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A B R E A T H OF FRESH AIR
208-459-3388 JULY 2020 5 WAYS TO SAVE ENERGY AND REDUCE UTILITY COSTS THIS SUMMER 763.515.6411 ROLAIRREPAIR.COM
We’re heading into the hot and muggy summer months, which means we’ll be cranking up the air conditioning in our homes. But doing so can skyrocket our electric bills. So, do you sacrifice your wallet or your well-being? We’re here to tell you that if you follow these five tips, you won’t have to sacrifice either. 1. Install a programmable thermostat. If you can control when the temperature in your home fluctuates, you can control the amount of money you’re spending on regulating that temperature. Program your thermostat to pump cool air into the house during the day when it’s hotter and cut back in the evenings when it’s cooler. There are great options on the market when it comes to thermostats with impressive tech. For example, Nest is a smart thermostat that connects to the artificial intelligence devices in your home, making controlling the temperature as easy as speaking. 2. Use ceiling fans to circulate air. While they won’t cool down an entire house the same way central air conditioning can, ceiling fans are a great alternative for finding cool relief without paying an arm and a leg. They’re easy to install and maintain, and the breeze they create can actually help your skin get rid of heat on its own. They use much less electricity than your HVAC system, and as an added bonus, the air circulation can prevent dust and dirt from collecting on your floors and furniture. 3. Clean your outdoor condenser. Your outdoor condenser is that large box usually located somewhere in your backyard. This unit releases the heat your air conditioning system absorbs from the air inside your home by pumping it outside. If this unit is dirty, the airflow is impeded, meaning your unit has to work longer and harder to cool your house down. You can clean your condenser by turning your air conditioner off, disconnecting the unit from electricity, and gently cleaning the condenser fins inside it with a soft brush. You can also use a hose to spray any loose debris from the outside of the condenser. 4. Keep your temperature consistent. If you keep your air running at a consistent temperature, it’ll save you more energy than having your system turn on and off to meet your temperature needs as you change them. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78 degrees F. This temperature will allow you to stay cool
while avoiding the high bill that comes with a system that works hard to drop to cooler temperatures throughout the day.
5. Give your system a tuneup. The best way to make sure your HVAC system isn’t using more energy than it needs to — thereby costing you more money — is to make sure it’s running at peak efficiency. The above tips will save you some energy, but your HVAC expert is going to be able to do all the work needed to successfully help you cut back on your bills. The cost of having a pro give your system a tuneup is far less than the extra utility expenses you can face during the summer months. You’ll see a real difference in quality and expenses once a professional has worked on your system. At Rol Air, our experts can change your filters, adjust your hoses and valves, and do a thorough cleaning of your unit to make sure your system is running as it should be. It’s not just our job to fix or replace your equipment; our goal is also to help you maintain your system long term so that you get the full use out of what you paid for and are not overpaying on your utility bills. So give us a call if you’re ready to save some cash while you beat the heat this summer.
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Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
Lately, it seems like the word “natural” has been slapped on products as readily as candy is passed out on Halloween. But what does natural even mean? It could be just about anything because there’s no regulation on the use of the word. So-called natural products may include asthma-inducing chemicals or plant-based ingredients that can cause severe reactions. But reading the list of ingredients may cause confusion as well. How do you know which ingredients are safe for you and your family? For sunscreen, one of the most important summertime products, the research nonprofit Environmental Working Group (EWG) has done the work for you. Here are some suggestions. DON’T LET FANCY LABELS FOOL YOU Know Which Common Sunscreen Ingredients May Be Harmful
The First Steps to Building Your Dream Patio
Words to BeWary Of
Enjoying your time outside can be hard when you also want indoor comforts. But why settle for just one when you can have the best of both worlds with an outdoor patio? Summer is a great time to make a plan to create or revamp your current patio into your dream patio. As with any home project, however, it can be overwhelming at first to design an entire space. If you’re not sure where to start, then here are some suggestions.
Read ingredient labels carefully when you’re choosing products. In addition to long chemical names and “natural” printed all over the labels, “fragrance” is another that has almost no regulation. Many “fragrant” scents in lotions and sunscreens are synthetic and can trigger allergies.
No. 1: Determine the purpose.
Oxybenzone is another commonly listed ingredient in sunscreen that has been linked to hormone disruption and allergies and has been flagged as potentially risky by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Along with octinoxate, an ultraviolet-filtering chemical, oxybenzone has also been shown to cause damage to coral reefs.
No two households are the same, and likewise, no two patios are used exactly the same way. Maybe you’d like to have a quiet, cozy spot in the mornings to listen to the sounds of nature, enjoy the weather, and take in a good book or podcast. Maybe you’d like to use your patio mainly to relax and breathe in the fresh air as you entertain guests. Or, maybe you need your patio to serve both purposes!
No. 2: Plan the space in advance.
This can be the hardest part for some, but you must keep two specific things in mind when planning your patio: the preferred size and any dream feature you’d like to include. If you can make these two work together, then you’ll be very satisfied with the results. Dream features can include a beautiful firepit, an elaborate brick design, a Jacuzzi, or a professional grilling station. For example, if you want a cozy spot for your family to enjoy Sunday afternoon barbecues, then you’ll need enough space to set up your ideal outdoor cooking area as well as a dining area with the right amount of seating. Once you have the space in mind, you can accommodate and plan for changes.
What to Choose
After several yearslong studies, the FDA reported that there’s only enough information to deem two sunscreen ingredients safe and effective: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Look for brands that feature one or both of these as the main active ingredient(s) and avoid those with oxybenzone. Covering up with a hat, sunglasses, and clothing is also an effective way to protect yourself from the sun. Companies use complex words to mask potentially harmful ingredients, but don’t let them stump you. A quick Google search can often reveal what these words mean. For details on specific ingredients, check EWG.org, which lists and scores products and ingredients based on their health and environmental risks. Their site also provides downloadable sunscreen guides to help you shop smarter and safer.
No. 3: Consider how to decorate.
If your patio isn’t constructed yet (or if you’re reconstructing), then consider using fresh, great-looking patio pavers to complement your house’s exterior and invite you and your guests to step into the outdoors. Try to add interesting textures by using different materials. Slate, limestone, sandstone, and terra cotta paving slabs are very popular choices. Finally, decorate with planters, shade structures, and anything else you think will make your outdoor escape a little more comfortable.
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KNOCK KNOCK! WHO’S THERE? The Wacky Evolution of the Knock-Knock Joke
Well, according to NPR, knock-knock jokes have had a roller coaster of a history. Near as we can tell, they actually evolved from another kind of joke: the “Do You Know” joke. This style of joke was popular in the early 1900s, and according to an Oakland Tribune article NPR dug up, this was a typical one:
Knock knock! Who’s there? Theresa. Theresa who? Theresa crowd!
Joker: “Do you know Arthur?”
Listener: “Arthur who?”
Joker: “Arthurmometer!”
Not very funny, is it? Well, over the years this style of back-and-forth jesting evolved into knock-knock jokes. The popularity of the “knock knock” bit of the joke could harken back to Shakespeare, who BestLife credits with “the first-known occurrence of a knock knock, who’s-there dialogue” in Act 2 of “Macbeth” (though it likely wasn’t intended to be funny), or it could be a reference to 1936 vice presidential hopeful Frank Knox, whose name made “knock knock” irresistible wordplay for the radio.
Unless you’re living under a rock, odds are you’ve laughed, grumbled, or groaned in response to a knock-knock joke. You may have even told a few yourself before you realized knock-knock jokes had gone out of style in favor of sarcasm and memes. That’s because at their core, knock-knock jokes are a quintessential American experience — and the perfect homegrown fodder for International Joke Day, which falls on July 1. But where did they come from, and why do so many people knock the knock- knock joke today?
Whatever the reason, knock knocks were all the rage in the 1930s, to the extent that people formed knock-knock clubs, businesses held knock-knock contests, and orchestras set them to music. However, the heyday was short-lived. In the following years, people started getting sick of knock knocks, and even psychologists turned against them. According to NPR, “people who loved knock-knock jokes were said to have social problems.”
THE BEST GRILLED SUMMER VEGETABLES Inspired by DinnerAtTheZoo.com
TAKE A BREAK
Contrary to popular belief, vegetables are delicious. Most of our parents just didn’t know how to prepare themwell. This summer, revolutionize your cookout with a serving of delicious, colorful veggies.
Ingredients
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1 tsp salt
halved (asparagus, mushrooms, red onion, red bell peppers, baby carrots, and yellow squash are great on the grill)
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1/4 tsp pepper
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1 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
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5 tbsp olive oil
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1 1/2 tsp garlic, minced
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2 tbsp lemon juice
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2 lbs assorted vegetables, trimmed and
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1/4 cup parsley leaves, chopped
Directions
1.
In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic. Brush vegetables with olive oil and place in a large bowl. Top with lemon juice and seasoning mixture. Toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes but no longer than 2 hours.
3.
Prepare the grill at medium-high heat.
4.
Grill vegetables in batches, cooking 3–5 minutes on each side until browned and tender. (Carrots will cook longer, 6–9 minutes per side.) Remove from the grill, sprinkle with parsley, and serve hot.
Caesar Fireworks Grilling Independence
Larkspur Peaches Picnic Popsicles
Ruby Sparkler
2.
Sunglasses Swimming
5.
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26069 2ND ST. W, ZIMMERMAN, MN 55398 763.515.6411 ROLAIRREPAIR.COM
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INSIDE
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5 Easy Ways to Reduce Your Energy Bill
The First Steps to Building Your Dream Patio Shop Smarter With Information About Your Sunscreen The Wacky Evolution of the Knock- Knock Joke The Secret to Delicious Grilled Veggies Celebrities Offer Us a Glimpse Into Their Homes During COVID-19
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GET INSPIRED BY THESE CELEBRITIES’ HOMES
Celebrities — they’re just like us! While their homes may not be affordable for every homeowner, the COVID-19 lockdown has given us a unique glimpse into the various pieces of decor that make up their homes. Here are three celeb styles to spark inspiration!
John Krasinski and Emily Blunt: While offering the world “Some Good News,” John Krasinski has also been serving up the office of our dreams, complete with built-in shelving and knickknacks from his kids.
Jimmy Fallon: From a slide to dog photos in the bathroom, “The Tonight Show” host’s home-based broadcasts are equally as entertaining as his studio show.
Colin Jost: When “Saturday Night Live”went remote, we got a firsthand look at the “Weekend Update” star’s humble, cozy abode, which includes a beautifully tiled fireplace. Image from https://www.architecturaldigest.com/ story/scarlett-johansson-and-colin-jost-tour-a- dollar8-million-hamptons-condo
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