Lewis Maclean September 2019
SEPTEMBER 2019
A Change Is in the Air
Are you ready for the cooler weather? This summer, temperatures were down from last year and meteorologists are forecasting a cooler autumn and winter. Already, our nights are getting chilly. As temperatures drop, more people reach for the thermostat to turn up the temperature in their home. They’re firing up their furnaces and boilers for the first time in a while — several months in some cases! Right now, we’re taking a lot of calls for tuneups and inspections, and it’s the perfect time to get those scheduled. We’re ahead of the peak heating season, which means we can get our technicians out to your home quicker. But once the cold weather really sets in, our techs will be booked out further. While we can usually get to each customer without a long wait, we always recommend scheduling an appointment earlier, just in case. Be sure to use qualified technicians from reputable companies to work on your heating systems. In the meantime, there are a couple of things you can do on your own. First, make sure your furnace filter is in good shape. If you need to swap it out for a new one, you can get that out of the way now. A clean filter helps your system run better (and keeps your home’s air cleaner). The other thing you can do is to replace the batteries in your thermostat. This is something that gets overlooked quite a bit. While some thermostats are hard-wired into the home, many newer models require batteries to operate. When those batteries die, you can no longer change the temperature or even turn on your system.
The next thing you know, you go to dial up the temperature and nothing happens. Sometimes people assume something is wrong with their furnace or boiler, and this can cause a lot of aggravation. So, just like your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, replace your thermostat batteries on a regular basis.
Of course, if your heating system is on its way out (it’s old or broken down) and you are thinking about replacing it, don’t forget about rebates! FortisBC, for example, offers a number of different rebates on heating systems. It’s one of the best ways to save money while updating your heating system. See FortisBC.com/rebates-and- energy-savings for more information. As we wrap up this month, I want to tell you about a new initiative Lewis MacLean is working on this fall. We’re calling it our Giving Back Program. Right now, we are accepting nominations for one deserving family to get a brand-new furnace and installation on us! All you have to do is send us your nomination. Tell us about a deserving family in the area who could use a new furnace. Don’t forget to tell your friends and neighbours in case they want to nominate a deserving family too! We want to hear their story! We are accepting submissions between now and Thursday, Oct. 31. Please send your submission to givingback@lewismaclean.com . Be sure to include your name, your nomination’s name, and why you feel they deserve a new furnace. We look forward to your submissions, and we will announce the deserving family in the coming months. And as always, we’re standing by the phone, ready to take your call 24/7, no matter your plumbing, heating, cooling, or drainage needs!
–Tyler Dillon
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Howto Keep Your Family Close in a BusyWorld Staying Connected
Improving the quality of your home’s air can do wonders for your health. When you breathe clean, fresh air, you don’t have to worry about allergies or respiratory irritation. That means more comfort (and easier sleeping) for you and your family. Here are some of the best ways to improve the air quality in your home. Use an air purifier. Air purifiers come in all sizes and strengths. You can get one for a single room or have one installed that will purify the air of your entire home. Purifiers are ideal for homes with pets and allergy sufferers. Lower-end purifiers typically only remove some particles from the air, while higher-end models can remove most particles (but not all). Just be sure to read the specifications carefully to ensure a purifier meets your needs. Additionally, vacuum twice a week with a HEPA filter vacuum. Run your air conditioner or furnace. This is especially important for homes with central air. Running your HVAC system regularly helps circulate and clean the air. As air moves, it passes through the central air filter, helping reduce dust and dander. Changing your filter regularly helps the system clean the air and cool your home more effectively. Find and eliminate mold. Mold severely reduces the air quality in your home. One great way to prevent mold from taking root is to place a dehumidifier in areas of high humidity, such as the bathroom or laundry room. When it comes to mold, prevention is best, but if mold is already in your home, there are ways to get rid of it without using harsh chemicals, including vinegar (just add vinegar to a spray bottle and spray and scrub away) and hydrogen peroxide. However, if you are having a hard time removing the mold or there is a lot of it, call in a professional to take care of it. Keep your windows closed. Some advice suggests that you open your windows to freshen your home’s air. In some cases, yes, it’s effective (like when you burned the pie). But always consider the outside air quality first. If you live near construction, a busy road, or it’s fire season, opening your windows lets all of that pollution in. Improve Your Indoor Air Quality with These Tips
If you feel like you’ve hardly seen your kids since the school year started, you’re
not alone. Americans are way too busy — from childhood onward, we’re always running hither and
thither, packing in as many after-school activities, work- related meetings, and social engagements as possible. It’s a problem so pervasive that it has a name: time scarcity.
Families feel time scarcity keenly after school starts in September, when children’s schedules explode with engagements. But all hope for close ties isn’t lost; there are ways to stay connected with your spouse and
kids, even in an increasingly busy world. Here are some ideas from counsellors, teachers, and psychologists who claim to have mastered the art. Remember Your Rituals Rituals make up the backbone of individual families and society at large. Most people wouldn’t dream of abandoning their holiday traditions, so why forgo the smaller rituals that bring families together? Whether it’s eating dinner at the same table each evening, watching a movie together every Thursday night, or going on a monthly getaway, make sure these traditions aren’t cancelled. If your family doesn’t have many rituals, a great way to connect is to start some. Make Every Moment Count As cliche as it sounds, when you don’t have much time together, it’s crucial to be present for every minute of it. If you have a rare half-hour at home with one of your kids, make a point to spend it in the same room and try to start a conversation. If you squeeze in a romantic dinner with your spouse, turn off your phones before the food comes. Listening to each other without distractions will strengthen your relationship. Hug It Out Physical contact is vital for closeness. When you get the chance, hug your kids, hold hands with your spouse, and do physical activities as a family, like hiking, biking, or even playing group sports. It’s been scientifically proven that physical closeness leads to emotional closeness, so if you’re low on time, take advantage of that shortcut!
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Why Is Routine Maintenance So Important?
With fall and winter right around the corner, a lot of people will be firing up their furnaces, boilers, and other heating systems for the first time in several months. Will your heating system be able to keep up this year? As systems age or see regular year-to-year use, the answer to this question becomes one of uncertainty. You might turn up the thermostat only to be disappointed with the output of your system. This is why we consider routine maintenance such a big deal. It takes away the uncertainty and gives you the confidence to turn up the heat and know your system is going to work as intended. Here are a few other reasons yearly maintenance is vital. It keeps your bills lower. Time can do a lot of damage to mechanical systems, like your furnace or boiler. Whether you use your heating system or not, it will degrade over time. It will be less efficient and require more energy to achieve the desired output. As it becomes less efficient, your energy bills will go up. Without routine inspections and maintenance, you can see you’ll pay more per month!
It catches trouble early. Routine maintenance allows our technicians to catch problems in your system before they become
troublesome. They inspect every nook and cranny, making sure everything is up to our high standard. If they spot something odd, they can do something about it before it becomes a serious problem. It might be as simple as a loose screw, or it could be more serious, like a potential gas leak
It extends the life of your system. If you live in a house long enough, eventually you will need to replace your heating and cooling systems. They don’t last forever. However, you can get a few more good years out of
your HVAC system when you have trusted professionals taking care of them every year. The cost of routine maintenance is a drop in the bucket next to purchasing an entirely new furnace.
TOMATOSALAD WITH HORSERADISH
Inspired by Food & Wine Magazine
Savour the end of tomato season with this spicy and healthy salad. Because the horseradish-spiked dressing packs a punch, you only need a little to add a lot of flavour.
INGREDIENTS
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise • 1/4 cup buttermilk • 2 tbsp prepared horseradish
• Salt and black pepper, to taste • 2 1/2 lbs heirloom and cherry tomatoes, roughly chopped • 2 scallions, thinly sliced
AUTUMN APPLE SEPTEMBER LABORDAY
FOOTBALL QUARTERBACK TOUCHDOWN HOMECOMING
HARVEST CIDER LEAVES SWEATER
DIRECTIONS
1. For the dressing, whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, and horseradish in a mixing bowl; season to taste. 2. In serving bowls, arrange tomatoes and top with scallions. 3. Lightly drizzle tomatoes and scallions with dressing and serve.
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23008 Fraser Highway Langley, BC V2Z 2V1 604-532-9625 www.lewismaclean.com
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THIS ISSUE
A Change Is in the Air How to Keep Your Family Close in a Busy World The Best Ways to Clean Your Home’s Air Don’t Let Your Heating System Get You Down Tomato Salad With Horseradish An Excursion in the Pennine Alps
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An Alpine Excursion
TOURMONTEROSA
Nestled between Italy and Switzerland, Monte Rosa is the second highest peak in the Alps, making it one of the best views in either country and one of the more physically demanding ascents in the mountain range. In the late summer and early fall, tourists and locals alike tour Monte Rosa to pay their respects to the peak and to be challenged by the cross-country trek over the mountain. The full tour of the mountain is a nine-day journey that starts in Switzerland and crosses quickly over into Italy, winding its way through both countries before eventually returning trekkers to their starting point. The out-and-back path is the most popular route, though there are other ways to approach it. However you go, you’ll encounter massive glaciers, rigorous 1,000-meter ascents and descents, and breathtaking views that are sure to make this journey memorable. For accommodations, opt for charming mountain huts to immerse yourself in the true Alpine experience. You can book them in advance to guarantee your bunk and a dinner of spaetzle or lasagna, depending on which country you’re in that night.
Unless you’re traveling with an experienced mountaineer, a guide is recommended
for touring Monte Rosa, even if you only plan to traverse a small section of the mountain.
Weather can vary greatly and change quickly in this region, so you never know when you’ll encounter ice or snow, which can lower your visibility. Toward the top of the peak, you’ll even have an opportunity to cross a sprawling glacier, and having a guide will ensure you have the necessary equipment for a safe trip. On top of the spectacular views, you can expect a beautiful blend of cultures and an experience unlike any other on your tour of Monte Rosa. Plus, you may even get to see a few Swiss cows or mountain goats along the way!
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