6 Signs You may need a new HVAC system!
There’s no place like home, especially when that home is a comfortable and safe haven. One of the ways residents nd comfort in their homes is by maintaining the right indoor temperatures, which uctuate along with the seasons. While there is much to be said about opening windows and doors to let Mother Nature do her thing, indoor comfort is o en maintained with an HVAC system.
HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. It can include heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioning units. It is an automated system that works by adjusting a thermostat to regulate air temperature, and sometimes humidity, in the home. According to Enviguard, a commercial contracting provider, HVAC systems also may be used to improve indoor air quality through ltration and oxygen replacement.
As with any mechanical device, an HVAC system has a life span that must be considered. Should any of the following conditions be present, it is likely time to consult with an HVAC technician to see if repairs or replacement of the entire system is warranted.
1. AGE
If the HVAC system is more than 10 years old, it could be time to begin budgeting for a new unit. Many modern, e cient systems may last 12 to 14 years with routine maintenance. But it’s good to keep an HVAC system’s age in mind so you can readily recognize when it might start to fail.
2. LONGER OR CONSTANT RUNNING TIMES
An e cient, properly working system will quickly heat or cool the home and then turn o . A system that is turning on repeatedly or having to run for awhile before the set temperature is reached could be nearing the end of its utility.
3.
STRANGE NOISES
Groaning, banging or loud humming noises should be addressed. While these noises may indicate that certain components need maintenance or replacement, they also could be symptoms of age and a system nearing failure.
4. FREQUENT REPAIR VISITS
Knowing the HVAC company’s repair person by name is a sign that the system has required too much work in recent months. Repeated issues and repairs are probably signs that it’s time to consider a system replacement.
5. HIGHER BILLS
Sticker shock when receiving electricity or gas bills likely mean the HVAC system isn’t working e ciently and might need to be replaced.
6. POOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY
If the home is dusty or humid or even if allergies seem to have cropped up out of nowhere, this could indicate a poorly functioning HVAC system.
HVAC systems are vital to keeping indoor environments comfortable and safe. Such systems may exhibit certain signs that indicate they need to be replaced.
STARTERS
BAKED MOZZARELLA STICKS
Six mozzarella sticks with pizza sauce
BAKED GARLIC BREAD WITH CHEESE
Served with pizza sauce
BREAD STICKS - Served with pizza sauce • Add Cheese
TRADITIONAL BONE-IN CHICKEN WINGS
8 Honey BBQ or Hot Spicy Wings • Choice of Ranch or Bleu Cheese
TATER TOTS - Plain or Loaded (Toppings include bacon, cheddar cheese, sour cream & onion) Plain or Loaded
MACARONI BITES - 6 macaroni cheese bites
SALADS
ALL of our salads are freshly chopped!
TOSSED SALAD
Lettuce, tomato, cheese, & choice of dressing • Small - Large
CHEF SALAD
Lettuce, tomato, pepperoni, ham, cheese, mushrooms, onions, green olives, mild banana peppers, green peppers, & choice of dressing. Small - Large
CLUB SALAD
Lettuce, tomato, turkey, ham, bacon, cheddar cheese, & choice of dressing. Small - Large
ITALIAN SALAD
Lettuce, tomato, ham, pepperoni, salami, banana peppers, onions, cheese, & choice of dressing. Small - Large
CHOICE OF MARZETTI DRESSINGS:
Buttermilk Ranch, Fat Free Ranch, French, Honey French, Creamy Italian, Regular Italian, Lite Italian, Thousand Island, Bleu Cheese, & Honey Mustard.
Small salads: one dressing Large salads: two dressings; Extra dressing
ITALIAN DINNERS
LASAGNA - Homemade six-layer lasagna. Served with a small tossed salad and garlic bread.
CHICKEN ALFREDO - Pasta, alfredo sauce, tender strips of fajita chicken. Served with a small tossed salad and garlic bread.
SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS - Generous portion of pasta and seasoned meatballs. Served with a small tossed salad and garlic bread.
CHICKEN PARMESAN - Pasta, breaded chicken breast, covered with spaghetti sauce and provolone cheese. Served with a small tossed salad and garlic bread.
CALZONE - Italian or Create Own
Italian: Ham, salami, pepperoni, mozzarella and provolone cheese.
CREATE YOUR OWN: Cheese + four pizza toppings of your choice.
SPECIALTY PIZZAS
Freshly homemade pizza dough!
Your choice of Regular or Thin pizza crust with any of these delicious Christy’s Specialty Pizzas!
Available in 11”, 13”, or 16” (priced accordingly below)
VEGGIE
Provolone cheese, mushrooms, onions, green olives, black olives, green peppers, and mild banana peppers
DOUBLE PC
Double cheese and double pepperoni
BACON CHEDDAR
Provolone cheese, bacon, and cheddar cheese.
ALL THE WAY
Provolone cheese, pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, green olives, mild banana peppers, and green peppers.
BIG C
Extra cheese, mushrooms, onions, pepperoni, sausage, ham, and ground beef.
MEXICALI
Provolone cheese, refried beans, ground beef, black olives, onions, green peppers, banana peppers, smothered with cheddar cheese and sprinkled with hot pepper seeds, topped with lettuce and tomatoes with salsa on the side.
HAWAIIAN
Provolone cheese, ham, green peppers, mushrooms, pineapple, topped by an additional layer of cheese, sprinkled with coconut and almonds.
BUFFALO CHICKEN PIZZA
Buffalo hot sauce, chicken, onion, mushroom, mozzarella cheese and cheddar cheese.
BLT
Provolone cheese, bacon, topped with mayo, lettuce, and tomato. Add top crust.
SMOTHERED CHICKEN
Tender fajita strips, onions, mushrooms, smothered with a blend of three cheeses: mozzarella, provolone, and cheddar.
ALFREDO PIZZA
Alfredo sauce, tender fajita chicken strips, mushrooms, and mozzarella cheese, with a hint of garlic
ITALIAN PIZZA
Provolone and mozzarella cheese, salami, mushrooms, onions, and tomatoes, sprinkled with oregano.
THE PHILLY
Alfredo sauce, tender beef slices, green peppers, onions, and mushrooms, topped with melted mozzarella cheese.
CHEESEBURGER PIZZA
Provolone cheese, fresh ground beef, cheddar cheese, onions, topped with mayo, lettuce, and tomatoes.
CHICKEN BACON RANCH PIZZA
Provolone cheese, tender fajita chicken strips, bacon, ranch dressing, topped with cheddar cheese.
CREATE YOUR OWN PIZZA!
Your choice of Regular or Thin Crust. Available in 11”, 13”, or 16” (priced accordingly below)
CHEESE PIZZA - Provolone Cheese
ADDITIONAL TOPPINGS TO CREATE YOUR OWN! Pepperoni, Sausage, Mushrooms, Onions, Green Olives, Black Olives, Mild Banana Peppers, Hot Banana Peppers, Green Peppers, Jalapenos, Pineapple, Ham, Bacon, Ground Beef, Extra Sauce, Extra Cheese 12” CAULIFLOWER CRUST AVAILABLE
SUBS
Substitute Pepper Jack for Provolone on any sub.
CHRISTY’S DELIGHT - Ham, salami, pepperoni, mild banana peppers, onions, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and Italian dressing.
MEATBALL - Meatballs, sauce, cheese, sprinkled with parmesan & oregano.
PIZZA SUB - Pizza sauce, cheese, and pepperoni.
STEAK - Steak patty, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayo.
PIZZA SUB SUPREME - Pizza sauce, cheese, pepperoni, green peppers, onions, mushrooms, and mild banana peppers.
TURKEY - Turkey, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayo on a wheat bun.
HAM & CHEESE - Ham, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and creamy Italian dressing.
CHRISTY’S CLUB - Turkey, ham, bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayo.
HAM & CHEESE DELUXE - Ham, sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, green olives, mild banana peppers, green peppers, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and creamy Italian dressing.
BLT - Bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayo.
ITALIAN SAUSAGE - Ground Italian sausage, cheese, green peppers onions, and Italian dressing.
PHILLY CHEESESTEAK - Lean sliced beef, cheese, green peppers, onions, and mushrooms, smothered with alfredo sauce.
THE VEGGIE - Mushrooms, onions, green olives, black olives, mild banana peppers, green peppers, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and Italian dressing.
CHICKEN BACON RANCH - Provolone cheese, tender fajita chicken strips, bacon, ranch dressing, topped with cheddar cheese.
BUFFALO CHICKEN - Buffalo hot sauce, tender fajita chicken strips, mushroom, onion, provolone cheese and cheddar cheese.
Fall Recipes
Hot Apple Cider for cool days
Lentil Soup w/ Italian Sausage & Escarole
INGREDIENTS
• 11 oz. Lentils, rinsed well
• 5 cups water
• 3 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 4 garlic cloves, nely chopped, divided
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 lb. sweet Italian sausage – remove casing
• ½ cup ham diced (optional)
• 1 med. onion, nely chopped
• 2 med. carrots, nely chopped
• 2 celery ribs, nely chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 4 cups packed escarole, chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ tsp. thyme
• ½ tsp. oregano
• ½ tsp. red pepper akes
• 2 tbsp. red-wine vinegar
In a large stockpot or Dutch oven set over medium-low heat, sauté the onion in the olive oil until tender. Add the carrot, celery and garlic, cook for 1-2 more min. Add the sausage and brown, braking it into bits as it cooks. Add tomato paste and cook for 1-2 min. Add the chopped ham (optional), chicken broth, vinegar and bring the soup to a boil. Pour in the lentils along with the remaining seasonings/spices and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook until the lentils are tender, and liquid reduces, 40-45 min. Stir in escarole (if using) and cook until tender, about 3 min. Stir in vinegar to taste and season with salt and pepper. Discard bay leaf.
Loaded Baked Potato Soup
INGREDIENTS
• 4 potatoes, cooked, peeled, cut into chunks
• 8 bacon slices, cooked, crumbled
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup yellow onion
• 1/3 cup all-purpose our
• 2 cups low fat milk
• 1 cup half and half
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
• 1/2 tsp garlic salt, plus more to taste
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup mild cheddar cheese
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• fresh chives, for garnish
1. Pierce the potatoes multiple times with a fork, then microwave 12-15 min, or until tender.* Halve the potatoes and let cool. Once cool enough to handle, remove the skins, and cut into chunks.
2. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add garlic and onion and cook for 2-3 min. or until the onion is tender. Slowly whisk the our into the pan and stir for 1-2 min. Slowly whisk in the milk and half-and-half. Keep whisking until smooth. Gradually add the chicken stock. Bring to a light simmer and whisk in salt, garlic salt and pepper. Keep at a light simmer until the mixture has thickened slightly, 5-7 min.
3. If you’d like to use cheeses and bacon as a garnish, reserve 1/4 cup of t each. Stir in the remaining cheeses, remaining bacon, and the sour cream. Remove the pot from the heat. Scoop potato chunks into the pan, leaving them chunky, depending on your preference. Serve hot, topped with your favorite garnishes, like cheese, bacon and chives.
Nothing warms the heart on a cool day quite like hot apple cider. Here are TWO easy homemade APPLE CIDER recipes you’re sure to love
1
• 8 cups apple cider
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp. whole cloves
• 1 tsp. whole allspice
• 1 cinnamon stick
2
Heat all the ingredients to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 20 minutes. Strain and pour into a punch bowl.
• 1 bottle apple juice
• Handful of cinnamon candy (red hots)
Heat in a crock pot or on the stove on low until candy is dissolved. Then enjoy!
Apple Pumpkin Butter
• 2 1/2 lb. apples
• 1 15-oz can pure pumpkin
• 2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 c. apple cider
Peel and core apples & cut into 1” chunks. Transfer to a slow cooker and fold in pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice and cider. Cook on Low for 6 hours & let cool slightly. Working in batches, puree until smooth.
