Author Archive
05.24.2016
7 Simple Tips for Growing Perfect Peonies
If there’s one beloved flower in my garden, it’s my peonies. Their unique beauty, large flowers and delicate fragrance are treasured every year, and make great gifts for friends in homes or condos without gardens. Here’s some good news whether you’ve got a green thumb or not: Peonies can be very easy to grow, and once they’re established they can thrive for 100+ years in your garden! Using some quick tips and recommendations based on my experience and a few more from a helpful gardeners.com article, you’ll be growing beautiful, trouble-free peonies in no time. 7 Quick Tips on Growing Peonies 1) Peonies thrive almost anywhere in the country. Many varieties can even survive a zone 2 winter (that’s a low of -50 degrees F, which we should thankfully never encounter!). 2) Peonies prefer a sunnier location with well-drained soil. Good air circulation around the plant is also important. 3) For a warmer climate like ours in Metro Atlanta, peonies will be more robust and their blooms will last longer if the plants receive at least some shade during the hottest part of the day. 4) Plant your peonies in ways that will set them up for success: simply plant them at the same level they are in the growing […]
05.17.2016
HVAC Filters 101: All Your Questions Answered
If there’s one thing we get questions about all the time, it’s air filters for air conditioning systems. These questions typically include: How often should I change my filter? Where is my filter located? Which type of filter should I buy? Will an expensive filter improve my indoor air quality? Our answers will save you time and money! How Often Should I Change My HVAC Filter? We recommend you change your HVAC filter every 30-60 days for optimal performance. If you have a pet, especially one that sheds a lot, keep it closer to every 30 days especially during the heavy use months in summer and winter. A visual inspection of your filter after 30 days will help you determine if it’s time for a switch. A filter with thick, clogged dust and debris is a clear indicator that your A/C system needs a fresh replacement! Where is My Filter Located? Your A/C and furnace filters could be in a variety of places, including on walls, ceilings or floors of hallways or rooms, or even within the HVAC system itself. Contact us and we can help determine all of your filter locations on a service visit to make sure you’re changing them in all the right places. […]
04.29.2016
Suzanne's Tips on Edible Borders in Gardens
I was out in my kitchen garden a few weeks ago to visit my floribunda hybrid rose trees which are pruned into a ball shape on the top. I have a love/hate relationship with them. (They’re nothing like my carefree heirloom roses! See my previous blog.) For the second year in a row, two of the four trees didn’t survive the winter and seeing how I have a geometric garden, I sighed as I realized, that yes, I was going to be digging up rose trees again. Beneath these four rose trees, I had planted strawberry plants to fill out each section of the raised bed. The strawberries were totally thriving, but even the surviving rose trees were already exhibiting black spot and would definitely be sprayed this year with fungicide. This left me with the dilemma of not wanting edible plants underneath a tree which could be sprayed with chemicals. Yes, the strawberries would need to be moved. I looked around the garden and realized they would be perfect as a border to my flowers! This is a great example of how edible landscaping can be brought into your garden. An Idea is Born: Creating Edible Borders in your […]
04.19.2016
Enjoy HVAC Rebates from Georgia Power, Jackson EMC & the Federal Government
As you reflect on Tax Day are you wishing you had taken advantage of more ways to save? Enjoy these specific savings on qualifying HVAC systems now and you can cash in on some fantastic credits and rebates that will soon put more power in your wallet! Federal Tax Credits A number of tax credits for residential energy efficiency have been renewed. These tax credits are available for purchases made in 2016, as well as retroactive to purchases made in 2015. ENERGY STAR products eligible for tax credits are independently certified to save energy, save money and protect the environment. Use up to 30% less energy in your home by outfitting it with ENERGY STAR products available across more than 70 categories. Get up to a $500 tax credit if your purchase or purchased certain types of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems or make other energy-related improvements to your home between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2016. Expires: December 31, 2016 Georgia Power Rebates Georgia Power’s Home Energy Improvement Program can help their customers with benefits including: Get up to a $550 rebate when switching to an energy efficient heat pump Get up to a $400 rebate when you have a Duct and Envelope […]
04.12.2016
Holtkamp Heating & Air Trains at Mitsubishi Electric in Suwanee
Our President & Founder Matthew Holtkamp recently had the opportunity to enjoy two days of in-depth training at Mitsubishi Electric headquarters in Suwanee, a special class only available to Mitsubishi Diamond Dealers such as Holtkamp Heating & Air. Upon entering the Mitsubishi Electric facility, visitors are immediately presented with high tech displays showcasing the energy efficient options and benefits provided to customers needing heating & air conditioning solutions beyond traditional outdoor A/C units. Across the lobby, the latest cutting-edge HVAC technology from Mitsubishi Electric is displayed prominently for exploration. Matthew loves all things heating & air, and this educational course was like being a kid in a candy store. By exploring Mitsubishi Electric’s latest technology, Matthew learned: How to apply it How to install it How to maintain it How to solve challenging comfort issues for families in new and efficient ways Speaking of energy efficiency, these Mitsubishi Electric HVAC solutions are offered in ratings up to 30 SEER, some of the most efficient options available to consumers! Matthew looks forward to sharing all this valuable information and techniques with his staff. One of the most exciting offerings from Mitsubishi Electric are ductless mini-split systems, which are whisper-quiet units that can […]
03.22.2016
Suzanne's Simple Crock Pot Chicken Tacos
As a busy mom, I love coming across simple and delicious recipes that can feed my family or feed a crowd! And there’s no better way to make dinner simple than tossing a few key ingredients into a crock pot and letting dinner slowly cook itself all day long. Plus, who doesn’t love tacos? My simple Crock Pot Chicken Tacos are a surefire way to make dinner in a snap. Only 5 minutes of prep, and dinner is done! Ingredients 3 Chicken Breasts (frozen or thawed) 1 Small Jar of Salsa (your favorite kind, and whatever spice level you prefer) 1 Package Taco Mix (approx. 3 tablespoons) 2 Dashes Holtkamp Heatwave Hot Sauce (or more, if you want to turn up the volume!) Instructions • Place chicken breasts in crock pot • Pour taco seasoning, hot sauce and salsa evenly over chicken breasts • Cook on low 6-8 hours • Shred chicken using two forks • Serve with your favorite fresh taco toppings and tortillas This tasty shredded chicken can be used in tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas or on a salad. And if you double the batch, it freezes very well for future meals. After you try this simple recipe, Taco Tuesday will never be the […]
03.15.2016
Holtkamp Participates in Annual Georgia Air Conditioning Conference
Mathew Holtkamp was excited to recently participate in the Conditioned Air Association of Georgia (CAAG) Statewide Conference. This annual event is an ideal opportunity for leading air conditioning companies to come together and share best practices and latest HVAC industry trends. At Holtkamp Heating & Air, we pride ourselves on continually seeking educational opportunities and HVAC information that will benefit our customers and help us be as efficient and effective in creating comfort for homeowners throughout our service area. Areas of Focus During the HVAC Conference During the air conditioning conference, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs gave informative presentations on the latest state codes and regulations that affect the HVAC industry. As a licensed and insured company, Holtkamp Heating & Air carefully follows all the guidelines that meet the best needs of our customers. Additionally, a major emphasis was placed on residential ventilation. New trends in construction have reduced the amount of space in which air conditioning systems, ductwork and air handlers are installed. In order to have healthy homes, this creates the need for balance between energy efficient installations and dealing with poorly ventilated spaces that could potentially trap contaminants. The Setting The 2016 HVAC conference took place in the historic town of Savannah, Georgia, […]
03.13.2016
3 Big Reasons to Get an Air Conditioning Tune-up
With hot weather right around the corner, it’s critical to know how to get the most out of your HVAC system. Just like changing the oil in your car, did you know your system was designed to have twice annual maintenance? Here are 3 reasons to schedule your $68 Tune-up: 1. Maximize Efficiency. We’ll make sure you’re getting the best performance out of your HVAC unit! Our 21-point tune-up is the best (and most affordable) in the business. We even carefully clean your coils with a special product, not just hose them off like other HVAC companies. 2. Lower Energy Bills. Want to see a noticeable impact on your power bills and save some cash? This is the best $68 investment you can make. 3. Prevent Costly Breakdowns. Our HVAC tune-up and diagnostic tools can pinpoint minor issues that would eventually require major repairs down the line. For just $68 you can significantly extend the life of your HVAC system. Bonus Tip: Pollen season is upon us, and making sure your system is optimized and equipped with a fresh filter will vastly improve your indoor air quality! Maximize your family’s comfort and get your $68 tune-up, and make sure you’ll […]
03.10.2016
Just in Time for Spring: Tips on Heirloom Roses
Having grown up in Ohio, my youth was spent tending the vegetable garden. My mom wasn’t real big on roses; she thought them too fussy. So when I moved to Georgia and embarked on that first planting season in our new home, I had all sorts of flower plans. I’ll get right to the punch. Those beautiful long stemmed roses you see in florists’ shop are all but impossible to grow in Dixie humidity. (Does that mean Mom was right?) Thus began my rose quest. A friend suggested heirloom or antique roses. My life, and my garden, haven’t been the same since! The Difference Between Modern & Heirloom Roses Old roses are less trouble, less maintenance, vigorous growers, produce beautiful hued blooms and come in plentiful shapes, sizes, fragrances, and hues. Although definitions vary, an “heirloom rose” is defined as a rose which existed before the introduction of modern roses in 1867. Today’s modern roses have been hybridized primarily for potent color and long buds/stems. In other words, it’s all about the modern interpretation of beauty. Heirloom roses come with history and if they are propagated from cuttings, that means the rose you’re planting can trace its ancestory back through the […]
03.03.2016
5 Reasons to Choose an American Standard Air Conditioner from Holtkamp HVAC
If you’re getting an air conditioning estimate for your home, you’re faced with choosing from many different brands of air conditioners. What factors should you consider when seeking the best A/C equipment? Here are 5 reasons to choose American Standard Air Conditioners 1. Legendary Reliability Since 1881, American Standard has built their brand on the promise of comfort and long-lasting reliability for families, originally with heating systems and eventually world-class air conditioning sytems. Plus, a leading consumer digest magazine has confidently rated them as the #1 air conditioner for many years. 2. Maximum Affordability Matching the right A/C system for you and your home affords you the greatest efficiency, reliability and comfort. Based on a detailed home comfort analysis and our ‘Good, Better, Best’ options, we’ll identify which system is best specifically for your needs and most affordable for your budget. 3. High Efficiency American Standard offers an array of high-performing and high-quality HVAC systems that work smarter to manage your home energy consumption and help reduce your utility costs. That’s more money in your pocket! 4. Complete Control From programmable thermostats to a Nexia™ home automation solution, our products give you complete control over the climate and other features […]
