Villadom Times Weekly Newpaper Online-March 11, 2009 Issue

March 11, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES I, II & III • Page 25 Home Improvement & Gardening (ARA) - The last thing any homeowner wants to deal with is a broken furnace or boiler. But when an old heating system fails, homeowners will be faced with the tough and often expensive decision of whether to repair the existing system or purchase a new one. Repairs on an existing furnace or boiler may be the least expensive immediate option, but could cost consumers more in the long run since older systems tend to break down over and over while consuming more energy, and drive up utility bills more than newer systems. However, there are times when simple repairs can prolong the life of an older furnace or boiler, making replacement a less immediate need. According to Ken Ely, a home heating and energy efficiency expert with Lennox -- a leading provider of home comfort systems -- homeowners should ask the following questions before making the decision whether to repair or replace: Is the furnace or boiler on its last leg? Excessive energy consumption and frequent repairs are the trademarks of a system at the end of its useful life. If the heating system is more than 15 years old, replacing the aging system with a new ENERGY STAR-qualified system can save time, money, and headaches -- and keep you warmer and more comfortable in the long run. If the system is less than 15 years old, routine maintenance Spring When to repair or replace a broken heating system may be the way to go. In fact, an annual check-up can significantly increase the heating system’s performance and extend the life of the unit. Are your energy bills going up, up and up? An older, less efficient heating system may be the culprit when it comes to high energy bills. By replacing an older furnace that is 60 percent efficient with one that is 95 percent efficient, homeowners can save approximately 57 percent on energy bills and up to $5,513 over a fiveyear period. Energy calculators, such as the one available at lennox.com, can help consumers compare the savings of different high-efficiency systems and determine whether to repair or replace an older unit. Were you feeling left out in the cold even before the heating system stopped working? Duct problems, insufficient sealing or inadequate insulation can create hot and cold spots in the house. When making the decision to repair or replace a heating system, talk with a reputable home heating and cooling contractor about your home comfort issues to determine if you need to replace the existing system or if the issues can be resolved with repairs or duct sealing. Is the heating system still protected by a warranty? If the existing system is still under warranty, it may make sense to have the furnace or boiler repaired depending on the type of coverage the product warranty provides. If there is no warranty left on the existing system, consumers may want to buy a new heating system that comes with an entirely new warranty for added peace of mind. CAN’T WAIT FOR SPRING? SPRING LANDSCAPE PROJECTS Pre Season Pricing in Effect Now is the right time to start plans on your Then Don’t! CLEARCUT WINDOW & SIDING INC. No Job Too Small or Too Large • Custom Fitted Windows • Vinyl & Wood Siding • Small Additions • Replacement Doors, Storm Doors • Porch Enclosures • Roof Repairs • Custom Decks Fully Insured • No Subs Weeping Pine Nursery �� Free �� No Obligation Est. & Design �� 201-512-1804 �� racks and potholes do not necessarily mean that you need a completely new driveway, according to Rich of McFarlane Driveway Restoration. The McFarlane family has a history of servicing the Bergen/Passaic area. Getting a new driveway costs thousands of dollars, but Rich and his crew are ready to restore the driveway you have as an economical alternative with the latest Asphalt recycling and infrared equipment available. They are a Blacktop Company that has gone GREEN! McFarlane Driveway Restoration ﬁlls potholes with hot asphalt – not cold ﬁll that rapidly decays. pat/janine 2-11-09 The hot asphalt is then melted along the edges, forming a CirinoBW2x2(created2/11/08) direct seal with the driveway. Best 2yet – your driveway will be ready X 2” for trafﬁc within 24 hours. It seems Rich was destined to get into the family business. His parents drove him home from the hospital – his very ﬁrst ride -- in a paving truck, a safe choice for the newborn given the blizzard conditions that day. As he grew up, Rich heard potential customers asking if the company repaired potholes, which it did not at the time. Rich decided this area would be a great niche for him, and his success in this specialty area followed. Ask Rich and his team how they can help you extend the life of your current driveway. His company also applies seal coat to help protect driveways against deterioration. Rich recommends resealing the driveway at least every two years to replenish asphalt, which can become aged and weathered. Restore yours today! They have kept their 2008 prices and are honoring 2008 estimates too. No job is too small. McFarlane Driveway Restoration is a member of the Mahwah Regional Chamber of Commerce. They welcome all commercial and residential clients. Call their friendly ofﬁce staff for your free consultation today at (201) 560-0222 or visit online at www.drivewayrestoration.com You May Not Need a New Driveway... 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