The Five C’s of Car Care

Featured

Posted on April 5, 2012 by Beth Knott

April is National Car Care Month, so there’s no better time to give your vehicle some extra time and attention. With gas prices at record highs, it makes sense to keep your car or truck running at peak performance. This not only saves you money, but can actually make your ride last longer – saving you even more money!

Nationally recognized as The Car Coach, Lauren Fix has some great tips for getting better gas mileage and keeping your car on the road longer!

Here are Lauren’s Five C’s of Care Care:

1) Check and Change Your Motor Oil: Using the proper motor oil helps extend oil change intervals, saving money and reducing harmful effects on the environment with less oil disposed. Royal Purple’s API-licensed Motor Oil combines premium base oils with proprietary additive technologies to create high performance motor oils that optimize engine performance.

Click for more information: Royal Purple

2) Clean the Outside of Your Car From the Winter: Spring is the perfect season for a fresh start, especially for your vehicle. Lauren talks about methods to restore your vehicle to a storeroom-like shine, requiring minimal time and effort, while protecting your investment from harmful road elements both inside and out.

New Turtle Wax ICE Liquid Wax has advances resins and polymers to deliver long lasting, dirt repellant shine and protection to your car’s exterior, now easier than ever to use.

Click for more information: Turtle Wax

3) Check and Change Your Wiper Blades: For maximum visibility and safety, wiper blades should be changed every six months, especially following the wear and tear dished out by winter weather.

TRICO Force™ is a high-performance, robustly engineered beam blade with a patented swept-wing spoiler that slices through windspeeds caused by cross winds, buffeting truck winds and general traffic turbulence to deliver a flawless wipe and excellent visibility in all driving situations.

Click for more information: Trico

4) Check and Change Your Tires: There’s a science to checking the life left in your tires, and Lauren will explain. If it’s time to change the tires, Lauren has tips on choosing new ones, to give your vehicle the proper ride and fuel economy.

Michelin just came out with a great new tire, called Defender, which stops 31 feet shorter, lasts up to 21,000 miles longer than competitors and saves fuel.

Click for more information: Michelin

5) Clean out the Engine: The number of high mileage vehicles on the road is at an all-time high. Those engines need preventative maintenance to make them last as long as possible. Lauren has some money saving tips to help.

GUNK’s Engine Cleaning System is a must for preventative engine maintenance. Start by using the Original Engine Degreaser to clean your engine of dirt and grime and finish by applying Engine Protector to leave a shiny layer of protection from rust and crud build up. Follow this routine twice per year, and your engine will run cooler and longer.

Click for more information: Gunk

*This Satellite Media Tour is sponsored by: Royal Purple, Trico, Gunk, Michelin, and Turtle Wax

Spring Into Healthy Eating Habits in 2012

Posted on March 18, 2012 by Beth Knott

March is National Nutrition Month making it the perfect time to take a good, hard look at what you eat, and spring into some healthier habits. Registered Dietitian, Ruth Carey gives some tips for making nutritious choices that are also delicious.

Take a look at the segment and then look below for information on Ruth’s Tips.

According to The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: “Initiated in 1973 as a week-long event, ‘National Nutrition Week’ became a month-long observance in 1980 in response to growing public interest in nutrition”. Each year, the Academy encourages Americans to remember the basics of healthy eating. Wouldn’t it be great if these basics became every day habits? Making a few simple changes in your eating choices, and especially in your snacking choices can make all the difference in creating healthy habits.

Start by taking the advice of The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and “Get Your Plate In Shape!” One step towards this goal, is to add more fruits and vegetable to your daily diet. And when it comes to fruit, you can’t beat strawberries as a super fruit for everyday. And California grown strawberries are the berries of choice in the United States.

California strawberries are grown by more than 500 family farmers who produce nearly 90% of the strawberries grown in the U.S.
Research studies have shown the positive effects that strawberries have on disease prevention, including cancer and heart disease, anti-aging, brain function and overall good health. In fact, one serving of eight strawberries has more vitamin C than an orange and is packed with beneficial antioxidants and nutrients including potassium and fiber.

For more information on California Strawberries, visit: http://www.californiastrawberries.com/

Snacking can be a source of anxiety when you are trying to stick to healthier eating habits. It’s so easy to go the vending machine and get a candy bar, or package of chips. But, if you plan your “snacks on-the-go” in advance, you can have a delicious snack that’s better for you. It’s one more healthier eating habit. Special K has two new flavors of granola bars that make “smart snacking” doable.

New Special K Granola Bars, available in Dark Chocolate and Chocolatey Peanut Butter, are a delicious, on-the-go snack option that can help with weight management, especially as we shed layers of clothing with warmer weather on the horizon.
Featuring the positive nutrition benefits provided by 4g of fiber and 4g of protein per serving, this smart snack option also delivers the lower calories and fat you expect from Special K.

For more information on Special K Granola Bars, visit: http://www.specialk.com/granola-bars

Once you’ve added more fruits and vegetables to your diet, and you’re on your way to smarter snacking, you need to examine the grains that are in your diet. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends that at least half of your grains be whole grains. Triscuit crackers are made from whole grains, and with all the varieties offered, they are a flavorful choice for adding whole grains to the menu.

Triscuit Dill, Sea Salt and Olive Oil is a new, wholesome cracker perfect for spring snacking.
It’s perfect for topping with fresh, spring ingredients like cucumber and feta cheese and is also “dill-licious” on its own. (all 3 flavors are in one cracker)
Triscuit Dill, baked with 100% whole grain natural wheat, is a cracker you will love.

For more information on Triscuit Dill, visit: http://www.nabiscoworld.com/triscuit/

Once you’ve made these healthier food selections, you are on your way to having and keeping healthy eating habits this year!

*** This Satellite Media Tour is sponsored by The California Strawberry Commission, Special K, and Triscuit***

Creating Curb Appeal with Exterior Color using the F.R.E.S.H. Approach

Posted on July 26, 2011 by Beth Knott

Why think about color for the exterior of a home?

Exterior of a home tells a story about its owners that continues on the inside.
Homeowners are making fashion and energy efficiency changes that can make their existing homes “newer” to them. Colors help achieve this.
Today’s marketplace has more colorful products that allow you to personalize your home
And it can add to resale value of any home

- TIP: Work from the top down: roof, siding, windows, doors

DaVinci Roofscapes is the leader in color choices for Roofs, and they use the F.R.E.S.H. approach

Think F.R.E.S.H. when selecting colors for all exterior elements:

Fixed Features … what colors are found in the foundation, chimney, porch, steps, walkway. Look for shades of gray, colors in your bricks, wood tones.
Regional Colors … West Coast? South? East? Midwest? Each region corresponds to colors in that geographic area based on housing styles, available materials, natural surrounds and the quality of light. Terra Cotta may work in the Arizona, but not in New Jersey.
Environment and Surroundings — Pull color inspiration from your natural setting — waterfront, desert, mountain, rural community or downtown. Think shades of blues and grays for oceanfront and browns and greens for mountains.
Style of the Home – Ranch? Tudor? Victorian? Traditional? Each house style has colors that naturally complement the design.
Historic Colors – Certain historic areas require muted or more traditional colors on homes. Whites, browns, shades of blue and green are associated with these homes.

ROOF: DaVinci Roofscapes:

Roofing colors should reflect a homeowner’s personal style.
Roofing color blends (which include a mixture of 2 to 8 different colored tiles) help create a softer overall tone on the roof which can make it more appealing.
By selecting a roofing blend with multiple colors, you can pick out different colors from the roof to use as accent colors for your shutters, trim and other home features.

DaVinci Roofscapes makes polymer slate and shake roofing tiles with a 50-year warranty.

Tiles resist impact, hail, severe weather and fire.
DaVinci offers 49 colors and 28 color blends.
The colors are consistent throughout each piece.
There is a Free DaVinci Color Design program available online and a national color expert on the team to help homeowners decide which roof colors work best for them.

Featured DaVinci Products:

Vineyard Classic SLATE – 8 colors – Dark and Medium Tan, Light and Medium Gray, Dark Stone, Light and Dark Violet, and Dark Amber
Autumn SHAKE – 4 colors – Light, Medium Light, Medium and Dark Autumn
Milano BELLAFORTE – 4 colors – Light, Medium and Dark Gray, plus Dark Purple

For more information about adding color with DaVinci Roofscapes go to: http://www.davinciroofscapes.com/color-studio.php

Next, take a look at the siding on your home:

Re-siding a house can increase its curb appeal and value, and the right combination of colors can give your home a unique, distinct exterior that reflects your style and personality. But choosing the right color can feel like a daunting task.

James Hardie now offers its ColorPlus® Technology on most siding, trim and soffit. The finish is specially formulated by James Hardie and is applied in an environmentally-controlled factory that is free from dust, humidity, pollen, U.V. exposure and temperature changes. The result is a maximum durability coating with up to 30 percent better fade resistance than traditional paint. The technology is backed by a 15-year finish warranty.

ColorPlus is part of what makes James Hardie a worry-free option, along with its durability. The last thing you want is to choose a color and then over time it fades and cracks and doesn’t look good. With James Hardie you never have to worry about that. It is a lower-maintenance option than vinyl or other fiber cement siding. But what’s really great is that the ColorPlus selection simplifies the coordination of trim color with siding and has only colors that will look good on any home’s exterior.

Color pro, Leslie Harrington, helped James Hardie has handpicked custom color combinations to ensure that your home’s siding will fit with the style of your home and your own personal taste.
This palette gives you the peace of mind that when you make your choice, you won’t regret it. It’s not like you are standing in the paint aisle looking at hundreds of options.

Here are tips from James Hardie for making color selections for your siding, trim and soffit. For a truly distinct home, consider the following tips when selecting color and color combinations.

Combinations with a lighter trim color emphasize the trim on your home
Combinations with soft contrast between body and trim colors make a home appear larger
Use deeper body colors for a warm, personalized, cozy feeling
Look for colors that align with your neighborhood or environment
If possible, evaluate colors by holding samples up against your home
Use a third color for special details that you want to highlight

Visit jameshardie.com to explore which colors suit your personality by taking the James Hardie Find My Shade Quiz. And get inspired with the Design Center.

For More About ColorPlus® Technology, visit: http://www.jameshardie.com/homeowner/products-colorplus.shtm

Next, take a look at your Windows. Are the older, in need of repair or paint, and dull in color?

One of the growing trends when homeowners replace their windows is to install energy-efficient, low-maintenance windows that add fashion to their home exterior.

Decorum by Simonton offers interior woodgrain options and exterior color options for both replacement windows and new construction windows.

On the exterior, you can select from: Chocolate, Cream, Brick, Pine, Tan, Bronze and Driftwood.

Low maintenance exteriors never need painting.
Colorful exteriors warranted against peeling, flaking, chipping, blistering and corrosion.

Decorum by Simonton Casement windows with BRICK, PINE and BRONZE exterior frames that accent the home exterior

For more info on Window Colors from Simonton, go to: http://www.simonton.com/

Finally, take a look at your doors. Is your front door welcoming and inviting? Does it make your home stand out?

Entry doors add a welcoming effect to a home by complementing or contrasting the overall color scheme.

Example: A traditional house painted white with black shutters can easily have a front entry door in red or blue.

Therma-Tru Classic-Craft Canvas Collection –premium, smooth fiberglass doors designed with a paintable surface so homeowners can select (and change!) the color of their entry door.

The energy-efficient fiberglass door includes wide center panels and rich embossment details that rival custom wood doors.
14 door styles and 13 glass styles – truly customizable
Consumers Digest has named the Classic Craft collection of doors from Therma-Tru as a BEST BUY designation.

Helping Your Home Survive a Severe Storm

Posted on May 25, 2011 by Beth Knott

The weather has been a hot topic lately due to the severe storms that ripped through the Southeastern United States on April 27th. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s initial estimates are that there were well over 300 tornados during that 24-hour storm period, making it the worst outbreak in the nation’s recorded history. Super Cell Storms can bring strong, damaging straight line winds and extremely damaging hail, as many residents of Knoxville, TN witnessed by the large holes left in their roofs and walls from baseball sized hail. Once the home’s exterior is penetrated, then water can get in causing massive damage.

The notoriously accurate prediction team at Colorado State University is calling for an “above-average active hurricane season” which starts on June 1st. They are forecasting 16 named storms with up to five of those becoming major hurricanes. With those storms will come high winds, flying debris, and water.

In the case of either Hurricanes or Severe Storms, there are a few things you can do to significantly improve the chances for your home’s survival. And since May is National Home Improvement Month, now is a great time to get prepared.

Where to start, especially if you live in a hurricane-prone area, you might want to start by replacing you windows with Simonton Stormbreaker Plus Windows:

Features and Benefits:

o Helps protect the home and its contents during severe weather and storms.

o Helps reduce noise infiltration

o Helps impede intrusion and burglary attempts

o Extremely energy-efficient. Helps reduce solar penetration, reducing energy bills

Durable Construction:

• The insulating glass unit in Simonton StormBreaker Plus windows features impact-resistant laminated glass, which consists of a durable interlayer sandwiched between two pieces of glass, along with an outer layer of tempered glass.

• The high-performance laminated glass is designed to resist strong winds and penetration from windborne debris that can jeopardize a home and its contents during a high-wind event, such as a hurricane. Even if the outer layer of tempered glass is shattered, the tough interlayer won’t be compromised—reducing the possibility of injury or damage.

Beauty and Functionality:

• Works 24/7— windows and doors never need to be boarded up or shuttered, so you eliminate last-minute storm preparations and gain beautiful, sturdy windows 365 days a year.

• Simonton ranked “Highest in Builder and Remodeler Satisfaction among Residential Window and Patio Door Manufacturers” in the J.D. Power and Associates 2010, 2009, 2008 Builder and Remodeler Residential Window and Patio Door Satisfaction Study.

• Simonton also ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction among Residential Window and Patio Door Manufacturers” in the J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Windows and Patio Doors Satisfaction Study SM.

For More information, go to www.simonton.com.

Next, consider the material that’s on your roof… Is it able to withstand hail and other storm debris? DaVinci Bellaforté Roofing can!

Features and Benefits of Bellaforté:

Bellaforté is a man-made impact-resistant polymer roofing tile that withstands hail, hurricanes, high winds and other severe weather.

BELLAFORTE PRODUCT OVERVIEW:

- Man-made polymer roofing tiles created with state-of-the-art ultraviolet and color stabilizers to create a durable synthetic roofing tile.

- Superior color fade resistance is achieved with each tile because the color is infused throughout the 100 percent pure resin used to manufacture the tile.

- Polymer tiles resist water absorption, curling, cracking and fading, mold, algae, fungus and insects under normal conditions.

- Bellaforté available in 12” slate tiles in variety of colors; snap-fit together and are self-aligning on roof.

- In many geographic areas, purchasing polymer roofing tiles help save on your homeowner insurance premiums.

- Limited 50-year warranty.

- Fire-resistant

HAIL:

- Bellaforté tiles are impact-resistant; hail bounces off these roofs.

- Achieved Class 4 impact rating.

- FYI – roof is most vulnerable place on the home during a hail event.

- FYI – a baseball dropped from an airplane at 30,000 feet gains speed during the fall and impacts the roof at about 120 mph. This is similar to hail.

HURRICANES:

- Bellaforté tiles have met wind resistance testing of up to 175 mph. (FYI – Category 5 hurricane is 155+mph winds.)

- Achieved Miami Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA) and Florida Building Code (FBC)

- FYI – Once air pressure moves through a hole in a roof and into the home during a hurricane, it can literally blow out the walls and windows of the house.

SEVERE WINDS:

- Two different types of winds will affect roofs during severe weather. Straight line winds and pressurized winds can cause different damage — from uplifting the shingles off the roof to pushing intense wind-driven rain and flying debris onto the roof.

- DaVinci tiles have successfully been independently tested to resist straight line winds at 110 mph. The products have also passed the TAS-125 certification test for wind uplift resistance in High Velocity Hurricane Zones and the TAS-100 certification test for wind-driven rain.

For more information, go to: www.davinciroofscapes.com.

If a severe storm hits and you do have wind and water damage, consider calling the crew at ServiceMaster Clean:

• Residential: In an emergency, response is critical to both controlling the damage and getting your life back to normal.

• Commercial: Our number one goal is to minimize business operation when disaster hits.

• Damaged housing or business is not a Do-It-Yourself project. Do not wait to call for professional help. Damage from water and bacteria growth can begin within hours. After flooding or severe rains, the potential for mold is there. You can also have other bacteria that enter the site.

• ServiceMaster Clean is ready to provide rapid response 24/7/365. With a fleet of vehicles and an army of first responders (vans, dryer trucks, on-site mobile command center, experts with proven credentials and a nationwide network of owners), ServiceMaster Clean gives you the power to get your home or business back to normal as quickly as possible.

____________________________________________________________________________

PRE-STORM/FLOOD PREPARATION TIPS FOR BUSINESSES AND HOMES

ServiceMaster Clean recommends that you take certain precautions to prepare your home or business in advance of the severe storms:

• Establish a severe weather gathering point inside the structure away from windows

• Have an evacuation plan in place

• Be sure to account for everyone on/off the premises

• If a flood is imminent, take precautions to lessen the impact. Move furniture, computer equipment, photos, books, paintings, and art objects to a higher, safe, dry location.

Damage to homes or businesses is not a Do-It-Yourself project. Do not wait to call for professional help. Damage from the water and bacteria growth can begin within hours. After flooding, the potential for mold is there, and you have other bacteria that enter the building as the waters rise.
Do not enter a room with standing water until the electricity has been turned off.
Do not remove books from shelves. Rather pack them tightly to prevent warping of pages until a restoration professional can begin this specialized drying.
Wear long sleeves and pants, wear gloves and boots, and if you do have a large presence of mold – you smell that earthy scent in the air – you may want to wear a respirator.
Dry or discard wet items within 24-48 hours to avoid mold. Even after wet items are removed, mold may remain hidden in drywall, carpeting and HVAC systems. While bleach may be used to control mold, it does not kill it.
Removing mold requires cutting away damp drywall and sanding wood. The sooner a remediation expert can get to those things covered in mold the less long-term damage.

For more information, contact: www.servicemaster.com.

Brad Staggs is a Home Improvement Expert and Author: His book comes out in July 2011:

You can Pre-Order Spend-A-Little, Save-A-Lot Home Improvement at Amazon.com right now.

Looking for an UnSpring Break Trip? Look no further than CheapCaribbean.com

Posted on February 18, 2011 by Beth Knott

Click Here to see the video: UN-Spring Break Getaways

Many travelers ask about what destinations and resorts do NOT have the spring break college crowd partying all day and night. In fact, there are many spring break getaways that don’t include the spring break crowd.

Here are a few to consider:

Punta Cana, Dom Republic: With so many incredible all inclusive resorts to choose from, including the new Hard Rock resort and spa, Punta Cana offers incredible beaches, wonderful accommodations, and excellent cuisine without the loud late nights. Because PUJ lacks an actual “town” or city center, the fun stays usually within the resort itself. Perfect for families, couples, and plenty of non stop flights from many cities in the US.

San Juan, Puerto Rico: With no passport needed for US citizens, San Juan offers loads of nightlife, restaurants, and casinos plus lots of culture only a short step from your hotel. With so many name brand resorts to choose from (Ritz, Intercontinental, Conrad, etc), take the day on the beach and spend the night in “Old San Juan” with loads of shopping, bars, cafes, but none of the college craziness.

Playa del Carmen, Mexico: The 5th avenue comes alive in the evenings, but not with the up all night revelers which usually come with Spring Break. Playa offers incredible resorts or low budget hotels depending on your preference and budget. With incredible beaches just steps from over 100+ stores and restaurants, you have the feel of the Riviera Maya without the Cancun spotlight. Only 30 minutes from the airport, too.

Special Perks from www.cheapcaribbean.com

Personal Promo Code for Life : Book once and get a personal promo code FOR LIFE, saving $50 on every vacation. Friends and family are welcome to use the code too for the same savings.

SPF100 Sunshine Protection Plan: We all dread the four-letter word on vacation – RAIN. Offered free with every reservation is the SPF100 Sunshine Protection Plan. CheapCaribbean.com offers $100 coupon if it rains on your vacation.

Trip Mate Hurricane and Weather Insurance: When you have insurance with our Trip Mate Hurricane and Travel Insurance program, you can relax knowing you will receive a full reimbursement for the unused portion of your vacation, or re-schedule for no penalty if inclement weather cancels your travel plans per the terms and conditions in the Trip Mate policy.

$1500 Energy Tax Credit Ends on December 31st, 2010. Take Advantage of Savings Before They Expire!

Posted on October 4, 2010 by Beth Knott

To view the video click here: Energy Tax Credits Expiring Soon!

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 extended some of the consumer tax incentives through the end of 2010, including the Home Energy Efficiency Improvement Tax Credits. This gives tax payers an opportunity to make their homes more energy efficient while taking advantage of up to $1500 in tax credits.

People are often confused about the differences of a tax deduction and a tax credit. A tax deduction only removes a percentage of the tax owed, while a tax credit actually reduces the tax owed dollar for dollar, making the tax credit far more valuable.

Homeowners who want to take advantage of the tax credit should act fast as it officially ends on December 31st, 2010. There are certain categories of products that are eligible for the credit but not all products within those categories are, so it’s important to verify the requirements before you make your purchase. Also, it’s important to note that the actual credit is 30% of the cost up to $1500 for eligible improvements “placed in service” from January 1st, 2010 through December 31st , 2010. In some cases, you can count installation costs towards your 30% total, in others, it’s only for the actual price of the product. Go to www.energystar.gov for specifics.

So what products are included?

1) Exterior Windows and Doors that meet the requirements of having a U-Factor which is equal to or below 0.30 and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.30 qualify for the credit. Simply put, U Factor is the amount of heat transferred through a material. The lower the U-value, the slower the rate of heat flow and the better the insulating quality of the window. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) is the percentage of heat gained from both direct sunlight and absorbed heat. The smaller the number, the greater the ability to reduce solar heat gain into the home.

For this category, taxpayers replacing their windows during the remainder of 2010 can get up to 30% of the cost in a federal tax credit for the windows (capped at $1,500). This applies only to the actual costs of the windows and doors as installation costs are not eligible in this case.

Simonton Casement Replacement Windows are guaranteed to meet the federal tax credit requirements. But in addition to saving money on your taxes, once the windows have been replaced, you’ll enjoy lower heating and cooling bills, a more comfortable living space, added re-sale value to your home, and low-maintenance vinyl frames.

Simonton Windows has captured the highest rating by consumers in the J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Windows and Patio Doors Satisfaction Study. And, for the third consecutive time, Simonton Windows has ranked highest in the J. D. Power and Associates 2010 Builder and Remodeler Residential Window and Patio Door Satisfaction Study.

H&R Block Tax Incentive

• Simonton Windows® has teamed with H&R Block® to offer up to $150 toward preparation of an individual’s 2010 personal income tax return at participating H&R Block locations.

• Homeowner must purchase 12 or more Simonton windows from select lines that are eligible for the Federal Energy Tax Credit under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

References: www.Simonton.com/taxcredit and www.Simonton.com/hrblock

2) Gas, Oil, an Propane Water Heaters that have an energy factor that is greater than or equal to 0.82 or a thermal efficiency of at least 90%. According to energystar.gov, “The Energy Factor is the measure of overall efficiency for a variety of appliances. For water heaters, the energy factor is based on three factors: 1) the recovery efficiency, or how efficiently the heat from the energy source is transferred to the water; 2) stand-by losses, or the percentage of heat lost per hour from the stored water compared to the content of the water: and 3) cycling losses. Thermal Efficiency is often stated, e.g., ‘this furnace is 90% efficient’, but a more detailed measure of seasonal energy effectiveness is the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE).

• Noritz offers a wide range of Energy Star-rated residential tankless water heaters that can power from 1 to 4 showers simultaneously, and are so efficient that all of them qualify for the Federal Tax Credit. Take advantage of up to $1500 tax credit by the end of the year.

• Tankless water heaters are more efficient and environmentally-friendly than traditional tank type water heater. Tank water heaters constantly heat and re-heat the stored water even when hot water is not needed, wasting energy and money.

• It’s the Noritz components that set it apart from other brands of tankless water heaters. The NR83-DVC and larger models have commercial-grade heat exchanger inside which is 25% thicker than similar units. That’s why Noritz backs it with industry-leading 12-year warranty.

• If every household in the US replaced their traditional tank type gas water heater with a Noritz tankless water heater, the reduction in CO2 emissions would be like removing 6.7 million from the road.

• This Noritz NR83-DVC is designed to serve the whole house with just this one unit, able to provide unlimited hot water for up to two showers simultaneously.

For more information on the Noritz products that qualify for the tax credit, go to: http://noritz.com/homeowners/services/promos_rebates/

3) Insulated Garage Doors qualify for the tax credit if they meet the following criteria:

• The installed door must have a U-Factor & Solar Heat Gain Coefficient of 0.30 or lower as tested and certified by the manufacturer.

• The installed door must have a means of controlling air infiltration around the door (e.g., vinyl weather stop on sides and top and a vinyl astragal on the bottom of the door).

Clopay has many doors that fit the criteria.

A well-insulated garage door can reduce energy loss through your garage by up to 71% and keep your garage 10 to 20 degrees warmer on a cold winter day, according to a comparison study conducted by engineers at residential garage door manufacturer Clopay. Those kinds of numbers translate into energy cost savings and a huge improvement in the comfort of your home, especially if you have living space next to the garage or a bedroom or bonus room above it.

Qualifying doors must be installed on an existing residence by December 31, 2010. Visit http://www.clopaydoor.com/green-energy.aspx for a full list of energy tax credit criteria. Professional garage door dealers should provide a manufacturer’s certification statement when the doors are installed.

Homeowners do not need to submit a copy with their taxes, but should keep a copy for their records.

Other Products that are eligible for the tax credit include:

• Certain models of Biomass Stoves

• Some Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems

• Many types of Insulation

• Metal and Asphalt Roofing Materials that have a reflective quality

2010 Hurricane / Storm Season… Are You Ready?

Posted on May 18, 2010 by Beth Knott

To View The Video of This Topic, click here: 2010 Hurricane Preparedness Satellite Media Tour with Brad Staggs

Hurricane Season runs from June 1 – November 30, and is predicted to be an above average Hurricane Season. Colorado State University predicts 44% chance in the gulf (above the average 30%) with 8 major hurricanes and 15 named storms. The key to preventing death and injury and limiting property damage is preparedness and heeding instructions from local officials.

The National Hurricane Center recommends Developing a Family Plan:

- Know the hazards that could effect your family and your home’s vulnerability to storm surge, flooding, and wind

- Locate the safest room in your home for each hazard

- Determine escape routes / plan where to meet (10s of miles NOT hundreds)

- Determine an out-of-state contact so all family members have a central point of contact

- Post emergency numbers by phones and make sure children know how to use them

- Check your insurance coverage before the storm

Here are a few tips for securing your home before the storm comes:

- The most important precaution you can take to reduce wind damage to your home and property is to protect the areas where wind (and then water) can enter your home.

- To do this you need to inspect and reinforce these areas windows and doors, roofs, and garage doors.

Windows:

Before the storm comes, you might want to consider upgrading to impact-resistant windows and doors. According to the National Hurricane Center, “Although these products look no different than standard windows and doors, they offer significantly more protection from wind-borne debris. In fact, these systems are capable of resisting impacts from large objects. For this reason, temporary shutters do not need to be installed before a storm strikes. In general, the frame and glazing work together to protect your home from both the elements and the significant internal pressure changes which lead to structural damage. While large wind-borne debris may crack the impact resistant glass during the course of the storm, the window is designed to retain its integrity and not break apart. Should either the frame or glass be damaged, it can be repaired at your convenience after the storm has passed.”

StormBreaker Plus windows from Simonton offer this kind of protection. The insulating glass unit features impact-resistant glass, which is designed to resist strong winds and penetration from windborne debris. Storm shutters are not needed once these windows are installed. In addition, they offer superior energy efficiency benefits, especially when created to be ENERGY STAR® qualified glass packages. For more information on these windows, go to www.simonton.com.

According to the National Hurricane Center: (standard roof) “Shingles are usually not designed to resist hurricane force winds”. But Hanson Concrete Roof Tiles are not just standard shingles. They have been tested to provide longer life, durability, and protection for high wind climates than alternative products, and provides better resistance to damage in high wind scenarios. To learn more about this product, go to: www.hansonrooftile.com.

Properly managing water on your property can save you from long-term, costly problems. Replacing non-permeable surfaces with permeable pavers, such as permeable interlocking concrete pavers, reduces surface water runoff by allowing the water to pass through the pavement surface. For more information on AquaPave Permeable Pavers, go to: www.hansonhardscapes.com.

Garage doors are the largest entry to your home, so special attention should be paid to them. The National Hurricane Center says this about garage doors, “Because of their width, double-wide garage doors are more susceptible to wind damage than single doors. Unless you have a tested hurricane-resistant door, the wind may force it out of the roller track”. Overhead Door makes Hurricane resistant doors in a variety of styles and price ranges. In addition to a reinforced garage door, an impact resistant window system further defends your home. Overhead Door’s feature a window system that is rated for large missile impact resistance. A garage door does not have to look industrial to be heavy strength. Windload and other safety options are available on almost all styles of doors. For more information, visit: www.overheaddoor.com.

Generators can be very important during storms, and during storm cleanup. But the KOHLER home generator has made a breakthrough in the industry in design and performance. The are standby generators, not portable generators, and they provide solid performance with a faster response time, and clean, quiet power. The high power range of these new generators permit homeowners to run powerful household items such as heating and cooling systems, sump pumps, sophisticated electronics, major appliances, and other lifestyle-sustaining equipment. The new KOHLER home generators can be fueled by natural gas or propane, thereby eliminating fuel spillage or evaporative emissions, while producing significantly less ozone forming emissions as compared to gasoline or diesel models. For more information, go to: www.kohlerpower.com.

Other Hurricane Tips:

Create a Disaster Supply Kit for staying in your home or taking with you if you evacuate:

Your kit should include:

- Water – 1 gallon daily per person for 3 -7 days

- Food – including non-electric can opener

- Blankets / Pillows

- Clothing – especially rain gear

- First Aid Kit / prescription medicines

- Toiletries

- Flashlight and batteries

- Weather radio

- Fully charged cell phone with extra batteries

- Cash (be sure to have some small bills) / credit cards

- Keys

- Important documents in a waterproof container

- Tools

- Pet Care Items

- Toys / specialty items for children

- Specialty items for elderly

Plan in advance where you will go if you evacuate. If you can’t stay with a friend of family member, make reservations at a hotel before you leave, and check to see if they will take pets (many don’t). Take your disaster supply kit with you, and remember to fill up the car with gas.

Prepare for your pets! Make sure they are current on vaccinations and that you have proof of the shots. Also, find out in advance what shelters will take pets. Make sure you have a picture in case you are separated, and consider getting an identification chip for your pet. Have the proper sized carrier on hand in case of evacuation.

Hurricane Preparedness 2009: Are You Ready?

Posted on May 18, 2010 by Beth Knott

Click here to view the video.

Simonton Windows produces ENERGY STAR? qualified replacement and new construction windows and doors, including a line of impact-resistant products. Founded in 1946, Simonton’s hallmark has been to deliver its made-to-order products in five days or less. Part of the home and hardware division of Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE: FO), Simonton delivers award-winning products nationwide to key markets throughout the 48 continental United States. For information, call (800) SIMONTON or visit www.simonton.com.

DaVinci Roofscapes has manufactured award-winning synthetic slate and shake roofing since 1999. The polymer roofing tiles are virtually maintenance free and far more cost effective than the natural product. DaVinci leads the industry in tile thickness, the tile width variety and the greatest selection of subtle earth-toned colors. Company products have a 50-year warranty and are 100 percent recyclable. DaVinci proudly makes its products in America and is a member of the National Association of Home Builders, the Cool Roof Rating Council and the U.S. Green Building Council. For additional information call 1-800-328-4624 or visit www.davinciroofscapes.com.

Kohler Power Systems produces home standby generators from 8.5 to 125 kilowatts, to automatically restore power to a home in a matter of seconds if utility power fails, keeping essential systems like heating or air conditioning, appliances and lights up and running. KOHLER generators provide quiet and clean power, safe enough to run even the most sensitive electronics such as plasma TVs, computers and security systems. For more information on Kohler generators or to locate one of the 500+ KOHLER dealers nationwide, visit www.KohlerSmartPower.com.

Hurricane Preparedness 2009: Are You Ready?

Hurricane Season runs from June 1^st through November 30^th.
3 major Weather Research Centers are predicting as many as 13-14 named storms in 2009 with 2 – 8 of them becoming major Hurricanes.

Before the Storm Comes – Preparations for Family:

Develop and practice a family emergency plan.
Create a disaster supply kit for the home and a separate one to take in case you must evacuate.
For your “stay at home” emergency kit include flashlights, batteries, tarps, duct tape, non-perishable foods and water for the entire family and pets. Don’t forget a battery operated radio, disposable camera, medicines and critical paperwork.
You can often keep fresh drinking water in your tub. WaterBob offers a clean, plastic bladder that holds up to 100 gallons. For more information go to: www.waterbob.com.
For your “evacuation” emergency kit, include the following in a watertight container: prescription and over-the-counter medicines, important papers (i.e. passports, birth certificates, copies of insurance papers and wills, health insurance paperwork, pictures of furnishings, listing of medications, policies, deeds, stocks and bonds, titles to cars), checkbooks, record of all bank numbers, inventory of valuable household goods, address book with contact information for doctors, insurance agents and relatives, safety deposit box keys, evacuation map of area.
Make sure your homeowner policy is updated and includes flood insurance.

Preparing Your Home for Common Types of Storm Damage:

There are four key “Force Intrusions Areas” of the home that are most affected by hurricanes … roof, windows, entry doors and garage doors.
Severe winds can compromise any of these areas with tragic results.

Protection Your Windows:

The biggest cause of devastation during a hurricane is the ability of wind to enter a structure through a broken door or window. This causes a build-up of pressure inside the structure that can literally blow out the roof and walls.

Impact-resistant Simonton StormBreaker Plus windows and patio doors are Miami Dade County code-approved to withstand flying debris during brutal storms. They work 24/7, without the need for unattractive shuttering systems or time-consuming boarding up of windows and doors. Now available with Energy Tax Credit Glass Package to qualify homeowners for up to $1,500 tax credit savings from the U.S. government when installing in 2009 and 2010.

Protecting Your Roofing:

During a hurricane, your roof will be under constant force from the wind, and few roofing materials can withstand this kind of assault without sustaining some sort of damage.

Impact-resistant DaVinci synthetic slate and shake style roofing tiles resist both straight line winds and pressurized winds during hurricane situations, keeping the roof intact and protecting against severe impact from flying debris. They have achieved Miami Dade and Florida Building Code acceptance, meaning they can be installed in wind zone areas reaching 150mph — the top range of a category 4 hurricane. Many coastal residents can lower homeowners insurance costs with these roofs.

Get a Standby Generator to Protect Your Home:

Kohler Standby Generators start up automatically when the utility power fails, whether you are home or not. It connects to your natural gas or propane line and can run valuable appliances like your sump pump, refrigerator, even garage door opener. A standby generator will provide backup power for several days, and no messy refueling is needed.

Additional Home Securing Tips as time allows:

Safeguarding Your Home:

Secure all loose objects (such as lawn furniture, garbage cans and planters) that can become flying missiles when hurricane winds intensify.
Turn off your gas, water and electricity before evacuating.
Tape over and seal all soffit vents and roof vents to prevent wind-driven rain from splashing into the vents and flooding the attic.
Add bracing to the interior of garage doors to reinforce them against wind damage.
For “after storm” cleanup, have the following items available: tarps, duct tape, heavy work gloves, gas cans, batteries, chain saws, shovels, rakes, water filters, cleaning supplies, first aid kits and extra strength large garbage bags.
Trim tree limbs near or touching the home.

Evacuation Tips:

Fuel your car before the storm arrives.
Fill bathtubs and sinks with water.
Review your evacuation route.
Get cash in case you must evacuate.
Have a battery-powered NOAA weather radio available.
Make sure all family members wear closed-toe shoes or sneakers.
Make arrangements to board or evacuate pets. Take shot records, rabies certificates and tags and vet information.

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