, for Health
To Do List
Whats on Yours?
YOUR LIFE :: YOUR WAY
Fall 2006
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Fall 2006
:: contents ::
F E A T U R E S
WATcHIng YOUR WASTE LInE
Dont let plumbing problems drain the fun from your holidays.
By Leslie Jay
A TOTAL cOMFORT cHEckLIST
Furnace inspections before the cold hits could mean savings
in energy and replacement costs.
By Joseph Dobrian
EASY EnTERTAInIng
Make your kitchen party central.
By Cathleen McCarthy
SAFELY LIgHTIng THE HOLIdAYS
Before you reuse those light strands from two years
ago, read on for a few tips about lighting your home.
By Aaron Dalton
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16
20
d E P A R T M E n T S
PUMPkIn dELIgHT
Packed with vitamins and minerals, pumpkins add more
than taste and color to your cuisine.
By Julie Weingarden Dubin
gET A HEAd START On THE HOLIdAYS
You update your wardrobe each season, so why not update your
home as well? Fall is the perfect time to add small touches and
pick-me-ups to your home. Here, our month-by-month guide.
By Allison Winn Scotch
PROTEcTIng YOUR POSSESSIOnS
Understand the fine print before disaster strikes.
By Charlotte Huff
SUdOkU
10
28
30
24
E S S E n T I A L S
ASK THE EXPERTS
TUCKING IN TULIPS
HELP IS JUST A PHONE
CALL AWAY
HOLIDAY PARTY GADGETS
PAGE TURNERS FOR
PINT-SIZE READERS
3
6
6
6-77
32
10
6
24
ADDING ELEGANCE
WHATS THAT SOUND?
CHOCOLATE CHIP
PUMPKIN BREAD
HEAT TRANSFER
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L E T T ER f Rom T hE pRE sidEn T
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EdITORIAL AdVISORY BOARd
AIRE SERv
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HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING, INC.
MR. ELECTRIC
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ASSOCIATE COMPANY DREAMMAKER
BATH & KITCHEN BY WORLDWIDE
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My Home Life is published by AAP Custom, a unit of American Airlines. © 2006 by American Airlines. All
rights reserved. Address correspondence for subscriptions to the address above. AAP Custom does not
accept unsolicited queries. Publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any editorial or advertising
matter. Publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts or art. No part of this
magazine may be reprinted or otherwise duplicated without the written permission of the Editor.
Michael Woody
James Mayfield
charles Stone
Casey Casteel
Jeff Prime
Ruth Wofford
Michelle Reneau
Jill Becker
Raymond Graham
Laura Mayo
George Guindon
Doyle James
Terry Jones
Chris Mellon
Amy Brown
Steve Truett
Rick Morrison
Ben Johnson
Yvonne Anguiano
Cindy Parton
Jona cherry
John Pittman
Mary Beth Carnevale
Cindy McAlister
Audora Milani

Janice Dickerson
Paul Schaefer
Alvita Penuelas
Dear readers,
Consider this issue of My Home Life a chance to do something dramatic. Just
like the fall season that is upon us, change is in the air and could also be in your
house. With the turning color of the leaves, you could be turning over a new leaf
for home improvements, maintenance, and repairs.
This issue tackles some vibrant changes popular for the season. And it just might
trigger some handy ideas you can tackle in your own home. Hot design advice is
in full swing from DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen for kitchen remodeling projects
just in time for holiday entertaining. And our experts at Aire Serv address heat,
literally, with some tips on checking ductwork before winter arrives. As for some
really bright ideas, just follow Mr. Electrics advice when it comes to holiday
lighting that wont strain your electrical system. And Mr. Rooter plans to get you
thinking about those various noises in your pipes this time of year. Whether its
a rattle from the water heater, a gurgle in your drain, or a thump in your walls,
theres a reason behind all of those sounds.
Adding to the lineup, we have the latest news on must-have gadgets for entertaining,
what to know when planting tulips, and a recipe for delicious chocolate chip
pumpkin bread. We cover a lot of territory in this issue. So fall back into a chair,
turn the pages, and enjoy. Soon you may be turning a new page with the state
of your home as well.
With warm regards,
dina dwyer-Owens
President and CEO of The Dwyer Group®
TM
TM
TM
ASK THE EXPERTS
My Home Life
TM
Do you have a question for the experts?
If so, log on to www.myhomelifemag.com
and click on Submit a Question.
?
Is it possible to put a shower in a half-bath using the closet next
to it for the space?
MILDRED BUETHE OF ROUND ROCK, TEXAS
All things are possible, but sometimes not practical. A visit with
your local remodeler would answer this for you definitively. In
general, yes it is very possible and very common to capture an
existing closet space to create a new shower, whether in a half-
bath or a full-bath, where you want to create a shower separate
from the tub. The challenge that may arise is having enough
space needed to install the new unit and to provide access to
the existing plumbing connections in your home. A minimum of
32 x 32 will be required. There are many shower configurations
that can be utilized but this is generally the smallest we would
use. The adjoining rooms may be affected so that could be an
additional consideration.
TOM AND RUBy LyONS, DREAMMAKER BATH & KITCHEN OF
HAvERHILL, MASSACHUSETTS
QUESTION
::
ANSWER
::
What is the best way to clean and maintain the finish on new wood cabinets
and wood floors? I understand the use of silicone (such as Pledge Wood Floor
Cleaner) is not recommended?
J. WOFFORD OF MESqUITE, TEXAS
Q.
A.
Yes, ammonia and silicone cleaning products may cause damage to wood
finishes if used over a long period of time. Also keep in mind that dust build-up
may scratch or dull the surface if not removed correctly, and fingerprints, cooking
fumes, smoking residue, etc., may accumulate and should be periodically removed to
maintain the finishs appearance. Use a cloth dampened with a non-wax containing
polish or a mild detergent solution to clean your wood surfaces. You may also use
lemon oil or orange oil as a cleaning product. Any excess moisture should be wiped
dry as water allowed to remain on the surface of wood floors or cabinets can damage
the finish. Follow any manufacturers or cleaning products directions carefully.
vIC AND DD EICKER, DREAMMAKER BATH & KITCHEN OF FARMINgTON, NEW MEXICO
YOUR qUESTIOnS AnSWEREd
by experts at
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It is OK to replace the old compressor. However, you
should consider the cost of doing only the compressor versus
the entire outside unit at this time. Normally the cost of the
compressor is close to the cost of an entire low-end condensing
unit which is going to have a longer warranty, be more energy
efficient, and lasts longer. However, when the outside unit is
replaced, the indoor evaporator coil will need an expansion
valve to operate properly.
Due to changes in government regulations occurring in 200,
almost three years away, the refrigerant R22 will no longer be
used in new air conditioners. We are currently seeing significant
price increases and some manufacturers will not even sell a 0-
year warranty on an R22 system due to the expected increase
cost of the refrigerant over the next 0 years.
We recommend all our customers consider the option of going
ahead and upgrading to a R40 refrigerant unit, which in your
case, will require the indoor evaporator coil to be replaced. Due
to higher efficiencies you should be able to recover the cost