Busby's Comfort Zone by DeWayne Thomas a Media Co.

lending a

HELPING HAND

even

your needs a CHECKUP

SCRUB YOUR AIR CLEAN

UNDERSTANDING

WARRANTIES

r o t f a m b o l e c e e b PREMIERE ISSUE - COMPLIMENTARY

MOST RELIABLE F

CALL TODAY AND LEARN

OR A REASON

HOW TO GET A TRANE IN YOUR HOME

Every Trane™ product is designed down to every detail and rigorously tested for reliability and durability. While other manufacturers build their products from the same “pool” of parts available to anyone, we make it a point to be uniquely better, innovative and always looking to the future.

SERVING OUR CUSTOMERS SINCE 1945

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IN THIS ISSUE 6 GREETINGS FROM THE PRESIDENT by Rick Busby

BUZZ THE BEE 7 MEET by Roscoe Marley BUSBY’S JOURNEY: 8 THE CEMENTING A LEGACY by Kyle O’Connor

COMMERCIAL 12 BUSBY’S SERVICES

ENERGY & MONEY 13 SAVING IS EASIER THAN YOU THINK A HELPING HAND 14 LENDING by C.R. Rollinger SCRUBBER PLUS 16 AIR THE CLEANEST AIR YOU’LL EVER BREATHE

by Kyle O’Connor

IMPORTANCE OF 18 THE REGULAR MAINTENANCE

by Maxine Reneé

YOUR FAMILY & HOME 20 PROTECT WITH A DRYER SAFETY ALARM by Jim Buchanon

SCRUBBER: 22 LAUNDRY A SMART SOLUTION FOR DOING LAUNDRY

by Kyle O’Connor

TO EXPECT 24 WHAT WHEN YOU CALL BUSBY’S

© 2015 DeWayne Thomas A Media Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Comfort Zone is a free publication owned by DeWayne Thomas A Media Company, Inc. and distributed locally by Busby’s Heating and Air Conditioning. If you would like copies placed at your business please call our offices at 706-955-0442. Produced in whole or in part by CustomDesignMags.com™ & DeWayne Thomas A Media Company, Inc., 4305 62nd Street East, Bradenton Florida. 34208 We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and or advertisements, nor are we responsible in any way for the products and services advertised or promoted within these pages. For information on this or other printed publications produced by CustomDesignMags.com™ & DeWayne Thomas A Media Company, Inc. Please call our offices at 941-538-7770 or visit us on the web at customdesignmags.com™.

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26 RECIPE: MOM’S MEATLOAF FOUNDATION 28 WALTON FOR INDEPENDENCE by Roscoe Marley

EUBANS 30 W.E. 57 YEARS OF DEDICATION by Kyle O’Connor

BUSBY: 32 RICK AUTHOR & MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER

CONDITIONER: 34 AIR REPAIR OR REPLACE FUTURE OF BUSBY’S 36 THE IS IN GOOD HANDS by Jim Buchanon

DYNAMIC DUO: 37 INTERMATIC’S “PAIRED PROTECTION” DURING SURGES

38 REPLACEMENT WINDOWS & DOORS

by Roscoe Marley

40 MEET THE BUSBY’S TEAM A HEAT PUMP IS A 42 WHY GREAT OPTION AIR ISN’T 44 COOL NECESSARILY GOOD AIR

46 UNDERSTANDING WARRANTIES 47 BUSBY’S COMFORT CLUB

SERVING OUR CUSTOMERS SINCE 1945

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706-955-0442

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GREETINGS

from Rick Busby

usby’s Heating and Air Conditioning has taken great pleasure in serving you, our customers, since 1945, when my father founded the company in Millen, Georgia. We’ve always strived to be different, to do more, to be innovative and all encompassing. Back in the early days, Busby’s (then known as Tri County Appliance Company), sold and installed home appliances, house wiring and electric water pumps. Over the last 70 years, we’ve added extensively to our product lines and services, all to make sure that you get what you need, as easily as possible and for the best price. I take much pride in continuing the legacy my father established, and plan to continue building it into something even better. This is only possible by hiring the best people. Each one is background investigated, drug tested, clean cut, and always in uniform with their ID badge. They are the kind of people you would welcome into your home, because I won’t hire anyone I wouldn’t welcome into mine. Employing only those possessing the highest of character allows us to continue to be dedicated to the type of quality workmanship, reliable service, and customer satisfaction that has distinguished our company since day one. Everything we do, and the way we do it, is for you. Our mission is to provide the highest quality materials, products, and service to our customers through continuous training, the ongoing improvement of systems, and the implementation of new ideas and technology, while having a strong commitment and heavy involvement in our community and industry. We cherish our position as a leader in customer service and quality, operating a business based on honesty and integrity. Busby’s is proud of our unwavering ethics in dealing with customers, coworkers, competitors, and suppliers. We are not satisfied, however, and always look for ways to be even better. Thank you for reading this magazine and getting to know Busby’s. We would love for you to consider us for your heating and cooling needs, and are hopeful that after learning more about us, you will.

Sincerely,

Rick Busby , President 6

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MEET BUZZ THE BEE by Roscoe Marley

he origin of Busby’s jingle is rooted in a moment when Rick Busby hired a service to pressure wash his home. Very pleased with the results, he didn’t realize until later that the man hadn’t left him a business card or any contact information. Looking through the yellow pages to no avail, he noticed how similar the ads were, all of them blending together. It struck him that the same might be true for Busby’s. What if, as it is in many cases, a customer didn’t need service for several years? Chances are good they wouldn’t remember who provided the service or confuse Busby’s with another company unless it was impossible not to. Rick wanted to create a memorable slogan, one that would set his business apart, be easy to remember, and would be the first to come to customers’ minds when thinking about their heating and air conditioning needs. Rick’s writing background helped with the development of, “Give Busby a Buzz and We’ll Bee There.” Playing with the word ‘Busby’ led to the entire bee theme, which became the crux of the slogan. He believes this marketing venture is successful in making Busby’s easily recognizable. It comes to mind quickly and is an image people will remember. Setting Busby’s apart even further from its competitors is Busby’s mascot, Buzz the Bee. His arrival came naturally from the slogan, and he has been representing the company for almost 20 years now. Busby’s slogan and of course, Buzz the Bee, can be seen on the company trucks driving around the Augusta area. He truly is a symbol of what Rick focuses on the most regarding Busby’s Heating, Air Conditioning: always being different and exceeding a customer’s expectations in every way possible.

“Give Busby’s a Buzz and We’ll Bee There.” 706-955-0442

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THE BUSBY’S JOURNEY:

by Kyle O’Connor

cementing a legacy

ike the majority of men during the WWII era, J.C. Busby, founder of Busby’s Heating and Air Conditioning, wanted to serve his country. Prior to his employment with Kraft Cheese Corporation he served as a Navy Flag Man. When the Navy wanted him to return, his employer, Kraft in Atlanta, refused to let him go, citing his crucial role as head of the rationing program. After the war ended in 1945, Mr. Busby desired to leave corporate America. He saw great opportunity in the growing appliance industry, though didn’t know much about it. He boldly approached the Charles S. Martin Company in Atlanta, Georgia, one of the largest ap-

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pliance dealers in the area, and offered to intern for free. After gaining experience, he opened his own business in Millen, Georgia, naming it Tri County Appliance Company. Fast forward to the present. Tri County, now based in Augusta and called Busby’s Heating and Air Conditioning, offers so much more. They are the dominant heating and cooling company in the Augusta area, providing their many customers with unrivaled services including heating and air, refrigeration, and duct cleaning, as well as the necessary associated products. Busby’s longtime reputation as “The Professionals” has been well earned.

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Busby’s current president, his son, Rick, has contributed greatly to how the company is perceived. When he was a child growing up in the rural town of Hephzibah, near Augusta, the best part about working for Busby’s during the summers was simply that it allowed him to get off the family farm for a few months and do something different. By the time he went off to college in 1977, he didn’t plan on having a career at Busby’s. When he returned to Augusta in 1979, however, he decided to take advantage of the job his father offered him. He needed work, so what better than with a company he was familiar with, one his family had built into a major player in

SERVING OUR CUSTOMERS SINCE 1945

“The values I was taught by my parents shaped my life. I was so very blessed to thave them in my life” -Rick Busby Georgia. What surprised him the most was how quickly he began to enjoy being back at Busby’s. Says Rick, “It had to do with the added responsibility [compared to childhood tasks] and feeling the pride of being able to continue a legacy.” In fact, he is proud that the next generation of Busby’s is already employed at the company. His oldest daughter, Lauren, 26, works as his Sales Coordinator, and Kristen, 21, recently joined after she graduated from Georgia College and State University in 2015 (Lauren also attended GCSU). While Rick is “enthused and reenergized” to have them involved with the business, he won’t pressure them to take over when he’s ready to 706-955-0442

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“Bob taught me more about design and engineering than I think I could have learned anywhere else He proved to be an invaluable mentor. He held a young college kid to standards that helped shape my character and work ethic. I owe him a lot.” -Rick Busby

retire. “I just want them to be happy in whatever they do,” he says. Like with any business, there have been some bumps in the road. One that Rick had to overcome was the situation he came into right out of school. His father now retired, the company wasn’t being managed effectively, forcing Rick to immediately change the culture in order to get things back on track. Having his brother-in-law as a business partner proved invaluable to this undertaking. Twenty four years older than Rick, Bob’s extensive experience in the industry allowed for an efficient transition.

“I would never have been able to focus on, and grow the business without the unwavering support of my wife, Tammy” -Rick Busby

The biggest obstacle, however, was undoubtedly the 2008 recession. “Any time you have changes in the economy, you have to make adjustments,” says Rick. “If you continue to do the same things and don’t adjust, whether it’s with something like the economy, technology, or the new workforce, you’re probably not going to survive.” Although Augusta was somewhat protected from the recession because Fort Gordon and the Savannah River site remained steady, Rick still saw sales drop. He also had to cut overhead and reduce his inside staff. 10 COMFORT ZONE

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Presently, Busby’s is back to pre-2008 levels, but Rick isn’t satisfied. He sees the company entering a growth phase and will be implementing a five year plan to increase sales by 50 percent. On Busby’s future, he says, “I don’t plan on staying stagnant.” He wants to gain market share and continue building upon the legacy that his father created. While they are already a leader in the Augusta area heating and cooling industry, Rick believes Busby’s has the potential to become one of the best companies in the country. One thing is certain: with continued persistence and innovative thinking from Rick and his team, there is no limit to what they can achieve.

Our first Augusta location on Milledgeville Rd.

601 Eleventh St. | Augusta, GA 30901 | 706 722 5262 | PhoenixPrintingG roup.com

BUSBY’S

commercial services

he Building Owners and Management Association (BOMA), American Society of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigerating Engineers (ASHRAE), and other organizations that collect and oversee commercial buildings have identified a ripe source of savings opportunities. Poorly operating heating and cooling equipment can represent up to 40% energy and operational waste. Dirty or non-existent filters, clogged coils, and heat exchangers and non-functioning controls all contribute to expensive, premature breakdowns and energy waste. These are serious consequences that affect the bottom line. A Busby’s Maintenance Program can avert these consequences. Maintenance performed by Busby’s trained staff reduces breakdowns, regains control of that energy and operational budget and creates a more livable building. Professional tune-ups and cleanings assure your systems are operating at peak efficiencies. As a reward for having the vision 12 COMFORT ZONE

to protect your equipment investment, this program discounts the normal labor and material charges for repairs 15%. This often pays for the agreement. Professional tune-ups and cleanings can be scheduled monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, annually, or in a custom fashion, based on the equipment’s needs and the customer preference. Specializing in light to medium size commercial buildings, Busby’s Commercial Services is uniquely qualified to lower the costs of operating your building with a wide array of programs. The heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems represent the largest investment in most commercial buildings and thus the greatest risk. Planning for the future, achieving key goals and maintaining costs all relate to sound asset management. Our commercial maintenance program provides solutions for lower operating costs and longevity of equipment life. We also offer commercial leasing to provide a solution to unexpected capital investments when a system needs to be replaced.

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Our commercial Services Division will be happy to provide a free survey and proposal for a Commercial Maintenance Agreement tailored to your needs. We offer Saturday service at regular rates and also offer 24 hour emergency service because we know when your air conditioning goes out, you may be unable to operate your business.

Treat your building as an asset...not a liability

Saving Energy & Money

is easier than you think

Busby’s offers 4 easy ways to save energy year round. Do your own energy audit and you’ll be amazed at the dollars you can save by simply keeping an eye on your costs, needs and options.

MAINTENANCE IS IMPERATIVE.

IN THE KITCHEN…

• Change filters at least every three months. This will save you 4 to 6 percent on heating/cooling costs and prolong the life of your AC. • Seal and insulate ductwork for even more savings. • Never run heater or A/C with open windows • Seal and insulate doors and windows. • Lower the temperature on the water heater to 110 degrees.

• Use a slow cooker, which consumes far less energy than an oven or stove top for extended cooking times.

LITTLE SECRETS CAN SAVE BIG MONEY.

3 4

• Use bubble wrap (bubble side against the glass) or other window film to insulate out-of-the way windows. Simply spray with water, apply the wrap or film, and remove when it’s warmer out by peeling it off. • Install awnings or plant trees on the south, southwest and western exposures. • Use window treatments to provide internal shade. • Move air over your skin with fans and outside breezes. • Replace incandescent bulbs with LED lighting. • Turn your computers off at night. • Turn off lights when leaving a room, every time.

INVEST TO SAVE.

• Have your system cleaned regularly. • REPLACE an outdated system with high-efficiency equipment. • Install a programmable thermostat; perhaps two if you have a two-story home. • Consider energy efficient replacement windows.

How do YOU save energy at your home? We would love to hear from you. Email suggestions to Busbys@busbys.com. We’ll publish them in the next edition of Comfort Zone magazine.

706-955-0442

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LENDING A

by C.R. Rollinger

helping hand

weater, toothpaste and lotion— this might sound like a short list of items given to prison inmates upon entering a penitentiary. Unfortunately it’s actually what is given to the average nursing home resident who cannot afford a private pay facility and is forced to rely solely on entitlement programs like Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. Many people assume that nursing home residents have everything they need taken care of for them and that while not all facilities are luxurious, basic needs and comforts are supplied. Unfortunately, this is just not the case, and that’s why Helen McVicker, Rick Busby’s mother-in-law, decided to start When Help Can’t Wait nine years ago. 14 COMFORT ZONE

When Help Can’t Wait exists to supply immediate needs for the comfort and convenience of nursing home residents that cannot be readily funded by the facility in which they reside. The average cost of private nursing home care has risen to over $80,000 a year in the United States, and is right around $72,000 in the Georgia area. Most people cannot afford this for more than a few years if at all. And with people living longer because of advances in medicine, there has been a notable influx of nursing home residents relying on Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. This, however, covers only the most basic of needs.

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The biggest challenge Helen McVicker has had to work against is the lack of knowledge regarding nursing home residents’ quality of life. Unless amenities like a television, radio, computer, standard furnishings are given to them by family or friends, many of these residents simply go without. In McVicker’s experience, most people are willing to help and get involved when they learn about this issue—it’s getting the word out that is the problem. She routinely applies for grants and other funding, yet has run into the same roadblock. This money tends to go to organizations and causes more prominently featured to the public.

The only way to change this is by increasing exposure about the living conditions of nursing home residents. Without a budget for advertising, McVicker must find other ways to raise awareness. She does as much public speaking as possible, takes part in program fairs wherever she can set up a booth, and has even done spots on the nightly news. McVicker wants to make this issue more personal, because up till now it has been all too easy for people

to adopt the ‘out of sight out of mind’ attitude. Far from making anyone feel guilty, she stresses the positive nature of her organization. “We act as a surrogate family and we try to provide everything that you would if it was your parent,” she says. When Help Can’t Wait has many programs, all run by volunteers, established to bring necessities and smiles to nursing home residents, especially those living at or below the poverty level and without any family or friends in the area. The programs include foot and hand spas, building libraries, gifting of donated items, gifting of specialty items, the friendly visitor program, the chaplain program, Christmas gift project, assisting with pageants and parties, gift card projects, coordination of events by local churches and organizations, clothes closet, and so much more. Moving forward, McVicker’s goal remains to create more awareness, hopefully on an increasingly larger scale. She also believes it’s only a matter of time before When Help Can’t

Volunteers and donors are the lifeline for many non-profit organizations. Certainly the When Help Can’t Wait Foundation is no exception. Volunteering can be its own reward. Volunteers most frequently enjoy a warm heart from the support they offer in helping other people, especially those in real need. You can volunteer a few hours each week, one day a week or just a few hours on one day. Volunteers may chose to assist in fundraising activities or help with a special event. Donations, in whatever amount, are most welcome. Please think about making a tax-deductible gift today. Write a check or pick up the phone and call 706-650-9467 and use your credit card. Your charitable contribution might be a lifesaving difference in the lives of a special needs person. Be generous and make a gift right now. Wait begins to secure more funding. If the organization can obtain consistent funding, especially from high-influence sponsors like churches and corporations, more people will begin to understand that the living conditions of nursing home residents need to improve. This understanding will be the key to initiating substantial change.

706-955-0442

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AIR SCRUBBER PLUS: THE CLEANEST AIR YOU’LL EVER BREATHE by Kyle O’Connor

POOR AIR QUALITY CAN CAUSE A HOST OF HEALTH PROBLEMS, SUCH AS COUGHING, SNEEZING, EYE IRRITATION/ ITCHING, FATIGUE, DIZZINESS, HEADACHES AND MIGRAINES, AS WELL AS CONGESTION IN THE SINUSES AND CHEST. 16 COMFORT ZONE

ccording to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the quality of indoor air can be 2 to 5 times (and even up to 100 times) more polluted than the worst outside air, which is why they’ve ranked indoor air pollution among the top five environmental dangers. Poor air quality can cause a host of health problems, such as coughing, sneezing, eye irritation/itching, fatigue, dizziness, headaches and migraines, as well as congestion in the sinuses and chest. It can also exacerbate allergies and preexisting respiratory conditions, including dyspnea (difficult or painful breathing), rhinitis (inflammation of the nose, runny nose), epistaxis (nose bleeds), pharyngitis (sore throat), lung disease, and asthma or worsening asthma. Most if not all of these issues can be controlled or even eliminated by significantly improving the quality of the air in your home. Don’t assume

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it’s fine because it very well may not be. Ignoring this puts not only your health at risk, but the risk of your entire family, including pets. So what can you do to improve your indoor air quality? Most people have some sort of air purifier, whether it’s part of your air duct system or portable, that uses a filter (usually multiple ones), electrical attraction, oxidation, or a combination of these. Air purifiers using these technologies, however, often leave much to be desired when it comes to actually improving your air quality. Enter the Air Scrubber Plus, a seamless, fully integrated 24/7 home air purification system. It makes cleaning surfaces, reducing offending odors, and harmful airborne contaminants as simple as turning on your furnace, fan, or air conditioning system. The Air Scrubber Plus also freshens, purifying the air in your home while reducing strong odors such as those from cigarette smoke, bacteria, pets,

CLEANS FRESHENS PURIFIES

and cooking by naturally absorbing the particles that keep those odors lingering. This allows you to spray and scrub surfaces far less, and odors won’t simply be disguised with toxic chemicals—they’ll be eradicated. Additionally, the Air Scrubber Plus purifies your air. Unlike air filters that are passive, Air Scrubber Plus actively treats the air by continually sending out ActivePure® scrubbers throughout your home to greatly reduce chemicals, dangerous contaminants, mold, odors, and pollutants in the air. The peer reviewed ActivePure® technology was derived from an air purifying system designed by NASA for the International Space Station. It’s 50 times more powerful than the average HVAC filtration system and can reduce up to 99.9% of the harmful contaminants throughout your home. The way it works is through specialized germicidal UV light waves along with a proprietary catalytic process that creates enviroscrubbing molecules of oxygen and hydrogen, just like in nature. The key

components of the Air Scrubber Plus are the honeycomb surface and UV light. The surface, which is coated with a titanium oxide and a proprietary formulation of reactive metals, creates a catalytic reaction that generates charged clusters of hydrogen and oxygen. The Air Scrubber Plus will improve your environment, and therefore your overall health. Many of the health issues mentioned earlier will resolve, as the Air Scrubber Plus reduces harmful airborne toxins. It reduces black mold by up to 99.9%, MSRA Superbug by 99.8%, Avian Flu by 99%, Staph and Strep by 98.5%, and E. Coli by 98.1%. Tom Lozano, Executive Director at Air Scrubber Plus, has seen extraordinary results over the company’s eight years. “Every time we do a test at a school or a business where they keep track of attendance, we see a significant drop in absences due to sickness, up to 80 to 90 percent,” he says. Air Scrubber plus

has done two major studies, both peer reviewed, and they’ve corroborated what Lozano claims. The Air Scrubber Plus extends the life of your existing heating and air conditioning system. A protected HVAC system can last up to 15 years or more at peak efficiency. This will save you money on your utility bills and reduce the need for expensive service calls. An unprotected system will become dirty, causing it to break down in as little as five years. One of our heating and cooling technicians can easily install the Air Scrubber Plus. A standard unit covers up to 3,000 square feet when operating and begins working at once. The unit is not visible inside your home—a small 4” square cut is made into your existing duct work and the unit is mounted directly above your HVAC’s air handler. Once that is done, you’re on the way to breathing the cleanest, freshest air of your life.

706-955-0442

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THE IMPORTANCE OF

by Maxine Reneé

regular maintenance W hether basking in the warm summer sun or enjoying the crisp cool winter air, Georgia residents can maximize their cooling and heating system with a simple routine of regular maintenance. With a small amount of foresight, knowledge and time, home and business owners can enjoy clean and efficient air conditioning and heating throughout the year. One of the easiest and least expensive maintenance tasks is to simply frequently clean or replace air filters between visits from a professional. Not only does this 18 COMFORT ZONE

improve the quality of the air within the home, it also extends the efficiency and lifespan of your air conditioning system. Busby’s lead technician, Jerry Bain, explained, “We do precision tune-ups and cleanings to assure your system is operating at peak efficiency.”

Preventing problems before they arise is ideal, and smart home and business owners rely on maintenance plans to keep their systems working at peak efficiency and to ensure that should any problems arise, they are dealt with swiftly.

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“If you are part of our Comfort Club, not only do you get a precision tune-up during the year, but if you have a breakdown you get a 15% discount on repairs, and you also get priority service,” Jerry says. “Priority service is so important, because on the first hot day of the season or the first cold day, we get a lot of calls. We reserve several appointments each day that are only available for Comfort Club members. If you call us and your system is down, and you are already on a plan, you are our priority.” Of course, maintaining your system is in your best interest, but it also might be a

requirement of your equipment’s warranty. Most manufacturers require annual maintenance and records to provide warranty coverage, and some require proof of regular preventative maintenance plans and services. “Not following the maintenance schedule might be enough to void some warranties. “says Jerry. “We clean the entire system, both heating and cooling each time we come out.”

Universal Plumbing is the premiere plumbing service company in the Augusta, Georgia area. Our dedication to prompt and fair customer service means we’ll get the job done quickly and for a price that’s settled in advance. We use a flat rate schedule for all of our jobs so you’ll know the cost up front. No surprises!

• EMERGENCY RESPONSE • WATER HEATER REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT • SEWER INSPECTION AND REPAIR • INSTALLATION OF BATH & KITCHEN FIXTURES • RE-PIPE FOR LOW WATER PRESSURE

Call us today for fast service and a fair price: “Priority service is so important, because on the first hot day of the season or the first cold day, we get a lot of calls”.

(706) 738-4424 QUICK RESPONSE, FLAT RATES universalplumbinginc.com

706-955-0442

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PROTECT YOUR FAMILY & HOME

from fire with LintAlert’s dryer safety alarm by Jim Buchanon

ou lift your head from your pillow and look at the alarm clock sitting on the nightstand. It’s the middle of the night. What woke you? Suddenly, you realize something’s wrong. Choking, sooty smoke invades your mouth and nose, causing you to cough violently. You leap out of bed, shouting at the top of your voice for your family to wake up. Sprinting into the hall, you see the flames, jet engine hot and spreading quickly. Your house is on fire! The next day, you find out what caused it: your clothes dryer. This is a nightmare scenario for anyone, yet not as uncommon as you might think. According to the U.S. Fire Administration (Division of U.S. Department of Homeland Security), clothes dryers were involved in an estimated 15,600 U.S. structure fires, fifteen deaths, 400 injuries, and $99 million in direct property damage, annually, between 2002-2004. That’s over 40 fires a day caused by clothes dryers! 20 COMFORT ZONE

A common sign of airflow restriction is clothes being exceedingly hot after a drying cycle. The culprit isn’t the dryer itself, it’s the restricted airflow that can come from a variety of sources. The first and most known is the lint trap. Depending on what you’re drying, it can build up quickly with lint and dirt. Additionally, lint buildup accelerates more lint build up, compounding the problem. You also need to realize that kinked or crushed dryer connection hoses are a serious airflow, as is blockage of the dryer vent hood. Many times, animal nests are discovered around and behind dryers, contributing to airflow restriction and the resulting back pressure that can occur within the actual appliance or within the duct pipe, smoldering for hours or be accelerated by the oxygen rich air being provided by an operating dryer.

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A common sign of airflow restriction is clothes being exceedingly hot after a drying cycle. Clothes should be warm once the cycle is over, yes, but not too hot to touch! Another sign of airflow restriction is longer drying times. If it seems like your clothes are never dry enough with just one cycle, then you might have something blocking air in your ducts or preventing the right amount of air from getting into the actual dryer. Lastly, if your utility bills have increased without a change in your routine, airflow restriction may be the cause. Your unit’s efficiency has dropped and is working harder than it should be. Today, you can protect your home and family from the threat that dryer air flow restriction presents with a LintAlert Dryer Safety Alarm, a product Busby’s is proud to offer. The LintAlert works by continually monitoring airflow and showing the exact pressure in the exhaust system. When you have this information, you can save energy and be certain the dryer is operating at safe levels.

now hiring BUSBYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING IS

Busbys is searching for the best-experienced, service, maintenance, and installation mechanics and apprentices in the area. If youre one of the best in this field and have a good driving record you may qualify. Even if you do not have experience in the heating and air conditioning field, we are always looking for top-quality people who care about their job and are focused on customer service. We will provide in-house training for career-minded individuals. Busbys offers year-round work, over 80 hours a year of company paid training, good wages, health insurance, paid vacations and holidays, a 401K profit sharing plan and more.

PLEASE CALL 706.955.0442 OR VISIT BUSBYS.COM

LAUNDRY SCRUBBER:

the smart solution for W

ashing our clothes is something we all have to do, but most people don’t realize just how expensive doing laundry is. Based on information compiled by the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy, the average American household does around 392 loads of laundry per year at an approximate cost of $1.12 to $1.49 per load. The costs include detergent, fabric softener, hot and cold water, and energy produced by whatever system you use. Annually, this is upwards of $585 without factoring in the cost for your washing appliance and necessary maintenance.

The Laundry Scrubber is a revolutionary way to do your laundry, inspired by nature. 22 COMFORT ZONE

Not only is it better for your laundry, your family, and the environment, it will also help you save money too—up to $462 per year.

The Laundry Scrubber incorporates the power of their innovative, exclusive ActivePure® Technology (a certified Space Technology) with the cleaning action of activated oxygen to lift dirt and grime from the fibers of fabric and prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria. It is an amazingly effective cold water laundry system for residential use with many features, described below.  No need for Detergent: instead of expensive, chemical laden detergents, Laundry Scrubber uses oxygen,

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peroxides, and other gases that bubble into clothing to lift away dirt and odors.  Makes Clothes Softer: build-up can weigh down your towels, linens, and clothes. Laundry Scrubber restores their natural softness over time by lifting old detergents out of fibers.

 Clean Without Bleach: combining the power of ActivePure® Technology with the cleaning action of activated oxygen, Laundry Scrubber lifts dirt and grime away from the fibers of fabric, preventing the growth of odor- causing bacteria.  No Maintenance: no cleaning or maintenance required for

.”We tested this system in our own home. I have many allergies, including a severe allergy to detergents. I had no problem with this system and we were so impressed we decided to offer it to our customers.” -Tammy Busby

doing laundry Laundry Scrubber to operate at peak performance.  Better for Sensitive Skin: Laundry Scrubber helps eliminate the itching and redness caused by allergies due to detergents embedded in clothing.  Protects Your Home: Laundry Scrubber monitors its operations through the use of status indicator lights.  No Worries: purchase of the Laundry Scrubber includes a 2-year limited warranty.  Easy to Use: all you need to do is put your clothes in the washing machine, set for cold water only, and turn your washer on.

by Kyle O’Connor

 Whiter Whites, Brighter Colors: through the cleansing power of oxygen, Laundry Scrubber keeps clothes looking their best.  Certified Space Technology: Laundry Scrubber uses ActivePure® Technology, a variation of the technology originally developed for use on the International Space Station.  Earth Friendly: Laundry Scrubber helps protect the Earth by using cold water only also not requiring laundry detergent, which means less energy use and no bottles to throw away.

 Made in the USA: Laundry Scrubber is designed and built in the USA for reliability and durability.  Easy to Install: No modifications or additional plumbing is required, as Laundry Scrubber connects to your existing washing machine with standard hoses. Laundry Scrubber is designed to attach to a residential washing machine using the plumbing connection for cold water and standard washing machine hoses that you already have. Adding to its simplicity, everything is automatic, no additional effort beyond initial installation required. In a matter of minutes, your new and improved system will be operational.

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COMFORT ZONE 23

WHAT TO WHEN “It’s a Honey of a day here at Busby’s”

“I need maintenance/service on my home”

“I would like a free estimate on getting a new air conditioner”

(Service & Maintenance Agreement Customers receive Priority Scheduling)

Our tech gets dispatched to your home We will verify name, address and make of unit and schedule appointment

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BUSBYS.COM

SERVING OUR CUSTOMERS SINCE 1945

EXPECT YOU CALL BUSBYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S Comfort Consultant provides you with good, better, best offer and schedules installation date

Unit is installed

(we pride ourselves on clean installation)

Final inspection is passed

Equipment is registered and warrantied with the Manufacturer

Diagnosis made. Flat rate price given with availability of parts. You will receive a detailed service report regarding the condition of your system (no hidden fees)

SERVING OUR CUSTOMERS SINCE 1945 706-955-0442 BUSBYS.COM

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COMFORT ZONE 25

MOM’S

meatloaf I have never made a secret of the fact that I am one LAZY cook…and the simpler the recipe the more success I will have. One of my favorite goto places for recipes is the Publix Apron’s Simple Recipes website. So in this publication which features all the ways Busby’s Inc. can improve and maintain your comfort in your home, it only seems appropriate to share one of our favorite ‘comfort’ meals. Please note: I attempted meatloaves for years with no success until I found this recipe…comes out perfect every time.

Ingredients

Steps

COOKING SPRAY

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat 9 x 4 inch loaf pan with cooking spray.

20 REDUCED-FAT BUTTERY-TASTE CRACKERS (FOR THE PAST 8 YEARS I HAVE SUBSTITUTED GLUTEN FREE CRACKERS WITH EXCELLENT RESULTS)

LARGE ZIP-TOP BAG 1 POUND LEAN GROUND BEEF (WE USE VENISON!) 1 CUP FROZEN SEASONING BLEND (ONIONS, BELL PEPPERS, AND CELERY) 1/2 CUP REDUCED-FAT MILK 2 EGGS 1 TEASPOON MEAT SEASONING 1/4 TEASPOON SALT 1/8 TEASPOON PEPPER 1/4 CUP KETCHUP 1/4 CUP MAPLE SYRUP

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2. Place crackers in zip-top bag and crush finely. Combine all ingredients (except ketchup and syrup) in medium bowl, mixing just until combined (do not over-mix). Place in pan and shape into a loaf. Wash hands. Bake 40-45 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F or higher. Use a meat thermometer to accurately ensure doneness. 3. Combine ketchup and syrup in small bowl. Five min utes before bake time is complete, pour over meatloaf; complete bake time. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. We like to serve this with Au-gratin potatoes as the Publix recipe suggests but there is no simpler or tastier recipe for that than on the back of the can of Del Monte potatoes!

Take the time you have saved with this dinner idea and play a game with your family!

Now THAT is comfort!

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COMFORT ZONE 27

Walton Foundation

by Roscoe Marley

for independence “Donny was a great big brother. I hate that I lost him so early in my life. I am very thankful for the support and help that Walton Rehabilitation hospital and the Walton Foundation provided for him. I will always be grateful for what he taught me and all that Walton provided for him.” -Rick Busby

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icture your son, face flushed with excitement, trying to keep the handlebars of his new bicycle steady as he nears the end of the driveway. You see the speeding car before he does, but it’s too late to do anything to stop the inevitable. The crash happens as if in slow motion, and in that instant, you realize that life will never be the same. This is a tremendously frightening situation to think about, but accidents do happen. What’s often lost in the aftermath is just how long and difficult a journey rehabbing from a serious injury can be. This is where an organization like the Walton Foundation for Independence comes in. Located in Augusta, Georgia. Walton Foundation operates with the mission to inspire philanthropy to support programs and services that create an inclusive lifestyle for people with disabilities in the community, to live, work, and play.

Walton Rehabilitation Health System, which included Walton Rehabilitation Hospital, opened in 1988. In 1996, Walton Community Services, the housing part of the system, opened its first independent living community. This first community, comprising three accessible 2-bedroom units, has since grown to include 15 independent garden apartment communities throughout Augusta, Thomson, Harlem, Georgia and North Augusta, South Carolina. These provide homes for hundreds of people with disabilities and their families in the Central Savannah River Area. In 1998, the Walton Foundation for Independence was founded as a separate 501c3 nonprofit organization. The following year, Harison Heights opened, a facility that provides independent and supported living options for people with disabilities who may require varying levels of care and assistance. In the summer of 2000, Walton Foundation for Independence began offering a unique camp for children and young adults with traumatic brain injuries, called Camp To Be Independent. The campers get to have a safe and medically monitored camp experience and do things other children take for granted, including swimming, a giant swing, archery, arts and crafts, a zip line, canoeing, horseback riding, a talent show and even a dance. In its first year, 16 children and 20 volunteers participated. In 2015, 58 children and young adults will attend Camp TBI absolutely free, all thanks to the help of 60 plus volunteers, annual community fund raisers, grants and donations. Vicki Greene, Vice President of Development for Walton, has seen countless success stories over the past 14 years, and

says, “There’s no way to single just one out.” To her and everyone involved with Camp TBI and Walton, they’re all incredibly special. Rick Busby holds a special place in his heart for the Walton Foundation for Independence. His brother, Donny, had an accident in 1970, which eventually led to uncontrollable seizures that forced him to undergo brain surgery. Unfortunately, the surgery contributed to Donny later suffering a stroke. Because of this, he would spend time at three different Walton recovery properties. Seeing firsthand the amazing work Walton was doing, Rick became more involved with the foundation as time went on. He’s been a board member for over 20 years, and in 2016 will become chairman. His goal will remain the same: helping those with disabilities, like his brother Donny, lead more enjoyable, inclusive lives.

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COMFORT ZONE 29

W.E. Eubanks

by Kyle O’Connor

57 years of dedication found himself a member of the local Sheet Metal Union. After speaking with a former classmate, he learned about a nonunion job opening at Busby’s and proceeded to interview with its founder, J.C. Busby. He received a call back and met with Mr. Busby a second time to further discuss employment. He would join the Busby’s (at the time, very small) team, and help it earn the fitting nickname “The Professionals.”

“My respect for W.E. as a phenomenal craftsman and artist with sheet metal is only exceeded by my respect for him as a human being,” -Rick Busby

oday, with so much economic uncertainty, you’d be hard pressed to find someone who has been with their current employer for 10 years, even 5 years. That’s why W.E. Eubanks is so incredible—he has now been with Busby’s Heating and Air Conditioning for over 50 years! 57, to be exact. 30 COMFORT ZONE

An Augusta native, W.E. received his GED while serving in the United States Navy from 1952-1955. After leaving the Navy, he returned to the Augusta area where he resumed working as a cloth weaver for the old Sibley Mills. It wasn’t long before he realized how little satisfaction he received from the repetitious nature of the mill work. Several years later, he

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On why he has stayed so long with Busby’s, W.E. says, “Challenge is the number one reason. I never had time to be bored. Each job had a different challenge, and in the beginning you were learning a trade that you knew would make a difference both in your life and that of the customers.” Many of these jobs were special to W.E, including the Trail Way Bus Station Terminal. He also enjoyed a two year job at the old historic McKay House on Broad Street, as well as The Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art, both located in Augusta. There was also the U.S. Army Signal Core of Engineers based at Fort Gordon, Georgia, and the former U.S. Air Force Base in Aiken, South Carolina. “And you know,” says W.E., “I do believe Busby’s was the first in the State of Georgia to install a central heating and air conditioning system in a mobile home.” Rick Busby can’t imagine Busby’s without W.E. Eubanks, and that’s because W.E. has been at the company since the year before Rick was born! Busby’s wouldn’t be Busby’s without him. “My respect for W.E. as a phenomenal craftsman and artist with sheet metal is only exceeded by my respect for him as a human being,” says

Rick. Having had many roles over the years, W.E., now in his early 80s, is now primarily the installation department team leader and sheet metal fabricator. “He’s a mentor to the installation mechanics and really all of the field personnel,” Rick adds, making it clear that although W.E. is a company icon, he still plays an integral role at Busby’s. He goes out and checks the installations, imparting his vast knowledge gained over his extensive career to the younger technicians. Without a doubt, W.E. has contributed greatly to Busby’s legacy, helping cement the core values first instilled by J.C. Busby and strengthened by Rick, those of customer service, honesty and integrity.

BUGS TREMBLE AT THE SOUND OF OUR NAME

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS

(888) HORNES-8 hornespestcontrol.com

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COMFORT ZONE 31

RICK BUSBY:

author & motivational speaker N ot only is Rick Busby president of Busby’s Heating and Air Conditioning, he is also a published author and motivational speaker. When he’s not working on something Busby’s related, he enjoys writing and also motivating people, especially teens and young adults. When the day finally comes for him to retire, he hopes to put even more time and effort into these passions.

Rick has enjoyed writing since he was a child, having an affinity for poetry. He has written countless poems, many of them for friends, family and employees. Simple Habits that Will Change Your Life is a book about personal growth that Rick published in 2010 through Buzzbee Books, the publishing house he formed. Presently, there are well over 2000 copies of Simple Habits in circulation! “Life is all about habits,” Rick says. “We are creatures of habit and we choose the habits that will ultimately form our lives. First we form habits and then they form us. Good habits are hard to form and easy to live with while bad habits are easy to form and hard to live with.” The main topic Rick speaks on is the importance of being a person of honorable character, not just when it’s convenient but with everything one chooses to do. He has given motivational speeches at many area high schools, Augusta State University, and speaks two times a year to the Entrepreneurship class at Georgia Regents University. Also, in 2015, he was a featured speaker at ACCA national convention in Dallas.

HABIT 1 pray

Develop the habit of praying at least once a day. Use this time to thank God for all of your many blessings, to ask for forgiveness of your sins, to pray for guidance and pray for all who need your prayers. Prayers do get answered. “Ask and ye shall receive.” Communicating with God on a daily basis will change your life.

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HABIT 8

be a good friend

Being a good friend means being willing to listen without judgement. It means going out of your way to do something nice for those you care about. It means supporting your friends when they need support, encouraging them when the need encouragement and loving them unconditionally. If you want to have good friends, first you have to be a good friend.

"Simple Habits is a book that is easy to read and understand. I would encourage everyone to read this book and apply these simple habits in their daily walk through life." Jeff Hadden, President, Phoenix Printing

HABIT 3

look for the best in people

People are all different, and thank goodness for that. It would be a very boring world if we were all alike. I believe there is good in people if you look for it. Focus on the positive attributes of those around you, even those that you may dislike. You can almost always find good in people if you look for it.

“All my family, friends and clients are getting this book as a gift. Rick Busby lives these ideas. He walks his talk. This little gem of a bathroom book is profoundly simple and simply profound!” Mark Matteson, International Speaker and Author of the best selling book Freedom from Fear

“As a grandmother, I think this book should be required reading for children 10 and up! A copy of it should remain on the coffee table at all times.”

get your copy at:

Donna Hall, Hall Marketing

buzzbeebooks.com 706-955-0442

COMFORT ZONE 33

AIR CONDITIONER:

repair or replace?

he air conditioning unit outside of your home works hard day in and day out to keep your family cool. Just like every other bit of technology in your life your air conditioner accumulates wear and tear every day from casual use. If your system is over ten years old, there is a good chance that installing a new air conditioning system will end up costing you less in the long run. You can decide whether you are going to repair your current unit or replace it. Here are some tips to help you figure out what the future of your air conditioner is.

Cost Difference Between and AC Repair and AC Replacement

The first thing that you are going to want to look into is what the difference in cost is between having your current AC repaired or having a brand new one installed. If the cost of fixing your expensive home appliance is 20% or more than the quote 34 COMFORT ZONE

for a new installation, the replacement option is a better choice.

old, it is possible for the decision to go either way.

Age is Often the Cause

Get Rid of Faulty Systems

The General Rule of Air Conditioner Efficiency

Rely on Newer Technology

On the other hand, with a newer air conditioner that requires just a simple fix that is low in cost, you will find it more beneficial to just keep what you have and complete the small repair. When it comes to an older air conditioner though, the improvement on energy efficiency alone can quickly offset the price paid for a new system. Keep this in mind when trying to choose between an AC repair or an AC replacement.

The rule of thumb for trying to decide, based on the age, is if the system is around two years old, there is a good chance repairs will be beneficial. An air conditionerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lifespan is around ten years. If yours is around that age, replacement may be a better option when it comes to air conditioners that are about five years

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If your air conditioner has done nothing but give you problems since it was installed, it could save you future headaches by just junking your constantly failing air conditioning unit. This will save yourself more hassle than you know. Having a system that is reliable and efficient that also includes a yearly scheduled maintenance visit will prove an amazing choice that will continue functioning for years.

The biggest advantage of a new AC unit is the strong possibility that the new model is energy-efficient. It is not likely that the monthly savings on your utility bills will show the savings in the first month. In the course of a few years, that air conditioning unit can successfully pay for itself and begin to make you money.

Just like every other bit of technology in your life your air conditioner accumulates wear and tear every day from casual use.

BUSBY’S

repair or replace QUIZ

Is it Time to Repair or Replace Your Faulty HVAC Unit? 1. Age of your unit? a. 1-7 b. 8-12

2. How much have you spent on your unit in the past year? a. Under $600 b. Over $600

3. Are your energy bills increasing each month? a. Yes b. No

6. Are some rooms in your home often too cold or to hot?

7. Is your HVAC unit unusually noisy?

TIP: New units can have up to a 20 SEER efficiency rating, reducing monthly costs significantly.

a. Yes b. No

5. Does your home have humidity problems? When choosing a new air conditioning unit, look for the seal from Energy Star. This model meets or exceeds guidelines that the Environmental Protection Agency sets for energy efficiency. This can all get confusing if you are not sure what it means. Call Busby’s Heating and Air Conditioning for your AC repair in Augusta. You can expect outstanding customer service that will exceed your expectations when you choose Busby’s. We will send a highly qualified technician to your home to diagnose the issues you are having with your system.

3-5 POINTS TECHNICIAN We recommend having a technician come out to further inspect your unit! In order to give you the most accurate advice, please reach out to our team of experts to schedule an appointment. 6-8 POINTS REPLACE Based on the information you provided, your HVAC should be replaced! In order to determine the best new unit for your home, please reach out to our team of experts to request a quote from one of our Comfort Consultants. Did you know that if your system is more than ten years old, it could be using twice the amount of energy that a new one would?

4. Do you regularly maintain

Energy Star Efficiency

0-2 POINTS REPAIR Based on information you provided, your HVAC system should be repaired! In order to fix your unit, please reach out to our team of experts to request a diagnosis. Remember, regular maintenance for your HVAC system is required to keep your unit operating properly. Use these tips to prevent future problems: don’t skip routine maintenance, make service calls when there is an unusual problem, keep your coils and filters clean, and keep the outdoor unit free of debris.

a. Yes b. No

8. Does your home have excessive dust? a. Yes b. No

KEY: 1. a-0, b-1 2. a-0,b-1 3. a-1, b-0 4. a-0, b-1 5. a-1, b-0 6. a-1, b-0 7. a-1, b-0 8. a-1, b-0

TIP: An oversized unit’s constant cycling leads to poor humidity control and premature failure. TIP: Leaky ducts can pull particles and air from attics or basements and distribute them throughout your house causing an increase in household dust.

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COMFORT ZONE 35

THE FUTURE OF BUSBY’S

by Jim Buchanon

is in good hands giving everyone hugs and kisses. Lauren and Joseph enjoy going to concerts, kayaking, biking, and spending time with their friends.

“They are learning the importance of customer service and honesty and integrity in the business place— they were taught this growing up as children, but now they’re seeing how that affects long term business success.”

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ick has many reasons to be excited and optimistic about Busby’s future, and his daughters are two of them. Lauren, 26, and Kristen, 21, have been involved with the business since they were young. Both are currently employed fulltime with Busby’s and may very well decide to build a career in the HVAC industry just like their father did. Lauren graduated from Georgia College and State University in 2012 with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Criminal Justice. Following school, she moved back to Augusta and started as an Accounting Clerk at Busby’s. She held this position for just under three years before becoming Sales Coordinator in February of 2015. In October of 2014, she married Joseph Ladun in Hephzibah, Georgia. The ceremony took place under the Magnolia tree in front of the home her father grew up in. Lauren and Joseph have a Dingo (aka Carolina Dog) named Baylor that enjoys

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Kristen also graduated from Georgia College and State University. This past May, she received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Management with a minor in Economics. She gained valuable leadership experience in school, as a member of fraternity Delta Sigma Pi for all four years. She was also the VP of Community Service in the fall of 2012 and President in 2013. Among her many achievements are involvement in four different Honor Societies, including the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and being awarded multiple academic scholarships. Kristen also made the President’s List for three semesters, the Dean’s List for five, and graduated Magna Cum Laude. She now holds the position of Financial Administrator at Busby’s, previously having worked as a Summer Accounts Assistant since 2009. Outside of the office she enjoys baking, spending time with her dog, Belle, and driving her Jeep. Although Rick loves having his daughters involved with the family business, he isn’t insisting they make a career out of it. What he wants is for them to gain valuable professional experience, learning lessons that will help them with whatever they choose to do with their lives. Says Rick, “They are learning the importance of customer service and honesty and integrity in the business place—they were taught this growing up as children, but now they’re seeing how that affects long term business success.” Regardless of what Lauren and Kristen end up doing with their lives professionally, Rick believes their time at Busby’s will have a positive impact.

INTERMATIC’S DYNAMIC DUO PROVIDES

“paired protection” during surges

AND POOR POWER CONDITIONS

Are you protected? Think of the last time you bought a new TV, computer or, for that matter, any new home-electronics. Most likely, you bought a surge device to protect that investment. Intermatic, understands that today’s electronics are very sensitive to “voltage surges” during poor power conditions, also referred to as transient voltage. Transient voltage can be generated by a number of sources; however, most people incorrectly think that all surge events come from lightning storms. In reality, 80% of surge is generated from within your home. Because of this, it’s vital that you install surge and power protection devices to all your Heating and Air Conditioning equipment. Like most appliances, HVAC equipment has changed in the past few years, becoming more efficient and hi-tech, ultimately providing you and your family with unprecedented comfort. In order to make this happen, the manufacturer has incorporated circuit boards and highly expensive electronics into equipment. As with your appliances, and your valuable electronics’, we recommend the installation of surge and power protection to your HVAC system inside and outside the home.

Backed by a $7,500 connected equipment warranty. Intermatic’s AG3000 & Compressor Defender™ provide the much needed protection to your Heating & Air Conditioning Equipment.

“Paired Protection” Surges & Brownouts can strike without warning, damaging expensive Air Conditioning equipment, leaving you without Heating & Cooling, and an unwelcomed service call. Protect your valuable HVAC Equipment with Intermatic’s Dynamic Duo! Our surge & Power protection devices take the hit so your HVAC equipment doesn’t. Our all-in-one Compressor Defender™ protects air conditioners from a variety of power disturbance events that can affect the performance and the life of your equipment, including brownouts and surges. Our AG3000 surge device protects your ancillary HVAC equipment from damages caused by destructive power surges. When “Paired” together...Intermatic’s Dynamic Duo provides the total Power Protection for your entire HVAC system.

In reality, 80% of surge is generated from within your home. Because of this, it’s vital that you install surge and power protection devices to all your Heating and Air Conditioning equipment.

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COMFORT ZONE 37

REPLACEMENT

windows & doors by Roscoe Marley

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magine taking the money out of your wallet, walking into your bathroom, tossing the bills into the toilet, and then flushing. When is the last time you did this? Never! But by letting air escape through old or inferior windows and doors, this is essentially what you’re doing.

• Reduction of Drafts: New, better windows and doors significantly reduce drafts within the home. • Lower Heating and Cooling Costs: less wasted air equals lower bills. For example, you’ll save $126 to $465 a year by replacing single-pane windows

Many of the newest window and door models provide benefits that outweigh the price of purchase and installment, and will allow you to save money for years to come. Not only this, but old windows and doors can be difficult to operate, becoming a source of frustration for homeowners. Old windows often get stuck, the glass can fog and be difficult to clean, and can require frequent painting and maintenance. This constant upkeep is also true with doors.

• Increased Energy Efficiency: most people don’t realize how much air can escape through their outdated windows and doors, forcing your heating and cooling units to work harder to maintain consistent temperatures.

• Easier Cleaning: this applies especially to replacement windows. The glass will fog less and dust will not adhere as readily. This helps reduce smearing and streaking. • Improved Aesthetics: your home will be much more pleasing visually, both from the outside and inside.

HERE ARE SOME BENEFITS TO REPLACEMENT WINDOWS. • Investment: According to “Remodeling” magazine’s annual “Cost vs. Value Report,” you can regain 72.9 percent of the project cost in added home value when you replace vinyl windows. Their research also shows that on average, replacement windows for your home yield a 78 percent return on investment. You also qualify for additional savings by using certain windows.

• Smoother Operation: less sticking, jamming and creaking.

in a 2,000-square-foot house with new energy efficient windows, according to the Efficient Windows Collaborative, a coalition of government agencies, research organizations, and manufacturers that promotes efficient window technology.

• Elimination or Reduction of Maintenance: replacement windows and doors need little maintenance, and newer models will require less over time.

• Increase in Home Value: replacement windows and doors increase the resale value of your home. When you have outdated windows and doors, it can hurt you in negotiations when selling your home. Prospective buyers are likely to want a discounted price in order to put new windows or doors in after purchase. The smarter move is to replace your windows before beginning the selling process. • Less Noise Transference from Outside: noise enters the home through the same pathways as air, therefore, replacement windows and doors can significantly cut down on the amount of noise that transfers from the outside in. • Greater UV Protection: Newer window models offer greater UV protection, protecting not only you and your family, but also your upholstery and carpets. They will fade at a much slower rate when not exposed to strong UV rays.

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COMFORT ZONE 39

MEET BUSBY’S TEAM Stephen Beckett Vice President

Stephen graduated from George P. Butler High School in 1982 and attended Augusta Technical Institute. He began his career at Busby’s in 1983. He has worked his way up through the company serving as a technician, Service Manager, Operations Manager, and now as Vice President. He has three children Nicole, Kuleigh, and Corey. He is very involved in the community where he has served on numerous boards.

Tim Steflik

Service Manager

Tim graduated from Evans High School in 2005. He attended Shawnee State University on a baseball scholarship and graduated with a BA in History. He also studied the modern road system in southern Spain and was a grass roots development worker for the United States Peace Corps in Bulgaria. Tim worked over summer during college as a part time warehouse assistant and returned to join the Busby Team in 2012

bee comfortable

Randy Spoon

Installation Manager

Randy has been a part of the Busby Team since 2010. He has a fiancé, Dayna Parker, and three children; Montanna, Savannah, and Dillon. In his spare time, Randy is the Certified Official for the American Cornhole Organization and Umpire/ Trainer for the area’s adult softball leagues.

Dustin Parker

Warehouse Manager

Dustin joined the Busby Team in 2010 and developed expertise in the areas of service and maintenance before working in the warehouse. His skill set lies in organization and inventory management, which he greatly enjoys. Dustin has been married to his wife Brandy since 2007. Together they have one son, Austin, who is 5 years old and the light of their lives.

Lauren Ladun

Sales Lead Coordinator ce rvi

ent

m art

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Lauren (Busby) Ladun graduated from Evans High School in 2007 and Georgia College & State University in 2012. Lauren began working at Busby’s seasonally when she was 14 years old but has been on the Busby Team full time since 2012. Lauren and her husband Joseph were married in 2014 and love being outdoors with their dingo, Baylor.

SERVING OUR CUSTOMERS SINCE 1945 Kristen Busby

Financial Administrator

Kristen graduated from Evans High School in 2011 and Georgia College & State University in 2015 with a degree in Business Management and Magna Cum Laude honors. Kristen began working at Busby’s seasonally when she was 14 years old and joined the Busby Team full time in May of 2015. Outside of the office she enjoys baking, spending time with her dog, and driving her Jeep.

“Give Busby’s a Buzz and We’ll Bee There.”

Tommy Way

Comfort Consultant

Tommy graduated George P. Butler High School in 1968 and Gardner Webb College in 1972 where he was the captain of the football team. He and his wife Mary have three adult children: Josh, Jake, and Alice. Tommy joined the Busby Team in 1990 and has a total of 29 years in the heating and air conditioning business.

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Tracy Durand

Comfort Consultant

Tracy graduated from Westside High School in 1981 and Augusta State University in 1986. Tracy joined the Busby Team in 1989 and enjoys baseball, football, and golf. He and his wife Michelle met in middle school and have three children: Brooke, Heath and Tanner.

Doug Coleman

Comfort Consultant

Doug graduated from Westside High School in 1991 and from Augusta State University with a business management degree in 1996. Doug and his wife Amy, who is a first grade school teacher at Riverside Elementary, have one child Cameron. Doug had several years of industry experience prior to joining the Busby Team in 2011.

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COMFORT ZONE 41

WHY A Heat Pump Is A Great Option W

hen it comes to home appliances, would you agree that the more efficient, the better? Installing a heat pump for heating and air conditioning may be the best solution for keeping your home comfortable year round. During warmer months, a heat pump works as an air conditioner, extracting heat from inside the home and transferring it to the outdoor air. In colder weather, however, the process reverses. The unit collects heat from the outdoor air to transfer inside your home.

A heat pump also produces savings while cooling a home. A SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating measures cooling efficiency. A higher SEER number produces greater savings. A SEER of 12.00 to 13.00 is typical in homes over eight or ten years old, and a new, higher efficiency heat pump can be as much as 50 percent more efficient. If a consumer’s non-electric furnace is still working, an add-on heat pump is an effective option. A dual-fuel system shares the heating load, but never at the same time.

Each system operates when it is the most cost effective. The heat pump will be the Cool or cold outside air, nevertheless still primary heating and cooling system. Howcontains some heat. When there’s not enough heat in the outside air to meet the ever, when the temperature drops below demand of the thermostat setting, an elec- the heat pump’s ‘set-point’ (the point tric heater supplements the outdoor air to at which the heat pump no longer is the most efficient source of heat) the furnace warm the home. Instead of a furnace that will take over until the temperature rises turns fossil fuels or electricity into heat, enough for the heat pump to operate the heat pump collects heat that already more efficiently. exists in the outdoor air. It’s a matter of producing versus collecting. A heat pump “Heat pumps are efficient, quiet and proproduces two to three times more heat vide significant savings,” says Rick Busby, than the energy it uses, and today’s heat pumps produce warm and comfortable air. Owner of Busby’s. “The amount a consumer can save depends on many factors, including building temperature, construction quality and electric rates. “We get to capture the sweet spot of efficiency and comfort for each system. This is a very popular system and many of our customers choose to go this route.”

“Heat pumps are efficient, quiet and provide significant savings, says Rick Busby of Busby’s. The amount a consumer can save depends on many factors, including building temperature, construction quality and electric rates.”

To learn about heat pumps and how they can save on energy costs, contact Busby’s (706) 955-0442.

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5406

7.7x4.5 4c

Let’s get started on your home improvement Paint a room. Build a pool. Remodel the kitchen. Landscape the yard. Wells Fargo has a variety of financing options to help you make the most of your home, and the information to help you decide which option is right for you. Let your Wells Fargo banker help you understand all your financing choices, including:

Start the conversation with a banker today! Call 1-866-445-2455 Go to wellsfargo.com/project Visit a Wells Fargo Store

Mortgage and home equity options • Home equity lines of credit and loans • Mortgages with built-in renovation financing • Cash-out refinance mortgage Personal credit options • Personal lines and loans of credit • Credit cards

706-955-0442

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COOL AIR ISN’T

necessarily good air Well-maintained and efficient air cleaners can significantly lower the amount of pollutants in the air. Their usefulness varies considerably, depending on the type of cleaner, and on the strength of the indoor pollution source.

our home is essentially a Petri dish for dust, dander, mold and micro-organisms. All of these interior invaders use your living space to multiply and spread, and can build up by the minute.

You can almost say that air quality defines life quality. When indoor air is clean, we sleep and breathe better, and we’re all-around living healthier. Well-maintained and efficient air cleaners can significantly lower the amount of pollutants in the air. Their usefulness varies considerably, depending on the type of cleaner, and on the strength of the indoor pollution source. The acronym MERV stands for “Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value.” The MERV rating was developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and AirConditioning Engineers, and is the standard method for comparing the efficiency of an air filter. The higher the MERV rating, the better the filter is at removing particles from the air.

WHY THE MERV RATING IS IMPORTANT When you’re purchasing an air conditioner or furnace filter for your home, you want to be sure that you are buying one that’s appropriate for your home and your family’s specific needs. When you or someone in your home suffers from allergies, or respiratory problems, you’ll want to look for a higher MERV rating. Then again, even if you don’t have allergies or other health concerns, you may just want to get the best filter for your family so that the indoor air quality around your home is the best it can be. Your options include a throwaway fiberglass filter, washable filter, one-inch or five-inch pleated filters. Check the MERV rating on each, and get the details about how various filter type works with your system before you make a purchase.

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Smith Tire Company in Augusta, Georgia started up in 1936 and has been family owned and operated for 4 generations. We offer all the auto services and tires you need. We are a certified dealer of Michelin®, BFGoodrich®, and Uniroyal®, and we stock tires for cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, and more. If you don’t know your tire size you can call us at (706) 724-8277 or use our easy online Tire Fitment Guide at www.smithtireaugusta.com.

RATION

1ST & 2ND GENE

Our Family Serving Yours Since 1936

3RD & 4TH GENE

SMITH TIRE CO.

RATION

In need of vehicle repair or maintenance? We offer 30, 60, 90K maintenance service, brake service, and alignments. We also carry ACDelco batteries! We have been serving customers from Augusta, Columbia County, Aiken, and the CSRA in SC for many years. Stop in and see us!

706.724.8277 smithtireaugusta.com

706-955-0442

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UNDERSTANDING

warranties

hank you for choosing Busby’s to supply your indoor air quality needs! Here are just a few words on how to maximize your investment by understanding warranties.

When you purchased your new air conditioning system, it included a manufacturer’s warranty. You should have received a copy of this warranty from the manufacturer, which contains their terms and conditions. If you can’t find your warranty paperwork, call our customer service department. We’ll be happy to help you! Manufacturers are beginning to enforce the terms and conditions within your paperwork. These changes may affect you. Most manufacturers allow you to transfer warranties to the new owner upon the sale of your property for a small fee and within 30 days of the closing. Manufacturers are now requiring the use of OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts. There are thousands of possible OEM parts for any of the multiple manufacturers, which make using and obtaining OEM parts difficult, and we can no 46 COMFORT ZONE

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longer use generic stock parts to replace a unit that is under warranty. However, it is our priority to repair your equipment as quickly as possible. Manufacturers do not cover costs for labor performed. Busby’s includes a one year labor warranty with all systems. We also offer extended warranties that covers labor and other items not covered by the manufactures parts warranty. This means that if you need service after one year, labor charges will apply. Manufacturers often require yearly maintenance by an authorized dealer/ servicer in order to keep a warranty in good standing. If you are not currently having maintenance done on your equipment at least annually, please contact us or an authorized dealer/servicer in your area as soon as possible. Please call our customer service department if you have any questions or to schedule maintenance. We have several maintenance plans, and our professional staff will gladly explain them to you and help you choose the one that best fits your needs.

Lack of maintenance is the primary reason equipment fails? That’s why joining the Busby’s Comfort Club is the best investment you can make to ensure your system is operating efficiently and safely all year long!

ANNUALLY Clean and Adjust Burner Assembly Clean Ignition Assembly Clean Heat Exchanger ANNUALLY/SEMI-ANNUALLY Monitor starting Capabilities Test Safety Controls Clean or Replace Air Filters Tighten Electrical Connections

“Give Busby’s a Buzz and We’ll Bee There.”

Clean Condenser Coil Clean Condensate Drains Measure Temperature Difference Apply Protective Coating to Outside Unit Clean leaves and debris from outdoor unit. AS NEEDED Clean and adjust blower components Check Thermostat Clean Evaporator Coil if Possible

AS A MEMBER YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR DISCOUNTS ON REPLACEMENTS Evaporator Coils ...............................................$50.00 Condensing Units .............................................$75.00

Membership Levels

Our Comfort Club offers a variety of membership levels to meet your needs.

Furnaces ........................................................$75.00 Complete Systems .........................................$150.00

Benefits

BRONZE BRONZE+ SILVER GOLD

Priority Service

•

Satisfaction Guaranteed

•

Transferable

•

BRONZE + MEMBERSHIP As a Bronze Plus member you receive all the benefits of the Bronze Membership plus an annual system tune-up on your heating and cooling equipment, a 15% discount on repairs, special discounts on replacement equipment, lower utility bills, and extended equipment life.

Newsletters with Discount Coupons

•

Can Cancel at Any Time

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Extended Equipment Life

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Lower Utility Bills

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SILVER MEMBERSHIP As a Silver member you will receive all of the benefits of the Bronze Plus Membership as well as semi-annual system tune-ups on your heating and cooling equipment.

Special Discounts on Replacement Equipment

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Membership Card

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15% Discount on Repairs

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N/A

Annual System Tune-up

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BRONZE MEMBERSHIP As a Bronze member you will receive priority service, discount coupons, our quarterly newsletter, “The Comfort Zone.”

GOLD MEMBERSHIP As a Gold member you receive all the benefits of the Bronze and Bronze Plus Memberships as well as complete system coverage on parts and labor. No charge for diagnostics, overtime, or repairs during the membership period. (Excluded from the plan are compressors & heat exchangers outside of the manufacturer’s warranty and non-maintainable items, coils, drain pans, cabinetry, control wiring, refrigerant tubing, as pipe, flue pipe and ductwork.)

Semi-Annual System Tune-up

• •

No Overtime Charges

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Free Diagnostic Charges

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No Charge for Repairs

•

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5 TOP 5

Things Your Air Conditioner Wants You To Know:

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Water can cause your condenser to rust and wear out more quickly. Avoid having your sprinkler spray on your unit in order to reduce the risk of corrosion. Remove debris, trim grass and tear out any bushes that restrict airflow. This will improve the efficiency of your system and reduce the risk of it overheating.

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A system with varying speed options can conserve energy. Reducing your systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s output during milder weather will save you money on energy bills.

A programmable thermostat gives you better control over output. When your unit is only on when it has to be, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to see smaller energy bills. Adding a de-humidistat could help to conserve energy. A de-humidistat will turn your unit on when the humidity rises above a certain level, giving you even more control over the operation of your system.