Spring Home, Garden & Auto 2014

New Looks for Spring • Paints & Finishes • Flooring • Lighting Fixtures

• Kitchen Cabinets • Bathroom Fixtures • Decorative Accessories •

Remodeling Projects • Window Treatments • Wall Decor

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Add some fresh color to kitchen cabinetsMany homeowners dream of giving

their kitchens a full-scale remodel. Though such a project can give a kitchen an entirely new look, that look does not come cheap. Homeowners can expect to spend more than $53,000 on a major kitchen remodel and recoup just below 70 percent of that cost at resale. So while the idea of a full-scale kitchen remodel might be a dream project, the cost of such an undertaking is beyond many homeowners’ budgets.

But homeowners who cannot afford a full remodel can still give their kitchens a new look and can do so for relatively little money. Painting kitchen cabinets a new color or simply giving fading cabinets a fresh coat of paint can instantly add life to a kitchen, giving the room an entirely dif-ferent feel without breaking the bank. The

following are a few tips for homeowners planning to paint their kitchen cabinets.

* Assess your existing cabinets. Some cabinet materials, including wood and metal, can be repainted without much of a fuss. But other materials, including plastic laminate, are not so amenable to repainting, and will likely require specialty paints. Homeowners with plastic lami-nate cabinets should first paint a spot or two with a sample paint, being careful to choose a spot that’s concealed. If the paint bonds well to the plastic laminate, then you can go forward and buy enough paint to redo all of the cabinets. If the paint does not take, consult a professional to find a paint that’s likely to be a better fit. Expect this process to be one of trial and error.

* Plan for ornate cabinets to take a

little longer. Painting projects will go faster when cabinets have flat fronts, but they can take considerably longer when cabinets are unique and more detailed. If your cabinets are ornate, then factor this extra time into your schedule.

* Remove the doors and hardware. When painting cabinets, it’s best to essentially disassemble them, removing the doors, handles, latches, and any additional hard-ware. When removing hardware, be sure to set them aside in clearly marked plastic bags so it’s easier to reassemble the cabinets once the fresh coat of paint has dried.

* As doors are removed, number each door and its corresponding location, much like products that require assembly are numbered at the factory. This makes it eas-ier to reassemble and ensures the cabinets

and their hinges will align properly once you have finished painting.

* Don’t paint dirty surfaces. Cabinet surfaces have likely collected their share of dirt, grease and grime over the years, so you want to clean these surfaces thor-oughly before painting. Once surfaces have been cleaned, rinse them off and give them ample time to dry.

* Sand the surfaces. Once the surfaces have been cleaned and are completely dry, it’s time to start sanding them. Lightly sand the doors using a wood sanding block, working to create a firm base to which fresh paint can easily adhere. Areas that are most exposed to wear and tear may require some extra elbow grease, and some areas may be especially flaky. When old paint is flaking off, this means the previous finish did not adhere very well to the surface, which is not necessarily uncommon in kitchens, where moisture and grease residue can make it harder for paint to adhere to the surface. In such instances, sand the flaky areas to the bare wood before spot-priming with a primer or sealer designed for areas with heavy staining. After all of the sand-ing is complete, vacuum the surfaces to ensure there is no leftover sanding dust before painting.

* Apply primer-sealer. Primer-sealer ensures the fresh paint will bond well to the surfaces, preventing conditions like flaking in the future.

* Paint the cabinets. After the primer-sealer has been applied, it’s time to paint the cabinets. Begin with the inside edges and openings of the face frames, followed by the outer cabinet sides and then the front of the frames. Then move on to the cabinet doors and any drawer fronts you might be painting as well. Cabinets with more elaborate designs require closer atten-tion to detail than flat cabinets. When painting, opt for thin coats, which dry more quickly and also create fewer vis-ible brushstrokes. When applying multiple coats, allow the paint ample time to dry between coats. Four hours between coats is a good rule of thumb, and lightly resand all surfaces before applying the second and final coat of paint.

* Reassemble the cabinets. Once the final coat of paint has fully dried, carefully reas-semble your cabinets and then enjoy the fresh and inexpensive new look.

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Men and women furnish their homes and apartments in various ways. For some, home furnishings are an extension of their personalities, while others prioritize bud-get over style when furnishing their domi-ciles. Secondhand furniture has long been used to furnish homes and apartments. While young people working with tight budgets and living in their fi rst apartments might be the most likely to rely on second-hand furniture, such items are not exclu-sive to recent college graduates and young professionals. Homeowners with a love of antiques or those who simply can’t resist thrift store bargains also are likely to lean on secondhand furniture. Used furnishings range from expensive high-end antiques to bargain bin chairs and couches found in thrift stores or purchased online. Pricey antiques often come fully re-stored, but that still leaves legions of shop-pers who need to bring their secondhand furnishings back to life. The following are a few ways to do just that. * Embrace your inner Picasso. A fresh coat of paint can go a long way toward stylizing secondhand furniture. Items that have been through a lot before making it to your home may benefi t from some sanding before receiving a fresh coat of paint. Once items have been sanded, smoothed and cleaned, apply some primer before dusting

Ideas on restoring secondhand furniture for your home

off your paintbrush. Primer makes it easi-er for the fresh coat of paint to bond to the furniture, making it less likely that the new coat will chip or crack in the months to come. After applying primer, the painting can commence. Two to three coats should be suffi cient to give the item a fresh new look. Allow the item to dry for several hours before showing it off and putting it to good use. * Upgrade old upholstery. Old chairs and couches tend to have ample wear and tear. But such items are still useful as long as their bones are still sturdy, even if cush-ions have fl attened out and fabric is suffer-ing from tears or stains. Reupholstering old furniture can turn inexpensive but worn down older items into seemingly brand

various colors. * Wash away years of wear and tear. Restoring secondhand furniture can some-times be as easy as washing away years of wear and tear. Old chests of drawers, dressers or armoires might just need a good scrubbing to look as good as new. Before cleaning older furniture, remove the old wax with a stripper bought at a hardware store. Old coats of wax can prevent clean-ers from reaching the surface of the furni-ture, so they must be removed for cleaning products to be effective. When cleaning old furniture, it’s a good idea to solicit advice from antique dealers, who can help you avoid damaging the piece even further. A small amount of dishwashing liquid mixed with warm wa-ter can be used to gently clean old wax off of furniture. When applying such a mix-ture, be careful to avoid soaking the item or letting the mixture pool on its surface. Work slowly, gradually cleaning small areas one by one and wiping them down with a damp cloth to ensure wax and other residue has vanished completely. Once the item has been thoroughly cleaned and been given ample time to dry, you can apply a new coat of wax. Older furniture can be both practical and chic, and there are many ways to bring such items back to life without breaking the bank.

new pieces at a fraction of the cost of new furniture. According to Better Homes and Gardens magazine, the following supplies are necessary to successfully reupholster furniture: - needle-nose pliers - camera or notepaper and pencil - marking pen - scissors - staple gun and staples - 1/2-inch batting - upholstery fabric - straight pins - 5/32-inch welt cord - sewing machine - upholstery-weight thread - tack strips - fabric glue, optional - upholstery tacks or nailhead trim - black breathable fabric Reupholstering furniture can be a te-dious process, and one novices might want to leave to the professionals. The cost of re-upholstering secondhand furniture bought at a garage sale, thrift store or private sell-er online is likely still less expensive than buying a new piece, so you might still make out in the long run. If reupholstering proves too expensive but the furniture still has am-ple and comfortable cushioning, consider employing a slip cover to hide stained or torn upholstery. Slip covers are typically inexpensive, and they can be purchased in

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What to do when faced with a recall New cars are purchased or leased to provide a reliable mode of transpor-tation. But some vehicles malfunction even when they are fresh off of the dealership lot. Other times manufac-turers or safety watchdog groups de-termine that certain cars and trucks have an issue that requires a recall to keep roadways safe. Vehicle recall sta-tistics are diffi cult to pin down. That’s because there is no standard rate of recalls per year, as recalls depend on safety statistics for particular makes and models. For example, in 2009 more than 40 million Toyota vehicles were recalled due to a faulty gas pedal. An automotive recall is how man-ufacturers inform drivers that there could be something about their cars or trucks that presents a risk of injury or property damage. The recall may be in-dependently conducted by the manu-facturer or ordered by a safety group, such as the National Highway Traffi c Safety Administration. The recall in-volves the manufacturer providing a free, safe and effective remedy for the faulty component. When a recall is announced, driv-ers may not have to immediately visit a dealership to have the problem cor-rected. Owners should wait for an offi -cial letter. The letter will narrow down which vehicles are affected. There should be a specifi c window of time presented in which the vehicle can be repaired. Vehicle owners are urged to pay attention to the performance of their cars or trucks to see if they are ex-hibiting any problems. If so, schedule an appointment for repair according to the recall instructions provided. The notifi cation letter should in-clude the risk of hazard posed by the problem as well as the free remedy and how long the repair should take. There also should be a description of what an owner can do if he or she is unable to have the problem remedied within a reasonable amount of time and with-out charge. If repair work has been done on a vehicle prior to knowledge of the recall, owners may be eligible for re-imbursement for their expenses, pro-vided they kept their receipts. While reimbursement for damages that the defect may have caused are not cov-ered by recalls, owners may be able to solicit reimbursement privately. The following are steps to take when informed of a recall: 1. Contact the dealer service man-ager and explain that you are inquiring about work required as part of a recall. 2. If the manager has not remedied the situation and provided the next steps, contact the manufacturer, which should be able to handle the situation. 3. If all else fails, contact the Na-tional Highway Traffi c Safety Admin-istration at www.recalls.gov.

Buyers often fi nd the process of fi nd-ing a new car fun. Test driving vehicles and playing with all of the gadgets that today’s increasingly tech-heavy vehicles have to offer can be akin to kids visiting a candy store and being given carte blanche to fi ll up their baskets. But as enjoyable as fi nding a new car can be, the fi nancial commitment that such a purchase requires can make the process somewhat nerve-wracking as well. Buyers often assign the most risk to pre-owned vehicles, and rightfully so. But some buy-ers even regret their purchases after buying a new car, whether the car does not suit their lifestyle as much as they had hoped or the vehicle simply isn’t living up to the expectations drivers had for it at the time of purchase. Savvy buyers will consider the following factors before taking the keys to their next new cars. * Additional costs: Many new car shoppers plan to fi nance or lease their ve-hicles, but the down payment and monthly payment is not the only number buyers must confi rm before buying a vehicle. After the purchase price and monthly payments have been fi gured out, the two most signifi -cant costs buyers must consider are insur-ance and gas. Some vehicles cost more to insure than others, and the cost of a policy will depend on more than just a buyer’s per-sonal driving history. The vehicle’s safety features, where a driver lives and the type of vehicle, both its make and model and the category it fi ts into (i.e., sports car, luxury vehicle, etc.), are all going to be used to de-termine the cost of an insurance policy. Buyers also must consider how much a vehicle will cost to fuel up before making a fi nal decision. Many a driver has grinned when driving a brand new SUV off a deal-ership lot, only to frown on that fi rst trip to the fi lling station. Insurance companies typically provide free estimates to pro-spective customers, so do your homework on the different makes and models you’re considering, getting an insurance quote for each vehicle. In addition, consider the expected fuel costs of each vehicle before making a decision. * Reputation: Thanks to the Internet, today’s vehicle buyers have a valuable tool at their disposal that those of yesteryear rarely had: their fellow drivers. When con-sidering certain makes and models, go on-

Consider these before buying your next car

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Prospective buyers should consider a host of factors before purchasing a new vehicle.

line to see what fellow drivers and profes-sional reviewers have to say about a given vehicle. Websites offer professional assess-ments of various makes and models, while various message boards exist to allow driv-ers to review the performance of their ve-hicles. Such resources are invaluable and can paint a realistic picture of what it might be like to own and drive a particular auto-mobile. * Resale value: While selling a car you don’t even own yet is probably not foremost on your mind, it is important to consider a car’s potential resale value before buying it. The high costs of new vehicles has pushed many buyers out of the new car market, making pre-owned vehicles a more afford-able and attractive option. So considering

a car’s potential resale value before buying it new is a smart move that can pay divi-dends down the road when you’re back on the market for a new vehicle. Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com) is a valuable resource to gauge the resale value of vehicles, and buy-ers can even calculate the resale value of a car over its fi rst fi ve years. This can help consumers determine which options to get on their new cars and even help to govern their driving habits in an effort to keep the vehicle’s resale value as high as possible. When buying a new vehicle, it can be tempting to buy the most visually stunning or gadget-heavy vehicle on the dealership lot. But buyers should consider more than just appearance and accessories before buy-ing their next new car.

With the economy on the rebound after the country’s worst fi nancial times in de-cades, many a smart vehicle owner is look-ing to get more bang for their vehicle buck. In lieu of quick trade-ins, more and more vehicle owners are applying the lessons they learned from the recession to their ve-hicles and trying to make their purchases last longer. According to the automotive experts at the non-profi t National Institute for Auto-motive Service Excellence (ASE), today’s vehicles are designed with long-lasting re-liability in mind, making it easier for ve-hicle owners to get more and more out of their vehicle purchase. To do just that, con-sider the following tips courtesy of ASE. *Find a repair shop that suits your needs. Motorists often cite the diffi culty in

fi nding a reliable mechanic they feel they can trust. A courteous staff that’s willing to answer your questions is a good starting point, as is a shop that’s displaying the ASE sign or logo, which indicates the shop em-

ploys certifi ed technicians. Also, check the shop walls for any past commendations, including civic, community or customer service awards. It’s also a good idea to check what ve-hicles the mechanics are currently work-ing on. If the vehicles in the parking lot are equal in value to your own, that’s a good sign. *Do the small things to save fuel. The cost of fuel is among the highest costs as-sociated with owning a vehicle. But small things like ensuring tires are properly in-fl ated, replacing misfi ring spark plugs and even clearing the trunk of clutter can all in-crease fuel effi ciency and help your bottom line in the process. Visit www.ase.com for more car care tips.

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Lighting sets the stage for outdoor fun‘Tis the season for making changes

in and around the home. The arrival of warmer weather renews homeowners’ vigor for various home improvement proj-ects, and many have grand plans for inte-rior and exterior renovations as they prep their living spaces for comfort, beauty and entertaining opportunities. While there are many worthy projects to pursue, add-ing outdoor lighting to a home can help increase its value and make the home safer and more attractive in the evening hours.

With a few updates to outside lighting, families can make even better use of their homes at night. Adding outdoor lighting is easier and less expensive than many homeowners may know, allowing them to transform an existing patio, deck or pool area into an enjoyable nighttime retreat. Pool parties, dinners on the patio or bar-becues with neighbors become even more memorable when outdoor lighting is added or improved. But homeowners who want to install or upgrade their outdoor lighting should consider the following tips.

* Improve navigation. Lighting is typi-cally layered into a room or outdoor space in three ways: overhead, task and ambient. Even outdoors, where there are no typical boundaries and borders, those three layers are necessary. Outdoor overhead lighting should improve visibility on steps, paths and walking surfaces, especially where there’s a bend or an intersection. Task light-ing can be used around cooking or garden-ing areas. Ambient light will cast a com-forting glow around any outdoor space.

* Enhance security. To improve visibility and security, combine a motion detector with a sconce to illuminate dark corners or entryways. Be sure to aim lights away from the door to improve visibility. Lanterns on either side of the door can give a home a warm, welcoming appearance and improve the safety of entryways.

* Create outdoor rooms. Outdoor lighting at the borders of a space is a great way to create barriers, both vertically and horizon-tally. Lights in a tree create something akin

to a chandelier hung in the middle of the sky, and even accent lights in the general area of the edge of a patio, deck or porch will shine across the space and provide enough of a comfort level for people to understand where things are.

* Reduce glare. Outdoor lighting that casts a glare can be blinding, as can light that’s too bright. Lighting along paths should be cast downward, with fixtures that are hooded. A variety of lighting options will create layers, allowing you to add or subtract as necessary. Exterior-safe dimmers also can provide flexible control over the level of light, as can movable fix-tures added to a patio or porch.

* Add decorative elements. Just as arbors, pergolas, patios and other outdoor elements help to enhance the style of an outdoor space, so, too, can lighting contrib-ute to a well-designed landscape. Lighting

should play up decorative features of a yard and add the ambience that homeown-ers desire. Step lights make passage safe while also highlighting molding or trim details. An outdoor chandelier can make for a wonderful accent during dinnertime on the deck or under a pergola. Patio lights provide atmosphere as well as illumination for cooking outside.

* Enhance views from inside. Outdoor lighting can make the view from inside pleasant and enjoyable. Use a variety of lights, including spotlights on trees, lights dotted along pathways and accent lights on unique landscape features, to create an idyllic landscape visible from inside the home.

Outdoor lighting enhances functional-ity of yards and landscapes while making such areas safer for homeowners and their guests once the sun has gone down.

Outdoor lighting can play up the decorative features of a yard, including flower beds.

The basics of cleaning windows

After a long winter of snow and ice, many people are ready for the warmth and sunshine synonymous with spring. But dirty windows can block that sunshine from finding its way into a home. Washing windows can be quite an undertaking, particu-larly in those homes with many win-dows on multiple levels. However, there are several time-saving tips avail-able that can cut the work consider-ably.

* Save window washing for a cloudy day. Otherwise, the warmth and sun-light may dry the cleaning solution too quickly and you will be left with streaks on your windows.

* Vacuum windowsills and tracks first to remove a good deal of dust and debris. This will reduce the amount of dirt you smear onto the windows while cleaning them.

* Use a combination of a sponge soaked in cleaning solution and a squeegee to get really clean windows. The squeegee helps to prevent streaks and cut down on the time it takes the windows to dry, all the while helping the windows to sparkle.

* Window screens may be the cul-prit behind dingy windows. Hose down the screens with water to clean them, using a mild cleaning solution if water is ineffective.

* Working with a partner can make the task go much more quickly. One person can clean the exteriors of the windows while the other does the interiors.

* A mild dishwashing liquid diluted in water can cut through dirt and grime. For stubborn dirt, wash win-dows with diluted ammonia or vin-egar.

* Use a glass-cleaning tool to clean hard-to-reach windows. A telescoping cleaning tool and pad can make it safer to reach windows that are high up.

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Rainwater collection is a way to con-serve water that can be adopted by both private homeowners and businesses. Harvesting water during peak times of pre-cipitation ensures water will be on hand during drought or when water restrictions are implemented. Making use of rainwater reduces reliance on underground wells or municipal water systems. Harvesting rain-water also can help prevent flooding and soil erosion.

Asphalt, wood shingles and tar roofs may leach toxic chemicals into the water, mak-ing it unsafe for drinking. This rainwater may only be collected to use for irrigation methods or washing cars and outdoor items.

* Check gutter materials. Some gutters are made with lead soldering components. A commercial lead swab test can help you determine if there is lead present in your

gutters. At a later time you can choose to replace the gutters if you desire a potable supply of water.

* Invest in a collection tank or barrel. A number of manufacturers offer prefab-ricated rain collection systems complete with collection barrels. Otherwise, you can use your own barrel or tank to house the collected water. Ensure it is large enough to handle the volume of water collected.

* Purchase and install leaf guards. If your home is surrounded by many trees, you probably accumulate leaf and tree debris in your home gutters and downspouts. Leaf guards will help keep the gutters clear and increase water flow through the water col-lection system.

* Create a water collection area. A portion of the gutter system should be removed so that it connects to the collection barrel or tank. As the rain falls, it will run down the roof and into the gutters before it streams into the downspouts. The downspout con-nected to the tank will deposit the water directly inside. Filters can be installed to help block the flow of debris.

* Outfit the tank for overflow and water usage. A spigot and hose connection make it easy to use the collected water for out-door purposes. Many rainwater collection systems are designed with an overflow safeguard that will prevent the water from backing up through the system. It will divert the rainwater back out of the down-spout when the barrel or tank is full.

A rainwater collection system har-nesses a natural source of water to be used for gardens and other outdoor purposes. This water doesn’t contain chlorine or other additives, making it relatively clean and safe to use. Homeowners should check to see if a permit is necessary to install a rainwater collection system and then begin gathering water for various uses.

Rather than have rainwater flow out of downspouts to the ground, homeowners can collect that rainwater in barrels to use it as a sustainable source of water.

The average homeowner can collect thousands of gallons of rainwater each year. To learn just how much water can be harvested, as well as how many natural resources can be produced from that rain, visit www.save-the-rain.com, where men and women can calculate their rain collec-tion potential by geographic location and average rainfall. Afterward, homeowners may be inclined to establish their own rainwater harvesting systems. Here is how to get started.

* Determine your roofing material. Potable water can be harvested from homes with sheet metal or slate roofing. Clay or adobe tiles also may be acceptable.

“

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use the collected water for outdoor

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Learn to stretch your dollars on your next road tripIn an era of escalated airline ticket

prices and extra travel expenses, road trips have emerged once more as a popular and cost-conscious mode of vacationing for individuals and families.

Those making road trips may be con-cerned about keeping costs down, particu-larly if saving money is the catalyst behind the road trip vacation. The following are a few tips to stretch dollars that much fur-ther on your next road trip.

* Dine out sparingly. Road stops and drive-thru food expenditures can quickly add up during the course of a road trip. Therefore, pack the majority of the food you will eat in a cooler. Not only will this save money, it will mean food is at the ready when hunger strikes. Food need not be all cold snacks, like sandwiches. Frozen burgers or refrigerated frankfurters can be cooked on a camp stove or tossed on a grill at a park’s picnic area. Save restaurant din-ing as a special treat during the vacation.

* Look for inexpensive lodging. While on a road trip you may need to compromise some of the comforts of home to save some money. Motel rates are another trip budget-buster. But by mixing overnights at motels with less expensive options you may be able to mitigate costs. Camp out at a safe campsite and purchase a shower ticket so you can enjoy a cheap, hot shower the next day. Spend a few nights under the stars; just be sure you have the right gear. Some also like to plan road trip routes between where relatives live and make pit stops at a friend or family member’s home. When

seeking motels, try to bargain and see if you’re eligible for any rebates or coupons due to age or military status.

* Map out cheaper gas stations. Today’s smartphones have apps that enable you to find nearby gas stations. Such apps may

Road-trippers can employ several strategies to save money on the road.

even shed light on which filling stations offer the best prices on gasoline.

* Don’t speed. In addition to being ille-gal, speeding wastes gas. Stick to the speed limit to avoid potentially costly tickets and improve fuel efficiency.

* Bring friends along. Friends will not only make the trip more fun, but they also can take turns driving and sharing the costs of the excursion.

* Join a roadside assistance club. Vehicle problems are inevitable if you are a fre-quent road-tripper who’s driving an older car. Avoid potentially costly towing costs by joining a roadside assistance club that will pay for your vehicle to be towed if necessary.

* Have the proper paperwork. Keep a current copy of your car registration, license and proof of insurance with you on a road trip. This makes it much easier to deal with traffic stops along the way. Individuals and their passengers planning on visiting another country should have their passports available and follow the laws regarding bringing food or goods over the border to avoid fines.

Road trips can be enjoyable excur-sions that cost far less than other vacations. Road-trippers can stretch funds even fur-ther with some handy tips.

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Car washing tips There are some rules of the road when maintaining the exterior of a ve-hicle to ensure the fi nish remains in pristine condition. Keep in mind these dos and don’ts. DO use products specifi cally de-signed for automobiles. Household cleansers may be good at removing dirt, but they may also strip off the pro-tective wax on the car. DON’T wash the car while it is hot, after it’s been sitting out in the sun a while or directly after it’s been driven. The warmth can cause the wa-ter and soap to dry faster, leaving un-sightly deposits. DO wash off dead insects, road salt, mud, etc., as soon as possible. Otherwise these substances may stick to the paint and cause erosion. DON’T assume the rain will clean the car. In areas with acid rain, it’s ac-tually essential to rinse a vehicle off after it rains to prevent damage. DO move the sponge lengthwise along the vehicle. Swirling the sponge may cause tiny scratches.

Driving danger Today’s drivers face more distrac-tions than ever before. Technological gadgets from smart phones to MP3 players give drivers new reasons to look away from the road. Distracted driving may include talking on a cell phone, eating food in the car, thumbing through the maps on a GPS device, or even changing the ra-dio station. But the type of distracted driving that has become an epidemic, particularly among younger drivers, is texting while driving. The age group with the greatest proportion of distracted drivers was the under-20 age group. As texting has become the preferred method of communication, a large percentage of automobile accidents might be due to texting.

Fuel effi ciency is an important issue for car buyers, and understandably so. Con-serving fuel is good for drivers’ budgets and the planet, so the concept of fuel effi ciency would seem to benefi t everyone. But just because fuel effi ciency is a good concept does not mean there are not misconceptions about it among drivers and automotive professionals alike. The follow-ing are some of the more widely held mis-conceptions about fuel effi ciency. * Full tanks conserve fuel. Many peo-ple have long believed that a nearly full tank of gas means the fuel within that tank is less likely to evaporate, and that tanks that half-full tanks are losing gas to evapo-ration. Though this might have been the case years ago, today’s vehicle’s are smarter than ever before, and their fuel systems are designed with vapor recovery systems so drivers traveling around with tanks that are closer to empty than full aren’t losing gas to evaporation. * Manual transmissions are more fuel effi cient. Technology can once again be credited with turning conventional wis-dom on its head. In the past, manual trans-mission vehicles might have been more fuel effi cient because drivers could more effi ciently control engine revving with a 5-speed manual transmission than they could with the standard 3-speed automatic transmission. However, automatic trans-missions have evolved over the years, and they are now more adept at controlling revs and conserving fuel than many drivers of manual transmission vehicles. * When you fi ll up matters. Some driv-ers have long believed that fi lling up dur-ing the cooler hours of the day earns them more gas than fi lling up when the tempera-tures are at their peak. This theory traces its origins to the fact that liquids are at their most dense when they are cool. But today’s fi lling stations store their gas in tanks be-neath the ground, which is why you might see a tanker emptying its contents into the ground at the fi lling station. These under-ground tanks are insulated from tempera-ture swings, so you aren’t likely to receive

Common misconceptions about fuel effi ciency

any more gas by fi lling up in the morning than you will when fi lling up at night. * An old vehicle is destined to be less fuel effi cient. Any product that is al-lowed to fall into disrepair will prove less effi cient than products that are well main-tained, and cars are no exception. A poorly maintained car will not operate at peak fuel effi ciency because it’s likely being forced to work harder to get down the street than it would if it was well kept. But a well-main-tained vehicle should not grow less fuel ef-fi cient over time. * Shifting into neutral while stopping saves gas. This is another misconception that was once true but no longer applies

thanks to advances in technology. When engines still had carburetors, shifting into neutral might have helped conserve fuel by stopping the fl ow of gas into the engine while the car was idling. However, fuel in-jection systems are now computerized and capable of sensing when an engine is rev-ving above idle. This shuts off the fuel in-jectors, preventing gas from being injected into the engine and preventing gas from be-ing wasted while the vehicle is stopped as a result. Taking steps to conserve fuel is a good way for drivers to save money and benefi t the environment.

Taking steps to conserve fuel is a good way for drivers to save money and benefi t the environment.


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The rejuvenating spirit of spring makes this beloved season an ideal time for homeowners to take stock of their homes and properties and address any issues that arose during the winter. While some homes make it through winter unscathed, the harsh weather of the year’s coldest sea-son can add several tasks to homeowners’ springtime to-do lists. While some projects are best left to the professionals, others can be tackled even by those homeowners with little or no DIY experience. The following are a handful of projects tailor-made for spring.

Inspect the gutters Gutters tend to bear the brunt of harsh winter weather, and come spring gutters are in need of inspection if not repair. Win-ter winds, snow and heavy rainfall can compromise the effectiveness of gutters, which can easily accumulate debris and detach from homes during winter storms. In addition, gutters sometimes develop leaks over the winter months. As a result, homeowners should conduct a careful in-spection of their gutters come the spring, being sure to look for leaks while clearing the gutters of debris and reattaching gutters that might have become detached from the home on windy winter days and nights. When reattaching loose gutters, make sure the downspouts are draining away from the foundation, as gutters that are not draining properly can cause damage to that founda-tion and possibly lead to fl ooding.

Take stock of roof shingles Much like its gutters and downspouts, a home’s roof can suffer signifi cant damage over the course of a typical winter. Shin-gles may be lost to harsh winter winds and storms, so homeowners should examine the roof to determine if any shingles were lost (lost shingles might even be lying around the property) or suffered damage that’s considerable enough to require replace-ment. Summer can be especially brutal on shingles, especially those that suffered signifi cant damage during the winter. If left unchecked or unaddressed, problems with

Home projects that are perfect for spring

damaged shingles can quickly escalate into larger issues when spring rains and sum-mer sun inevitably arrive, so homeowners should prioritize fi xing or replacing dam-aged shingles as quickly as possible.

Examine the lawn for low spots Once a lawn has thawed out, home-owners can patrol their properties look-ing for low spots in the yard or even low spots within spitting distance of the home’s foundation. Such spots increase the likeli-hood of fl ooding. Flooding near a home’s foundation increases the risk of potentially costly damage, while low spots on the lawn that go ignored can make great breeding grounds for insects, including mosquitoes, when the weather warms up. When low spots are detected, fi ll them in with com-pacted soil. Compacted soil can prevent spring rains from fl ooding a yard or damag-ing a home’s foundation.

Assessing potential property damage is a rite of passage for homeowners in the spring. Though some damage is signifi cant, oftentimes even novice DIYers can work their homes and properties back into shape in time to enjoy spring and summer.

Check for freeze damage Frozen temperatures can be hard on humans and homes alike, but unlike hu-mans who can stay inside when tempera-tures dip below freezing, homes are forced to withstand the elements throughout the winter. External hose faucets are often sus-ceptible to freeze damage. To inspect such faucets, turn the water on and then place a thumb or fi nger over the opening of the fau-cet. If your thumb or fi nger can completely stop the fl ow of water, the pipe where the water is coming from is likely damaged and will need to be replaced.

Each spring, homeown-ers should inspect their gutters to ensure the gutters are still at-tached to their homes and free of debris.

Acclimatinghardwood fl ooring Many homeowners prefer the look and durability of real hardwood fl oor-ing. It can be exciting to install new fl ooring, and you may be anxious to start transforming a room. But before diving right in, it’s necessary to accli-mate wood fl ooring to a home. Other-wise, you may end up with buckled wood or other problems. Hardwood fl ooring needs to sit in the room where it will be installed for anywhere between fi ve and 10 days or in adherence to the manufacturer recommendations. This gives the new fl ooring time to adjust to the humid-ity level and temperature of the home. Natural wood shrinks and expands due to temperature fl uctuations, which is why it is essential to match the con-ditions in the home before working with the fl ooring. The boards can be acclimated in the boxes (with the ends opened) or outside of the boxes.

Smelly fi replace? After a long season of use, fi replac-es need to be cleaned. Many homeown-ers think this is a job that can be put off until the fall, but spring is an ideal season to have the chimney and fl ue cleaned and inspected. One reason to include scrubbing the chimney as part of spring cleaning is to cut down on odor. After using a fi replace, a build-up of creosote forms in the chimney. As the weather gets warmer, creosote deposits can start to smell sour and that odor will seep into the home. In addition, moisture can mix with the creosote and start to degrade the fl ue liner, necessitating costly repairs. The sooner a chimney and fl ue are cleaned the better. A chimney sweep can do a thorough job of scrubbing down the chimney and fi replace and ensuring that everything will be in working or-der come next season.



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April, named for Aphrodite the Greek goddess of love, is here and it will not be long until Northwest Ohio’s full garden season will arrive. By mid-May the danger of hard frosts should be over for our area. After that date, it is safe to sow seeds in the ground and set out transplants for warm season plants. Garden centers are already stocking garden supplies and plants for your yards and gardens. If you need a little lift after all of this cold, snowy weather, pay a visit to your garden center, where the colors and fragrances of fl owers and plants will give you some much-needed spring cheer. You can also get a head start on planning what you want to grow in your yard or garden this year. Lately some garden questions have come in that may be helpful for this time of year. Question: What is the most important thing I can do for my fl ower beds in the spring? I don’t have time to do a lot, but I want to do as much good for them as I can. Answer: Probably the best thing you can do to improve your beds is to add a layer of composted manure to the soil each growing season. Work it in if you have the time, or just layering it on top of the soil is also benefi cial. That single activity will improve the nutritional balance of the soil, improve moisture retention, increase mi-crobial activity, improve aeration, reduce diseases, help reduce pests and improve fertility. Question: What perennials can be di-vided in the spring? Answer: When clumps of perennials become over-crowded, dividing them re-stores vigor to the plant. As a rule of thumb, the best time to divide spring blooming plants is in the fall. The best time to di-vide fall blooming plants is in the spring. Whether you are dividing in the spring or

Get GrowingSpring is the best time to divide fall-blooming garden plants

fall, try to do it when the weather is moist and mild to give the divisions the best chance to re-root and grow into healthy plants. Question: What are some annuals I

can plant this year that will give me color through the summer and will do well in my heavy, clay soil? Answer: Annuals to try would include salvia, geraniums, vinca, moss rose, im-

patiens, marigolds, zinnias, cosmos, celo-sia, and nasturtiums. Work a layer of soil amendments into your fl ower beds before planting and mulch around the fl owers to hold in moisture when the weather be-comes hot and dry. Question: I like to grow organically as much as possible. What plants can I use to help control harmful insects? Answer: By using the correct plants, companion planting can be a very effective organic method of controlling garden pests. Alliums (onions, leeks, garlic, chives) will repel aphids, cabbage worms, ants, slugs, cabbage maggots, and carrot fl ies. Basil is useful against asparagus bee-tles, mosquitoes and fl ies. Dill will repel spider mites, aphids, squash bugs, and cab-bage loopers. Sage and peppermint are de-terrents to cabbage fl ies, black fl eas, beetles, cabbage loopers and maggots. Many types of mint will repel slugs and tansy is said to deter fl ying insects, Japanese beetles, striped cucumber beetles, squash bugs and ants. Geraniums and petunias are effective insect controllers, as they will attract harm-ful insects away from other, more prized, plants. Planted near roses, they draw Japanese beetles, leaf hoppers, aphids, and other pests to themselves and spare the rose plants. Marigolds are an excellent plant to use, as they repel nematodes, beet leaf hop-pers, beetles and other pests. Nasturtiums are effective against aphids, squash bugs, white fl y, and cucumber beetles. April garden tips: Gardeners can plant spinach, cabbage, kale, Swiss chard and pea seeds and trees and shrubs this month. If you did not have time to divide daylilies, sedum and asters in the fall, they can be divided this month. Also, clean, sharpen and repair garden tools now to have them ready for use in May.

If you have garden questions or tips for other gardeners, send them in to [email protected].

Geraniums are effective insect controllers, as they will attract harmful insects away from other, more prized, plants.


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One of the best ways to improve a home’s resale value is to address the landscape. Unfortunately, many homeowners choose exotic plants when addressing their landscape. Though these plants can be appeal-ing and make a property stand out, if the plants are not native to the region, they could be doing more harm than good. Consider the following benefi ts of choosing native plants before ad-dressing your landscape. * Native plants benefi t local wild-life. The native plants and the native wildlife spent years and years evolv-ing together, with each doing their part to ensure the other’s survival. But as development continued, local wildlife suffered because of lost food sources. The local wildlife needs local, native plants to survive, so choosing these plants instead of exotic plants can help ensure the survival of wildlife. * Native plants require less work. Some prospective home buyers might fi nd a yard fi lled with exotic plants to be visually stunning, but they might also see a good deal of work. * Native plants might be a bet-ter investment. A native plant has evolved over the years to survive in its given area. Local insect populations and fungal infections might be able to destroy an exotic plant, but a na-tive plant has grown resistant to such problems.

The case for native plants

Documents

Spring Home, Garden & Auto 2014