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WINTER 2015-2016

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My Word by <<Name>> Hello Friends, I’ve had the chance to talk with many of you in recent months, and I’m always glad to get to know our customers better. The more I hear, the more I realize that we all have a lot in common. There may be exceptions, but most of the people I talk to like to save money. Most enjoy being comfortable in their homes. And most would like for the home itself to be a healthy, safe environment. This is what we want for you too. Well-maintained plumbing systems help conserve water and save energy dollars. If you’ve

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Settings for Energy Savings …page 2

How Boredom Builds Skills …page 2

Put a Stop to These Winter Chills …page 3

<<Company>>’s

Smart & simple ways to enrich your home living.

— Hot News Now — Cooking Tips from Your Plumber?

You probably wouldn’t expect your

plumbing contractor to advise you on how best to prepare family meals or entertain guests. But there’s a lot we can tell you about how to avoid plumbing pitfalls that might occur in an active kitchen. So, if you’re cooking up plans this winter, pay attention to these areas: Drains and pipes – Cooking grease and food scraps have to go somewhere, but sending too much of them down your drain or through your disposal could create unpleasant clogs that put your kitchen sink out of commission at the most inconvenient time. Avoid draining fats or oils into the sink. These substances can solidify in the pipes and clog the drain. Also, choose wisely when putting wastes in your disposal. Trying to

grind away poultry skin, carrots, banana peels and similarly toughtextured food waste can leave you with a serious clog. When using the disposal, let the water run for at least 15 seconds after you turn it off to ensure clear passage to the pipes. This “prevention recipe” is a helpful tip. Once a week, pour a special mixture – 1 cup salt, 1 cup baking soda, ¼ cup cream of tartar – into each kitchen and bath drain, then follow with 2 cups of boiling water. Increased water usage – When you add people to the picture, you add plumbing pressure. Extra toilet flushes, and for overnight stays, extra showers and baths could create potential trouble. Call us to conduct a plumbing inspection. We may be able to pinpoint minor problems before they turn into big disasters.

Visit www.<<yourcompany>>.comfort-tips.com for more great ideas for home & life, including: MONEY-SAVING TIPS | HOME & ORGANIZING | HEALTH & FOOD

— SOCIALLY SPEAKING —

How Boredom Builds Skills — SECRETS —

Settings for Energy Savings Your home’s energy consumption

of at least 24. Insulated water tanks can reduce standby heat loss by 25 – 45%, saving about 4 – 9% in water heating costs. If you’re not sure of the R-value, check to see if the tank is warm to the touch. If so, it needs additional insulation.

Lower your water temperature setting – Though some manufacturers set water heater thermostats at 140 degrees, lowering the setting to 120 degrees has several advantages. It reduces energy use, slows mineral buildup and corrosion in your water heater and also reduces the risk of scalding. Your water warms up plenty for those relaxing showers and baths, and that’s even more likely when you add in the next tip.

Want to know more? We can help you find ways to save this season. Just give us a call – we’re here to help you save without sacrificing your comfort.

flows through your pipes and water heater. Yet, you can still enjoy a steady hot water supply with a few energy-saving steps:

Insulate hot water pipes – With water coming in from insulated pipes, you reduce heat loss, plus the insulation can raise the water temperature 2 to 4 degrees. Because hot water is delivered faster after you turn on the faucet, you’re conserving water since you don’t have to wait as long until it gets “just right.”

Insulate your water tank – This is an easy and inexpensive way to save on energy each month. Brand new water heaters may already be insulated, but if you have an older model, check to see if it has an insulation R-value

Hot Water Heater, Hot Water Service Ahhh… the agony of the freezing cold shower early in the morning. Don’t be tortured! How would you like water that’s hot instantly? It’s time to come in out of the cold; the agony’s just not worth it. Call <<Company>> at <<Phone>> and ask us about the Tankless Water Heater.

In this totally in-touch world

that keeps us buzzing, binging, pinging and ringing, we’re never a millisecond away from news across the globe. Or in another room. Like when you’re downstairs reading what your teen just posted upstairs. Maybe there’s a better way? Or someone across the table you might finally notice if you look up from the screen?

— I T ’S ABOU T T IME —

Saving in Starbucks

Did you know you there are

ways to save at Starbucks? Try these tips before you pony up to the barista: ●● Discover the mystery menu. You may not know it exists, but it’s a menu that offers options

well under $4, such as iced coffee or the caffé misto. ●● If you don’t think the Tall is tall enough, remember, you can get endless refills for just 50 cents a piece. ●● Bring your own cup, and you’ll save 10 cents for every drink.

These are issues for so many of us. But your surroundings can be fascinating when you take a moment to let yourself be bored. Yes, bored. In fact, studies show that boredom actually enhances creativity. By letting yourself put down the smartphone or tablet, you are allowing your brain to rest, leaving room for creative thinking. A few final points: • Become friends with the silence, let your mind run free and enjoy the insight that comes. • When bored, do a boring task, like folding laundry or slicing apples. This will help spur a few creative thoughts or maybe help you figure out that math equation you’ve been working on all day. • When you’re at the store, letting your five-year-old play with your phone seems like a better alternative to listening to him whine. But experts disagree. Kids need to learn how to be still and cope when there is nothing to do. It’s an important skill for anyone to have.

Settling for Poor Performance?

— HOME HE ALT H —

Put a Stop to These Winter Chills

Your doors and windows are shut.

Yet, you just have this feeling that something else is lurking inside. Maybe it brushes up against your shoulders and gives you the chills. It’s time to check to see if a draft is flowing through your house attacking your warm, comfy air.

Take a lit candle and place it along each windowsill and baseboard. If it flickers, you’ve got a draft. Here’s what to do to help increase energyefficiency by eliminating each draft one step at a time:

2. Use white or clear paintable caulking to fill in the gaps between the trim and the floor. 3. Smooth out the caulking with a wet finger. 4. Get rid of the remains with a damp cloth. 5. Place weather stripping around the frames of your windows and doors to really seal-up tight.

— T HE GOOD LIFE —

The Good Effects of Having a Pet

If you or someone in your

Even a small blockage can cause a big problem in your sewer lines, leading to hundreds – or even thousands – of dollars in expensive and preventable repairs. Don’t settle for anything less than clean performance.

1. Clean and dry the baseboards with a paper towel.

family is suffering from the winter blues this season, you might be surprised how much a furry friend can make a difference. Studies show that living with pets can provide certain health benefits. Not only can they boost your immune system, but they can also turn that frown upside down.

Pets are good for the mind and soul, experts say. In fact, you may have heard of “therapy pets” that give comfort to the sick or homebound. They do the same for pretty much everyone. Pets offer affection and comfort and help relieve the stress of life. If you’ve got little ones in the home, you may be thinking you don’t want them to be around animals when they’re so young. While a parent’s concern is understandable, you may also want to consider that studies have determined that kids who grow up with pets will be less likely to have allergies and asthma.

My Word

! e M n a c S

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got leaks or drips, call us and stop sending dollars down the drain.

For any plumbing concerns, just call.

Plumbing leaks can also be the source of mold contamination, compromising your indoor air quality. That’s not good for your comfort or your health. In addition, routine repairs can take care of small problems before they turn into water disasters.

Sincerely, <<Name>> P.S. Please use the discounts in this newsletter – or feel free to share them with friends.

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Wanted: Gift Experts

Connect

You may be a gift expert, but sometimes, you just don’t know what to give. And as your plumbers, a toilet is not exactly a great stocking stuffer. But hey, we CAN give you a gift certificate. That’s something you can really use. (Plus it is a heck of a lot easier to mail!) So, where’s the certificate? You’re holding it. Actually, it serves 3 purposes… First to say “Thank you” for being a great customer. Second, to wish you a joyous Holiday. And lastly, please accept this card as a gift certificate for $20 off your next service. If you can’t use it, just share it with a friend. Maybe sharing is the best Holiday present of all. We look forward to serving you and your home again soon.

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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 HomeSense website 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.