Archive for: Miscellaneous Tidbits

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!Happy Thanksgiving!

I can definitely say that I am so ready for Thanksgiving!

The thought of my Mom’s Thanksgiving Feast makes my mouth water as I am writing this blog. I am thinking about the juicy, mouthwatering turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, collard greens, pumpkin pie, banana pudding, and fruit cake.

In addition to some of the traditional Thanksgiving Day “fixins”, my Mom adds some Puerto Rican dishes that are absolutely delicious. For example, she also makes Puerto Rican rice and beans, and pastels (a meat pie made from green bananas).  Yum, Yum, Yum!

I am so thankful for the country that live in. Despite the problems that we face as a country, we are all blessed to be living in a country like the USA. I am thankful for my family and friends who love and care about me and my family. I am thankful for my wife. Let’s face it, she puts up with me. I absolutely love my job and the people that I work with. I am thankful for the struggles that I have, for they push me to be better. Wow! My family and I are definitely blessed!

Finally, all of us at Arctic Air would like to express how thankful we are for our customers!

 

Holiday Schedule:

Thursday (Thanksgiving) – Service Calls will be taken (Holiday* rates apply)

Friday (Black Friday) – Office closed. Service calls will be taken through our answering service. (Regular rates apply)

Monday, December 1 – Office re-opens at 8am.

*Please note that if you are a Discount Club member, you do not pay overtime ever, even on Holidays.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

 

 

Welcome to the Team!

Welcome SteveAll of us at Arctic Air would like to WELCOME Steve to our team. He and his family moved from New York to Charleston. Steve has over 25 years experience in the hvac industry. We look forward to working with him.

Happy 40 + 1 Birthday Staci!

We would like to all wish Staci (our Operations Manager) a very happy 40+1 Birthday.  She has told all of us that she is not having any more birthdays (lol)!  Here are a couple of photos of her birthday.

There is nothing better than spending time with family and friends.  Those gift bags are filled with massage appointments, clothes, Bath and Body Works Lotions, jewelry and some tasty treats.

Happy Birthday!

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Thank You Veterans!

All of us at Arctic Air would like to say, “THANK YOU” to all of the Veterans that have served the United States of America!  We would also like to say, “THANK YOU” to their family members, who have also sacrificed for the greater good of the citizens of the United States.

167347052In my humble opinion, I believe that we live in one of the greatest nations of all time. Notice, I didn’t say a perfect nation, but nonetheless a GREAT NATION. This could not have been achieved without the men and women who serve. Thank YouVeterans!

Occasionally on Facebook (sometimes in person), I will see people going back and forth on political and other issues. It seems like blood pressures rise. Sometimes, the name calling begins. We begin to fight for the beliefs that each of us hold dear. Each side’s ultimate goal is to make the nation better. Most of us could use this advise… “God gave us two ears and one mouth.” The implication is that we listen twice as much as we speak.  Is this over simplified?  Yes. However, the bottom line is that we have the freedoms have been provided by those who have served. Thank You Veterans!

When I see a man or woman in uniform, I immediately think to myself, “Thank you for your service”. Sometimes, I get to tell them face to face.  Sometimes, it is not possible, but I still think it. Then, I think about what that particular soldier has seen. I begin to wonder about the nightmares that might plague their sleep, and the memories that might torture their days. I am overwhelmed by thankfulness.  How about you? Again, I say “Thank You Veterans!”

As I read back over what I have written, I wish there was something more that I could say or do. Thank you doesn’t seem like it says enough about how I feel. Then, the thought came to me… I can do something.  I need to be sure to let my political representatives know that we need to make sure that we are taking care of our Veterans with proper care. Whether that care is for physical needs, emotional needs, or even, their monetary needs (ie, jobs).

So, to sum up all of this…. THANK YOU VETERANS and YOUR FAMILIES!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vote Today! Yes, it is that important!

I just wanted to encourage each of you to take some time to vote today.  If you have that little voice in the back of your head saying “Hey, it is really not worth the time.  No one will know the difference!”, that voice is WRONG.  It is worth the time … and YOU will know the difference.

There are people in other countries that are dying for the opportunity to cast a vote.

If you have already made it to the polls…. Thank You!vote

In Memory of the victims of 9-11

lost but not forgotten

In Memory of the victims of 9-11

As I am thinking about what to write, I am amazed at how this day changed all of our lives. The changes have been minor in some ways… major for those who lost loved ones.  I understand that loosing a loved one is nothing compared to the delay that we may experience when dealing with the TSA at the airport.

I remember being in my print shop working. Kathy hears the announcement on the radio that one of the World Trade Center Towers had been hit by a passenger plane.  Kathy and I are amazed at what has been just said.  We got the little TV that we had in the shop.  Then, we see another plane heading for the second tower. We watch as the plane makes impact. I thought to myself, “what is wrong with these pilots? I am sure that they can see these big ole towers.

At that point, it didn’t seem like we were being attacked.  But, you know the old adage, “Hindsite is 20/20”.

Many people lost their lives. Many people lost their loved ones, friends, and co-workers. Those people will never be forgotten.

Since then, families have had to put the pieces of their lives back together. Some are still dealing with the pain. For those, we pray that one day the pain would be lessened. We pray that peace and healing would replace some of the hurt and loss.

After 9-11, many more have been taken from us in the line of duty. Some have been permanently injured. Some are dealing with post traumatic syndrome. Others have to deal with what was required of them to “get the job done”.

For those who were innocently killed… For all of those that gave some… for all of those that gave all… Today we remember you.

Today, we REMEMBER and HONOR you. You will not be forgotten.

 

 

Check out Arctic Air’s New Website!

464066437Hello everyone!  I must say that we have been very busy here at Arctic Air!

I have said this before and I will say it again, our current technicians are awesome!  I have never seen a group of people work so hard to make sure that our customer’s get the best in service and repairs.

As you have seen posted, Arctic Air is in need of adding a couple of high quality service technicians to our staff.  We are looking for someone with a desire to give the best in customer service, and who can troubleshoot and fix residential air conditioners, commercial air conditioners, and commercial refrigeration equipment (ie, walk in coolers and freezers, reach in coolers and freezer, etc.) If you know someone who you think might fit, please direct them to our website… here is the direct link for submitting an application …. www.arcticairinc.com/careers .

All of us here at Arctic Air would like to wish Michael Lopez (jr) a very Happy 22nd  Birthday.  It is certainly amazing to see how fast time flies .  He has always loved to play piano… I keep remembering watching his little fingers going up and down the piano keys.  It is amazing to watch someone with such talent.  He is still a very talented young man that we are proud of.

honeywell lyricFinally, I must say that Apple must be one of the greatest marketing geniuses of all time. They have published a clock on there website counting down the days…. now hours until they unveil the new iPhone 6 and possibly the “iWatch”.  Speculation about the equipment and the event has had the internet blowing up.  Then, the Apple corporation, sends out an invitation to the press that simply has the date “9.9.2014” and the words “Wish we could save more.” Ha, again, great marketing.

With all the buzz, Apple is really getting a crazy amount of advertising for FREE!

If you are wanting to see what is happening in Flint, CA at the Apple “get together”, go to Apple.com.  You won’t miss it, if you go there on an Apple device.  So, will you be watching at 1pm today? I am hoping to be able to catch bits and pieces!

Feel free to check out the new site at www.ArcticAirInc.com .  If you find any areas that we can improved, please feel free to send me an email (just go to the bottom of any page of our website).

In an upcoming blog, I will let you know a little more about how the technology that we hold in our hands can help control the comfort in our homes.

 

 

 

Filter Change and a New Website!

Filter Change and a New Website!

Hello everyone!  Staci and I just got back from a short vacation in the mountains of Tennessee.  We stayed at the Tim Fords State Park (for more information check out this link), but more about that a little later.

air filter air conditioning heating charleston scI have been trying to keep everyone on schedule with checking the air filters in your homes.  I totally forgot to send out the reminder last week.  I apologize… and my hand has been slapped.  So, if you have not checked your filter, please take time this weekend.  If your filter is dirty, you are basically choking your a/c unit.  When your a/c can’t get enough air, it causes the whole system to work harder. I want to be sure that you don’t burn up your a/c prematurely, but if it does, give me a call (843-821-0937).

We are excited to announce that we are going to have a new website built.  It is going to have a more modern feel, and be a lot more user friendly, and be more visible on Google, Bing and Yahoo.  We are hoping that this new site will reflect the progressive, dependable, professional company that we are.

In an effort to keep this short, and, because I know everyone is ready for the weekend, I will work on posting the next tip in the Why is Indoor Air Quality Important? 5 Steps to Improve it! series at the beginning of next week.

I hope everyone has a fun, safe weekend!

 

 

 

Why is Indoor Air Quality Important? 5 Steps to Improve it! Part 1

Why is indoor air quality important?

You would think that the air inside of our homes is cleaner than the air outside. Unfortunately,  you and I would be wrong. When we think of the outside air pollution, most tend think of the pollution from planes, trains, automobiles, motorcycles, and factories, etc. The sad truth is, the air inside our homes, buildings and offices can be more polluted than the outside.

The air inside our homes can be contaminated by a number of different things. Items such as a new mattress or furniture, a newly painted room, or carpet cleaners can bring in pollutants. In addition, lead (in house dust), radon, fire-retardants, dust mites, mold, pet dander and chemicals from fragrances can pollute the air inside our homes.

People with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), children, people with asthma, and the elderly may be affected by these indoor air pollutants. Some of the effects on their health may appear much later after repeated exposure.

Because we are spending more time indoors, it is important to address these air quality issues. Poor indoor air quality can lead to poor health.

In the next few blogs, I will share 5 Steps to improve your indoor air quality.

This first step is not going to be very popular, but please don’t shoot the messenger.

Step 1 – Keep Floors Clean and Fresh!  

vacuumSuck it up  Yep, that is right! The good ole vacuum. Or, I should say, the good ole vacuum with a HEPA filter. Using a vacuum with a HEPA filter can help reduce allergens and reduce levels of lead dust (homes built before 1978 are more inclined to have lead paint and lead dust) found inside also. Toxins like pollen, pet dander, fire retardant chemicals and dust mites can be reduced.

Be sure to use a vacuum that has a HEPA filter, strong suction and rotating brushes.  Using a vacuum with a HEPA filter will help ensure that these pollutants won’t be blown back into your home. In those areas, where the traffic is high, run the vacuum over them several times.

Some other areas to remember – the walls, carpet edges, and furniture.  These are all areas where dust will accumulate.

Finally, it is recommended that you vacuum two or more times per week and wash out (or replace) the HEPA filter on a regular basis.

mopMop it… Mopping will help pick up the dirt and dust that the vacuum leaves behind. Here is the great news… you don’t have to use any cleaners.  Plain water is sufficient enough to pick up any dust or allergens that have been left behind.

door matKeep it outside… How you ask? Great question!  A large floor mat will do the trick!  The dirt on our shoes track in all sorts of allergens and chemicals. The reason a large floor mat is recommended is for those people who do not wipe their shoes.  When they walk over a large mat, the allergens are left there, rather than in your home.

 

Indoor air quality is very important for all of us.  There are also solutions that can be implemented in your central HVAC (air conditioning and heating) system.  I will go over this information in a future blog.  If you cannot wait, please feel free to give us a call at 843-821-0937.

Sparkler Safety on the 4th of July

Sparkler Safety for your family on the 4th of July!

When I was a child, I loved watching and setting off fireworks. Of course, when I was really young, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on sparklers.  There is something about the bright sparks flying everywhere in the darkness of the night.  As a child, you don’t realize the danger that is hanging from your little fingertips.

Did you know that sparklers can burn at 2000°F?  This is as hot as a blow torch! 16% of all consumer fireworks injuries are caused by sparklers burning hands and legs.  Most of the documented injuries have to young children. These injuries could have been prevented if some basic safety steps would have been prevented.

(Safety tips follow the graphic below)

fireworksparkler

When used correctly, sparklers are safe.  I cannot imagine not celebrating the 4th of July or New Year’s without sparklers. They are so much fun!

So here are some safety tips when using sparklers…

  1. Children under the age of 12, should use sparklers under VERY CLOSE adult supervision.
  2. Do not sit down while using sparklers.  Always remain standing.
  3. Only hold one sparkler at a time.  Remember, these little sticks get as hot as a blow torch!
  4. Always wear appropriate footwear.  Closed toe shoes should always be worn when using sparklers.  Being barefooted and using sparklers can be a very painful combination.
  5. Drop the spent sparklers directly into a bucket of water. The wire/stick remain very hot after the flame has been extinguished.
  6. Never hand a lit sparkler to another person.  The best practice is to hand a person the unlit sparkler, then light it.
  7. Stand 6 feet apart from another person.
  8. NEVER throw sparklers.
  9. Hold sparklers away from your body at arm’s length. Children must be shown how to correctly do this.
  10. (This one is tough) – Teach children not to wave or run with sparklers.

Even though the 4th is a holiday, we do have technician on call.

We hope that you have a very safe, relaxing 4th of July.