March 30, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 25 ����������������������������� (ARA) Homeowners are looking forward to warmer weather after heavy snow and freezing rain took a toll on homes and businesses across the U.S. during the winter. Harsh weather even made its mark on typically warm climates in the southeastern part of the country, which experienced some of the coldest temperatures on record. The coming of spring is revealing a list of post-winter home repairs that need to be made. After being stuck inside for the past few months, getting outside now to assess home damage and tackle initial projects will help you get a jump-start on the season. 3-2-11 karen/janine projects that alleBegin with weekend viate water damage, such as clearing out HomeImpDecBanner6x gutters and downspouts. Look at the roof6 x .75” ing and siding of your home, and repair any broken or missing shingles or panels. These projects allow you to dust off your toolkit, organize your garage, and make a list of what needs to be done in the coming months to improve the stability and comfort of your home. This is also a good time of year to make How to tackle your home repairs for warmer months sure your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is functioning properly and at its most efficient rate. While most HVAC maintenance requires the help of a professional contractor, American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning offers a few simple things homeowners can manage this time of year: Check the furnace filter. Cleaning or changing your furnace filter each month will help extend the life of your furnace and may help save on heating and cooling energy costs. Clean air ducts. Remove air ducts and return-air grille plates, and thoroughly clean with a rag, scrubbing brush, or vacuum to prevent any irritants or dust from making their way into your home’s air. Inspect the outdoor air conditioning unit. Remove leaves, grass, dirt, and other debris that may have built up around your outdoor air conditioning unit or heat pump to ensure nothing is obstructing the air flow. Listen for strange noises. Simply listening for loud or unfamiliar noises is good protocol for evaluating bigger issues that may be plaguing your home comfort system. Easy troubleshooting tips for a variety of system problems are also available in American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning’s Symptom Checker guide, found online at www.americanstandardair.com. If you have an old HVAC system, or you are simply wondering how well your current system is performing, take the time to schedule a routine maintenance checkup with an HVAC professional. He or she can advise you on ways to improve the safety and comfort of your home, and make sure your HVAC system is operating properly. With these new improvements, your home will be looking and feeling as fresh as spring, and your cabin fever will be a thing of the past. ������������ ���������������� ���������������� PLEASE TAKE MY HUSBAND ! Need someone to help tackle the honey-do list ? Mature local resident can work on anything from cars to faucets. No job too small. If you are looking for a responsible individual to help you around the house … ED GOSTISSA WYCKOFF, NJ 201-891-1033 NJ Lic #13VH02050500 FREE ESTIMATE ��������������� ������������������ ����������������������� ������������ ������������ “A Carpentry and Remodeling Company” BASEMENTS • KITCHENS • BATHROOMS • ROOFING • SIDING DOORS • WINDOWS • DECKS • ADDITIONS • RENOVATIONS EBG CONSTRUCTION LLC ������������� PLEASE CALL MIKE AT 201-327-3255 “Architectural Millwork & Design” ������������������������ ���������������������� ���������� Keeping Families Warm Since 1929. 9-15-10 pat/janine EBGConst2x2(9-15-10) 2 x 2” Serving All Your Home Heating Needs Prompt, Reliable Service You Can Depend On, Plus The Personal Attention You Deserve. • Oil Heat Systems Serviced & Installed • Automatic Fuel Oil Deliveries • Tank Insurance Available Cash ts Discougn il atin O On He Deliveries 24 Hour 201-891-1000 Emergency Service �����������������������