FIVE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR A/C
Complimentary I Volume 4 Issue 1
sunset-air.com
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU'LL READ TODAY!
BUILDERS CARE: Repairing Houses, Repairing Lives
+ page 17
WHAT A FISH STORY! Helping through Support of Ronald McDonald House Charities®
COMFORT FOR LIFE
SERVING CHARLOTTE, LEE, HENDRY & COLLIER COUNTIES
866. 693. 9005 I 239. 693. 9005 I sunset-air.com
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.
FLORIDA’S HOME COMFORT SPECIALISTS SINCE 1999! LIC #CAC1815973
IN THIS ISSUE 6 A MESSAGE FROM Jason Schreyer President, Sunset Air
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The Most Important Thing You'll Read Today save
yourself money & misery by understanding your warranty
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SUNSET AIR
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KEEP YOUR INDOOR AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM HUMMING WITH REGULAR CHECK-UPS
20 22
BUILDERS CARE
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DUCT-FREE AIR CONDITIONERS OFFER MULTIPLE BENEFITS
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AIR CONDITIONER ACTING UP? decide whether
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AIR SCRUBBER PLUS®
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MEET THE SUNSET AIR TEAM
the journey continues
RONALD McDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES® helping children & families through support of Ronald McDonald House Charities® of SW Florida
repairing houses, rebuilding lives
FEEDING HUNGRY CHILDREN IN SW FLORIDA one backpack at a time
to repair or replace it
the cleanest air you’ll ever breathe
sunset-air.com
Total Security Solution
FREE SITE SURVEY & ESTIMATE! Keep an eye on your home or business from anywhere! Learn how by calling Surveillance by Sunset today.
(226.3727)
877.CAMERAS
or 866.693.9005 Sunset-Surveillance.com
Everyone aspires to live in a secure world. Only a few work to truly make it happen. Those who deliver security solutions are the heartbeat of a diverse and challenging industry. Their devotion to quality, commitment to service, and passion for protection make the security industry great. Hikvision understands that the greatest success stories arise from partnerships with their customers. Hikvision USA sells products only through authorized distributors. We value our industry partners and are proud of the relationships we have developed to help expand the use of our innovative technology products and solutions.
A MESSAGE FROM Jason Schreyer President, Sunset Air
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elcome to the third edition of our Comfort Zone magazine.
We are thrilled to share informative and engaging articles that may help customers make better and more informed decisions about energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly and money-saving heating, cooling and air quality systems. We are also honored to be able to share several heartwarming and life-affirming articles about the good that’s being done for those in need in our communities. Giving back is very much a part of the culture of Sunset Air & Home Services. The Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®) of Southwest Florida’s mission is to create, find and support programs that directly improve
the health and well-being of children. Their work is nothing short of miraculous. (Please see pages 16 and 17). Builders Care is the non-profit wing of the Lee County BIA that helps the elderly and disabled in desperate and dire need of home repairs (please see pages 20 and 21). Blessings in a Backpack provides nutritious easy-to-prepare weekend meals for hungry kids (please see page 22). We hope you are moved and inspired by these stories and will consider helping, if you are able. We support these and many other non-profit agencies, groups, organizations, and youth sports teams. For us at Sunset Air & Home Services, dedication to community is something about which we care deeply.
For the past 17 years, Sunset Air & Home Service’s team of skilled professionals have been serving Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry, and Desoto counties’ home comfort needs with excellent service and quality workmanship. With the myriad services we offer, our goal is to help create and maintain a healthy indoor quality for your home or business. Our expertise in air conditioning and heating service is unmatched. We are committed to helping people breathe easy by identifying, supplying and installing the latest air filtration systems, air-decontaminating UV lamps, dehumidifiers and humidifiers. Sunset Air & Home Services also offers a range of maintenance agreements to assist you in keeping your home comfort equipment in top condition for many years. We understand what an investment your equip-
© 2016 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 Sunset Air & Home Services, Inc. If you would like copies placed at your business, please call Sunset Air & Home Services, Inc. at 239-693-9005. 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 ononline at customdesignmags.com .
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ment is and our goal is to inform and guide customers through the world of the warranty. This issue is so important we have dedicated articles that we hope will answer questions about your warranty, questions which may not seem significant now, but wait until you need it! Please take the time to read through the articles (see pages 8-10), it may just save you a bundle. At Sunset Air & Home Services, we service all makes and models, including but not limited to Lennox, Trane, Carrier, Ruud, Rheem, Goodman, Bryant, Comfortmaker, Amana, American Standard, and York. And we offer free secondopinions when it comes to what is often a big decision: ‘Do I replace or repair my A/C?’ We hear from too many customers who have been bombarded with calls from A/C companies pitching so-called ‘free’ inspections which often are actually sales gimmicks that sadly can result in consumers purchasing unnecessary equipment or paying for services they do not need. Our truly free second opinion might just save you from an unnecessary expenditure, so give us a call! We are a company that is absolutely 100-precent committed to our customers. It is our operating philosophy of business that earning the trust and respect of the customer is what makes a business strong and successful. For us, it is an honor and a privilege to serve our customers and we never take that for granted. On behalf of everyone here at Sunset Air & Home Services, thank you for your business and your trust. We are here to serve you today, and far into the future.
Jason Schreyer, President
ABOUT
SUNSET AIR & HOME SERVICES OUR MISSION
Our long-term success is based on trust earned through decades of professional, honest and caring service to our customers. Quite simply put, our mission is to consistently provide superlative customer-focused service. Our highly valued customers are the reason we continue to grow and we are grateful every day for their trust.
OUR SERVICES Established in 1999, Sunset Air was built upon a foundation of know-how, a strong work ethic and a commitment to quality A/C design, installation, maintenance and service. Sunset Air is a full-service, state-certified and licensed air conditioning, heating and air quality contractor offering a wide array of services and products for total quality home and commercial indoor air. We serve Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Pine Island, St. James City, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, Estero, Bonita Springs, Naples, Golden Gate, Immokalee, Marco Island, Sanibel Island, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, and LaBelle. Sunset Air & Home Services continues to raise the bar for excellence with our award-winning service and dedicated 24-7 service featuring discounted rates for contract customers.
AFFILIATIONS & ORGANIZATIONS
Better Business Bureau Angie’s List ACCA BIA Builders Care Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Southwest Florida Blessings in a Backpack Tri-County Apprenticeship Academy 4H Club
AWARDS AND ACCOLADES
Angie’s List Super Service Award 2014, 2015 Beazer Homes Outstanding Achievement Award Better Business Bureau A+ Rating Colonial Homes Outstanding Customer Service Award Florida Sheriff’s Association Gold Business member Lennar Homes Top Building Partner Award Lennar Homes Exceptional Overall Performance Award Lennox International Centurion Award Lennox International Circle of Excellence Award Lennox International Premiere Dealer Award Ruud High Standard of Quality Installation and Performance Trane Outstanding Sales Performance 2011
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THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU’LL READ TODAY
SAVE YOURSELF MONEY AND MISERY BY FULLY UNDERSTANDING YOUR WARRANTY by Ellyn Santiago
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hen you purchase a bigticket item, like a car for example, the warranty that comes with it is crucial. Even the best of automobiles can have problems. Indeed, anything mechanical can have issues and, given your significant investment, you want to be protected. But with a warranty comes owner responsibility; a responsibility to understand the terms of that warranty. The last thing you need is to find out something you thought was covered in the warranty is in fact not covered. And when the problem is a significant one, and might potentially be very costly, having warranty peace-of-mind in place is critical. Your home cooling equipment is a major investment and it too comes with a warranty. But in many cases, the manufacturer’s warranty is limited and the service provider, the company that sells, installs and services the equipment, also provides a warranty but again, there are specific terms and conditions. So being well-informed on exactly what your warranties include is essential. Sunset Air & Home Services is committed to helping own-
“Think of it this way: a car manufacturer’s warranty requires that the owner maintain the car with regular oil changes and for good reason – if an engine blows up because of lack of oil, the warranty won’t cover that,” says Sunset Air & Home Services president Jason Schreyer.
ers understand precisely what each warranty covers as well as their responsibility as owners. “Unfortunately, there’s a misconception among some homeowners that just because it says ‘warranty’ that means they don’t have the responsibility to maintain their equipment and keep it running properly,” says Jason Schreyer, Sunset Air & Home Services president. “Think of it this way: a car manufacturer’s warranty requires that the owner maintain the car with regular oil changes and for good reason – if an engine blows up because of lack of oil, the warranty won’t cover that,” Jason says.
So it behooves people to fully understand their equipment warranties. Right off the bat, it’s important to know that whether it’s a manufacturer’s warranty, a labor warranty or an extended warranty, maintenance-related issues are simply not covered. Issues or problems that are not covered include (but are not limited to) filter changes or cleanings, backed-up drain line issues, dirty or impacted evaporator/condensing coils, damage of any kind to the thermostat or equipment, improper applications, unauthorized modifications, improper electrical supply, failure to follow instructions and rating plate specifications, accidents, natural disasters, an ‘Act of God,’ or any unauthorized
service work performed by a company or person other than a Sunset Air & Home Services employee or representative during the first 12 months of a one-year warranty. Your warranty does not and is not a contract or agreement for preventative maintenance to your new air conditioning equipment. Preventative maintenance is required by the manufacturer to be done annually by a licensed HVAC contractor. Performing maintenance by anyone other than a licensed HVAC contractor will void your warranty. Proper documentation of preventative maintenance may be requested at the time of warranty services by the manufacturer before releasing parts for warranty in order for the warranty to be in accordance with the manufacturer product specifications or installation, operation, and maintenance instructions provided by the manufacturer. Failure to conform to such specifications and/or instructions will void limited warranty. “In a nutshell, an air conditioner unit warranty works just as a car warranty does,” Jason says. “Just as you maintain your car, you should maintain your cooling equipment. It’s a huge investment and you want to protect it.”
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WARRANTIES
EXPLAINED The best way to ensure that your manufacturer’s warranty stays in force is through regular maintenance and the smartest way to maintain your equipment is through a Sunset Air & Home Services ‘Service Agreement.’
Manufacturer Warranty
In almost all cases, the manufacturer’s standard warranty is limited. Being intimately familiar with the terms of that warranty is enormously important. Don’t ignore the fine print. And it’s generally quite easy to obtain every detail of that limited standard warranty either with the original paperwork received at the time of purchase or on the manufacturer’s website. Sunset Air & Home Services will make every effort to inform the customer of the warranty process and procedures prior to, and after, the installation date. Generally speaking though, manufacturer’s warranties, though limited in scope and length, cover parts, but will not cover labor, shipping or handling.
Labor Warranty
Usually one-year coverage (12 months, unless otherwise stated on your purchase proposal) from the date of installation. The one-year labor warranty is a supplement to the equip10 COMFORT ZONE I SUNSET-AIR.COM
ment manufacturer’s standard limited warranty. Under the labor warranty, Sunset Air & Home Services will provide service labor as performed by an authorized Sunset Air & Home Services technician, service center, or agency. This labor warranty provides that Sunset Air & Home Servicesinstalled products will be repaired to original manufacturer’s operating specifications and standards while in normal use 12 months from the date of original equipment installation.
Extended Warranty
If you have purchased an extended warranty, your warranty information will be sent to/from the third party vendor from which it was purchased. Sunset Air & Home Services is not the extended warranty provider. Therefore, all claims will be submitted and reviewed by the third party provider before a claim is paid. The extended warranty provider
has the right to decline a warranty request upon its review. Sunset Air & Home Services holds no responsibility for a claim that is declined. It’s again important to note that extended warranties do not cover maintenance-related issues in any capacity. Owners will be charged for any maintenance repairs or trip charges provided by Sunset Air & Home Services if it is determined the work is related to insufficient maintenance practices. All extended warranty service will be charged a $49 deductible. The deductible is charged per occurrence. The customer will be charged the deductible each time a new issue arises but only once for that occurrence on that day. If a return trip is necessary to complete the repair, the customer will not be charged any additional deductible amount. The deductible payment is due at the time of service.
For more information on warranties, call Sunset Air & Home Services at 239-693-9005.
YOUR HOME COMFORT SYSTEM...
ITS ALL ABOUT
CHOICES!
Our mission is to help you protect the health and comfort of your family through creating an effective whole house solution. That’s why our company considers your entire home when creating your comfort solutions.
SERVING CHARLOTTE, LEE, HENDRY & COLLIER COUNTIES
866. 693. 9005 I 239. 693. 9005 I sunset-air.com
SUNSET AIR:
THE JOURNEY CONTINUES 12 COMFORT ZONE I SUNSET-AIR.COM
by Ellyn Santiago
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any companies dependent on the housing and real estate market were disastrously unable to stay afloat as a result of the Great Recession. Some, who kept their eyes held fast on the horizon while navigating tumultuous seas, were able to right themselves, albeit just barely. Sunset Air & Home Services refused to go down. Painfully hard choices and sacrifices had to be made to survive. People lost their jobs, and that perhaps was the hardest part for company president Jason Schreyer. And some customers also disapeared sadly when they lost their homes to foreclosure. Jason talks about how his company made it through: “Beginning in about 2006, we felt the change. I’d like to say it was gradual, but unfortunately it wasn’t. In fact, it happened so fast that there was little time to methodically deal with the reality of the collapse of the housing market. From our founding in 1999 through 2005 and into the beginning of 2006, we were doing extremely well. I had 115 employees, and our sales revenue was around $13
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million a year, most of that in new construction. As related businesses closed due to the dying market, we were stuck with about a half-a-million dollars in bad debt. At the same time, our revenues dropped from $13 million to $3 million.” To survive, Jason persevered by dramatically reducing staff and buying out his original partner; putting every dime of his and his wife’s personal money into the company to save it. And then the tide turned. The sun finally rose after those stormy years. Sunset Air had weathered it and was looking at a new day. “We made it through,” Jason says. “Today, we’re employing new people and have new customers.”
And following the Great Recession, Jason’s new mantra was ‘service, service, and service.’ “We’ve been back on a very positive track for the past couple of years and I am determined to keep it that way through the best service we can provide. At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about: providing exceptional service for customers each and every day,” Jason says. Sunset Air has entered its 18th year in business and, Jason says, he and his company are more committed than ever to providing superior quality service. Serving Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry, and Desoto counties since 1999, the Sunset team of skilled professionals is as dedicated today as they’ve ever been at handling customers cooling, heating and air quality needs. The company services all makes and models
including Amana, American Standard, Bryant, Carrier, Comfortmaker, Daikin, Goodman, and Lennox, Rheem, Ruud, Trane, and York brands. “Our core business continues to be quality service, maintenance, repair and replacement,” Jason says. But, he adds, the HVAC industry is continuously changing and evolving as new and sophisticated technologies change the landscape. “It’s imperative that we grow and evolve, too. To that end, we stay on top of new and emerging technologies which help to get and keep us ahead of the pack locally,” he says. “At Sunset Air, we have made great strides in indoor air quality as we have come to un-
derstand fully that it’s not just cool air but heathy, clean air people want and need,” Jason says. “That’s the reason, for example, that we are ahead of the curve on air filtration and the use of UV lights, and duct and dryer vent cleaning.” Sunset Air & Home Services is one of the leaders in new residential air system installations and can offer customers myriad highefficiency A/C systems from which to choose to ‘go green’ with safer and more energy-efficient equipment. Sunset Air is also committed to quality service for “production-type builders and custom home builders,” Jason says. “I remain confident that our commitment to our core goals of delivering excellent customer-focused service will keep us afloat even in the stormiest of seas,” Jason says.
“It’s imperative that we grow and evolve, too. To that end, we stay on top of new and emerging technologies which help to get and keep us ahead of the pack, locally,” Jason Schreyer says. 14 COMFORT ZONE I SUNSET-AIR.COM
WE APPRECIATE OUR CUSTOMERS! At Sunset Air, customer satisfaction is first and foremost, and we are grateful to those who purchase their air quality equipment from us. We’re saying “thanks” with a custom-designed Tervis® Tumbler gift bag. When it’s time to replace your air conditioning or heating system, please call us for a prompt, no obligation estimate.
Serving Charlotte, Lee, Hendry & Collier Counties (866) 693-9005 • (239) 693-9005 • sunset-air.com
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FLORIDA’S HOME COMFORT SPECIALISTS SINCE 1999! SERVING CHARLOTTE, LEE, HENDRY & COLLIER COUNTIES
866. 693. 9005 I 239. 693. 9005 I sunset-air.com
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RONALD McDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES Helping Children and their Families Through Support of Ronald McDonald House Charities of SW Florida ®
by Ellie Mae Johnson
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“It’s important to me to instill a philanthropic spirit in my employees. It’s not just me that participates in these charitable efforts, it’s the entire Sunset Air team, and that strengthens the company while helping support our community.” Sunset Air & Home Services, president Jason Schreyer says.
®
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he mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®) of Southwest Florida is to create, find and support programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children throughout Southwest Florida.
“One only has to read or listen to the stories of the families that have been touched by the services of Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Southwest Florida to know that this is an organization that deserves to be supported financially and through volunteer service,” said Jason Schreyer, president of Sunset Air & Home Services. “My team and I are proud sponsors of this charity, and we applaud their support for families, especially children, in our service area.” Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Southwest Florida, which serves Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Hendry and Glades counties, is best known as an organization that provides a “home away from home” for families of seriously ill or injured children being treated at nearby hospitals. Many of these children have life threatening illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, and neonatal complications. Since 1996, Ronald McDonald House Charities® has provided over 3,000 families with a “home away from home.” The average length of stay for a family is 12 days but families are welcome to stay until their child is discharged, which can sometimes mean months. The Ronald McDonald House Charities® asks for a modest donation of $10 per day. Unfortunately, 85 percent of the families who stay are unable to contribute financially in any way, though no one is ever turned away based on an inability to pay. Schreyer said that giving back is integral to his company’s values. “It’s important to me to instill a philanthropic spirit in my employees,” he says. “It’s not just me that participates in these charitable efforts, it’s the entire Sunset Air team, and that strengthens the company while helping support our community.” Jason says the work of the Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Southwest Florida is particularly important. “Children’s charities and those that serve the elderly and disabled top our priorities,” he says. “Supporting their work is extremely gratifying, and we’re proud to be a major sponsor.” And sometimes, his level of support breaks records as it did at the 2015 3rd annual Offshore Rodeo Fishing Tournament which supports Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Southwest Florida. What a fish story! Read all about it!
WHAT A FISH STORY! by Ellyn Santiago This is a fish story you can believe. No, really. And it’s a whopper, literally. At the 3rd annual Offshore Rodeo Fishing Tournament to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Southwest Florida in Fort Myers Beach summer of 2015, the crew of the ‘Honey Money,’ which included Sunset Air & Home Services president Jason Schreyer, reeled in a potentially record-breaking black grouper catch; a giant weighing in at 124 pounds and 18 ounces. The verdict hasn’t been officially decided yet – as of publication date, the largest black grouper was a 124-pounder hooked in the Gulf of Mexico off the Texas coast in 2003 – but should be soon by the International Game Fish Association. Indeed, Jason’s black grouper has that Texas fish beat by almost a pound. Regardless of the association’s final call, the tournament-winning fish Jason and the crew caught was one gargantuan grouper. The Florida state record is 113 pounds, so Jason’s grouper, a colossus at 57 inches long and 48 inches around, has that Sunshine State record-holding grouper beat by almost a dozen pounds. “It was the big one, the really big one and it didn’t get away from us,” says Jason. “It was exciting.” The crew of the ‘Honey Money’ caught several other quality fish at the tournament including a 23-pound red grouper, which also won first place. “It was just a great day,” Jason says. At the charity fishing tournament, some 400 anglers in more than 35 boats caught more than 1,200 pounds of fish, most of which was fileted and cooked up at the reggae party after the tournament held at Salty Sam’s Marina and Bootleg Waterfront BBQ in Fort Myers Beach. Sunset Air & Home Services has been a sponsor from the beginning and Jason says he looks forward to getting back out there in search of an even bigger fish this summer. “We’re a big sponsor and supporter of Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Southwest Florida. We’re excited about the charity tournament this summer,” Jason says. “Last year the event exceeded its goal for the Ronald McDonald House Charities® and was a huge success.” The 2015 Offshore Rodeo Fishing Tournament, fish dinner and auction raised more than $80,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities®. “The event has grown substantially over its three years in existence and we are very proud to be part of it,” Jason says. For more information about the Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Southwest Florida 2016 Offshore Fishing Tournament, please call 239-437-0202 SUNSET-AIR.COM I COMFORT. SUNSET-AIR.COM I COMFORT ZONE 17
Keep Your Indoor Air Conditioning System Humming with by Jacqueline Cross
REGULAR CHECK-UPS
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hether basking in the warm summer sun or enjoying the crisp cool winter air, Florida residents can maximize their cooling and heating system with a simple routine of regular maintenance. With a small amount of foresight, knowledge and time, home and business owners can enjoy clean and efficient air conditioning and heating throughout the year. One of the easiest and least expensive maintenance tasks is simply to 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. “One of the most important things a homeowner can do is change their filters and make sure that they are cleaned on a regular basis,” says Jason Schreyer, President of Sunset Air. “When we come out, we’ll clean the drain lines, check the Freon, levels, and change the filter, but keeping those filters clean between visits can make a
"One of the easiest and least expensive maintenance tasks is simply to frequently clean or replace air filters between visits from a professional." says Jason Schreyer, president of Sunset Air.
big difference in air quality and efficiency. It’s something that anyone can do.” 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. “If you are part of a yearly maintenance program, not only do you get us out annually to maintain your system during the year, but should we have to come out at any other time during the year you get a 10% discount on parts and labor every time
we come out, and you also get reduced trip charges and priority service,” Jason says. “Priority service is so important, because on the first hot day of the season or the first cold day, we get a lot of calls. We have around-the-clock service, and we’ll have a huge spike over a weekend. “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.” Of course, maintaining your system is in your best interest, but it also might be a requirement of your equip-
ment’s warranty. Many manufacturers require annual maintenance and records to provide warranty coverage, and some require proof of regular preventative maintenance plans and services. “They clearly want you to have maintenance, and if you don’t have it done, that might be enough to void some warranties,“ says Jason. “We recommend twice a year maintenance, once in the spring to get ready for the summer, and again in the fall to prepare for winter. The heating system is just as important to properly maintain as the air conditioning unit.”
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by Ellyn Santiago
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or more than a decade, the Lee County Building Industry Association’s (BIA) community charitable program, Builders Care, has been providing life-changing, no-cost emergency home repair services to needy elderly, disabled and economically disadvantaged homeowners. A desperately-needed new roof for Kay. A handicap ramp for foster mom Paula who cares for disabled children. A re-built house for a struggling working veteran, Casimiro, who lived with no working bathroom or kitchen. A ramp to the outdoors for disabled George who’d been house-bound for more than a year. An air conditioning system for Shane who
BUILDERS CARE: Repairing Houses, Rebuilding Lives is wheelchair and home-bound and suffering with brain cancer and hundreds more. In many cases, Builders Care is the last hope for the vulnerable population of elderly, disabled and economically-disadvantaged homeowners in desperate need of home repairs including making homes handicap-accessible, roof repairs, leak repairs, painting, general repairs, heat and air conditioning installations and more. In many cases, folks are living in houses that pose a safety or health threat and finding help with critically-needed house repairs at little or no cost is difficult at best and often impossible. And this is where Builders
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Care comes in to make repairs and rebuild lives. Indeed, more than $3.8 million in construction services have been provided since Builders Care was created to help people in desperate need throughout Lee County. Created in 2005, the Lee BIA’s Builders Care program’s projects are possible thanks to the donated services and expertise of members. The program
gives these local builders a way to work together and give back to their communities. Potential recipients are referred to Builders Care by local social service agencies, churches and community members. Each prospective recipient’s situation is thoroughly evaluated by Builders Care staff and governing board members to determine eligibility.
Builders Care, has been providing life-changing, no-cost emergency home repair services to needy elderly, disabled and conomically disadvantaged homeowners.
Builders Care is funded through financial donations, grants, donated services and materials from area builders, subcontractors and construction-related businesses. Churches and other community and civic groups chip in too, with volunteers and fundraising efforts. Committed to Builders Care for nearly seven years, Sunset Air & Home Services is a ‘Cornerstone Investor,’ partnering on scores of projects and donating nearly $20,000 in cash and in-kind support. While all the home repair projects are critically important to the homeowners in need, one in particular, which Sunset Air president Jason Schreyer and his company were very much involved in, meant a lot to the family, but also to Jason and his team: The air conditioning system in the home of wheelchair-dependent and bed-bound Shane Washburn and his mother was failing. Keeping the air regulated around Shane is a medical necessity as he relies on multiple machines for his survival. In less than eight hours, Sunset Air had installed an entirely new air conditioning system in the Washburn home.
BBQ, Bands & Brew Supports Lee Builders Care
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ully 100 percent of the proceeds from the 7th annual BBQ, Bands and Brew festival presented by the Lee County Alliance for the Arts and sponsored, in part, by Sunset Air & Home Services, go to Lee BIA Builders Care.
With live music by Soapy Tuna, Rocker, Deb & the Dynamics and Alter Ego, a Bar-B-Que cook-off, a corn-hole tournament, charity poker run, tasty foods from various local restaurants, raffles and fun and games for kids, too, the event is at once well-attended and raises funds for Builders Care. Builders Care provides emergency construction services at no charge to economically disadvantaged, elderly and disabled Lee County homeowners who are often in dire need of house repairs and, often, assistance in making their homes handicap-accessible. The Lee County Builders Industry Association’s 501c3 charity was founded in 2005. Builders Care, with its hundreds of industry partners, has completed more than 250 projects worth an estimated $3.8 million in construction costs.
For more information visit bbqandsandbrew.com
“The goals and mission of Builders Care very much reflect our own,” Jason says. “The opportunity to help folks in our community is very much a part of who we are. Giving back to our community and caring for our neighbors, especially those who are in need, is at once an honor and privilege.”
For more information about Builders Care and to learn about ways to help, visit LeeBuildersCare.com or call (239) 938-0056. SUNSET-AIR.COM I COMFORT ZONE 21
MICROWAVABLE NACHOS
Kids Can Make!
FEEDING HUNGRY CHILDREN IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA One Backpack at a Time By Ellie Mae Johnson
At Tice Elementary School, 98 percent of the more than 450 students depend on free or reduced meals at school.
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t Tice Elementary in Fort Myers, virtually every child comes from a low-income home that receives federal nutrition assistance. Not unlike other communities, in southwest Florida it’s becoming increasingly difficult for some parents to feed their children given such challenges as job-loss and low wages. In Florida, 59 percent of school-age kids are low-income and in Lee County, more than 62 percent of all students rely on free/reduced lunch the research shows. And on the weekends, many of these children go hungry and that’s where ‘Blessings in a Backpack’ has been an answered prayer. Founded as a non-profit in Kentucky in 2005, the program was launched in Lee County in 2009 with the assistance of celebrity and former Disney Channel TV-star Hillary Duff. ‘Blessings in a Backpack’ funds go entirely to the students in Lee and Collier counties, more than 1,700 of them, in the form of a weekend backpack stuffed with non-perishable, ready-to-eat (as well as very easy to prepare) foods including fruit snacks, toaster pastries, juice boxes,
peanut butter, crackers, granola bars, dry cereals and instant (microwavable) dishes including noodles, macaroni and cheese, rice, pasta and potatoes. All food choices are kid-friendly, healthy, and lightweight making it easy for children of all ages to carry. Food is distributed through a network of volunteers and school officials on Fridays before children leave for the weekend. The program serves Kindergarten through fifth grade students at Lee (and Collier) county Title 1 elementary public schools, most of whom live in a single-parent household or with two parents classified as working poor; employed but not earning enough to make ends meet.
But ‘Blessings in a Backpack’ relies on private donations from the community to do the work it does. The Second annual Grouper
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by Ellyn Santiago
Slam held this past July is one of the community-based fundraisers where proceeds go to ‘Blessings in a Backpack.’ Sunset Air & Home Services, Inc. is one of the most important sponsors of the event and has been for the past two years. For Sunset president Jason Schreyer, the fish tourney is more than just a great day on the Gulf. The spirit of the fish tournament, the monies raised and the commitment to give back to his community are what motivate him. “Just like the Offshore Rodeo Fishing Tournament to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Southwest Florida (Please see story on pages 16-17), the Grouper Slam is a perfect way to raise money for really important causes and charities,” Jason says. “What could be better than a fishing tournament on the Gulf with a great group of local organizations that raises money for kids? There’s nothing better and we’re proud to be part of that effort.” A donation of just $80 feeds a child for an entire school year. Contributions are tax-deductible and qualify for a tax credit for food pantries and other food programs.
For more information and to donate, visit BlessingsInSWFL.org
here are plenty of variations for this tasty, healthy and kid-approved dish depending on what’s in the fridge or cupboard. But the most important thing is kids can ‘cook’ this themselves using a microwave and their imagination.
Ingredients
Bag of tortilla chips (5.5 ounce is the most common size)
Can of re-fried beans ½ cup salsa or Pico de Gallo (jar or canned)
Shredded cheese (Mexican blend is best but whatever’s in the fridge)
Garnishes can include what’s in the house, but nachos are extra yummy with guacamole, sour cream, and/or green chilies. Then again, if all that’s in the house is chips and cheese, that’ll work, too!
Directions
Scatter the whole bag of chips on microwave-safe plate. Mix salsa and refried beans in a bowl and then drop spoonful’s right on top of the chips Evenly distribute shredded cheese on top of the chips, beans and salsa Microwave for 1 to 1 ½ minutes (until the cheese is melted)
That’s it! If there are garnishes available – guacamole, sour cream, pile them on!
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293.693.9005 |Sunset-Air.com LIC #CAC1815973
DUCT-FREE 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 Sunset Air 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. Jason Schreyer, President of Sunset Air & Home Services, 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,” Jason 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.” Jason 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,” Jason says.
COMFORT FOR LIFE SUNSET-AIR.COM I COMFORT ZONE 25
by Maxine ReneĂŠ
AIR CONDITIONER ACTING UP? DECIDE WHETHER TO REPAIR OR REPLACE IT
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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.
going to want to look into is what the difference in cost is between having your current AC repaired or having a brand new one installed. If the cost of fixing your expensive home appliance is close to your quote for a new installation, the replacement option is a better choice.
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.
Age is Often the Determinant On the other hand, with a newer air conditioner thaat 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.
Cost Difference Between A/C Repair and AC Replacement The first thing that you are
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Keep this in mind when trying to choose between an AC repair or an AC 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 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 If your air conditioner has done nothing but give you problems
IS IT TIME TO REPAIR OR REPLACE YOUR FAULTY HVAC UNIT?
Take The Quiz! 1. Age of your unit? a. 1-7
b. 8-12
5. Does your home have humidity problems? a. Yes b. No
2. How much have you spent on your unit in the past year? a. Under $600 b. Over $600
6. Are some rooms in your home often too cold or to hot? a. Yes b. No
3. Are your energy bills increasing each month? a. Yes b. No
7. Is your HVAC unit unusually noisy? a. Yes b. No
4. Do you regularly maintain your HVAC system? a. Yes b. No
8. Does your home have excessive dust? a. Yes b. No
0-2 POINTS REPAIR Based on information you provided, your HVAC system should be repaired. In order to fix your unit, please reach out to our team of experts to request a diagnosis. Remember, regular maintenance for your HVAC system is required to keep your unit operating properly. Use these tips to prevent future problems: don’t skip routine maintenance, make service calls when there is an unusual problem, keep your coils and filters clean, and keep the outdoor unit free of debris.
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. Rely on Newer Technology 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.
Energy Star Efficiency When choosing a new air conditioning unit, look for the seal from Energy Star. This model meets or exceeds guidelines that the Environmental Protection Agency sets for energy efficiency. This can all get confusing if you are not sure what it means. Call Sunset Air & Home Services for your A/C repair. We will provide a free quote for problems stemming from your air conditioner. You can expect outstanding customer service that will exceed your expectations when you choose Sunset Air & Home Services. We will send our highly qualified technician to your home to inspect the issues you are having with your air conditioning unit.
3-5 POINTS TECHNICIAN We recommend having a technician come out to further inspect your unit. In order to give you the most accurate advice, please reach out to our team of experts to schedule an appointment. 6-8 POINTS REPLACE Based on the information you provided, your HVAC should be replaced. In order to determine the best new unit for your home, please reach out to our team of experts to request a quote from one of our comfort consultants. Did you know that if your system is more than ten years old, it could be using twice the amount of energy that a new one would?
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 1: New units can have up to a 20 SEER efficiency rating,reducing monthly costs significantly. 2: An oversized unit’s constant cycling leads to poor humidity control and premature failure. 3: Leaky ducts can pull particles and air from attics or basements and distribute them throughout your house causing an increase in household dust. SUNSET-AIR.COM I COMFORT ZONE 27
KID TESTED
MOM APPROVED
100% SATISFACTION G U A R A N T E E D
The Cleanest Air You’ll Ever Breathe
AIR SCRUBBER PLUS
by Jacqueline Cross
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ccording to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the quality of indoor air can be 2 to 5 times (and even up to 100 times) more polluted than the worst outside air, which is why they’ve ranked indoor air pollution among the top five environmental dangers. Poor air quality can cause a host of health problems, such as coughing, sneezing, eye
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,
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.
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. irritation/itching, fatigue, dizziness, headaches and migraines, as well as congestion in the sinuses and chest. It can also exacerbate allergies and preexisting respiratory conditions, including dyspnea (difficult or painful breathing), rhinitis (inflammation of the nose, runny nose), epistaxis (nose bleeds), pharyngitis (sore throat), lung disease, and asthma or worsening asthma. Most, if not all, of these issues can be controlled or even eliminated by significantly improving the quality of the air in your home. Don’t assume 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
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.
The Air Scrubber Plus® will improve your environment, and therefore your overall health. Many of the health issues mentioned earlier will resolve, as the Air Scrubber Plus™ reduces harmful airborne toxins. It reduces black mold by up to 99.9%, MSRA Superbug by 99.8%, Avian Flu by 99%, Staph and Strep by 98.5%, and E. Coli by 98.1%.
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.
Tom Lozano, Executive Director at Air Scrubber Plus®, has seen extraordinary results over the company’s eight years. “Every time we do a test at a school or a business where they keep track of attendance, we see a significant drop in absences due to sickness, up to 80 to 90 percent,” he says. Air Scrubber Plus® has done two major studies, both peer reviewed, and they’ve corroborated what Lozano claims.
The 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
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. 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.
CLEANS FRESHENS PURIFIES
SUNSET-AIR.COM I COMFORT ZONE 29
MEET THE
SUNSET AIR TEAM
Jason Schreyer
President Jason Schreyer is Sunset Air & Home Services president. He has lived in southwest Florida most of his life and started in the A/C business in 1988, working his way to management in 1994 and then opening Sunset Air in 1999. The company focused on new construction of residential homes and condos, resulting in a large customer base through service and replacements. Jason and his wife Brenda have two beautiful children, Hayden, 13, and Jaleigh, 12. They reside in Lee County and are hands-on owners.
Brenda Schreyer Andrea Chikosky Kasey Lindenmayer
Office Manager Jason’s wife Brenda was born and raised in southwest Florida. Brenda is the Office Manager at Sunset Air & Home Services. She has been with the company from the beginning.
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Dispatcher Andrea Chikosky is a Sunset Air & Home Services dispatcher and has been with the company for almost a year. She is mom to 23-year-old son Rhen and 7-yearold daughter Peyton. Spending time with her family when she’s not working is her greatest joy.
Service Technician Kasey Lindenmayer is a Sunset Air & Home Services service technician who has been with the company for three years. In his free time he enjoys sports including slow-pitch softball, is a die-hard Red Sox fan and enjoys traveling.
Michael McKee
Marketing Michael McKee is in marketing at Sunset Air & Home Services and has been with the company for more than two years. Michael enjoys farming, sailing, the beach, computers, fitness and, coffee!
Shelbi Payne
Aliston DaRocha
Dave Tegeler
Service Dispatcher Service Technician Installation Supervisor Shelbi is one of nine children in a close-knit, native Southwest Florida family. Shelbi has been with Sunset Air & Home Services for over two years. She takes great pride in her roles and responsibilities serving dispatch, parts, new construction, our Angie's List and BBB websites and meeting customer needs. In her free time Shelbi can be found somewhere on the water or with her pet mini-pig Ellie Mae.
Aliston DaRocha is a Sunset Air & Home Services service technician who has been with the company for two years. Aliston is married to Niki and they have three children, Kaio, Kawan and Kilie.
Dave Tegeler, in the HVAC field for more than 35 years, has spent the last 11 of as a Sunset Air & Home Services service technician, though he was recently promoted to installation manager, a post he’s thrilled with! In his free time, Dave enjoys family time and wood working.
SUNSET-AIR.COM I COMFORT ZONE 31
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