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SAVING MONEY & ENERGY
38
Years of Service
Premiere Edition
Is Easier Than you Think COMFORT AIR A Story of Perseverance Family-Owned & Operated
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BRINGING YOUR HOME COMFORT SINCE 1978
From
Winter's chill through
Comfort Air Corporations
Lennox ads
Lennox速 air conditioners are the most efficient and quietest you can buy. Our best home air conditioners make the distinction with variable staging technology. Having a comfortable home goes way beyond temperature settings. Lennox Residential is a leading global name in home comfort. Comfort Air will provide you with the personal touch you expect from your Indoor Comfort Professional.
Providing premier commercial and residential air conditioning and heating service to the metro Savannah area.
the dog days of Summer...
primary goal is to keep your home comfortable for you and your family.
(912) 927-7000 ComfortAirSav.com Give us a call today to discover for yourself why our customers have continued to call on the name they’ve trusted for over 38-years!
TABLE OF
CONTENTS 6 8
WATER HEATERS WHICH WATER HEATER IS BEST FOR YOU?
6 8
COMFORT AIR A STORY OF PERSEVERANCE
11 TEN THINGS THAT MAKE
COMFORT AIR SUCCESSFUL
12
12 ROTARY CLUB A COMMITTED SERVICE ORGANIZATION
14 16 18 19 20 22
WHY YOUR WHOLE HOUSE NEEDS A DEHUMIDIFIER WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU CALL COMFORT AIR
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GPS IMPROVE YOUR INDOOR AIR QUALITY by Len Gaspary
GEORGIA POWER SALUTES “NUMBER 1” COMFORT AIR PROTECT YOURSELF DURING AND AFTER A STORM HEAT PUMPS WHY CONVERT TO A MODERN HEATING & COOLING SYSTEM? by Marge McCarthy
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PEACH COBBLER A TASTE OF SWEET HOME COOKIN’
26
SAVING ENERGY & MONEY IS EASIER THAN YOU THINK
28
MEET THE COMFORT AIR TEAM
30
UNDERSTANDING WARRANTIES
31
MAINTENANCE THE BEST WAY TO PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT
© 2016 Comfort Air Heating & Air Conditioning. 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 distributed locally by Comfort Air Heating & Air Conditioning.. If you would like copies placed at your business please call our offices at 912-927-7000. Produced in whole or in part by CustomDesignMags.com & DeWayne Thomas A Media Company, Inc., 4305 62nd St. 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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Comfort Air is a family enterprise—and you’re a very important part of our extended family. In addition to learning more about Comfort Air, this issue of Comfort Zone will spotlight community organizations that do important civic work right here in Savannah and all over the world. You’ll also learn about cool new products that can make your home more comfortable, and pick up some moneysaving tips that will help you protect your heating and air conditioning investment.
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hen I started Comfort Air in 1978, I never dreamed it would be as big as it is today. I started this company out of my house and ran all of the operations myself, with the help of a single employee. Today, we have our own facility and a small fleet of trucks… it’s a dream come true. We owe our growth to loyal customers and great employees, all of whom are vital components for any successful business. I am constantly looking for new ways to improve our relationship with customers, and this premiere issue of Comfort Zone magazine is another way for us to do exactly that. Inside these pages you will learn more about Comfort Air and our employees. We want to show you that we’re a company made up of real folks just like you; we’re not some faceless corporation.
Above all else, we hope that you have fun reading this magazine. We’ve done our very best to provide our customers with something that is educational and enjoyable, and we hope you like what you see. Good or bad, I personally welcome any and all feedback you’d like to give regarding this magazine or your Comfort Air service experience. From all of us at Comfort Air, I want to thank you for trusting our technicians to come into your home and provide you with exceptional service. I hope our relationship is a lasting one, because this company couldn’t survive without you. Thank you for choosing Comfort Air Sincerely,
Larry White CEO, Comfort Air
912.927.7000
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Water Heater Options:
WHICH WATER HEATER IS BEST FOR YOU?
G
one are the days where all homes have a conventional gas water heater. For all water heating needs, there are now a variety of options for you to choose from. But before you choose a new water heater, take a look at some of the common options that are available.
Comfort Air uses quality products that conserve water and save you money. We have the expertise to install and service new systems and components. 6
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TANKLESS WATER HEATERS These come in several varieties. Some units are small, designed to work in part of a home or to be used in an outdoor extension, like a pool-house. Other tankless heaters are whole-house systems, powerful enough to provide hot water for your entire home and replace your old hot water tank forever. Conventional water heaters run on gas. The gas heats a storage tank full of water, which is then pumped where it’s needed. A tankless water heater can have a gas, propane or electric heating device, but they only heat water on demand—there is no tank nor water storage system. Meaning, when you turn on your tap for hot water, that’s when the system begins heating, and it shuts off as soon as it’s done being used. You may be thinking that it takes a while for the water to heat up, or that the water coming out of your tap won’t be as hot as you like. However, those assumptions are incorrect. Tankless heaters use state-ofthe-art technology to heat your water to an optimal level very quickly, and they will continue heating until you turn your tap off. There is some delay before the water is heated, but the amount of water wasted is typically less than a gallon. Over the years, the efficiency of tankless heaters has improved greatly. Overall, tankless water heaters (also called on-demand water heaters) are designed
to save you money on energy bills. Since there is no tank being constantly filled and heated up, there’s no wasted energy. A tankless system does not use energy until you tell it to, and it doesn’t continue to burn energy throughout the day, since there’s no tank that cools off. They also don’t require a ton of power to operate, meaning that a system will eventually pay for itself in terms of money saved on utility bills. Tankless systems can last for decades, and are typically easy to repair. Smaller units can even be mounted on walls, making them perfect for apartments or manufactured homes. Early versions were not recommended for very large homes, but modern systems come in a variety of sizes and can heat just about anything. In other words, it’s a near guarantee that there’s a tankless water heating system out there that will fit your needs. ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS Electric water heaters use electricity to heat a water tank. Unlike gas systems, they require very little upkeep and are relatively cheap to install. They can be placed anywhere in the home, and smaller tanks can even be placed under sinks. Newer models are also very efficient in terms of their power usage. The only drawback is that they take longer to heat the tank than a conventional gas water heater. They do not recover quickly when the hot water tank cools off or is emptied, 912.927.7000
and unlike tankless systems, electric water heaters don’t heat water on demand. Still, because they are convenient and easy to maintain, many consumers discover that an electric water heater is ideal for their home, especially if they don’t tend to use a lot of hot water. GAS WATER HEATERS This is the classic American staple for water heating. They use gas to heat a water tank and, while their energy efficiency has improved, the basic technology hasn’t changed in decades. The advantage of gas water heaters is that they heat water relatively quickly and are fairly cheap to operate, since they don’t burn a ton of gas. However, since they are reheating a tank of water whenever it cools down or is used up, they consume more energy than a tankless system. They also require a significant amount of attention – pilot lights can go out, and gas units don’t generally last as long as their electric counterparts. Still, they heat water relatively quickly and, depending on where you live, they may be cheaper to run than an electric tank-based system. The best way to find out which water heating system will save you the most money and hassle you the least is to call Comfort Air in Savannah at 912-927-7000. The experts there can help you make an informed decision, and get you a water heater that’s right for you and your home. Comfort Air
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COMFORT AIR A STORY OF PERSEVERANCE
by Nate Freyburger
L arr
Ren e
y& San dra Whi te
e
C om
I
n the 1970s, when Larry White was laid off from his position at a commercial air conditioning company, he needed to find his path. After taking a couple of jobs in manufacturing, Larry missed the world of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and always looked for an opportunity to get back into the business he spent 12 years in. While at the time he didn’t know he would be the founder of what is now Comfort Air, an opportunity to start his own business presented itself when his brother introduced him to geothermal heat pumps—a new heating and cooling technology at that time, and the most energy-efficient option on the market. “My brother worked for Georgia Power, and when he built his home in 1977, they put him on the trail of this watersourced heat pump,” says Larry. “It was super efficient. And I started taking
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a look at it, wondering if I wanted to pursue doing something with it. I was fascinated by the technology.” After a conversation with a manufacturer of this new product, Larry’s future seemed clear. Though he was making pretty good money at his union factory gig, the thought of getting back into the air conditioning industry on his own terms was too much to pass up. Thanks to a special connection to these new water-sourced pumps, Larry’s future company would have a unique place in the Savannah market that his potential competition simply wouldn’t have. After saving up some money and selling the house he built, Larry moved onto a smaller plot of land with an old metal
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maintenance shed in the back. It was out of this that Comfort Air first opened their doors on the morning on Sept. 1, 1978, just over a year after Larry had discovered his love for heating pump technology. “I had to downsize before I could open the company. I built my house myself, so when I sold it and bought something smaller, I had a decent amount left over,” Larry says. “I then put that money in the bank so I wouldn’t have to draw a salary for two years. It was tough. You always lose money when you’re starting out, but I did it all right.”
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Ja s
L arr
on & Jarr od
y& San dra Whi te
At that time, Larry had only one truck and one employee. Together, they handled all of the sales, installation, and repair tasks of their customers. Things grew very quickly, and by 1980 Comfort Air had hired more people and moved into a new rental location. By 1983, the company had 10 people on staff, multiple trucks on the road, and had moved to their present home on 9 Executive Circle in Savannah, GA—a building that Larry and the company built and own outright. “I got a small business loan in 1983 and I built the building,” says Larry. “We didn’t have a mortgage or any kind of debts, so getting a loan wasn’t too difficult. To this day, we have no debt—we have a line of credit, but no debt. We were finally getting out of those early days where you’re just
making contacts and building clients, and we were becoming more prosperous.” While things were going smoothly for Comfort Air during the early years, changes in the market and exhausting work with commercial and new construction contractors were starting to take their toll on their bottom line. As commercial contractors dodged paydays and acted as middlemen between Comfort Air and the consumer, Larry’s business was starting to become stagnant. Determined to turn things around, he started toying with ways to change their model. “Contractors operate on your money, and after you invest, you have to chase them down just to get your cut of a job—it’s a nightmare,” recalls Larry. “In the 80s, 912.927.7000
we’d have some years where we’d make $100,000 and the very next year, we’d lose $200,000. So, in 1987 I said to myself ‘I’m either going to fix it or I’m going to give it up.’ I joined a franchise called Service America out of Ft. Meyers, Fla. … that was like a major learning experience.” Larry borrowed a $100,000 to keep the company going. Following the recommendations of Service America, Comfort Air changed its business operation to focus on residential maintenance. By working with customers directly without the buffer of a middle man, Comfort Air was able to service their clients better and educate them about money-saving alternatives. When asked if he thinks a switch to direct customer service and providing energysaving maintenance was what saved his business, Larry’s answer was simple and to the point: “I do.” Comfort Air
9
After the hardships of the 80s, Comfort Air has seen steady growth and success by developing a strong connection with loyal customers all over the Savannah, Pooler, Bloomingdale, Tybee Island, Rincon and Landings areas. Larry says, “It’s amazing how much customers will begin to trust a company’s service once they see real savings on power bills.” For this reason, Comfort Air is able to call over 5,000 loyal customers a member of their extended family. While the offer to sell the company has appeared on his desk multiple times, Larry just brushes them into the garbage. Comfort Air is more than just his place of work—it’s the place he met his wife, Sandra, when she got a job as
L-R:
B en
a dispatcher there in 1990. It’s also a place where his stepson Jason works in sales, and his grandson Jared drives out to tune-up the customers’ HVAC systems every day. “After I retire, I want this to continue; I’ve built something that’s lasting and we’ve weathered the test of time, you know? We’re going to keep this one in the family, and in the end that’s better for everyone—especially the customers.” As for what the future holds, Comfort Air will continue to grow steadily and focus primarily on residential customers in his part of Southeast Georgia. While there are over a hundred
, T im
companies to compete with, Larry believes creating lasting bonds with the people they service will help them gain word of mouth recognition. “In this business, word of mouth is everything. That’s how you get customers and keep them,” Larry says. “In the end, our continued success will come from our customers being happy. We can improve what we’re doing, but I see no reason to change our model again anytime soon.”
L-R:
J a re
d, L arry , Ja son
, Ja re d
Sha T ina
10 Comfort Air
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ro n
Comfort Air is a local American Dream come true. We offer opportunities for hard working men and women to earn a living, and we consider our customers, colleagues, business partners to be our friends and family. We have been in business for 35 years and have the experience to serve you without experimenting. The president of the company is readily accessible. (Listed in the phone book) We are committed to training. Over 40 hours of training each year! We have a customer service representative and service tech on call making sure the customer does not get overlooked. We quote a price before we do the work out of a standardized pricing guide. (No surprises) We do not use sub-contractors to install our systems. (You deal directly with us) Our company address is listed in the phone book so you can check us out! If we make a mistake we not only talk the talk in getting it resolved, we walk the walk! We treat our co-workers better than any other company so they will treat our customers better than any other company. We protect your home while we are working with footie’s and/or drop clothes and we clean up after we finish.
CALL 912-927-7000 ComfortAirSAV.com Lic# CN005155 912.927.7000
Comfort Air 11
SKIDAWAY ISLAND ROTARY CLUB A Committed Service Organization
E
very Wednesday at 7:15 a.m., without fail, The Rotary Club of Skidaway Island gathers for fellowship, breakfast and business. Each meeting has a guest speaker and the weekly speakers help Rotarians stay informed. The club is comprised of business men and women who are dedicated to serving their community and meeting the Rotary International goals. Larry White of Comfort Air was one of the founding members of the Skidaway Island Rotary Club in 1997 and says, “It’s an honor and privilege to be a 12 Comfort Air
Rotarian. I have served with many fine men and women and wouldn’t have it any other way.” Larry has served as president and is now a charter member, or director. Rotary International has more than 1.2 million members, and since 1979 the international goals has been to eliminate polio from the planet. Their efforts have put them within 99% of their goal, and they will not stop until they have eradicated polio for good. The Skidaway Rotarians raise funds and awareness for a variety of local community programs in need.
Recently, Rotary Club of Skidaway Island raised more than $12,000 by hosting a two-night program at Plantation Club. It was quite an undertaking because they invited “The Best of Savannah Theater” to perform, and since the theater group rarely performs on the road, it was a special opportunity. A committee of over 10 Skidaway Rotarians meticulously planned the unique event that included light dinner, cocktails and the show. Both performances were sold out. Rotarian volunteered many hours to make the event a success, and operating costs for
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the event were covered by members’ dues, so 100% of the funds raised went right back into the community.
and they rely on community based fundraising to help serve the needs of those afflicted.
Proceeds were donated to local charities, with Savannah Alzheimer’s Association and SAFE Shelter being the two largest two beneficiary organizations.
SAFE Shelter of Savannah, a temporary emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence, was established in 1979. In 2001, they opened the 48 bed facility, and are one of the largest domestic violence shelters in Georgia.
The Savannah Alzheimer’s Association raises funds for research, provides education and manages support programs that are offered to individuals and caretakers afflicted with many types of dementia. They envision a world without Alzheimer’s disease,
SAFE’s website has an icon link that you can click on, “Our Wish List” (safeshelter. org/donate/needed-items), and it has a list of items that can be donated. You may be very surprised at what little it 912.927.7000
would take for you to help. Says Larry White, “Our Rotary members, volunteers and board members have worked at the shelter, doing hands-on labor and fixing things, because they can always use help.” Toni Marwitz was the program chair for “The Best of Savannah Theater at Plantation.” When asked if she would do such a big event again, she responded, “In an effort to raise funds for the worthwhile organizations, our club has tried a lot of programs. This was something different, and we succeeded beyond our expectations, so we will do it again.” Comfort Air 13
Why Your Whole House Needs a Dehumidifier By Suzi Harkola
T
here’s a misconception that air conditioning systems can properly dehumidify the air in your home. In fact, most residents of Georgia can attest to coming home after a couple of weeks (or several months) to find that even though they had left the air conditioner running, the home smells musty. Air conditioning systems are designed to control temperature, not humidity. If it’s cool enough outside that you don’t need to run your A/C, but it’s damp enough that your home is uncomfortable, you might consider a whole-house dehumidifier. According to Peter Blaha, Product Marketing Manger for Aprilaire, whole home dehumidifiers pull air from every room in your home through the return ducts. It removes the moisture 14 Comfort Air
and then sends dry air back throughout your home. It works in conjunction with your air conditioner to efficiently balance the humidity levels in your home, but can also work independently on days when you don't need the air conditioner. He recommends keeping relative humidity levels below 60% in your home to keep mold and mildew from growing and to keep that musty smell at bay. There’s been a growing awareness in Georgia for the need to manage humidity in the home. A whole-house system that’s installed and ducted right into your air conditioning system is the way to go. The dehumidifier is installed return to return before the A/C system and will dehumidify the air for your entire home.
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“Aprilaire Whole-Home Dehumidifiers are located out-of-sight and out of your way with quiet operation, hasslefree maintenance and up to four times more energy efficiency than the leading portable dehumidifier.” “Our dehumidifiers help by removing excess moisture and reducing the damage that mildew and mold can have on the sustainability of your home and the health of your family,” he continues. “In addition, a whole home dehumidifier like Aprilaire’s energy star rated 1730A can help qualify your home for the GreenBuilt Certification Program of the National Association of Home Builders.” Aprilaire dehumidifies and other air quality products are available locally through Comfort Air in Savannah. Contact Comfort Air for more information and to see if a whole-house dehumidifier is right for you.
According to Aprilaire, daily activities such as cooking, cleaning and showering can add as much as 25 pounds of moisture to your home every day. Blaha cautions against purchasing roomsized solutions from big box retailers. “Portable dehumidifiers treat the air in just one room,” he says. “To properly control health, comfort and preservation throughout your home, you would need to purchase a portable dehumidifier for every room. In this situation, you would consume more electricity than necessary. A more efficient solution is to have a single, whole-home central dehumidifier installed as part of your home’s central heating and cooling system.
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WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU
“It's a terrific day at Comfort Air. How may I direct your call?”
(912) 927-7000 “I would like a free estimate on getting a new air conditioner.”
“I need maintenance/service on my home.” (Service and Maintence Customers receive priority scheduling)
We will verify name, address and make of unit, and schedule appointment.
A tech gets dispatched to your home. Service Support Process
(Reduced diagnostic charge for Service and Maintenance Customers)
New Installation Process
16 Comfort Air
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CALL
COMFORT AIR Comfort advisor assesses needs and performs air quality survey to provide you with a good, better and best offer. Schedule installation date.
Unit is installed.
(We pride ourselves on a quality service and install.)
Final inspection is passed
Equipment is registered and warrantied with manufacturer.
Diagnosis is made, pricing, time frame and detailed service report regarding the condition of your unit is reviewed with you. Where possible, work is performed at time of assessment.
CALL US TODAY! (912) 927-7000 912.927.7000
For all of your heating and air conditioning needs.
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air scrubber:
by Jacqueline Cross
The Cleanest Air You’ll Ever Breathe A
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 and exacerbate allergies and preexisting respiratory conditions. 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. 18 Comfort Air
Enter the Air Scrubber Plus, a seamless, fully integrated 24/7 home air purification system. The Air Scrubber Plus freshens the air in your home while reducing common odors from pets and cooking, for example. And 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 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. “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,” says Tom Lozano, Air Scrubber Plus executive director. The Air Scrubber Plus extends the life of your existing heating and air conditioning system by trapping dirt, dust, and other debris before it enters through the filter, which can damage the coils and blower that keep your system running effectively. A protected HVAC system can last up to 15 years or more at peak efficiency. The Air Scrubber Plus 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.
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Georgia Power Salutes “Number 1” Comfort Air By Ellyn Santiago
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eorgia Power, the state’s energy utility, knows a thing or two about electricity. And it knows that customers not only want to save money, but they want to heat and cool their homes efficiently. Among the 16 rebates and incentive that Georgia Power offers customers, one of the most important and rewarding for the consumer is a gas to electric water heater conversion. Your water heater is the second largest energy user in your home. Georgia Power suggests that an electric water heater over a gas water heater is both economical and efficient and, when a customer converts, there’s a $550 rebate available. That’s a great incentive, but also, with an electric water heater, there is no pilot light, no gas fumes or carbon monoxide to worry about. And, ventilation is no longer an issue. Not to mention better air quality. Comfort Air, who knows a thing or two about heating and cooling, has been a Georgia Power partner for years. Notably, Comfort Air was named in 2014 as the number one company in coastal Georgia for heat pump conversions. How significant is this honor?
According to Amy Lanier of Georgia Power, it’s a “very big deal.” Lanier explained that in the Georgia Powerdefined ‘coastal region,’ which goes from Swainsboro down the coast to Kingsland and St. Marys at the Florida line and west all the way to Jesup, there are “close to 200 licensed dealers, heating and cooling companies” that partner with the utility on rebate programs. And of those near200 HVAC companies, Comfort Air was the number one dealer “To say they’re the top dealer with conversions is a very, very significant thing. So out of all those 200 dealers, Comfort Air was number one,” Lanier says. “We are the electric company so by customers converting from gas to electric
causes them to use more kilowatt hours and that is protecting our market share.” Not to mention better efficiency and savings for the consumer. Lanier added that Comfort Air has done an exemplary job of not just helping customers see the benefits of converting from gas to electric, but added that in general, the company is a good partner with the utility. She says that Comfort Air has done a “very good job” of educating their customers, homeowners and utility consumers. And while Lanier says it was too early to crunch the numbers for 2015, Comfort Air may just be on track for another recordbreaking year.
2016! BE SURE TO GET A COPY OF OUR Memory Minder Calendar!
JAN
UA
JANU A 016 RY 201 6 RY 2
P.S. Larry's Golf Buddies may want the Classic Cars Edition of the Memory Minder Calendar.
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Protect Yourself and Your Equipment During and After a Storm by Nate Freyburger
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uring and after a severe thunderstorm, tornado, or hurricane—any storm that brings with it water and lightning—homeowners need to be cautious about using their heating, air conditioning, and plumbing appliances. If you don’t take proper precautions, you risk hurting yourself or causing permanent damage to your equipment that could end up costing you big. “It’s important to remember not to immediately restart heating and cooling equipment after a severe storm because it can be dangerous and could cause further damage,” said Larry White, President of Comfort Air . “The equipment may be severely damaged, its wiring may be damaged or it may have debris lodged in it. These are some of the many reasons why it’s best to have a qualified service technician inspect your heating and cooling equipment after a severe storm.”
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After a storm, it’s natural to want to get things back up and running as soon as possible. But before you turn your air conditioner or heater back on, take the proper steps to reduce the risk of damaging your expensive equipment by assuring it is dry, clean, and otherwise safe to use: ▲If the storm caused flooding, check all equipment thoroughly before you start it. If you aren’t absolutely sure the inner components are dry, don’t turn anything on. ▲ If there was any flooding, open your equipment and appliances. Let air circulate; this will help with drying. ▲ It may be a good idea to have an electrician inspect your home’s wiring to make sure everything is dry and safe to use before you plug anything in or turn anything on. ▲ Additionally, it may be wise to have your heating and cooling equipment inspected by a service company. Just make sure you work with someone reputable, since some businesses will seek out storm area victims just to make a quick buck. The above rules should also apply to any appliance related to your home’s plumbing. However, the major risk for damaging plumbing equipment (not to mention harming yourself) comes primarily during a storm. Plumbing equipment uses water, which is the ideal conductor for lightning. It is possible to be struck by lightning while inside your home if you’re not careful. Using the shower, sink, or other plumbing appliances during a storm could cause an electric shock. If lightning strikes your home or anywhere near your home, you could end up getting electrocuted through the metal pipes and the water you’re using. One way to reduce the risk of unwanted damage caused by lightning is to use PVC pipes in your home. Unlike metal pipes, PVC pipes will not conduct electricity, making it safer to use plumbing during a storm. Still, it’s probably best not to use your plumbing at all until after it passes. Overall, during storms it’s advised that you use as few electronic devices, plumbing equipment, and appliances as possible until the storm has passed and you’ve dealt with all the after effects. Your safety and the safety of your expensive equipment is worth a few extra minutes of inconvenience.
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WHY CONVERT TO A MODERN HEATING & COOLING SYSTEM?
Efficiency heat pump heating and air conditioning system (HVAC) is very efficient. It works differently than a gas or electric furnace since, as the name implies, it works by moving heat instead of creating heat. Consider that heating and cooling typically account for at least half of energy bills. Depending on your current system, at optimal operations, a heat pump could save you up to 30% of your energy costs.
A
A reliable indicator of efficiency is Coefficient of Performance (COP) which essentially means ‘how much do I get for my money?’ To illustrate this, a common resistance electric heater has a COP of 1 while a heat pump that is installed and running correctly has a COP of between 22 Comfort Air
3 and 4. In other words, for every dollar of energy you get put into the heating system, you get 3-4 times as much heating power out of it with an efficient heat pump system. Georgia provides the perfect climate for heat pumps to work efficiently when they are installed by a knowledgeable HVAC contractor. Since heat pumps work by moving heat into your home in the winter and out of your home in the summer, they don’t work as efficiently in extremely cold climates. There is simply not enough heat in the outside air to efficiently heat the inside of a home. Safety Heat pumps are safe because since they move heat, not create it, there are no
flames, hot surfaces and they do not need oxygen to burn, as with gas. Since no flame is produced, no exhaust flue is required and that reduces dangers of carbon monoxide fumes entering your home although proper venting will still be required for any other gas fired appliances. Eco-friendly There are no fumes or smoke added to the air, and air is filtered, which helps removed odors and dust, which can benefit people with allergies or asthma. Reliability Heat pumps have been in common use for over 100 years. You thought they were a new invention? A refrigerator is one example of a heat pump, although it operates in only one direction.
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Lower maintenance & fewer parts. Typical heat pumps installed in Georgia are all in one units, no need for two systems, a furnace and a separate air conditioning unit. Rebates Comfort Air can help find manufacturers’ rebates that may apply. In addition, Georgia Power has a rebate program for customers that want to convert a HVAC systems from a gas to electric heat pump system or dual-fuel (electric with gas back-up). Customers can receive a rebate up to $550, and in addition, many HVAC manufacturers offer various rebates to add to the savings. When to consider a conversion ■ Current HVAC system is more than 10 years old ■ Frequent repairs or noisy units ■ Higher energy bills ■ Rooms that are too cold or too hot ■ Humidity problems ■ Excessive dust Ted Jones, a residential expert with Georgia Power says, “Comfort Air has been a long-term partner with Georgia Power. In 2014, they were our number one company in Savannah for heat pump conversions. They have always done a great job at educating customers, making sure they know about their options and the rebate programs Georgia Power has available.” Are you interested in saving money? Don’t wait until there is a repair or replacement needed. Begin the dialogue, ask questions and become educated about the benefits of a heat pump HVAC system. Learn about the available rebates and savings before an emergency arises and a decision has to be made. Take advantage of the current rebates and lower the overall cost of heating and cooling. Comfort Air of Savannah can assess needs, provide options and pricing, determine eligibility for rebates, and provide a plan to make the switch when the time comes to replace, repair or upgrade.
912.927.7000
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Southern Peach Cobbler A Taste of Sweet Home Cookin’
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Ingredients
Original recipe makes 4 servings 8 fresh peaches - peeled & sliced into thin wedges 1/4 cup white sugar 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice 2 teaspoons cornstarch 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup white sugar 1/4 cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and diced small 1/4 cup boiling water
Mix Together:
3 tablespoons white sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Prep 20 Mins
Cook 40 Mins
Ready in 1 Hour
Directions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). In a large bowl, combine peaches, 1/4 cup white sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss to coat evenly, and pour into a 2 quart baking dish. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine flour, 1/4 cup white sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Blend in butter with your fingertips, or a pastry blender, until mixture resembles coarse meal. Stir in water until just combined. Remove peaches from oven, and drop spoonfuls of topping over them. Sprinkle entire cobbler with the sugar and cinnamon mixture. Bake until topping is golden, about 30 minutes.
912.927.7000
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Saving Energy and Money is Easier than You Think
5
Comfort Air offers 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.
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1
Maintenance is imperative.
• 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.
In the kitchen.
2 3 4 5
• 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. • 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. • Dress appropriately for the weather, in cotton or light fabric during hot spells; and in sweaters, long pants and socks when it’s chilly out. • Move air over your skin with fans and outside breezes. • Drink cold water in the summer, hot drinks in the winter. • Replace incandescent bulbs with LED lighting. • Turn your computers off at night. • Turn off lights when leaving a room, every time.
Invest to save. • SERVICE your unit regularly. • REPLACE an outdated unit with high-efficiency equipment. • INSTALL a programmable thermostat; perhaps two if you have a two-story home. • CONSIDER high-energy replacement windows. • REPLACE your standard water heater with a heat pump water heater.
About that pool. • Turn off the heater if the pool is décor only. If your house is situated appropriately on your lot, try a solar pool cover. • Reduce the runtime of your pool pump.
How do YOU save energy at your home? We would love to hear from you. Email suggestions to email@ComfortAirSAV.com. We’ll publish them in the next edition of Comfort Zone magazine.
912.927.7000
Comfort Air 27
Meet
Our Team L-R: Cynthia,
L-R: Sa
Larry ndra &
Tina, Sharon,
White
Renee
L-R: Mark
L-R: Cla
y, Jason
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, Jarrod
, Chuck
, Ben, T
, Em
stin, Ju anuel, Au
im
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lio, Rudy
Whatever it Takes RELIABLE PRODUCTS. DEALERS WHO CARE.
速
Housewise Thermostat TM
Comfort Comes in Square Packages..
Smart Setback feature adapts beyond manual programming. 4-day local weather forecast In-depth energy reporting-Monthly energy savings tips Perfect Humidity速 technology capable for optimal cooling comfort
The Housewise thermostat is part of a new breed of comfort management devices that saved homeowners an average of 20% on their heating and cooling energy costs1. With Wi-Fi速 capability you can access your system 24/7 from almost anywhere and view detailed energy reporting from your tablet or web portal. Combine that with custom energy tips and you can make informed decisions about when and how to save even more money.
Intuitive, lifestyle-based programming with 7-day, wake-away-home-sleep and vacation programming Wi-Fi速 remote access capability to allow complete programming and change control from anywhere Reminders and alerts: filter change, high/low temperature, high/low humidity, and service reminders
Call Call 912.927.7000 912.927.7000 || ComfortAirSAV.com ComfortAirSAV.com || License License Number: Number: CN005155 CN005155
Understanding Warranties
W
hen you purchased your new air conditioning system it came with a manufacturer’s warranty, and you should have received a copy. That paperwork contains the manufacturer’s terms and conditions for your warranty. If you cannot find your paperwork, please do not hesitate to call our customer service department, and we will be happy to assist you. Manufacturers are beginning to enforce, with greater regularity, 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 closing. • Manufacturers are now requiring the use of OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts. At the moment, there are thousands of possible OEM parts for any of the multiple manufacturers, which makes using and obtaining parts a difficult situation. The effect is that we will no longer be able to use generic truck stock parts. Although these changes are difficult, we make it our priority to bring you comfort as quickly as possible. • Manufacturers only cover work performed during normal business hours. Comfort Air never charges for overtime or holiday hours. • Manufacturers now 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 once a year, contact an authorized servicer in your area as soon as possible. We want to thank you for choosing Comfort Air. If you have any questions related to your warranty, please do not hesitate to call us at (912) 927-7000.
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ENERGY SAVINGS AGREEMENT: Keep Your System Humming We agree to provide you with a customized agreement which includes Tune-ups and Professional Cleanings based on seasonal and system needs, as described below to help provide a comfortable, energy efficient and safe indoor environment. PROCEDURES INCLUDE:
These procedures are customized for your system and seasonal needs.
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Clean or replace (with homeowners) standard air filters Surface clean inside cooling coil. (Additional cleaning discounted if necessary.) Clean, Flush and Test primary and secondary drains Inspect blower components (clean and/or adjust as necessary.) Clean condenser coil Lubricate all moving parts (where applicable) Inspect and tighten all loose electrical connections Monitor air conditioner operating pressures for proper refrigerant charge. Add up to two pounds of “Freon” each year (per system) if needed Monitor air conditioning and heating cycles Apply protective coating to outside unit Inspect heat exchange and burners (vacuum and adjust as necessary) Adjust gas pressure as necessary Inspect pilot operation – adjust as necessary Monitor flue draft for safe operation Inspect and test safety controls Adjust air flow for proper temperature rise Check heat anticipator settings Check thermostat operations Check for cracked heat exchanger Air Quality Life Safety Check Inspect Ductwork Check PAV Check CO Detector
BENEFITS:
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Improved efficiency Extended equipment life Improved capacity 15% discount on service repairs (parts and labor) Priority Customer Inflation Protection Agreement is transferrable 24 hour Emergency Service No Overtime charges
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 912-927-7000 ComfortAirSAV.com Lic# CN005155 912.927.7000
Comfort Air 31
5 HOME COMFORT SYSTEM
THINGS TO LOOK FOR IN A When it’s time to replace your home comfort system, it’s important to consider what a newer system can offer. Here are seven items to consider when purchasing an HVAC system:
1 2 3 4 5
Protect
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.
Maintain
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.
Operation A system with varying speed
options can conserve energy. Reducing your system’s output during milder weather will save you money on energy bills.
Consider Energy
A programmable thermostat gives you better control over output. When your unit is only on when it has to be, you’re going to see smaller energy bills.
Efficiency
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.
912-927-7000 • ComfortAirSAV.com • Lic# CN005155