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I S S U E
SPRING/SUMMER 2014
Shape Up
Tips to slim down for summer
Save $1200
Instant Rebate on a New Rheem HVAC System
Fast Fixes
Great family dinners in less than an hour: Chicken Parmisian, Chorizo Boglinese, Vegetable lasagna
FOR THE FRIENDS AND CUSTOMERS OF
Air Around The Clock Serving South Florida since 1977
954-555-1212
ENJOY A
COMF RTABLE SPRING WITH EASY SAVINGS
The Rheem Instant Rebate offers savings of $25 to $1,200 on eligible Rheem heating and cooling systems and individual unit components purchased between April 1, 2014, and June 30, 2014, from a participating independent Rheem HVAC contractor. The actual savings amount depends on the eligible Rheem products that you purchase. Your instant rebate is applied by the contractor as a discount to your bill for the eligible equipment at the time of purchase. You get instant savings and all the comforts of Rheem! Contact your independent Rheem HVAC contractor today to find the solution that’s best for your home and take advantage of these great savings.
See inside for a full list of qualifying products.
Rheem.com 1
CONTENTS
SPRING/SUMMER 2014
MONEY
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If your HVAC system is more than 10 years old, you can save BIG money installing a new energy-efficent model. It’s good for you and the environment.
HOME
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The Tired of everyone just dropping books, gear and clothes everywhere? Try these de-clutter tips FOOD Quality ingredients and easy recipes can help you get a great dish on the table in no time.
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HEALTH
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It’s time to get in shape for that summer getaway. We have some easy ways to get healthy.
On the cover The Ernest Hemingway House, officially known as the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, was the residence of author Ernest Hemingway in Key West. and is designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark.
Right at Home PUBLISHER William Sabo DESIGNER Richard Johnson
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, 877-618-6626.
AIR AROUND THE CLOCK From left to right: Scott Davis, owner Lenny Pereira and Mike Lang. Davis and Lang are ATC’s operation managers. Air Around the Clock’s only business is providing the residents and businesses of Broward County, South Palm Beach and North Miami-Dade with professional, cost-effective air conditioning, cooling and HVAC repair, air conditioner service and maintenance programs. ATC also provides repair and maintenance services for every brand of major air conditioning appliances. For more than 30 years and more than 400,000 customers, that’s all we’ve done – and that’s all we plan to do. With 90 radio-dispatched ATC air conditioning vehicles on the road, we continue to provide the lowest possible prices, the highest level of professional
service and South Florida’s most dependable A/C sales, service and maintenance values to each and every one of our customers. ATC does not employ subcontractors! Our full-time technicians are experienced in all areas of residential and commercial air conditioning, HVAC, refrigeration service, installation and maintenance. Air Around the Clock’s phones are answered 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. We provide quality service to all of our customers, which has earned our company multiple contractor awards!
Aloha AC, a trusted name in South Florida since 1979 As Rheem Team Top Contractors, we provide an array of air conditioning systems that meet the needs of any home or business. Thanks to our skilled HVAC technicians, we can perform a qualified assessment of your property, and will use this to determine which system will meet your particular needs. Also, Aloha provides maintenance throughout the year, which will ensure your system lasts longer. Aloha is passionate about providing our customers with clean air, so we also perform air duct cleaning services and service or install air purification systems. These can be used to ensure your property is free from allergens such as mold, fungi, and dust mites. Air conditioning and purification systems provide you with fresh and clean air to breathe. Aloha Air Conditioning has been in business since 1982. Our team of highly skilled HVAC technicians is available to perform assessments, installations, and maintenance to residents of Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines and surrounding areas. Call us today at 555-555-1212. Sincerely,
Jim Berry Jim Berry, Owner There is only one team that can be the HEAT in South Florida and that’s Team Aloha AC.
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.
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.
What are the pollutants in my home and particles and where do they come from?
Y
ou may be surprised to learn that some common household items pollute the air you breath, 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 breath 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.
Right At Home.™
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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. Takk to your local Rheem contractor for details.
Right At Home.™
Getting the most in
COMFORT The HVAC Consumer CashBack offers up to $1,200 in instant savings
T
he new HVAC Consumer CashBack instant money back program could save up to $1,200 off a hew heating and cooling system.
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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 HVAC contractor.
Most HVAC contractors offer easy ways to finance a new heating a cooling system without breaking your budget. HVAC 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 Including in the financing should be your old heating and cooling equipment everything associated with your HVAC with ENERGY STAR qualified equipment equipment—your original equipment can cut your annual heating and cooling bill purchase, all subsequent service, extended by 40%. service protection, and even the comfort HVAC 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. Right At Home
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. Lots of options
HVAC is offering a hassle-free instant rebate on qualifying systems. Filing is simple and there is no paperwork for the homeowner to fill out. Everything is submitted on-line by your HVAC contractor. At the time of the sale, the homeowner’s rebate will be subtracted from the purchase price. The extra savings provided by the HVAC Consumer CashBack upgrade to high-efficiency HVAC systems for far less than they expect. The HVAC offer is good now until June 30, 2014 so don’t wait!
For more information on the HVAC Consumer CashBack program or any other features in Right At Home, contact your local HVAC contractor on the front cover of this magazine or go to: www.Rheem.com
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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
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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. Right At Home.™
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Dear Air Around The Clock... During these tough economic times we are all looking for integrity, value and efficiency when we look for a company to work in our home. Air Around the Clock delivers that and much more. Their people are not only knowledgeable, they are pleasant to deal with and deliver on their promises. I have used Air Around the Clock for several years now, and whatever the issue, and there are very few, they are there in a timely matter to fix the problem. Living here in South Florida, our Air Conditioner is part of the family, so it should be maintained and taken care of by the best, and Air Around the Clock is the best.”
We were referred to Air Around the Clock by a friend that had been using them for years. We scheduled a service call and received a free and very fair estimate to install a new system. The install was fast, professional and efficient. We were so pleased with their work that we have already arranged for ATC to install a new unit at my mother-in law’s house.
Franklin & Ronny, Plantation Florida
Thanks Guys for everything Tony Segreto, Former NBC news anchor Davie Florida
The big thing for me is you can always trust Air Around the Clock. They are on time, professional and reasonable. Its hot in South Florida so we all need that air conditioning working. They take care of you like you are part of the family…as long as they don’t send the jets truck to my house! Steve G., Florida Panthers Radio Broadcaster
This is to extend my belated gratitude and commendations to Air Around the Clock for their superior service and their staff. I was having problems with my A/C unit, and within the hour that I called ATC they were out at my house to diagnose the problem. The technician they sent out was very competent and courteous, and made sure that he explained everything he was doing in detail so I would understand it. I would definitely recommend ATC to anyone that wants prompt and accurate service. Diane S., Hallandale Florida
I would like to take this opportunity to thank ATC for recently installing a new A/C unit in my condo. I am especially grateful for the two servicemen they sent beforehand to investigate the problem I was having with my 12-year-old unit. The guys they sent out were on time, professional and very courteous. They spent about 40 minutes identifying the cause of the problem and they were very patient when answering all my questions. The next day installers came to install my new unit and my house was cooling before the end of the day! I want to thank ATC for their time and extra effort. I am looking forward to doing business with them in the future, and would recommend them to anyone. Mark A., Margate Florida
My air conditioner stopped working on a Sunday night. My unit is about 12 years old, so I wasn’t completely surprised it shut down, but I was a bit blindsided having to deal with this problem late on Sunday. I heard good things about Air Around the Clock so I called them, never thinking I would be able to get someone to my house that night. I called and a real person answered the phone immediately! When they arrived they opened up my a/c and showed me how old and rusted everything was inside. They were able to get it working and gave me a free estimate on a new unit. Less then a week later I have my brand new air conditioner. I am so glad I made the decision to work with ATC. My reduced monthly electric bill is just icing on the cake!
Gerri B.,
Davie Florida
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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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. Right At Home.™
• 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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