14 - The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday September 13, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com FALL HOME AND GARDEN Achieving energy efficiency through "right sizing" If your home heating system is more than 15 years old, this fall is a great time to consider upgrading your equipment to more energy efficient models, all the more because of the large number of government, utility and manufacturer incentive programs in effect. If you do make the decision to replace your heating and/or cooling system, be sure to insist that the installing contractor "sizes" the system properly. To determine the correct heating or cooling capacity of your system, a contractor should perform a "heat loss and heat gain calculation". This calculation relies on an assessment of the size and age of the home, insulation levels of walls and attic, the type and number of windows, air infiltration, and other factors that influence the rate at which your home loses heat. It also ensures that the duct system, both supply and return, is sufficient to support the equipment chosen, thereby maximizing energy savings. "Right-sizing" of replacement equipment is one of the most commonly overlooked methods for ensuring that you get the most from your system. Properly size equipment performs more effectively and more efficiently and provides optimal comfort and energy efficiency benefits. If your contractor refuses to do one, talk to someone else. Over-sizing equipment can result in increased fuel consumption and higher operating costs, potential premature parts failure, higher noise levels, and reduced comfort (hot or cold spots within the home). On the other hand, under sizing can also result in higher operational costs, particularly with today's sophisticated models. The units will be working at full capacity most of the time, which can lead to premature breakdowns and, more generally, reduced comfort levels. Always get two or three quotes when considering purchasing new HVACR equipment, and make sure the contractor includes the cost of performing a heat loss/heat gain calculation. You can find a qualified contractor by calling HRAI at 1-866-467-HRAI. - News Canada What's keeping you from having your dream kitchen? Consider these time, mess & cost saving options... a. Renew your cabinets with our unique "Tune-up". Our exclusive process restores and repairs the finish on wood cabinets (and any other woodwork in your home) to 90-95%. Time: 1 day Mess: almost none Cost: a fraction of replacement. b. Reface You may already own half of your new kitchen! If your cabinet boxes are in good shape, why pay to replace them? Choose from the largest selection of door styles and finishes available anywhere. See our website for ideas. Time: typically 2-4 days Mess: we clean every day and you never lose use of your kitchen Cost: 40-60% less than the cost of a new kitchen 4 t hu a l A n n rd Annual 3 for retirement takes great planning. ay with experts, gain the knowledge you make the most of your retirement! c. Re-style Turn the kitchen you have into the one you want. If you choose to Reface, we can change many other things you don't like about your kitchen. Add an island, pantry, molding or even new cabinets to match the refaced cabinets. Time: usually 3-5 days Mess: low disruption, thoroughly cleaned daily, often no loss of use Cost: considerably less than replacement note ald Bramm Speaker Madeline Greey Speaker Gary Lapenskie Mississauga Living Arts Centre Sunday, October 5, 2008 Proposed Agenda* 9:30am - 4:30pm d. Replace Sometimes it's the only way to get what you need. Our Designers will help you create a new custom kitchen that perfectly reflects your personal taste, goals and budget. Time 9:30-10:00 Presentation Customizing Your Own Retirement Plan: Developing a strategy that is right for you. g Keynote speaker Gerald Bramm is a regular Forever Young Columnist and Senior Partner at consulting firm Gray Matters. Healthy Aging You are too young to retire your body. y g g: Garry Lapenskie, Instructor in School of Kinesiology presents a humourous and engaging session on the aging process and the importance of keeping physically active. Break Financing your Future gy The Empty Nest Syndrome: Exploring retirement housing options in Ontario. py y Lunch The Reverse Mortgage Option: How does it work and is it right for me? g g p Eat Well For Life: How to make healthy eating a lifestyle, with a focus on foods that promote longevity and prevention. Madeline Greey, author and nutritional consultant will present essential nutritional information for mature bodies. Break Safeguard Your Future: Don't be a victim, safeguarding yourself through insurance and fraud awareness. g Overview of Canada Pension Plan & Old Age Security by Service Canada Coping with the Caregiver Crunch: Advice and information to help caregivers in Ontario cope. p g g e. Don't forget the countertop: With so many exciting options available, we will help you to select the right countertop to put the finishing touch on your dream kitchen. 10:00 - 10:45 10:45-11:00 11:00-11:30 11:30 - 12:00 12:00 - 12:45 12:45 - 1:15 Free Design Consultation & Estimate 905.637.3331 Showroom 3480 Fairview St., Burlington (Hours: 10-6 pm M-F, Saturday 11-3) 1:15 -2:15 2:15 - 2:30 2:30 - 3:00 3:00 - 3:30 3:30 - 4:00 Eight "Trustpoints" set Kitchen Tune-Up apart. We guarantee our estimates - guarantee our work - arrive on time - clean work areas daily - return messages within 24 hours - strive for harmony with your daily routine - tell you what we're going to do before we do it - listen carefully, tell it straight and keep our promises. Admission $20.00 Per Person. Mississauga Living Arts Centre (905) 306-6000 Admission fee provides attendance to all the above seminars, program, on-site demonstrations and loot bag. Seating is limited so book today! For sponsorship and marketing opportunities, call (905) 815-0017 ext. 421 *Agenda Subject to Change kitchentuneup.com Kitchen Tune-Up, a division of KTU Worldwide, Inc. is a system of more than 300 independently owned and operated franchises Sponsored by: Partner: