Consumer Corner
Make a Smart Home Investment with an All-Climate Heat Pump
All-climate heat pumps offer a modern alternative to traditional HVAC systems, providing personalized comfort, improved energy efficiency, and potential cost savings. Homeowners are increasingly considering these systems for better indoor climate control and reduced energy bills.

(Family Features) If your home uses a conventional heating and cooling system, you may wonder if there’s a better way to manage indoor comfort. Between rising energy costs and concerns about the efficiency of conventional systems, many homeowners are exploring alternatives. One popular solution is an all-climate heat pump.
All-climate heat pumps are the next generation of heat pump technology built for peak performance, regardless of the outdoor temperature. From the personalized comfort all-climate heat pumps deliver to the energy savings realized, it’s no wonder more homeowners are considering going all-in on all-climate.
If you’re considering replacing your current HVAC system, read on for some of the benefits of all-climate heat pumps.
Personalized Comfort
Ductless, multi-zone, all-climate heat pump systems are designed to deliver personalized, room-to-room temperature control tailored to your preferences. Unlike traditional ducted unitary systems, which typically operate on an all-or-nothing basis, ductless multi-zone solutions provide individualized climate settings for each space. Whether you prefer a warmer living room or a cooler bedroom, the flexibility to adjust each zone offers unparalleled convenience and energy efficiency.
Efficiency
According to a survey of U.S. homeowners commissioned by Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US (METUS), 93% of homeowners surveyed with conventional HVAC systems reported concerns about utility bills. Seventy-five percent of those surveyed also consider energy efficiency always or often when considering home improvements.
Conventional heating and cooling systems run at full capacity to reach set point and then shut off. The start-stop action ultimately wastes energy. With variable-capacity capabilities and inverter-driven technology, all-climate heat pumps can adjust and maintain temperatures, lessening your home’s overall energy demand and driving down cost.
Cost Savings
The cost savings provided by efficient energy usage are evident. Additionally, some states offer rebates for new HVAC systems, and many contractors offer financing options, which make the upfront cost of an all-climate heat pump installation more affordable.
Reliability is another cost-saving factor. All-climate heat pumps are purpose-built with durable materials to perform well in all kinds of weather.
“We continue to educate homeowners about the advantages all-climate heat pumps have over conventional HVAC systems,” said Mark Kuntz, Chief Executive Officer, METUS. “As homeowners become more knowledgeable about the numerous benefits, including personalized comfort, energy efficiency and cost savings, we believe they will increasingly install these next-generation systems in their homes.”
Learn more about how you can better manage your home’s indoor comfort with all-climate heat pump technology by visiting mitsubishicomfort.com.
SOURCE:
Mitsubishi Electric
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home improvement
Budget-Friendly Ideas to Boost Curb Appeal
Last Updated on November 14, 2025 by Daily News Staff

Budget-Friendly Ideas to Boost Curb Appeal
(Family Features) Your home’s first big impression is its curb appeal, so if your place is in need of some sprucing up, you may wonder how you can make some updates without breaking the bank.
These 10 ideas are easy on budgets, but they can also make a big impact on your home’s exterior image.
- Paint your front door. As long as your front door is in good condition, there’s no need to replace it completely. A fresh coat of paint can instantly update your home’s facade. Go bold or stick with a classic hue – it’s all up to you.
- Dress up the windows. Add character and charm by enhancing your front windows. You might add wooden shutters, window box planters or both. Also look at the trim around the windows. If it’s chipped and peeling, adding a fresh coat of paint doesn’t just look nice, it can protect your windows from damage, too.
- Clean up flower beds. An unkempt flower bed can drag down an otherwise stunning home. Keep beds tidy and vegetation trimmed, even during the offseason. Watch for weeds and replenish mulch or rock ground cover as needed to keep the beds looking healthy and inviting.
- Install new lighting. Replacing outdated light fixtures can give your exterior an instant upgrade. There’s no right or wrong style; just choose a color and look that matches the rest of your design.
- Replace worn welcome mats. A cheerful mat at your front door can be an inviting sight for visitors, but those mats inevitably wear with time, and what was once bright and charming becomes dingy and dull. A new mat can help bring back that cheery entry you once cherished.
- Pressure wash the drive and walk. Over time, driveways and sidewalks collect an incredible amount of grime. Pressure washing not only eliminates the filth, but the clean surfaces also add to your home’s visual appeal.
- Add new vegetation. Landscaping is a relatively inexpensive way to introduce more personality to a yard. Aim for a mix of pretty and practical, such as some low flowering bushes and some trees or bushes that offer privacy and shade.
- Keep up with basic maintenance. When your home is in poor repair, it shows. Pay attention to bent or rusting gutters, imperfections in the roof and other maintenance matters that aren’t just aesthetic; left unrepaired, they can also result in major damage.
- Pay attention to details. Functional items like the mailbox might not seem like much of a design element, but these small details can be a big distraction if they’re not in good condition. Update or replace as needed to keep your aesthetic in sync.
- Add seasonal decor. There’s no need to go all out for every occasion, but some timely decorations that celebrate the holiday or season can make your entry fun and festive. Coordinate wreaths, planters, signs and other accent pieces for a cohesive look that says, “come on in.”
Find more affordable ideas for upgrading your home and garden at eLivingtoday.com.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
SOURCE:
Family Features
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Consumer Corner
10 Affordable Ideas to Boost Curb Appeal
Last Updated on November 13, 2025 by Daily News Staff

(Family Features) Your home’s first big impression is its curb appeal, so if your place is in need of some sprucing up, you may wonder how you can make some updates without breaking the bank.
These 10 ideas are easy on budgets, but they can also make a big impact on your home’s exterior image.
- Paint your front door. As long as your front door is in good condition, there’s no need to replace it completely. A fresh coat of paint can instantly update your home’s facade. Go bold or stick with a classic hue – it’s all up to you.
- Dress up the windows. Add character and charm by enhancing your front windows. You might add wooden shutters, window box planters or both. Also look at the trim around the windows. If it’s chipped and peeling, adding a fresh coat of paint doesn’t just look nice, it can protect your windows from damage, too.
- Clean up flower beds. An unkempt flower bed can drag down an otherwise stunning home. Keep beds tidy and vegetation trimmed, even during the offseason. Watch for weeds and replenish mulch or rock ground cover as needed to keep the beds looking healthy and inviting.
- Install new lighting. Replacing outdated light fixtures can give your exterior an instant upgrade. There’s no right or wrong style; just choose a color and look that matches the rest of your design.
- Replace worn welcome mats. A cheerful mat at your front door can be an inviting sight for visitors, but those mats inevitably wear with time, and what was once bright and charming becomes dingy and dull. A new mat can help bring back that cheery entry you once cherished.
- Pressure wash the drive and walk. Over time, driveways and sidewalks collect an incredible amount of grime. Pressure washing not only eliminates the filth, but the clean surfaces also add to your home’s visual appeal.

- Add new vegetation. Landscaping is a relatively inexpensive way to introduce more personality to a yard. Aim for a mix of pretty and practical, such as some low flowering bushes and some trees or bushes that offer privacy and shade.
- Keep up with basic maintenance. When your home is in poor repair, it shows. Pay attention to bent or rusting gutters, imperfections in the roof and other maintenance matters that aren’t just aesthetic; left unrepaired, they can also result in major damage.
- Pay attention to details. Functional items like the mailbox might not seem like much of a design element, but these small details can be a big distraction if they’re not in good condition. Update or replace as needed to keep your aesthetic in sync.
- Add seasonal decor. There’s no need to go all out for every occasion, but some timely decorations that celebrate the holiday or season can make your entry fun and festive. Coordinate wreaths, planters, signs and other accent pieces for a cohesive look that says, “come on in.”
Find more affordable ideas for upgrading your home and garden at eLivingtoday.com.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
SOURCE:
Family Features
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Automotive
2026 Nissan Sentra: Redefining Compact Sedan Value at $22,400
The all-new 2026 Nissan Sentra starts at $22,400 with dual 12.3-inch displays, ProPILOT Assist, and class-exclusive tech. Discover why it’s redefining value.
Last Updated on November 11, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Sentra re-energizes the compact sedan segment with a bold new design and even greater levels of drive-enhancing technology
2026 Nissan Sentra: Redefining Compact Sedan Value at $22,400
Nissan just threw down the gauntlet in the compact sedan segment. The all-new 2026 Sentra isn’t just a refresh—it’s a complete reimagining of what drivers should expect from an affordable sedan. Starting at just $22,400, this latest generation proves you don’t need to compromise on style, technology, or comfort to stay within budget.A Bold New Look That Punches Above Its Weight
The 2026 Sentra arrives with an upscale design that looks more premium than its price tag suggests. Nissan clearly studied what buyers loved about higher-end sedans and brought those design cues down to the compact class. The result? A car that turns heads without emptying wallets. For those craving extra attitude, the SR trim adds gloss black sporty accents across the front and rear fascia, V-motion grille, side sills, and rear spoiler—all riding on standard 18-inch alloy wheels. It’s the kind of aggressive styling that makes your morning commute feel a little more exciting.Technology That Simplifies Your Drive
Here’s where the Sentra really shines. Nissan packed this compact sedan with tech features typically reserved for luxury vehicles: Class-Leading Displays: Available dual 12.3-inch screens give you a command center that rivals what you’d find in vehicles costing twice as much. Smart Safety Features: The class-exclusive Intelligent Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection takes the guesswork out of tight parking situations. And the class-exclusive Intelligent Forward Collision Warning? That’s the kind of proactive safety tech that could save lives. Seamless Connectivity: Standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ mean no more fumbling with cables. Three standard USB-C ports ensure everyone’s devices stay charged, and available wireless charging adds another layer of convenience. Garage Door Integration: The Sentra-first myQ Universal Garage Door Opener lets you control compatible garage doors right from the infotainment screen. It’s one of those features you don’t know you need until you have it.Comfort That Goes the Distance
Long drives? No problem. Nissan equipped the Sentra with front and rear Zero Gravity seats—the same ergonomic design philosophy used in their larger vehicles. Your passengers will thank you on road trips. Speaking of road trips, the spacious trunk features a low lift-over height and optimized opening designed specifically for loading bulky suitcases and gear. It’s the kind of practical design thinking that makes real-world ownership easier. The segment-first capacitive-touch HVAC controls add a modern, premium feel to the cabin, while the class-exclusive 64-color customizable ambient lighting lets you set the mood for every drive.Performance That Adapts to Your Mood
The drive mode selector (available on SV, SR, and SL grades) includes a Sport mode for when you want a more engaging driving experience. Whether you’re navigating rush hour or carving through weekend backroads, the Sentra adapts to match your energy. And with EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 30 mpg city, 38 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined (S and SV models), you’ll spend less time at the pump and more time enjoying the drive.The Premium SL Experience
New for 2026, the SL grade returns to deliver a truly upscale experience. Standard features include:- Power sunroof
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- 64-color ambient lighting
- TailorFit™ quilted seating
- ProPILOT Assist for effortless highway cruising
- Bose® premium audio system
Exceptional Value Across the Lineup
Sentra S – $22,400: The entry point delivers impressive standard features that make it a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers. Sentra SV – $23,170: Adds key convenience and technology upgrades for less than $800 more. Sentra SR – $25,000: Brings the sporty styling and enhanced driving dynamics for enthusiasts. Sentra SL – $27,990: The premium choice with luxury-level features at a fraction of luxury prices. (Destination and handling adds $1,245 to all models)The Bottom Line
The 2026 Nissan Sentra isn’t trying to be everything to everyone—it’s focused on being the best value in the compact sedan segment. With segment-leading technology, class-exclusive features, and pricing that starts under $23,000, Nissan has created a compelling case for why the sedan isn’t dead—it’s just been waiting for the right execution. In a market increasingly dominated by SUVs and crossovers, the Sentra reminds us why sedans still matter: better fuel economy, easier parking, more engaging driving dynamics, and in this case, technology that punches well above its weight class. The all-new 2026 Sentra proves that incredible value doesn’t mean settling for less. Sometimes, it means getting more than you expected. Press release: All-new 2026 Nissan Sentra offers incredible value with pricing from $22,400Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!
https://stmdailynews.com/category/consumer-corner/
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