FIX UP THE HOUSE
It used to be that spring fever was all about romance
and road trips. Now you lust after power tools and lose sleep over
your home's annoying little foibles. (When you end up in Home Depot
for the third time in three fine spring days, you'll know what
we're talking about.) But you can make all those home improvements
a little easier this year with the help of these new products. How
easy? Well, you can cross window washing right off your
spring-cleaning list. - Tracy Staton
AIRFLOW REGISTER BOOSTER
FAN> Every house has a vent or
two that behaves like a rebellious teenager and refuses to perform
like the rest of the system. AirFlow uses a plug-in fan to pull
extra warm or cool air out of weak registers. Unlike a teen,
AirFlow runs at the speed you select - and it's energy-efficient.
$60. www.smarthome.com
ILLUSION MOVING ART
FLAT-SCREEN-TV DISGUISE> Your LCD television looked perfect at first, but now
you'd like to camouflage that dead gray screen. Illusion
Moving Art frames your TV like artwork, and at the flick of
the remote, a giclée overlay - in the print of your choice -
scrolls down to cover the screen. Higher-end versions tilt
and swivel the TV for angled viewing. From $3,950. www.mediadecor.com
IROBOT
LOOJ > Gutter cleaning is a
thankless job. Sure, it prevents water damage and insect
infestation, but no one can admire your handiwork without a ladder.
So, make the job fun. The remote-controlled Looj motors through
gutter debris like it's a mole digging a tunnel. $100 for basic
model. www.irobot.com
PILKINGTON ACTIV
NEUTRAL SELF-CLEANING WINDOWS> A
nanotech film uses sunlight to break down soil, and it spreads
raindrops into a sheet of water so that dirt is swept away without
leaving spots. Plus, its solar-control coating keeps you cool
without blocking or coloring natural light. Prices vary depending
on window size and coating selection. www.pilkington.com
REJUVENATE FLOOR
RENEWER > Think your tired, old
flooring needs replacing? Maybe it doesn't. Rejuvenate's
floor-restoring system uses a polymer to fill scratches and restore
shine to hardwoods, ceramic tile, slate, marble, cork, and more.
Restoration kit includes applicators, stain remover, and solutions.
$19. www.rejuvenate.tv
TOUCHLESS TRASHCAN > Make spring-cleaning easier and more sanitary with this stainless steel dustbin, which uses infrared sensors to activate an automatic lid. You won’t have to touch the can until you empty the bag. Thirteen-gallon NX model, $180. www.touchlesstrashcan.com