Lewis Maclean's online newsletter for December 2017
DECEMBER 2017
Staying Warm, Cozy and Safe This Winter
you keep your furnace needs to stay clean. When dust accumulates around the furnace over time, some of that dust will be pulled in through the filter, which then reduces airflow. Schedule annual inspections for your furnace, boiler, hot water heaters and so on. When these appliances are neglected, you won’t know if there is a problem lurking behind the scenes. If the gas utility companies consistently offer rebates on inspections, they must think it’s pretty important as well. Take advantage of these rebates and keep potential problems at bay.
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Furnace filters need to be checked regularly and replaced, before they become so bad you can’t warm your home. When we go out on these “no-heat” calls, we typically replace the filter and do a complete check of the furnace, looking for other issues. Most times, we get it up and running again — sometimes, we don’t. When the filter inhibits airflow, the furnace can overheat. We’ve already replaced a few furnaces that were beyond repair because they overheated and caused other irreparable problems. If you aren’t sure how to replace your furnace filter, you can always give us a call — we’re happy to help. We want you to stay warm and cozy just as much as you do! As we settle into winter, there are a few other topics I want to touch on — things we’ve mentioned in previous newsletters. But I’d like to share again, just in case anyone missed them. It’s a good idea to vacuum and dust around your furnace and hot water tank. Just like the other rooms within your home, the space where
Check your carbon monoxide detectors. Just as you test your smoke detectors and replace their batteries every six months to a year, you should also check your CO detectors. Test them to make sure they are operational and the alarm is audible. You may even need to replace your CO detectors if they are over five years old — they are only considered safe and reliable for a period of five years. After that, they need to be recycled and replaced. Shut off and drain your outside taps. Frozen pipes can cause a lot of damage and cost you a pretty penny in repairs. If possible, disconnect all hose fittings from the outside taps. Unscrew them completely and make sure they are drained. Finally, if you notice any strange, unexplainable noises or smells in your home, don’t hesitate to give us a call. As you rely on your heating systems this winter, you may notice things you haven’t before. It may be a loose fitting or clogged air filter. No matter the issue, it’s best to stay safe, so you can remain warm and cozy this winter.
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3 CREATIVE GIFT WRAP
ALTERNATIVES
There’s something magical about
seeing a stack of presents wrapped in bright, multicolored paper. However, that enchanting scene quickly evaporates a few hours later when all those wads of wrapping paper and plastic bows are chucked unceremoniously into the garbage. What if we told you there are countless ways you can still
When you’re in the market for a new heating system, there are several things to consider. There’s more to buying the right unit than knowing the square footage of your home. Many people are surprised to learn it’s possible to buy the wrong sized furnace for their home, even after taking the square footage into consideration. Should you buy a furnace that is too small, chances are you won’t discover the mistake until the day you need that furnace. This kind of situation can be averted when you work with a furnace expert who knows what factors create the ideal furnace. The expert and installer will communicate to the homeowner when a furnace will not be adequate. If you find yourself in need of a new furnace, here are four mistakes you want to avoid when making that important purchase. Buying the wrong size furnace. As we discussed, you should always consult with a professional to determine the right size unit for your home. Determining the right size involves more data than square footage, such as ceiling height and window size. Falling for limited-time offers or discounts. Going for the cheap option can mean the heating contractor you’ve hired is cutting corners, either on installation or products — or both. Hiring untrustworthy installers. Some companies or installers make you wait for days or longer before installing your furnace. Then they may come in poorly-trained or ill-prepared for the job. Always check for reviews online or ask for references if you can’t verify a work history. The installer doesn’t give you a written guarantee of work. If the installer you hire can’t or won’t provide you with a written guarantee of their work, either demand one or look for an installer who will deliver. If something goes wrong with the furnace after installation, this kind of guarantee lets you know they’ll be there for you when you need them.
enjoy wrapping and unwrapping presents, without all the waste? Here are a few creative gift wrap alternatives to consider this holiday season.
Brown Paper Bags With the holiday season comes holiday shopping, and if you opt out of plastic grocery bags, you’re sure to have a surplus of brown paper bags in the pantry. Drop a present into the bag, tape it shut, and you’re good to go. Add some simple lace or a ribbon for an old-timey feel or get creative with stamps and hand-drawn artwork. This wrap job lets your imagination run wild. Old Maps and Calendars These days, pretty much every phone has a built-in GPS, so you probably won’t need the map from your 1999 road trip anytime soon. If you still have an old map, why not use that for wrapping? The unusual designs guarantee your gifts will be one of a kind. And don’t worry if there are notes scrawled across the paper. Old events or directions will add some unique flair to the presents. Furoshiki Fabric is an excellent substitute for wrapping paper. You can use a scarf to create two gifts in one or pull out scraps of fabric from old projects. The traditional Japanese practice of furoshiki is all about wrapping goods in fabric. Described as “functional fabric origami,” you’d be amazed at how a few well-placed folds can turn your gift into a work of art. Learn how to wrap anything, from boxes to bottles, at ceas.ku.edu/ furoshiki-instructional-videos. You don’t have to follow the same gift wrap habits year after year. After the effort you put into finding just the right present, you should be able to make your gift wrap just as special. Find a method that’s uniquely you and get started!
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A Breath of Fresh Air
REVITALIZE YOUR HOME’S AIR IN WINTER
In the winter, when you rely on a furnace or fireplace for heat, the air in your home can quickly become stale. Shut windows and doors limit airflow, and this allows dust, dander, exhaust, bacteria, viruses and mould spores to accumulate. As a result, stale air can lead directly to health issues. Stale air tends to leave most people with a “blah” feeling. You may feel tired or like you’re about to get a cold. You may also notice more headaches, respiratory irritation and dry skin. Additionally, re-circulating air makes it easier to spread cold-causing germs to others. Poor air circulation is one of the biggest reasons why winter is considered cold season. The problem doesn’t only come from closed windows and doors. Some furnaces do not pull air in from the outside and simply recycle indoor air. This is more common with older furnaces. Many
newer furnaces — those manufactured in the last 10-15 years — pull air from outside, though this varies from model to model.
Unsurprisingly, the best way to overcome stale air in the home is to open a few windows. While you may be hesitant to open windows on a brisk winter day, opening several for about 20 minutes a day will make a difference. If your home has an exhaust fan, either in an air-conditioning wall unit or in the bathroom, be sure to run that while the windows are open. You’ll be breathing fresh air in no time. Another way to keep air circulating throughout the winter is to install a heat recovery ventilation (HVR) unit. It’s not uncommon to see HVRs in newer homes. This appliance is designed to pull in fresh air from the outside, without compromising temperature, and they tend to be energy efficient, to boot.
Thai Spaghetti Squash WITH PEANUT SAUCE I
INGREDIENTS
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1 medium spaghetti squash
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¾ cup unsweetened peanut butter ¼ cup coconut sugar 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons white vinegar 2 teaspoons sesame oil 2 teaspoons red curry paste
Olive oil
Salt
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1 garlic clove, minced ¼ cup chopped parsley 2 tablespoons crushed peanuts
Peanut sauce: •
1 (14-ounce) can coconut milk
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Halve squash and scoop out seeds. 2. Drizzle inside of squash with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place squash on baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes. 3. Let cool. Using a fork, scrape out spaghetti squash strands. 4. Place sauce ingredients in saucepan and bring to boil over medium-high heat.
Lower heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. 5. Heat skillet over medium
BOOTS DRIFT
PLAY SALT SAND SCRAPER SCULPTURE
SLIPPERY SNOWBALL SNOWBLOWER SNOWMAN SNOWMOBILE STORM WHITE
FISHING FLAKES FLURRIES FUN HOCKEY ICY
heat. Add garlic, parsley, and ¼ of the peanut sauce and combine.
6. Add spaghetti squash
SHOVEL SKATING SLIDING
and crushed peanuts. Stir to combine until heated through, about 2 minutes. Once served, drizzle with more peanut sauce. Recipe inspired by Leelalicious.com.
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23008 Fraser Highway Langley, BC V2Z 2V1 604-532-9625 www.lewismaclean.com
8087380
Inside 1 2
THIS ISSUE
A Few Tips for Keeping Warm
Stop Wasting Gift Wrap!
Avoid These Mistakes When Buying a New Furnace
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Revitalizing Your Home’s Air This Winter
Thai Spaghetti Squash With Peanut Sauce
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2 Things to Do This December
Vancouver Make it a date night or go with the whole family. The Peak of Christmas opened on Nov. 24 and concludes on Jan. 7. Bundle up and hit the mountain for a festive good time. See grousemountain.com/peak-of-christmas for complete information.
As winter officially sets in, there is more to do than ever. It can be hard to choose exactly which events to participate in. So this month, we wanted to include a couple of ideas that are a little closer to home and perfect for the weekend. Take a look! Hastings Park Winter Farmers Market kicked off on Nov. 5 and runs through April 2018. Every Sunday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Hastings Park at the PNE Fairgrounds is a bustle of activity. Dozens of vendors gather to offer the freshest winter produce, ethically-raised meats and fish, as well as a number of dairy products. You’ll also find a diverse selection of handmade goods, from woodcraft to jewellery. Or if you want to sample some of Vancouver’s food trucks, you definitely have that option. There is no shortage of fun to be had at the Winter Farmers Market. Free parking is available by Gate 2 on Renfrew Street. You can find more information about the market at eatlocal.org/markets/hastings-park. The Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain is one of the area’s holiday staples. Take in the incredible light displays, go ice skating on the top of the mountain, and immerse yourself in the holiday spirit. From the sleigh rides to the gingerbread village and Santa’s workshop, there is something for everyone. CELEBRATE THE SEASON IN
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