Put safety first with DIY projects

(NC) Many more of us are rolling up our sleeves these days to tackle home improvement projects, thanks to the growing popularity of television shows, blogs, and Pinterest.

Did you know, however, that routine renovations could damage natural gas pipes and cause a leak? Before placing power tools on the wall or shovels in the ground, there are some important safety considerations that should be built into your home renovation plan.

If you have a natural gas range, fireplace, dryer or barbecue, you will have natural gas pipes running throughout your house, according to Enbridge Gas Distribution. It's important to locate these pipes before beginning any work as you could easily damage them (even during the most routine renovations) and cause a gas leak.

A licensed heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) contractor should identify all hidden piping before you begin your project. If natural gas pipelines must be moved, this work must be conducted by an HVAC contractor – this should never be attempted on your own.

Natural gas pipes, lines and cables are also buried underground outside your home. Any outdoor projects like building a deck, installing a fence or planting a tree requires calling before you dig.

Digging in the wrong spot could cause serious damage, injury or death. You might also cut off service to the entire neighbourhood or receive a costly fine. To find out where it's safe to dig, call Ontario One Call at 1-800-400-2255 at least five days before starting your project. This free underground utility locating service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

While renovating, keep in mind that your natural gas appliances need room to breathe. If you're adding partitions or walls near your furnace, water heater or other natural gas appliances, ensure that they have an adequate air supply. An HVAC contractor can help you evaluate the situation and provide expert advice on how to safely execute your plan.

Installing insulation, using solvents or chemical strippers, and sanding and refinishing may release dust, flying particles, toxic fumes or other contaminants. To stay safe, make sure you have protective clothing, including safety goggles and masks.

Remember, natural gas smells like rotten eggs. If you smell gas at any point during your renovation, leave the area and call the utility's emergency number from outside or from a neighbour's home.

More information on renovation safety can be found at www.sixsecondsafety.com.

Like A Hawke, Susan Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Keep energy efficiency on your house hunting radar

(NC) If you're getting ready to buy a new home this summer, energy efficiency is an important element to keep in mind. While it may not be as a glamorous as planning the new paint colour or décor, energy costs should be on the list of items you evaluate at any potential new property.

You may think the only utility consideration is providing advance notice to open or update your account, but energy costs can vary significantly depending on the size of the home, your family and usage—and the type of fuel.

In Ontario, natural gas is most commonly used for home and water heating and while it is a cost-effective option over alternatives like electricity and oil, the costs are still an important factor in your monthly budget planning.

If you get a sense of the costs early it can prevent unwanted surprises later – and fortunately there are a few ways to estimate and understand your energy costs before you sign on the dotted line:

Estimate your average monthly bills. Ask the seller for past utility bills or amounts.

Consider the appliances. What stays and what will be replaced? Energy-efficient equipment is an investment in the value of your home, and the cost may be reduced through energy rebates – search online for details and current offers. Also, ask about current rental equipment and the terms of existing agreements.

Find out if an energy audit has been done: This will provide useful information on the home's energy efficiency. It may also provide a list of things to help keep energy costs as low as possible. If an audit has not been done in a while, schedule one in advance to help you make an informed decision. The details on incentives for qualifying home buyers and sellers can be found at www.knowyourenergyscore.ca.

Once you've made your new home selection, visit your local utilities' websites to find not only additional energy efficiency information, but also instructions on how to ensure your service is set up properly.

Most companies require at least three days' notice of the move and you'll likely have a few online forms to fill out. At the same time, you can see if they offer a paperless billing option to help avoid cluttering your new home with paper mail.

Like A Hawke, 

Susan 

 Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Top to bottom house cleaning tips on a budget

(NC) Cleaning supplies are endless since we often use different products for different rooms. But why overspend when there is a single product that has been helping people clean for over 165 years? Baking soda is an inexpensive and gentle alternative to harsh chemicals because it's 100 per cent natural.

For a top to bottom clean home on a budget, try some of these tricks:

Kitchen

A smelly fridge can spoil the flavour of your food. To help keep foods tasting like they should, use a box of baking soda or a product like Arm & Hammer Fridge Fresh. They destroy strong odours to help food taste fresher longer.

Microwaves retain odours as well. For instant cleaning and deodorizing, sprinkle some baking soda on a damp sponge and gently wipe the inside and outside of your microwave, then rinse well.

Remove tea stains and eliminate bitter off-tastes by washing mugs and tea pots in a solution of baking soda and warm water – remember to rinse well.

Bathroom

What goes down sometimes comes back up. To deodorize your sink and tub drains, and keep lingering odours from resurfacing, pour baking soda down the drain while running warm tap water. This will help to neutralize odours.

Keep bathroom wastebaskets fresh with just a sprinkle of baking soda. Apply regularly as you add to the container and when you empty it you can also wash the container with a solution of baking soda and water.

Family room

Clean and remove marks, such as crayon, from walls and painted furniture by applying baking soda to a damp sponge and rubbing lightly. Then wipe it off with a clean, dry cloth.

Keep upholstered sofas and chairs smelling fresh by sprinkling a little baking soda on them, wait 15 minutes and then vacuum up.

More information is available at www.armandhammerbakingsoda.ca.

Like A Hawke, Susan Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Start Planning Your Next Move Now

When moving season arrives, thousands of people across the country pack up 

their belongings 

and move to a new home. 

I've found a slew of 'moving' articles that are impressive.

Enjoy. Here.

Like A Hawke,
Susan

 Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Water saving tips to slow the flow

(NC) Did you know that it takes about 7,500 litres of water a day to support a standard North American lifestyle? This includes projects that are both mega (like running the power grid) and micro (like rinsing the conditioner out of your hair) – and it is double what folks elsewhere on the planet use. So how does one reduce an H2O habit? Consider some of these tips on how to conserve water:

Get A Load of This: If you throw a few pairs of jeans in your washing machine and forget to adjust the water-level setting from 'large' to 'small', you're wasting water. Since doing laundry accounts for almost 22% of indoor home water use, always set your machine to the proper load size.

Go with the Low-Flow: A low-flow showerhead can conserve 55 litres of water during a 10-minute shower. Try to take a 5-minute shower to double the savings. To do this easily, take a look at Delta Faucet's In2ition shower head with H2OKinetic technology. By sculpting the water into a unique wave pattern, these showerheads give you the feeling of more water without using more.

Fill 'Er Up: Here's a surprising statistic: Dishwashers use 15 to 20 litres of water per load, while hand-washing the same volume drinks up about 75 litres. So stack up the dinner plates, pots and pans in the dishwasher (but wait until you've got a full load before running it).

Feeling Flush: If you still have a standard toilet in your home, go buy a brick. Older toilets require a lot of water – about 13 litres per flush versus 4.84 litres for low-flow models. A brick in the tank can force some of the water to be displaced, which means you'll use less. Better yet, invest in a new water-conserving toilet. 

Like A Hawke, Susan Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Reduce stress on AC units to save money

(NC) Springtime signals the start-up of household air conditioning systems in preparation for the days ahead when it will get really hot. With recent extreme weather patterns, there's a chance your AC will be working overtime this summer and fall, so an attentive maintenance plan for your unit will ensure reliable performance.

As an integral component of our comfort in the hot months, it's good to consider reducing the stress on our air conditioning systems. A simple way to reduce the energy used by AC is to consider upgrading your attic insulation, which keeps your home warm in winter and cool in summer. A primary source of energy loss is an improperly insulated attic, which also results in the AC unit working harder than necessary.

Upgrading can be as simple as topping up your existing insulation, and some products make it an easy DIY project. For example, Roxul's RockFill, is loose mineral wool insulation that can be hand spread over the top of the material that is already there. This mineral wool insulation is designed to remain stable, so it will not shift or drift, ensuring upgraded thermal protection. When upgrading your attic insulation, it's also important to fill in spaces around ducts, wiring and piping, converting these awkward spaces into energy saving areas.

Like A Hawke, 

Susan 

 Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

HOW TO KEEP THE TOYS FROM TAKING OVER

Too many toys may be a turn-off to prospective Buyers.  Why not try some of these ideas that I found here.


Like A Hawke,
Susan


 Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Keeping cool, staying cool: A primer on AC maintenance

(NC) Canada may be known as the Great White North, but that certainly doesn't stop Mother Nature from delivering hot, muggy weather every summer.

When you're in the middle of a heat wave, you want to make sure your central air conditioning system is in top working order. As many of you know, it's not pleasant to have your system break down just as the temperature edges into the 30s.

The good news is that complications such as these can be avoided with some basic, regular maintenance, and spring is the best time to tackle this.

For starters, you can clean up around your outdoor condenser – there should be no leaves, twigs or other debris in the vicinity. Following that, with the power turned off, hose down the unit regularly to make sure it's free of dust.

Then, check your furnace filters and clean or replace them. The air conditioner needs the furnace to circulate air, and a dirty filter will push dust and other particles throughout the house, cutting down on efficiency. It can also reduce airflow, forcing your HVAC equipment to work harder and leaving it vulnerable to malfunction.

Remember that it's beneficial not to overwork your AC system. Easing up on your cooling will help prevent breakdowns and increase your equipment's lifespan, possibly by years. So close off vents in unused rooms or your basement, where it is naturally cooler; use ceiling fans to circulate air; and close your drapes or shades on sunny days. Also, turn off the humidifier in summer months. Leaving it on will only increase the cooling load.

Set the thermostat below the room temperature and never below 20 degrees Celsius. This can cause a multitude of problems for your unit, including freezing up. Ideally, the thermostat should be set to 25.5°C when at home and 29°C when away.

Most importantly, call in a licensed HVAC contractor for an annual maintenance visit. Your air conditioner is a complex piece of equipment, and not all warning signs will be obvious. The refrigerant, for instance, might be leaking – a serious and possibly hazardous problem that only a professional can detect. To ensure the contractor gets accurate readings on the gauges, make sure the outdoor temperature is 21 degrees Celsius or higher.

We all know it's easy to turn on the switch and forget about the hard work your AC is doing for you. But proper maintenance can save you thousands of dollars in repair costs, and keep you cool on even the hottest days.

For more consumer tips and information, visit www.hrai.ca/educationcentre.html or for information on how to locate a qualified contractor in your area, visit www.hrai.ca/qualifiedcontractors.html

Like A Hawke,
Susan

 Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Location Location Location

• How far will you be commuting and what is the traffic like? Factor in cost of fuel.
• Where will your children attend school and how will they commute?
• Are there recreational facilities and parks close by?
• Are you close to family and friends?
• Is safety or high crime an issue?
• Is the property close to an obstacle or negative influence? (i.e. an apartment building, shopping centre, school, radio tower, power lines, LRT or railroad track, highway, airport or commercial project).
• Access to schools, work, recreation, shopping centres, public transportation, cultural attractions, libraries, churches and hospitals
• Adjacent undeveloped land - what is proposed for this or other green space?
• Heavy traffic can be noise nuisance and hazard for children
• Distance from the unit to amenities, parking, walkways, roads, public transit
• Does the neighborhood reflect positively on the value of the condo and your lifestyle choice?
• Does this neighborhood, for any reason, have a poor reputation? 
• Is the future economic climate for the area good? Are businesses moving in? Is there government investment?
• Are people moving in or out of the neighborhood? What is their age, income level, family size?
• Are there plans for this neighborhood that you may be unaware of (i.e. a future highway, a commercial development or a new housing development) that will provide competition on resale?

Like A Hawke,
Susan

Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

How Can I Inexpensively Increase The Value Of My Home?

You would be amazed at how basic it can be to protect your home investment without spending a lot of money. Here are some basic tips for you to follow.

1. DECLUTTER AND ORGANIZE

Your home will look more spacious by getting rid of unnecessary items. Knick-knacks, piles of paper and magazines, old furniture. If you can bring yourself to permanently get rid of these things, while you are trying to sell, put them in a storage unit.

2. DEEP CLEAN

Room by room, do a deep clean from floor to ceiling. Walls, baseboards, corners from top to bottom. Windows, window sills, door frames, doors, door handles. Furniture and drapes too. A house that is spotless shows better and sells for more.

3. PAINT

A coat of fresh paint goes a long way in making your home look updated.

4. LIGHT SWITCHES AND PLUGS

Replacing light switches and outlet covers to a modern "Decora" style switches give your home a more modern appeal and can give the impression that the electrical system is updated.

5. LIGHT BULBS

Be sure you have a bright home. It is worthwhile investing in bright, modern light bulbs so that your home looks fresh.

6. HEATING SYSTEM

If you heat with a forced air system, but sure that everything is in good working order and clean. Having a regular maintenance plan for your furnace is a good idea. Potential buyers will see the label and inspection dates. If you have electric heat, be sure your baseboards are modern and clean. If you have very old baseboard it can be worth updating them to modern, energy efficient baseboards.

7. CLEAN OUTSIDE

If your home is siding, be sure it is clean. Wash all the outside walls. With brick or wood, give it a good sweeping to get rid of any cob webs etc. Sweep and wash the driveway, walkways and deck. Go the extra mile - curb appeal does matter.

8. SEASONAL DECORATIONS OUTSIDE

If it is spring, summer or fall, be sure to have flowers outside. If you are not much of a gardener, purchase some potted plants. In the colder months you can have a couple of welcoming seasonal decorations to set the mood.

9. YARD

Be sure there is no clutter in the yard. Old lawn furniture and junk should be removed. Make sure the lawn is mowed and raked. The first thing a buyer will see is your front yard. They often will decide whether the house is worth buying at top dollar from the first impression they get.

Susan Hawke, Sales Representative with REMAX, Sault Ste Marie Brokerage Inc. is dedicated to offering clients the best possible service. For more insight and tips visit: http://susanhawke.blogspot.ca/. If you are thinking or buyer or selling in the Algoma region, or know someone who is, contact Susan Hawke, Sales Representative today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Hawke

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8315753

Like A Hawke,
Susan

Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Photo Source

Moving? Don't forget to pack your insurance

(NC) Moving doesn't happen every day and this makes it a stressful experience when trying to remember all of the requirements, big and small. Protecting one's belongings with insurance, for example, is often overlooked and it could lead to unforeseen costs if any of our valuables are lost or damaged.

“Insurance may be the last thing on your mind during a move,” says Ryan Michel, spokesperson for Allstate Insurance Company of Canada. “But you need to make sure your items are protected both in transit, and when you arrive.”

It's important to consider whether your insurance will protect you at both your current residence and new residence, and whether your policy covers your items while they're on the move. If you're considering moving some items to temporary storage for a period of time, remember that coverage provided by these facilities is limited and your items may only be protected for 30 days. It's best to ask your personal insurance provider about what to do in specific circumstances.

If you're moving in the near future, consider these tips from Allstate Canada:

• Set up your home insurance in advance so that you are protected as soon as you take possession of your new home. You might also need to consider insuring your home during the final stages of construction.

• Make a checklist of all your belongings. Note both the condition and value of each item and even take photos if you can.

• If you are using professional movers, confirm the company has insurance in case your belongings are damaged during the move.

• As you're unpacking, check that items have not been lost or damaged. If they have, contact your insurance company right away.

Additional advice is available at www.allstate.ca/learningcentre.

As a local resident, I have a love for and life experience of Sault Ste. Marie and surrounding areas. I am familiar with all the positive amenities, neighborhoods, rural side roads and commercial districts.

I look forward to helping you throughout your life with all your family's real estate needs.

Please take a moment to LIKE my Facebook page.

My Twitter is @susanhawkesells

Buying or Selling in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario?  Know anyone who is?  I can help.  705.971.0918

Like A Hawke,
Susan

Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Tax time tips save money for busy families

(NC)— Most parents are continuously looking for ways to stretch their budget. Whether we're paying for expensive dance costumes, new skates, music classes, or extra tutoring help, there are ways to save money at tax time.

The key is saving your receipts when you sign your kids up for fitness, artistic, or developmental activities. At tax time, claim the children's arts credit (www.cra.gc.ca/artscredit) and the children's fitness credit (www.cra.gc.ca/fitness) on your income tax and benefit return. You can claim the fees you've paid for eligible activities up to $500 per child, per tax credit. This gives you a non-refundable credit of up to $75 per tax credit per child. Look into it—the money you save might be enough to buy your child a new swimsuit or cover the gas money to get to lessons or practices.

Buying or Selling in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario?  Know anyone who is?  I can help.  705.971.0918

Like A Hawke,
Susan


 Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Keep control of your credit rating

(NC) Did you know that everyone should ask to see their credit report at least once a year?

According to a survey done in 2011, over 90% of Canadian respondents said they did not know that a copy of their credit report could be sent to them in the mail, free of charge. Moreover, 62% said that they did not know the procedure when it comes to getting a credit report corrected.

If you'd like to know more, here's an overview:

• Start by ordering a free copy of your credit report. You can do so by mail, fax, or telephone, or in person from the two Canadian credit-reporting agencies: Equifax Canada and TransUnion Canada. Your credit history summarizes the information concerning the types of credit that you use or that you have used in the past, including credit cards, loans and financing plans. Examine your credit report carefully to determine whether there are any errors or signs of identity theft.

• Check for errors in your personal information and in the information concerning your credit card and loan accounts, as well as for mention of accounts that you have never opened. Errors may give lenders the wrong impression and result in a denial of your credit application. Even errors that do not seem to be serious, such as a misspelled name or incorrect address, can create problems if, for example, you want to rent an apartment or are applying for a job. If you find a mistake, contact Equifax Canada and TransUnion Canada.

• To find out the steps to follow to correct an error in your credit report, go to itpaystoknow.gc.ca.

The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada provides resources to help you understand your credit report and your credit score. More information is available online at itpaystoknow.gc.ca.

Buying or Selling in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario?  Know anyone who is?  I can help.  705.971.0918

Like A Hawke, 
Susan 

 Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Must-Do Before Selling Your House Roundup

I searched the net to find you some great articles on things to do before you sell your home.

Here they are:

1.  10 must-do repairs

2. 10-things-to-do-before-you-list-your-house

3. Sarahs-top-ten-things-to-do-to-sell-your-home

4. 10-things-to-do-before-you-list-your-house



Like A Hawke,
Susan

 Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Safety leader provides three tips to Carbon Monoxide protection

(NC) – Carbon monoxide is called the “Silent Killer” because it is colourless, odorless and tasteless. And it is deadly. The ONLY way to detect its presence in your home is with a CSA-approved carbon monoxide alarm.

As a leading alarm company, Kidde Canada understands the threat posed by carbon monoxide and the technology behind detecting it. Kidde also supports and works closely with a number of organizations that educate Canadians about household dangers including the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs, Parachute (formerly SafeKids Canada) and the Hawkins-Gignac Foundation for CO Education.

Now that there is a law mandating CO alarms in Ontario, it is important to understand that carbon monoxide can come from any fuel-burning heating system, appliance or water heater; a gas or wood fireplace; or a vehicle. If your vents are blocked or cracked it may accumulate in your home and you won't even know it's there. Undetected, it can kill.

These 3 tips can help protect your family:

Several CO alarms offer a “digital display” but only Kidde's are “continuous.” Others require you to push a button to get a reading. Many families prefer the simplicity of a display that is “always on.”

The lifespan of CO alarms ranges from 5 to 10 years. Only Kidde CO alarms are all rated for a full 10-year lifespan.

Consider your power source. CO alarms can be battery powered, plug-in or hardwired. Always make sure your CO (and smoke) alarms have battery backup in case of a power outage. And, consider the convenience of Kidde's new “worry-free” alarms that have sealed lithium batteries that last 10 years from activation. No more batteries to replace for the entire working life of the alarm!

For more family safety tips visit safeathome.ca.

Like A Hawke,

Susan


 Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Planning on buying a home this year? Don't be a target of door-to-door scams

(NC) With spring still a few months away, many potential home owners will begin the New Year planning for the upcoming home buying season.

As home buyers begin looking into neighbourhoods they will also be considering other factors involved in purchasing a home—including the quality of neighbourhood schools, property taxes and qualifying for a mortgage. Few home buyers, however, will think of themselves as potential targets for deceptive door-to-door sales practices.

Despite all the research new homeowners put into purchasing their home, they may nonetheless be vulnerable to door-to-door salespeople who take advantage of their lack of understanding about their new home.

One item in particular is the water heater rental arrangement that may apply to their new home. Many new homeowners may be unfamiliar with who their provider is and the terms of their water heater rental arrangement.

When confronting deceptive water heater sales people, EnerCare Solutions, a leading provider of energy efficient products, suggests new homeowners take the following steps when confronting a door-to-door water heater sales person:

• Never sign a contract at the door. Take the time to review the contract terms and compare them to your existing contract.

• Watch out for promises of cost savings that are too-good-to-be-true. You may end up paying more in the long run.

• Do your research including an online scan of the company. Is this an organization you trust to be there if you have problems with your water heater in the future?

EnerCare also suggests that new homeowners watch out for door-to-door sales people refusing to leave marketing material behind or who don't clearly identify which company they represent. Know that EnerCare, Direct Energy, government agencies and utilities do not promote the exchange of water heaters door-to-door.

New home owners can learn more about how better to protect themselves by visiting www.FactsBeforeYouAct.ca

Like A Hawke, 

Susan 

 Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

How to save money and energy this winter

(NC) Most of the energy used by individual Ontarians goes to heating and cooling homes. During the long and cold winter heating season, there are a number of ways to cut back and save on bills. Enbridge Gas Distribution provides the following tips to save you a few dollars this New Year.:

In the kitchen

• Turn the oven off a few minutes before the cooking time is over. The heat remaining in the oven will finish the job.

• Only preheat the oven for baking – and then, only for about seven minutes. Most foods, such as roasts and casseroles, don't need a preheated oven to cook properly.

In the washroom

• Sing shorter songs in the shower. The average shower is about eight minutes. Try reducing to five or six.

• Install energy-efficient showerheads.

• The best temperature for your water heater is 54 degrees Celsius. That's hot enough for washing, showers and baths, and reduces the risk of scalding.

In the basement

• When you replace your old electric water heater, consider a tankless natural gas water heater as it heats water only as needed.

• Replace the furnace filter every three months (or clean a permanent one). When the filter is dirty, airflow is restricted and the furnace must work harder, requiring more energy.

• Keep vents and air returns free of obstructions. Furniture, dust, or pet hair can block vents, reducing airflow and the efficiency of the furnace.

In the family room

• If you have a wood-burning fireplace, keep the damper closed when not in use. This helps prevent cold outside air from coming down the flue and warm inside air rising out of it.

• If you purchase a natural gas fireplace, consider a direct vent model. It uses outside air for combustion instead of drawing air from the home.

For more ways to save energy and money in your home, visit www.EnbridgeGas.com

Like A Hawke,
Susan

Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Make safety your New Year's resolution

(NC) Rather than cut back on sweets this year, why not make a resolution to make your home safer in 2014? According to Enbridge Gas Distribution, Ontarians can learn how to use natural gas safely in their homes in just six seconds. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Book an inspection: In winter months, Ontarians are indoors with windows closed and fuel-burning appliances running, which makes the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) exposure higher. All fuel-burning equipment, including the furnace and gas fireplaces, should be inspected once a year by a licensed heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) contractor to ensure they're working properly.

• Check CO alarms: CO alarms are your second line of defense. Take the time to test your CO alarms once a month. Change your batteries in your CO alarms every year when you change your clocks.

• Clear the meter: Check your natural gas meter, regulator and appliance exhaust vents for snow and ice. If needed, use a broom or car brush to gently clear them. Use caution when shoveling or using a snow blower to prevent damage.

• Teach your kids: Make sure everyone in your home knows that a gas leak smells like rotten eggs. All family members should know to leave the area immediately and call the gas utility.

• Create a phone list: Post emergency numbers, including the doctor, fire and utilities, by every phone in your home and program these numbers in every cell phone in case of an emergency.

For more home safety tips, visit www.SixSecondSafety.com

Like A Hawke,
Susan

 Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

New technology takes the stress out of holiday entertaining

(NC) Hosting a holiday gathering is stressful, no matter whether you're someone who loves feeding a house filled with guests, or is a reluctant family member who's taking their turn.

Dinner parties can be especially challenging, from timing your menu, to doubling the recipes, to accommodating the needs of each of your guests. Assistance can be summoned however. High-tech kitchen appliances can significantly reduce entertaining stress. Increased capacity fridges and flexible rack dishwashers are just a couple of the most popular advancements. “Historically, frantic hosts had to chill beverages outside or in cumbersome buckets of ice because the fridge was over-stocked with food for the party,” says Laura McGowan, a senior brand manager at LG Electronics Canada. “Our company has eliminated this juggle with the introduction of a new super capacity 3-door refrigerator that features 20 per cent more storage space and a space-saving ice maker. With this extra capacity, you are able to store beverages, groceries and pre-prepared dishes all in one place.”

Gone are the stressful days of trying to squeeze several dishes of vegetables into the oven around the giant holiday roast. McGowan points out that LG's large capacity electric double oven is the largest on the market, making it easy to cook, grill or warm multiple dishes at a time.

And once the party is over and it's time to clean up, an ultra-high capacity dishwasher can help alleviate the stress of dirty dishes.

“With our most popular model, the extra capacity, flexible racks and the true steam technology allows users to fit in more dishes with every load,” McGowan explains. “This means no more time wasted handwashing the delicate cups and plates that won't fit into your machine, and more time relaxing once the gathering is over.”

More information on the latest kitchen technology is available online at LG.com.

www.newscanada.com

Side Bar:

Here are some tips from LG Electronics Canada, to keep your holiday entertaining stress to a minimum:

• When developing the menu, select a variety of dishes that can be made ahead of time and placed in the fridge

• Prepare a selection of meat and vegetarian options and make ample of each so you can enjoy leftovers after the event. If you're hosting children, make sure you have a few child friendly choices too

• Stock your fridge with an assortment of festive beverages. When guests arrive encourage them to help themselves

• Don't worry if everything isn't perfect. It's the holiday season. People are just happy to have an opportunity to get together.

Like A Hawke,
Susan

 Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Listen to CBC Music’s 24/7 Classical Holidays Stream

Enjoy the season with CBC.  Click here or on the reindeer!

Like A Hawke,
Susan

 Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada