COOL LIVING Complimentary
acambulance.com
COMFORT FOR LIFE
504.467.1400
acambulance1@gmail.com 20 VETERANS BLVD #101 | KENNER, LA 70062
Every Daikin air conditioner features energy-efficient and dependable performance for worry-free comfort. Daikin air conditioners are designed to provide years of reliable cooling comfort, even in the hottest weather.
THE AIR CONDITIONING PROS THAT NEW ORLEANS TRUSTS!
WHAT’S INSIDE THIS ISSUE 08
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COOL LIVING • ACAMBULANCE.COM
The History of...
AIR CONDITIONING AMBULANCE Byline
10
IS YOUR A/C ACTING UP?
12
DUCT FREE AIR CONDITIONERS
14
A Toast to Our Heroes
16
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU CALL AIR CONDITIONING AMBULANCE
18
RECIPE COMBO!
Offer Multiple Benefits! By Jacqueline Cross
K9s FOR WARRIORS
Homemade Beef Casserole
By Sidney Lee
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AIR SCRUBBERS
22
DON’T LET MOLD DESTROY YOUR HOME
24
ONE TEAM-ONE FIGHT
26
MEET THE TEAM!
30
UNDERSTANDING WARRANTIES
28
THE DAIKIN DIFFERENCE
31
EXPLAINING YOUR VIP PERFORMANCE PLAN
Cleanest Air You’ll Ever Breathe! By Ellyn Santiago
By Maxine Reneé
Benefits St. Charles Parish First Responders
Our Greatest Asset!
By Clair Cameron
GREETINGS FROM THE PRESIDENT Presidential Message from Sidney Lee Emergency Department and the local EMS personnel See full story on pages 24-25). We also support A Toast to Our Heroes- K9s for Warriors. This national organization trains shelter/ rescue animals to become canines to veterans or active duty military suffering post-traumatic brain injury as a results of military service post 9/11 (See full story on page 14-15).
or almost 40 years, Air Conditioning Ambulance has had a very specific set of core values beginning with the most important resource any successful business must have: a commitment to value people, employees and customers alike.
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We are more than a heating and air conditioning company you can depend on: we are the company you can trust. Superior services, technical excellence and professional employees-that’s our commitment to you each and every day.
At Air Conditioning Ambulance we believe firmly and wholeheartedly that we are not in the air conditioning business. We are in the people business. That philosophy drives us in our business beginning with our own people; we believe in treating our co-workers as if they were customers, with respect, dignity and compassion.
Throughout this magazine you will learn more about our history, our services and our growth. We hope you will reach out to us if you have any questions, concerns or just want a little more information. We are here for you.
Bottom line, if we take good care of the customer and treat them well, then the company will prosper. And we must be doing a good job of that because we have grown, prospered and flourished.
Most sincerely yours,
Sidney “Tripp” Lee, III - Title • Sidney Lee - President / Owner • Mandy Lee - Title
We take our commitments to people beyond the business. We support, through donations and volunteer work, a number of civic and charitable organizations that work hard every day to change lives and help the community grow healthier and stronger. One of these is the One Team-One Fight organization which raises funds for the local First Responders in St. Charles Parish: Fraternal Order of Police, Fire department, St. Charles Parish Hospital
Sid
Sidney Lee - President/Owner Air Conditioning Ambulance
© 2017 DeWayne Thomas Publishing, 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 Publishing, Inc. and distributed locally by A/C Ambulance. If you would like copies placed at your business please call our offices at 501.467.1400 Produced in whole or in part by CustomDesignMags.com & DeWayne Thomas Publishing, 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 publishing, Inc. Please call our offices at 941-538-7770 or visit us on the web at customdesignmags.com.
501.467.1400 • COOL LIVING
5
THE SMART WAY TO SAVE ENERGY.
Nest Learning Thermostat The Nest Learning Thermostat works with 95% of 24V heating and cooling systems, including gas, electric, forced air, heat pump, radiant, oil, hot water, solar and geothermal. When you add more Nest products to your home, they can automatically work together. And you can control them all from one place: the Nest app.
Nest Cam See your home from your mobile device. Stream securely to your phone, tablet or laptop in super clear 1080p HD. Get a 130º wide-angle view of the room. Or zoom in and enhance for a closer look.
Nest Protect The new Nest Protect has been redesigned from the inside out. It has an industrial-grade smoke sensor, tests itself automatically, and lasts up to a decade. It’s also the first home alarm you can hush from your phone without any extra hardware required. And just like the original Nest Protect, it tells you what’s wrong and can even alert your phone.
THE CONDITIONING THE AIR AIR CONDITIONING PROS THATPROS NEW TRUSTS! NEWORLEANS ORLEANS TRUSTS! Call us today at 504.467.1400 or email at acambulance1@gmail.com!
Trust Aprilaire for a Healthy Home
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Quality Service You Can Rely on Call 504-467-1400 or Visit acambulance.com
Air Conditioning Ambulance’s
INCREDIBLE HISTORY
by Maxine Renee
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or thirty years, AC Ambulance has built a solid reputation with its customers with top of the line excellence in customer relations. Jackie Roberts, Office Manager and employee for over 17 years, relates this story.
“Sidney’s first customer from the early 80’s, an elderly lady of limited financial means, paid only $25 for a service call until her death a few years ago. The philosophy that Sidney stresses to all of his employees is ‘only do good for people.’” Another indication of Sidney’s leadership and human resource skills is the longevity of his staff. Michael Truch, his Service Manager, has been with the company for thirty-one years while service techs Jim Hodge and Vincent Lamantia have both been employed with AC Ambulance for 20 years.Sidney’s air conditioning story begins shortly after graduating from Archbishop Rummell High School in 1975. Following in his Dad’s footsteps who was a pharmacist, Sidney enrolled in Delgado Community College while working as a “helper” for an AC company. He immediately “fell in love with AC work.” Sidney admits that he was “always mechanically inclined”. Therefore, he attended and received an Associates degree in HVAC Science Technology from DelGado Community College. “I worked for about a year with an AC company and really got the hang of the AC business which lead me to work for another company as a customer service rep, traveling statewide to support the company’s dealer base. Unfortunately, the company closed the business in 1979, but the owner hired Sidney to run another business which he did for over a year. The next step for Sidney was starting his own business while teaching part-time at DelGado Community College for three years. Initially called Sidney Lee Air Conditioning, the name was changed to AC Ambulance in 1988. In 2016, the company purchased an older model ambulance and con-
verted it into an installation vehicle and utilized it as a perfect marketing tool for the company. Today, AC Ambulance is a true family business with son Tripp and daughter Mandy holding positions of responsibility. They are learning the ropes so that one day they will operate the company and allow Sidney to retire. Amanda, a graduate of New Orleans University, currently coordinates the installation part of the business. Sidney envisions his daughter seceding Jackie in a few years and becoming involved in company operations and finances. Tripp is presently working in the field, displaying a great work ethic and exhibiting ambitions for further growth in the business. Sidney sees his son taking over his job responsibilities in the field such as sales and community involvement. Sidney’s current wife, Deely, who he married in 2008 is a nurse. Rounding out the family is a 16-month old grandson Nate who will need a few yearsof on- the- job training. Community involvement is a major priority for the company. Sidney is one of the local founders of “A Toast to our Heroes”, an affiliate of a national not-for-profit organization, who provides rescue service dogs to veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). See related 2-page article in the magazine on pages 14 and 15.
“We host a special event annually in November to raise funds to provide a service dog to a veteran. The 12-month cost for training each dog is $17,000. We anticipate that our 4th annual event in 2017 could raise $100,000.” Sidney continued,” We are free today because of our military so this organization is close to my heart. We also pride ourselves in keeping our fundraising expenses to just 5% which is made possible through the generosity of many local in-kind donors, close friends and business partners.” When asked about the obstacles he has faced along the way to become successful, Sidney cited a divorce in 1998 which almost financially crippled his young and growing company. But Sidney persevered and looks to the near future to become a $5 million company. The second obstacle was Hurricane Katrina which devastated New Orleans and created huge problems in trying to meet the desperate needs of so many people without air conditioning. However, he staggering volume provided the company with a terrific growth spurt. Sidney is a big advocate of company advertising. He gains exposure and supports the Saints with TV advertising. Over the years Sidney has crafted a couple of interesting tag lines for the company: “If Your AC is Sick, Call the Ambulance”and “Call Sid, You’ll Be Glad You Did”. 501.467.1400 • COOL LIVING
9
REPAIR?
Replace?
IS YOUR A/C ACTING UP?
T
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. 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 A/C Repair and A/C Replacement
The first thing that you are going to want to look into is what the difference in cost is between having your current A/C repaired or having a brand new one installed. If the cost of fixing your expensive home appliance is close to your quote for a new installation, the replacement option is a better choice. 10 COOL LIVING • ACAMBULANCE.COM
Age is Often the Determinant
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 A/C repair or an A/C replacement.
The General Rule of Air Conditioner Efficiency
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 conditioner’s lifespan is around eight to fifteen years. If yours is around that age, replacement is what you are looking for. When it comes to air conditioners that are about four years old, it is possible for the decision to go either way.
Get Rid of Faulty Systems
Energy Star Efficiency
Rely on Newer Technology
You can expect outstanding customer service that will exceed your expectations when you choose Air Conditioning Ambulance. We will send our highly qualified technician to your home to inspect the issues you are having with your air conditioning unit.
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 A/C 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.
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.
Take OUR Repair vs Replace Quiz Is it Time to Repair or Replace Your Faulty HVAC Unit? 1. Age of your unit? a. 1-7 b. 8+ 2. How much have you spent on your unit the past year? a. Under $600 b. Over $600 3. Are your energy bills increasing each month? a. Yes b. No 4. Is your HVAC system maintained regularly? a. Yes b. No 5. Does your home have humidity problems? a. Yes b. No 6. Are some rooms in your home often too cold or to hot? a. Yes b. No 7. Is your HVAC unit unusually noisy? a. Yes b. No 8. Does your home have excessive dust? a. Yes b. No
SCORES!
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. Remember, regular maintenance for your HVAC system is required to keep your unit running 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.
3-5 Points – CALL A 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 YOUR A/C
Based on the information you provided, your HVAC system 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 FREE installation quote. Did you know that if your unit is more than eight years old, it could be using twice the amount of energy that a new one would?
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: New units can have up to a 20 SEER efficiency rating, reducing monthly costs significantly. 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. 501.467.1400 • COOL LIVING 11
DUCTLESS AIR CONDITIONERS
OFFER MULTIPLE BENEFITS by Jacqueline Cross
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uctless mini-split or duct-free HVAC units can be a useful alternative to cool and heat homes and businesses. Through a variety of sizes, and capabilities of controlling the air temperature in individual zones or rooms in the building, they offer both economic and environmental advantages. HVAC companies like Air Conditioning Ambulance 12 COOL LIVING • ACAMBULANCE.COM
are installing them in multi-family housing, renovations of older single-family homes, as well as businesses’ server rooms, waiting rooms and office spaces. They also have a money and energy savings advantage, when some areas of an office space are used infrequently or not at all (such as a build-out waiting for occupancy), by only cooling the space that is occupied.
Duct-free systems, as the name implies, have no duct work and consist of an outdoor condenser and an indoor air-handling unit. These are linked together with tubing that houses the power cable, refrigerant, and a drain for condensation. In many ways, they operate in a manner quite similar to a standard air conditioning system. Sidney Lee, President of Air Conditioning Ambulance, noted that the main advantages of duct-free systems are ease of installation, cost savings, energy savings, and flexibility in locating the system for cosmetic concerns and sound control, as well as logistical applications. “The benefits are often overlooked by customers, but we like to point out that duct-free systems can be installed in places where conventional ducted systems simply can’t go. Options for interior design include ceiling and wall mounted units, drop ceiling applications and even a picture gallery unit that allows the owner to customize the look of the space,” he said. “Floor-standing models are also available. Most indoor units have profiles of about eight to 11 inches deep, and have a range of aesthetically-refined designs suitable for any home or office. All models offer a remote control to easily make adjustments to the system’s air flow pattern or temperature, and on and off when it’s positioned high on a wall or suspended from a ceiling.” Duct-free systems can also help to keep your home safer because there is only a small hole for the tubing to pass through the wall. Window-mounted and through-the-wall room air-conditioners, unfortunately, can provide an easy entrance for intruders.
The cost savings can be significant in terms of installation and energy use. “For many of our customers, the unique advantages of this type of system are important. Our installers are highly trained, they attend hands-on training, as well as up-to-date online training and testing,” Sidney says. “I would caution against using a company whose technicians are not proficient in this type of installation, as each unit must be correctly sized and placed. An error here could result in wasted energy, improper temperature or humidity control, and greater long-term operational expenses.” Sidney encourages home and business owners replacing existing systems, building new or remodeling to consider duct-free systems. “The cost savings can be significant in terms of installation and energy use without compromising the comfort level of the rooms or occupants. Our professional technicians are continuously trained to help customers determine the best options for cooling and heating your home or business,” Sidney says.
COMFORT FOR LIFE 501.467.1400 • COOL LIVING 13
A
TOAST
TO
OUR
HEROES
K9s FOR WARRIORS Every 65 minutes, a veteran commits suicide...
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ike thousands of American mothers, Shari Duval of Ponte Vedra, Florida, witnessed her son ship out to Iraq, not once but twice.
Her son Brett Simon, a veteran K9 police officer, worked as a bomb dog handler. In 2010 Brett returned home from his last tour of duty. However, he returned as a vastly different Brett from the one who left to serve his country. Shari said, ”He was somebody different. He was not the son who went over there and that was quite a shock that I’d never experienced before, which ended up causing even more panic.” Fortunately, their two lives took a positive spin. After researching Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Shari discovered that service dogs offered a promising solution. In 2011, Shari founded K9s for Warriors and Brett became President of the not-for-profit K9s for Warriors overseeing dog selection and directing their year-long training at a cost of $27,000 per dog.
Veterans are required to spend three weeks in training with their service dog plus they go through various training courses with their new canine companion. Service canines are a treatment for PTSD where medications often fail. Service canines are considered medical equipment and recognized by the American with Disabilities Act of 1990.
The following testimonial is just one of dozens of similar comments from veterans with a service animal: “The program gave me great tools to use in battling my PTSD, and also in the form of Andy, my awesome new furry buddy.”
The training facility is located 2 miles from Jacksonville, Florida beaches and 23 miles from downtown. The campus is an all-in-one facility where Warriors train and become partnered with their new service dog. Camp K9 features 61 climate-controlled stalls for the dogs and five enclosed dog parks for training and play. Fundraising support comes from an extensive national network of local volunteer organizations. In New Orleans, Sidney Lee, President of AC Ambulance, spearheaded an inaugural event in 2014, greatly assisted by a lifelong friend Homer Minshew III, an insurance executive with John Hancock Financial Network, plus a bevy of hardworking volunteers. The event featured food, beverages and music. Heartened by their initial success, subsequent events were held in 2015, 2016 and the fourth annual “A Toast to our Heroes: K9s for Warriors” will take place in November, 2017. Held at the American Legion, formerly Deutsches Haus, the three previous events have raised almost $100,000. Organizationally, the New Orleans group became a not-for-profit corporation with its own governing board. An auction was also added which greatly enhanced their fundraising success. For more information about the annual fundraising event or to make a charitable donation please call (need a name and phone number.) 501.467.1400 • COOL LIVING 15
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU
A IR CO ND ITIONING AMBU LANC E
“It's a terrific day at Air Conditioning Ambulance, How may I direct your call?”
C AC A ALLING MBU LAN C
“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
Unit is installed (We pride ourselves on a quality service and install.) Final inspection is passed
Equipment is registered and warrantied with manufacturer.
Call
CALL US TODAY! 504.467.1400
16 COOL LIVING • ACAMBULANCE.COM
E...
“I would like a free estimate on getting a new air conditioner”
Comfort Consultant assesses needs and performs air quality survey to provide you with a good, better and best offer. Schedule installation date.
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.
Tech gets dispatched to your home.
Service Support Process New Installation Process 501.467.1400 • COOL LIVING 17
RECIPE COMBO! Homemade Beef CassErole Ingredients
• 1 teaspoon salt • 1 cup plain yellow cornmeal • 1/2 teaspoon Montreal steak seasoning • 1 cup (4 oz.) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, • divided 1 pound ground chuck • 1 cup chopped onion • 1 medium zucchini, cut in half lengthwise and sliced • 2 (14 1/2-oz.) cans petite diced tomatoes, drained • 1 (6-oz.) can tomato paste • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Directions
• Preheat oven to 350°. Bring 3 cups water and 1 tsp. salt to a boil in a 2-qt. saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk in cornmeal; reduce heat to low, and simmer, whisking constantly, 3 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat, and stir in steak seasoning and 1/4 cup Cheddar cheese. Spread cornmeal mixture • Brown ground chuck in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat,
Grilled Buffalo Wings Ingredients
• 1 Pack of Fresh Chicken Wings • 6 Tsp of Crystal Hot Sauce • 6 Tsp of Liquid Crab Boil
Directions
• Marinade Chicken Wings in Crystal Hot Sauce and Liquid Crab Boil Mixture for 30 Minutes or more. • Cook on Grill until Golden Brown. Baste with Crystal Hot Sauce and Liquid Crab Boil marinade while grilling. • Remove from heat, and serve!
18 COOL LIVING • ACAMBULANCE.COM
• Sauté onion and zucchini in hot oil in skillet over medium heat 5 minutes or until crisp-tender. Stir in beef, tomatoes, and tomato paste; simmer, stirring often, • Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until bubbly.
HOT JOBS, COOL INDUSTRY GO WITH THE AMBULANCE! Debt Free Pathway to a Career
F
or every three HVAC techs leaving the workforce (retiring mostly), there’s only one trained technician entering the field. Or try this: Job growth in the HVAC field is double and in some states, even triple that of all other occupations. Not convinced yet? How about this: The median income for an HVAC tech is about $50,000. Still not convinced it’s a smart career choice? Well, according to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, growth in jobs and salary is expected in the immediate future for HVAC specialists, with job growth expected to top 30% and salary growth projected to increase as much as 40% with salaries upwards of $70,820 annually. Finally consider this fact: HVAC jobs cannot be outsourced; these jobs are here to stay. Not to mention, essentially every home requires heating, cooling, plumbing and electrical products, service and repair. Talk about job security. But there are simply not enough skilled techs joining the workforce. Less than 6 percent of high school graduates look at
skilled trades as a career path. But some companies are so anxious to recruit new technicians they have their own on-thejob training programs. And AC Ambulance is one of those companies. AC Ambulanceoffers generous wages and benefits, and a merit-based advancement policy. But it is AC Ambulance ‘Careers in the Trades’ program that is perhaps the most exciting. AC Ambulance offers a debt-free pathway to a career in HVAC service, installation and repair,. Partnering with local technical schools and community colleges, the company’s apprenticeship program allows participants to get hands-on training – and get paid for it – even as they attend classes toward certification. AC AMbulance pays up to a 100% of trade school tuition for employees in the apprenticeship program. In addition, the employees earn a wage while working as an apprentice in the HVAC, trade. Participants must be 18, have a high
school diploma or the equivalent, pass a drug screen and background check and have a valid driver’s license. And, perhaps most importantly, be willing to study and work hard. But the rewards for that work can be measured in not just dollars and cents – given the high salaries – but in job growth potential and, for many most importantly, job security. The industry is recession-proof. Company human resources manager Jackie says the program is important because “younger people interested in the trades are hard to find.” For more information about AC Ambulance’s employment opportunities and the ‘Careers in the Trades’ apprenticeship program contact Sid at 501-467-1400
A New Career Awaits 501.467.1400 • COOL LIVING 19
AIR SCRUBBER:
The Cleanest Air You’ll Ever
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[1], which is why they’ve ranked indoor air pollution among the top five environmental dangers[2]. 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 and/or runny nose), epistaxis (nose bleeds), pharyngitis (sore throat), lung disease, and asthma or worsening asthma[3]. 20 COOL LIVING • ACAMBULANCE.COM
Breathe
by Ellyn Santiago
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 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, mopping up offending odors, and reducing 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, 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 [4].
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%.
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.
What’s more, 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. 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 [5].
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™
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.
A professional heating and cooling technician 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. [1] www3.epa.gov/air/basic.html [2] www.epa.gov/iaq-schools/why-indoor-air-quality-important-schools [3] www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/introduction-indoor-air-quality [4] www.airscrubberplus.com/the-technology [5] www.airscrubberplus.com/the-benefit
501.467.1400 • COOL LIVING 21
DON’T LET
MOLD
DESTROY YOUR HOME
By Maxine Reneé
Y
es, mold ... or the kinder, gentler word for it: mildew. Whichever word you choose, they both increase stress levels and can make your return home less than ideal. It doesn’t have to be that way. There are things you can do to prevent that nasty four-letter word from spoiling an otherwise wonderful vacation. The Louisiana Department of Health’s website says “There are four kinds of health problems that come from exposure to mold: allergic illness, irritant effects, infection, and toxic effects. For people that are sensitive to molds, symptoms such as nasal and sinus irritation or congestion, dry hacking cough, wheezing, skin rash-
22 COOL LIVING • ACAMBULANCE.COM
es or burning, watery or reddened eyes may occur. People with severe allergies to molds may have more serious reactions, such as hay-fever-like symptoms or shortness of breath.” Mold is not an easily ignored house guest, and its impacts can have serious health impacts. If during an inspection of your home you find mold, especially in your air conditioning system, the time to act is now. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggests the following: “Do not run the HVAC system if you know or suspect that it is contaminated with mold - it could spread mold throughout the building. Unfortunately, it is thought that most, if not all, heating and air
conditioning systems in Louisiana will support mold growth at some point. Stopping the use of an air conditioning system due to suspected mold growth would make most buildings very uncomfortable during hot and humid weather.” Mold is resilient and easily adaptable, it is part of our environment and it is here to stay. Preventing a buildup of mold in your home is part of the maintenance requirements of any healthy household, and if regularly addressed is not too bothersome or time-consuming. Some of the steps you can take are obvious, others are not so obvious. Below is a list of tips that will help to minimize the chances of creating an environment conducive to the
midity is over 55 or 60 percent, the chances of mold forming are minimal. If you have a de-humidistat, set it and the thermostat properly. The de-humidistat turns the air conditioner on by humidity increase rather than temperature increase. The suggested and safest setting is 50% humidity and 80°F temperature – wired in series. This means the temperature must get over 80°F and the humidity over 50% before the air conditioner turns on. Your thermostat control should be set to automatic and cool. NEVER set the fan in the “on” position. A continuous fan operation will increase the relative humidity in your home. Ask a neighbor to check your home once a week or after a storm. One other pitfall to avoid is this: Most of us think we only need to prepare against mold if we’re going away for the entire summer. Few realize or are aware that, under the right circumstances, mold can form in just 48 hours! And once it starts, it reproduces every six minutes. So do the math. If you’re leaving for more than a week, there’s an outside chance you could return to that funny smell that means there’s something wrong. Now we’re not saying that you’ll get mold every time you leave the house for more than two days. What we are saying is that it doesn’t take long if the conditions are idyllic.
generation of microbial spores (that’s the technical term for mold): you leave, close your windows Before (especially in bathrooms and bedrooms) and seal sliding glass doors.
all south and west facing blinds Close and curtains. or replace your air conditioner Clean filter on a regular basis. up spreads and dust ruffles on Turn couches and chairs. Stand your couch cushions on end.
cabinet drawers and closets (es Open pecially in bathrooms and bedrooms).
Keep in mind that you want air to circulate rather than remain stagnant.
the hot and cold water off. This Turn should be done even if you are gone
for a short time. (Flush your water for a few minutes when you return.)
You also might have heard, “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity.” When it comes to mold that’s exactly correct. You do not get mold because the temperature rises, you get mold when the relative humidity rises. It could be 90°F in your home but unless the relative hu-
Generally speaking if you’re only leaving for a week or two, all you need to do is set your thermostat at 80°F or 82°F and you should not have a problem. If you plan to be away for a month or longer, that’s when it would be wise to take more serious precautionary measures. Should you have a situation arise or desire additional information on products or practices that reduce the chance of mold, the indoor air quality professionals at Air Conditioning Ambulance would be happy to assist you. Here’s to an awesome summer and to a mold free home when you return. For more information call 504-467-1400, or visit Air Conditioning Ambulance on the web at acambulance.com
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ONE TEAM-ONE FIGHT T
he One Team-One fight organization has partnered with the Louisiana Fraternal Order of Police, a 501c3 not for Profit Corporation. In light of many recent tragedies involving law enforcement officers, coupled with severe and horrendous weather in the region, our first responders are continually put to the test. It has been even more important to come together in a renewed spirit of unity and mutual support for each other. A group of volunteers decided to host a crawfish boil in 2016 which lead to the creation of One Team-One Fight, an organization dedicated to assisting First Responders of 24 COOL LIVING • ACAMBULANCE.COM
their parish by giving back to those who give so much of themselves to the community on a daily basis. Based in St. Charles Parish, 25 miles west of New Orleans, One Team-One Fight was founded by Natalie Robert who became the committee chair. The original event in 2016 was a competitive but friendly competition among the Fraternal Order of Police, the parish’s Fire Department, the hospital’s emergency services and EMS personnel. “I was very surprised with the outpouring of
BENEFITS ST. CHARLES PARISH FIRST RESPONDERS support,” Natalie said. “There are so many people who wanted to help out in any way they can.” The 2017 event was held in April at Monsanto Park with an amazing 35 teams registered for the crawfish cook off, and attended by over 800 people. Equally impressive was the $7500 that was distributed in equal shares with three of the community groups. The One Team-One fight organization is now governed by a seven-member committee, including several local business leaders, including Alden
Bishop, assistant administrator with St. Charles Parish Hospital, Gregg Cosse’, vice president of the St. Charles Parish Fraternal Order of Police, Armond Bourque, president of the St. Charles Firemen’s Association. They want to make the crawfish cook off an annual event in order to keep providing funds for better equipment, education or whatever the first responders need to do their jobs whether its bulletproof vests or rain gear. 501.467.1400 • COOL LIVING 25
Meet The Team Our Greatest Asset! Sidney Lee
President / Owner
Sidney is the President of A/C Ambulance, founded over 35 years agon and has an associates degree in HVAC science and technology from Delgado Community College. Changing the name to A/C Ambulance in 1998 you will find Sydney and other employees driving a converted ambulance while installing equipment. Sidney and his wife Deely also enjoye time with their grandson Nate and working on their charitable giving with A Toast To Our Heros which provides service dogs for needy veterans.
Mike Truich
Service manager
Michael Truch, Service Manager, has enjoyed 31 years with the company. He has certifications from EPA. Married to the woman of his dreams, Lil, Michael relaxes with fishing, camping and cars. Other working experience includes employment in the restaurant industry.
Jackie Robert
Office Manager
Jackie Roberts, a 17-year employee for AC Ambulance, is the Office Administrator who runs a tight ship to ensure an efficient and smooth operation. She has an Associates Degree in Business. She and her husband Curtis, have 2 children, Natalie, 34 and Nicole, 32, plus 2 grandchildren, Eli, 5 and Tristan, 6. Jackie’s outside interests include fishing and reading. You will always find her with a smile on her face that you can see in person or hear in her voice over the phone.
26 COOL LIVING • ACAMBULANCE.COM
Sidney “Tripp” Lee,
Installation manager
TTripp is a full time employee working to learn all aspects of the business for the day he takes over as owner when his father (Sidney Lee) retires. Tripp, like his father, demonstrates true leadership skills and has excellent customer relations. His father, as with everyone else at A/C Ambulance has the upmost confidence the day this transition takes place. Tripp is a devoted father to his son Nate and enjoys fishing on the weekends.
Steve Bayer
Comfort Consultant & IAQ Specialist
With several years of experience, Steve Bayer serves as A/C Ambulances’ Comfort Consultant. He is considered by many as one of the top and most respected Comfort Consultants in the industry and New Orleans area. Steve’s training and certifications include HVAC High Efficiency Systems, Wrightsoft Duct Design, Heat Pump and Inverter Systems, Ductless Mini Split Inverter Systems, and is an expert in Indoor Air Quality and Air Filtration Systems. Steve and his wife Julie of 22 years are the proud parents of 3 beautiful daughters. Steve’s hobbies include camping, fishing, golf, and Football
Darleen Keating
Office Administrator
Darleen Keeting serves AC Ambulance as Assistant to the Service Manager. With 12 years with the company, Darleen has received specialized with Quickbooks and attended Disney University. Darleen and her husnband Glen have many outside interests that include reading and travel. Other work experience includes being a Disney Castmember at Disney world in Orlando Florida.
501.467.1400 • COOL LIVING 27
IOND T C SFA E E
KID ED T TES
M O M
ATI S A % 100U A R
N
T
G
VED
RO APP
Never purchase laundry detergent again! by Kyle O’Connor
"I wanted to be sold on this product before we introduced it to our clients. I’m sold! I had it installed in August 2015 and have not purchased laundry detergent since. The smell of the clothes after they are washed reminds me of when my grandmother would hang the clothes on the line to dry—fresh and clean! The company offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee which is amazing!"
28 COOL LIVING • ACAMBULANCE.COM
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 Pro 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 Laundry Pro to operate at peak performance. • Better for Sensitive Skin: no detergent, bleach, or chemicals. Eliminates the itching and irritation caused by detergents embedded in clothing and linens. Easy to Use: simply put your clothes in the washing machine, set for cold water only, and turn your washer on. Whiter Whites, Brighter Colors: through the cleansing power of oxygen, Laundry Pro keeps clothes looking their best.
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. 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. Laundry Pro by Aerus (formerly Electrolux) is a revolutionary way to do laundry, inspired by nature. 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.
Laundry Pro 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 Pro uses oxygen, peroxides, and other gases that bubble into cloth ing to lift away dirt and odors.
Certified Space Technology: Laundry Pro uses ActivePure Technology, a variation of the technology originally developed for use on the International Space Station. Earth Friendly: Laundry Pro 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 Pro is designed and built in the USA for reliability and durability. Easy to Install: no modifications or additional plumbing is required, as Laundry Pro connects to your existing washing machine with standard hoses.
Makes Clothes Softer: detergent build-up can weigh down your towels, linens, and clothes. Laundry Pro restores 501.467.1400 • COOL LIVING 29
Manufacturers are beginning to enforce, with greater regularity, the terms and conditions within your paperwork. These changes may affect you.
UNDERSTANDING WARRANTIES Most manufacturers allow you to transfer warranties to the new owner upon the sale of your property and within 30 days of closing.
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.
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A
t Air Conditioning Ambulance, we believe our best customer is an educated one. It is your hard-earned money after all, so you should know what you’re getting for your investment and how your AC system purchase is protected. It’s easy to confuse warranties and service and maintenance agreements. What’s the difference? Well, maintenance is a regular activity to keep a system running well and includes regular
inspections, cleaning and minor adjustments. Service is an unplanned activity to deal with a system fault or failure. A warranty, on the other hand, is a service provided by a manufacturer or service provider to address defects in manufacturing or previously provided service. So now that’s out of the way, when 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 Air Conditioning Ambulance, and we will be happy to assist you.
We want to thank you for choosing Air Conditioning Ambulance. If you have any questions related to your warranty, please do not hesitate to call us at 504-467-1400.
VIP PERFOMANCE AGREEMENT
Regular maintenance keeps your system running efficiently, saving you money on utility bills. Potential problems can be prevented or corrected early. Additionally, proper servicing extends the life of your heating and air conditioning system. Other benefits include fewer repairs and improved capacity from your system.
W
hether you’re installing a new air conditioning system or you’re having an old system repaired, chances are there is a maintenance agreement that would benefit you. These agreements are designed to save consumers money on routine maintenance, while also protecting them from any potential problems. But before you jump into buying one, make sure you find the option that would benefit you the most. The Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service and Gulf States Gas did a study on the value of air conditioning and heating tuneups. They discovered that consumers gained 9.52 btu’s of cooling capacity and their systems ran 1.7 hours less per day. This could mean a savings in excess of $30.00 per month on your utility bills. Surprisingly, they repeated the study the next year on the same homes and found that 78% of the original savings were attained from a repeat tune-up after one year of operation. This shows the value of annual system tune-ups even for newer systems. You prepay for maintenance at a discounted rate and receive other additional benefits. They cover routine cleanings and checkups, and they may help subsidize the cost of massive emergency repairs or offer other savings. One overlooked advantage of a maintenance agreement is that it assures your air conditioning system will get the annual service inspection it needs. These annual tune-ups are important, since they allow a professional to spot any potential problems with
your system early, before they spiral into something more expensive. Further, an annual maintenance appointment will help to keep your system clean and running efficiently. Many people overlook their air conditioner, ignoring its needs until there’s a serious problem. Similar to how your car requires an oil change in order to keep it running, your air conditioner needs to be regularly serviced in order to prevent catastrophic issues. If something major goes wrong with your system because you have been neglecting to maintain it, a repair may end up costing you thousands of dollars. Keep in mind that a maintenance agreement is far cheaper than a major system problem caused by a lack of upkeep; having your system routinely serviced could save you major costs down the line.
Note: If you have a 10 Year Parts & Labor Warranty, you must show proof of a yearly Maintenance Agreement. Manufacturers are now demanding this. 501.467.1400 • COOL LIVING 31
TOP 5 THINGS TO HELP THE EFFICIENCY OF YOUR A/C
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 it overheating. A system with varying speed options can conserve energy. Reducing your system’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, you’re going to see smaller energy bills. Remember to change your air filters regularly. Usually changing the filters once a month is sufficient over if you have pets you may want to consider changing to a more efficient 4” or 5” Media Filter
CALL US TODAY! 504.467.1400