes.comType in Quick Search #49028RE/MAX First ChoiceTed McLaughlin • 205-663-4402



Pelham $299,900

859 VESTAVIA VILLA CT 3 Bedrooms / 2.0 Baths





7519 KINGS MOUNTAIN RD 5 Bedrooms / 4.5 Baths





1480 STONEYKIRK RD 4 Bedrooms / 3.5 Baths

For more details visit www.LifeandHomes.comType in Quick Search #68288RE/MAX AdvantageJulie White • 205-979-9854



Pelham $299,900

8501 RICHARD DR 4 Bedrooms / 3.0 Baths




Pinson $219,750

5165 Selkirk Drive 4 Bedrooms / 3.0 Baths




Inverness $209,900

3400 Norwich Drive 4 Bedrooms / 3.0 Baths

For more details visit www.LifeandHomes.comType in Quick Search #57974RE/MAX First Choice The Pinnacle GroupDonna Gaskins • 205-441-0333

RELO, CLHMS • [email protected]



6148 CATHWICK DR 3 Bedrooms / 2.0 Baths

For more details visit www.LifeandHomes.comType in Quick Search #48996RE/MAX First ChoiceTed McLaughlin • 205-663-4402



McCalla $165,900

READy 4/22

SHoRt SALE

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Open Market Listing Service™ LifeandHomes.com

1831 Windsor Blvd 2 Bedrooms / 1 Baths




Homewood $229,000

208 Shades Crest Circle 4 Bedrooms / 3.0 Baths





1947 Shades Crest Road 4 Bedrooms / 3.0 Baths





2209 Southwood Road 4 Bedrooms / 4.0 Baths





117 Broadmoor Lane 2 Bedrooms / 1.0 Baths

For more details visit www.LifeandHomes.comType in Quick Search #70466RealtySouthLinda Carroll • 205-915-3097

Associate Broker • [email protected]


Alabaster $240,000

Shelby Springs Farms #45 Wooded Lot

For more details visit www.LifeandHomes.comType in Quick Search #70470RealtySouth-OTM-Acton RoadBecky Hicks • 205-533-4445Realtor • [email protected]


Calera $15,000289 Middle Ridge Drive4 Bedrooms / 3.5 Baths




Springville $309,900

2816 Abingdon Parkway 4 Bedrooms / 3.5 Baths




Vestavia Hills $375,0003449 River Terrace Dr 4 Bedrooms / 3.0 Baths





Thinking of Buying or Selling?

Contact Me Today Professional Advice, Knowledge and Service

Becky Hicks Licensed Realtor205.533.4445RealtySouth Over The Mountain – Acton [email protected] 4509 VALLEYDALE ROAD/SUITE 10/ BIRMINGHAM, AL 35242

205.981.0607 OFFICE • 205.531-5655 CELL • [email protected]

ART FLEET • BROKER – CLUB OF EXCELLENCE

Big Enough To Make A Difference

Small Enough To Make It Count

Linda CarrollAssociate BrokerABR, SFR, SRES, RSPS, E-PRO

Cell: 205.915.3097Email: [email protected]: LindaCarrollRealtor.comwww.RealtySouth.com

Whether you are ready to sell your home, are a fi rst-time home buyer, a senior ready to downsize, or an investor, I have the knowledge and experience to help you. Pelham has been my home for over 20 years and I look forward to working with you.

Family of Services

575 Mountain Forest Trail 4 Bedrooms / 3.5 Baths




Calera $495,000

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Phase One — dream World

urban Sterietz has described the first stage of marriage as the honeymoon stage. Everything is good and possible. We can reach the stars: Which one do you want honey? difficulties are handled with the view: We’ve got a little trouble today, but tomorrow I will change him/her. This stage lasts from a week to a year.

Phase Two — disillusionment

The era of the rude awakening! The honey-moon is over – gone! Quarreling takes place, too frequently. The rose colored glasses come off. Each looks at the other partner and discovers what she/he really is like – she can’t cook; he doesn’t clean under his fingernails; she whines; he belches at the table. Each wonders whether or not they have made a mistake.

Phase Three — Period of Misery

This is the period of most divorces. ninety percent of couples go through this stage. At points they feel there is no hope for their marriage. It is usually sheer stubbornness or deep religious faith that holds the marriage together. With children in the home, couples decide to stay together because of the kids. There is constant tension. Each couple is looking for “proof” of love. Conditional love is typical: “If you loved me, you would…; I will love you when…” This stage usually lasts 2-5 years. It can last a lifetime! or, it can only last a day.

Phase Four — Time of awakening

At some point in the Period of misery, one partner steps out says, “I will love you!” They ask God for help for themselves to change, not just for their partner. This begins the time of love. It is love freely given – an irresistible force. The couple begins to ask: “What does it take to make our marriage work?” neither feels that changing partners is the answer.

Phase Five — Time of True Love

The couple finally accepts one another

unconditionally. Suddenly, they realize they have a pretty good partner after all the marriage is not about us; it’s about our spouse. We enjoy loving and being loved, and are comfortable in our own “marriage skin”. hang in there, because true love waits (ICor 13:4, 7).

metroChurch

Mark SchradeSenior PastorMetropolitan church of God

2800 Metropolitan WayBirmingham, AL 35243www.metrocog.org

The Five Stages of marriage

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Tom Murphy RealtyTOM MURPHY REALTYReal Estate Professional of Birmingham, AL

205-988-5444www.TomMurphyRealty.com TMR

Hoover $1,100,0007 Bedrooms/ 6.5 BathsOne of a kind! 2 Bedrooms on the main level, gourmet kitchen, big living room and dining room. Upstairs 3 bedrooms, reading room and playroom. Full basement with 2 bedrooms and full kitchen. Home is in Riverchase. Full privacy. Priced to sell. Listing Agent: Rana Sukar 205-369-9446 MLS # 489921

Birmingham $59,9003 Bedrooms/ 1 BathWenonah area. Nice & clean. Updated & move-in ready. New carpet in bedrooms. Ceiling fans. New water heater, new plumb-ing. Fresh paint. Central heat & air with warranty. Large level backyard. Listing Agent: Cathy Kent 205-837-8127MLS#491281

Warrior $149,9003 Bedrooms/ 2 BathsBeautifully updated ranch home with approx 3 acres of land located close to the interstate at the Blount Springs Garden City exit. This large (2,520 sf) home has been TOTALLY updated everything that could be done was done and it is ready to move into immediately.Listing Agent: Eddy Harris - 205-492-6728MLS#471709

Montevallo $133,0003 Bedrooms/ 3 BathsOne level living with 2 car main level front entry garage. Brick front and vinyl sides for low maintenance. Hw fl oors in family room with fi replace. Arched openings and vaulted ceilings. Black kitchen appliances and dark cabinets. Bonus room over garageListing Agent: Marie Romano 205-988-5444MLS#493926

Leeds $100,0003 Bedrooms/ 2 BathsGreat home at a great price! Cute home on large, fl at lot. Wonder-ful covered porch welcomes you home. Enter into an oversized great room with fi replace. Master bedroom has his/her closets. Both bedrooms have walk-in closets. Back yard has privacy fence. Listing Agent: Sybil Owens 205-960-0871 MLS#491949

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The coming of spring is revealing a list of post-winter home repairs that need to be made. After being stuck inside for the past few months, getting outside now to assess home damage and tackle initial projects will help you get a jump-start on the season.

Begin with weekend projects that alleviate water damage, such as clearing out gutters and downspouts. Look at the roofing and siding of your home, and repair any broken or missing shingles or panels. These projects allow you to dust off your toolkit, organize your garage andmake a list of what needs to be done in the coming months to improve the stability and comfort of your home.

This is also a good time of year to make sure your home's heating, ventilation and air conditioning (hvAC) system is functioning properly and at its most efficient rate. While most hvAC maintenance requires the help of a professional contractor, American Standard heating & Air Conditioning

offers a few simple things homeowners can manage this time of year:

* Check the furnace filter. Cleaning or changing your furnace filter each month will help extend the life of your furnace and may help save on heating and cooling energy costs.

* Clean air ducts. remove air ducts and return-air grille plates, and thoroughly clean with a rag, scrubbing brush or vacuum to prevent any irritants or dust from making their way into your home's air.

* Inspect the outdoor air conditioning unit. remove leaves, grass, dirt and other debris that may have built up around your outdoor air conditioning unit or heat pump to ensure nothing is obstructing the air flow.

* Listen for strange noises. Simply listening for loud or unfamiliar noises is good protocol for evaluating bigger issues that may be plaguing your home comfort system.

Easy troubleshooting tips for a variety of system problems are also available in American Standard heating & Air Conditioning's Symptom Checker guide, found online at www.americanstandardair.com.

If you have an old hvAC system, or you are simply wondering how well your current system is performing, take the time to schedule a routine maintenance checkup with an hvAC professional. he or she can advise you on ways to improve the safety and comfort of your home, and make sure your hvAC system is operating properly.

Additionally, ask your local dealer about what you can do to maintain greater control over energy costs and environmental impact, especially on hot days ahead. To locate an independent American Standard heating & Air Conditioning dealer near you, visit www.americanstandardair.com.

With these new improvements, your home will be looking and feeling as fresh as spring, and your cabin fever will be a thing of the past. (ArA)

how to Tackle Home Comfort Repairs for Warmer Months Homeowners are looking forward to warmer weather after winter weather took a toll on homes and businesses across the U.S. Harsh weather even made its mark on typically warm climates in the southeastern part of the country, which experienced some of the coldest temperatures on record.

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