07.02.2022
When Should Homeowners Replace Their Air Conditioner at Home?
Installing an air conditioning unit helps in maintaining better air quality at home. As a result, people experience fewer health conditions connected to breathing, like asthma and colds. However, a study suggests that an air conditioner’s life expectancy is only 10 to 20 years from installation, and it’s best to have them replaced starting on the 10th. But which common signs indicate an air conditioning unit is ready for replacement? Here are some ideas. 1. Rising Electricity Bills If you’re noticing a higher number of monthly electricity bills, it’s a sign that your air conditioner is reaching the end of its lifespan. Resetting your air conditioner’s thermostat can help reduce electricity usage costs. But if it’s a matter of replacing your air conditioner, it’s best to have it done as soon as possible. 2. Producing Unusual Sounds A good air conditioner makes very little noise. But if you notice that it’s producing unusual sounds that can last for a few hours, it’s best to have it checked immediately. But if the sound continues even after the needed repairs, then replacing the unit itself might be the only solution. A noisy air conditioner means that it needs repair or replacement. Unusual […]
06.30.2022
Comfort Tip: How Does Humidity Impact Your Home?
When people tell me they are uncomfortable in their home during the summer, the number one reason is usually humidity. Summer is when we see the highest humidity in our area, because warm air holds more moisture. This is what makes the air feel “thicker” and heavy. It can impact your physical activity and cause increased sweating, respiratory issues or general discomfort. Excess moisture inside your home can also cause damage, including warped wood and mold. So, what’s the best way to control humidity? Some people crank down the thermostat thinking it needs to be cooler in their home, but they aren’t addressing the humidity issue. Others might purchase spot dehumidifiers, which drive up your energy bills and require dumping buckets of water 1-2 times per day. Instead, we offer convenient central dehumidifiers which attach to your heating & air system and create the perfect level of humidity for your entire home. Watch this video for a snapshot of how you can get greater comfort with a central dehumidifier for your home. Want a free estimate on a central dehumidifier for greater indoor comfort this summer and beyond? Contact us today!
06.29.2022
When Should Homeowners Replace Their Air Conditioner at Home?
Installing an air conditioning unit helps in maintaining better air quality at home. As a result, people experience fewer health conditions connected to breathing, like asthma and colds. However, a study suggests that an air conditioner’s life expectancy is only 10 to 20 years from installation, and it’s best to have them replaced starting on the 10th. But which common signs indicate an air conditioning unit is ready for replacement? Here are some ideas. 1. Rising Electricity Bills If you’re noticing a higher number of monthly electricity bills, it’s a sign that your air conditioner is reaching the end of its lifespan. Resetting your air conditioner’s thermostat can help reduce electricity usage costs. But if it’s a matter of replacing your air conditioner, it’s best to have it done as soon as possible. 2. Producing Unusual Sounds A good air conditioner makes very little noise. But if you notice that it’s producing unusual sounds that can last for a few hours, it’s best to have it checked immediately. But if the sound continues even after the needed repairs, then replacing the unit itself might be the only solution. A noisy air conditioner means that it needs repair or replacement. Unusual […]
05.17.2022
Why Program Your Thermostat?
Your thermostat is the central hub for your indoor comfort, telling your heating & air conditioning system what to do and when to do it. If you’re leaving your thermostat on one temperature 24/7 during the summer or winter months, you’re also leaving a lot of energy savings on the table and missing out on many benefits. Here are two key benefits of programming your thermostat. Save Money Only pay for complete comfort when you need it. Don’t leave your system at one temperature all day on weekdays if nobody is home. Instead, while you’re away at work or other extended periods, program your thermostat to be three degrees warmer (in summer) or three degrees cooler (in winter) than you normally have it set. Don’t be tempted to turn the thermostat up to 80+ degrees during the day in the summer months. Any more than three degrees from the desired temperature makes your system work too hard to get back to a comfortable temperature and is inefficient. Programming your thermostat to maintain a more consistent range of temperature will ensure that your HVAC system will work at peak efficiency, driving down your energy bills. Plus, the less your system has […]
05.14.2022
Suzanne’s Simple Summer Caprese Salad
Want a great way to put some of your delicious homegrown tomatoes to use, like the ones I mentioned in my summer gardening tips? This very simple Caprese Salad is the perfect side dish for lunch or dinner, and can be on the table in no time! Don’t worry if you don’t have beautiful heirloom tomatoes growing in your yard. Store-bought is fine, but try to get vine-ripened tomatoes or campari tomatoes which tend to have more flavor. Ingredients Tomatoes Fresh Mozzarella Cheese Fresh Basil Extra Virgin Olive Oil Balsamic Syrup Salt & Pepper Directions Slice your tomatoes 1/4 inch thick. You can purchased pre-sliced logs of fresh mozzarella cheese, or slice into 1/4 inch pieces. If you’re using smaller tomatoes, try to make the slices of cheese a similar size to the tomato. Arrange on a platter, alternating slices of tomato and cheese until platter is full. Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Then drizzle with olive oil and balsamic syrup. Be sure to use a balsamic syrup, glaze or reduction, as balsamic vinegar tends to be too loose and acidic. Garnish with fresh basil cut into thin ribbons, or left as whole leaves. This simple […]
04.20.2022
Suzanne’s Top Spring & Summer Gardening Tips
With food prices going through the roof, why not consider growing some of your own produce? With these helpful tips below, you’ll see just how easy it can be to enjoy high quality veggies in the late spring and summer months. The nice thing about living here in metro Atlanta is enjoying a vegetable garden literally twelve months out of the year. It’s all in what you choose to plant and when you plant it. If you don’t have space for a garden in your yard, you can always conveniently plant in pots. The things to plant this time of year are warm season vegetables like: Tomatoes Peppers Squash Watermelon Corn Beans Pole beans Sweet potatoes And other summer vegetables Avoid planting cool season vegetables like spinach, peas, radishes and carrots. They can’t take the heat! When to Plant Tomatoes, corn and beans like it hot which means that planting too early before the soil has sufficiently warmed is not ideal. You can avoid the cold soil problem by planting in a pot and then transplanting into the garden around the first of May with tomatoes. For corn and beans, consider waiting until May 1 or even May 15. Rather […]
02.08.2022
Easy Chocolate Dipped Strawberries Recipe
Want an easy way to impress your sweetheart? Make these mouthwatering chocolate dipped strawberries and you’ll melt their heart! One key to this recipe is buying top quality chocolate. You don’t need much to coat the strawberries, so go for the good stuff! (Ghirardelli, Lindt, Godiva) In the candy/sweets aisle of your grocery store you’ll find these finer chocolates available by the bar which makes them more affordable. For best results, don’t use semi-sweet chocolate chips or baking chocolate. Those are best left for other recipes. Ingredients 1 pint Strawberries 1 3.5oz-5 oz Bar of Chocolate (dark or milk chocolate) Directions Make sure strawberries are washed, dried and at room temperature. Place wax paper on baking sheet. Chop chocolate into small pieces and place in microwave safe bowl. Heat in microwave for 1 minute. Stir chocolate with spatula, and if it needs further heating do it in 15 second increments until it looks almost fully melted. Stir chocolate until soft, shiny and smooth. Place a skewer or toothpick in the stem end of the strawberry for easy handling, and dip it into the chocolate while swirling. Alternatively, you can hold the strawberry near the chocolate and spoon the chocolate onto […]
01.08.2022
4 Tips to Stay Cozy this Winter
With evening temperatures dipping well below freezing, we are in prime territory for furnaces to fail. Here are four tips to keep you and your family as comfy as a cup of hot cocoa: 1) Make sure you have a fresh filter in place for proper air flow. Your furnace will already be working hard, so don’t stifle the airflow with a clogged filter. 2) Higher thermostat settings don’t lead to greater comfort in extremely cold weather. Keep your thermostat at a moderate temperature like 68-70 degrees. Bumping it higher only increases the workload on your system as it works to reach a temperature it may never hit, while driving your energy bills through the roof. 3) If you haven’t had a tune-up or professional maintenance in a while, now is the time. An inexpensive heating tune-up now can prevent a major repair down the road and extend the life of your system. You don’t want your furnace failing in the middle of the night. Hot tip: Get $40 off any maintenance plan when you call 770-271-7511 and mention this post. 4) For the ultimate peace of mind, consider our System Care Program and never pay for repairs again. For […]
12.14.2021
Jiffy Corn Pudding Recipe with a Kick
Having a few boxes of Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix in your pantry is a great way to whip up some easy sides, including this delicious Corn Pudding. This easy recipe features pantry ingredients you always have on hand, and the dish is a delicious crowd pleaser. You can kick it up a little (or a lot) with a few dashes of our Holtkamp Heat Wave hot sauce! Ingredients 1 egg 14 oz can creamed corn 14 oz can whole kernel corn, drained 8 oz sour cream 1 box Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix 1/2 cup butter melted Dashes of Holtkamp Heat Wave hot sauce (optional) Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish. Add egg to a medium sized bowl and beat the egg. Add the creamed corn to the bowl. Drain the whole kernel corn and add the corn to the bowl. Add the sour cream and hot sauce (if using) and mix well. Add Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix to the bowl and mix well. Add the melted butter into the bowl and mix well. Pour the batter into the baking dish, bake for one hour. Serve and enjoy! This tasty side dish has […]
12.08.2021
Local Holiday Gift Buying Guide
Need some great gift ideas for your friends and family? We have just the answer! Our Local Holiday Gift Buying Guide includes several wonderful non-profits that offer many gifts the recipients are guaranteed to love. Hudgens Center for Art & Learning Located at the end of the Gas South District in Duluth, the Hudgens Center has a gift shop brimming with beautiful pottery, woodwork, jewelry and more. Plus, they offer professional art classes, which makes a wonderful gift for the budding artist in your family. Be sure to visit their gallery and check out the latest exhibit while you’re there. Thanks to our sponsorship, it’s free! TheHudgens.org 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Building #300, Duluth, GA 30097 Suwanee Arts Center Another great resource for artistic gifts and Suwanee-branded merchandise is the Suwanee Arts Center. Located in Suwanee Town Center, you can browse their amazing paintings, photography, textiles and more, then grab a bite to eat at one of the many delicious restaurants within walking distance. SuwaneeArtsCenter.org 3930 Charleston Market St NW B6, Suwanee, GA 30024 Aurora Theatre Ever consider giving the gift of live theatre? Aurora Theatre is located in the heart of Gwinnett at the brand new Lawrenceville Arts […]
