Elevate your summer evenings: How to light up outdoor family moments

2025-06-09T02:01:00

(BPT) – There’s something magical about summer evenings, with warm breezes and moonlit skies inviting everyone to linger outdoors, savoring moments together. To fully enjoy your outdoor space, the right lighting makes all the difference — allowing you to transform ordinary decks, patios or yards into vibrant gathering spots, festive dance floors, cozy family havens or romantic settings. Any ambiance you desire is possible, whether you want warm white light or colored lighting, along with the added comfort, security and functionality you can achieve with lighting options from Govee Outdoor Lights.

Here are some possibilities to help you make the most of your outdoor space, all season long.

Create a warm, inviting atmosphere

If you’re looking to elevate your dining, party and leisure areas during summer barbecues and get-togethers, Govee Outdoor Clear Bulb String Lights are a great option. They’re easy to hang around your patio, deck, gazebo or pergola, creating a cheerful, welcoming atmosphere that all your friends and family will love so you can make the most of your evening gatherings. With 111 preset scene modes, an AI assistant for crafting custom effects and full personalization via the Govee Home app, creating a one-of-a-kind atmosphere for your space has never been easier or more tailored to you.

Pergala, featuring custom lighting, over a dinning area in the backyard.

Highlight your home’s features

Want to shine a light on your home’s unique architectural features? Use accent lighting like Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Pro to showcase distinctive elements like the eaves and roof contours of your home. These waterproof outdoor lights are also ideal to enhance any special occasion, including Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Halloween. The enhanced warm and cool white options will add more style to your home with a one-of-a-kind triangular effect. You can even pair DIY permanent lights with Matter, Alexa and Google Assistant for smart voice control.

Brighten up the night

Evening birthday party in the backyard with custom lighing

Planning a big event like a backyard dinner, birthday party or family reunion? For more wide-range, high-intensity lighting to illuminate larger spaces such as courtyards, driveways or activity areas, consider setting up rugged and durable Govee Outdoor Lamp Post Lights. These lights can also serve as an effective security measure. Their Integrated Double Sensors support safety alerts and monitoring, while the brightness sensor perceives illumination changes for additional security. These lights also support smart voice control via Govee Home App, Matter, Alexa and Google Assistant.

Transform your space into a magical oasis

Imagine illuminating your garden with 16 million colors, infusing every moment with the magic of nature and intelligent lighting. With Govee Outdoor Garden Lights, full-spectrum white lamp beads simulate sunlight with a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of 94 and 1100 lumens, enhancing the true, vivid colors of your beloved plants and flowers.

Enhance the romance

Hang Govee Curtain lights vertically to form a stunning light curtain effect to decorate walls, windows or gazebos for a romantic and dreamy backdrop. Even better, you can really get creative with these 520 LED light curtains to design dynamic lighting effects and even customize your own DIY light show for any holiday or special occasion. With DreamView and Music Mode, you can interconnect these curtain lights with multiple Govee smart lights for better immersive lighting — and remotely control them via the Govee Home App.

Whether you want to plan special family moments, enjoy quality “date night” vibes or create a festive party atmosphere, Govee Outdoor Lights can help you make it happen. Check out all your outdoor entertaining lighting options at Govee.com or find them on Amazon.

Love in the spin cycle: How to turn laundry time into quality time

2025-06-02T16:01:01

(BPT) – Laundry day doesn’t have to be a drag. With a little teamwork — and the right technology — you and your partner can turn this everyday chore into a chance to connect.

LG, ranked the #1 appliance brand in the U.S. and one of America’s “most reliable lines of home appliances” by Consumer Reports, wants to help couples see the sweet side of this shared responsibility. Here are four expert-backed tips to help you make the most of laundry time — together.

1. Make it showtime

Entertainment makes chores fly by. Pick a show you both enjoy, whether it’s a 30-minute sitcom or an hour-long drama, and watch while you sort, fold and fluff. It turns multitasking into a mini date night.

Pro tip: Save that show exclusively for laundry time. It becomes your built-in incentive to get it done — and a ritual you’ll look forward to.

2. Shop for new appliances together

Replacing or upgrading your washer or dryer? Turn the task into a bonding moment. Shopping together lets you align on what matters most — whether that’s load size, energy efficiency or smart features that make life easier.

Explore the LG WashTower™, a space-saving, ultra-large capacity washer and dryer with built-in AI that takes the guesswork out of laundry. That means no more bickering about the “right” settings — it adjusts to your fabrics for optimal care.

Or check out the LG WashCombo™, an all-in-one washer-dryer that washes and dries a full load in under two hours — no transfers necessary. That’s just enough time to watch a movie together while your clothes come out clean and dry.

3. Catch up while you sort

Sorting laundry into whites, blacks, colors, delicates and bulky items can be tedious, but it’s the perfect chance to catch up. Exchange funny office stories, share a project you’re excited about, plan a date night or commiserate over a busy schedule.

Pro tip: If you find any stains, make sure to spot-treat them! Is there a story behind that stain? Don’t be afraid to share.

4. Set a laundry day

Busy schedules can make household chores feel overwhelming. Set aside a consistent day and time to tackle laundry together. It keeps your household running smoothly and gives you both a predictable moment to reconnect.

If you own LG laundry appliances, be sure to download the LG ThinQ app. You’ll be able to monitor and control your washer and dryer remotely, get maintenance alerts, and even download new wash cycles — all from your phone. It’s one more way to make chores smarter, easier and more collaborative.

Laundry doesn’t have to be a chore

These four simple tips can help you transform laundry day from a dreaded task into a shared ritual. It’s not just about clean clothes — it’s about building connection, one load at a time.

* #1 Appliance Brand in the US | Source: OpenBrand, MindShare, Quarterly Consumer Survey – Units & Dollars, Major Appliances (AHAM Core 6) Year 2024

Prepare for summer storm outages with reliable backup power

2025-05-27T08:01:00

(BPT) – Summer brings more than just sunny days. The warmer season also ushers in severe weather that can knock your power out when you need it the most.

From storms to hurricanes to heatwaves, these summer weather events can take down power lines or overload local power grids, causing whole neighborhoods to lose power for hours to days, depending on the severity. Given that weather-related power outages are on the rise, it’s more important than ever to prepare with off-grid home backup power.

Weather-related power outages: A rising issue

Power outages caused by extreme weather aren’t new. In fact, severe weather is one of the leading causes of power outages. Strong winds, heavy rain, lightning, tornadoes, hurricanes and flash floods can knock down power lines and disrupt power flow. However, the number of weather-related outages is on the rise.

According to nonprofit research organization Climate Central, the U.S. dealt with 60% more weather-related outages during warmer months over the past decade than it did during the 2000s. These heat season outages accounted for almost half of all weather-related outages during 2000-2023.

In addition to storms, tornadoes and hurricanes, longer and more intense heat waves during the summer have increased demand for home cooling. With so many people using electricity to run air conditioning, power grids can become overloaded, leading to blackouts. Without an off-grid power source, your home could be left without power for hours.

More than just an inconvenience

Power outages aren’t just annoying. Extended outages can lead to dangerous — and sometimes lethal — health consequences. For example, older folks and people with certain disabilities and health conditions that rely on electric medical equipment are especially vulnerable during blackouts.

Without air conditioning, many people may also suffer heat-related illnesses. Not to mention, lack of refrigeration can also leave families without food and damage critical medications that require cold storage.

The severe weather events that cause power outages can also make restoring power difficult, compounding existing issues. Flooding, debris and damage to the power lines and stations create delays and a significant backlog for power workers, leaving some areas without electricity for days at a time.

Keep the lights on with a tiny but mighty solution

While you can’t avoid a power outage, you can protect yourself and your family by having a battery backup on hand. Consider a model like the HomePower 3000 to power your home essentials, no matter what the summer weather brings.

Recently launched by Jackery — a global leader in innovative solar generators and green off-grid energy solutions — this portable, powerful and compact home backup power station is designed for emergencies, outages and everyday off-grid use. In addition to being one of the lightest and smallest generators in its class, the HomePower 3000 can be recharged using an array of power sources, including AC, AC+DC, solar and more.

Built to withstand the harshest conditions, the HomePower 3000 can operate in extreme temperatures (-40°F to 185°F), providing power to home essentials when you need it the most. With a powerful battery capacity and up to 3,600W of output, the generator is engineered to keep essential household appliances and tools running for 1-2 days.

Whether you’re preparing for storms, powering essential appliances during power outages due to unpredictable emergencies or simply looking to reduce your dependence on the grid, the HomePower 3000 offers peace of mind through advanced engineering and performance that’s ready for anything.

Don’t be caught without power this summer. To learn more about essential home backup and even tax rebate opportunities for securing your home with Jackery, visit Jackery.com. And for additional 3kWh Jackery home backup solutions, Jackery’s Explorer 3000v2 is available at retailers such as Best Buy, Lowe’s, and Home Depot.

Designer Tips: How to Choose the Right Sliding, Folding & Pocket Door Hardware

2025-05-27T10:11:00

(BPT) – The right door hardware can improve both function and design in the home. Whether you’re renovating or simply upgrading, understanding options like pocket, wall-mount, bypass, multi-pass and bi-fold doors will help you make a smart choice. Each type has unique benefits that suit different spaces, from saving floor space in compact bathrooms to dividing areas in spacious home gyms. Explore five top solutions below.

1. Save Space with Stylish Pocket Door Hardware

Pocket door between the kitchen and dining area

Pocket doors slide into the wall to maximize floor space. Perfect for everyday use in tight areas like hallways, bathrooms and kitchens, the ADA-compliant 1500SC Pocket Door Frame Kit is a popular choice because little force is required to slide the door. It can be used with nearly any type of door and provides soft-closing door movement that prevents slamming and enhances safety.

2. Wall-Mount Doors Offer Privacy Without Wall Modifications

French pocket doors open reveiling built in bunk beds in a small room

Wall mount sliding doors are simple and quick to install and give any room an instant facelift. The 200WM Wall Mount Sliding Door Hardware Kit supports extra-heavy doors and includes a soft-close feature, perfect in bedrooms, laundry rooms and home offices where a quietly closing door is appreciated.

3. Bypass Sliding Doors: Perfect for Closets

Double pocket door hiding pantry in kitchen

Smooth gliding and long-lasting bypass door hardware is a closet staple. From hallway, bathroom, and bedroom closets to kitchen pantries, sliding bypass doors free up floor space so you can fit more furniture in a room. Swinging doors can block walkways, whereas bypass doors keep the path free and clear.

4. Multi-Pass Doors for Modern Room Dividers

Exercise room with multi pass pocket doors to seperate work-out room

It’s easy to open up or close off larger spaces with Multi-Pass Door Hardware. Three door panels hang from a durable top track and each door slides independently from jamb to jamb. Door panels stack together neatly to widen a doorway, giving access to two-thirds of the opening.

5. Bi-Fold Doors Maximize Visibility and Function in Tight Spots

Wet bar behind foldable doors.

Great for closets converted into creative spaces, such as a bar nook or workshop, bi-fold door panels fold together and allow ample access to the closet contents. For best results, it is important to choose high-quality folding door hardware when upgrading a closet so your doors operate trouble-free over time.

For more information on the advantages of pocket, sliding and folding door hardware, visit www.johnsonhardware.com, or call 574-293-5664.

Follow the company on Instagram, X, Pinterest, and Facebook.

8 ways to protect your home from wildfires

2025-05-22T16:15:00

(BPT) – As wildfire threats grow more severe across the western and southern U.S., Mercury Insurance continues to provide tips to help homeowners proactively reduce their risk. With decades of experience insuring homes in high-risk wildfire zones, Mercury is committed to empowering communities through education, action and accessible insurance solutions.

From smart landscaping choices to policy readiness, the steps you take today can help protect your home — and your peace of mind — tomorrow.

“Homeowners play a critical role in defending their properties before wildfires even begin,” said Kelly Butler, Vice President and Chief Underwriting Officer at Mercury Insurance. “By acting quickly and decisively now, you could significantly reduce the risk of loss and give firefighters a better chance to protect your home.”

Wildfire protection checklist for homeowners

1. Create defensible space around your home:
Clear dry vegetation, dead plants and flammable debris from around your home — especially within the first five feet. Trim overhanging branches and maintain a buffer zone of at least 30 feet.

2. Use fire-resistant landscaping:
Choose gravel paths and native fire-resistant plants, and avoid flammable materials like mulch or wood chips near the foundation.

3. Harden your home’s exterior:
Upgrade to fire-resistant siding and roofing, seal gaps in eaves and vents, and install ember-resistant vent screens. Replace wood fences or decks with ignition-resistant materials.

4. Clean gutters and rooflines:
Regularly clear gutters, roof valleys, and decks of leaves and debris that can easily ignite from embers.

5. Store flammable materials away from your home:
Move firewood, propane tanks, patio cushions and outdoor tools at least 30 feet away during fire season.

6. Utilize smart fire technology:
Consider outdoor sensors, sprinkler systems and Wi-Fi-connected cameras for real-time monitoring and early alerts — especially if you’re away from home.

7. Check your insurance coverage regularly:
Wildfire risk evolves, and so should your policy. Make it a habit to review your homeowners insurance coverage annually to ensure it reflects your home’s value, renovations and contents.

8. Build a relationship with your insurance agent:
A local independent Mercury agent can help you understand coverage options, recommend safety upgrades that may qualify for discounts, and guide you in preparing for wildfire season.

“An experienced agent isn’t just helpful — they’re essential,” added Butler. “They can walk you through coverage updates, recommend smart upgrades, and be your go-to when the unexpected happens. Having that trusted partner can make all the difference.”

Mercury Insurance is here to help

Mercury offers homeowners insurance that may include wildfire coverage, depending on your location and eligibility — along with tools and guidance to help you prepare and protect what matters most. Through tips like these and other helpful content available online at the Mercury blog, the company continues to help families take proactive steps toward preparedness — because safety starts with being informed.

To learn more about how Mercury Insurance can help protect your home, visit www.mercuryinsurance.com.

Introducing Clean Feels Good

2025-05-20T08:01:00

(BPT) – People are often searching for ways to feel good and overlook one of the simplest emotional sparks … the feeling of clean. With Clorox, clean is joy, pride, an oasis, a jolt of energy, unrivaled confidence — it’s a feeling. Clean feels good.

In fact, according to an online survey from Clorox, one in five Americans (21%) said they clean all the time to improve their mood*. But can clean feel as good as other popular ways to treat yourself, like playing with puppies or indulging in a latte? Clorox put cleaning to the test through groundbreaking neurotechnology research and a national survey to uncover whether cleaning can feel as good as other mood-boosting activities.

Clorox Introduces: Clean Feels GOOD infographic

How to upgrade your outdoor entertaining spaces for spring and summer

2025-05-19T02:01:00

(BPT) – Spring and summer aren’t just for outdoor sports, picnics and hikes. The warmer seasons are also a great time to entertain friends and family in your outdoor living spaces.

Whether you already have an outdoor entertaining space you want to upgrade or are starting from scratch, check out these five key features to add to your outdoor living spaces.

1. Shade and privacy

During warmer weather and sunny days, creating shade is a must for outdoor entertaining. Consider adding billowing shade sails, using patio umbrellas, building a pergola, raising a popup canopy or adding curtains. You could even use a combination of these options!

Besides creating a retreat from the sun, shade structures also provide privacy. Even outdoors, you can host more intimate gatherings without worrying about nosy neighbors.

2. Add a touch of rustic charm

Work with your outdoor setting and embrace a rustic look with stained wood or wood-like features. For example, stained-wood trim and moulding is a perfect solution for enhancing outdoor living spaces, porch ceilings and soffits.

Choose architectural trim and moulding like those in the Grove Collection by Westlake Royal. These architectural features combine the timeless charm and rich look of stained wood with the performance benefits of low maintenance, durable cellular PVC. Choose from six elegant colors: American Walnut, Oak Ridge, Natural Cedar, Smoke Grey, Weathered Oak and Charred Timber.

null

Another simple way to upgrade your outdoor spaces is with stained wood-like PVC column wraps. Embossed woodgrain wraps like those in the Grove Collection easily slip over existing columns, instantly adding a natural touch to your porch or patio. However, if you’re looking for a clean, modern look, Westlake Royal also offers easy-to-install white PVC column wraps.

Beautiful under deck patio featuring column wrapped deck posts, recessed lighting and airy outdoor furtinure.

3. Edible garden bed

Add a homegrown source of food options with an edible garden bed. Whether you need some mint to garnish a drink, basil for homemade pesto, tomatoes for a fresh spring salad, or strawberries for a refreshing snack, you’ll have easy access to everything you need right in your own backyard. Best of all, they add more greenery and visual interest to your outdoor living space!

Edible gardens are infinitely customizable depending on your geographical location, outdoor space and personal culinary preference. To create your own edible garden bed, pick a suitable place near your outdoor entertaining space. You can choose to grow your edible garden on an in-ground plot, but if you don’t have enough space, raised garden beds and containers work just as well.

Next, carefully choose the vegetables, fruits and herbs you’d like to grow. Remember to choose varieties that are easy to grow in your climate for best results.

4. Embrace the beauty of stone

Stone is a classic building material because of its robust nature and versatility. There are many ways to add stone to your outdoor space but consider trading in your current siding for a stone option.

For example, Versetta Stone siding provides the beauty and texture of authentic stone masonry in a panelized format. Unlike traditional stone, the panels only require screws to install — no mortar or metal lath required — meaning that you can install stone quicker and simpler. Also, the stone panels are engineered to withstand diverse weather conditions without the need for additional footings.

The Versetta Stone siding line offers a range of bold and neutral tones to complement various design styles. Choose a sophisticated dark gray like Granite Peak for a contemporary aesthetic, a white stone like Lunar Drift for a clean and modern elegance or a warm earthy tone like Glen Canyon to evoke a sense of comfort and natural beauty. Other colors in the line include taupe, stone grey, and charcoal.

Concrete and stone front porch on craftsman style home with dark blue vertical siding and garden view

5. Enjoy warm evenings by adding lighting

Exterior lighting ensures that your gatherings can carry on long after the sun has set. Lighting also adds ambiance to your outdoor entertaining events and can create a cozy environment that is inviting and comfortable for host and guests alike.

Consider wrapping string or fairy lights around tree trunks, low branches and columns or draping them above the seating area, creating a canopy effect. You can also add lighting to a fence or trellis.

Pro tip: Don’t settle for just one type of lighting. Consider hanging a pendant light, placing lanterns on tables or adding garden stake lights to illuminate your path.

Get ready for warm-weather gatherings

Are you ready to enjoy time with loved ones in the comfort of your own property? Using these five tips, you can create an outdoor entertaining area your guests will be begging to use all spring and summer long.

Garage Safety Month: 5 expert tips to care for your door

2025-05-09T10:41:00

(BPT) – When was the last time you gave your garage door some TLC? Garage doors can weigh over 400 pounds, depending on the material, thickness, door size, and added windows, so keeping yours well-maintained is key to keeping yourself safe and ensuring it works properly.

May is Garage Safety Month, the ideal time to care for your garage door to prolong its life span, improve functionality, and prevent accidents. Don’t know where to start? Precision Garage Door Service®, a Neighborly® company, shares six expert tips to help you keep your garage door in working order and improve your safety.

Representative from Precision garage door outside with homeowner talking about garage door.

1. Declutter and organize

Before you can work on your garage door, you’ll need to declutter and organize your garage. Doing so will give you a clearer view of the door, and in the end, you’ll have a clean garage!

Take stock of the outdoor power equipment, tools, bikes, boxes, and other items you may have stored in your garage. Determine what you can keep, toss, or donate.

Once you’ve downsized and decluttered, organize your remaining tools and equipment. Your goal should be to ensure easy access while minimizing tripping hazards.

2. Inspect the garage door

Next, inspect your garage door. Precision Garage Door Service® recommends performing an annual inspection. It’s the best way to reduce the cost of unnecessary repairs to your garage door system.

During your inspection, pay close attention to the auto-reverse mechanism, springs and cables. Listen for unusual noises and vibrations, look for slow or uneven movements and sagging sections and take note of remote-control malfunctions. These are possible indicators of potential problems and may require professional services by a reputable garage door professional.

Representative from Precision garage door inside the garage with the homeowner inspecting the bottom of the door.

3. Lubricate your door

Lubrication is key to smooth garage door operation. This May, make sure to lubricate your door’s moving parts with either a spray lubricant or spray grease product. Do not use a penetrating fluid, a primary use of water displacement. This can cause long-term damage to garage door parts. Precision Garage Door Service recommends using a silicone-based lubricant.

What parts should you lubricate? According to Precision Garage Door® Service®, pay attention to the hinges, rollers, spring and bearing plates, lock, and top of the rail and armbar.

As you lubricate your door, you may notice that the counterbalance springs need adjustment. While there are a few garage door maintenance tasks you can do on your own, this one is best left to the professionals due to the risk of injury.

Representative from Precision garage door inside the garage showing the home owner how to disengage the garage door opener.

4. Upgrade to a smart garage door opener

If you haven’t already, consider upgrading your garage door with a smart opener. Smart garage door openers offer enhanced security and convenience, allowing you to ditch your regular garage door remote.

Instead, you’ll be able to use your smartphone to operate your garage door. This means that you’ll never have to worry about losing your remote. Also, a smart garage door opener means you can securely receive packages in your garage and allow friends and family to safely enter the garage, whether or not you’re home.

5. Schedule a repair or replacement

If your garage door is damaged, don’t take a chance. Contact a professional to repair or replace it. Find your local Precision Garage Door Service® location and schedule an on-site visit. During the visit, a skilled service professional will examine your garage door and provide options that best meet your needs.

Representative from Precision Garage Door in talking with a homeowner in front of his house.

This May, check another home improvement task off your list and give yourself peace of mind. To learn more about garage door safety tips and how to care for your door, visit PrecisionDoor.net/GarageDoorSafetyMonth.

Don’t skip these 4 important spring home maintenance tasks

2025-05-09T14:49:00

(BPT) – As the world starts to wake up after a cold winter, it’s the perfect time to perform routine home maintenance tasks. Simple spring to-dos are the easiest way to find and fix existing problems before they turn into a massive headache.

Mr. Rooter Plumbing®, a Neighborly® company, knows how important spring maintenance is to prolong the life and value of your home. Doing these four home plumbing maintenance tasks this spring can help keep your home in tip-top shape this season and beyond.

1. Perform a visual plumbing fixtures check

A visual plumbing check is a quick and easy way to keep your home’s plumbing system in top shape. No matter the age of your home, regular plumbing checks can help prevent unexpected issues. Mr. Rooter Plumbing recommends checking the bathroom, kitchen and outdoor faucets for drips to ensure sinks and bathtubs drain properly, ensuring sinks and bathtubs drain properly.

Check under the sinks for leaks. Operate and check the emergency shut-off valves under the sinks, toilets and at the washer connection to ensure they are working properly. These are your first line of defense in the event of an emergency fixture problem. Be sure to examine the base of toilets for water damage and confirm that toilets flush smoothly without strange noises.

2. Have the water heater flushed

Regular water heater maintenance is essential to keep it running efficiently and extend its lifespan. Over time, sediment buildup can reduce efficiency and lead to costly repairs. Mr. Rooter Plumbing recommends having your water heater professionally serviced and flushed at least once a year to remove sediment and ensure optimal performance.

Checking for leaks, rust, or unusual noises can also help catch potential issues early. By keeping up with routine maintenance, homeowners can improve energy efficiency, maintain consistent hot water, and prevent unexpected breakdowns.

3. Take a look at your pipes

Fluctuating temperatures cause pipes to shrink and expand, which may cause cracks and leaks. Left unchecked, you could be risking a burst pipe that could flood your home. As the warmer weather sets in, check exposed pipes in basements and under cabinets for rust, cracks, or leaks.

After a visual review, check for hidden leaks. You can easily do this by turning off all the taps and appliances that use water and then checking your water meter. If the meter is still moving, you may be dealing with a leak.

If you find any problems, don’t wait. Hire a professional to fix any issues, big or small, so you can avoid bigger problems down the road.

4. Address clogged drains

Have you noticed that the water drains slower than usual after a shower or bath? This may be a sign that your drains are clogged.

If simple fixes, like removing hair from the shower drain, don’t work, you may be dealing with something more serious, like tree root intrusion.

Close up of a PVC tube with a device used to clear away roots

As trees and plants awaken in the spring, their roots become more active, and that can spell trouble for underground pipes. Tree roots naturally seek out moisture, making small cracks or joints in sewer lines the perfect entry point. Left unchecked, these roots can cause major clogs, pipe damage, or even a full collapse, leading to costly repairs.

If you suspect a tree root intrusion, calling a professional plumber for a sewer camera inspection can help catch problems early and prevent bigger headaches down the line. To learn about tree root intrusion and find a professional to take care of the problem, visit MrRooter.com/RootDamage.

Female representative from Mr. Rooter pulling a hose off a reel in the back of a truck that connects to a device used to clean tree roots out of a pipe.

Don’t wait

If you identify any problems when performing spring maintenance tasks, don’t wait. Proactive maintenance and repairs around your home are the best ways to protect your investment and peace of mind. Call a professional like Mr. Rooter so you can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the warmer weather and sunnier days ahead.

Feel the love: Help your local heroes receive much-needed relief

2025-05-02T12:01:00

(BPT) – Local heroes do so much for their communities. Teachers, nurses, first responders, veterans and so many more community heroes put everyone else’s needs before their own.

While you can’t pay them back for everything they do, you can honor their work and help these heroes feel the love this year. How? By nominating them for the 16th annual Feel The Love program.

Changing lives one HVAC at a time

HVAC systems are critical for maintaining a comfortable home. When these heating and cooling systems bite the dust, replacing them can be expensive. Without the resources to purchase and install a new HVAC, many families go without and suffer through extreme heat and cold.

Many local heroes find themselves in just this position. Financial challenges, unexpected injury or illness or other difficult circumstances can make it tough for these community members to live comfortably in their own homes.

Lennox — a leading provider of innovative home comfort solutions — believes that everyone deserves to feel comfortable in their home, especially community heroes. That’s why the LII Lennox Foundation (the company’s charitable arm) has sponsored the Feel The Love program.

The program provides much-needed relief to deserving local heroes who are struggling with uncomfortable living conditions, while also bringing communities together, encouraging a spirit of generosity and support. During the annual Feel The Love Week, local heroes nominated by their communities receive new, high-efficiency Lennox heating and cooling units at no cost.

The HVAC units are installed by local dealers who donate their time and resources to support their community heroes. Since 2009, Feel the Love dealers have installed over 2,700 heating and cooling systems for homeowners in need, including 436 installs in 2024.

Not only are HVAC systems expensive, but energy bills can be high during the increasingly extreme winter and summer seasons. To help keep recipients’ energy bills down and make good on Lennox’s dedication to continuing investments in the community, the donated units are the most efficient and modern designs.

These HVAC units heat and cool homes using less energy and also reduce greenhouse gas emissions, providing a long-term, sustainable solution for homeowners. Also, each installation comes with comprehensive protection through Lennox’s extended Warranty Your Way coverage.

Show your hometown heroes some love this fall

You can help your local hero receive the gift of comfort by nominating them for the Feel The Love program. Your nomination can honor these unsung heroes facing difficult times, selfless neighbors who put others first, community champions making a difference every day, essential workers and front-line heroes who’ve given so much to keep your community safe and functioning.

The program nomination period runs May 1 to Aug. 31. Once all the nominations are received, The LII Foundation carefully selects deserving recipients to receive brand-new heating or cooling systems completely free of charge. The list of chosen recipients will be finalized in September, and the whole program culminates in Installation Week Oct. 3-12.

Are you ready to provide comfort to your neighbors? Visit FeelTheLove.com to read the program’s nomination guidelines to help identify the perfect candidate in your community.

Watch the 2024 Lennox Feel The Love video to see how the program has impacted past recipients and get inspired to nominate someone special in your community today.