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S P E C I A L

H O M E

C O M F O R T

I S S U E

SPRING/SUMMER 2014

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Up to $1200

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Shape Up

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Fast Fixes

Great family dinners in less than an hour: Chicken Parmesan, Chorizo Bolognese, Vegetable lasagna

Welcome to Right At Home Welcome to the spring 2014 issue of Basset Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. Right At Home, the magazine that provides homeowners across the country with recipes, lifestyle articles, home health tips and, most importantly, how to take care of your heating and cooling system.

The topics in this issue will help you and your family get the most out of the busy spring and summer months.

We’ll explain what to look for if your cooling system has maintenance issues this summer. We’ll also tell you the best way to keep it running at peak performance. You’ll also find important information that can cut your energy bills by simply looking for leaky duct work.

Warmer weather usually heats up a family’s activities and everyone seems to be on the go! We’ve found some great pasta recipes that you can have on the table in no time.

We also have tips on reducing clutter, getting in shape for summer and how to help reduce the causes of allergies in your home.

We hope you consider the people at Basset Heating who provided this magazine as a trusted source for any future heating or cooling needs.

COntents 6 7

SPRING/SUMMER 2014

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HOME

Tired of everyone just dropping books, gear and clothes everywhere? Try these de-clutter tips

MONEY Typical duct systems lose 25% to 40 % of the energy put out by the central furnace, heat pump, or air conditioner.

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COMFORT HVAC repair experts tell you the most common HVAC issues to look for if your system stops working.

HEALTH

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It’s time to get in shape for that summer getaway.

We have some easy ways to get healthy.

Food

Quality ingredients and easy recipes can help you get a great dish on the table in no time.

Right at Home PUBLISHER William Sabo Designer KZ Creative

STAFF WRITERS Hollie Deese David V. King Beth Burcham

All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reprinted without the express permission of the publisher. Published by: Private Label Media Partners, 709 State Street New Orleans, LA 70118. Phone 877-618-6626.

Basset Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. Trusted to do it right the first time Basset Heating & Air Conditioning Colorado Springs is a local and proud family owned business. We are a customer focused heating and air conditioning company established in 2005. We employ the most highly trained technicians in the industry. Our integrity is unsurpassed. Our goal is to provide you with the best service experience ever.

Our Company specializes in repairing, servicing and installing complete comfort systems. From water heaters and indoor air quality products to unit upgrades. We are fully equipped to handle all of your residential HVAC needs in a timely, efficient manner. At Basset Heating & Air Conditioning Colorado Springs, we take special pride in the craftsmen we train and employ.

You’ll notice immediately in the attitude and integrity we bring to your home.

All of our technicians are pre-screened, to ensure a drug-free and safe work atmosphere. This also includes a stringent background check. Backed by more than 25 years of experience in the industry, our technicians have the expertise to do the job right the first time. With ongoing education and training, rest assured that our technicians are up-to-date on the ever changing technology of todays’ industry.

Our entire company works hard to make your experience with us hassle-free and enjoyable. Should we make a mistake, we will do everything in our power to correct it to your satisfaction.

Our belief is that our clients simply deserve the best value for their dollar. This is why we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Call us today at 719-392-0032 for more information or to make an appointment.

Just look at all you can get in one quick call to Basset Heating & Air Conditioning:

• Great Customer Service. You matter to us.

• Up Front Pricing. No surprises! You get the price before we start.

• On your Schedule. So you won’t be waiting for “somebody” to show up at “sometime”.

• Full 1 year repair warranty. All parts repaired are guaranteed.

• 24 hour Emergency Service • Licensed & Insured • Accredited Member of the BBB with an A+ rating • Member of Pikes Peak Mechanical Contractor Association (PPMCA) • Member of Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) • Pikes Peak Regional Building Department Licensed Contractor • Member Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce • NATE Certified Technicians

Read what our customers think of us!

My husband and I had them install a new air cooling unit in our home last summer and we were very pleased with the entire process. The office staff was very friendly as was the owner who came to our home to give us an estimate.

Clinton, the technician who installed our unit, was very personable and helped explain how to operate the unit as well as maintain it. We had an issue with the thermostat going blank a few weeks later and they came back and fixed it at no charge. The unit worked great all summer and we were very happy with their service.

Very pleased by Jennifer M. They not only took the time to show me what the problem was with my furnace but also showed me how to prevent it from occuring in the future.

I came away with the impression that they weren’t out just to make a quick buck, but were actually interested in solving my problem without overcharging me like some service companies I’ve used in the past. I’ll certainly put Basset Heating in my speed dial and know who to call if I need help. Five stars!

John Salazar Been having problems,with the furnace, on and off the last couple years had a few different companys out to look at it , All wanted to make expensive repairs that were not needed!!! I was fairly certain it just needed a good cleaning having done some research online. Mike came out spent the better part of an hour taking the furnace apart

pany was doing?!? Mike even chatted with me about this being my first home that I’m buying & shared a story of the first home he bought. I just thought that was awesome.

He didn’t rush off after the job was done, he talked with me & it actually helped calm me down. I’m very high strung right now, ha ha ha :p Anyway what I am trying to say through all this is that I was truly satisfied with the service I got from Basset. They went above & beyond & that is why I was willing to take time to write this review…so that others can see & hopefully use them as well. Thanks again Mike!

Jim Walters Colorado Springs

cleaning each burner! Went out of his way to give me a great price Almost felt guilty for all the work he did! As of now the furnace works great ! If you want an honest company , Use Basset, could not have been more pleased!!!!!

Giselle Ryan I am in the process or purchasing a new home (first time-yay!) & there have been issues with the furnace not working properly when the inspections are being done.

The furnace would turn on but only stay on for a few minutes, even though the temp that was set, had not been obtained. My realtor said they would get it taken care of, as I was naturally very upset & this is delaying me

closing on the house. They had a company come out 2 times, each time saying they had fixed it & each time guess what…it wasn’t fixed. My boyfriends Mom mentioned to me that I should find someone to fix it & just bill the realtor & she had used Basset Heating before & highly recommended them. So, I called them & they were awesome over the phone, even though admittedly I may have been a little rude-as I was frustrated.

They were able to come out with in an hour & look at it.

Mike (who is the owner, I believe) showed up & was super nice & found the problem in a matter of minutes & had it fixed not long after. I’m still sitting here asking myself what the heck the other com-

Great “Go To” Folks!!!. Well talk about great job! Never called them before, but I will next time too. Mike responded well to my request for a call back. I was without heat on a 40 deg. day and needed some expert help ASAP. All though he was not able to show up immediately, he was able to talk me through some technical issues and we discovered the problem after great patience on his part.

Michael C.

Read more letters on our website at www.bassetheating.com

Control the Clutter with Drop Zones To eliminate the clutter that busy lifestyles create, try establishing designated drop zones throughout your house to regain a sense of order. Don’t worry, you can still drop everything and relax when you come home – just drop everything in the right spot.

Entryway Coats, scarves, hats and bags are dropped everywhere, while dirty shoes are kicked off and left behind. Basically, the entrance to your home can become a minefield. The addition of a coat rack or hooks make it easy to hang up outerwear, while a storage bench is a convenient place to take off shoes and neatly stow them away.

Kitchen

Establish a corner of the kitchen counter to drop lunch boxes, bottles and coffee mugs used throughout the day. To prevent a pile-up of papers and misplaced items, set up a command center with enough space to file mail and bills and store your keys and other small essentials.

Living Room

Bedroom

To clear clothing clutter, use a valet rod to hang up tomorrow’s outfit or clothes that need to be taken to the tailor or dry cleaner. Additionally, try designating a dresser drawer as a drop zone for jewelry, watches, your wallet or other valuables.

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A coffee table tray or basket is ideal for storing remotes and chargers. Add storage cubes with bins as a convenient place to store and hide laptop cords, tablets, gaming equipment and children’s toys.

Consider labeling a bin for each family member to “drop” or stow their stuff.

www.bassetheating.com

Leaky ducts can waste 40% of energy, money

D

on’t be embarrassed, but your ducts are probably leaking! A recent Department of Energy study states, “Typical duct systems lose 25 to 40 percent of the energy put out by the central furnace, heat pump, or air conditioner.�

This almost certainly means that your air conditioning equipment is working overtime to compensate for this loss. As far as comfort, improper duct work is also a major cause of hot and cold spots and can propagate indoor air problems such as dust and mold.

Insist that your contractor inspect your ductwork to ensure there are no design errors or kinks in flexible duct work, the ductwork has proper insulation (R-8 insulation is top-of-the-line for ducts), and that all the ducts and duct connectors are properly sealed with mastic and/or tape. The Department of Energy says duct repairs could be the most important energy improvement measure you can do.

Home pollutants, what are they and where do they come from?

Y

ou may be surprised to learn that some common household items pollute the air you breathe, including: pollen and spores, human skin flakes, candle soot, infiltrating dust, viruses, bacteria, and fungi, pet dander, tobacco or wood smoke, cooking smoke and airborne grease, radon gas, chemical fumes and volatile organic compounds.

Every cubic foot of air you breathe carries a mixture of millions of such airborne particles. Although larger particles are more visible and catch attention more easily, the smallest of these particles are of greatest concern for indoor air quality. Viruses, bacteria, smoke and grease are amongst the smallest and can be most damaging to the home and the individuals who live there.

Consumer demand for air cleaners has been on the rise in recent years according to the EPA. Air conditioning filtration efficiency depends on the type of air cleaner used, and the type, number and size of the particles in the air stream. It varies from as little as 3% for ordinary throw-away fiberglass filters, to up to 99.9% for HEPA filters.

www.bassetheating.com

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ways to lower your cooling bills 1 Arrange an HVAC inspection Anyone can hire a certified technician for an annual check that their home’s heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system is operating at peak efficiency. Leaking ducts, for example, could reduce energy efficiency by up to 20%.

Inspections usually cost less than $100, but that could be offset by the energy savings over time. A quick and inexpensive inspection also might find a small problem before it turns into a BIG one!

2 Keep it clean Clean air filters monthly for central air and individual window or wall units. Dirt and dust hinder air flow, reducing efficiency.

3 Program the thermostat Give the air conditioner a break during the work day.

Shifting the settings to allow higher daytime temperatures could cut the average household’s electric bill by $180 a year, according to ENERGY STAR.

4 Seek out incentives on appliances Investing in a new energy-efficient unit can cut long-term bills – and be cheaper up front, too.

Make sure you ask the contractor on this magazine for any available rebates, either through the manufacturer or your local utility company.

5 Close the blinds Rooms get hotter without shades or curtains to block the sunlight, especially with south- and west-facing windows.

Put this idea to work more effectively with insulated window treatments.

6 Use fans A breeze makes the room feel a few degrees cooler. Just be sure to turn it off when leaving. Remember, fans cool people, not rooms.

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Rheem has just introduced the EcoNet thermostat that allows you to program it with just one touch or even from your smart phone.

SET IT & GO After setting your desired heat and cool range, the system automatically switches between heating and cooling modes to keep the house at the desired temperature range.

CLEAN, COMFORTABLE INDOOR ENVIRONMENT Maintain an ideal indoor environment during temperate weather by selecting continuous fan speeds that ensure even temperatures inside the house and provide continuous air filtering.

HUMIDITY CONTROL Do it yourself with manual mode, or maintain the right humidity conditions inside your home by selecting the ‘Auto’ setting. This setting actively monitors internal and external conditions and automatically adjusts the relative humidity to maintain ideal comfort levels.

EASIER MONITORING & MAINTENANCE EcoNet can also monitor and manage the operation of various accessories connected to your HVAC system, including humidifiers, air filters, UV lights and ventilators. When an accessory requires attention, an alert appears on the control advising that it be replaced.

Call Basset Heating & A/C at 719-392-0032

www.bassetheating.com

Getting the most in

COMFORT Basset Heating & AC offers financing for a new Rheem HVAC systems

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Replacing an old, inefficient comfort system has never been easier

f your HVAC equipment is more than 10 years old or not keeping your house comfortable, have it evaluated by a professional Rheem contractor.

Most Rheem contractors offer easy ways to finance a new heating a cooling system without breaking your budget. Rheem contractors representatives are a phone call away seven days a week. Kwik Comfort is If it is not performing efficiently or needs a quick and efficient credit processing. and upgrading, consider replacing it with a will have an answer for you within minutes unit that has earned the ENERGY STAR. Depending on where you live, replacing Included in the financing should be your old heating and cooling equipment everything associated with your HVAC with ENERGY STAR qualified equipment can cut your annual heating and cooling bill equipment—your original equipment purchase, all subsequent service, extended by 40%. service protection, and even the comfort Rheem offers several models that have options that you choose to add later. earned the ENERGY STAR rating.

In today’s tough economic times, homeowners might think about just patching their system to get through another season, but being penny wise will mean being dollar foolish down the road. www.bassetheating.com

With low monthly payments for equipment and service cost, a homeowner can finance an entire new heating and cooling system for as low as $100 a month.

We offer affordable plans for any budget. Have a new furnace or central air conditioning systems installed in your Colorado Springs area home and enjoy the comforts of a reliable, new energy efficient home comfort system.

Need a new water heater or humidifier as well. We can do that too!

Call today to apply!

719-392-0032

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Fast-Fix Dinners Easy Family Meals in Under an Hour Family schedules can get hectic, but it doesn’t have to be hard to make time for a great family dinner.

Whether it’s a hearty dish of Bolognese or lighter vegetarian fare, quality ingredients and easy recipes can help you get a great dish on the table in no time.

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Serves

6

Easy Chicken Parmesan Prep time: 10 minutes Total time: 45 minutes Ingredients:

Chorizo Bolognese

Serves

6

Prep time: 25 minutes Total time: 25 minutes

• 1 (15-ounce) can Tomato Sauce • 1 (14.5-ounce) can Diced Tomatoes with Basil, Garlic and Oregano, undrained

Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons Grated Parmesan Cheese, divided

• 8 ounces dry fettuccine pasta, uncooked

• 6 small boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 1/2 pounds)

• 1/2 pound ground chuck beef (80% lean)

• 3/4 pound spaghetti, uncooked

• 1/4 teaspoon adobo seasoning blend

• 1 1/2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Preparation:

• 6 ounces fresh pork chorizo (Mexican-style)

• 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion • 1/4 cup sliced stuffed green olives

Heat oven to 375°F. Pour tomato sauce and undrained • 1 (15-ounce) can Tomato Sauce tomatoes into 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Stir in 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) Parmesan. Add chicken; turn to coat Preparation: evenly both sides of each breast with sauce. Cover.

Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting Bake 30 minutes or until chicken is done (165°F). salt. Meanwhile, heat large skillet over medium-high Meanwhile, cook spaghetti as directed on package, heat. Add beef, chorizo, adobo seasoning and pepper. omitting salt.

Top chicken with remaining cheeses; bake, uncovered, 5 minutes or until mozzarella is melted. Drain spaghetti.

Serve topped with chicken and sauce. www.bassetheating.com

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Vegetarian Lasagna Skillet

Serves

Prep time: 30 minutes Total time: 30 minutes

Ingredients: • • • • • • • •

8 ounces dry bowtie (farfalle) pasta, uncooked 2 tablespoons Pure Wesson Canola Oil 2 cups quartered, sliced zucchini 1 (15-ounce) can Great Northern beans, drained, rinsed 1 (16-ounce) jar light Alfredo pasta sauce 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt 2 (14.5-ounce) cans Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes, drained well 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Preparation: Cook pasta according directions, omitting salt.

to

package

Meanwhile, heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add zucchini; cook 5 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Add beans, Alfredo sauce and garlic salt to skillet; heat until hot and bubbly.

Add cooked pasta to skillet; stir to combine.

Add drained tomatoes; toss to combine.

Top with cheese. Reduce heat; cover and cook 2 to 3 minutes or until cheese melts.

Sprinkle with grated Parmesan

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www.bassetheating.com

719-392-0032

If your heating or cooling system stops working,

check these things first Heating and cooling systems are usually incredibly reliable, however, with any mechanical device problems can arise.

Some of these problems can be do-it-yourself fixes. However, for the more complex problems, it is best to call a trained HVAC technician. HVAC repair experts say these are the most common issues when an AC, heat pump or furnace stops working.

Blown Fuse - Fuses protect the unit’s motor or compressor against overheating, and is found in the evaporator coil.

Worn Contactor -

There are three contactors in a unit: one for the compressor, one for the condenser fan motor, and one for the blower motor. The contactors engage when there is a need for cooling or heating, making an electrical connection. This starts the compressor and motors.

Capacitors - There are two capacitors in your system, if either capacitor burns out, it will need to be replaced for your HVAC to work properly.

Filters-

Filters get dirty and clogged from air particles. Once this happens, the filter needs to be changed. One way to tell if the filter needs to be changed is to hold it up to the light and see if you can see light pass through it. If you cannot, the filter needs to be changed. A dirty filter will reduce the air flow to the unit causing the unit to freeze.

Thermostat - This is the device that tells the system what to do and when to do it. Before calling an HVAC company, make sure the thermostat is on. Many times the thermostat is accidentally turned off or is on the wrong setting.

Drain Lines. - The drain line commonly becomes clogged with dirt or algae. If it is clogged, the drain pan will fill up and cause water to leak over and create water damage.

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Refrigerant Leak - Refrigerant leaks can happen with vibration of the unit while it is operating. Refrigerant leaks in the condenser or evaporator coils cannot be repaired. If the leak is found in another place the technician can remove what is left and charge the unit levels back to their correct amount. www.bassetheating.com

Shape Up for Summer Here are some easy and fast ideas for getting healthy

• Make water your favorite drink. A person must have a minimum of 8 glasses of water in a day.

Avoid taking soft drinks or carbonated beverages; moreover replace them with water.

• Don’t stuff yourself with food in a single sitting; instead have 5 to 6 small meals or snacks in a day.Eating several small meals helps the body to release less insulin, which keeps blood sugar steady and helps to control hunger.

• Make a habit of walking. Walking is more important for people in sedentary jobs. Walk for at least 45 minutes every day; it helps in burning extra calories.

• Keep small plates for serving food because a study shows that the less food put in front of us, the less food we’ll eat. So downsize your food plates and coffee mugs, and say goodbye to those extra calories.

• Eat more vegetables by using vegetables to make hefty meals. Like pasta salad loaded with vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and tomatoes can be eaten twice. Same applies for stir-fries; add vegetables to make a fluffier omelet. www.bassetheating.com

• Eat cereal for breakfast. You will consume more fiber and calcium, and less fat than in a typical breakfast.

• Use flavorings like hot sauce, salsa, and Cajun seasonings rather than butter and creamy or sugary sauces. These flavorings not only provide flavor with no fat and few calories, but the spicy ones also turn up digestive fires, causing your body to burn more calories.

• Eat fruit rather than drinking fruit juice. Eating whole foods will keep you satisfied for longer period of time than juice. More over, fruit juices are very high in calories.

• Take a walk before dinner and it’ll not only burn calories, but also cut down your appetite.

• Take most of the calories before noon because studies tell that the more you eat in the morning, the less you’ll eat in the evening. Moreover, you will get more chances to burn off those early-day calories than late-night calories.

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Basset Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. Basset Heating & Air Conditioning of Colorado Springs is a local and proud family owned business that specializes in residential Furnace and AC Installation & Repair. We pride ourselves on being customer-focused heating and we employ the most highly trained technicians in the industry. Our goal is to make Basset Heating & Air Conditioning the best service provider in the El Paso County area.

When you work with Basset Heating & Air Conditioning, we have technicians that can repair existing units, getting your broken down air conditioner or furnace up and running quickly. Or, if it’s time for a new unit, our trained comfort specialists will sit down with you to discuss your needs and help you find the best air conditioning system or furnace for your budget.

We pride ourselves on working hard to ensure not only affordability, but quality and complete customer satisfaction as well.

Our highly trained and experienced technicians will provide the speedy, high-quality service you can depend on.

No job is too big or small, and we deliver 100% customer satisfaction on every project. We offer a wide selection of air conditioner models and furnaces at affordable prices to meet your needs.

Services we offer:

(Including installation and repair) • Central Air Conditioners • Furnaces • Water Heaters • Humidifiers • Swamp Coolers • Electronic Air Cleaners • Air Purification Systems • Duct Sealing • Attic Insulation • Conventional thermostats • Wi-Fi enabled thermostats • Annual Maintenance Service

Why Choose Us? • • • • • • • • •

Locally Owned & Operated Licensed & Insured Highest Quality Work Guaranteed Affordable Pricing Factory Trained Technicians Friendly Personalized Service Technicians Available In Your Area We Warranty All Repairs A+ Rating with the BBB

Call us today 719-392-0032 www.bassetheating.com

$20 OFF

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with Odor Control

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Coupons cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts. Some restrictions may apply.