'Tis the season for home efficiency
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As the cold weather and holidays approach, homeowners are preparing to
spend more time indoors. Winter utility bills can get expensive, and in an
economic climate as biting as the frost, consumers are watching every
penny. From insulation, to appliances, to faucets, these upcoming months
are an opportune time for homeowners to make their homes more efficient,
reducing costs and the family's carbon footprint.
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A Great-looking Lawn is in the Details
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(ARA) - Do you want your lawn to be the envy of the neighborhood? You can?t do it with just a lawnmower. A string trimmer is probably the most versatile outdoor tool for your money and a key item to have in your shed. Before you purchase your next tool, you should consider the following tips from our experts.
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Easy fixes for spring water stains
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It happens every year. Months of wet winter weather followed by the spring
thaw produce one of the most common household problems: water stains on
ceilings and walls.
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Getting to the root of grub problems
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You water, fertilize and give your lawn all the TLC it needs,
yet come late-summer you still find unsightly brown patches scattered
across the turf. If the turf in these spots can easily be pulled away
from the ground, you most likely have a grub problem.
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How to efficiently cut costs and green your home
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Many energy-efficient air conditioner models meet efficiency requirements
for a federal energy tax credit when installed as part of a complete
system; thanks to the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
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How to light up your summer nights
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Starry evenings and backyard entertainment go hand-in-hand.
When the sun goes down, the right landscape lighting can turn any
backyard into a stylish outdoor living space. With so many options,
it's easy to fill your nights with light to enhance security, decor and
entertainment.
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How to make outdoor living spaces as cool as indoors
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Even through the dog days of summer, you can enjoy your outdoor living
space by using outdoor versions of indoor comforts such as luxurious
furnishings, decorative touches and even air conditioning. To prepare your
outdoor living spaces for cool, comfortable and fun
times, consider these outdoor updates.
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How to take pest control and prevention into your own hands
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Warm weather welcomes more than just outdoor barbecues, summer vacation and
vegetable gardens - it brings back the pests that like to annoy us. Insect
problems are more than just irritating - they can potentially pose serious
risks.
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Is your house ready for summer? Here's a first aid kit for spring fixes
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Spring ushers in a slew of home repairs that are needed to get ready for
summer activities. Whether it's a broken bird bath, a loose stone on a
walkway, or a broken patio chair, there are some things you need to take
care of before the warm weather arrives.
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It's not over yet: Tips for getting through the rest of hurricane season
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Hurricane season is well under way, and experts agree that the 35
million-plus Americans living in areas at risk of hurricane damage should
keep their guard up - at least until the season ends at the end of November.
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Keep fresh air flowing during dry winter months
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Winter is the season for being cozy, while spending long days and nights
inside the comfort of our tightly closed homes. It's also an infamous time
for feeling dry and under-the-weather.
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Lower summer cooling costs with a do-it-yourself project
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When it comes to do-it-yourself projects that will save money
on energy costs, many new products on the market make it possible to
save hundreds of dollars over time, with just a few hours of easy
installation.
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Nine tips for the perfect kitchen remodel
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For many Americans, remodeling their kitchens tops the list of home
improvement projects - and for several good reasons. Not only is the
kitchen the heart of many homes - the center of family activity and home
entertaining - but remodeling your kitchen is typically one of the smartest
investments, often generating a payback of 80 to 90 percent on the cost of
remodel at the time of resale.
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Pets and allergies don't have to go hand in paw
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Pet owners are often torn between their love of Fido and Fluffy and the
discomfort of stuffy noses and watery eyes. In fact, 15 percent of
Americans are allergic to animals, and a whopping 11 million are allergic
to cats alone, according to WebMD. Although those who suffer from severe
allergies may not be able to own pets, mild allergy sufferers can take
advantage of these tips and products at home to enjoy sneeze-free time with
their furry friends.
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Protect your produce - and the environment - with natural pest control
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Gardening is good on so many levels, from the benefits of
exercise in the outdoors and the opportunity to share special time with
loved ones to having total control over the healthfulness of the
vegetables you put on your family's plates. But gardening can also be
frustrating and futile - if you fail to protect your produce from
voracious wildlife.
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Protect yourself in the online, social network community
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More people than ever are taking part in social networking sites. Facebook
alone has more than 500 million users, according to Facebook statistics.
People have a lot to lose if the security of their social networking site
is compromised. Their own personal, identifying information, and the
information of all those they network with, could be at risk.
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Save money with smart heating practices and weatherproofing
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With the onset of cooler weather, people are starting to think about green
- specifically, paying for heating bills and holiday expenses. A sure way
to save green, as in money, is by making your home more energy efficient
and space heating the rooms where you spend the most time instead of
heating the entire house.
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Spring cleaning to find hidden villains
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Even if you
don't think you have a mouse
problem, you may. A recent government study found that four
out of five American homes have detectable levels of mouse allergen.
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Spring is in the air - get your home ready
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There is nothing more exciting than that first warm day of spring when
everyone feels enlivened and refreshed. It's time to bring the renewed
energy inside and give your home the boost it needs after a long and tired
winter.
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Tax credits for homeowners that can be applied next year
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It's not too soon to start thinking about next year's income tax filing
season. And with some government tax incentives set to expire at year's
end, savvy homeowners are planning today to save for tomorrow by taking
advantage of tax credits that reward energy efficiency projects.
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Turn up the fun and turn down the heat this summer
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Families tend to escape the heat by spending more time
indoors, so it's important to have your air
conditioning system checked out now before the summer heat
makes its grand entrance.
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When it comes to home improvement, small projects pay off
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Your home is your largest investment and no matter what the economic
conditions, you don't want to cut corners on handyman service projects
around the house.
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