homeplace 2012

acehardware.com

• DESIGN EXPERTS’ SIMPLE PAINT IDEAS

• 12 TOOLS TO TOP OFF YOUR KIT

• FALL LAWN CARE TIPS

• 3 QUICK FIXES

• MERRY AND BRIGHT HOLIDAY LIGHT IDEAS

• GET STARTED WITH HOME CANNING

For the sixth year, thanks for the hardware.Ace stores have ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Home Improvement Retail Stores”

by J.D. Power and Associates, thanks to you.

Ace Hardware received the highest numerical score among retail stores in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2007-2012 Home Improvement Retail Store StudiesSM. 2012 study based on responses from 6,115 consumers measuring six stores and opinions of consumers who purchased a home improvement product or service within the previous 12 months. Proprietary study results are based

on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed January-February, 2012. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

Find helpful tips

Click for a list of products mentioned in the article

QUICK TIPS Click to watch video

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contentsTABLE OF

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Visit us on acehardware.com and on:

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MERRY ANDBRIGHT

holiday lights

DESIGNERS’ PAINT IDEAS:

done in a dash

TOOLS TO

top off your collection

COMMON QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY LOU MANFREDINI, ACE’S HOME EXPERT

SUPPORT CHILDREN’S HOSPITALS IN YOUR AREA

FALL LAWN CARE

FIXING A WOBBLY CHAIRSMOKE & CO DETECTORSCHIMNEY & FIREPLACE MAINTENANCE

BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO CANNING

FALL CHECKLIST

5 STEP CAR CHECKUP

Contact your local Ace for product selection and availability of the items featured in this issue.

23

holidayMERRY & BRIGHT

You may go all out with your holiday light display, or string a few simple strands to celebrate the

season. Either way, you’ll appreciate these time and energy saving product recommendations

and tips from Ace’s Home Expert, Lou Manfredini.

Woods® In-Wall 7 Day Digital Programmable TimerConserves energy by shutting your lights off at the designated time.

“Indoor timers and other new lighting technologies can help you

drastically reduce energy use from lighting,” said Lou.

Ace’s 3 Outlet Grounding Adaptor & Outdoor Power Cord Protects against shocks and shorts.

“For exterior holiday lights, use outdoor-rated and grounded, three-prong plugs and extension cords,” Lou said. “Don’t link more than three strands of traditional lights together and check previously-used lights for frayed wires, bare spots or excessive kinks. They’re signs of electrical damage and could cause a fire.”

Celebrations® LED Lights They cast a more natural – and energy-efficient – glow.

“Try the LED M5 Icicle Lights in white, warm white and multi-color strands. They use only a fraction of the energy of traditional light sets,” said Lou.

Ace’s Home Expert, Lou Manfredini

4

QUICK TIP:

Reuseable light clips will make it easier this year – and next!

Commercial-Grade Mini or Icicle Light Sets They stand up to wear and tear and stand out with a brighter shine.

“You won’t have to replace them as often. Plus, string more strands together for greater decorating ability,” said Lou.

Light Clips No nails, no strain!

“When it’s time to take the lights down off the house (hopefully not in April), the clear clips can be left on for next year,” said Lou.

J.H. Specialties Snowflake Luminaria Kit Light up the driveway for your holiday guests.

“The kit has everything you need – six walkway lanterns, bases, die cut snowflake inserts, bags, and candles,” said Lou. “Remember to keep the candles away from plants and other combustibles and to blow them out when the party’s over.”

Raleigh 7.5' Artificial Pre-Lit TreeJust set it up, plug it in, and let your holiday shine!

“The strong branches will hold your decorations with ease and there’s no need to struggle with tangled lights. For a “greener” season, I recommend artificial trees pre-lit with energy-saving LED lights,” said Lou.

Celebrations Rope Lights“Shape-able” decorative lights.

“These tube lights look great wrapped around porch railings and entry columns,” Lou said.

Werner’s 6' Fiberglass Stepladder (225 lb. weight limit-type) Use a sturdy, properly set ladder for reaching high places.

“Look for a tool tray top and slip resistant footing,” Lou said.

homeplace 2012

lights

LOU’S LADDER SAFETY TIPS:

• Set up on level ground. Open the ladder completely. Make

sure the locks are engaged. • Face the ladder as you climb.

Keep your body centered and don’t reach or lean to the sides.

common questions

answered by Lou Manfredini, Ace’s Home Expert.The last thing you want to be faced with is a busted water pipe. So

what if it does happen? Here’s my advice – with a couple extra pointers for preventing bursts due to frozen pipes.

Q: What do I do if a pipe bursts?

A: Shut off the water supply to your whole home until the plumber can get there. Look for the main water valve inside the house, where water enters the home from its source. A water meter is usually located nearby. Locate yours now, so you can quickly turn it off in an emergency. The 5 minutes it takes to fi nd it now could help you save thousands of dollars in damages in an emergency.

Q: How can I prevent pipes from freezing?

A: The best way is to insulate them with foam insulation. Fit the insulation snugly around any pipes that are six inches away from outside walls or run through areas of the home that are not heated. Make sure to tape any joints for maximum protection.

Q: What if I have plumbing located on an outside wall?

A: During bouts of extreme cold, turn the faucet on slightly at the fi xtures leading up to these pipes. This trickle of moving water will help keep the pipes from freezing.

Q: What do I do if my pipes freeze?

A: Slow thawing works best to prevent them from bursting. First, open the water taps on the frozen line. Then, soak towels in hot water and wrap the frozen section of the pipes, repeating this as they cool. Don’t use a blowtorch to thaw frozen pipes.

homeplace 2012

Give the gift of helpful this holiday season.

Happy Holidays!

Purchase Ace Gift Cards at your participating neighborhood Ace or online at acehardware.com

7

done in a dash

A POP OF COLOR,

Create the perfect mood for holiday visitors with these easy paint projects and colors hand-picked by Ace’s Design Experts: Katie Reynolds, Julie Richard and Nathan Fischer.

Due to differences in monitors and printers, the colors shown here may vary from the actual paint colors. Please refer to the color swatches at Ace Hardware stores for a more accurate color presentation.

SmokedPaprika4048

Smooth Slate5042

Spanish Heritage 4054

MagneticForce5022

8

When holiday planning is in full swing, the last thing you want to be is up to your neck in a complicated project. So, Ace’s Design Experts have simplifi ed things for you!

“You can create a festive atmosphere, without overwhelming yourself,” said Katie. “Paint something in a fun, unexpected color. The space will feel more festive, lively, and your guests are sure to gain energy from being in a creative space.”

GLAM IN NO TIME If you’re out of “room” to paint, add a big shot of color to a

mini-sized project. A glossy sheen adds a touch of couture. • Front Door – Go for maximum impact with a deep red, like

Clark+Kensington Smoked Paprika 4048, in a semi gloss fi nish. • Fireplace Mantel – A dramatic focal point creates a one-of-a-kind

element that sets your home apart. • Banister – Make a great fi rst impression on your guests. • Kitchen Island – Guests often gather in the kitchen. What a great

place to add interest with an eye-catching color.

Deciding on a paint color can be the hardest part of the project. So, our design experts selected these “just right” colors and easy-to-complete projects to inspire you.

ZERO IN ON THE POWDER ROOM, DINING ROOM OR FOYER“Your guests will be sure to see these areas. Plus, a powder room or dining room are perfect places for adding a ‘pop’ of unexpected color,” said Julie. “Cooler weather invokes the feeling of warmth and coziness, so try these rich, deep colors.”

Clark+Kensington® Smooth Slate 5042 in eggshell fi nish.A rich grey in a dining room pairs perfectly with the season’s hot metallic fi nishes. Accent your table with a bronze and pewter centerpiece or charger plates.

Clark+Kensington Magnetic Force 5022 in fl at fi nish. Try this deep, chocolate-berry hue in your powder room. Spice

it up with red or gold accents – think monogrammed guest towels or a vase of fresh fl owers on the vanity.

(continued on the next page)

homeplace 2012

City Nights1048

Hot Cocoa3056

Hibiscus4066

Blue MondayD39-6

BonaparteD39-7

9

done in a dashA POP OF COLOR,

(continued from previous page)BALANCE ACCENTS“Used in the right proportions, complementary colors can give the eye a place to rest in a room. One color should dominate and act as a backdrop for the other,” said Nathan. “Bring in one to two complementary colors in your accent pieces for an eff ect that’s simple and dramatic at the same time. These combinations were inspired by the colors and textures of fall and winter.”

Clark+Kensington City Nights 1048Deep blue is classic – and coming back in a big way – and orange is its complementary color. Paint the dining room walls and add a fall-themed centerpiece. Group fi ve glass hurricane vases with white candles inside to create a larger visual. Bring in rich shades of orange and brown by adding fall foliage and other items from nature around the candle base.

Clark+Kensington Hot Cocoa 3056In a foyer, try this perfect shade of taupe. It’s warm, inviting, and perfect for fall. Accent with holiday red and silver – try ornaments in a bowl or a poinsettia arrangement – and you’ll have a simple, yet bold eff ect.

BREAK THE MOLD IN SMALL SPACESPatterns can invigorate a room, said Julie. “I recommend them in rooms like a powder room where you can get a little less conventional. Large horizontal or vertical stripes are dynamic and make the space feel special. Sheen and color work together to determine how understated or daring the eff ect is.”

Clark+Kensington Hibiscus 4066For a subtle look, alternate fl at and high gloss sheens painted in a 10-inch vertical stripe.

Ace’s Colors for Your Life® in Blue Monday D39-6 combined with Bonaparte D39-7Go a little bolder by choosing two shades of the same hue. Paint in 12-inch wide horizontal stripes in the same eggshell fi nish. These lovely grey-blue tones will be a gorgeous backdrop to metallic or bright red holiday accents.

HOME AFTER THE HOLIDAYSWhatever space you update for the holidays, choose colors that will harmonize with the rest of your home. When the holidays are over, switch out the accent décor to update for the new season.

“For instance, if your color palette is cool and you repaint your foyer, choose a cool grey or taupe such as Clark+Kensington Baby Elephant 3052,” said Katie. “If your palette is warm, I like Clark+Kensington Nut Cup 3026. When the guests are gone, accent with whites and chocolates for a year-round look.”

Actual paint color may vary due to monitor lighting and color calibration.

Katie Reynolds — Dallas, TXOwner, principal designer for Lilli Design LLC. A licensed and registered interior designer with over 10 years of experience.

Julie Richard — Boston, MAOwner, principal designer for Shelter Interior Design – a full service interior design fi rm specializing in residential and small hospitality interiors.

Nathan Fischer — Orange County, CAOwner, principal designer for Stiles Fischer Interior Design – a full service interior design, decorating and architectural fi rm.

(Shown left to right)

GLITZY HOLIDAY ACCENTS Spray painting items from nature

is an extremely easy, inexpensive idea for holiday décor. “Spray paint naturally has a uniform look. High gloss adds shine and sparkle for a modern look,” said Nathan.

Get creative with these ideas: • Small tree branches + silver and gold

spray paint: Fill a vase or create a rustic garland. Add a string of holiday lights for extra sparkle.

• Tree stumps + bronze or gold metallic spray paint: Create extra seating or an accent cocktail table for a party.

• Pine cones + glossy white spray paint: Cluster them inside various sized glass hurricanes.

• Glass balls + spray paint in bright holiday shades: Use them as a vase or bowl fi ller.

• Lampshade + stenciled snowfl akes: A fun, seasonal pattern and décor that’s easy to change for a new season.

The trick to keeping this look chic? Avoid a hodgepodge look with these tips:

• Group items in odd numbers. For example, 3 vases or 5 branches.

• Stick with 1-2 accent colors. Choose colors that harmonize with your palette.

• Choose 2-3 focal projects in areas your guests will see. For example, a dining room centerpiece, mantel décor or entry foyer table décor.

• Stick to a few elements in large scale. Lots of little projects feel cluttered.

design expertsACE’S

homeplace 2012

She found her soul paint, Crouching Tiger 4022. Find yours.Choose from the harmonious color palette of the new Clark+Kensington® paint+primer in one exclusively at Ace.

11

top off your toolkitTOP TOOLS TO

I f every growl of a saw, crank of a ratchet or whiz of an

impact tool is music to your ears … you’re a serious tool freak.When you’re itching to add some heft to your tool collection – why fi ght it? With the right tools, you’ll add a whole new world of projects to your home repair-toire. Take a look at these 12 picks:

Craftsman Evolve Table Saw 10"A stable work surface and power enough for a range of rough materials. An adjustable miter gauge, quick release rip fence and smooth blade height adjustment save time setting up accurate cross cuts and rip cuts.

Compound Miter Saw 10"Handle those lumber, trim and molding projects where you need to make accurate perpendicular or angled cross cuts (across the grain). Stops let you quickly set to common 0, 15, 22.5, 31.6 and 45 degree angles. A laser guide enables precision alignment.

Clench WrenchHandy in a pinch and spares you from lugging around multiple size tools. Adjustable jaw and ratcheting head clamps onto a wide range of fastener sizes. Easy to stow in a knapsack, bike pack or glove compartment thanks to the folding handle.

Mechanic’s Tool Set 245 Pc.Standard and metric tools allow maintenance to machines and vehicles made in or outside the U.S. A wide assortment of sockets and combination wrenches can save dozens of trips back to the store for the right size tool.

Universal Max Access Socket and Ratchet Set 19 Pc.An innovative ratchet and socket system that works with six diff erent types of fasteners. No more need for deep sockets.

Rechargeable 35 LED WorklightRechargeable power cuts down on the cords snaked over your work site. A 360-degree swiveling hook comes in handy on the job. And, a spotlight feature sheds a little light in tight spots.

®

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Multi - Tool (Corded)Sands, grinds, scrapes and cuts where a larger tool is too bulky or awkward to control. Powerful enough to handle heavy-duty projects without stopping to change batteries.

5 Drawer Tool ChestEvery garage or workshop needs one of these. Keep tools organized and stop digging around for those specialty tools. Keyed locks with external lock bars keep your investment protected.

Floor JackLift up to a 2-1/4 ton (4,500 lb.) vehicle for brake jobs and tire changes. Steel construction and heavy-duty casters with a 5" to 15" lifting range make this a great addition to the garage.

Tool BagWhy lug more than you have to? Deep compartments keep your tools organized and a wide opening makes tools easy to grab. Reinforced construction will help your bag stand up to wear and tear.

Mechanic’s Tool Set 104 Pc.Handle most projects on the job or around the house with a wide assortment of shallow and deep sockets. Having a ratchet with one-handed reverse lever and quick-release button saves a step when switching directions and drives.

SEE CRAFTSMAN TOOLS IN ACTION ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Craftsman Evolve Compressor Kit 3 Gal. with 2" Brad NailerA portable air compressor is great to have on hand for smaller jobs like infl ating pool toys or small trim nailing jobs.

homeplace 2012

13

fall lawn care

WHAT’S A COOL-SEASON GRASS?Bluegrass, fescue and rye grass typically grow in Northern or cooler climates. Primary growth happens in the spring and fall. Dormancy happens in hot, summer months and the coldest part of the winter.

WHAT’S A WARM-SEASON GRASS?Bermuda grass, zoysia, St. Augustine and centipede grass are more typical in Southern climates. They thrive in warmer climates and become brown during winter dormancy.

14

homeplace 2012

One of the best times of year for lawn care is during the fall. Prepare it for the winter and you’ll be treated to a healthier lawn

when spring rolls back around.

START NEW GRASSModerate temperatures and more moisture make fall a good time of year to patch your turf or spread new grass seed. The warm days and cool nights help seeds germinate and establish strong roots.

FERTILIZEGrasses start to store nutrients for the winter, making fall an important time to fertilize your lawn. Apply a winterizing fertilizer to cool-season grasses. Use a broadcast spreader to apply fertilizer at the recommended rate indicated on the packaging. A winterizing variety of fertilizer will help your lawn green up earlier in the spring and build stronger roots. Choosing a product with weed control will kill existing weeds and can help with better weed control in the spring. Opt out of the weed control if you’ve applied new seed.

AERATE OR DETHATCHOver time, soil can compact and bits of dead grass build up at the soil surface, called thatch. Aerating your lawn every couple years can remedy this problem, improving drainage and air circulation. Rent a core aerator to pull plugs from the ground, rather than a tool that presses holes in the ground. Aerate cool-season grasses in the fall, but save this project for the spring if you have warm-season grasses.

Renting a power rake can cut through thatch to loosen up debris. Follow this step with a thorough raking. Many warm climate grasses can be damaged by dethatching. Be sure to ask fi rst if this technique is suitable for your grass.

LEAF CLEANUP Fallen leaves can smother turf grasses and newly seeded lawns. Remove dead leaves with a blower or rake. If your yard isn’t buried in leaves, you can chop the dead leaves up with your lawn mower. Mow over the lawn until about a half inch of grass is visible through the shredded leaf layer. The shredded leaf particles will decompose onto the lawn and nourish it.

✓

✓

✓

✓

15

wobblychair

HOW TO FIX A

Once you’re done, you’ll wonder why you put this

project off so long.

Follow these simple steps to repair a wobbly chair.

ALL IT TAKES:• Hammer• Sandpaper or Steel Wool• Wood Glue• Clamps

1. Knock the loose joint free with a hammer or mallet.

2. Remove any old glue. Use sandpaper or steel wool. Or, a rotary tool with a sanding attachment makes short work of this step.

3. Spread wood glue on the mortise and tenon surfaces of the joint. It’s better to use too much than too little. You can wipe away the excess with a rag.

4. Drill a pocket screw into the chair parts at an angle for extra reinforcement. A pocket hole jig can guide the screw into the correct angle.

5. Clamp the joint. Tighten the clamp until the glue oozes out and wipe away the excess.

6. Let the glue dry under pressure for 24 hours.

from to-do to done

IN LESS THAN 15 MINUTES

Protect your loved ones

and your home. Install, maintain and test smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors.

HOW MANY? Every fl oor of the home should have at least one of each type, or a combo unit.*

WHERE TO INSTALL? Locate them near bedrooms, so they are well within earshot.*

IS IT EASY? Simply screw the mounting bracket to the ceiling. You can also fi nd plug-in carbon monoxide detectors. Install batteries, test and you’re done.

WHAT’S IT COST? Around $25-$50. A small price to pay for peace of mind.

WHEN TO REPLACE? Replace your smoke alarm every 10 years. Change CO detectors every 5 years.

WHAT ABOUT UPKEEP? As a rule of thumb, change the batteries twice a year (usually when you change your clocks). Test the alarm monthly and when you return from vacation (in case the low battery indicator went off while you were away).

If your smoke alarm is 10 years old or more,

it’s time to replace it.

LEARN MORE

* Depending on the size and layout of your home, you may require more units. Visit www.usfa.fema.gov for detailed recommendations.

QUICK TIP:Find more

fast furniture fi x-ups on acehardware.com

PuffyShirt3028

Nut Cup3026

16

Colder weather and festive holiday gatherings call for a cozy, crackling fi re. Inspect and maintain your fi replace now, so you can rest easy knowing your chimney and fi replace are in working order.

CHECK YOUR FLUE: Feel inside the fi replace for drafts while your fl ue is closed. If you can feel cool air coming through, your fl ue may require repair or replacement.

KEEP CRITTERS OUT: Birds and other animals will seek out the warmth and shelter of a chimney as weather turns colder. Install a chimney cover or cap, with wire mesh to keep the freeloaders out.

PREVENT CHIMNEY FIRES: Creosote can build up inside your chimney and create a fi re risk. A chimney sweeping log can treat and reduce the build up. These logs burn for about 90 minutes and continue to work as you use your fi replace over the next 2 weeks.

“This is not a substitute for a professional cleaning,” said Ace’s Home Expert, Lou Manfredini. “Have a professional chimney sweep inspect and clean your fi replace and chimney every year.”

fireplace HOT TOPIC:

tune up

homeplace 2012

17

STEP-BY-STEP WATERBATH CANNING 1. Wash supplies. Wash all your canning jars, bands, lids and utensils in hot,

soapy water. You can run jars through the dishwasher, keeping them warm there until ready to use. This can prevent breakage.

2. Preheat water. Fill the canner with enough water to cover the tops of the jars at least 1 inch during processing. Heat the water while you’re preparing your recipe. Raw-packed foods need to reach 140 degrees and hot-packed foods need to reach 180 degrees.

3. Prepare your recipe. Mixes make this easy for beginners. If you’re starting from scratch, be sure to use a recipe that’s been tested for waterbath canning. It should include specifi c boiling times and a recommended headspace (the distance between top of the jar rim and the food inside). Keep in mind, processing times must be adjusted for your altitude.

4. Fill the jars. A wide funnel and headspace tool make it simple to fi ll to the correct level.

5. Remove air bubbles. Run a plastic spatula, or canning bubble popper around the inside of the jars, pressing food toward the center. Metal knives aren’t recommended – they can damage the jars.

6. Put a lid on it. Wipe drips or spills off the rims and outer threads of the jar with a damp cloth. Place the can lid on the jar with the sealing compound and jar rim aligned. Screw on the lid band until it’s fi ngertip tight.

7. Insert the canning rack. Put your fi lled jars on a canning rack and lower the rack into the water. The water should cover jars by at least 1 inch (2 inches for process times over 30 minutes). Add more water if needed. Put the canner lid on.

8. Boil the jars. When the water is heated to a vigorous boil, start a timer for the recommended processing time. If water starts spilling over, reduce the heat a bit. If water stops boiling at any time, bring it back to a steady boil and start the timing process over from the beginning.

9. Cool it down. Once the processing time is complete, turn off the heat. Allow 5 minutes for the contents to settle. Use a jar lifter to transfer the jars from the water to a towel or cooling rack. Let jars cool for at least 12 hours at room temperature. Don’t tighten the lids or press on the center of the lid or you may interfere with the sealing process.

10. Check the lids. Once the jars are completely cooled, press the center of each lid. If it’s properly sealed, the lid won’t fl ex. Put any unsealed jars in the fridge to use immediately.

11. Label jars. Store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.

you can – IF YOU CAN BOIL WATER

FIESTA SALSAIngredients: • 2 lbs. fresh tomatoes (about 6 medium)

to yield 4-1/2 cups fi nely diced • 3 tbsp. white vinegar (5% acidity) • 1/4 cup Ball® Fiesta Salsa Mix –

MIX WELL BEFORE MEASURING • 2 Ball® Pint (16 oz.) Fresh Preserving Jars

with lids and bandsDirections:1. PREPARE canner, jars, and lids according

to manufacturer’s instructions. 2. COMBINE tomatoes, vinegar, and Ball®

Fiesta Salsa Mix in large saucepan. 3. HEAT to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer

5 minutes. 4. LADLE hot salsa into jars leaving 1/2 inch

headspace. Remove air bubbles. Wipe rims. Center lids on jars. Apply bands and adjust to fi ngertip tight.

5. PROCESS in boiling water canner for 35 minutes, adjusting for altitude.*

Source: Recipe provided by Jarden Home Brands. Ball® is a registered trademark used under license.

Nothing says “homemade” like a gorgeous glass jar packed with home canned fruits or vegetables.

Savor the taste of fresh produce from your garden, farmer’s market or grocer long past the growing season. Or, create handcrafted jam, chutney, pickles or salsas to give as gifts. You’ll fi nd half of the fun is in the canning process itself. Here’s how to get started with home canning:

* Increase processing time: 5 minutes for 1,001 to 3,000 ft.;10 minutes for 3,001 to 6,000 ft.; 15 minutes for 6,001 to 8,000 ft.; 20 minutes for 8,001 to 10,000 ft.

18

homeplace 2012

CANA Beginner’s Guide to Home Canning

WATERBATH CANNING VS. PRESSURE CANNINGUse waterbath canning only for preserving high-acid foods like tomatoes, salsa, pickles, jams, and fruit. Low-acid foods, like vegetables, meats and poultry, must be processed in a pressure canner to destroy microorganisms.

BandLid

19

STOP GAPSReduce your heating bills by reducing drafts. • Seal gaps in your siding, walls and attic spaces where cold air,

and critters, can infi ltrate. Use spray-foam insulation, or fi ll in gaps smaller than 3/8" with caulk.

• Insulate your windows from the outside or inside. Windows are one of the most energy ineffi cient areas of the home. You can install storm windows or use clear plastic sheeting from a window insulation kit to cut drafts down while keeping your view.

WARM THINGS UPSave energy and keep your heat sources in working order. • Have furnaces professionally inspected and cleaned each fall

before cold weather sets in. • Change furnace fi lters to ensure your system runs smoothly

and captures airborne particles. • Target your coldest rooms with a space heater. Never leave

them unattended. An automatic shut-off is a smart feature to prevent overheating if you accidentally leave it unattended.

• Install a programmable thermostat. Automatically turn down your heat at night or when you’re not home during the workday.

• Stock up on fi rewood if you have a wood burning fi replace or heat source.

PREP FOR THE EXTREMEStock up on supplies in case Mother Nature strikes with a vengeance. • Create an emergency kit. Include a fi rst aid kit, battery-powered

radio, fl ashlights and lanterns, and fresh batteries. A manual can opener and canned food, non-perishable items and a three-day supply of drinking water should be part of your kit.

• If you experience power outages in your area, consider purchasing a generator. NEVER operate a generator indoors, as the engine exhaust contains potentially fatal carbon monoxide.

• If you experience snowfalls. Stock up on snow shovels, ice scrapers, snow thrower fuel and salt or sand to keep driveways and sidewalks clear of ice and snow.

CLEAN GUTTERSIn both metal and plastic gutters, water and debris can cause cracks, mold and rust. And clogged gutters can overfl ow, defeating the purpose of diverting water away from your foundation. • Use a garden hose with a spray nozzle to blast away debris

like leaves, tree branches and muck. Spray water in the downspout to clear any clogs.

• Fix leaks at the gutter seams with sealant.

✓

✓

✓

✓QUICK TIP:

Planting for the fall? Try pansies. They may look delicate, but they stand up

to cooler temperatures and brighten up dreary spaces.

20

homeplace 2012

checklistSeasonal reminders

fall

MUST-HAVE for Do-It-Yourselfers:

Earn Rewards FasterPoints add up quickly, and you’ll earn Rewards you can use at your local Ace Hardware.

For every $1 of net purchases* on your card, you get:

• Up to 10% back quarterly in popular categories1

• Up to 5% back on Ace purchases2

• 2% back on gas and groceries3

• 1% back everywhere else Visa® is accepted

Apply today! Go to acerewardsvisa.com/ar93198

*Net purchases are purchases minus credits and returns.

1. Earn 10% in Ace Rewards points for each net $1 spent when you use your Ace Rewards Visa Card on category purchases up to the total purchase dollar amount specifi ed for each program. For every net $1 spent on category purchases, you will earn a monthly rebate of 1% in Rewards points. An additional 9% bonus will also be given in Rewards points and points will be awarded within 6 weeks after the conclusion of each offer. Category purchases in excess of the specifi ed amounts will automatically earn 1% for each net $1 spent. To participate, you must be an Ace Rewards Visa Cardmember in good standing (account open for at least 40 days and not over-the-credit limit or past due on the closing date for the billing cycle) and sign up at acerewardsvisa.com for each 10% quarterly offer before the end date for each promotion. U.S. Bank cannot control how merchants choose to classify their business and reserves the right to determine which purchases qualify.

2. Ace customers who are approved for the Ace Rewards Visa Card will be automatically enrolled in the Ace Rewards Loyalty program, if they are not already Ace Rewards Loyalty program members. The 5% in Ace Rewards points is calculated based on the 3% earned for every net $1 spent at participating Ace stores plus an additional 2% Bonus Reward on Ace store purchases when you reach a minimum spend of $12,000 anywhere Visa is accepted in a calendar year. The 2% Bonus Reward will be awarded in a lump sum on the Cardmember’s Ace Rewards Visa periodic statement during the subsequent fi rst quarter of each calendar year.

3. U.S. Bank cannot control how merchants choose to classify their business and reserves the right to determine which purchases qualify.

The creditor and issuer of the Ace Rewards Visa Card is U.S. Bank National Association ND, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc.

© 2012 U.S. Bank. All rights reserved.

22

homeplace 2012The change in seasons is great timing for some routine auto maintenance – whether you’ll be

road-tripping to a warmer climate, or bearing down for the cold.

These projects are simple to complete with a little help from your owner’s manual.

• CHECK YOUR WIPERS. Replace your wiper blades if needed and top off the windshield wiper fl uid.

• CHECK FLUIDS. Check oil, brake, transmission, radiator coolant and power steering fl uid levels. Check your owner’s manual to locate fl uid reservoirs and determine which type of fl uid to purchase for your vehicle.

• CHECK TIRE PRESSURE. When the tires are cold, use a gauge to check the pressure. Fill them according to the recommended air pressure found on the side of your tire.

• CHECK YOUR TIRE TREAD. Let Abe Lincoln be your guide. Pinch a penny – with your thumb and forefi nger covering Lincoln’s body. Dip Abe headfi rst in the groove where the tread seems thinnest. If you can see the top edge of Lincoln’s head, it’s time for new tires. If Lincoln’s head is partly covered up, your tread is probably okay.

• CHECK HEADLIGHTS, BRAKE LIGHTS AND SIGNALS. If a light isn’t working, check the fuse to see if that’s the cause. If not, replace the bulb, or light.

EMERGENCY KITKeep these items in your trunk to be prepared for roadside emergencies.• Jumper cables• First aid kit• Flares or refl ective triangles• Flashlight

In cold climates, these items are a must in winter.• Ice scraper and brush• Extra clothing • Blanket• Boots• Tire traction material such as sand or cat litter• Shovel

car5 STEP

✓

QUICK TIP:COLD WEATHER:

Try to keep your gas tank more than half full to prevent gas lines from freezing. If you

park your vehicle outside, you may want to keep a

lock de-icer handy as well.

23

championing a cause

JOIN US IN

Stop in to your participating local Ace store and help kids

treated at your local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.

In October, donate $1 or more and receive an icon featuring your Ace store’s state Champion. 100% of your donation will benefi t the Children’s Miracle Network Hospital closest to your local Ace store.

OCT. 1–31, 2012

homeplace 2012

24

THE CHAMPIONS PROGRAMEstablished in 1983, Children’s Miracle

Network Hospitals raise funds and

awareness for more than 17 million sick

and injured children, who are cared for

each year by its 170 affi liated hospitals,

regardless of their family’s ability to pay.

Each year, one child from every state is

designated to serve as a “Champion.”

These kids have each been treated at a

Children’s Miracle Network Hospital and

their remarkable stories inspire us to

help. Ace is a proud sponsor of the 2012

Champions program.

For over 20 years, the Ace Hardware

Foundation has been dedicated to

raising funds so these hospitals can

stay on the cutting edge of childrens’

healthcare needs.

The generosity of customers like you

helps us continue to make miracles

happen for kids.

Visit acehardware.com for more

information or to make a donation to

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

http://childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org/About/Champions