Category: Brandpoint

2018-01-24T08:46:00

(BPT) – From smartphones to mattresses, almost everything you buy comes with a warranty. How can you ensure you get the most benefit from a warranty, especially for a major investment that’s critical to the comfort of your home, like a new furnace?

“Warranties are meant to assure a homeowner that the furnace they’re purchasing will do what it’s supposed to, is free of defects and meets applicable government regulations or standards,” says Chip Wade, HGTV expert. “However, warranties are often very specific about the circumstances under which the manufacturer will repair or replace the furnace if it doesn’t work properly. It’s important to carefully read your furnace’s warranty to ensure you understand exactly how it works.”

Warranty terms

Because written warranties are legally binding documents, you may come across unfamiliar terms as you’re reading yours, including:

Product warranty — This is the guarantee that comes from the company that manufactures the furnace. Contractors and installers may offer extended warranties that apply to their work, including the labor required to install the furnace. York, for example, manages its own extended warranties. Other manufacturers often work with outside firms.

Warranty term — The length of time the coverage is offered is called the warranty term. These can vary significantly.

Parts warranty — Most furnace warranties will cover replacement of specific parts if they malfunction within the warranty time frame and the problem is a result of a manufacturer’s defect. Most warranties have different coverage periods for different parts.

Non-transferable — When you have a new home comfort system installed, if the furnace warranty is non-transferable, the coverage will not transfer to the new owners if you sell the house before the end of the warranty term.

Protect your warranty

“No homeowner ever wants to hear their warranty has been voided by something they did or something they were supposed to do but didn’t,” Wade says. “That’s why it’s so important to read your detailed furnace warranty very carefully, so you know what the manufacturer and installer require in order to honor the warranty.”

Actions that help ensure a valid warranty:

* Register the product purchase with the manufacturer. Most manufacturers require homeowners to register their furnace with the manufacturer within a specified window of time after the purchase and installation. If the contractor does not register the warranty on behalf of the homeowner, homeowners are required to register within 90 days of installation.

* Work with a qualified contractor who can properly install the product. If a part doesn’t work because it wasn’t installed properly, the manufacturer will likely say the installer, and not the manufacturer, is liable for fixing the problem.

* Use branded parts or parts the manufacturer has certified for the furnace. Otherwise, you may void the manufacturer’s warranty, even for parts that would normally be covered.

* Follow manufacturer maintenance recommendations. For your furnace to operate as it should, it will need to be professionally serviced every year. Keep service records for reference, in case an issue arises.

York heating and cooling offers a lifetime heat exchanger warranty on its Affinity gas furnaces. In addition, it offers the Complete Assurance Warranty Pledge with this furnace. If the heat exchanger fails within 10 years of installation, the company provides optional furnace replacement in lieu of heat exchanger equipment.

“A new furnace is a big investment, and it’s one that’s essential to preserve the comfort of your home,” Wade says. “A good manufacturer’s warranty can help you be sure you’re getting a quality product that’s backed by a company that will stand by its work.”

Visit www.york.com/warranty to learn more about warranties.

2018-01-24T06:01:01

(BPT) – Whether you’ve been a loyalist to the same shade of green for the last decade or if you’re an evolving follower of trends whose color choices have shifted over the years, the trending color of 2018 is sure to surprise and intrigue you. Indeed, black is back. But how was this classic shade named the trending color of the year? While many assume the choice is random, trending colors are based on many influencers, but where do they really begin? Trending colors arise from consumer preferences, which are formed by societal influences, such as politics, economics, lifestyle and overall sentiment. We as a society hold the power of prompting new color trends based on our ever-changing attitudes, ideas and actions.

Dee Schlotter, senior color marketing manager for PPG, a leader in paint and color, understands the path to determining each year’s top trending color. Schlotter and more than 20 PPG color stylists from around the world meet annually at the company’s Global Color Trends Workshop. “Our team of global color experts assess societal and cultural influences to forecast what colors will be popular in home decor, consumer goods, automotive and even airplanes for the upcoming year,” Schlotter says. “We also look at what’s happening in society, and the state of people’s emotions because of current events. All of this information helps us predict what colors will truly resonate with people in the coming year, especially when it comes to the paint in their homes.”

2018 finds its color of the year in a reflection of people’s daily lives and their need to find an escape.

‘Black’ to basics

“The PPG Paints brand’s 2018 Color of the Year is Black Flame (PPG1043-7). It offers the silencing impact of black with the possibility and hopefulness of indigo seen in the color’s undertone,” says Schlotter.

Schlotter adds that black will be very popular in 2018 because it offers a break from an often chaotic and over-worked world. “With society facing overstimulation and a need to take refuge, the color black offers a comforting retreat, and a chance to start new and get back to the basics,” she says. “Black Flame represents that necessary void and the need for nothingness that helps us recharge, making it a timeless and classic color in home decor.”

A palette of options

While going darker can seem intimidating at first, incorporating black into your existing decor is a lot easier than you think.

Many people mistakenly believe that all blacks are the same. However, black, like any other color, is available in a wide array of shades. For example, Glidden paint’s 2018 Color of the Year, Deep Onyx (00NN 07/000), is a deep and rich black that encourages a less-is-more attitude when applying to home decor, while Black Magic (OL116), the 2018 Color of the Year for Olympic paints, is more glamorous and looks great as a statement color for walls. And, if you’re looking for some darker inspiration outdoors, Olympic stain’s Maximum product in a Cinder semi-transparent stain color (905) is a great complement to Black Magic when applied to exterior surfaces like doors, window trims and shutters.

Any of these black hues can be a defining piece in your decor while providing you with the mental escape you need. Schlotter adds that capitalizing on this year’s color trend isn’t solely about the color itself, but what you pair it with. Consider some of her other tips and tricks, including:

* Pairing the PPG Paints brand’s Black Flame with Millennial orange-pinks, teals and warm gray or mocha browns for an enveloping, rich look and feel.

* Feeling a bit more daring? Make an impactful statement with black by applying it from floor to ceiling on an accent wall or in an entire room. Completing the look with lighter elements and furnishings will make the decor stand out, because the dark walls will highlight artwork and accessories while providing depth and character, creating a perfect space for respite and conversation.

* To keep a space more fresh and modern, consider pairing a black hue with whites, matte finishes or light-grain wood finishes.

“Outside of paint, reinvented versions of the classic black hue are showing up in key design elements — from faucets, to matte black appliances, to black veined granite countertops, black windows and marble floors,” says Schlotter. “The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to adding this misunderstood neutral in the home.”

2018-01-24T06:01:01

(BPT) – Ready to tackle your next home remodeling project and showcase your Do-It-Yourself (DIY) skills? Or maybe you’re an aspiring DIYer, hoping to channel your creative spirit and try your hand at the next home improvement project? Now is the time to get started.

According to experts from the National Association of Home Builders, the amount of money homeowners spend on remodeling projects is predicted to grow nearly 5 percent in 2018. Some of these dollars will be spent on large comprehensive rebuilds and others will be spent on smaller fix-it-up projects. No matter the spend, it’s a good bet much of this money will go to fund DIYers in their home improvement efforts, and many of them will be taking on projects for the first time.

Here are five bathroom upgrade projects that can be completed in a weekend. So now you can reinvent your bathroom and employ your DIY skills at the same time. Go ahead, pick the project that appeals most to you, and let’s get this project underway:

* Upgrade your bathroom fixtures. The focal points of your bathroom can easily be replaced, making a big overall impact with little outlay of effort. Tapered design lines and modern styling, like those in the American Standard Townsend bathroom fixtures, can beautifully enhance your bathroom. Consider replacing an old vanity with a new smoked gray vanity or washstand. It can be accented with a softly angular sink displaying generously sized side ledges to conveniently accommodate toiletries. Finish the room with matching accessories – towel bars, toilet paper holder, robe hook – and you’re on your way to a whole new level of style, all done with your DIY expertise.

* Install a new shower door. A shower door replacement can be made for cosmetic reasons; plus, there are very real potential benefits behind it as well, provided you pay attention to the details. Follow the process to install your door and be sure to apply silicone caulk at the end along the edges of the base track — both inside and out — and along the jams. This will make your new door water tight and keep your whole bathroom cleaner and drier.

* Replace your sink faucet. The faucet in your bathroom gets used every single day, so why not make it one you love? American Standard Studio S bathroom faucets showcase a fashion-forward geometric silhouette with minimalistic surface details. You can choose an easy-to-operate single handle model, or distinctive two-handle configurations, depending on what works for your home and family. These faucets are easy to install, and the WaterSense-certified 1.2 gallons per minute flow rate will save you water — up to 45 percent over conventional models — and money without compromising your experience.

* Lay the tile. Whether you’re motivated by structural needs or an outlet for your own artistic expression, laying new bathroom tile is a project that immediately ups the wow factor. Tile is incredibly impervious to water and stains, making it perfect for the bathroom. But it won’t lay properly unless you thoroughly clean the surface beforehand. Fill those backboard seams with mortar, apply a fiberglass mesh and then you’re ready to lay a tile design that matches your unique look.

* A spot for the perfect seat. If you’ve ever wished your time on the toilet seat was a little more luxurious, now is the perfect time to upgrade to an American Standard SpaLet bidet seat. It’s easy to install and provides the ultimate personal experience with a wide array of features like heated seat, water temperature control, spray strength, nozzle position, and even a deodorizer. Now, you can bring a spa-like environment right to the comfort of your own bathroom, without much time or cost invested.

Start reimagining your bathroom today

As one of the most used rooms in your home, the bathroom is the perfect place to start your weekend warrior home improvement projects. Simple upgrades to the elements in a bustling family bathroom, cozy master bath or heavy-use powder room can often be done with DIY know-how and enjoyed for many years to come.

2018-02-06T11:01:00

(BPT) – If you’re like most Americans, you prefer to have an immaculate bathroom — you just don’t like cleaning it.

In fact, in a recent study by Kohler (conducted by independent research firm Vision Critical), 42 percent of consumers admitted cleaning the toilet is one of their most disliked chores.

That said, domestic guru Martha Stewart recommends scrubbing your tub/shower enclosure, toilet and drains at least weekly to maintain decent standards of cleanliness. And a study from researcher Mintel shows 49 percent of American adults place importance on doing their housecleaning right, though 27 percent would like to minimize the time they spend in such pursuits. That may be why 42 percent prefer to clean in small increments, though “most are not interested in compromising on effectiveness or results.”

“Americans are more likely to prefer to clean as they go, doing quick cleanups that fit into their busy schedules, as opposed to setting aside time to give the whole house thorough top-to-bottom cleanings,” notes Mintel Senior Analyst John Owen. “This preference for on-the-go cleaning has helped fuel the market for quick-cleanup products designed to tackle small messes quickly and efficiently, saving both time and effort.”

If cleaning the bathroom is on the bottom of your favorites list, consider some of these brilliant solutions technology has enabled that might make your bathroom sanitation a non-issue moving forward.

* No flubbing the scrubbing. No more must you aggravate your bad back and tennis elbow manually scrubbing soap scum off your shower walls, sinks and grout. Powerful rotating brush scrubbers that operate on batteries can now do the heavy lifting for you; one of the latest is made up of a set of attachments that cleverly fit onto a normal household drill.

* Go easy. Engineers at Kohler have developed a lower-maintenance toilet — the Corbelle with Revolution 360 flushing — that’s designed to remain cleaner, longer. Its CleanCoat surface repels bacteria, mildew and hard water buildup, its smooth design makes for easy surface maintenance and its powerful flushing motion flows at a 360-degree angle for thoroughness that minimizes the need for scrubbing.

* Dreamy steam cleaning. Sanitize your bathroom floors, counters, tub and shower enclosures and other surfaces without chemicals by using one of the efficient and easy-to-use handheld steam cleaners now on the market. Steam can work efficiently to kill bacteria, germs and dust mites including E. coli, staph bacteria, salmonella and other micro-organisms.

* Floored by cleanliness. For larger bathrooms, the new and nicely compact mopping robots can wet mop, damp sweep or dry sweep hard-surfaced floors. Internal navigation systems let them clean systematically while identifying rugs, drop-offs, spills and stains, the latter of which are tackled with jet sprays and vibrating cleaner heads.

* Suck it up. Several vendors now offer 3.2-gallon motion-sensor trash cans that keep their contents out of sight but automatically open (via battery) when you’re ready to deposit dirt and debris.

Life is too short to spend more time than you have to keeping your house clean — and that’s where technology comes in handy. Consider investing in the products that can free up your life for more meaningful activities.

2018-02-05T16:01:00

(BPT) – Outdoor living spaces rank first among special function rooms desired by consumers, according to the American Institute for Architects, and so homeowners are expected to be going all-in for the outdoors in 2018.

Trex Company, a maker of premium decking and railing, has gleaned insights from contractors, homeowners and industry experts to compile the following outdoor living trends that will dominate this year:

Year-round enjoyment

Among the biggest trends is a shift away from seasonality as consumers adopt more of a year-round mindset, no longer restricting outdoor living to spring and summer. Thanks to new high-performance materials and innovative design approaches, homeowners everywhere are transforming their outdoor spaces into multi-seasonal extensions of their homes. For example, Trex contractors have reported an uptick in requests for its RainEscape deck drainage system by clients looking to add multi-seasonal living space underneath an elevated deck.

Minimal maintenance, maximum enjoyment

Just because people are spending more time outdoors doesn’t mean they’re willing to put in extra hours for upkeep. In fact, high-maintenance materials like wood are seeing a decrease in demand as people are opting for offerings that deliver better performance and sustainability.

Unlike wood, high-performance composites resist fading, staining, scratching and mold — and won’t rot, warp, crack or splinter. No sanding, staining or painting is required, and food and drink spills wash off easily with just soap and water.

Comfy cozy

Among the hottest design influences right now is “hygge” (pronounced hoo-gah) — the Scandinavian term for a feeling of coziness and comfort. This year, outdoor spaces will beckon homeowners and their guests to relax and rejuvenate with hygge-inspired accents, from plush cushions and throws to protective pergolas, cozy warming features and outdoor lighting.

Residential goes commercial

While railing matched to the decking remains popular, an increasing number of homeowners are taking advantage of the complementary decking and railing pairings afforded by new railing materials in modern, metal finishes, as well as sleek designs inspired by commercial architecture. More homeowners are inspired by outdoor spaces they find in commercial settings, such as hotels and urban rooftops, and want to replicate those looks in their homes. A prime example of this commercial-to-residential trend is the growing popularity of horizontal railings such as rod rail — a sleek, industrial look that’s ideal for optimizing a panoramic view.

Hide and chic

With the increased usage of outdoor living spaces comes higher demand for chic decor and privacy. An easy design trick that adds personal style and functionality, lattice panels are perfect for enhancing privacy and concealing storage areas or unsightly views. With styles ranging from romantic to deco, lattice panels can be integrated into any outdoor area and applied to structures such as arbors, trellises and gazebos, or used as decorative wainscoting or deck skirting.

Fun and games

Kids are not the only ones who enjoy playing outside. Outdoor play spaces for all ages are on the rise, including everything from swimming pools and embedded sandboxes to regulation cornhole courts, horseshoe pits and dedicated spaces for volleyball, badminton and bocce ball.

Beyond yard games, electronics manufacturers now offer televisions and entertainment systems specifically designed for the outdoors, taking into consideration differences in lighting and outdoor acoustics. Meanwhile, new storage options include durable wall-mounted television and entertainment centers that beautifully protect pricey electronics from the elements, while concealing all of the unsightly — and potentially unsafe — cords and cables.

For more information about outdoor living trends, go to www.trex.com.

2018-02-05T12:37:00

(BPT) – For the avid DIYer in you, the winter season may cause a little anxiety while you’re cooped up inside and unable to tackle those outdoor projects you’d love to finish. The good news, however, is that the inside of your home needs just as much DIY attention as the outside — sometimes more — and the winter is the perfect time to tackle these projects.

Each of the tasks on the list below can be finished in a single weekend and, once completed, will make your home more enjoyable for the rest of the winter and beyond.

* Apply a fresh coat of paint. Whether your drive to paint comes from a style choice or a need to repair dings and dents, there’s no reason you can’t tackle it now. Head to your local paint store to research options for colors and tools and then set aside a day where you can focus solely on your project. Whether you touch up your existing colors or go bold with an accent wall, this is one project you’ll be glad to finish.

* Seal up those air leaks. This one isn’t just good for your house, it’s good for your wallet as well. Gaps around windows and doors allow cold air drafts to seep into your home as they let out the warm air needed to keep you comfortable. GREAT STUFF(TM) Window & Door Insulating Foam Sealant is a solution you can use to seal gaps around your windows and doors quickly to help make your home more comfortable and to reduce the cost of your next heating bill.

* Clear that clutter. A few months cooped up in your home can really lead to some excessive accumulation, so why not start your spring cleaning early? Tackle your home’s clutter over the course of several days and review everything you find. If you haven’t used an item in more than a year — or you don’t even know what it is — now’s the time to sell it online, donate it or simply throw it out.

* Vacate the vermin. A visit from the in-laws is par for the course during the holidays, but there are plenty of actual intruders trying to enter your home once the weather turns cold. Arachnids and insects of all varieties need only the smallest opening to access your home, so help block their access with GREAT STUFF(TM) Pestblock Insulating Foam Sealant. Apply this water-resistant sealant around any exterior openings to your home — such as heat or water pipes and cracks in your siding — and you’ll create a barrier between you and the pests trying to sneak in.

* Make a big splash in your bathroom. No, you’re not going to spontaneously decide to remodel your bathroom, but a few tiny changes in this space can make it seem as though you did. Replacing your existing fixtures is a cost-effective way to give the space an entirely new appearance. A little elbow grease goes a long way too. Don’t be afraid to get down on your knees and bid that mildew goodbye once and for all with a simple mixture of bleach and warm water.

Start your winter DIY project today.

The winter season doesn’t mean your indoor projects also need to hibernate. You can get to work right now even while there is a chill in the air. Start with the list above and see where inspiration takes you. Your home could have a dramatically new look and feel once spring has sprung.

(TM) Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company

2018-02-05T09:01:00

(BPT) – Are you dreaming about an incredible family escape your loved ones will always remember? Perhaps your dream vacation is filled with adventure while eating around the world and exploring castles in faraway places, or maybe it’s relaxing on a private island with picturesque views of crystal clear water. Before taking off, you need to tackle the logistics. Fortunately, with a few tips from those in the know, creating an unforgettable getaway can be as magical as taking one.

Tip #1: Get the inside scoop

No idea where to begin? Talk with a trustworthy resource or fellow parent who has “been there.” The honest and relatable vacation tips you’ll receive are invaluable and can ease the planning process. For example, individuals thinking about planning a Disney vacation should visit www.disneyparksmomspanel.com, an online resource providing authentic answers to guests seeking advice from in-the-know panelists with years of vast experience.

The panel, which recently announced the addition of 11 new moms, dads and grandparents, includes your next-door neighbors, your good friends, and above all else, seasoned vacationers you can count on for genuine advice when planning your next getaway to a Disney destination. The panel can give you a personalized response in English, Spanish, French or Portuguese.

Tip #2: Find an all-appealing destination

You probably have a few ideas of where to go, but brainstorming destinations with your travel crew can provide helpful feedback and insight into everyone’s interests. Maybe your best friends are making brunch a priority for your girlfriends’ getaway. Or Grandma has a few “memory making” ideas for her vacation with the grandkids. Your fickle pre-teen even has a dream destination you might not know of, and your kindergartner is sure to throw a few ideas into the ring.

After you make a list of everyone’s thoughts, do some research online. Poke around travel websites, talk with other parents and search www.disneyparksmomspanel.com for guidance. With a little digging, you can find experiences that appeal as much to your toddler as your teenager and even your best friend. The key is to make it a discussion, talk with others who are in the know and overall, enjoy helping you plan your escape. Whether you’re going for a dream Disney vacation, planning a beach getaway, indulging in one-of-a-kind foodie experiences, (or all three!), there are plenty of places that grant everyone’s wishes.

Tip #3: Be proactive about special requirements

Keep special needs top of mind when booking accommodations. For example, all U.S. hotels are required to offer wheelchair-accessible rooms, but international hotels follow different guidelines, so be sure to ask. Additionally, if you have a sensitive child who prefers a calmer environment, book a hotel room away from the pool or other entertainment spaces.

Another common concern for families is food allergies. To ease worries, plan ahead. Experienced jetsetters suggest asking restaurants for their ingredients charts and nutrition information or requesting to speak directly to the chef. You can even call airlines and hotels early to ask about allergy policies.

Bottom line: It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially when planning a family getaway. Each age has different considerations, but with some smart strategizing and advice from the right people, you can create memories to last a lifetime. These three tips will have you well on your way to experiencing an epic family vacation.

2018-02-02T06:01:00

(BPT) – Has this ever happened to you?

You sign up for a great deal on wireless service, but when it’s time to pay, the numbers just don’t add up. That $70 service shows up on your bill as $80 or more, leaving you confused about how your costs have gone up without any warning.

Extra charges on your bill come from a combination of taxes and a carrier’s administrative charges. Some are mandated by government regulations, but others are fees applied strictly at the carrier’s discretion. One of the main challenges in understanding your bill is deciphering the language used to itemize these charges.

Some carriers now roll all of their fees into a single monthly charge rather than listing them separately. While this may make it appear that they have eliminated extra fees altogether, this is not the case. Chances are, regardless of how the numbers are presented, you’re paying for more than just your monthly service.

Not all fees are created equal

Obviously, certain taxes and fees are unavoidable, and even necessary. State and local taxes, the 911 fee used to fund access to emergency services, and payment into the Universal Service Fund to help underwrite rural and low-income telecommunications services, are all required by law.

But it’s those pesky, less obvious fees that you have to be especially wary of, as they drive your costs up in unexpected ways. Most major carriers have an a la carte menu of items that trigger additional charges, and you probably don’t know they exist until they show up on your bill. Beware of things like:

* Overage fees: If you use more minutes, text messages or data than your monthly plan allows, many carriers tack on an additional charge for every bit of extra usage. Ask your carrier how they handle this, and be sure to take advantage of free usage alerts, by text or email, to help keep you on track.

* Activation and device upgrade fees: You may be excited about getting a new phone or upgrading to a new one. But, be aware that your carrier may charge you $30 or more to connect it to their service. With premium smartphones already costing in the $650­–$1,000 range, this extra charge can be an especially bitter pill for many cellphone users to swallow.

* SIM card kit fee: It looks like a tiny, disposable slip of cardboard, but a SIM card actually contains a small chip that lets your phone communicate with cellular networks. By providing a SIM card, your carrier allows you to bring an existing “unlocked” phone onto their service. However, some will charge you $25 and up just to get one.

* Administrative charge: These are similar to regulatory charges, but more nebulous. They’re usually billed as fees to cover the costs paid to other carriers when talking to someone on a different network, but they can also be applied for a host of general reasons. For instance, some carriers apply them for costs associated with cellular site rental and maintenance. Also, these fees can, and do, change from time to time, so watch them carefully.

Change, for the better

So, what can you do to avoid falling into the bottomless fee trap?

You’ve already started here, just by learning what to watch for. If your carrier’s fees are too high, switch to one that offers greater value by charging fewer fees. Ask about this up front. Consumer Cellular, for instance, is a no-contract provider which, on top of low-cost monthly service, provides free activation, free SIM cards, and charges no fees for changing plans or for overages.

Every little extra fee adds up to a great big phone bill. Choose wisely, and you’ll avoid being a victim of “bill shock.”

2018-01-31T13:31:00

(BPT) – In the year 2018, it’s very easy to take your home’s power for granted. You flick the light switch and the lights come on. Same with the television and the microwave. It’s easy. And should a storm knock the power out, you expect that it will be up again in a matter of minutes or hours.

Oftentimes this is true, but believing this will always be the case is a mistake. Because while the nation’s reliance on its power system is greater than ever before, the threats facing it have grown as well.

According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, the U.S. suffered 16 weather-/climate-related disasters resulting in more than $1 billion in damages each during 2017. Droughts, hurricanes, floods, freezes and wildfires ravaged different portions of the country, and for the people living in those areas, it meant going without power for an extended period of time, or worse, losing their homes.

It’s impossible to predict when the next major weather event or disaster may strike, so now is the perfect time to begin preparing your home and family for such an event. To prep for the worst, keep these four tips in mind.

Stay in touch. During a power outage, it’s important to stay in the know about current weather conditions, road reports and emergency instructions. A battery-powered radio can keep you connected to local authorities and reports, so keep one stashed away and make sure you have extra batteries on hand. Also, purchase a portable charger to keep your cell phones up and running to communicate with family, friends and neighbors.

Set up your own temporary power. The longer a power outage lasts, the more potentially dangerous it is for your family and home. That’s why it’s a good idea to invest in an automatic standby generator that permanently connects to your home and turns on automatically when power is lost. Look for an automatic standby generator, like those available from KOHLER, that features fast start-up speeds, has a commercial-grade engine to handle heavy workloads, provides high-quality power and is durable enough to withstand the weather disaster going on around you. KOHLER has generators that can withstand wind speeds of up to 181 mph.

Stockpile non-perishable food. A refrigerator will keep food cold for approximately four hours if the door remains closed during a power outage. Don’t chance it. Stock up on non-perishable canned goods, protein bars, beef jerky and other food items with an extended shelf life. And don’t forget about bottled water.

Climate control. Extreme heat in the summer and freezing temperatures in the winter are not only uncomfortable, but can be very dangerous. Should your home’s power fail during the winter, staying warm suddenly jumps to the top of your concerns. Be prepared by stocking up on warm blankets, sleeping bags or purchasing a portable, non-electric space heater that is properly vented. If you lose power during the summer months, retreat to a cool place like a basement, take a cold shower, drink a lot of cold water and consider purchasing a battery-operated fan. To ensure your HVAC system is fully operational during a power outage, consider installing an automatic standby generator.

Start your planning today

The idea of your home being in the path of a natural disaster is a terrifying thought, but a plausible one. That’s why it’s important you start planning today. Last year showed a dramatic increase in total weather damage and no one knows what 2018 will hold. If you wait until the disaster strikes, it may be too late. But if you take action now, you can enjoy the peace of mind that you’re ready for whatever Mother Nature delivers.

2018-01-31T10:34:00

(BPT) – In southern China, the ancient capital city of Nanjing beckons travelers to immerse themselves in history and culture.

Nanjing served as the capital city of 10 dynasties and regimes over more than 1,800 years and is home to some of China’s most significant historical attractions, including the Xiaoling Tomb of the Ming Dynasty, Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace and the City Wall, which dates back more than 600 years.

Here, past dynasties are entwined with glittering modern skyscrapers. The misty Purple Mountain looms in the distance and the Ningzheng Ridge forms a crescent around this city in the heart of the Yangtze River delta.

If you visit Nanjing, walk in footsteps of the past with these thought-provoking, immersive experiences designed to bring Nanjing’s history and culture to life.

Imperial Examination Experience

When you take part in the Imperial Examination Experience at Nanjing’s Jiangnan Imperial Examination Hall Museum, you will step into the shoes of an ancient Chinese civil servant. Beginning in the Han Dynasty (206 B.C. to 220 A.D.), citizens wishing to serve in the state bureaucracy were required to pass a rigorous government-issued examination. However, the test didn’t involve job skills. Instead, it assessed candidates’ knowledge of classic literature and literary style. .

During the three-hour Imperial Examination Experience, you’ll dress in traditional attire, learn to create Chinese calligraphy with a brush pen and make thread-bound books to take home as a souvenir.

Chinese Tea Culture Experience

Few things are as closely associated with China as tea. Its long history as an indispensable part of daily life runs like a silk thread through everything from poetry to painting to calligraphy to medicine. Travelers seeking a deep exploration of tea can book the Chinese Tea Culture Experience in Nanjing.

During this four-hour activity, you’ll see the stunning and peaceful Xuanwu Lake Park, formerly an imperial garden, before you disappear into a secret interior passageway in the Nanjing City Wall to find the hidden, speakeasy-style Lao Cui Teahouse. There, you’ll learn about the importance of tea in the Chinese culture from a tea master, who will guide you in the ways of brewing a perfect cup of tea. Finally, you’ll learn the ancient art of Chinese woodblock printing and create your own as a keepsake.

Nanjing Cloud Brocade Museum

Yunjin, meaning “as beautiful as a cloud at sunset,” is silk brocade exquisitely woven in a style dating back 1,500 years. Incorporating silk, gold and silver threads, and even peacock feathers, the fabric was once reserved exclusively for the ornate dragon robes worn by emperors. At the Nanjing Cloud Brocade Museum, the only one of its kind in the world, visitors can watch as artisans weave the brocade in the traditional style on self-powered looms. The craft is so intricate that the weavers produce only five centimeters of yunjin per day.

Nanjing Impressions

Founded in 1994, Nanjing Impressions is a Top 50 Chinese Heritage Restaurant. It aims to preserve traditional Huaiyang cuisine, a popular and prestigious style of cooking in Jiangsu Province and one of the four great traditions of Chinese cuisine.

The interior is designed like an ancient tea house, with hundreds of hanging lanterns, wooden benches and authentic dress for servers and chefs. The experience is vibrant, with servers shouting blessings as they pass traditional Nanjing specialties. Make sure to try the city’s signature dish of Nanjing Salted Duck, a 400-year-old recipe that involves a complicated procedure of brining and dry rubbing that produces a rich, tender bird.

The Chinese believe a perfect meal consists of 10 dishes, so come hungry.

Qinhuai River Cruise

Float lazily down Nanjing’s Mother River on a romantic evening cruise, and you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time to the city’s roots. Distant strains of guqin, a traditional Chinese stringed instrument, waft through the air as you cruise along the lantern-lit Qinhuai Scenic Area, with its quaint riverboats, footbridges and Chinese architecture including one of the world’s best-preserved Barbican gates.

Ready to start planning your Nanjing experience? Visit gotonanjing.com for more information.