COMFORTZone gowlandsac.com
Complimentary
Even Your
A/C
Needs a Check-Up
Should You
Repair or Replace Your A/C?
Understanding Warranties Celebrating 25 Years of Service!
THE FIRST STEP TO L O
COMFORT FOR LIFE
L OWER UTILITY BILLS Now is the time to call Gowland’s Heating & A/C and ask about the available financing and 12 month equipment and labor warranty offering on a high efficiency Daikin comfort system. With our professional installation and Daikin’s Comfort Promise there is no better time to install a high-efficiency Daikin comfort system in your home so you and your family can feel extremely comfortable while saving money on your energy bills. Call us today for all the details.
985.326.8013 wowcomfort.com
CONTENTS What’s in this Edition
06
08
06
EVEN YOUR A/C
08
The Journey:
Needs Regular Check Ups
GOWLAND’S STORY Byline
10
SHOULD YOU REPAIR OR REPLACE YOUR A/C?
12
JAMES STOREHOUSE
14
MILDEW
Helping with Foster Care
Does Your Home Get a Clean Bill of Health? By: Angela Pless
16
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU CALL GOWLAND’S HEATING & A/C
19
RECIPE!
Easy Crawfish Etoufee
12
20
AIR SCRUBBER
22
Is a
Cleanest Air You’ll Ever Breathe!
DAIKIN DUCT-FREE AIR CONDITIONER Right for You? By: Jacqueline Cross
24
HEAT PUMPS
26
STAY COOL
28
MEET THE TEAM!
30
UNDERSTANDING WARRANTIES
31
SERVICE AGREEMENTS
Why Convert to a Modern Cooling System?
Don’t Get Caught Sweating with Your Thermostat Down By: Angela Pless
© 2017 DeWayne Thomas A Media Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Comfort Zone™ is a free publication owned by DeWayne Thomas A Media Company, Inc. and distributed locally by One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning. If you would like copies placed at your business please call our offices at 440.870.0610 Produced in whole or in part by CustomDesignMags.com & DeWayne Thomas A Media Company, Inc., 4305 62nd Street East. Bradenton Florida. 34208 We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and or advertisements, nor are we responsible in any way for the products and services advertised or promoted within these pages. For information on this or other printed publications produced by CustomDesignMags.com & DeWayne Thomas A Media Company, Inc. Please call our offices at 941-538-7770 or visit us on the web at customdesignmags.com.
4
COMFORT ZONE • GOWLANDSAC.COM
GREETINGS
A Message from Sam Gowland professionals’ reputation for excellence is only matched by their loyalty to you, our customer. And if for some reason you are not happy, we will make it right every time. That’s my professional and personal guarantee to you. Having grown up in this business where family and community values are at the very core of the business, I can assure you that all our employees and all of our customers are treated with respect and dignity; the former are like family and the latter are our neighbors. And we are committed to the greater community by not only doing business locally whenever possible, like purchasing our company shirts from a local manufacturer rather than buying online; while purchasing online may be less expensive, that’s not our way: we are committed to helping support our local economy by supporting local businesses. We believe that policy is good community stewardship and it’s our promise to support local business whenever possible. Yes, we are a business and want to make a profit, but we believe that making our customers happy is our number one goal. People work very hard for their money and I want every customer to feel like their hard-earned money is well spent with us. Additionally, we are dedicated to our community through our support of what we believe are important causes, like the James’ Store House that is featured on pages 12 & 13. Finally, I want to thank our loyal customers for their continued support and trust in our work. And I want to invite prospective clients to reach out to us. We’re here for you. Sincerely,
G
owland’s Heating & A/C is bolstered by a philosophy and set of values that are practiced today by everyone at Gowland’s: professionalism and integrity and a commitment to family and community that is unwavering. Gowland’s technicians and staff are dedicated to doing the best possible job every day. Our devoted, highly skilled and certified
Sam Gowland Gowland’s Heating & A/C
504.266.2037 • COMFORT ZONE
5
SAM’S PROTIP
EVEN YOUR A/C by Maxine Reneé
Whether basking in the warm summer sun or enjoying the crisp cool winter air, Lousiana residents can maximize their cooling and heating system with a simple routine of regular maintenance. ith a small amount of foresight, knowledge and time, home and business owners can enjoy clean and efficient air conditioning and heating throughout the year.
W
we’ll clean the drain lines, check the Freon, levels, and change the filter, but keeping those filters clean between visits can make a big difference in air quality and efficiency.”
One of the easiest and least expensive maintenance tasks is to simply frequently clean or replace air filters between visits from a professional. Not only does this improve the quality of the air within the home, it also extends the efficiency and lifespan of your air conditioning system.
Preventing problems before they arise is ideal, and smart home and business owners rely on preventative maintenance plans to keep their systems working at peak efficiency and to ensure that should any problems arise, they are dealt with swiftly.
Gowland’s Heating & A/C President, Sam Gowland, explains “When we do a maintenance inspection,
“If you are part of a yearly maintenance program, not only do you get us out twice
6
COMFORT ZONE • GOWLANDSAC.COM
NEEDS REGULAR CHECK UPS “Priority service is so important, because on the first hot day of the season or the first cold day, we get a lot of calls.” annually (once in the spring and once in the fall) to maintain your system during the year, but should we have to come out at any other time during the year for service you get a 10% discount on parts every time we come out on priority service,” Sam, says. “We offer service from 8 am to 8 pm Monday Through Friday. What priority service means for customers signed up with maintenance agreements is that they go to the top of the list. If you call us and your unit is down, and you are already on a plan, you are our priority” (See Related article on page 31).
Of course, maintaining your system is in your best interest, but it also might be a requirement of your equipment’s warranty. Most manufacturers require annual maintenance and records to provide warranty coverage, and some require proof of regular preventative maintenance plans and services. “Not following the maintenance schedule might be enough to void the manufacturer’s warranties. “says Sam. “We recommend maintenance in the spring to get ready for the summer, and again in the fall to prepare for winter. It’s important to maintain the heating system, too. Our annual maintenance contracts offer coverage for both at one low price.” See related article on Warranties on page 30 504.266.2037 • COMFORT ZONE
7
SAM’S LIFE The Journey:
GOWLAND’S STORY
by Dusti Lewars-Morton
S
am Gowland is a South Shore boy, born, raised and educated on the South Shore. Following his high school graduation in 1987, Sam went to work that summer, employed by his brother-in-law’s company. Over the next ten years with this company, Sam attended New Orleans School of Refrigeration. Always self-motivated, Sam was driven to improve his job skills. Consequently, he studied to take the state contractor license exam. In Sam’s own words, “I wanted to better myself.” However, when Sam acquired his license, his brother-in-law apparently felt threatened and let Sam go! Reflecting back on this life-changing event, Sam stated,” it was the best thing that ever happened to me. I never had any ill intentions when I passed the exam.” Sam now focused all of his efforts on creating his own HVAC company. Starting with “zero customers”, Sam was befriended by a close neighbor who owned his own company. The neighbor supplied Sam and his one helper with referrals. Sam also worked diligently to acquire his own customers and his neighborhood boss accommodated Sam’s schedule to serve these accounts. This arrangement served Sam’s needs for a 8
COMFORT ZONE • GOWLANDSAC.COM
few years until Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in August, 2005. Killing almost 2000 people, Katrina is the costliest Atlantic hurricane in US history ($108 billion). Katrina and the ensuing floodwaters from breeched levees inundated 80% of New Orleans. As a result, Sam’s business exploded as he worked feverishly to meet the urgent needs of new and existing customers, requiring countless replacement AC units for those totally destroyed by the flood. The Category 3 storm, with a maximum speed of 125 mph, flooded Sam’s personal
home. “We had ten feet of water in my home and my ceilings collapsed.’ Sam recounted. In many respects, Sam became a one-man band: making sales, preparing bid proposals, installing equipment and performing maintenance work for existing customers. A landmark event occurred in 2014 when Sam hired Mark Albrecht to become General Manager. With an extensive HVAC and business background, Mark began to organize all the business systems that needed to be in place. This was exactly what Sam’s business required to handle their continued growth.
“I believe we have a bright future ahead. With a strong commitment to our customers, staff and continued advertising strategy we are building our Gowland’s brand in the marketplace. Most importantly, our employees will grow with us and our customers will benefit from our experience and growth. Finally, I very much want to see all of our staff succeed and do well.”
– Sam Gowland
Gowland’s continued on a growth curve as the pace of expansion quickened. Along the way, Sam enhanced his knowledge of the HVAC industry, plus acquiring additional business expertise.
General Manager Mark Albrecht Provides a Personal Perspective
Today Gowland’s serves a large territory on both the north and south shores of the greater New Orleans area. New Orleans, St Bernard, St Tammany and Jefferson Parish. Servicing all systems, While installing only the most efficient reliable systems on the market today by Trane and Daiken.
After Katrina, Sam moved into my neighborhood and we became friends. Therefore, over the years I learned about Sam and his company.
All of this business growth creates new opportunities and new challenges to be addressed and overcome. “We need to hire several additional employees to accommodate our growth,” Sam said. “We are forecasting a major uptick in business in spring and summer 2018 wanting to attract 2-3 service techs and one or two install crews. Hiring and keeping good quality employees is clearly the most difficult part of the business”, Sam explained. Sam realizes his employees are Gowland’s most important assets. Accordingly, new employee benefits have been added recently. Sam also reflected on the significant contributions by Mark.
I was in the HVAC business as Sales Manager but became very unhappy working for my employer. I eventually became so dissatisfied that I resigned without any job prospects in mind. I shared this with Sam who became interested in my credentials and work experience. However, he was uncertain whether his company could fund a fulltime position. I agreed to work part-time and in just a few short months we both decided I needed to be fulltime. Sam has strong technical skills and is very experienced. Also, he is very generous and a patient owner. I have a totally different set of job skills so that Sam and I are very complimentary with each other, maxamizing our strengths and becoming a great team working together. “Mark’s individual achievements in our company are immeasureable. Our business expansion since Mark’s arrival clearly demonstrated the value he brings to the company.” Destinee’, Gowland’s customer service rep, is a rising star. Joining Gowland’s in early 2017, Destinee’ is the “voice of Gowland’s.” “She is an excellent salesperson, especially stressing to customers the importance of regular maintenance to
extend the life of their air conditioning and maximizing the equipment’s efficiency. As a result, we now have hundreds of active customer maintenance agreements in effect” commented Sam. Sam also expressed deep appreciation to, Johnstone Supply. “They offer a 12-year warranty on air conditioning units, offer multiple training programs, and outstanding customer service. They are one of our major keys for our 2017 success,” Sam acknowledges. Being a part of the community comes easily for Sam. Over the years Gowland’s has supported numerous local civic organizations such as Little League baseball. A major charitable is the James Storehouse organization, which is profiled on pages 12 and 13. James Storehouse’s priority is assisting foster care children who are at risk. “I believe we have a bright future ahead. With bus advertising and this magazine, we are building our Gowland’s brand in the marketplace. Most importantly, our employees will grow with us and our customers will benefit from our experience and growth. Finally, I very much want to see all of our staff succeed and do well” explained Sam.
504.266.2037 • COMFORT ZONE
9
SAM’S PROTIP
Replace?
REPAIR?
SHOULD YOU...
REPAIR OR REPLACE YOUR A/C?
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 COMFORT ZONE • GOWLANDSAC.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 Gowland’s Heating & A/C. 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, the 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. 504.266.2037 • COMFORT ZONE 11
SAM’S STORY
JAMES STOREHOUSE Helping with Foster C are
F
or children and families at risk, hope maybe their final chance at life. This is especially true for children who have been removed from their homes as a result of abuse or neglect.
Several alarming statistics readily catches one’s eye. In Louisiana, children are in desperate need of foster parents. Statewide in 2016, 4800 children were in need of foster care according to the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services. That is a frightening 14% increase over the previous three years. 12 COMFORT ZONE • GOWLANDSAC.COM
Monthly, over 300 children are removed from the care of a parent. Each of these children need a safe environment from the chaos of an abusive home. James Storehouse Louisiana is a major resource in offering hope to some of these children. This non-profit organization assist children and single mothers. James Storehouse is an affiliate of James Storehouse in Los Angeles which was created by Kim Bigler. Bigler who is both founder and President is a leading voice in Los
Angeles for foster care. Bigler fervently believes that every child deserves a loving family and a forever home. In recognition of her leadership, passion and commitment to foster care, the Lt. Governor of Louisiana offered these words of praise in a letter on September 5, 2017: “Congratulations on receiving the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Louisiana Foundation 2017 Angel Award. I know that the description of this awards is for ‘everyday citizens’ but the work that you have done to support the youth of our state makes you far more than an ‘everyday citizen.’ Your ability to recognize the needs of the future of not only Louisiana buy of our nation is awe-inspiring. You are truly a hero.” The Louisiana affiliate of James Storehouse recently relocated to a new facility in early January, 2017 to Covington. James Storehouse has significant needs and opportunities exist for people to help support children in foster care. Volunteers are a major source of our support and cash donations are needed to purchase beds, cribs and bunk beds. “This is a cause that I am blessed to be able to be a part of because they do so much for these children that have in most cased never had a permanent home. At Gowland’s we will always do whatever we can to support this organization and we invite our customers to check them out as well. I encourage
She was living in a tiny room with her 6 children, all sleeping on a deflated air mattress. Their living conditions had sunk beyond her abilities to correct, so her case worker reached out to the James Storehouse organization. The person at James Storehouse was told that they were this mom’s last hope. What a responsibility to be someone’s last hope! The agency secured birth certificates for all the children as part of the process to secure an apartment. This allowed the mother to keep her children in their home and avoid foster care. –Anonymous you to reach out to this organization and make a charitable contribution which will be most appreciated.” - Sam Gowland For more information about James Storehouse, to make a donation or offering to volunteer, please call (958-888-6100). You can also donate online at www.jslouisiana.org 504.266.2037 • COMFORT ZONE 13
SAM’S PROTIP
Planning a trip this summer? Maybe a nice long trip up north, or even Europe? The last thing you need upon your return is to find you house full of...
Mildew:
Does your home get a clean bill of health?
14 COMFORT ZONE • GOWLANDSAC.COM
Y
es, mildew ... it can 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 six-letter word from spoiling an otherwise wonderful vacation. The Lousiana Department of Health’s website says “There are four kinds of health problems that come from exposure to mildew: allergic illness, irritant effects, infection, and toxic effects. For people that are sensitive to mildew, symptoms such as nasal and sinus irritation or congestion, dry hacking cough, wheezing, skin rashes or burning, watery or reddened eyes may occur. People with severe allergies to mildew may have more serious reactions, such as hay-feverlike symptoms or shortness of breath.” Mildew is not an easily ignored house guest, and its impacts can have serious health impacts. If during an inspection of your home you find mildew, especially in your air conditioning system, the time to act is now.
MILDEW! The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggests the following: “Do not run the HVAC system if you know or suspect that it is contaminated with mildew - it could spread mildew throughout the building. Unfortunately, it is thought that most, if not all, heating and air conditioning systems in Lousiana will support mildew growth at some point. Stopping the use of an air conditioning system due to suspected mildew growth would make most Lousiana buildings very uncomfortable during hot and humid weather.” Mildew is resilient and easily adaptable, it is part of our environment and it is here to stay. Preventing a buildup of mildew 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.
“For people who are sensitive to mildew, symptoms such as nasal and sinus irritation or congestion, dry hacking cough, wheezing, skin rashes or burning, watery or reddened eyes may occur. People with severe allergies to mildew may have more serious reactions, such as hay-fever-like symptoms or shortness of breath.”
Below is a list of tips that will help to minimize the chances of creating an environment conducive to the generation of microbial spores (that’s the technical term for mildew): • Before you leave, close your windows (especially in bathrooms and bedrooms) and seal sliding glass doors. • Close all south and west facing blinds and curtains. • Clean or replace your air conditioner filter. • Turn up spreads and dust ruffles on couches and chairs. Stand your couch cushions on end. • Open cabinet drawers and closets (especially in bathrooms and bedrooms). Keep in mind that you want air to circulate rather than remain stagnant.
• Turn the hot and cold water off. This 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 mildew that’s exactly correct. You do not get mildew because the temperature rises, you get mildew when the relative humidity rises. It could be 90 degrees in your home but unless the relative humidity is over 55 or 60 percent, the chances of mildew 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 degrees temperature – wired
in series. This means the temperature must get over 80 degrees 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 mildew if we’re going away for the entire summer. Few realize or are aware that, under the right circumstances, mildew 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 mildew 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. Generally speaking if you’re only leaving for a week or two, all you need to do is set your thermostat at 80 or 82 degrees 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 mildew, the indoor air quality professionals at Gowland’s Heating & A/C. would be happy to assist you.
Here’s to an awesome summer and to a mildew free home when you return. For more information call 504-266-2037, or visit Us on the web at gowlandsac.com 504.266.2037 • COMFORT ZONE 15
What to Expect W “It’s a terrific day at Gowland’s How may I direct your call?”
“I need maintenance/ service on my home”
(Service and Maintenance Customers receive Priority Scheduling)
We will verify name, address and make of unit and schedule appointment
“I would like a free estimate on getting a new air conditioner”
Tech gets dispatched to your home (Reduced diagnostic charge for Service and Maintenance Customers) on after hours service calls
16 COMFORT ZONE • GOWLANDSAC.COM
u C o Y a n l l e h W t c
r�
e
Comfort Advisor provides you with good, better, best offer and schedules installation date
Unit is installed
(we pride ourselves on clean installation)
Final inspection is passed
Diagnosis made, check for price and availability
Equipment is registered and warrantied with Manufacturer.
(you will receive a detailed service report regarding the condition of your unit, no hidden fees)
504.266.2037 www.wowcomfort.com 504.266.2037 • COMFORT ZONE 17
WHY CONVERT TO A MODERN HEATING & COOLING SYSEM?
W
hy convert to a modern heat pump heating and cooling system?
■ Efficiency ■ Safety ■ Eco-friendly ■ Reliability ■ Lower maintenance than a comparable gas furnace/ air conditioning system ■ More savings with available rebates
Efficiency
A 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 reliable indicator of efficiency is COP or Coefficient of Performance, which in easier to understand terms 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 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.
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.
Lower maintenance – fewer parts
Typical heat pumps installed are all in one units’, no need for two systems, a furnace and a separate air conditioning unit.
Rebates
Gowland’s Heating & A/C Conditioning can help find manufacturers’ rebates that may apply.
When to consider a conversion
■ Current 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
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. Gowland’s Heating & A/C Conditioning 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.
Recipe!
EASY CRAWFISH ETOUFFEE
Ingredients • 1 (1 lb) bag of peeled crayfish tails, not drained • 1/2 cup butter • 1 large onion, minced • 1 large bell pepper, minced • 2 stalks celery, minced • 1 tablespoon minced garlic • 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper • 1/2 teaspoon white pepper • 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper • 1 tablespoon flour • 1/2 cup water • cooked rice
Directions • In dutch oven melt butter over medium heat. • Add onions, bell pepper, celery and garlic. • Saute vegetables until soft, about 30 to 45 minutes. • Add Crawfish tails and seasonings. • Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
• Mix flour in water, stirring to make a smooth liquid. • Add to crawfish mixture, cover and simmer for 10 more minutes. • Serve on hot rice. 504.266.2037 • COMFORT ZONE 19
SAM’S PROTIP
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 COMFORT ZONE • GOWLANDSAC.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
504.266.2037 • COMFORT ZONE 21
SAM’S PROTIP Is a
DAIKIN DUCT-FREE AIR CONDITIONER Right for You?
by Jacqueline Cross
D
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 Gowland’s Heating & A/C 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 advan-
22 COMFORT ZONE • GOWLANDSAC.COM
tage, 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.
Jared Penton, a service technician at Gowland’s Heating & A/C, 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, and even drop ceiling applications 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 eleven 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.”
The cost savings can be significant in terms of installation and energy use. could result in wasted energy, improper temperature or humidity control, and greater long-term operational expenses.” Sam Gowland, President of Gowland’s Heating & A/C, 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.”
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. “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,” Jared continued. “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
COMFORT FOR LIFE 504.266.2037 • COMFORT ZONE 23
SAM’S PROTIP
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!"
24 COMFORT ZONE • GOWLANDSAC.COM
Makes Clothes Softer: detergent build-up can weigh down your towels, linens, and clothes. Laundry Pro restores their natural softness over time by lifting old detergents out of fibers. Clean Without Bleach: combining the power of ActivePure Technology with the cleaning action of activated oxygen, Laundry 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.
IOND T C A E E ISF
KID ED T TES
M
MO
SATA % R 00
1
G
U
N
T
A
D
VE PRO
AP
•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.
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 No need for Detergent: instead of expensive, chemical-laden detergents, reliability and durability. Laundry Pro uses oxygen, peroxides, and other gases that bubble into cloth Easy to Install: no modifications or ing to lift away dirt and odors. additional plumbing is required, as Laundry Pro connects to your existing Easy to Install: no modifications or washing machine with standard hoses. additional plumbing is required, as for reliability and durability. Laundry Pro connects to your existing washing machine with standard hoses.
SAM’S PROTIP
Turn your unit on and check the air temperature at your return and one of your supply ducts. You should measure an 18 degree difference from your supply to your return. It’s easily measured with a simple thermometer. Hold the thermometer as close to the source of each as possible to insure the most accurate reading. If the difference is at least 18 degrees you’re good to go, if not, you might have a problem. That’s probably a good time to call a professional! Another simple yet productive step to take is to check your filter. Clean it if it is the type that can be cleaned, or replace it if not.
Check the Batteries
Check the batteries in your thermostat (if it has batteries). This is a good time to replace them. By the way, this is also a good time to change the batteries in your smoke detectors (not AC related; I just threw that one in for free). Next, take a walk outside and look at your condenser. If it’s excessively dirty or there is mildew on it, wash it off. Also, make sure if you have shrubs surrounding it that they are not inhibiting airflow. If they are, grab a trimmer and clip away!
STAYCOOL
DON’T GET CAUGHT SWEATING WITH YOUR THERMOSTAT DOWN
Winter gets COLD, but Summer is HOT, HOT, HOT! When it’s time to think about turning off the heat and crankin’ down the AC there are some things you should do to make sure your system is ready to take on the brutal heat of the summer.
F
olks up north know how to “winterize” their homes, however, here in the sunny south, we sometimes forget that it’s just as important to “summer-ize” our homes. Between pools and air conditioning summer produces the highest demand of the year for energy in Louisiana. Making sure your air conditioning system is operating at its most efficient level is
26 COMFORT ZONE • GOWLANDSAC.COM
imperative if you do not want to see those electric bills skyrocket like the Space Shuttle blasting off from Cape Canaveral!
We suggest testing your system while it’s still cool enough so if you have a problem, you can address it before things heat up.
For those who are a bit more ambitious, you can clean your drain line. It is usually near your out-side and is about 6 inches tall and looks like an upside down hook. To clean it, attach a shop vac hose to the end of the plastic pipe and turn on the shop vac to vacuum out all of the dirty water that’s been laying in the line for months. You can get more aggressive by removing the panel at your air handler and pouring a cup of vinegar followed by a gallon or two of hot water into your drain pan, then repeat the shop vac step. Make sure you turn the electricity off to the unit before removing the panel! Not doing so could create a whole new batch of problems that would require the summoning of medical professionals as well as AC professionals! Now if you’re not quite that ambitious, but you want to be ready when things heat up, just call Gowland’s Heating & A/C to come out and service your unit for you. We’ll clean it, inspect it, and make sure everything is working as it should be.
On the Go, in the Know, and in Control
Nexia is Always Home Going on a trip? Use Nexia to give the impression that someone’s home by setting your system to close the blinds at dusk, turn on the lights, and turn them off around bedtime. Then, automatically reopen your blinds in the morning.
One App for All of Your Smart Devices Streamline your smart home system with the Nexia app. Compatible with every smartphone operating system, the all-in-one home automation app is designed to give you access to all your connected devices in one place. With Nexia, you have the flexibility to monitor and control your home’s temperature, locks, lights, and even your garage door from virtually anywhere.
CALL TODAY AND LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW TO GET NEXIA IN YOUR HOME!
504.266.2037
MEET THE TEAM! Sam Gowland President & Owner
Mark Albrecht
General Manager
Sam has almost 20 years tenure with the company. He is a graduate of the New Orleans School of Refrigeration. He has a tremendous amount of industry training and education.
Mark has worked with Gowland’s for 4 years with 19 years experience in the industry. Mark’s training and work experience includes duct design and Industrial Motor Speed Inverter Technology.
Sam’s two children are Katie, 29 and Haven 19. He has spent his entire work life in the Heating and Air Conditioning business. Time away from work is spent hunting and fishing.
He and his wife Jeannine have 2 grown children: Matthew, 29 and Nicole Simms, 34. Hobbies include swimming and spending lots of time with 6 grandchildren.
28 COMFORT ZONE • GOWLANDSAC.COM
Destineé Alexandra Allange Office Manager
Destineé brings 12 years of management experience to the company with excellent organization and customer service skills. She and her husband George are the proud parents of George, 9 and Dylan 7. Destinee’ spends her leisure time with the family, fishing, paying it forward and church activities.
Jared Penton Service Tech
Jared is a Service Tech at Gowland’s and has been an employee for one year. He is certified in HVAC-R, work experience includes refrigeration and management and has received specialized training at Nunez College. He and his wife, Kymber have one son, Jared W. He remains committed to furthering his education.
Blake Klotz
2 Year Apprentice Blake is a two-year apprentice with Gowland’s. He and his wife just welcomed a little baby boy, Jayden, into their lives. Blake is in the process of enhancing his job skills through technical classroom studies and onthe-job training.
Know You’re Protected with a
Honeywell Backup Generator
Power. At Home. With one of the most trusted and recognized names in home comfort and security, Honeywell generators offer power and protection during a power outage. Honeywell automatic backup generators help guard against the potential dangers that power outages can bring - loss of heating and cooling systems, spoiled food, lighting, freezing pipes, loss of medical equipment functionality, and mold from excessive moisture. Protect what matters most with a Honeywell backup generator.
CALL US TO GET AN ESTIMATE ON A HONEYWELL GENERATOR TODAY!
504.266.2037
SAM’S PROTIP
UNDERSTANDING
WARRANTIES Y
ou may have an existing warranty on your air conditioning system. When you purchased your new air conditioning system it came with a manufacturer’s warranty. You should have received a copy of this warranty from the manufacturer. The warranty 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 they 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 the 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 make using and obtaining OEM parts a difficult situation. The effect is that we will no longer be able to use generic truck
30 COMFORT ZONE • GOWLANDSAC.COM
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. Manufacturers now require yearly maintenance by an authorized dealer/ servicer in order to keep a warranty in good standing. As a valued customer, we ask that if you are not currently having maintenance done on your equipment at least once a year that you contact us or an authorized dealer/servicer in your area as soon as possible. Gowland’s Heating & A/C charges after hour rates Monday through Saturday after 5pm, all day on Sunday, and all Holidays. Again, thank you for choosing Gowland’s Heating & A/C. We are honored to serve you. Please call our Customer Service Department if you have any questions or if you need to schedule maintenance. We have several maintenance plans and our customer service representatives would be happy to explain them to you and help you choose which plan best fits your needs.
ENERGY SAVINGS & SAFETY AGREEMENTS (ESSA) On a daily basis, loss of efficiency and component failures are caused by heating and air conditioning equipment not being properly maintained. Equipment that is not properly maintained and cleaned can operate at a reduced efficiency level, which can cause an increase in your utility bills. Build-up of dirt, dust and pollen can cause component failures and shorten equipment life. Scheduled maintenance of your equipment will extend its life and help to maintain its maximum efficiency. That is why at Gowland’s Heating & A/C we recommend that you consider an Energy Savings and Safety Agreement (ESSA), to provide your system with the necessary maintenance to keep your system running a peak performance.
ESSA’s reduce the need for HVAC repairs by up to 40% Regular Maintenance increases a unit’s efficiency by up to 30%
Sign up now for an Energy Savings and Safety Agreement and Receive: 15-POINT FALL CHECK on your Heater 15-POINT SPRING CHECK on your A/C 10% DISCOUNT on all PARTS PRIORITY SERVICE: guarantees service in 24hrs
BASIC PLAN
NO OVERTIME CHARGES 1 YEAR WARRANTY ON REPLACED PARTS AND LABOR
ELECTRIC AIR CLEANER PLAN
Includes service for one unit
Includes service for one unit
10% discount on each additional unit at the same address
10% discount on each additional unit at same address Filter cleaning every 6 months
$198.00
$238.00
PLATINUM & UV LIGHT PLAN Includes service for one system Includes UV catalyst replacement when needed. (Approx. every 3 years)
5” FILTER PLAN Includes service for one unit 10% discount Filter replacement every 6 months
$365.00
Includes up to 2lbs of Freon Includes minor parts replacement capacitors, contactors, fuses, and minor wiring repair Does not include motor replacement 10% discount Does not include board replacement
$542.00
Gowland’s has been servicing the needs of our community since 1999 and we are fully licensed, insured, and, an A+ member of the Better Business Bureau. We not only design and install air conditioning and heating comfort systems, we also offer an excellent Service Department to service your air conditioning and heating equipment. We continually look for ways to better serve the needs of our community. We always do what is necessary to always exceed our customer’s expectations. ESSA will be billed by December 1 each year, payable by December 31. We will call you between February & March for Spring Checkup and in October for Fall Checkup.
CALL US TO SIGN UP FOR A MAINTENANCE PLAN TODAY!
504.266.2037 504.266.2037 • COMFORT ZONE 31
COMFORT FOR LIFE
Every Daikin air conditioner features energy-efficient & d e p e n d a b l e p e r f o r m a n c e f o r wo r r y - f re e c o m f o r t . Daikin air conditioners are designed to provide years of reliable cooling comfort, even in the hottest weather.
CALL TODAY AND LEARN HOW TO GET A DAIKIN IN YOUR HOME!
504.266.2037