(BPT) – Winter is a harsh and cold season that can be terribly straining on homes, causing costly and inconvenient breakdowns, especially to plumbing and heating systems.Home experts recommend homeowners pay attention to the little things to avoid bigg…
(BPT) – Every new year brings a flurry of resolutions, and Hankook Tire checked out the road-related improvements Americans resolve to make happen in 2017. Whether you’re looking to save money or are determined to make that cross-country road trip a reality, the Hankook Tire Gauge Index found Americans are looking to take the well-oiled wheel of 2017 with better car care.
Under pressure
According to the Hankook Tire Gauge Index, over half (57 percent) of Americans are determined to keep their car cleaner in 2017. Additionally, 35 percent resolve to check the air in their tires more frequently, and doing so can have a significant effect on overall driver safety. Did you know it is recommended to check the air in your tires once a month? Be sure to check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the recommended tire pressure for your car, truck or SUV.
Resolve to rotate
When the snow just won’t stop falling and the trees look a little too bare, sometimes it’s all too easy to daydream about escaping to a tropical island for a while. Most Americans agree, as 84 percent would rather drive to a sunny beach than to a ski resort in the winter months. For those who can’t escape the elements, it is more important than ever to make sure your tires are rotated as you navigate the winter roads. A good tip is to rotate your tires when you check your oil — and since nearly a quarter of drivers (22 percent) resolve to change the oil more frequently in 2017, it looks like America is already on the road to good car maintenance.
Keep on commuting
We might all begrudge our daily commute, but considering 61 percent of Americans drive every day, it doesn’t look like many of us are resolving to change it. However, there better be light on the roads during the daily drive. Whether drivers are scared of the dark or not, 48 percent of Americans adjust their commute to avoid driving once the sun sets.
New year, new tires
Nearly one in four Americans (24 percent) will resolve to get new tires in 2017. While shopping for those, 73 percent note they look for tires with good traction or grip. An all-season, high performance tire like the Ventus s1 noble 2 from Hankook offers solid handling throughout the year.
Whether you’re already hunting for new tires for the new year, it might be a good idea to do “the penny test” and check your tread. Take a penny and insert it between the tread of the tire, with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it’s time for new tires. After all, you don’t want to end up stuck by side of the road, but if you do, there’s a good chance someone will pull over and help you. More than half (56 percent) of those surveyed said they have helped someone who was pulled over with car trouble. That’s definitely one way to get some good karma heading into the new year.
(BPT) – Every new year brings a flurry of resolutions, and Hankook Tire checked out the road-related improvements Americans resolve to make happen in 2017. Whether you’re looking to save money or are determined to make that cross-country road trip a reality, the Hankook Tire Gauge Index found Americans are looking to take the well-oiled wheel of 2017 with better car care.
Under pressure
According to the Hankook Tire Gauge Index, over half (57 percent) of Americans are determined to keep their car cleaner in 2017. Additionally, 35 percent resolve to check the air in their tires more frequently, and doing so can have a significant effect on overall driver safety. Did you know it is recommended to check the air in your tires once a month? Be sure to check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the recommended tire pressure for your car, truck or SUV.
Resolve to rotate
When the snow just won’t stop falling and the trees look a little too bare, sometimes it’s all too easy to daydream about escaping to a tropical island for a while. Most Americans agree, as 84 percent would rather drive to a sunny beach than to a ski resort in the winter months. For those who can’t escape the elements, it is more important than ever to make sure your tires are rotated as you navigate the winter roads. A good tip is to rotate your tires when you check your oil — and since nearly a quarter of drivers (22 percent) resolve to change the oil more frequently in 2017, it looks like America is already on the road to good car maintenance.
Keep on commuting
We might all begrudge our daily commute, but considering 61 percent of Americans drive every day, it doesn’t look like many of us are resolving to change it. However, there better be light on the roads during the daily drive. Whether drivers are scared of the dark or not, 48 percent of Americans adjust their commute to avoid driving once the sun sets.
New year, new tires
Nearly one in four Americans (24 percent) will resolve to get new tires in 2017. While shopping for those, 73 percent note they look for tires with good traction or grip. An all-season, high performance tire like the Ventus s1 noble 2 from Hankook offers solid handling throughout the year.
Whether you’re already hunting for new tires for the new year, it might be a good idea to do “the penny test” and check your tread. Take a penny and insert it between the tread of the tire, with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it’s time for new tires. After all, you don’t want to end up stuck by side of the road, but if you do, there’s a good chance someone will pull over and help you. More than half (56 percent) of those surveyed said they have helped someone who was pulled over with car trouble. That’s definitely one way to get some good karma heading into the new year.
(BPT) – If you’re like the majority of Americans, you probably received a gift card this holiday season. After all, gift cards are the most requested holiday gift year after year according to the National Retail Federation’s annual Consumer Spending Surveys. But just because you asked for a gift card, it doesn’t mean you’ll use it. If you don’t use a gift card within the first few months of receiving it, chances are, you’ll forget about it or simply won’t use it at all. Rather than hold onto an unused card indefinitely, put the gift card to use in another way.
Here are three ways to get what you want from the gift card that you don’t.
1. Sell it online.
When you receive a gift card you know won’t use, it may just be the gift card someone else will love. This is when using a gift card exchange site — like Cardpool.com — is a helpful option. From your desktop or your mobile device, you can sell a pre-owned gift card to Cardpool for close to face value and choose to receive either cash or an Amazon gift card.
Cardpool connects gift card buyers and sellers to help everyone get the gift card they desire. You can sell a gift card to Cardpool using Cardpool.com or the Cardpool mobile app.
By selling a gift card you won’t use to Cardpool — perhaps a coffee shop gift card you received, even though you don’t enjoy coffee — someone who will can purchase it from Cardpool, at a discount!
2. Sell it in-person.
Take an unwanted gift card with you on your next shopping trip and sell it while you’re out. Cardpool partners with retailers to create an in-person version of its online experience. For example, you can bring your unwanted gift card to the electronics counter in most Target locations nationwide. They’ll take your gift card information, quote you an offer and will give you a Target gift card if you accept.
And, if you want cash fast, find a Cardpool kiosk near you by visiting Cardpool.com/locations.
3. Re-gift or donate to charity.
Do you know someone who could use the gift card? Extend the season of giving by re-gifting it. If you don’t have anyone in mind, consider donating the gift card to charity.
Fundraising committees for schools, churches, clubs and charities are always in need of gift cards that can be redeemed for supplies, auctioned at fundraisers or given as prizes. Or, you also can donate your gift card to charity via sites like Cardfunder.org. Donations to nonprofit organizations may be tax-deductible, too.
With the variety of options available, there’s no reason to let a gift card go unused. Whether selling, re-gifting or donating, your unused gift card could be just what someone else was hoping for this year!
(BPT) – If you’re like the majority of Americans, you probably received a gift card this holiday season. After all, gift cards are the most requested holiday gift year after year according to the National Retail Federation’s annual Consumer Spending Surveys. But just because you asked for a gift card, it doesn’t mean you’ll use it. If you don’t use a gift card within the first few months of receiving it, chances are, you’ll forget about it or simply won’t use it at all. Rather than hold onto an unused card indefinitely, put the gift card to use in another way.
Here are three ways to get what you want from the gift card that you don’t.
1. Sell it online.
When you receive a gift card you know won’t use, it may just be the gift card someone else will love. This is when using a gift card exchange site — like Cardpool.com — is a helpful option. From your desktop or your mobile device, you can sell a pre-owned gift card to Cardpool for close to face value and choose to receive either cash or an Amazon gift card.
Cardpool connects gift card buyers and sellers to help everyone get the gift card they desire. You can sell a gift card to Cardpool using Cardpool.com or the Cardpool mobile app.
By selling a gift card you won’t use to Cardpool — perhaps a coffee shop gift card you received, even though you don’t enjoy coffee — someone who will can purchase it from Cardpool, at a discount!
2. Sell it in-person.
Take an unwanted gift card with you on your next shopping trip and sell it while you’re out. Cardpool partners with retailers to create an in-person version of its online experience. For example, you can bring your unwanted gift card to the electronics counter in most Target locations nationwide. They’ll take your gift card information, quote you an offer and will give you a Target gift card if you accept.
And, if you want cash fast, find a Cardpool kiosk near you by visiting Cardpool.com/locations.
3. Re-gift or donate to charity.
Do you know someone who could use the gift card? Extend the season of giving by re-gifting it. If you don’t have anyone in mind, consider donating the gift card to charity.
Fundraising committees for schools, churches, clubs and charities are always in need of gift cards that can be redeemed for supplies, auctioned at fundraisers or given as prizes. Or, you also can donate your gift card to charity via sites like Cardfunder.org. Donations to nonprofit organizations may be tax-deductible, too.
With the variety of options available, there’s no reason to let a gift card go unused. Whether selling, re-gifting or donating, your unused gift card could be just what someone else was hoping for this year!
(BPT) – As we head into the coldest months, it’s important to ensure both your indoor and outdoor decorations are safe and securely assembled. These items are often overlooked around your home during the season and they can cause very serious hazards, including fires. U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 357,000 home fires per year between 2009-2013, causing 2,470 deaths and $6.9 billion in damage, according to the NFPA (National Fire Prevention Association). That’s why it’s important to check your lights and heating systems for any faults while also installing preventative measures to keep you and your family safe.
The following safety tips for inside and outside of your home to keep your family safe this season:
Outdoor hazard prevention
It’s important to make sure your outdoor décor can safely withstand harsh elements like rain and snow. By following the precautions below, one can avoid outdoor fire hazards and ensure décor remains intact all season long.
* Ensure all extension cords and electrical decorations used for outdoor decorating are marked for outdoor use.
* Outdoor decorations should be plugged into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). If circuits are not GFCI-protected, portable outdoor GFCIs can be purchased where electrical supplies are sold and are simple to install.
* Use wooden or fiberglass ladders when decorating outdoors. Metal ladders conduct electricity.
* Exercise caution when decorating near power lines. Keep yourself and your equipment at least 10 feet away from them.
* Avoid overloading electrical outlets with too many decorations or extension cords. They can overheat and cause a fire.
* Make sure that cords are not pinched in doors, windows, or under heavy furniture, which could damage the cord’s insulation.
Indoor hazard prevention
The busy kitchen activities and rooms lit by candles can also lead to a variety of fire hazards this winter season. That’s why it’s important to consider preventative measures for outlets, like Leviton’s SmartlockPro AFCI Outlet, which can detect a wide range of arcing electrical faults caused by plugged in lights or devices. Once an AFCI Outlet detects an arcing fault, it immediately shuts off power to help prevent potential ignition of a fire. These are important to have in living areas like bedrooms, living rooms and kitchens to protect homeowners from unexpected electrical hazards.
A few ways other ways to avoid the risk of electrical fires indoors include the following:
* Consider purchasing LED lights, which use less energy and run cooler than traditional incandescent lights.
* Similar to outdoor use, consider replacing standard outlets with Tamper-Resistant (TR) Outlets, which are designed for child safety. TR Outlets have a shutter mechanism inside the outlet which blocks access to the contacts unless a two-prong plug is inserted.
* Use only portable heating equipment that is approved for indoor use. Space heaters are temporary and should only be used for a limited time each day.
* Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Never use an extension cord or power strip. Do not plug anything else into the same outlet while a space heater is in use. Do not use space heaters with frayed or damaged cords.
(BPT) – As we head into the coldest months, it’s important to ensure both your indoor and outdoor decorations are safe and securely assembled. These items are often overlooked around your home during the season and they can cause very serious hazards, including fires. U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 357,000 home fires per year between 2009-2013, causing 2,470 deaths and $6.9 billion in damage, according to the NFPA (National Fire Prevention Association). That’s why it’s important to check your lights and heating systems for any faults while also installing preventative measures to keep you and your family safe.
The following safety tips for inside and outside of your home to keep your family safe this season:
Outdoor hazard prevention
It’s important to make sure your outdoor décor can safely withstand harsh elements like rain and snow. By following the precautions below, one can avoid outdoor fire hazards and ensure décor remains intact all season long.
* Ensure all extension cords and electrical decorations used for outdoor decorating are marked for outdoor use.
* Outdoor decorations should be plugged into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). If circuits are not GFCI-protected, portable outdoor GFCIs can be purchased where electrical supplies are sold and are simple to install.
* Use wooden or fiberglass ladders when decorating outdoors. Metal ladders conduct electricity.
* Exercise caution when decorating near power lines. Keep yourself and your equipment at least 10 feet away from them.
* Avoid overloading electrical outlets with too many decorations or extension cords. They can overheat and cause a fire.
* Make sure that cords are not pinched in doors, windows, or under heavy furniture, which could damage the cord’s insulation.
Indoor hazard prevention
The busy kitchen activities and rooms lit by candles can also lead to a variety of fire hazards this winter season. That’s why it’s important to consider preventative measures for outlets, like Leviton’s SmartlockPro AFCI Outlet, which can detect a wide range of arcing electrical faults caused by plugged in lights or devices. Once an AFCI Outlet detects an arcing fault, it immediately shuts off power to help prevent potential ignition of a fire. These are important to have in living areas like bedrooms, living rooms and kitchens to protect homeowners from unexpected electrical hazards.
A few ways other ways to avoid the risk of electrical fires indoors include the following:
* Consider purchasing LED lights, which use less energy and run cooler than traditional incandescent lights.
* Similar to outdoor use, consider replacing standard outlets with Tamper-Resistant (TR) Outlets, which are designed for child safety. TR Outlets have a shutter mechanism inside the outlet which blocks access to the contacts unless a two-prong plug is inserted.
* Use only portable heating equipment that is approved for indoor use. Space heaters are temporary and should only be used for a limited time each day.
* Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Never use an extension cord or power strip. Do not plug anything else into the same outlet while a space heater is in use. Do not use space heaters with frayed or damaged cords.
(BPT) – Hosting friends and family at your home is a guaranteed way to make long-lasting memories.
Not only will your guests be reminiscing about the wonderful chats and laughs you shared, but thanks to some quick tips from Minwax(R) spokesperson, Bruce Johnson, they’ll remember how great your home looked, too.
To prepare your home for guests, no matter how long they plan to stay, consider these 9 easy tips:
Mats and rugs: The sand and dirt on the bottom of guests’ shoes act like 60-grit sandpaper, wearing away your floor’s finish as they move from room to room. Protect your floors with fresh doormats and colorful rugs on each side of your doors. Plus, new rugs add a welcoming touch while instantly refreshing your space.
Fill furniture nicks: Make furniture look new again by filling in marks and scratches the easy way with Minwax(R) Stain Markers(TM). Available in a wide range of wood tone colors, Minwax Stain Markers have a convenient felt tip that delivers stain precisely where you need it, making your worn furniture look virtually new again.
Move fragile objects: Hosting can mean extra activity throughout a home and accidents can easily happen. Rather than a friend accidentally bumping into your grandma’s heirloom porcelain vase, opt to store it for a while. Breakables are best put away when guests are over, especially when hosting large parties.
Clean hardwood floors Keep your floors looking great for company with Minwax(R) Hardwood Floor Cleaner. It’s an easy to use cleaner that will gently remove dirt and grime, without leaving a soapy film behind.
Protect finishes: A great way to preserve and protect the finish on any of your wooden furniture is with a coat of Minwax(R) Paste Finishing Wax, in either natural or special dark. Rub it on, let it begin to dry, then buff with a soft cloth to a semi-gloss sheen.
Directions: Finicky furnace? Touchy toilet? Microwave with a mind of its own? Ease guests’ stay by posting a small note card with directions for anything that might not be obvious. You’ll make them feel at home!
Set out guest towels: Overnight guests will need to shower and prepare for the day. Set out extra towels and washrags for their use either by the guest bathroom sink or on their bed. Not only is this convenient, but it also encourages guests to wipe up wet messes which will eliminate future mold and mildew growth.
Protect tabletops: To avoid unintended white rings and water spots on wooden surface, apply a coat of Minwax(R) Wipe-On Poly a few days before your guests arrive. Then, set out coasters and trivets for easy use so guests stow drinks safely throughout your home.
Quick Cleanup: No need for a full cleanup after an event, but basic steps can help avoid long-lasting damage. Make sure to visit each room and pick up plates, cups, napkins and glasses. These often have moisture or food under them which can damage furniture (and smell) if left overnight.
(BPT) – Hosting friends and family at your home is a guaranteed way to make long-lasting memories.
Not only will your guests be reminiscing about the wonderful chats and laughs you shared, but thanks to some quick tips from Minwax(R) spokesperson, Bruce Johnson, they’ll remember how great your home looked, too.
To prepare your home for guests, no matter how long they plan to stay, consider these 9 easy tips:
Mats and rugs: The sand and dirt on the bottom of guests’ shoes act like 60-grit sandpaper, wearing away your floor’s finish as they move from room to room. Protect your floors with fresh doormats and colorful rugs on each side of your doors. Plus, new rugs add a welcoming touch while instantly refreshing your space.
Fill furniture nicks: Make furniture look new again by filling in marks and scratches the easy way with Minwax(R) Stain Markers(TM). Available in a wide range of wood tone colors, Minwax Stain Markers have a convenient felt tip that delivers stain precisely where you need it, making your worn furniture look virtually new again.
Move fragile objects: Hosting can mean extra activity throughout a home and accidents can easily happen. Rather than a friend accidentally bumping into your grandma’s heirloom porcelain vase, opt to store it for a while. Breakables are best put away when guests are over, especially when hosting large parties.
Clean hardwood floors Keep your floors looking great for company with Minwax(R) Hardwood Floor Cleaner. It’s an easy to use cleaner that will gently remove dirt and grime, without leaving a soapy film behind.
Protect finishes: A great way to preserve and protect the finish on any of your wooden furniture is with a coat of Minwax(R) Paste Finishing Wax, in either natural or special dark. Rub it on, let it begin to dry, then buff with a soft cloth to a semi-gloss sheen.
Directions: Finicky furnace? Touchy toilet? Microwave with a mind of its own? Ease guests’ stay by posting a small note card with directions for anything that might not be obvious. You’ll make them feel at home!
Set out guest towels: Overnight guests will need to shower and prepare for the day. Set out extra towels and washrags for their use either by the guest bathroom sink or on their bed. Not only is this convenient, but it also encourages guests to wipe up wet messes which will eliminate future mold and mildew growth.
Protect tabletops: To avoid unintended white rings and water spots on wooden surface, apply a coat of Minwax(R) Wipe-On Poly a few days before your guests arrive. Then, set out coasters and trivets for easy use so guests stow drinks safely throughout your home.
Quick Cleanup: No need for a full cleanup after an event, but basic steps can help avoid long-lasting damage. Make sure to visit each room and pick up plates, cups, napkins and glasses. These often have moisture or food under them which can damage furniture (and smell) if left overnight.
(BPT) – Investing in a bathroom upgrade is in the cards for nearly a quarter of homeowners planning to renovate within the next 12 months, according to a new survey by Bankrate.com. Improving a bathroom is rewarding on multiple levels; if you’re sellin…