S P E C I A L
H O M E
C O M F O R T
I S S U E
HOME LIVING www.YourCompany.com
SPRING/SUMMER 2014
Shape Up
Quick ways to get in shape for the summer
SAVE $1200
Up to $1,200 off new RUUD A/C systems
Fast Fixes
Great family dinners in less than an hour: Chicken Parmisian, Chorizo Boglinese, Vegetable lasagna
FOR THE FRIENDS AND CUSTOMERS OF
YOUR LOGO
Your Company 956-350-4813
Welcome to Home Living Welcome to the spring 2014 issue of Home Living, the magazine that provides homeowners across the country with recipes, lifestyle articles, home health tips and, most importantly, how to take care of your heating and cooling system. The topics in this issue will help you and your family get the most out of the busy spring and summer months. We’ll explain what to look for if your cooling system has maintenance issues this summer. We’ll also tell you the best way to keep it running at peak performance. You’ll also find important information that can cut your energy bills by simply looking for leaky duct work. Warmer weather usually heats up a family’s activities and everyone seems to be on the go! We’ve found some great pasta recipes that you can have on the table in no time. We also have tips on reducing clutter, getting in shape for summer and how to help reduce the causes of allergies in your home. We hope you consider the local Ruud contractor who sent you this magazine as a trusted source for any future heating or cooling needs.
CONTENTS 5
SPRING/SUMMER 2014
11
MONEY Typical duct systems lose 25 to 40 percent of the energy put out by the central furnace, heat pump, or air conditioner.
HOME
6 14
The Tired of everyone just dropping books, gear and clothes everywhere? Try these de-clutter tips
COMFORT Ignoring seasonal maintenance on your HVAC system is like driving your car and never having the oil changed. It can cost BIG in the long run.
HEALTH
15
It’s time to get in shape for that summer getaway. We have some easy ways to get healthy.
Food
Quality ingredients and easy recipes can help you get a great dish on the table in no time.
Home Living PUBLISHER William Sabo DESIGNER KZ Creative
STAFF WRITERS Hollie Deese David V. King Beth Burcham
All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reprinted without the express permission of the publisher. Published by: Private Label Media Partners, 709 State Street New Orleans, LA 70118, 877-618-6626.
Custom story or ad about your business Johnson Mechanical Contracting, serving SoFla for 30 years Johnsone Mechanical Inc. is a full service heating, cooling and refrigeration contractor, centrally located in Jonesville, Michigan and easily able to access all major Midwest population centers. The company maintains a full staff of professionally trained technicians. For over 30 years, Johnsone Mechanical Inc. has built its industry leading reputation on providing our customers with unparalleled service, on-time and within budget completions and the best mechanical systems available. When we say we are going to be there, we WILL be there. It's important to us because we know your project is important to you. No project is too small or too big. We have the in-house capability to design your mechanical and refrigeration systems, source the highest value components and deliver a high efficiency system that will work like it's supposed to. Customers like Wal Mart, Target, Kroger's and Big Lots continue to choose Johnsone Mechanical Inc. for their projects and long term service and maintenance. They understand the value of a mechanical contractor with professionally trained people who are there when they say they will be there. For projects that are over budget, or when cost savings are being sought, we can provide you with value engineered solutions that can control project costs without compromising occupant comfort.
very hard to set the standard for performance. Johnsone Mechanical Inc. also works to incorporate green and sustainable mechanical practices into all projects. It's a commitment we make to helping our customers maximize their mechanical investment and contribute to improving the environment. Johnsone Mechanical Inc. also has as its core a sense of social responsibility, which is why we contribute portions of our profit to a variety of organizations that help to make life better for those less fortunate. Johnsone Mechanical Inc. regularly contributes to United Way, domestic violence assistance, hospice organizations, scholarship funds and its local school district. Being a good corporate citizen is part of how we operate at Johnsone Mechanical Inc..
e l p
m a S
We're proud of the team here at Johnsone Mechanical Inc. because they are proud of the work they do. With the constantly evolving technology in our business, it's important that we stay up to date on the latest developments. At Johnsone Mechanical Inc., our employees are involved in a continuous process of professional development through education and advanced training. You will always find a Johnsone Mechanical Inc. team member to be courteous, ethical and a valuable contributing member of your project team. We try
Consider Johnsone Mechanical Inc. for your next mechanical project and experience the customer satisfaction that thousands of other contractors, manufacturers, retailers and homeowners have been experiencing for over 30 years. Contact us so you can experience the Johnsone Mechanical Inc. difference.
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.
I
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. Home Living
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 Home Living, contact your local HVAC contractor on the front cover of this magazine or go to: www.Ruud.com
5
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.
6
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.
Home Living.™
7
This spring,
SPRING
take advantage of the RUUD Instant Rebate!
IS IN THE AIR AND SO ARE
INSTANT SAVINGS 2014 SPRING PROMOTION The Ruud Instant Rebate offers savings of $25 to $1,200 on eligible Ruud heating and cooling systems and individual unit components purchased between April 1, 2014, and June 30, 2014, from a participating independent Ruud HVAC contractor. The actual savings amount depends on the eligible Ruud 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 Ruud! Contact your independent Ruud HVAC contractor today to find the solution that’s best for your home and take advantage of these great savings.
RUUD.COM Contractor Name and PHONE HERE
1
For more than a century, Ruud has been a name synonymous with reliability. You can be sure you’re getting long-lasting value and comfort with any Ruud product you purchase. We engineer our products with durability in mind, testing and retesting to guarantee superior quality. In addition, we work hard to bring you high-efficiency heating and cooling products that reduce your monthly energy costs while being easier on the environment. We promise to deliver quality products that we can be proud of and you can rely on.
BIG SAVINGS ON THE SPOT.
From April 1st to June 30 th, the Ruud Instant Rebate** offers savings up to $1,200. You get big, instant savings and all the comforts of Ruud. Make your home comfortable year-round with a top-rated Ruud heating or cooling product. And with new comfort comes big savings! This spring, you can take advantage of immediate cash back with a Ruud Instant Rebate. When you purchase a Ruud system or any individual unit component, you save on the spot!
HASSLE-FREE There’s no paperwork for you to fill out and nothing to put in the mail. And with this rebate, there’s no waiting and wondering about when you will receive a check. Your savings are immediate – and your contractor takes care of everything. Easy! **Limited Time Offer. Offer applies only on eligible Ruud products purchased from participating independent Ruud HVAC contractors between 4/1/14 and 6/30/14. To view applicable instant rebate amounts, list of eligible Ruud products and other information, view the eligible products matrix inside. Offer valid to legal residents of the continental United States, Alaska and Hawaii only. Must be at least 18 years of age or older at the time of purchase to be eligible. The applicable Instant Rebate is applied by the participating Ruud contractor at the time of purchase for the Eligible Product. Rebate request must be made to participating Ruud contractor at time of purchase to qualify. Rebate requests submitted to Ruud will not be honored. This offer is limited to residential HVAC applications. Subject to applicable laws. Void where prohibited. This instant rebate offer may not be combined with any other rebate, discount, or other promotions and is not transferable or applicable toward future purchases. Ruud reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer, products and/or services at any time for any reason. Contact your local Ruud Contractor or visit Ruud.com/SpringPromo for more information.
Contractor Name:
Date:
Contractor Phone Number:
“In keeping with its policy of continuous progress and product improvement, Ruud reserves the right to make changes without notice.” Ruud USA • P.O. Box 17010 • Fort Smith, Arkansas 72917
Ruud.com
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.
Serves
6
Easy Chicken Parmesan Prep time: 10 minutes Total time: 45 minutes Ingredients:
Chorizo Bolognese
Serves
6
Prep time: 25 minutes Total time: 25 minutes
• 1 (15-ounce) can Tomato Sauce • 1 (14.5-ounce) can Diced Tomatoes with Basil, Garlic and Oregano, undrained
Ingredients:
• 6 tablespoons Grated Parmesan Cheese, divided
• 8 ounces dry fettuccine pasta, uncooked
• 6 small boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 1/2 pounds)
• 1/2 pound ground chuck beef (80% lean)
• 3/4 pound spaghetti, uncooked
• 1/4 teaspoon adobo seasoning blend
• 1 1/2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Preparation:
• 6 ounces fresh pork chorizo (Mexican-style)
• 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion • 1/4 cup sliced stuffed green olives
Heat oven to 375°F. Pour tomato sauce and undrained • 1 (15-ounce) can Tomato Sauce tomatoes into 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Stir in 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) Parmesan. Add chicken; turn to coat Preparation: evenly both sides of each breast with sauce. Cover. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting Bake 30 minutes or until chicken is done (165°F). salt. Meanwhile, heat large skillet over medium-high Meanwhile, cook spaghetti as directed on package, heat. Add beef, chorizo, adobo seasoning and pepper. omitting salt. Top chicken with remaining cheeses; bake, uncovered, 5 minutes or until mozzarella is melted. Drain spaghetti. Serve topped with chicken and sauce. Home Living.™
11
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
6
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.
Home Living.™
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.
The scoop on filters... The filter of an HVAC system is one of the most critical parts of the system. The filter increases the life and efficiency of HVAC systems by protecting them from dust, dirt and other contaminants. Many different filters are on the market, and each type of HVAC system will use a different filter. Homeowners need to be sure they are getting the correct filter when they change the filters in their systems. Changing the filter regularly is critical to the health of the system.
Panel Filters
Panel filters are the most common type of filter used in residential HVAC systems. They get their name because they are flat, and rectangular or square, which makes them resemble a panel. They generally protect the motors, fans and coils of HVAC systems from getting a buildup of dust, dirt and debris but are not designed to improve air quality. This type of panel should be replaced every 1-3 months, or more often if the home is in a dusty or sandy area.
Electrostatic Filters Electrostatic filters use static electricity to remove particles from the air. When the air passes through the front of the filter, the first two layers of the filter charge any particles with static electricity. Then, as the particles move through the rear two layers, which have the opposite polarity of the particles, the particles attract and stick to the rear layers. There are electrostatic filters that will fit most HVAC systems, and they can replace most panel filters. Electrostatic filters give better filtration than standard panel filters with fiberglass.
14
Washable Filters Washable filters are generally made of foam. As the name implies, they can be washed and reused. This type of filter came into use because manufacturers wanted to save the consumer the cost of purchasing new filters.
of residential uses because of their extreme efficiency. A HEPA filter is capable of removing 99.97 percent of all dust, mold, allergens and other particles from the air. HEPA filters are being installed not only in HVAC systems but also in anything that has air flowing through it, such as vacuum cleaners.
Pleated Filters Pleated filters are an upgrade in efficiency compared to standard panel filters and are about as efficient as electrostatic filters. Pleated filters gain efficiency because they have an increase in surface area, allowing better air filtration. The material of the filter is folded back and forth, thus increasing the filter’s surface area.
HEPA Filters HEPA filters were first brought into use in hospitals, for food industry uses and for other corporate uses where air needed to be very clean. They are now becoming more popular in a wide variety
Actual replacement times will depend on a variety of household conditions, including running time on the furnace or air conditioning unit, the type of flooring in the house, and the presence of kids and/or pets. Generally, 1� air filters should be replaced about every 2-3 months for optimal performance, while larger box-type filters (3-5�) can last up to one year.
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 vegetaHome Living.™
bles to make a fluffier omelet. • 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.
15
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
15% off Service Call SCHEDULE
YOUR ANNUAL SERVICE
Heating or Cooling system repair
Free Programmable Thermostat with purchase/upgrade to new
YOUR COMPANY NAME COMPANY ADDRESS
000-000-0000 • yourwebsite.com
high-efficiency system
System CALL TODAY Service Special
FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE.
Heat or Cool $80.00
*Excludes Fuel oil systems*
In keeping with its policy of continuous progress and product improvement, Ruud reserves the right to make changes without notice.