FALL
The Ins and Outs of Outlets …page 2
2015
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My Word by <NAME> Hello Friends, At the start of fall, it’s good to feel a change in temperature and to see a changing landscape. While we catch our breath after a very busy summer of serving customers, we also have a chance to think about what we can do to bring even more value to you. We like to approach our work with an appreciation for continuous improvement. By getting better each day, we stay on top of the “best practices” that customers like you deserve. You may also see the importance of continuous improvement in your own home. Your electrical
…continued on page 4
Hudson, Ink Corp ©2015
Focus on the Focal Point …page 2
Healthy Fall Snacks …page 3
<Company>’s
Smart & simple ways to enrich your home living.
— It’s About Time! —
Unless or until the Edison of
Extension cord means “we need a little extra length.” But be careful about your choices. First, make sure you’re using certified extension cords listed by a recognized certification organization such as Underwriters Laboratories (“UL listed”). Furthermore…
Your electrical wires were installed to carry a certain amount of electrical power. If you overload the wires, they could overheat, creating a fire hazard. So if you’ve got more plugs than outlets, let us know, and we’ll correct the problem.
Make sure the cord you’re using is equipped to carry the electricity required to operate the equipment or appliance. If you have more than one product operating on the cord, do the math. Add the wattage ratings of all the products to make sure you’re not exceeding the cord’s wattage rating.
To avoid tripping hazards, don’t run cords underneath rugs and carpeting or across floors and in doorways. An uneven step or unexpected obstruction can cause stumbles for household members of any age. Also, replace any cords that are showing signs of fraying.
Also, any extension cord used outside should be specifically designated for outdoor use; otherwise, you risk a fire or electric shock hazard. To schedule an electrical safety inspection of your home, just give us a call.
Striking the Right Cord this era comes up with “wireless” electricity, you’re going to be relying on those cords that attach to your appliances, lamps and electronics. But they can create a few hazards.
Visit www.<yourcompany>.comfort-tips.com for more great ideas for home & life, including: MONEY-SAVING TIPS | HOME & ORGANIZING | HEALTH & FOOD
— STYLE POINTS —
Focus on the Focal Point — SECRETS —
The Ins and Outs of Outlets
S
o, you push a plug into an outlet, and electricity occurs, right? Actually, it’s a little more complicated than that – involving wires, circuits, electrical panel, power lines and some other things. Still, for many appliances and devices, electricity comes from outlets, and these receptacles should be treated with care and respect. Before pushing the plug, check the manufacturer’s instructions. You might be asking, “How hard can it be? The plug’s prongs go through the opening.” Yes, but there’s the chance that you’ll overload the circuit (creating a fire hazard). Only one high-wattage appliance should be plugged into an outlet at a time. Watch for these areas too. If the plugs lie loosely in the outlets, these can overheat and cause a fire. If any outlets are warm to the touch, or if you’re experiencing frequent problems with blown fuses or tripping circuits, call us to check it out. And instead of using extension cords to create more openings for your plugs, remember, it is always better to add outlets than create a fire hazard waiting to happen.
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Most outlets in your home are regular standard receptacles with holes for two- or three-pin plugs. GFCI receptacles (Ground Fault
Circuit Interrupters) should be in areas where water may be present – kitchen, bath, laundry, basement, outdoors. Their builtin circuit breaker shuts down the outlet if water gets inside. Dryers and ranges, incidentally, have their own types of receptacles. If you think you may need more outlets or even different types of outlets, just give us a call. We’re here to keep you comfortable and safe.
Switch it. Plug it. Click it. The electronic devices your family enjoys for work, school, entertainment and connecting came along after most homes were built. Let us come out for a friendly, free review of what’s being switched, plugged or clicked. We can add wiring quickly and safely. Call <COMPANY> at <PHONE>.
©2015
Solid focal points can
be the icing on the cake for any room, turning a boring, lifeless space into something beautiful and fun! Among their perks, they keep the space in balance and coordinate with what is around them – sort of like that sparkly piece of jewelry that completes the perfect outfit! If you’re thinking of redesigning your rooms, this checklist gives good guidance:
— T HE PRODUCT NI TPICK —
Stain Away! Homes are made to be lived in, which means spills are inevitable. Instead of worrying about how to avoid brightly colored spots in your carpet’s near future, be prepared with a four-step action plan. It’s simple, but should prevent most permanent damage:
1. Take a dry towel and place it over the spill – let it soak up as much liquid as possible. 2. Pour water or club soda over the stain and let it sit. 3. Step on the towel to absorb the liquid. 4. Repeat until the stain has finally been removed.
Wall Color – Because this is the largest surface in the space, consider a color that is classic and lasting. Furniture – While you don’t have to make sure every piece matches, you do want the pieces of furniture to appear to be coordinated with each other – and not clashing. Textures – Use textures on walls, in fabrics, drapery, rugs, etc. Color Palette – Includes colors carried throughout the space in various pieces such as furniture and walls, as well as accented colors. Focal Point – This could be an exotic rug, a patterned chair, a bold piece of artwork or anything that grabs your attention. Accessories – Special touches are fun to add and make a big difference. These could be works of art, candles, funky lamps or centerpieces. Lighting – No matter how great the space looks, top it off with proper lighting. This is the mood setter, so choose wisely.
Good for Nothing That’s what things in the mail are often worth, but not this… This ad gets you $25 off your next repair bill. So your wallet gets some help while our repair professionals get your system up and running. And that’s good for a lot. Call <COMPANY> at <PHONE>. ©2015
— RE AL GOOD FOOD —
Healthy Fall Snacks
Carving pumpkins is not just
about creating fun or scary faces for the little costumed children in your neighborhood. It’s also a way to create an incredibly delicious snack out of pumpkin seeds. So roll up those carving sleeves and get ready. By adding different flavors, you can turn your seeds into a tasty bite for the taste buds. Looking for something with a kick? Dazzle your seeds with spices such as smoked paprika, cumin
or chili powder. If you have a bit of a sweet tooth, you might choose sugar with a hint of pumpkin pie spice. Brown sugar and steak seasoning can give you that sweet and sour flavor. Or add a package of ranch dressing and a little bit of vegetable oil for more of a TexMex style. Start thinking about what tickles your fancy, or in this case, your taste buds. Pick your flavor, find the recipe with all the right ingredients and roasting techniques, and enjoy!
— T HE GOOD LIFE — another room – while at the table, in the car, or when talking to someone one-onone.
Can You Hear Me Now? Technology makes it easy to
stay tuned to your pocket-sized screen – but also much easier to tune out real conversations. By making an effort to improve your listening skills, you can build better, deeper relationships. Try these tips: • Turn off or silence your phone – or leave it in
• Listen with purpose. Pay attention to things such as body movement, tone of voice, or the meaning behind the words you hear. This helps put mental distractions aside. • As you listen, don’t think about what you’re going to say next. You’ll miss out on what others are actually saying, and you could be embarrassed if you have to ask them to repeat what they just said.
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My Word
! e M n a c S
…continued from page 1
system is central to every function. Outdated wiring and too few receptacle outlets (or the wrong type) are the kind of areas that deserve your attention.
Sincerely,
Electricity makes life better, yet we must all treat it with respect and care. Call us to include an electrical safety inspection as part of your seasonal preparation.
P.S. You will find several valuable discounts in this season’s newsletter. We hope you will use them or feel free to share them with friends.
<signature> <name, title> Scan this QR code with your smartphone to view <your company>’s special online newsletter. Don’t have a smartphone? Visit <yourcompany>.comfort-tips.com for more information.
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— Wire Fire —
Connect
More house fires are caused by • Circuit breakers – These can faulty wiring than any other be lifesavers, but not if they’re source… And many can be corroded. prevented with a simple wiring check. Let us perform a FREE wiring • Water seepage – Water and electricity are enemies. We can safety check on your home. There’s no cost or obligation. We can alert keep them apart. you to potential dangers that can be • Frayed wiring – Animals, completely undetected except by insects and motion strip wires of experts. (That’s us!) Trouble spots in protective insulation. your home could be: • Loose wiring – Over time, anything can get ungrounded.
Call <COMPANY> at <PHONE> to make sure your home is safe.
©2015
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M O R E S AV I N G S A N D G R E AT N E W S
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Want to see more home and savings
tips? Visit our HomeXpert portal at
<yourcompany>.comfort-tips.com.
You’ll find energy saving tips for the coming season, plus articles covering the hottest topics in home, health and savings news. You may even find a recipe or two! So visit <yourcompany>.comfort-tips.com.