10.13.2022
Warm & Hearty Potato Leek Soup
As the weather cools down, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of soup served with crusty bread. This easy and quick potato leek soup makes a great starter, and is filling enough to be an entree. With a few dashes of our Holtkamp Heatwave Hot Sauce, it will definitely keep you warm this fall and winter! Ingredients 4 slices bacon, chopped into small pieces 2 tbsp unsalted butter 2 Russet potatoes, diced into 1/2” pieces 1 Vidalia onion, diced 2 leeks, sliced thin and rinsed 2 tbsp flour 1.5 quarts chicken stock 1 tbsp Better than Bouillon (chicken flavor, or two chicken bouillon cubes) Splash heavy cream (optional) Dashes Holtkamp Hot Sauce (optional) Salt and pepper Directions Add bacon to large dutch oven and cook over medium high heat until bacon is brown and crispy. Remove bacon to paper towel-lined plate. Add potatoes to bacon grease and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes. It’s ok if potatoes stick to pan a little. Add butter, and when melted add onion and leeks. Sprinkle with a good dash of kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. Cook and stir occasionally another 5 minutes until onions and leeks have softened. Add flour […]
09.22.2022
Practical Tips to Best Take Good Care of Your Furnace
The furnace consumes about 45% of the energy used by the average American family. Having your furnace serviced regularly is crucial if you want it to function at its best. Several factors go into making the correct equipment and keeping it in good condition. The Best Ways to Take Care of Your Furnace In general, many people wait until a problem emerges before taking action. It doesn’t matter if you don’t use your equipment for weeks on end if you detect an issue when in regular use. Using this helpful checklist, you can keep up on the status of your furnace. 1. Replace or Clean Out Your Filter You can’t expect your furnace to function as efficiently with a blocked air filter. Depending on the state of your furnace, it is advised that you change your air filters every 30 to 90 days. 2. Keep the Blower Motor Working Correctly The blower motor drives the fan that circulates the furnace’s air. The blowers in most furnaces also supply air for the cooling system. After the heating element in the furnace has heated the air to the desired temperature, the motor pushes the hot air through the heat exchanger. Warm air […]
09.17.2022
Why Your Air Conditioner May Be Causing Your Sore Throat
Indoor air quality and your overall comfort can be improved with the help of air conditioning units. However, when not maintained regularly, these can cause sore throats and other respiratory problems. If your air conditioner is giving you a sore throat, here are the possible reasons: Your Air Conditioning Unit Is Dirty Sore throats are just one of the many illnesses that a dirty air conditioning unit can cause. Every three to six months, the unit should be cleaned and maintained. If you have frequent sore throats, you should consider maintaining your air conditioner more often. A Problem with Your Air Filter A dirty filter is one of the most common causes of a sore throat due to a problem with your AC. When they are not cleaned, the filter can collect dust, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne pollutants. This can cause throat irritation, dryness, and soreness. The filter should be cleaned and replaced at least once every three months and more frequently if you have other respiratory conditions (or pets who shed). This is why investing in regular AC cleaning and maintenance is essential. There Is Something in the System If you have a new pet or if […]
09.12.2022
6 Common Causes of Air Conditioning Malfunction
When your AC doesn’t turn on, it can be frustrating, especially if it’s hot outside. But before you call a technician, there are several things you can do to troubleshoot the problem. There are a number of reasons why air conditioners may malfunction. In some cases, the problem may be due to a simple issue such as a dirty filter or a tripped circuit breaker. In other cases, the problem may be more serious and require the assistance of a professional technician. Let’s take a look at some of the most common causes of AC malfunctioning. 1) Thermostat If your air conditioner will not turn on, the first thing you should check is the thermostat. Make sure the thermostat is set to the correct setting (cooling mode) and that the temperature is set low enough for the AC to turn on. 2) Power Supply If your thermostat is set correctly the next thing you should check is the circuit breaker. If the breaker has been tripped, simply reset it and see if the AC turns on. Assuming that you have checked the circuit breaker and the AC is still not turning on, the next thing you should check is the […]
08.19.2022
7 Benefits of Timely AC Repairs You Should Know About
Your air conditioning unit was never designed to run optimally forever. Eventually it will start to wear down and it will stop doing its job efficiently. This is where air conditioning repairs come into play. Regular air conditioner repairs by your local company or technician can ensure that your air conditioning units will continue to provide you with the best possible performance. Let’s discuss all the benefits of timely AC repairs and maintenance work. 1. Save on Future Cost The first and most obvious benefit of timely air conditioning repairs are the savings you can enjoy by avoiding expensive air conditioner replacements. Some air conditioner units cost you over 5,000 dollars for a replacement. If you can avoid an air conditioner replacement by just getting the air conditioner repaired, the repair cost is extremely cheap. Air conditioning repairs will help you save thousands of dollars in the future. 2. Better AC Performance Many people overlook the fact that with regular air conditioning repair and maintenance, you improve the performance of your AC system. Regular cleaning and repair can stop any problems before they get worse. Preventing problems is always much cheaper than fixing them later on. In addition to that, […]
08.17.2022
AC Maintenance 101: Basic Tips on How to Maintain Your AC
In this current economic turmoil, making the most out of each purchase would be prudent. Whether these items are new or not, you want them to last longer. You can do that by doing regular maintenance. You have to apply this principle to your AC unit because you can save a lot of money by engaging in AC cleaning and maintenance. The following are some of the most basic procedures you can do at home to take care of your AC unit: Examine the Thermostat Professional AC cleaning and maintenance crews often check the unit’s thermostat. As the name suggests, a thermostat controls the temperature inside your home. If it is not functioning properly, your AC unit will be forced to run continuously, leading to wear and tear. Thermostats are a vital part of an AC unit, so if you find that yours is malfunctioning, it would be best to have it checked by a specialist. You can contact a company that offers ac repair and maintenance near you. A smart thermostat will be best if you want to maximize your savings. Doing so means that you can easily monitor your energy consumption. Clean or Replace Air Filters Air filters […]
08.11.2022
Tips on Building a Better Burger
Does it get any better than juicy, flavorful burgers? You can keep them casual for a delicious backyard meal, or class them up with a glass of red wine for dinner. Either way, we have some solid tips to help you build a better burger! From choosing the right beef to adding some savory ingredients, you’ll never make burgers the same way again. This blend of ground sirloin and ground chuck finds the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness. If you can’t find one or the other, 85% lean beef will work. Ingredients 1lb 90% lean ground sirloin 1lb 80% lean ground chuck 2 tbsp finely minced red onion Splashes of Worcestershire Sauce Squirts of Yellow Mustard Dashes of Holtkamp Heatwave Hot Sauce (optional) Kosher salt/freshly ground pepper Directions Add beef to large mixing bowl and use a serving fork to carefully separate the meat. Gently spread the meat around and up the sides of the bowl so it can be seasoned evenly. Sprinkle evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. Sprinkle the finely minced red onion evenly. Add a few heavy dashes of Worcestershire sauce, and a few squirts of yellow mustard. Add a few dashes of hot […]
08.08.2022
Four Myths About Crazy High Power Bills
This time of year I typically see friends complaining on Facebook about their electric bills. No doubt about it, this has been one long, hot summer, and everyone is about to get their highest bills in memory. Folks are often searching for comparisons to someone else’s bill, but no two homes are alike. So, with solid Building Science in mind, I’m about to bust 4 common myths related to your electricity bills. Myth: I should be able to compare my electric bill with a friend who has a home with similar square footage. Truth: False. In order of importance, after the size of your home here are other major things to consider. Orientation to north Tree/shading coverage Age and condition of HVAC system Thermostat set point Ductwork condition and location (in attic, crawlspace, or inside) Size, type and condition of windows Roof overhang of windows Insulation in walls and ceilings Number of people occupying Number of appliances Air leakage of home Myth: 70 degrees F is the perfect temperature. Truth: Comfort is all about the humidity. 80 degrees and 40% humidity will feel the same as 70 and 60%. If you set your thermostat at 70 or below to be […]
07.30.2022
Tips on Decanting Wine
Decanting serves two purposes: to separate a wine from any sediment and aerate a wine so the aroma and flavor will be more vibrant upon serving. Red wines naturally produce sediment as they age, white wines rarely do. Decanting is simply the process of separating this sediment from the wine. Here’s how to Decant Your Wine: Set the bottle upright for 24 hours or more before drinking, so the sediment can slide to the bottom. Locate a decanter or other clean, clear vessel from which the wine can easily be poured into glasses. Remove the cork; wipe the bottle neck clean. Pour the wine into the decanter slowly, without stopping; when you get to the bottom half of the bottle, pour even more slowly. Stop as soon as you see the sediment reach the neck of the bottle. It may appear cloudy or like specks of dust. It can help to hold a light under the neck of the bottle; a candle or flashlight works well. Discard the remaining ounce or two of sediment-filled liquid in the bottle. Let the wine sit for 30+ minutes in the decanter. The wine is now ready to serve. Enjoy! If you’d like to […]
07.26.2022
5 Common Air Conditioning Issues You Should Know About
Summer is here, and the hot temperatures will be sticking around for a while. While an ice cold beverage is comforting, it’s the AC system that can keep our homes and businesses cool during the hot summer season. If your system malfunctions, it may interfere with home or business operations. It may be a good idea to fix your AC system for this hot season. Here are some of the common issues you may experience with your AC system and how you can fix these problems. 1. Less Cold Air from the Vents The AC system may be working correctly, but there may be a problem with the ducts and the airflow they produce. If the airflow is restricted, it can become hot and stuffy. You may notice that one room seems warmer than another, or that there is a difference in the temperature between the two rooms. The problem could be that the ducts need cleaning or a blockage that needs to be removed. The cause of the blockage may be insulation or the use of airtight ducts, which are designed to reduce air leakage. Solution: Check the ducts to see if they are blocked by dust or any […]
