04.28.2023
Spring Cleaning: 23 Things to Declutter In Your Home
It’s that time of year when Spring cleaning kicks into high gear. We previously shared some top spring cleaning tips here and here, but this year is all about decluttering. When you look at photos of beautiful homes in magazines, online or real estate listings, do you know what is missing? Clutter. It can be visually distracting and disorganized, but clutter can also affect your mood. Studies have found that those who perceived their homes as cluttered had heightened cortisol levels, a stress hormone associated with chronic stress. How to Know What to Toss Marie Kondo, the reigning queen of tidying up your home, has six rules for tidying and decluttering. One is to ask yourself whether an item “sparks joy.” “Your feelings are the standard for decision making – specifically, knowing what sparks joy. To determine this when tidying, the key is to pick up each object one at a time and ask yourself quietly, ‘Does this spark joy?’ Pay attention to how your body responds. Joy is personal, so everyone will experience it differently; Marie describes it as “…a little thrill, as if the cells in your body are slowly rising. By selecting only those things that inspire […]
04.03.2023
Get a Tax Credit *Plus* Rebates on HVAC Equipment
There is no better time to upgrade your heating and cooling system. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) provides major tax credits for installing high-efficiency HVAC equipment. Up to $2000 for one heat pump, or $3200 for two heat pumps. Even better, we’re also offering Instant Rebates up to $1200 on qualifying equipment, which can be stacked with the tax credits for incredible savings on HVAC systems for your home! What’s a Heat Pump? A heat pump is an electric system that effectively cools and warms your home. It’s a more energy-efficient alternative to a furnace and AC compressor. In warmer months, a heat pump pulls heat from inside your home and moves it outside. In the colder months, it does the opposite, collecting heat from the outdoor air and moving it indoors. Modern heat pumps perform well in virtually all temperatures, from extreme heat to below freezing. Why Upgrade to a Heat Pump? A heat pump can improve your indoor comfort, and upgrading from an older HVAC system can lead to significant energy bill savings for years to come. Get an Estimate & Watch the Savings Add Up Contact us today or book online for a free estimate […]
03.15.2023
20 Pollen Tips to Help Reduce Spring Allergies
As clouds of pollen continue to descend on our area, these 20 pollen tips will help you survive a beautiful spring season with less of the accompanying allergy symptoms: 1. Save outside activities for after a rainfall when the pollen will be cleared from the air. Avoid dry, windy days when pollen swirls most. 2. Tempted to open your doors and windows on a beautiful spring day? You’re letting clouds of pollen into your home. Keep them closed as much as possible. 3. Wear sunglasses when outdoors to help prevent itchy, watery eyes. 4. Your dog’s fur and paws are like pollen magnets. Use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe down your pets and their paws after being outside. 5. Keep outdoor activities to the evenings when pollen counts are lowest. 6. Much of the pollen in your home enters on your shoes. Keep a door mat at each entrance to your home and wipe your feet. 7. Encourage family & visitors to remove their shoes as soon as they come indoors. 8. Remove clothes worn outside, and shower to rinse your skin and hair. Otherwise, that pollen will end up on your furniture and in your bed. […]
02.10.2023
Instant Pot Chicken Wings Recipe
Want a batch of delicious chicken wings in a fraction of the time it normally takes? Break out your instant pot and enjoy this easy chicken wings recipe in no time! A quick trip under the broiler (or on your grill) will crisp them up perfectly. Plus, you can finish the chicken wings in a delicious hot sauce, your favorite barbecue sauce, or some of both! Instant Pot Chicken Wings Recipe Ingredients 3-4 lbs chicken wings 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp Kosher salt 1/2 tsp Freshly ground black pepper 3/4 cup chicken broth 1/2 cup Holtkamp Heatwave Hot Sauce (or your favorite) 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter Directions In a large bowl, combine chicken wings and sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Toss to coat. Add 3/4 cup chicken broth to bottom of Instant Pot. Place trivet inside pot and add wings. Secure lid and press the manual setting. Cook on high for 10 minutes. When cooking has finished, do a quick release. Meanwhile, make sauce: In a microwave safe bowl, microwave butter until melted completely. Whisk in hot sauce. Heat broiler on high. Transfer cooked wings to a large bowl and gently […]
01.27.2023
Radon 101: What is Radon and is Your Home Safe?
Did you know radon, an odorless, tasteless, radioactive gas, is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States? Additionally, between 1990-2019, almost 30% of homes and buildings in Gwinnett tested positive for elevated rates of radon. Radon can become trapped in a house whether it is new, old, has a basement, crawlspace or slab. We want to help you become better aware of this important health issue and learn how to test for it in your home. Winter is the ideal time for accurate testing, as your doors and windows will be primarily closed. What is Radon? Radon comes from the breakdown of naturally-occurring radioactive elements (such as uranium and thorium) in soils and rocks. As part of the radioactive decay process, radon gas is produced. The gas moves up through the soil to the surface, where it can enter homes, schools and the workplace through cracks and other holes in the foundation. It can also enter the home through well water. Uranium is often found in high concentrations in granite and rocky soils, which are common in Gwinnett and the surrounding area. Radon can build up to dangerous levels inside homes, schools, and other buildings. Radon is […]
01.24.2023
Celebrating our 5-Year Partnership with the Hudgens Center for the Arts
The Hudgens Center for Art & Learning is pleased to announce the significant results of a 5-year strategic partnership with Holtkamp Heating & Air. In addition to generously sponsoring free admission to the galleries for five years, which has generated thousands of new visitors, the Holtkamp team also serviced all of the facility’s HVAC systems and maintained 18 smart thermostats at no charge to maximize energy efficiency. Through a combination of donated services, significant energy savings, private gifts and free admission, the Holtkamp’s support represents close to a quarter million dollars in the first five years of partnership. According to Hudgens Center Executive Director Laura Ballance, “Holtkamp Heating & Air has been a great friend and supporter of the Hudgens for the past five years. Thanks to their generous partnership, admission is free to visitors of the Hudgens’ five galleries, our 28,000sf Sculpture Garden and the interactive Children’s Art Zone, allowing us to truly serve as an inspiring, enriching resource, accessible to all in our community.” “With approximately 8,500 gallery visitors annually, we have seen a tremendously positive impact on the growth and reach of the arts in our community thanks to their generosity.” “Additionally, The Hudgens’ cost savings through […]
01.11.2023
10 Perfect Food & Wine Pairings
From whites to reds and many in between, try exploring some new wines that pair perfectly with these dishes and flavors. The wine will enhance the food and vice versa. Chardonnay & Salmon A dry, medium-bodied Chardonnay pairs great with light meats like fish and other seafood in flavorful sauces. Pinot Noir & Earthy Flavors Pair a deep Pinot Noir with earthy, savory flavors like mushroom dishes or hearty pizzas. Cabernet & Red Meat A rich wine needs a rich dish. That’s why Cabernet and red meat pair so well together. Sauvignon Blanc & Tart Flavors Sip a Sauvignon Blanc and pair it with a tart dressing or sauce for a flavorful zing. Rosé & Cheesy Dishes When it comes to cheese, Rosé is your go-to because it has the acidity of white wine while still maintaining the fruity notes of red. Riesling & Sweet, Spicy Flavors Lightly sweet, many Rieslings help balance spicy dishes while complementing sweetness as well. Sparkling & Salty Flavors Sparkling wines usually have notes of sweetness in them, perfect for complementing salty foods and snacks. Same goes for champagne. Syrah & Spiced Dishes For heavily spiced dishes, choose Syrah to help finish out the flavor […]
12.09.2022
Referral Bonus for Heating Repairs & Heating Systems
Know someone with heating problems? Refer them to us and earn money! ✅ Get a $25 Visa gift card if your referral books any heating service. ✅ Get a $100 Visa gift card if they replace their heating system! Simply have your referral mention your name when they contact us for heating service or heating repairs. Thanks for your trust in us to professionally service the homes of your friends and family.
11.15.2022
How Can I Prepare My Home for the Holidays?
If you’ve got family headed your way for the holidays, here are some of my best tips to make sure your house is safe and sound. Clear Away Clutter Fall is a great time to declutter your home and make space for guests. While rearranging furniture or switching rugs, it’s important to make sure nothing is blocking your air vents. Curtains, couches, side tables or anything blocking your air vents will reduce air flow and create hot/cold spots. Clean Dust & Debris As temperatures cool down, people and pets spend more time inside, creating more dust, dirt, and allergens in your home. Clean out all your A/C registers and vents, overhead fan blades, and install fresh HVAC filters. Fresh filters allow maximum air flow and more comfort while reducing stress on your system. Need a more heavy-duty duct service? We offer duct sealing services that will have your whole system in tip-top shape. Assess Important Safety Items Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they’re functional and have fresh batteries. If you have a fire extinguisher, know where it’s located and how to use it. If you don’t have a fire extinguisher, please be sure to get one. […]
11.10.2022
5 Minute Candied Pecans Recipe
Throw these tasty pecans in a mason jar with a festive ribbon for the perfect hostess gift or “take home” gift for your guests. They’re great as a snack, appetizer or even on salads. Careful, it’s easy to eat a lot of these candied pecans! Ingredients 2 cups pecans 1/2 cup granulated sugar 3 tbsp light brown sugar 1/2 cup water 2 tbsp unsalted butter 1/4 tbsp salt 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional) 1/4 tsp vanilla (optional) Directions Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside. To a large non-stick skillet, add the pecans, granulated sugar, brown sugar, water and butter. (and cinnamon/vanilla if using) Place over high heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until all moisture has evaporated and the pecans become glossy and start to clump together. This should take about 5 minutes. Stir in salt and quickly transfer nuts to prepared baking sheet. Spread out into a single layer and set aside to cool. Once hard, break apart and enjoy!
