10 Broadcaster Press April 11, 2017 www.broadcasteronline.com H me Impr vement and How to Find the Right Replacement Windows Replacing old windows is often a worthwhile investment for homeowners. Energy-efficient windows can prevent heating and cooling loss and keep homes more comfortable throughout the year. Such windows also can improve a home’s resale value, proving a good return on investment for homeowners who want to upgrade their homes before putting them on the market. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners might find it more cost-effective to replace very old and/or inefficient windows to improve their energy efficiency. Such Replacement windows can be a smart investment in an upgrade can save home- comfort and design appeal of a home. such as double-hung windows, casement owners substantial amounts windows, awning windows, or slider winof money on heating and cooling costs. dows, would be practical. Window replacement projects can be costly, so it pays to get the job right the Keep home style in mind first time. Before beginning a window A poor match between windows and the replacement project, homeowners should style of the home can produce unwanted research which windows will meet their changes in the appearance of the home. specific needs, learning the subtleties Replacement windows should match the between finishes and features, as well as style and appearance desired. comparing prices for the windows and Expect minimal disruption installation. When homeowners hire professionals Choose the right time of year who are good at their craft, window reThe best time of year to plan window placement projects should not be a terrible replacement is when the weather will be inconvenience. According to American Winwarm, ideally in the spring or early sumdow Products, Inc., seasoned professionals mer. However, homeowners do not want will be able to complete a replacement conditions to be too warm, as each room window upgrade in a short amount of time where new windows will be installed will depending on the size of the home and the temporarily be exposed to the elements. number of windows being replaced. Furthermore, caulk adheres better in warmReplacing windows can be a costly task, er weather and will dispense easily. but one that will provide a more energy efficient home that can help homeowners Consider available features save money in the long run. When replacing windows, homeowners may want to install the same style windows they currently have. But the problems that nMetro Creative Connections led to the need to replace windows may still exist even when new windows are installed. When replacing windows, consider energy performance ratings based on the locations of the windows in the house. To make sure they make the most educated deciHours: sion, homeowners can Monday - Friday investigate the solar heat 8AM - 6PM gain coefficient, U-factor, visible transmittance and Saturday light-to-solar gain. Expla8AM - 2PM nations of these ratings 900 W Cherry • Vermillion • 624-8681 are available at Energy. gov. Don’t ignore maintenance needs Maintenance costs involved with cleaning, repairs and painting can add up. When shopping for windows, consider the amount of maintenance they will need. Woodframed windows may require more upkeep than aluminum, fiberglass or vinyl. Also, consider if certain window types, H.R.C. Hot Rubber Crack Filling Striping • Foundation Coatings How to Plant a Tree for Successful Growth More sunlight and warm temperatures frequently inspire homeowners to spend more time in the great outdoors during spring and summer. Outdoor projects often top homeowners’ to-do lists in spring and summer, with gardens and landscapes taking center stage. Planting more trees around the yard is one popular project that can improve property value and benefit the environment. Why plant trees? There are plenty of reasons to plant trees. Trees provide a natural form of shade, reducing air temperature by blocking the sun’s rays. This can reduce reliance on air conditioning systems and make it more comfortable to spend time outdoors during the summer. North Carolina State University College of Agriculture & Life Sciences says trees absorb and block noise and reduce glare. They also can trap dust, pollen and smoke. Trees also absorb carbon dioxide and potentially harmful gasses from the air. One large tree can supply a day’s worth of oxygen for as many as four people, while also storing 13 pounds of carbon per year. Getting started Visit a garden center or nursery and select a tree that will be hardy in your planting zone. Choosing native trees can increases the likelihood that the new tree will adapt to its surroundings. Also, inspect trees to determine if they’re healthy before taking them home. Look for evidence of root girdling, which occurs when the roots circle around the perimeter of the container and surround the trunk. Trees should not have any dead or dormant branches. The DIY Network suggests locating the tree where it can thrive. This means selecting a spot that can make it easier for the tree to grow tall and wide. Avoid planting near the house, Learn the right way to plant a tree to improve the landscape and the environment. where roots can crack concrete or asphalt, and always plant away from underground pipes. Planting the tree Now it is time to amend the soil. It’s not enough to enrich only the soil in the hole where the tree will be placed. Move out into a circular area beyond where the roots will start so that roots can expand and properly anchor the tree. The next method of success is to ensure that the tree has a large enough hole to contain the existing root ball and allow for roots to grow and expand. Better Homes and Gardens experts say to prepare a hole that is two to three times as wide as the root ball of the tree. Treat the root ball gently. If the roots are wrapped in burlap, remove the burlap or push it to the bottom of the hole. Backfill the hole with soil and check that the tree is straight. Stake the tree to help it stay upright and straight until the roots anchor it more effectively. A layer of mulch around the base of the tree can prevent weeds and reduce water loss. Water daily for several weeks until the roots have fanned out. It’s best to leave trees be for the first growing season, only removing broken or diseased limbs. Resist pruning and shaping until the tree has survived its first growing season. nMetro Creative Connections THE HARDEST PART OF A HOME EQUITY LINE OF CREDIT IS DECIDING WHAT TO DO WITH IT. Commercial & Residential Phone: 605-218-1752 Yankton, SD – Statewide Service Call Kalins Indoor Comfort for an AC Precision Tune-Up! AC Tune-Ups should be done by a Kalins Licensed Technician... Why? • We have over 95 years in the business • Tune-Ups prevent costly breakdowns • Tune-Ups extend the life of your equipment • We service all makes and models Whether you want to build a backyard patio, buy a new toy, or finally take that dream vacation – our Home Equity Line of Credit can help. 2.90 4.75 % APR* Introductory Rate first 6 months % APR* Current Non-Promotional Variable Rate as of 2/1/17 Quick decisions, flexible payment options and an introductory rate for the first six months. What could be easier than that? Stop by and apply for a Home Equity Line of Credit today. BANK BETTER. BANK SMARTER. Bob Bierle Service Technician 20 Years of Experience VERMILLION When You Want Comfort…You Want Kalins! Vermillion: 888.871.2635 • Yankton: 888.409.8094 • Sioux City: 888.706.4544 kalinsindoor.com | 624.2608 | WWW.BANKEASY.COM * Promotional rate for qualified applicants only. Subject to credit approval. Non-Promotional Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is variable based upon the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate (WSJPR) of 3.75% as of February 1, 2017 plus a margin of 1.0%. Introductory 2.90% APR applied through the first 6 months of approved line of credit; at the end of the promotional period, the rate will be equal to WSJPR + margin. The margin depends on your credit qualifications and Loan to Value (LTV). The maximum APR will not exceed 21.75% APR. Fees to open the plan typically range from $655.30 to $955.30. With advance of $5,000+ in new money, up to $300 of fees will be waived. Other terms and conditions may apply. Property insurance required. Limited time offer. Consult your tax advisor on the deductibility of interest. See bank for additional details.