Certified fall 2014 1126

S P E C I A SL P HE O I SF SO UR ET CM I AEL CHOOMMFEO R C TO M

RIGHT AT HOME

I S S U E

FALL/WINTER

www.thinkcertified.com

The best time to buy

This time of the year is the best time to get great deals on HVAC systems

Steak T-bones give you the best of both

worlds. We’ve got some great rubs and sauces to take your grilling to the next level

Certified

Heating & Cooling

(239) 482-5000 Serving Southwest Florida

2014

Welcome to Right At Home Welcome to the fall 2014 issue of Right At Home, the magazine that provides homeowners across the country with recipes, lifestyle articles, home health tips and, home comfort.

The new rage seems to be rubs. There’s rubs for chicken, pork and now we’ve provided some rubs for your steaks.

As the weather cools off, it’s a perfect time to fire up the grill and we hope our tips on cooking the perfect steak will come in handy.

Depending on where you live, fall and winter can have very different impacts. For those in southern states with warmer climates, it’s often a time to open the windows and turn off your air conditioner. For those in more moderate climates, it may be time to see if your heat pump is working properly for those cold snaps that always come unexpectedly in December and January.

Homeowners in colder climates have a lot more to worry about. A broken furnace during a blizzard can mean days without heat and single-digit temperatures outside. For those in the northeast and mountain states, it’s vital that they get their furnace checked before the winter bears down. If your system is more than 10 years old, you really need to consider a replacement, not just for energy savings but also for peace of mind.

Please take times to read through our recipes and home advice. You probably will want to keep Right At Home through the season just in case you have a need for a highly-qualified heating and cooling company!

CONTENTS 6

STEAK

Steaks are great all year ‘round and rubs are the rage. great tips on making the perfect steak.

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

FALL 2014

12

HEALTHY LIVING

14 15

Without the right air filters and cleaners allergens and bacteria can spread throughout your whole house.

Good filters and installing a UV light in your new or current system is a great way to protect your family all year long.

DidYouKnow

Easy ways to lower your energy bills from replacing some light bulbs to finding pesky leaks.

Right At Home PUBLISHER William Sabo DESIGNER KZ Creative

STAFF WRITERS David V. King Beth Burcham Bill Reid

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.

(239) 482-5000

What our customers are saying...

— A 5 star review left by David S on review buzz 11/11/14 Great to do business with. I recommend them to anyone with an AC or heating unit! Honest, Easy, On time, Professional, and Fair.

— Ron S left us a five star review on Yelp 11/04/14 Just really great people and so professional.

— Thank you Mike B. for the 5 star review left on review buzz! 10/31/2014 The service went very well. One technician came out and completed the job in a couple hours.

He did very thorough job. He was prompt and professional. He was helpful and did not try to overcharge us. They were very solution orientated and they made scheduling very easy.

Read more online

Money Matters Repairing not Replacing–

When it Makes the Most Sense

Knowing when it’s Time to Replace your HVAC System As the seasons change, it’s important to know where you stand with your heating or cooling system. There’s nothing worse than having an air conditioner stop working on a muggy summer day, or having your furnace putter out on a cold January night.

Before you run into any surprise repairs, start by closely evaluating if you may need to replace your system at the start of the season. Thinking it might be time to replace your system?

Ask yourself these questions.

4Is your system 10 years old or older?

4Does it require frequent repairs?

4Does it fail to heat or cool certain

4Does it run excessively?

4Or, does it constantly turn on and off?

4And, finally, have your noticed any

If you answered yes to one or more

Newer systems have much more advanced features and diagnostics.

If a service issue arises in the future, your technician will have better information at his fingertips so that he can diagnose your problem faster.

areas of your home?

of the questions, you may need to consider replacing your system. Here’s why you’ll want to go forward with a new HVAC purchase: • You can reduce your energy bills.

A new, ENERGY STAR-qualified furnace is 15 percent more efficient than a conventional furnace, and a new, ENERGY STAR-qualified air conditioner is 30 percent more efficient than one that’s 12 years old or more. Upgrading to more efficient models will lead to immediate savings.

• You’ll save time on technician visits.

A new degree of comfort.™

unusually high utility bills?

When it’s time to start the buying process, contact a reputable contractor—like the one on the cover of this magazine. It is imperative that a technician visit your home to determine a new system that is correctly sized with the right humidity control features included. Taking this important step means you’ll have the best system for your home.

New isn’t always better. If you run into a service issue this fall or winter, it doesn’t mean that you’ll have to replace your system. In a lot of circumstances, it makes the most sense to repair instead—especially if you’re working with a trusted HVAC contractor.

Here’s when you’ll want to repair your system: • If it’s under warranty. If the product is under warranty, then there’s no reason not to repair it. You’ll have to pay for the contractor’s labor costs for the visit, but it’s much more affordable than replacing the unit.

• If you’ve consistently maintained the system.

Do you hire a contractor for a seasonal tuneup? Do you change your air filters regularly?

Taking care of your HVAC system means you’ll not only have fewer service calls, but when one does happen, you can be pretty sure that it’s just a one-time fix.

• If it’s not an old clunker. If your system is less than 10 years old, then it’s probably not time to replace it just yet. Think about your HVAC system like your car. As you gather more and more miles on your car, you may run into a needed repair. It doesn’t mean you sell your car, right? The same principle applies to your HVAC system.

Be sure to alert your contractor to any service issues right away so that he can quickly start solving your concern and get your family back into a comfortable environment.

5

GRILL UP

AN INCREDIBLE STEAK T-Bones - The best of both worlds

6

Rheem.com

uite possibly the ultimate steak, the T-bone embodies the rich blend of varied beef flavors that steak lovers crave, from tender and mild to bold and beefy. On one side of the T-bone is the filet mignon. French for “dainty fillet,” the filet mignon is considered the most tender cut, with a mild beef flavor. On the other side of the T-bone is the strip loin or New York strip, a firm, robust steak that is naturally marbled and offers a bold taste. The bone itself also provides additional flavor in the cooking process. With this pairing of tastes, it is no surprise that the T-bone is considered to be “the best of both worlds” by steak connoisseurs.

Ten Tips for Perfect

1 2

7 8

3 4

9

Clean and preheat your grill on high.

Lightly oil everything before you put it on the grill. This helps the searing process and prevents sticking.

Season your food before grilling.

Sear the outside of steaks when grilling. This really helps with the flavor and juiciness.

5

Use tongs or a spatula to turn your meat on the grill. Using a fork can damage the meat.

6

Cover your grill as much as possible during the grilling process. This helps to lock in the grilled flavor and will help prevent flare-ups.

A new degree of comfort.™

Grilling

Keep a spray bottle with water handy to douse any unexpected flare-ups.

Use the 60/40 grilling method. Grill for 60 percent of the time on the first side, then grill 40 percent of the time after you turn over the food. This will give you an evenly cooked product.

Place your cooked product on a clean plate. Never place cooked product on the plate you used to transport the raw product to the grill without thoroughly washing it first.

10

Allow your foods to “rest” for 5 minutes between cooking and eating. This will help them retain moisture when you cut into them.

7

Certified Homeowner tip #27

Find a reputable and experienced HVAC company to maintain your heating and cooling system We received a call from a new customer stating that she is not happy with the operation of her air conditioner, she has another company servicing her unit but wanted a second opinion. Corey went out to the property, did his normal thorough inspection and found that the previous company was not routinely maintaining the system as contracted.

This is prime example why its so important to have your air conditioner on a maintenance contract with a reputable company. This condensation line was so clogged we had to run a brand new line.

The coil had not been cleaned in a long time. The

number one reason for early system failure is dirt and debris buildup.

Well-maintained equipment lasts longer—and performs stronger.

Call us today to have your preventive maintenance performed on your air conditioner. 239-482-5000.

www.thinkcertified.com

A simple thing like a clogged drainage pipe can seriously impact the performance of your HVAC system.

Read us online You can now read Right At Home on your home computer, tablet or mobile device. Filled with recipes, home improvements tips and money savings ideas. And best of all it’s free.

Visit us at www.thinkcertified.com or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CertifiedHeatingAndCoolingInc

Rheem.com

Ancho Chile Rubbed Grilled T-Bones Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Total time: 15 minutes

15

minutes

4 T-bone steaks 2 tablespoons olive oil 4 tablespoons Ancho Chile Rub (see recipe below) 12 grilled tri-color sweet baby peppers Preheat grill to medium. Thaw and blot dry steaks. Brush steaks with olive oil.

Generously cover both sides of steaks with Ancho Chile Rub by dipping them in rub. Continue until steaks are completely covered. Place steaks on heated grill and grill to desired doneness. (For a medium-rare steak, grill approximately 8 minutes on first side and 6 to 7 minutes on second side.) Remove steaks from grill and garnish with grilled tri-colored sweet baby peppers.

Ancho Chile Rub

Makes: 4 tablespoons 1 tablespoon smoked paprika 2 teaspoons sea salt 2 tablespoons ancho chile powder 1 teaspoon brown sugar Combine all ingredients and mix well.

Grilled T-Bones with Tabasco and Roquefort Scpoicoyl Cheese Butter Prep time: 15 minutes, plus 4 hours refrigerator time Cook time: 15 minutes Total time: 4 hours and 30 minutes

10

4 T-bones steaks Steak Seasoning, or salt and pepper, to taste 4 slices (1 1/2-inch coins) Tabasco and Roquefort Cheese Butter (see recipe below) 2 tablespoons minced chives

Preheat grill to medium. Season both sides of steaks with seasoning, or salt and pepper. Grill steaks to desired doneness.

(For medium-rare steak, grill approximately 8 minutes on first side and 6 to 7 minutes on second side.) Just before removing steaks from grill, place butter slice on each steak. The idea is to have butter half melted on top as you are serving steaks. Garnish each steak with sprinkle of minced chives.

Tabasco and Roquefort Cheese Butter

4 ounces unsalted butter, softened 4 ounces Roquefort blue cheese, crumbled 3 tablespoons Tabasco sauce 1/4 cup fresh chives, minced 2 tablespoons fresh garlic, minced 1 roasted red pepper, peeled, seeded and diced 1 teaspoon kosher salt Whip butter slightly in mixer. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Transfer mixture to sheet of parchment paper.

Roll into tube (approximately 1 1/2-inch diameter) and twist paper at the ends.

Refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours. When ready to serve, slice into coins as needed. Unused butter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.

A new degree of comfort.™

Roasted Italian style Pepper Pesto Rubbed Grilled T-Bones Prep time: 30 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Total time: 45 minutes 4 T-bone steaks 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/4 cup Omaha Steaks Private Reserve Seasoning, or salt and pepper 1 recipe Roasted Pepper Pesto (see recipe below) 4 fresh basil sprigs Preheat grill to medium. Brush steaks with olive oil and season with seasoning, or salt and pepper. Brush both sides of steaks with Roasted Pepper Pesto. Place steaks on grill and cook to desired doneness. (For a medium-rare steak about 8 minutes on first side and 6 to 7 minutes on second side.) When steaks are

finished, brush both sides one final time with pesto. Serve steaks with dollop of unused pesto in center of each and garnish with fresh basil sprig.

Roasted Pepper Pesto

Makes: approximately 2 cups 1 cup roasted red peppers, peeled, seeded and chopped 1/4 cup garlic cloves, peeled 1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1/2 cup olive oil Combine all ingredients except olive oil in food processor or blender, and puree until smooth. Next, add oil slowly in food processor until completely combined.

11

If your A/C or heating 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.

12

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.

Rheem.com

Heat Pumps: A Smart Choice for Southwest Florida Homeowners If you live in an area where mild winters are the norm, a heat pump just might be for you.

Heat pumps are the most efficient form of electric heating in moderate climates. Because they move heat rather than generate heat, heat pumps can provide equivalent space conditioning at as little as one quarter of the cost of operating conventional heating or cooling appliances.

Heat pumps are typically used to pull heat out of the air to heat a home, but they can be reversed to cool a home too. In a way, if you know how an air conditioner works, then you already know a lot about how a heat pump works. This is because heat pumps and air conditioners operate in a very similar way.

Southwest Florida homes are great candidates for heat pumps.

The most efficient heat pump options feature two stages of operation. For most two-stage designs, the heat pump will primarily operate on a “low” setting, which can keep the home comfortable while reducing energy consumption.

When it’s necessary, the system will then kick into a “high” setting, but it reserves this for peak weather conditions like hot summer days or cold nights.

Talk to your Rheem contractor to learn about which heat pump design will work best for your home.

Living in an area like SW Florida you can save energy costs installing a new Rheem high-efficency heat pump available at Certified Heating and Cooling at 239-482-5000.

A new Degree of Comfort.™

13

Is the AIR in your house making your family sick?

E

PA studies show that even in the smoggiest cities, the air inside most modern homes is usually at least ten times more polluted than the air outside.

That’s why many homeowners are upgrading their heating and cooling filtration system and installing UV lights to protect their families from a wide range of containments.

Hospitals and other healthcare buildings have used UV lights for years. Now that technology can be ordered with a new HVAC system or retrofitted into an older system. The cost ranges from about $500 to $700.

Modern homes are energy efficient and built to be as air-tight as possible.

The consequence is that stale air, laced with odors, chemicals, irritants – even minuscule insects – often becomes trapped in homes, where it circulates over and over. This can lead to:

Installing an ultra violet light in your current or new system can help reduce bacteria in the air and the allergens that grow inside your HVAC system. By using UV lamps, particles and germs are destroyed and prevented from being recirculated to the air in your home. For cleaner air trust an Ultraviolet Treatment System from Rheem.

14

• Eye irritation • Sinus congestion • Sneezing, runny nose, • Colds, flu • Headaches, dizziness • Allergies • Asthma • Sore throats • And various other respiratory ailments.

Your Rheem contractor can show you solutions from better filters to installing Ultra Violet (UV) lights on nearly any new or existing central HVAC system.

Rheem.com

Did You Know...

Old HVAC systems throw money out of the window If your furnace or AC is more than 10 years old, you should consider replacing it with an energy-efficient system. A new system would greatly reduce your energy consumption, especially if the existing equipment is in poor condition.

In today’s tough economic times, many might think about just patching their system to get through another season, but being penny wise will mean being dollar foolish down the road. New systems that provide two-stage systems will not only lower your heating and cooling bills but will provide a much better comfort level in your home. Also, you can significantly reduce costly service calls for the next 5-10 years.

Local rebates and incentives can really help offset the investment to a higher-efficiency system. Not only will you be more comfortable with a new system, it will likely reduce your heating and cooling costs 35% to 50%.

Tune it or lose it "Tune-up" your heating and A/C system with an annual maintenance contract. Even a new system, like a new car, will decline in performance without regular maintenance.

A contract automatically ensures that your Rheem contractor will provide "pre-season" tune-ups before each cooling and heating season. You save energy and money, and your system may last years longer with minimal costs for yearly maintenance fees.

Staying off a ladder might be biggest benefit of the energy efficient light bulbs Upgrading 15 of your old inefficient incandescent light bulbs could save you about $50 per year. Energy-efficient light bulbs such as halogen incandescents, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), and light emitting diodes (LEDs) not only use 25%-80% less energy than traditional incandescents, but they can last 3-25 times longer. Think about that as you’re teetering on a ladder trying to replace those hard-to-get lighting fixtures.

Leaky ducts: a hidden problem In central heating and cooling systems, ducts carry hot or cold air to different parts of home. The EPA estimates that roughly 20% of this air escapes through leaks. To address this headache, some homeowners use duct tape to repair leaks in exposed ducts. However, a trained HVAC professional will do a much better job than someone crawling around with a roll of duct tape. Leaks are often in attics, walls and crawl spaces where they’re pretty tough to spot, and even harder to fix. Generally this is not an expensive service and it can make your home much more comfortable while putting less strain on your HVAC system to heat and cool your home.

(Right, duct work can be easily seen in a home under construction.

Once the walls and ceilings go up, it’s tough to find leaks.)

A new degree of comfort.™

15

Heating & Cooling Coupon Expires on: 12/31/14

SAVE $50 On Repair

Yep, you heard us right! Take a whopping fifty bucks off any repair.

Cannot be combined with any other offer.

Must be mentioned at the time of service.

Certified Heating & Cooling (239) 482-5000