S P E C I A L
S O U T H
s P e c i a L
F L O R I D A
h o m e
I S S U E
c o m F o r t
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SUMMER 2015 SPRING/SUMMER 2014
www.alohaAC.com www.AlohaAC.com
Aloha AC Expands. . .
Top HVAC company merges with local company to increase services for customers Up to $1200 Instant Rebate on a New Rheem HVAC System
Eco-Vacations
Exploring nature and wildlife in the Florida Keys St. Jude’s Aloha AC helps St. Jude Hospital with donations
Grilling Fast Fixes
Celebrity chef Ingrid Great family dinners in Hoffmannless shares than anhearthour: healthy Chicken tips for Parmesan summer grilling inspiration. Chorizo Bolognese, Vegetable lasagna
For the Friends and customers oF
“There is only one team that can beat the HEAT in South Florida and that’s Team Aloha AC.”
877-972-5642
Feature
Florida Eco-vacations
The Florida Keys is one of the great national treasures. Instead of dragging your kids through an amusement park, try getting back to nature by experiencing all the natural gifts the Keys have to offer. Not only are there great conservation museums, but you can easily don a mask and snorkel or jump in a kayak and experience the fish, animals and beauty up close.
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5. Repair or Replace Wonder whether you should spend the money on whether to repair or replace your HVAC system. Here’s how to know.
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The Aloha Difference
Heart-Healthy Recipes
A combination of technology and customer service sets Aloha Air Conditioning apart from its competitors.
Celebrity chef Ingrid Hoffmann shares hearthealthy tips for summer grilling inspiration.
Cover: The Hemingway House, Key West, Fla. 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. www.privatelabelmedia.com
Aloha Expands...Again
Aloha Air Conditioning and Air Conditioning Excellence merge to increase services that benefit customers
Ralph Scanga, owner of Air conditioning Excellence, and Jim Barry, owner of Aloha Air Conditioning, have joined forces to offer even more value and efficiency to their customers, who stretch throughout South Florida and the Florida Keys. Jim and Ralph have known each other for over 35 years when they met as technicians working for a local air conditioning company. Even as young men, Jim and Ralph had expectations and aspirations to one day own their own business. In 1981 they both studied and passed the state Class A Air Conditioning exam to become HVAC contractors. They both set off to build honest and reputable companies, often meeting to trade ideas and practices that improved both of their companies.
from each other, they developed a friendship outside of business that often included both families going to movies or other fun activities. Through that friendship they realized they held the same values, work ethic and goals concerning their customers, employees and businesses. This, along with both seeing that they weren’t getting any younger, led them to join their companies together. All the staff that customers know (in both companies) and trust are still there to serve them. This merger will enhance the new company’s service and dedication to better meet the needs of the customer. If you ever need to call us or have concerns in this matter call their cell phones at Ralph 954612-3767 or Jim 954-275-5121
Since Ralph and Jim live only two blocks
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Tips, trends and advice to keep your family healthy and comfortable
Getting the most in
COMFORT
Little things can add up quickly. By making a few changes to your heating and cooling system, you can increase your comfort and save some money. 30 to 40 percent of your energy can be lost through leaks or temperature fluctuations when uninsulated ducts pass through uncooled or unheated spaces, like garages or attics. Identifying and repairing any leaky spots in your duct work will ensure that your system runs more efficiently. Source: Consumer Reports
New = Savings
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Aloha AC Knows Rheem Products
Independent Rheem contractors, like Aloha AC, have undergone rigorous training and certification. When considering a new HVAC system, make sure you look at more than just price. Quality Rheem systems installed by top-notch contractors will give you years of trouble-free comfort. For more information, visit www.AlohaAC.com.
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, high-efficiency units, you can save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs.
UV Lights Make Families Healthier 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 from Rheem.
Money Matters Repairing not Replacing–
When it Makes the Most Sense
Knowing when it’s Time to Replace your AC 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. 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? 4Have your noticed any unusually
If you answered yes to one or more 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:
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?
• 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. Newer systems have much more advanced features and
high utility bills?
When it’s time to start the buying process, contact a reputable contractor—like Aloha AC. 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 summer, 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 to replace 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 or she can quickly start solving your concern and get your family back into a comfortable environment.
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THE DEEPER MEANING OF ALOHA by Curby Rule, Aloha International
For those who follow the path of Huna, or are fortunate enough to live in Hawaii, it is common for us to use the word “Aloha”. We use it in greetings and farewells and in expressing love. But the word means even more, it is a way of life. Besides these common meanings, the word Aloha holds within itself all one needs to know to interact rightfully in the natural world. These insights describe an attitude or way of life sometimes called "The Aloha Spirit" or "The Way of Aloha". The spirit of Aloha was an important lesson taught to the children of the past because it was about the world of which they were a part. One early teaching goes like this:
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Aloha is being a part of all, and all being a part of me. When there is pain - it is my pain. When there is joy - it is also mine. I respect all that is as part of the Creator and part of me. I will not willfully harm anyone or anything. When food is needed I will take only my need and explain why it is being taken. The earth, the sky, the sea are mine to care for, to cherish and to protect. This is Hawaiian - this is Aloha! As the child grew, the need for a fundamental code of ethics was taught. This code is found within a deeper layer of the meaning of the word Aloha. The code is derived from one of the acronymic meanings of Aloha. • • •
A, ala, watchful, alertness L, lokahi, working with unity O, oia'i'o, truthful honesty
“We are always asked why we named our company ALOHA AC. We believe companies have cultures that reflect how they treat their customers. The word ALOHA matches our culture.” • H, ha'aha'a, humility • A, ahonui, patient perseverance The kahuna David Bray interprets this code as "Come forward, be in unity and harmony with your real self, God, and mankind. Be honest, truthful, patient, kind to all life forms, and humble." He also stated that to the Hawaiian of old, Aloha meant "God in us." So far, within Aloha, we have found an explanation of our place in the world and a code of ethics to help us with our interactions in the world. The only thing we are missing is our "prime directive" while we are here, and that too can be found within the root words that make up Aloha. • • •
alo - 1: sharing, 2: in the present oha - joyous affection, joy ha - life energy, life, breath
Using Hawaiian language’s grammatical rules, we will translate this literally as "The joyful sharing of life energy in the present" or simply "Joyfully sharing life". So, we've seen that Aloha is indeed a way of life, an attitude and it even contains guidelines to help us in our lives. It is most definitely a "word to the wise." In closing, I'd like to bring to mind another old saying, "a picture is worth a thousand words" and point out that Aloha is a perfect example that in the Hawaiian language sometimes the opposite of this saying is true as well. So, the next time you greet a friend with "Aloha," hold its meanings close to your heart and think of the picture you're painting. It is indeed a beautiful world.
Air Conditioning and Plumbing
Aloha AC is now offering plumbing services throughout South Florida, from the Palm Beaches through the Keys. The same high quality service, pride and technology can provide homeowners with top-notch and highly-trained plumbing services.
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The Aloha Difference by Jim Barry Owner, Aloha AC People always ask me to tell them about my company. I guess this is how I’d define Aloha Air Conditioning. “Aloha is great people with cutting-edge technology, working together to provide the highest level of service while lowering the cost to our customers. We do this by leveraging that technology to gain efficiency on every aspect of our business and passing on those savings.” Everyone knows there are a lot of air conditioning companies in South Florida, but they’re not all the same. So why should you choose Aloha Air Conditioning over any other firm? Let me tell you why Aloha is the best choice: Passion We love what we do and we care about YOU!
Technicians equipped with tablets provide a real-time link to history, experts and parts for your system.
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Aloha AC serves South Florida residents from Palm Beach through the Florida Keys. Commitment Aloha has been here for 33 years and we plan to be serving South Florida and the Keys for many years to come. We have been to your homes and businesses many times and we know you and your AC system. Technology Our technicians carry the latest tablet computers on every sales and service call. Your complete service history and manufacturer warranty information is right at their fingertips. This allows more efficient and knowledgeable service to you, our customer. If a repair is necessary, we know the closest place to get whatever part you need to get your system up and running in the shortest possible time. Relationships Because we’ve been around since 1982, we have strong relationships with the manufacturers and part suppliers. I can’t tell you the number of times during an emergency our partners have opened their doors on nights,
weekends and even holidays so we could serve a customer.
headaches should anything go wrong with your system.
Expertise Occasionally an A/C system has an issue that stumps even the most seasoned technician. On these occasions our techs don’t guess or try and make unnecessary repairs. They instantly transfer a video of the problem in real time to our service manager or even a manufacturers engineer to ensure the job is done right. This can all be done on the same service call without any delay in getting your system back up and running.
Money-Saving Tips A lot of A/C repairs are simple and may not even need a professional visit to your home. Our website (www.alohaAC.com) has videos of simple things anyone can check before calling to schedule service. They include checking the thermostat, humidistat, circuit breakers, and air filters just to name a few.
Customer Service Many contractors leave it up to the customer to register for the manufacturer warranties. If the paperwork is late or filled out incorrectly it can result in less (or even no) coverage. If you buy an A/C unit from Aloha we register the equipment for you. You can rest assured of receiving the maximum benefits of your warranty. Just something simple like a warranty can save you thousands of dollars and a lot of
Efficiency All of our trucks are equipped with GPS tracking, which allows our main office to see which technician is closest to you so we can quickly respond to your call. Not only does this improve our response time, but the time-saving efficiency of this technology also lowers our cost to you. These are just a few of the reasons to choose Aloha as your AC company. Our customers can tell you even more!
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Grilling with Heart Heart-Healthy Tips
Celebrity chef Ingrid Hoffmann shares hearthealthy tips for summer grilling. 10
Grilled Asian Salmon Teriyaki Yield: 4 servings Prep time: 25 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes • • • • • •
1/2 cup soy sauce 1/2 cup pineapple juice 3 tablespoons corn oil 1 tablespoon ground ginger 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1 1/2 pounds (4 pieces) fresh salmon fillets
Combine soy sauce, pineapple juice, oil, ginger and garlic in shallow dish. Reserve 1/2 cup for later
use. Add salmon, turning to coat; cover and let stand 15 minutes. Remove salmon from marinade and discard any remaining marinade. Grill over medium heat, turning once (about 5 minutes on each side) until salmon flakes easily with fork. While salmon is cooking, transfer reserved 1/2 cup marinade to small saucepan. Bring to boil over medium-high heat; boil until reduced. Serve salmon fillets drizzled with reduced marinade.
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Pineapple-Chicken Skewers with Passion Fruit Glaze Passion Fruit is known for its sweet, seedy fruit and is widely grown in several countries of South America, Central America, the Caribbean, Africa, Southern Asia, Israel, Australia and United States.
Yield: 8 servings Prep time: 20 minutes Chill time: At least 4 hours • 1/2 cup corn oil • 4 (3-inch) sprigs rosemary • 5 (3-inch) sprigs oregano • 4 garlic cloves, crushed and peeled • Kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 24 2-inch pieces • 1 large red bell pepper, cored, seeded, ribbed and cut into 24 1-inch pieces • 1 medium red onion, cut into 24 1-inch pieces • 2/3 peeled and cored pineapple, cut into 24 1-inch pieces 1 head butter lettuce, leaves separated into cups (for serving) Passion Fruit Glaze: • 1/2 cup passion fruit nectar • 2 tablespoons ketchup • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice • 1 tablespoon soy sauce • 1 1/2 tablespoons honey • Kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper
Pour into small bowl. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, discarding marinade.
To prepare chicken, combine corn oil, rosemary, oregano and garlic in large bowl and season with salt and pepper. Add chicken and turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate, for at least 4 hours or overnight, occasionally turning chicken.
Reserve half of the passion fruit glaze and set aside. Brush skewers evenly with the remaining glaze. Grill kabobs, covered with grill lid, for 10 to 12 minutes or until chicken is done. Occasionally turn the skewers.
To prepare glaze, process passion fruit nectar, ketchup, lime juice, soy sauce and honey until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Blend until well combined.
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Alternately thread 3 pieces chicken, 3 pieces bell pepper, 3 pieces red onion and 3 pieces pineapple on each skewer. Repeat process with remaining ingredients and skewers.
Serve skewers on a bed of lettuce leaves. Brush with the reserved passion fruit glaze and serve remaining sauce on the side.
Southwest Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Chipotle Vinaigrette Yield: 8-10 servings Prep time: 30 minutes Creamy Chipotle Vinaigrette: • 1/3 cup corn oil • 2 cloves garlic • 2 teaspoons canned chipotle in adobo sauce • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/2 teaspoon sugar • 1/4 cup half and half • 1/4 cup cilantro Salad: • 8 cups bite-size mixed salad greens • 2 cups sliced, grilled chicken • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed • 1 red bell pepper, cut into 2-inch strips • 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
• • • • • •
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions 4 hard boiled eggs, quartered lengthwise 2 small avocados, sliced 1/4 cup red onion slivers 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved lengthwise 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Mexican style cheese
Combine vinaigrette ingredients in blender or food processor. Puree until smooth. Refrigerate dressing until ready to serve. Arrange lettuce on large serving platter or individual plates. Arrange each salad ingredient in horizontal or diagonal rows across top of lettuce. Garnish with cheese and serve with vinaigrette or toss salad with vinaigrette just prior to serving. Recipe note: Substitute grilled hanger steak slices or shrimp in place of chicken.
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Family time-off features eco-trip of a lifetime In addition to a catch-and-release ethic of sport fishing, world-class diving and a rich literary and artistic community, the Florida Keys offer an appealing variety of public parks and environmentally oriented eco-attractions, whether it is swimming side by side with a dolphin, walking among thousands of butterflies, navigating through tropical forests and botanical gardens or visiting a conservation area to observe the unique protected animal species in their natural habitat. Parks & Recreation Sites are abundant in the Florida Keys, and span all five regions. Conservation museums include Crane Point Hammock, Audubon House, Mel Fisher Maritime Museum and Butterfly Conservatory & Nature Museum. Preservation Museums include Museum of Art & History at the Customs House, Lighthouse & Keepers Quarters Museum, Fort East Martello Museum & Gardens, Pigeon Key Foundation & Marine Science Center, The Oldest House, West Martello Town and Key West Garden Club and The Key West Heritage House Museum. THE KEY WEST TROPICAL FOREST & BOTANICAL GARDEN is the only "frostfree" botanical garden in the continental
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United States. It is home to many endangered and threatened flora and fauna. The Key West Forest & Garden is a special place where you can appreciate biodiversity and learn more about its importance. For instance, the forest has two of the last remaining fresh water ponds in the Keys and is a major migratory stopping point for neo-tropical birds from places as far as South America, as well as being home to many rare birds in the Florida Keys. Other highlights include: To protect a portion of the Florida Keys’ barrier reef, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park was established off the Upper Keys in 1963 as America’s first underwater preserve. The park hosts more than a million visitors annually, offering them numerous opportunities to observe abundant wildlife through recreational and educational experiences. THE MARATHON WILD BIRD CENTER is one of the leading wild bird rescue centers in the Florida Keys, nestled in 64 acres of lush hardwoods as part of Crane Point Hammock. Tavernier’s Florida Keys Wild Bird Center, the northernmost of the eco-attractions, is also a haven for bird lovers, a labor of love of Laura Quinn, affectionately
known as the “Bird Lady,” who founded and runs the center. Each facility’s primary purpose is to rescue, rehabilitate and release ill, injured and orphaned wild birds. Boardwalks and nature paths wind through shaded cages that house wild hawks, ospreys, spoonbills, egrets and more. Some are there to recuperate and will later be released, while others would be unable to survive in the wild on their own and have become lifelong inhabitants. DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER on Grassy Key is a research and educational facility that’s home to a family of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions. The center and its staff, winners of numerous awards, specialize in behavioral research and maintain liaisons with university research programs and independent scientists around the world. Visitors to the center can participate in enjoyable and educational programs that provide knowledge and insights about dolphins, their environment and their remarkable abilities. Through a recent research study, researchers
discovered that the marine mammals could identify simple math and distinguish the difference between numbers they were presented on a board. Well known for dolphin-assisted therapy programs provided to children with special physical and emotional needs, the nonprofit Island Dolphin Care in Key Largo also features marine science educational programs. MARATHON’S TURTLE HOSPITAL, is the only facility of its kind in the world. At the hospital, opened in 1986, founder Richie Moretti and his staff treat injured sea turtles and, when possible, return them to the wild. Educational tours of the facility are offered to introduce visitors to the resident sea turtles and to the hospital’s curative programs for loggerhead, green, hawksbill and Kemp’s ridley turtles. The hospital’s goals include working toward environmental legislation to make beaches and oceans safer and cleaner for sea turtles. THE KEY WEST NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE was created in 1908 in response to a fashion trend that was decimating migratory bird populations, then-President Theodore Roosevelt created this first wildlife refuge of the Florida Keys to protect and preserve a breeding ground for migratory species. The Lower Keys are home to the NATIONAL KEY DEER REFUGE, established in 1957 to protect and preserve habitats for wildlife, most notably the
diminutive Key deer. A subspecies of the Virginia white-tailed deer, Key deer range in size from 45 to 80 pounds fully grown. The refuge encompasses more than 8,000 acres of prime Key deer territory ranging from Bahia Honda Key to the eastern shores of Sugarloaf Key, out to the edge of the Gulf of Mexico. It also is a stopping point for thousands of migratory birds each year, and a winter home for many North American bird species including the roseate tern and peregrine falcon. The Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1938, provides safe nesting and breeding areas for great white herons and other migratory birds and wildlife. White herons are North America’s largest wading bird and, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, are found only in the Florida Keys and on the South Florida mainland. Stretching between Key West and Marathon, the refuge features more than 375 square miles of open water and islands in the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors’ primary access is by kayak, canoe or shallow-draft boat, although the refuge manages lands on Upper Sugarloaf and Lower Sugarloaf Keys that are accessible by car. Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center located on the Key West waterfront at Truman Annex, the 6,400-square-foot center showcases the underwater and upland habitats that characterize the Keys, with an emphasis on North America’s only living contiguous barrier coral reef that parallels the island chain. The Living Reef Exhibit
features a 2,400-gallon reef tank with fish and invertebrates indigenous to the Keys, and interactive and touch-screen modules, text and audio/video components showcase stellar underwater footage about the vibrant Keys ecosystem and reef. Learn about the environment and cultural resources in the Keys through Discovery Saturdays. DRY TORTUGAS NATIONAL PARK is a remote offshore preserve that lies approximately 70 miles west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico. The park contains the Civil War-era Fort Jefferson, believed to be the largest masonry structure in the Western Hemisphere. Dry Tortugas is the largest no-take marine reserve in the continental United States. Snorkelers, divers, boaters and researchers enjoy a pristine marine environment while protecting the region’s important coral reef habitat. The park is divided into thrtee zones: 1) A historic preservation zone where visitors can enjoy guided tours, diving, recreational fishing and other activities; 2) A managed natural/ cultural zone offering solitude and activities such as swimming, diving and recreational fishing; the protected Research Natural Area, where boaters can enjoy the environmental richness while preserving marine resources; 3) A special protection zones for areas requiring protection from human impact. Dry Tortugas National Park can be accessed via ferry or by private vessel. For more information go to: http://www.fla-keys.com/greentravel/
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Aloha AC 4474 Weston Road #170 Davie, FL 33331
Serving South Florida since 1982!
From Palm Beach County to the Florida Keys – Aloha A/C Recognized as a Rheem Team Top Contractor, Aloha Air Conditioning provides our customers: full line of high efficiency Rheem, American Standard, • • A No extra charge for equipment, Saturdayincluding service. Frigidaire, Bryant and more. • Affordable Energy Saving Agreements. • A full line of sea coated units to protect system coils from corrosion – • perfect We service A/C equipment, Rheem, American for thoseall customers living in theincluding coastal areas! Standard, Frigidaire, Bryant and more. • Trained technicians to help you choose the right system to satisfy your air • conditioning We haveand trained technicians you your choose the right heating needs while to alsohelp lowering energy costs. system to satisfy your air conditioning and heating needs • Affordable Energy Savings agreements. while also lowering your energy costs. • No extra charge for Saturday service.
Call 877-97-ALOHA today for your free estimate!
Financing Available Licensed and Insured CAC025379
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UP $ TO
A/C or Plumbing Problem INSTANT CASH BACK Call A/C Unit on your new Service Rheem Presitge
We’ll waive diagnostic fees if the service call is completed. *Expires Must be presented at time of11/30/2013. service. Not valid for after hours service calls andCall cannot befor combineddetails. with any other offers or discounts.
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Energy Saving Tune-Up Includes 21-point inspection *Offer cannot be combined. One coupon per household.