Mid south hvac net

Home Living Spring 2015

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Big EZ Recipes

Wow family and friends with great new orleans recipes anyone can make

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Be Prepared Be ready if disaster stikes

Finance The smart way most homeowners pay for their new HVAC system

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Be Prepared You need to prepare before disaster strikes. Sitting in the dark with no power is not the time to start planning for your family’s comfort and safety. What you need to protect for your family during a disaster.

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Big Easy recipes

Safeguard your investment

Kitchen Makover

New Orleans is a great place to eat. Here are two of the city’s most popular recipes that you can enjoy in your own home

A heating and cooling system needs to be maintained by a qualified expert. Here’s what you should look for.

See how a few inexpensive updates can turn your old kitchen into a new living space for your family to enjoy.

All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reprinted without the express permission of the publisher. Published by Private Label Media Mid-South Appliance, Heating & Cooling 615-793-9712 Partners, 709 State Street New Orleans, LA 70118. Phone 877-618-6626. www.privatelabelmedia.com

Being smart about adding money-saving technology and scheduling proper maintenance adds value and comfort to your home.

UV Lights Make Families Installing an ultraviolet (UV) 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.

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Fans save energy If you use air conditioning, a ceiling fan will allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4°F with no reduction in comfort.

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Fix leaky ducts According to ENERGY STAR ®, heating and cooling costs the average homeowner about $1,000 a year; that’s nearly half of a home’s total energy bill. ENERGY STAR goes on to say that by replacing your HVAC equipment with newer, highefficiency units, you can save up to 40 percent on heating and cooling costs.

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Smart Thermostats A smart thermostat is connected to the Internet through an Internet protocol (IP) network. This IP connection then allows users to remotely send instructions to a smart thermostat directly from a computer, laptop, tablet, smartphone or web application.

These instructions can range from turning on the IP thermostat, turning it off or changing its scheduled programming. The best WiFi thermostats allow users to interact with their home’s heating or cooling system from any remote location.

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Spring Solutions

Mid-South Appliance, Heating & Cooling helps Middle Tennessee residents prepare for those unpredictable spring and summer months.

Jerry Ganns, Owner, Mid-South Appliance, Heating & Cooling

Jerry Gann has been proudly serving customers in the area since 1985. We provide honest service and repairs and stand behind all of our work. Please give us a call so we can show you why LaVergne and the greater Nashville area visits Mid South Appliance, Heating & Cooling.

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Spring is here and it’s system. certainly not to soon to start preparing for the next We’ve also highlighted few months. how to be prepared for the storms that seem to roll in Please take the time to every summer - whether look through Mid South it’s hurricanes in the south, Home Living magazine. twisters in the mid-west or We’ve packed it with useful flooding on the west coast, and fun information to you need to be ready before help you prepare for the disaster strikes. warmer weather and all that it brings with it.

Kitchens seem to be the heart of every home and Weather seems to have we show you simple and become more unpredictable often inexpensive tips to and we are seeing more breathe new life into yours. extremes: in heat, rain, and storms.

Finally, who doesn’t like a great dinner? We The best way to start is traveled to New Orleans with a spring maintenance and brought back some inspection to go over not authentic Big Easy cuisine only your A/C system, that will impress friends but your filters, ducts and and family. other parts of your HVAC system. Not only does this Please enjoy Home Living simple check-up find issues from our family to yours. and problems that could reduce your comfort, it also extends the life of your

Proud to be an independat Ruud contractor

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Installation Is Key You could be losing 25% of your cooling capacity with poor installation Proper Sizing of Equipment Average loss 5% Installing the right size equipment for your home is essential to getting the best performance for your heating and cooling equipment and maintaining the comfort you deserve.

Some believe that bigger is better when buying new equipment, but a system actually operates best when each component is properly sized.

Oversized equipment may cycle on and off too frequently.

Sealing Ducts Average loss 15% Ducts circulate air from the furnace, central air conditioner or heat pump throughout the house. Often ducts have damage or poor connections that leak the hot or cold air and waste a lot of energy. Sealing ducts can greatly improve the efficiency of your system.

Optimizing Air Flow Average loss 3% A heating or cooling system needs to have the proper volume of

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air flow. If air flow is too high or too low , it may make the home less comfortable and increase utility bills.

Proper Refrigerant Charge Average loss 4% It is important for a central air conditioner or heat pump to have the correct amount of refrigerant, or correct refrigerant charge. An improperly charged system may consume more energy and provide less dehumidification.

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Duct Inspection Expires 6/30/15

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When disaster strikes Power losses can range from minor inconveniences to a huge headache. Imagine having to replace a refrigerator full of food, cleaning a flooded basement caused by a backed-up septic system or even worse.

Preparing for an unexpected emergency, especially one brought on by severe weather, is one of the most important ways you can protect your home and family. Proactively addressing stormrelated issues ranging from property damage to power outages can minimize a potentially disastrous situation.

Verify Your Homeowners Insurance Covers Storm Damage Nearly all homeowners carry some form of insurance on their home, as required by their mortgage lender. But policies can vary, and the aftermath of a powerful storm is no time to find out you’re under insured.

To ensure your homeowners policy adequately covers your needs, take time to review the policy every year at renewal time, and any time you make any significant improvements to your home. Check that the coverage amount for your main residence accurately reflects the finished square footage of your home, including any upgrades or changes such as a newly renovated bathroom or expanded deck structure.

Also confirm that the replacement cost your homeowners insurance agent has determined is consistent with what you would expect to pay to rebuild your home.

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In addition, take time to understand any exclusions, especially those for weatherrelated incidents. For example, many homeowners insurance policies do not automatically include flood protection.

Finally, take time to thoroughly document your personal possessions with video or still images and record their value. Store the documentation in a safe place, such as a safety deposit box or remote-access electronic file, that you will be able to access in the event of an emergency.

Keep Up on Home Maintenance Stepping outside after a significant storm is no time to remember that you forgot to trim the tree or secure a loose section of fencing. Making time to provide ongoing home maintenance for exterior features of your home, such as landscaping, decking, siding, roofing and shutters, will ensure they are in good function when bad weather strikes.

While little can be done to prevent damage from high-impact storms, routinely checking that everything is in good repair will minimize the chances of preventable destruction.

As you assess your home and yard, ask yourself: Are the trees and shrubs properly trimmed and set far enough Mid-South Appliance, Heating & Cooling 615-793-9712

A simple emergency kit could be a lifesaver during a disaster

Having an emergency preparedness kit of items that your household may need in an emergency situation is critical. The kit should contain food, water, any necessary medications, lighting and backup battery supplies.

away from structures that they are unlikely to topple in high winds? Are shutters affixed securely to the house? Are there any cracked or otherwise weakened windows that should be replaced to prevent shattering during a storm?

In the past, having a generator was cost-prohibitive for many households, but today, technology has advanced to make owning a standby generator far more affordable for the average family.�

Prepare for Backup Power During an Outage

There are two common generator types: portable generators and standby generators.

Loss of power is one of the most common occurrences in severe weather. And the financial impact of outage-related expenses (e.g. spoiled food replacement, supply purchases or home repair) can add up quickly.

* A portable generator is an immediate but temporary solution. Typically powered by gasoline, it is lower in cost and doesn’t require installation time, but it can only power a few items for a few hours.

The easiest way to prepare for a weather-related power outage is by installing a standby generator in advance of the storm season.

Fortunately, attaining the safety and comfort provided by a standby generator during a storm event has become more reasonable thanks to emerging technology that has made generators smaller, smarter and, therefore, more affordable.

* A standby generator is an automatic, permanent backup power solution. It requires professional installation outside the home. It is powered by natural gas or liquid propane and turns on automatically during a utility power outage to keep a home’s lights, furnace, AC units and other appliances on while the power is out.

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Read us online You can now read Mid-South Home Living 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.mid-southhvac.com

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Mid-South Appliance, Heating & Cooling 615-793-9712

Paying for your new system

Two-thirds of new HVAC systems are financed The majority of homeowners finance their new HVAC unit. And by offsetting the monthly payment with the energy savings, financing a new airconditioning or heating system can be a lot less expensive than most people think.

New systems are 30% to 40% more efficient. If the cost to finance a new HVAC system is $120 a month, that system could save you $60 or more, basically making half the monthly payment.

When you combine other various financial incentives that are available for new air conditioning and heating equipment with lower monthly energy bills and fewer repairs, you may be able to recover much – if not all – of the cost of a new HVAC system in about 5-7 years.

Most HVAC financing, including Mid-South Appliance, Heating & Cooling 615-793-9712

third-party financing through the manufacturer or home equity loans, allow homeowners to borrow for the main system as well as options such as air cleaners, humidifiers, thermostats, UV systems and CO2 detectors.

Homeowners should purchase the best system they can comfortably afford.

A few extra dollars per month in payments can make a huge difference in energy savings, comfort and reliability.

Could you use $300?

Mid South will pay you $300 for your old system when we install and new Ruud HVAC system in your home.

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How to Create

Big Easy fare Recently picked as the best food city in the United States, many of the authentic New Orleans Cajun and creole recipes are weekly staples that are easy to make.

Chicken and andouille gumbo

Gumbo is really a chicken stew with local spices and ingredients.

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Servings: 12 Ingredients • 1 cup oil • 1 cup flour • 2 large onions, chopped • 2 bell peppers, chopped • 4 celery ribs, chopped • 4 -6 garlic cloves, minced • 4 quarts chicken stock • 2 bay leaves • 2 teaspoons creole seasoning • 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves

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Salt & black pepper 1 large chicken, cut into pieces 2 lbs andouille sausages or 2 lbs smoked sausage, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 1 bunch scallion, tops only, chopped (green onions) 2/3 cup chopped fresh parsley File powder

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Directions: Season the chicken with salt, pepper and Creole seasoning and brown quickly. Brown the sausage, pour off fat and reserve meats.

In a large, heavy pot, heat the oil and cook the flour in the oil over medium to high heat (depending on your roux-making skill), stirring constantly, until the roux reaches a dark reddishbrown color, almost the color of coffee or milk chocolate for a Cajun-style roux. If you want to save time, or prefer a more New Orleans-style roux, cook it to a medium, peanut-butter color, over lower heat if you’re nervous about burning it.

Add the vegetables and stir quickly. This cooks the vegetables and also stops the roux from cooking further. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, for about 4 minutes.

Add the stock, seasonings, chicken and sausage. Bring to a boil, then cook for about one hour, skimming fat off the top as needed.

Add the chopped scallion tops and parsley, and heat for 5 minutes. Add file powder to taste just before serving. This also acts as a thickening agent. Serve over rice in large shallow bowls. Accompany with a good beer and lots of hot, crispy French bread.

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Red beans are a Monday tradition around the city in homes and restaurants.

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New Orleans Red Beans and Rice Ingredients • • • • • • •

1 pound dry red beans or kidney beans 3 quarts cold water 4 chopped onions 4 toes garlic Salt, Pepper and hot sauce to taste 1 pound Ham bone with trimmings 2 pounds smoked sausage, cut into 6 inch lengths.

Directions Pick over beans and wash thoroughly. Soak overnight. In order to have a creamy sauce, it is necessary to low boil the beans with onion ham and garlic. Stir frequently for 2.5 to 3 hours. (Use a tall pot so beans won’t splash out while boiling.)

Some of the beans will break to create a creamy consistency.

When beans are tender, add sausage and lower heat.

Continue to cook for 30 minutes. Add a little more water as necessary. Adjust seasoning. Serve over steamed rice that was seasoned with 1 or 2 Bay Leaves. Enjoy!!!

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Make your appointment before trouble starts.

Upkeep on your system Heating and cooling contractors get busy once the high temperatures of summer arrive, so it’s best to check the cooling system in the spring.

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Mid-South Appliance, Heating & Cooling 615-793-9712

A typical maintenance check-up should include the following.

- Check thermostat settings to ensure the cooling and heating system keeps you comfortable when you are home and saves energy while you are away.

Maintaining your equipment prevents future problems and unexpected costs.

- Tighten all electrical connections and measure voltage and current on motors. Faulty electrical connections can cause unsafe operation of your system and reduce the life of major components.

damage in the house and affect Check your central air conindoor humidity levels. ditioner’s refrigerant level and adjust if necessary. Too - Check controls of the system much or too little refrigerto ensure proper and safe opant will make your system eration. Check the starting cy- less efficient increasing cle of the equipment to assure energy costs and reducing - Lubricate all moving parts. the system starts, operates, the life of the equipment.

Parts that lack lubrication cause and shuts off properly. friction in motors and increases Clean and adjust blower the amount of electricity you use. components to provide Cooling Specific proper system airflow for Clean evaporator and con- Check and inspect the condengreater comfort levels. Airdenser air conditioning coils. sate drain in your central air flow problems can reduce conditioner, furnace and/or heat Dirty coils reduce the system’s your system’s efficiency by pump (when in cooling mode). A ability to cool your home up to 15 percent. and cause the system to run plugged drain can cause water longer, increasing energy costs and reducing the life of the equipment.

A semi-annual maintenance agreement makes upkeep automatic.

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A dark gray HVAC filter might mean airflow is being reduced due to dirt, causing your system to work harder

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Kitchen Makeover

The kitchen is the heart of any home. Bring your up to date and increase its appearance and functionality.

For those who wish to make updates to their home, the kitchen is a great place to begin.

According to the 2013 Cost vs. Value report from Remodeling magazine, a minor kitchen remodel should recoup up to 75 percent of total remodeling dollars, based on the value of the home increasing.

When focusing on this important part of the house, many homeowners are looking for ways to add luxurious and modern touches without breaking the bank.

Whether you want to splurge on cabinets, counter tops, appliances or floors, homeowners are finding they really can have the kitchen they’ve always wanted by doing their research and learning about the many high-quality, yet cost-effective alternatives that exist in home remodeling.

Counter tops

Serving as an integral piece of your kitchen space, the addition of new counter tops can easily become the priciest part of the remodel project. Homeowners like the look of granite or marble but at $125 to $225 per sq. ft that can be a budget buster. Less expensive alternatives include concrete at $40 $140 per sq. ft.; recycled glass at $50 to $125 per sq. ft.; and laminate that has come a long way and is surprisingly attractive and durable at $20 to $50 per sq. ft.

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We recommend Ganns Cabinets in Middle Tennessee for any kitchen makeovers. Reach them at 615-410-2527 Ext. 22 or visit their website at www.GannsCabinets.com

Backsplash

To add a sleek and modern touch to your kitchen space, consider adding a new backsplash. Typically made from ceramic, glass or stainless steel tile, a backsplash is an affordable option for those who want to add an understated change or a small pop of color as an accent. When compared to other remodeling projects this one is quick and easy.

Hardware

Did you know you can refresh the look of your whole kitchen for as little as $50? If the hardware on your kitchen drawers or cabinets has an outdated appearance, invest in some of the new options available at your local hardware store. Change out old, brushed stainless or gold knobs and pulls with the newer, on-trend styles offered in pewter or bronze.

Porcelain tile flooring

If you want the look of stone flooring without the hefty cost, check out the many offerings of porcelain tile. This sturdy, chip-resistant surface is easy on the wallet and can provide long-lasting beauty to your kitchen floors for many years.

Backsplashes are an easy project to make your kitchen pop.

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GO AHEAD, INVITE THE NEIGHBORS

Every get-together feels better with Ruud Heating & Cooling

RUUD HEATING AND COOLING Reliable heating and cooling expert installation Quality-built products

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$ Spring HVAC 25OFF OFF $25 $ $ Tune Up 69 YOURMaintenance ANY COMPANY NAME CALL TODAY SCHEDULE

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