10 Broadcaster Press April 10, 2018 www.broadcasteronline.com pring S Home Improvement and Car Care Some Telltale Use Renovations to Create Healthier Homes Signs of Engine Home renovation projects are done for several different reasons, whether to update styles, repair damaged or broken items or to achieve more living space. More than ever before, homeowners are choosing improvement projects geared toward making their homes healthier. Establishing a healthy home means different things to different people. For example, to an environmentalist, a healthy home may incorporate eco-friendly or green products. To those with young children or mobility-impaired seniors, a healthy home may be one free from potential hazards. Others may view a healthy home as one that alleviates allergies. The World Health Organizations says inadequate housing conditions, such as poor ventilation, radon, urban pollution, and moisture issues, can contribute to many preventable diseases and injuries, especially respiratory problems, nervous system disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Furthermore, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ranks indoor air quality as a top five environmental risk to public health. EPA studies have found that indoor air pollution levels were roughly two to five times greater than outdoor pollution levels. People interested in making their homes healthier can embrace these renovations and lifestyle changes. • Be aware of furniture materials. Toxic PBDEs, which are chemicals used as flame retardants on furniture fabrics produced prior to 2006, can send toxins into the air. Some manufacturers may still use these flame retardants in new forms, but with similar risks. Before purchasing furniture, ask if a product is treated, and select naturally fire-resistant materials like wool and cotton. • Lighten up. Lighting is often underappreciated but can have a dramatic impact on whether a home feels inviting, warm and/or uplifting. Experiment with different types of bulbs and lighting fixtures to turn drab and dreary environments into brighter places. Lighting may improve mood and productivity. • Let the sun shine in. Modify window treatments to let more sunlight into the house. There is evidence that the sun, particularly UV light, is a potent bactericide. The Sunlight Institute advises that there’s no harm in letting natural sunlight do its work, as bacteria within eight feet of low-intensity UV light can be killed in 10 minutes. • Inspect and service wood-burning appliances. A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology has found regular inhalation Troubles of wood smoke limits immune activity and function, and anyone who burns wood indoors should be aware of these potential health risks. Ensuring proper ventilation of smoke and routinely cleaning the chimney can help cut down on particulate matter. • Turn to nontoxic cleaning products, pesticides and insecticides. Always opt for nontoxic, natural products when cleaning in and around the house. • Declutter the home. A cluttered, hectic space can affect emotions and mental state, never mind attracting dust and making a home harder to clean. Spending time in spaces that do not elicit stressful feelings is healthier and can help residents to rest and recharge. Making a home healthier can be on the list of this year’s renovation plans. ?Metro Creative Connections Carpentry, Decks, Windows & Doors, Re?nishing, Drywall, & Ceramic Tile Romsdahl’s Repair & Remodel 19 Years in Business Free Estimates 605-670-2161 HERREN • SCHEMPP 605-202-9179 LAWN LANDSCAPE FENCE BUILDING SUPPLY Locally Owned & Operated Locally Owned & Operated Headquarters for the Builder/Handyman • Service • Building Materials • Ceilings • Cabinetry • Insulation • Lumber • Plywood • Sheetrock • Siding • Roofing • Doors • Windows • Milwork • Paint 1000 W. Cherry St. • Vermillion, SD Mon-Fri 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. • Sat 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. 888-624-2058 • 605-624-2058 www.herrenschempp.com “Large or small, we do it all” Henderson’s Ultimate CAR WASHES Engine troubles are many drivers’ worst nightmares. Whether they occur out on the road or they prevent drivers from leaving their driveways in the morning, engine troubles can quickly derail plans and cost drivers substantial amounts of money. Thankfully, engine troubles are often noticeable long before cars break down. Drivers who learn to recognize the signs that suggest engines might be in need of work can avoid being stranded on the road or at home. • Vehicle shaking: One telltale sign of engine trouble is when a vehicle shakes while it’s moving. Drivers of old cars and trucks may not expect the smoothest of rides, but cars that shake, sometimes violently, could be experiencing problems. Sometimes a car might shake if its spark plugs need replacing. That’s an easy, inexpensive fix that drivers can do on their own in a matter of minutes. A more serious cause of the vehicle shaking could be problems with its timing belt or fuel intake system. Drivers who inspect and/or replace their spark plugs but notice their vehicles are still shaking should take their cars into their mechanics immediately. • Sudden gas mileage reduction: Drivers who notice they’re not getting as much bang for their gas bucks as they used to might have engine troubles to blame. A dropoff in gas mileage might be indicative of an issue in the compression stroke of the engine. Such an issue can typically be fixed by having the fuel system serviced, which will clean the fuel system and can help restore the vehicle’s performance and reduce emissions. • Noises: If driving has become as noisy as a rock concert, drivers should take heed that this could be indicative of engine trouble. Noises typically indicate abnormalities in the combustion flow. Such noises may include knocking, hissing and popping. Vehicles making these noises should be taken to a mechanic immediately. • Stalling: Vehicles that jerk or stall also may be experiencing engine troubles. While old spark plugs might be the culprit, stalling or jerking may indicate clogged fuel lines or fuel filters. Such issues may also be traced to issues with the vehicle’s computer system. Bring such issues to the attention of a mechanic, and reduce their frequency with regular oil changes. ?Metro Creative Connections THANKS Vermillion! We like our new home. Forrest Wood Direct ™ For Fine Furniture, Carving and Home Interiors 651-434-8664 • AUTOMOTIVE COLLISION REPAIR • PAINT • FRAMEWORK • GLASS REPLACEMENT Two Locations Open 24 Hours • 815 Princeton St • 921 E Cherry St • Vermillion HOURS: For that Spic-and-Span show room quality shine! M-F 9AM-6PM SAT 9AM-12PM 1205 CARR STREET • VERMILLION • 605.670.0471 BlainesBodyShop@gmail.com