Moving Up

Home Renovation Specialists Say a Popular Way to Gain More Space is "Go Up a Level"

By Jenn Diamond

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SUMMERTIME ENERGY SAVING TIPS
By John Fullam, owner
Star Mechanical Contractors LLC

As the cost of energy rises, the efficient operation of your air conditioning system becomes more critical. During the summer in New Jersey, we have high temperatures and high humidity days. The best way to keep your system operating at its peak performance is by having it serviced before the hot weather arrives by a qualified contractor.

Whether your system is ten years old or one year old, the best way to keep it running smooth and reliably is by taking care of some simple maintenance issues:

Change the filter.
Clean and oil the indoor blower.
Power wash the outdoor unit to keep the condenser clean and operating at a cooler temperature.
Balance air flow from your vents.
Have a licensed HVAC contractor check the refrigerant level and test your system completely.

These simple steps can avert an expensive and inconvenient breakdown, which will most likely occur in the hottest part of the summer. In addition, by having these five simple items checked each spring, you can save on your electric consumption.

The automotive industry had conditioned the public to change oil, rotate tires and check fluids. Everyone agrees that these are important and necessary steps to conserve fuel and extend the life of your car. Your investment and comfort in your HVAC system should not be different.

After 25 years in the service and air conditioning installation business, we recommend that all homeowners, businesses and invent industrial locations check their air conditioning systems at least once per year.

Star Mechanical Contractors LLC, 723 Fairfield Ave., Kenilworth, NJ; 908-245-9122

CREATING A BACKYARD OASIS
With gas prices what they are and time constraints of the modern family, more and more people are opting to spend time at home entertaining. Family rooms are equipped with entertainment systems and basements resemble a Mall game room. The latest place to entertain and unwind is the backyard. Yes, your backyard. Regardless of its
size, you can turn your backyard into a place to relax with family and friends and unwind with each other. Modern technology and convenience afford every homeowner an opportunity to create a backyard oasis. To create your haven, begin by thinking of it as a room without walls. Consider the ambience your family would enjoy most, fun and festive or elegant and private. Let’s begin with functional choices.

Swimming pools are a wonderfully fun way of bringing families together. Small space or budget doesn’t allow for an in-ground, modern technology provides the latest styling and durability in aboveground pools. Available in different sizes and shapes with or without decking, they afford the identical swimming and sunbathing experience of a more expensive in-ground pool. Solar covers and improved electric heating and filtering systems increase the swim season.

Not a pool person, but still crave the relaxing effects only water provides; spas are the most popular addition to the backyard? Spas seat two to seven people with 25 to 56 massaging jets. Many are equipped with FM radios, CD players, and ambient lighting.

Outdoor furniture, once limited to heavy wrought iron or flimsy plastic, is readily available
in a broad selection of affordable cast and casual aluminum, allowing the consumer options in design, styling and fabric fashions. This modern technology offers the same beauty and better durability than wrought iron or teak at much less cost and care. Personal preference will dictate your choice of sling styling or cushions all with easy-care fabric dyed through to resist fading and pattern distortions. One last important choice for a functional oasis is the grill. Year round barbequing is not uncommon nowadays. Choose from the simple charcoal grill, the lavish multi burner grill or the built-in grill that brings your kitchen outdoors.

Now that the functional choices are made, you can begin to accessorize and create ambience. A glass topped horseshoe bar in casual aluminum with matching stools convey an elegant ambiance, while a Tiki Bar and faux-lighted palm trees create the festive atmosphere of the islands. Intimate settings call for chimineas and fire-pit tables,
offering cooking options and warmth. Enclosed gazebos and bamboo curtains allow privacy. Trellises, fishponds and garden statues create elegance and romance, while Asian Rock Water Fountains create a Zen-like tranquility. Lanterns and floor lamps add style to any outdoor décor. Add wind chimes and whimsical garden decorations and you have an oasis fit for royalty.

Stop by State Fair Pool & Patio Superstore to find the above-mentioned items on display as well as a sales staff that is knowledgeable and courteous. State Fair Pool & Patio Superstore is your one-stop shop for backyard living and we have it all in stock and ready for delivery.

State Fair Pool & Patio Superstore, 229 Main St., Belleville, NJ; 973-450-1070;
www.stfair.com

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