Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) Owner Arte Moreno is committed to long-term improvements to both the Los Angeles Angels roster and their venerable stadium.

The Angels will remain in Angel Stadium until at least 2029, Moreno said Saturday after their entire roster reported to Arizona for the first full workout of spring.

Moreno also believes the Angels will soon be in better financial shape to pursue baseballs top players this year and beyond, boosting their chances of building a winner around two-time AL MVP Mike Trout.

The Angels could opt out of their lease at their city-owned ballpark in 2019, and they have examined opportunities to build a new stadium nearby. Instead, Moreno confirmed the Angels will stay in the majors fourth-oldest park for at least the next 13 seasons while making yearly additions to an estimated $40 million in improvements during his ownership, which began in 2003.

Its going to take some time to get ourselves prepared to see which direction were going to go, Moreno said of the possibility of building a new ballpark. We have flexibility, but acquiring land and getting a proper partner and getting prepared in California is a three-, four-year process.

After 2029, the Angels have three three-year lease options to stay in the stadium through 2038.

Angel Stadium opened in 1966 as Anaheim Stadium, built on acres of former orange groves as the home for the Los Angeles areas AL expansion team. Only Dodger Stadium (1962), Wrigley Field (1914) and Fenway Park (1912) are older.

Angel Stadium hardly shows its age in most areas, however. In the Angels latest round of yearly improvements this winter, they installed new lights, improved the visitors clubhouse, added new concourse lighting and upgraded the suites.

So thats probably a good sign, said Moreno, who made his fortune in outdoor advertising. If we were leaving, we wouldnt be spending a million and a half bucks to put new lights up.

Speaking of fan-enticing improvements, Moreno and general manager Billy Eppler also made several additions to the roster that finished last season at 74-88, its worst record during Morenos tenure. Moreno also believes the Halos will be more competitive simply through improved health after injuries to their pitching staff scuttled last season, but he also likes Epplers veteran additions.

We will have a couple new left fielders (Cameron Maybin and Ben Revere) and a second baseman (Danny Espinosa) and a new catcher (Martin Maldonado) and (starting pitcher) Jesse Chavez, Moreno said.

The Angels havent won a postseason game since 2009, and theyve made just one playoff appearance during the concurrent Angels careers of Trout and Albert Pujols. Moreno has the expected spring optimism for a team that couldnt catch an injury break last season.

Moreno said Epplers refurbishment of the Angels barren minor-league system is their top priority, but the owner also looks forward to getting past the budgetary constraints caused by his lavish contracts for Pujols and Josh Hamilton, among others. Moreno made several bold splashes earlier in this decade, but didnt land any big-ticket free agents for the past few years while those hefty contracts constricted their payroll.

C.J. Wilson made $20 million last season and didnt throw a pitch, while Hamilton is making more than $26.8 million of Morenos money not to play for the Angels this year. Wilson is gone, and Hamilton is finally off the Angels books this fall.

We really looked hard at `16 and 17, and felt we would start to open up more economic flexibility in `17, `18-plus, Moreno said.

The Angels also have more immediate economic flexibility to fill injury holes in 2017 than they did last year, when they struggled to replace three key starting pitchers lost to season-ending elbow ligament injuries.

If our people feel its a player who fits, thats what were going to do, Moreno said. Were going to try to win. We will look at whats on the market this year, and what may help us in the short term, and obviously how were playing.

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Moreno: Angels will have same ballpark, more money to spend - FOXSports.com

Since weve completed most of the serious mechanical work on Scarlett, our 1972 Corvette coupe project car, its time to turn to the body and interior as we get ready to put the body back on our mostly assembled Street Shop, Inc. chassis. This means prioritizing things that have to be done in a specific order or cannot be done at all, such as replacing the back glass. Although we will be able to unlatch the rear window (thanks to our shortened guide wedges), once the body is back on, the rollbar will trap the window inside the rear storage compartment. Since the rear window will no longer come out of the cars interior, any window work is now or never.

Although there was nothing drastically wrong with the back glass, both the window (all the windows, really) and the soft aluminum frame did have the scratches expected of a car thats over 40 years old. While perfectly acceptable on a car thatll be driven, as deep as weve gotten into Scarlett, were well past the point of reinstalling things we know arent flawless. Not to mention we wanted all the windows tinted. We were unsuccessful at convincing glass supply house Auto City Classic to produce a set of windows in their grey smoked tint available on other models so we ordered all the glass in the only available color, which is the original green tint.

Windshield installation was left to the pros. The door glass, however, we already had out when we installed the Corvette Central electric window conversion (Get Down, Mar. 16). This time, after having the new windows tinted we went ahead and installed all new components on the glass as well as degreasing and refurbishing the tracks in which the various rollers move. Since the windows never sealed well, in addition to rattling whenever the door was closed or even opened briskly, we replaced the door seals and cushions while we were at it. As the photos show, both are relatively straightforward. The sole exception is the rear mounting screw on the window seal, which may require the removal of a piece of weatherstripping to access.

The rear glass is where it gets fun. There are two parts to it: removing/replacing the glass and refurbishing the window frame itself. Both proved to be far more involved than we expected.

The top and bottom halves of the frame are connected at the bottom corners of the frame by a screw and a roll pin on either corner. In addition to these two screws, four more hold the guide wedges, which locate the bottom of the window for installation. All six must be removed to refurbish the frame. While roll pins are often troublesome, they came out easily this time, leaving the screws as the problem children. Even after soaking in penetrating oil, four of the six were frozen in place. We had to first drill the heads out to disassemble the frame then drill out the remaining screw shank and threads.

Since we were drilling a hard (steel) screw in a soft (aluminum) frame, we carefully clamped the frame in the mill to minimize movement and the attendant risk of the bit wandering around the screw rather than cutting into it. With that done, we bead-blasted the frame and Tray Walden TIG welded the holes back up. Although we had scribed a line on either side of the guide wedges so we could locate the holes again after welding, those marks did not survive welding and we instead had to locate and re-drill the holes using the remnants of the original holes still visible inside the window channel.

After welding, we dressed the aluminum frame back down to the factory contours, first using a hand grinder and then using a fine pillar file sourced from gunsmith supply house Brownells, backing the file with sandpaper for finish work. While sandpaper is usually an excellent way to round off edges that are supposed to be sharp, backing it with a file (akin to blocking a car) gives it a flat abrasive surface. With that prep work done, the frame will go off to be stripped of its anodizing and get polished and replated before final assembly.

Installing the glass back into the refurbished frame requires the use of window setting tape, which is unfortunately usually only available by the roll. We now have 50 feet of 1/32-inch tape and expect to have plenty left over. Although final glass installation will have to wait until the frame is replated, we partially test-fit the glass in the lower frame and it is a tight, tight fit. Take your sweet time: the rear window glass is frighteningly thin and if it breaks while youre pushing on it you have an excellent chance of getting a bad cut.

01. Once you get the glass out, this is what you have to look forward to: lots of sludge and old grease. We replaced all of the moving parts, including the roller/slider assembly in the channel, and refurbished the tracks, which will need to be heavily regreased prior to reassembly.

02. If youre reusing the old glass, these are what have to come off: (L-R) the lift channel bushing and nut, roller bearing and bushing. Most of these parts are included in the rebuild kit supplied by Corvette Central with the exception of new rubber washers and the round nuts, which can either be reused or ordered separately.

03. Youll also want the removal tool shown here that fits into the two holes located on the round nut. While it is possible to remove the nut without it, the tool will make it much easier and is $15 well spent.

04. The two-piece bushing in the front of the glass snaps easily into place. Replace the front roller, slip the roller and slider assembly into its channel and the glass is ready to go back in.

05. While the glass was out, we also updated the door seals to avoid leaks. The seal is held in place with two easy-to-access screws (three in our case) located under the lip of the seal.

06. Once the screws are out, gently pull the seal away from the door. The locking tabs should simply pop out. If a tab or two stays put, like this one, its easy enough to lever it out.

07. We replaced the window seals with a new set of outer window seals from Corvette Central (left) shown here with the one we removed (right). Note the difference in the shape and texture of the seal: the Corvette Central version is a reproduction of the original with correct material, beading and bends.

08. There are two anti-rattle cushions per door: one front, one rear. To replace the cushions without redoing the entire window, it will save time to mark the original mounting location for the cushions before removing the bolt. Youll want to hang on tightly during removal; otherwise, youll be trying to fish the cushion out from the bottom of the door.

09-10. The back glass is the fun part. The top and bottom frame halves are held together at each corner with a screw and a steel roll pin, which is the rust-red dot you see. If you intend to have the frame stripped and re-anodized youll have to remove the screws that hold the guide wedges in place. Note that the guide wedges have been shortened to allow the window to be removed in the tight confines created by the rollbar, even though it wont be able to come out of the rear storage area.

11. Although one of the corner screws turned out easily, the other was frozen in place. Even after letting it sit with penetrating oil we had no choice but to drill the head out so the frame could be disassembled.

12. With the two corner screws removed, we used a pin punch to drift out the two roll pins at each corner. There are special punches for roll pins that ensure you dont spread the pin out, locking it in place, but these two pins moved easily without the need for special tools.

13. After carefully removing the glass, use a thin screwdriver or other tool to clean the old window setting tape from the channel in the window frame.

14. Like the one stubborn corner screw, three of the four guide wedge mounting screws were frozen in place and snapped off during removal attempts.

15. Since the aluminum frame was being sent off to be re-anodized and absolutely no steel parts can be submerged in the anodizing solution, we clamped the frame in the mill to drill out the broken screws and ensure all the steel fragments were removed.

16. Tray Walden carefully TIG welded up the drilled-out holes so they could be redrilled and tapped.

17. After welding, Tray ground down the surface of the frame and then did the finish work with a pillar file sourced from gunsmith supply house Brownells, using sandpaper wrapped around the file for the final smoothing.

18. The screws that hold the guide wedges in place in the lower frame are 6-32. We couldnt locate the tap and matching #36 drill bit at three local auto parts stores but found them easily at a hardware store.

19. Once the window setting tape is folded over the glass, carefully push the glass into the channel in the window frame. The rear window glass is frighteningly thin so take your sweet time. This shot is a mockup for illustration purposes: for the actual installation, well use a lubricant such as soap to get it in easier.

20. Once the glass has been completely seated in the channel and the frame is fully reassembled, carefully trim the exposed tape. A razor knife with an adjustable blade is helpful as you can limit the blade depth to just enough to score and peel the tape without scratching the glass.

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Window Replacement for 1972 Corvette Scarlett Project Car - Super Chevy Network

Mike Ullery | Daily Call Volunteers from the Housing Enhancement League of Piqua, along with Piqua city officials and workers from Morris Heating and Cooling and Harmony Systems gather for a group photo as work nears completion on installation of a new furnace for a family on Blaine Avenue in Piqua.

PIQUA Two local companies teamed up to bring warmth to a resident on Monday.

The Housing Enhancement League of Piqua (HELP) brought together Harmony Systems, Inc. and Morris Heating Cooling Comfort Systems to donate a furnace and its installation to a resident on Blaine Avenue. Harmony Systems donated the furnace, while Morris Heating Cooling Comfort Systems donated their time for the installation, which took place Monday morning. The total estimated cost for the furnace and installation was around $3,400.

Its a great help to me, said Ken Baker of Piqua, who received the donated furnace. Baker has been living in Piqua for 25 years, and his previous furnace was on its last leg.

It was in bad shape, Baker said.

Baker reached out to the city to see if HELP or the citys Community Home Investment Program (CHIP) funding, which they received through the states Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding, was able to help him keep the heat working in his home this winter.

One of the big purposes of HELP is a way to give back to the community, Development Program Manager Nikki Reese said. Reese explained that HELP then reached out to Harmony Systems and Morris Heating Cooling Comfort Systems to see if they were interested in working together to help Bakers situation.

This is the second year in a row both companies came together to donate a furnace to someone in need in Piqua.

We were presented the opportunity last year We thought, absolutely, Brad Penrod, operation supervisor of Morris Heating Cooling Comfort Systems said.

Penrod said that in addition to giving back to the community by donating their time, this also provided them with the opportunity to make the residents home safer by getting rid of one of the older furnace systems in exchange for a safer, newer model.

It was a no-brainer, Penrod said. Its great for the community. The fact that Harmony Systems stepped up and weve been able to help has been huge.

This is a donation from our employees, Cynamyn Clem, human resources manager of Harmony Systems said.

Each year the employees of Harmony Systems think of a Christmas project, and they decided to give the gift of heat to a resident in need this season.

Its great. We love to be able to give back to the Piqua community, Clem said.

Mike Ullery | Daily Call Volunteers from the Housing Enhancement League of Piqua, along with Piqua city officials and workers from Morris Heating and Cooling and Harmony Systems gather for a group photo as work nears completion on installation of a new furnace for a family on Blaine Avenue in Piqua.

http://dailycall.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_021317mju_piqua_help.jpgMike Ullery | Daily Call Volunteers from the Housing Enhancement League of Piqua, along with Piqua city officials and workers from Morris Heating and Cooling and Harmony Systems gather for a group photo as work nears completion on installation of a new furnace for a family on Blaine Avenue in Piqua.

Harmony, Morris Heating donate furnace, installation

Reach Sam Wildow at swildow@dailycall.com or (937) 451-3336

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Heating up this winter season - Piqua Daily Call

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Diamond Custom Homes completed this kitchen renovation.(Photo: Laurence F. Taylor)

Build a luxury home from scratch or choose to remodel an existing home?

This is a kitchen before being remodeled by Diamond Custom Homes.(Photo: Submitted)

That is the question heard most often from homeowners. Both options allow homeowners to achieve the home of their dreams, but how does a homeowner decide which path is right?

"When deciding whether to build new or remodel an existing home, choosing a location is an important first step,"advises Diamond Custom Homes President Michael Diamond.As more estate homes continue to age and land becomes less and less available in high-demand neighborhoods and communities, the remodeling market will continue to increase, he believes.

"Luxury home remodels and renovations are at an all-time high in Southwest Florida because many of Naples magnificent residences, built during the real estate boom years in the late 1990s and early 2000s, are now 15 to 20 years old and need remodeling,"he explains. His firm recently completed four luxury home remodels in Grey Oaksfor homeowners who wanted to modify the interiors to fit todays functionality and technology.

Contrary to what many might believe, luxury home renovations in the Naples area are not typically undertaken by existing homeowners who have been living in their home for many years. The lions share of luxury home renovations are requested by the new homeownerinterested in making enhancements in an existing home to accommodate their vision and lifestyle.

"Many of todays luxury home renovations include opening up the main floor plan to create an open, lighter and airy concept rather than the more formal layouts where interior walls intentionally divided each room by its specific function,"explains Diamond. "The challenge is to capture and combine the new homeowners style and interior design wishes with the existing estates practical needs,"he adds.

Luxury residence remodels often include replacing and upgrading mechanical systems such as the air conditioning system to enhance energy efficiency or adding state-of-the-art technologies such as low voltage home automation and lighting control to manage their living environments.

Flooring is frequently updated usually beginning with the removal of the original finishes then upgraded with contemporary products like wood, stone or large porcelain tile. Windows are regularly replaced to meet new wind code regulations and increase energy efficiency.

The centerpiece of a remodel is characteristically the renovations to the kitchen, which can include relocating islands to offer expanded counter space, new appliances, lighting, counter tops and customized cabinetry. Master and guest bathrooms are often brought up to date with new plumbing, shower enclosures, lighting, and counter top installations.

From complete custom home interior and exterior makeovers and room additions, to kitchen and bath renovations and architectural and design accents, Diamond Custom Homes covers the spectrum of home remodeling services. The company's commitment to quality craftsmanship ensures each project reflects the individual client and the home they envision.

Since 2010, Diamond Custom Homes has been building estate homes throughout Naples including the luxury neighborhoods west of U.S. 41. Offices are at 6646 Willow Park Drive, Suite 5,Naples. Online atwww.DiamondCustomHomesfl.com.

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Diamond Custom Homes leading estate home remodeling boom - Naples Daily News

Apex Building Products and Hartville Hardware announced today a new key partnership between the two organizations. Hartville Hardware will now offer all Apex Sunrooms products at its store. This partnership follows the unveiling of Hartville Hardwares newly-renovated Idea House, which now features an Apex sunroom and entirely modern finishes throughout.

Hartville Hardware shares our commitment to family values and our dedication to American-made products, said Fred Calero, Apex CEO. Were thrilled to announce this new partnership, and are excited that Hartville provides us the opportunity to continue to offer best-in-class sunroom products to a larger customer base.

With this partnership, Hartville Hardware will now carry the Apex Sunrooms product line. All Apex Sunrooms structural parts are made with high-temper aircraft aluminum alloy with ribbed reinforcement the strongest in the industry. Apex Sunrooms products are also 700x more thermally-efficient and more energy-efficient than other sunrooms on the market. All Apex sunrooms come standard with high-performance Low E2 glass which reflects solar energy and UV rays and allows visible light to pass through. And all rooms come with a limited lifetime warranty.

Apex Sunrooms products will be offered at Hartville Hardware with custom options available, including cathedral or studio style rooms with various sizes, doors and color options. Hartville Hardware will also offer design and installation services for the sunrooms. Or customers may choose the DIY option for installing an Apex sunroom.

One of the great strengths of this partnership with Hartville Hardware is that it allows us to leverage additional resources for our sunroom customers, said Trevor Calero, director of business development at Apex. Our customers can now work with Hartville directly to complete the entire sunroom addition project, including flooring and singles, or even landscaping and railing. It really allows us to offer a complete package.

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Apex Building Products Partners With Hartville Hardware - Broadway World

The News Journal 1:12 p.m. ET Feb. 17, 2017

Plantation Lakes(Photo: K. Hovnanian Homes)

Living on a golf course has its perks. To hit the links, golfers just roll their clubs over to the green. Those who dont golf can savor the restful views of well-manicured greens and lush, landscaped areas from their screened porch or patio. Add a clubhouse, a community pool and proximity to the beach to the mix and you have the recipe for relaxation. Youll find all of the above at Plantation Lakes, a K. Hovnanian Homes community.

Just 12 miles from the coast, Plantation Lakes in Millsboro has new single-family homes, including ranch models and two-story designs. Choose the floor plan that suits your family. The designs offer up to five bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths. If you act now, you can secure one of the few remaining lots on the golf course. What's more, in honor of Presidents Day, K. Hovnanian Homes is offering three complimentary upgrades to those who sign before Feb. 20.

If you dont want to wait to enjoy all that the beach area has to offer, consider one of three quick move-in homes, all of which have mostly hardwood floors on the first level and multiple upgrades.

Plantation Lakes(Photo: K. Hovnanian Homes)

Located on homesite 723 on Lumberton Road, the San Sebastian is a one-story design with three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and a three-car garage. The thoughtful layout separates two guest bedrooms from the owners suite. Both are steps from the powder room and a full bathroom. They each have a walk-in closet.

The owners suite, meanwhile, features a spa bathroom that opens into a

huge walk-in closet. You can shower and dress without disturbing your partner.

The gourmet kitchen opens to the great room, which has a dining area and fireplace. Relax in the sunroom or on the low-maintenance screened porch. Originally priced at $475,192, this home is now $379,900.

The Maine II design on homesite 763, located on Glenwood Drive, has a classic farmhouse-style exterior with a welcoming front porch and an open floor plan. The two-story home, which is ready and waiting, has four bedrooms, including a first-floor owners suite, and two-and-half baths. The gourmet kitchen, filled with upgrades, opens to an extended family room and a dining room with a cathedral ceiling. This home, which has a two-car garage, was $388,123. Its now $324,900.

Plantation Lakes(Photo: K. Hovnanian Homes)

Another version of the Maine II will be ready in May on homesite 315, which resides on Belmont Boulevard. This home is currently the model, and the lucky buyers can just pack a bag and move right in. The home comes fully furnished right down to the custom window treatments.

This appealing deign includes a covered front porch topped by a covered balcony. There are four bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms. Like the other designs, this residence has an upgraded kitchen that flows into the family room, which has a fireplace. The screened porch is large enough for effortless entertaining. Or head to the finished lower-level recreation room, which boasts a den and a full bath. This model has a two-car garage. Originally priced at $575,433, its now $459,900.

Plantation Lakes(Photo: K. Hovnanian Homes)

Whether you build from the ground up or select a quick move-in home, youll enjoy all the amenities that Plantation Lakes has to offer. In addition to the golf course, the community has a pool, a childrens pool, an outdoor sports court, a playground, and a 4,000-square-foot clubhouse with a fitness center. Walking trails gently meander through the landscaped common areas.

Plantation Lakes is close to Delawares award-winning beaches, state parks, cutting-edge restaurants, outlet shops and cultural attractions, including Historic Lewes.

While visiting Plantation Lakes, ask about The Villages at Red Mill Pond and Ocean View Beach Club, two other K. Hovnanian Home communities along the coast.

If youve been dreaming of living at the beach, act now while during K. Hovnanian Homes Monumental Sale. Not only will you realize significant savings, but youll also lock in an attractive interest rate before the expected hikes.

For information, visit khov.com.

COMMUNITY PROFILE Name: Plantation Lakes Builder: K. Hovnanian Homes Price: Low $200s Style: A variety of homes, from ranches to colonial residences Amenities: Golf, clubhouse, pool, outdoor sports court, playground, tennis court, walking trails Address: 27540 Belmont Blvd., Millsboro, DE Phone: (855) 683-6407 Hours: Monday, 2-6 p.m.; Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

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Fits to a Tee - The News Journal

(BPT) - More than half of homes in the U.S were built before 1980, according to U.S. Census figures. With most home heating and ventilation systems lasting around 20 years, millions of American homeowners will be looking at replacing their HVAC systems this year. If youll be among them, understanding the factors that influence the cost of a system could help save you money in the long run.

The cost of HVAC systems can vary widely, and most people who face replacing a system have never gone through the process before, says Steve Hoffins, director of marketing, Luxaire, a heating and cooling systems manufacturer. Sorting through your options can be challenging. However, finding the right system for your home can greatly influence energy efficiency, your homes comfort and its resale value.

Here are six factors that affect the cost of installing a new heating and cooling system, and what you should know about each:

The size of your home

You can probably guess that the larger the home, the bigger the system youll need to adequately heat and cool it. If a system is too small for the home, it will work harder, be less energy efficient and possibly wear out sooner.

However, too big isnt better, either. In fact, says Hoffins, Most homes have heating and cooling systems larger than they actually need. A system thats too large for a home can create uneven temperatures, poor humidity control, maintenance problems and a loss of efficiency.

Research can help you identify the size HVAC system thats just right for your home. You can also ask your product dealer to provide a load calculation and energy analysis for your home.

Energy efficiency

Replacing an HVAC system affords you the chance to improve your homes energy efficiency and save money over the long term. A quality, energy-efficient HVAC system may cost more than a less efficient one, but you can anticipate recouping the expense, plus additional savings over the lifetime of the system.

System type

From gas furnaces and split system air conditioners to heat pumps and packaged heating and cooling units, there are multiple ways to heat and cool your home. Most people replacing all or part of an HVAC system will opt to stick with the same type of system theyre replacing. However, you may find a different option will work better.

Different types of systems come with different product and installation costs. Before deciding whats right for your home, research your options and talk to a qualified dealer about benefits and costs of each.

Ductwork

When youre installing a new HVAC system, its important the ductwork in your home works with the type of system youve chosen, and that its been properly installed and maintained. Improper ductwork can create hot or cold spots in a home, reduce system efficiency and even allow the growth of mold from condensation. An HVAC professional can help you assess if your ductwork is in good shape before you invest in a new heating and cooling system.

Accessories

Certain types of accessories can make your new HVAC function more efficiently and provide you with greater ease of use. If your furnace is 20 years old, chances are good your thermostat is the same age, so youll want to replace that, too. Programmable thermostats can be reasonably priced and help enhance the energy efficiency of your HVAC system. Other accessories such as an electronic air cleaner can help enhance the air quality inside your home. Youll want to carefully consider the accessories youll be adding, and factor them into the total anticipated cost of your new HVAC system.

How youll pay for it

Replacing an HVAC system costs thousands of dollars. If you dont have enough cash saved to cover the cost, you may choose to finance all or part of the expense. You could use a credit card, but high interest rates mean you could end up paying thousands more in interest for your HVAC system. Manufacturer or dealer financing may be a lower-cost option. For example, select participating Luxaire contractors offer financing with appealing terms such as deferred interest, no interest with equal monthly payments and convenient monthly payment options.

To learn more about Luxaire home comfort systems, visit http://www.luxaire.com or follow @LuxaireHVAC on Twitter.

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Six factors driving the cost of your new HVAC system | Lubbock ... - LubbockOnline.com

February 17, 2017 4:04 PM By Jim Donovan

(credit: CBS 3)

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) Whether youre trying to keep your house warm in the winter or cool in the summer, your heating and cooling system is the biggest energy user in your home.

But an invisible shield could help make your home more energy efficient. In this weeks Angies List report, what you should know about window film.

Installing high-efficiency windows can be a great investment but its also expensive and costs thousands of dollars. If youre looking for a more affordable option, window film is a great alternative, said Angies List founder, Angie Hicks.

Solar window film is a thin material applied to window glass which helps filter out a lot of solar energy.

Window film will be a much better option in terms of improving the performance and matching the performance of a new replacement window, typically a fifth the cost of going through the replacement of those windows, said window film installer, Kevin Koval.

Jay Dunbar says, what he spent on window film, he made up within three years, in energy savings. But he noticed one thing immediately, no more uneven temperatures throughout his house.

First thing that we noticed, because we had it applied I think it was in late fall, we noticed that when it got cold, all of a sudden our bedroom wasnt 10 degrees colder than the rest of the house, which was very nice, said Dunbar.

You can install window film yourself, but doing that could void your window warranty. Reputable film installers will replace your window warranty with their own. Theyll also install the film without bubbles, which will prevent cracks or peeling later on. Some will even let you transfer the warranty if you sell your house.

Window film can also help filter out potentially dangerous ultra violet light and even protect your furniture from fading from sunlight.

For more information, click here.

Jim Donovan is anchor of CBS 3s Eyewitness News This Morning and Eyewitness News at Noon. The 15-time Emmy Award-winner joined CBS 3 as its On Your Side consumer reporter in 2004. In April, 2016, he stepped up to the anchor desk to rela...

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Angie's List: What You Should Know About Window Film - CBS Local

For the past 17 years, Eric Johnson has operated Authentic Builders out of his home. Recently, he opened up a showroom at 1524 Farwell St., McFarland, so people could look at models of his custom Amish kitchens. The name on the showroom Custom Amish Kitchens and More describes exactly what people can expect to find in the retail space.

He said many people are sold on the cabinets and millwork done by the Amish builder Johnson works with once they see it, but the only way potential clients could get a good look at the woodwork was to visit one of the homes Johnson worked on. This prompted the decision to open the showroom.

At the Farwell Street storefront, there are three kitchen remodels with examples of cabinets and countertops so customers can see the quality of the handmade millwork. Also on display is a vanity and cubby for storing coats, winter accessories, and shoes and boots. In the future, Johnson plans to showcase tables and chairs.

I have a builder thats amazing at just how precise he is, how his finishing is its so smooth with the wood and the sanding and how he stains things. Ive compared my cabinets to other custom cabinets, and I have not found someone that can match the quality that we put in to a kitchen, he said, adding the customers like the fact Authentic Builders charges roughly 15-25 percent less compared with other custom cabinet dealers.

Johnson works with an Amish builder for all of his pieces. The two met when Johnson visited Amish cabinet shops while remodeling his previous home in Mount Horeb.

His work was just head and shoulders above everyone else, Johnson said.

The pair discusses the design through letters or the Amish man goes to someones home to call Johnson.

He understands what Im looking for without having to have a very detailed drawing on what it needs to look like, Johnson said.

While Johnson designs and installs the new pieces as a licensed general contractor, he hires outside companies for any other necessary work like electrical, plumbing, drywalling and painting.

Johnson also remodels basements, bathrooms and other rooms.

Johnson enjoys the entire process from designing the project with the customer to demoing and installing.

The reason he continues carpentry is the satisfaction of seeing the smile on his customers face.

Just how they light up, Johnson said.I have one customer from five or six years ago, and when she sees me at the grocery store, she tells me, Every time I come down in the morning to get my coffee, I just smile when I see my kitchen.

The showroom is open by appointment only; appointments can be made by calling Johnson at 513-1528 or contacting him on his website, http://www.authenticbuilders.com.

The rest is here:
Johnson opens Farwell Street furniture showroom - HNGnews.com

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Bigger and better

Reiser is part of a new group, Albuquerque Home Shows, which bought the popular event last year. This is its second show after putting on one in the fall, and the company has vowed to make this one bigger and better than ever. This is our second as new owners so each show were looking to be new and improved with fresh ideas, to she aid of the EXPO that will run February 25-26 at the Manuel Lujan Jr. Exhibit Complex.

A touch of new mexican culture

Toward that end, the show has dedicated an entire hall to nothing but New Mexico products. Were going to have everything from foods, to jewelry, to art, Reiser added. All kinds of things will be there in Hall C; olive oils, jerkies and salsa. New Mexico made products. Hand-crafted items. The additions were brought in after checking the results of questionnaires to attendees of last falls show. We surveyed our people as they came through in September, Reiser said. We asked them what they would like to see more of at the show. Some of the feedback was for retail type of items, more New Mexico-type of products. Not everybody was there just for the home stuff. And we listened.

Apparently the idea was a hit with vendors, as well, as that hall sold out quickly, Reiser said. There are so many different types of woodworking, metalworking and other artists. It adds interest to the show and gives people a reason to stick around so its not just home improvement, there is a little bit of everything, she added.

Entertainment and seminars

In another effort to get people to hang out longer and increase the benefits to the attendees this year, Reiser shares that the show will include a stage that not only will be filled with entertainment, but also a full slate of seminars that will be useful for the consumer looking for some home ideas. Theres going to be financial stuff for the home, a dog trainer with obedience tips on training and gardening tips, she said. Well be giving away door prizes like the Amazon Echo.

Dreamstyles presence

Some of the vendors have been enlisted to help, like DreamStyle Remodeling. Were going to have one on kitchen and bath remodeling, one on what to look for when replacing windows and our remodeling department is going to do another one, said Dawn Dewey, DreamStyle marketing director. The Albuquerque-based company will have a major presence at the show, filling the equivalent of 20 10-by-10-foot booths, she said. The home shows are a great opportunity for people in the community as the season warms, people are looking to make improvements to the home to have a chance to see everything we offer, Dewey said. Its a place where they can shop around and have a good time.

In addition to its exclusive Renewal By Anderson windows, which will have a particular extensive display, DreamStyle will also showcase its custom remodeling, design/build kitchens and bathrooms; bath wrap products to shower conversions, sunrooms, stucco, cabinet refacing and patio covers. Well have a wide selection of top name-brand home products, Dewey said. Were going to have a lot going on.

Adopting pets

Being a big sponsor of the Albuquerque Animal Humane Society, a portion of the space will be filled with adoptable pets. Were also going to have giveaways and a lot of fun stuff so people can come by and see what we have to offer, she said.

Vendor benefits

The show is not only good for attendees, but the vendors get benefits, as well, said Lucas Satterfield of BAC Roofing. We like the steady crowd, he said. Were very pleased with the quality of people who come to the show. Weve been doing the home show forever now. We like the hours, how it is set up and ran. They advertise it very well and keep it very busy.

Often customers will come back to visit, Satterfield said. We have several customers that come back to see us every single year, he said. And we get a lot of leads. We get people who call us and say they saw us two or three years ago and kept the card and call us when theyre ready.

Its also a good time for the vendors to do some meet and greet. A lot of the vendors have been doing it for a long time, Satterfield said. Other than customer access, you get a lot of good, quality time with vendors. Its great for building relationships with other vendors. Still, in the end, its the consumers who truly benefit. We have a total of more 260 booths with more than 200 exhibitors, Reiser said. The cool thing is you can compare the different businesses. For instance, if youre thinking of solar, you can interview more than one. It all will be under one roof to allow people to do some comparison shopping.

Read more here:
Home remodeling & lifestyle show - Albuquerque Journal