DIY tips to check windows and doors and save on utility costs year-round

The typical American household spends $2,200 a year on energy bills, with nearly half spent on heating and cooling costs, according to ENERGY STAR. Updating your home with more energy-efficient window options like Pella's 350 Series vinyl windows and patio doors can help protect your home from cold weather and save on costly repairs down the road.



"Completing an annual home walk-around is a great way to check for potential maintenance needs and home improvements," says Kathy Krafka Harkema, spokesperson for Pella Windows and Doors. "Look for leaks, feel for drafts, and replace or repair worn or broken items to help avoid more costly damage."



How to inspect windows and doors



* Inspect interior and exterior finishes and the space around them. Is the paint or stain in good condition? Signs of flaking and peeling, or water stains may mean that it's time to refinish or replace the window or door.



* Check windowsills and door tracks for dirt and debris, like sand, leaves, insects or pine needles that could hamper the operation and performance of windows and doors. Remove debris by gently sweeping out the area with a soft, dry brush and vacuuming.



* Check weather stripping around windows and doors, reattaching or replacing loose or torn pieces.



* Feel for uneven sliding and sticking when you open or close a window. Use a non-oily lubricant, like paraffin wax, on the opposing surfaces to help reduce sticking.



* Replace broken or inoperable windows and doors with safer, more energy-efficient ones. Those that do not open and close easily could be a safety risk, especially in the event of a fire.



Here are 10 signs it's time to replace your windows or doors



* Overall poor performance: Windows or doors are difficult to open or close and air leaks in, out or around them.



* Fogging: Condensation or fogging occurs between panes of glass.



* Chipping: There's chipping, peeling or deterioration of the finish on or around the window or door.



* Single-pane: Single-pane windows are less energy-efficient than double or triple-pane options.



* Water logged: Telltale water stains remain on or around the wall or floor area surrounding window or door.



* Out-of-date: Replacement parts for older windows or doors can be hard to find or non-existent.



* Energy inefficient: Drafty, leaky windows and doors can make it more costly to warm your home in the winter and cool it in the summer.



* Draftiness: Drafts can be felt through the window or door when it's closed.



* Unable to open: Windows or doors are painted or nailed shut.



* Won't stay open: The window or door won't open easily or won't stay in place once opened.



To begin your window or door replacement project, visit Pella.com/news for more info on how to connect with a local Pella representative to talk about your replacement project plans, or shop online at PellaatLowes.com.

10 questions for the builder of your energy efficient home

(NC)-Do you want to know if your new home is energy-efficient? Here are some questions to ask your builder:

1. How do I know your homes are truly energy efficient?

2. Since all builders must meet the requirements of the building code, what makes your homes different from other builders' homes?

3. How do your building techniques reflect the latest developments in housing technology?

4. What steps do you take to improve the energy efficiency of the homes you build?

5. Can you predict what my energy costs will be?

6. What makes your homes more environmentally friendly than others?

7. Do you participate in the Government's energy efficiency initiatives for new homes?

8. Do you affix a government-backed energy label to your home?

9. Do independent, licensed professionals inspect the energy efficiency of your homes?

10. Do you build homes that receive an EnerGuide rating of 83 or higher or its equivalent?

If you aren't getting the answers you want, then you better think twice about your builder.

Tips for extending your home into your patio

(BPT) - In warmer weather, patios transform into the ultimate gathering space for backyard barbecues, reading, relaxing or even exercising. These outdoor rooms become an extension of the house, seamlessly merging the outdoors inside and vice versa.



This summer, many homeowners will tackle revamping the home to expand this transformation between indoors and outdoors, developing a patio space that will be used all season long.



Think about outdoor and indoor living spaces collectively, and choose a design that integrates them into one seamless space. Incorporate elements from the patio into the house and elements from inside into your backyard patio design.



Start with a patio door that will set the stage for your transformation.



"The privacy of a backyard allows you to be adventurous when choosing a patio door. With many design options available, it's easy to find the style that suits your home's needs," says Joseph Ritzert, patio door expert for Pella Windows and Doors.



Choose a sleek sliding patio door to compliment or create a clean look, or if you're short on floor space. An elegant French or hinged patio door is a good option for homes with ample open floor space. Durable, easy-to-care-for doors like Pella 350 Series premium vinyl sliding patio doors are great for families with children and high traffic.



Also, select a patio door with accents to create the look you want, like stylish grilles, or convenient between-the-glass blinds or shades for added privacy, plus a variety of hardware, exterior and interior finishes. Many Pella patio doors offer a retractable Rolscreen that helps keep insects out while letting in fresh air, and rolls out of sight when not in use.



Windows are very important to keep the seamless transformation between the room and patio. But more glass means more exposure to the elements. Low-E options, like Pella's InsulShield Advanced Low-E triple-pane glass with argon, can help protect your furniture from fading in direct sunlight, while enhancing your home's energy efficiency.



"If energy efficiency is your top priority, look for a patio door that is Energy Star-qualified to help maximize potential energy savings and year-round comfort," Ritzert says.



Continue your transformation with landscaping both inside and out to combine the areas. If your patio connects to the kitchen, potted herb plants indoors blend beautifully with potted flowers on the patio. In settings where a patio connects to a living room, potted small trees inside connect well with planted trees framing your patio.



Complete your indoor/outdoor gathering space by using similar materials between the two spaces. If you have decorative woodwork inside, bring it out on the deck with furniture, wooden boxes for your potted plants, in the railings (if needed) or even the trim on the house. Or if you have a lot of fabric inside, carry that over to your patio with weather-tolerant fabrics on your patio furniture.



With these transformations, your beautiful patio space will quickly become the top destination in your home - the gathering spot for all family members when they come home from work or their daily activities.

Tips for meeting your financial goals this year

As with any other goal, the key to achieving your financial goals is laying out a process that will ultimately lead you to success.



If you've set yearly financial goals in the past, but have failed to achieve them, now is a great time to re-evaluate your process. And don't let past failures discourage you, because you are not alone - only 12 percent of consumers reached their financial goals in this year, according to a recent Zogby IBOPE survey commissioned by TransUnion, one of the three major credit reporting companies.



"Now is the perfect time to appraise your current financial situation and make goals for where you want to be," says Heather Battison, TransUnion's senior director responsible for consumer education.



So what can you do to ensure financial success in the coming year? TransUnion offers five tips for planning and achieving your goals:



* Check your credit reports every three months. Monitoring your credit can help you recognize bad financial habits, like making late payments, which can affect credit score. Regularly checking your credit report is also a way to protect yourself against identity theft. If you ever run into a situation where you suspect identity theft, TransUnion provides a guide for what to do next.



* Check for accuracy. Make sure the information on your credit reports is up-to-date and reflects your current credit history. Give yourself at least 30 days to resolve any issues. Online dispute forms are available at TransUnion.com.



* Know your score. Your credit score helps determine your interest rates on credit purchases. A healthier credit score can help you receive the best interest rate, ultimately putting more money in your pocket as your work toward achieving your financial goals.



* Create a monthly spending plan and stick to it. Breaking down your spending habits into smaller and more manageable increments can help you achieve your financial goals. Through breaking it down by month, you can also set aside a fixed amount each month to deal with unexpected financial emergencies that may come up later in the year. If you don't have to spend this reserve fund, you can treat it as a year-end bonus, or, even better - put it toward next year's goals.



* Take additional measures to minimize your exposure to identity theft. In addition to frequently checking your credit, you can sign up for a credit monitoring service that will alert you whenever something changes in your report.



Setting yourself up for a successful financial year means developing plans now that you can execute as the year goes on. Additional planning tools to help you understand your credit information, manage your debt load, protect your identity and help you achieve your financial goals can be found TransUnion.com.

Identifying pain medication addiction in your friends; yourself

(BPT) - If you've ever taken them, you know prescription opioids can provide a clinically safe and effective solution to pain management. They can also be very addictive, however, and protecting against addiction requires vigilance on the part of the patient as well as his or her doctors, nurses, caregivers, pharmacists and benefits providers.



A Nation in Pain, Express Script's comprehensive report on pain-medication usage in the United States, shows that while the number of Americans using prescription drugs like codeine, hydrocodone or OxyContin has declined, the use of potentially dangerous high doses and medication combinations, and other risky usage patterns are all on the rise.



If you believe someone you love is abusing pain medication, it's important that you act immediately. Addiction to prescription opioids can be fatal. In fact, death from prescription drug overdoses is more common than cases of cocaine or heroin-related deaths combined.



If you or a loved one uses prescription pain medications, be aware of these signs that could indicate a dependence on or an addiction to the medication.



Suspicious behavior



This can include a wide array of options, such as:



* Seeking or obtaining prescriptions from multiple prescribers and filling at multiple pharmacies, especially ones that are not in close physical proximity.



* Using pain medications to "feel good" rather than to treat discomfort



* Frequent claims that the pharmacy didn't provide enough medication or that medications have been lost



* Avoiding doctor appointments because the office counts pills or performs urine drug screens



Mood changes



A prescription drug addiction can drastically alter the user's mood. Look for the following warning signs in yourself or your loved one:



* Bouts of anger or depression



* Increased alcohol use or abuse



* Feelings of anxiety



* Displays of aggressive behavior toward the doctor, pharmacy or caregivers related to opioid medications



Increased medication use



One of the most conclusive ways to determine if you or someone you love is addicted to opioids is to look for abnormalities in the medication's use. These abnormalities could include:



* Taking more pills or taking medicine more frequently than prescribed



* Seeking early refills of opioid medication



* Using opioids with other high-risk medications, like muscle relaxants and anti-anxiety medications that increase euphoria



* Use of additional medication to treat severe side effects (such as stimulants to combat drowsiness, sedatives to regulate sleep patterns, etc.).



* Experiencing withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, diarrhea, muscle pain, sweating and agitation. These are all signs of a body's dependence on prescription opioids.



Where can you get help?



If you identify with any of these signs or symptoms or you recognize them in a loved one, notify the prescribing physician immediately. The doctor can alter the pain therapy to a less addictive option or begin to safely withdraw the patient from the medication. Patients should not try to abruptly discontinue any medication without a physician's supervision.



There are many resources for parents and caregivers concerned with opiate dependence/addiction. The patient's physician can refer counseling services and addiction treatment as needed. Support groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous, offer counseling and other services for patients dealing with addiction to pain medications. In addition, many employers offer free, confidential assistance programs to help employees, or their dependents, who are trying to overcome an addiction or other personal concerns.



The one thing you can't afford to do is wait. Addiction to pain medication is an illness, not a crime, and your immediate intervention could save a life.

Why DIY? Projects can pay you back big time

(BPT) - Hiring professionals to get jobs done around the house may be convenient, but it can set your budget back quite a bit. Instead, consider doing it yourself - not only to save big bucks but also to showcase your creativity. Do-it-yourself (DIY) home improvement is a major trend that will pay you back many times over.



Mind-healthy hobby



DIYing is a hobby that many find relaxing, and can be good for the mind, body and soul. For an enjoyable diversion in your spare time, consider reinventing items around the house for a DIY project that you and the whole family can appreciate. Have an old dresser that could use a bit of TLC? Add a coat of paint in your favorite color and updated hardware to make it look brand new. The once impressive chair that your parents passed down may also be in need of a makeover - find a fabulous fabric that matches your design style and use it to reupholster the seat for a fresh look. These projects will not only look good, but will provide a great sense of accomplishment every time you look at them.



Win cash from contests



To give homeowners the encouragement to turn their Pinterest board inspiration into a reality, FrogTape brand painter's tape invites DIYers to submit their painting projects for the fifth annual Earn Your Stripes room makeover contest. The most impressive DIY painting project will win a $5,000 grand prize, while second place collects $2,500, and third place earns $1,000. To enter, document the before, during and after process using a FrogTape product and enter by July 1. Entrants can be as creative as they please with their full room transformations by painting walls, floors, accessories, furniture and more. To enter and see the official rules, visit frogtape.com/earnyourstripes. The prize money could do more than just reward and acknowledge your hard work - you can invest it in your next DIY project.



Saving money



By upcycling items instead of buying brand new, you can save hundreds and even thousands of dollars. In addition, perusing through thrift shops can reveal hidden houseware gems with high potential. Adding your special, creative touch to these items will make them one-of-kind.



Some home improvement tasks on your checklist may also be more feasible to DIY than you think. Those closet shelves you've been pondering or that patio flower garden you've dreamed of can come to fruition in just a weekend; with a little research and the right supplies. However, for the more technical work such as plumbing, structural and electrical work, you may want to enlist a professional for the job.



Make money



As social media has surged in popularity over the last 10 years, so have independent businesses. Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook all provide a platform for self-promotion and many DIYers have used this to their advantage to display their projects for sale. In addition to selling via social media, many opt to sell on websites such as Etsy or Ebay. These websites provide a win-win situation for both the consumer and the DIYer, as the buyer can often request custom items for special occasions typically unavailable at retail stores. Plus, the seller is able to earn cash based solely on their crafting talents.



DIYers can also expand their business and increase profit by creating a blog with tutorials on how they completed certain projects. It takes a lot of passion and patience, but if the website garners a sizable audience, bloggers can make a living from advertising and sponsorships on their site. Bloggers may also have the opportunity to partner with a corporation to use their product in various posts in exchange for compensation.



There are infinite reasons to venture down the DIY path. In addition to cost savings and the rewarding satisfaction of creating pieces on your own, there's always potential to turn your passion into profit.

Is a surveillance camera right for you?

Many people turn to surveillance cameras as a way to make their home and office more secure. There are so many different types of security measures on offer, however, that it can be hard to know which is the right type of equipment for your needs. This article explores the different security measures and tools available and what the advantages and disadvantages of each of them are.



CCTV cameras can be attached to the outside of the building, can be placed over the door step, can be placed inside or can be entirely hidden from view. There are even dummy cameras available that provide a good deterrent aspect but don't actually incur any additional cost of filming. All cameras that can be seen work well as a deterrent. A burglar is far less likely to break into a home when there is the chance they will shown doing so on video surveillance footage. CCTV cameras don't necessarily sound an alarm however if security is breached in some way. In this respect they may be able to film a crime being committed but they won't necessarily be able to put a stop to it. Having the footage available however does mean there is more chance of getting your things back if they have been stolen.



Burglar alarms are another way that people add security to their homes. These have a large number of problems however. First of all burglaries are usually very quick and the perpetrator can be long gone by the time the police or a security firm have arrived on the scene. Secondly the alarm can in some cases be stopped by simply locating the control panel and breaking it. Cats and other animals can also sometimes trip the alarm when they jump through an open window, which can cause problems for everyone.



The ideal solution is to have both surveillance monitoring of some kind as well as a motion sensor, this way you get the best of all worlds. If this stretches the budget too far however then it is better to simply go with some kind of camera equipment. This provides the best value for money in terms of security. In the past it was just the wealthiest members of society who were able to afford security equipment such as cameras, but these days the prices have come right down and now everyone can benefit. Nanny cameras and hidden indoor cameras are another very popular type of security surveillance. Camouflaged cameras can allow you to see things that you would otherwise not be privy to. Parents like to be able to check their nannies are caring for their children well, employers like to be able to check everything is just as it should be in the workplace.



Another scenario in which hidden cameras are ideal is for the use of gathering evidence. If you are being targeted or victimized, having hard evidence to show the police can mean something can be done. Without the proof however the police may be hesitant to take any real action. There is no doubt that cameras are a valuable and versatile security tool. Surveillance can assist in a number of different ways to keep everyone safe and free from harm. If you are unsure of what type you need the first step is to define what exactly you want the security camera for and then decide how much you are willing to spend.



When you search online you will find a host of companies offering surveillance camera equipment and monitoring devices. Make sure you buy from a reputable company with a good website. There is more choice online than in high street shops so it is best to buy your equipment here. From a wildlife camera to tracking devices, go online to find out what is available and get the best prices.



by: Kathryn Dawson

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_6339.shtml