Why hardwood flooring is ‘king’

December 12, 2019
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Walter O. Nevin Sr.’s official title is president of Quality Hardwood Floors of Spokane. He’s better known and recognized as “The King of Hardwood,” a title earned from the 65 years his family business has installed and refinished hardwood floors throughout the Inland Northwest and beyond.

The secret to success? It’s connected both to the quality of the product and the quality of the craftsmen.

Hardwood is truly unique flooring. It exhibits a rich, natural strength and beauty that is long lasting. It puts on display natural colors, beautiful grain — and no two boards are the same. This provides a beautiful design base for any room, giving it a nostalgia and character you just can’t get from “cookie-cutter” flooring options.

A job worth doing is worth doing well.

Motto, Quality Hardwood Floors

A product this valuable should have craftsmen to match. Or, as Quality Hardwood Floors’ motto puts it: “A job worth doing is worth doing well.” Four generations of the Nevin family have earned repeat customers and referrals by focusing on expertise, customer service and “Old World Craftmanship.” The community has taken notice: Quality Hardwood Floors received 2018 Spokane Business Hall of Fame distinction following six consecutive years earning the “Best of Spokane” award.

From installing and maintaining gymnasium floors throughout the state, to restoring a century-old floor to its former glory, to new installations with fancy inlaid borders — Quality Hardwood Floors does it all.

NOTE: A version of this article first appeared in the 2019 Liberty Lake Yearbook.

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Kids: Brush up on these four ‘teeth tips’

October 30, 2019
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Dr. Jared Evans of KiDDS Dental in Liberty Lake loves the education side of dentistry, helping patients stay healthy and their parents avoid costly repairs. Here are four of Dr. Evans’ favorite tips for kids’ teeth.

1. Cavities are contagious: Did you know that the bacterial cause of tooth decay can be passed on from person to person? Decay is actually the most common chronic disease of childhood, according to the U.S. Surgeon General. “When parents say, ‘bad teeth run in the family,’ it’s more that bad germs run in the family — and you’re sharing them,” Dr. Evans said. So keep a clean mouth, and avoid sharing toothbrushes or utensils with family members.

2. Strategic snacking: Have you heard before that too much sugar is bad for your teeth? “It doesn’t tend to be the amount of sugar that’s the problem, but the amount of time the sugar is sitting on the tooth if bacteria is there as well,” Dr. Evans said. He recommends snacks that don’t promote decay, like cheese, meat and veggies. “Cereal or crackers or fruit or juice — eat it quick and get it off, just like candy,” he said.

3. Provide fluoride: About 60 percent of kids in the area have cavities by second grade, according to the Spokane Regional Health District. Dr. Evans said that is because we don’t have ideal levels of fluoride in the water in Spokane. Fortunately fluoride treatments or supplements can easily be prescribed by a dentist. “We find if we can get that fluoride treatment back on the teeth, it cuts decay rates in half,” he said.

4. Study sequence and space: Dr. Evans said there is a preferred sequence for losing teeth that helps to save the right space for the permanent replacements. After the first four permanent molars come in (usually between ages 5-7), it’s time to work with a dentist or orthodontist to consider measures such as spacers to help set the stage for the rest of the permanent teeth. “Early interceptive help can solve the majority of issues,” Dr. Evans said. “Many times, kids don’t need braces later. You can potentially prevent a $6,000 orthodontic bill by maintaining the right spacing.”

NOTE: A version of this article first appeared in the 2019 Liberty Lake Yearbook.

Renewable energy options in your home

August 7, 2020
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As technology and interest in renewable energy options grow, consider how you might incorporate these options into your home and life.

Electric Vehicles
Considering going electric on the road? It’s a big change, but one that’s getting easier, thanks to the expanding number of vehicle options and charging locations. Avista is ready to be your resource with information and programs to help you install an electric vehicle (EV) charger in your home or business.

Driving an EV can save you more than 70 percent on fuel costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent and local pollution from tailpipe emissions by up to 100 percent.

EVs are cars or trucks that run on battery technology with an operational range of 10-300 miles.

  • Plug-in Electric Vehicles (PEVs) — run on electricity only
  • Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) — run on a blend of electricity and gasoline
  • Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) — powered by electricity only

Most EV owners install a charger in their home. A Level 1 connector (comes with your vehicle) with a 120 volt AC outlet in your garage will gain 3 to 5 miles per hour of charging. Most drivers of today’s PHEV vehicles, like the Chevy Volt, find that a Level 1 charger in their garage works just fine. Owners of all-electric BEVs, like the Nissan Leaf, have larger battery packs and often need a Level 2 connector with a 208/240 volt AC receptacle to gain 10 to 25 miles per hour of charge, or a full recharge overnight.

Public EV charging stations are popping up all over, making EVs more accessible for many drivers. In the Liberty Lake area, Avista partnered with the city to install a public charger in Town Square, and with STA to install a DC fast charger site at the nearby Park and Ride.

Residential Solar
Another renewable option on the mind of some homeowners is solar. With solar you can produce your own electricity (when the sun is shining), reduce your electric bill and shrink your carbon footprint.

Because onsite solar installation can be expensive and is a long-term commitment, there are some important questions to consider as you evaluate whether solar is right for you:

  • Will solar installation affect my roof warranty?
  • Are there restrictions from my HOA, city or county?
  • Will solar affect my homeowner’s insurance premium?
  • What are my goals? Am I seeking to offset all or a portion of my energy use?
  • Avista’s solar estimator tool can help you compare your options and calculate estimates for varied systems and financial models at avista.wattplan.com/pv/.

My Clean Energy
Interested in showing your support for renewable energy without installing solar panels on your roof? Consider Avista’s My Clean Energy program, a flexible way to directly support our transition to clean, renewable energy.

By adding as little as $1 to your monthly Avista payment, you are greening your energy. Your dollars go toward the purchase of Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) with a mix of wind, solar and other clean generation. A $1 subscription buys one block of 100kWh regional energy. You decide on the number of blocks you want to purchase. For each $1, you’ll offset greenhouse gas emissions from an average car driving 173 miles. There is also a national energy option.

In just one year, Avista My Clean Energy customers contributed to offsetting more than 73 million kWh of electric use with clean, renewable energy — enough to power more than 6,000 homes for one year.

NOTE: A version of this article first appeared in the 2020 Liberty Lake Yearbook.

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