Thursday, September 23, 2010

Why Your Heating Repair Professional Should Be Your Best Friend



When if Comes to Home Heating, The Right Relationship is Everything!

Heating season is now upon us, and that means the inevitable need for heating system maintenance or repairs. Most homeowners are capable of handling the most basic heating system maintenance tasks: changing disposable filters, washing electrostatic filters, lighting or relighting the pilot light. But when it comes to more complex heating repairs or furnace tune-ups, the sheer complexity of most heating systems makes them inaccessible to even the handiest do-it-yourselfer. So it pays to have a reputable heating repair professional that you know well and can trust on-call to handle both common repairs and emergencies.

The following is a list of reasons why developing a relationship with an experienced heating repair technician is good common sense.

Stay on Top of Heating Repairs:
Your home’s heating system is only as good as its equipment. It is important to give these systems plenty of attention to help keep them functioning properly. A heating professional can inspect your heating system to prevent future issues, make sure your furnace or heater is up to code, make repairs, replace old parts, and recommend updates. These kinds of regular check-ups are especially important if your HVAC system or furnace is older, as some parts or components may be out of date or not up to current standards.

Never Too Much:
The average American takes their car in for service 4-5 time per year. Since you probably spend more time in your home, don't you think it needs at least half as much professional maintenance? Don’t worry if you see your heating repair professional at least two or three times a year; that's average for most homeowners. Having your heating system inspected and cleaned frequently can translate into significant savings on your utility bills, your safety, and your schedule.

You’ll Save Money:
Replacing your entire heating system can be very costly. And the number one reason that heaters and furnaces break down is because of neglect or deterioration. To help you avoid the expense of buying a new heating system or incurring a major heating repair, have a heating professional come to your home to inspect and clean your existing unit several times a year. You’ll actually end up saving money in the long run.

You’ll Save Time:
You don’t have the time to learn everything there is to know about heater or furnace maintenance, but a qualified technician does. Having a number you can call when your heating system breaks down means you can spend more time enjoying your life. To save even more time, do a heating system test run during the mid to late fall. Because winter is the busiest time for any repair professional, it helps to have an idea of your problem before you call.

You’ll Save Your Health:
Hiring a heating contractor to come inspect your property a few times a year helps guard against potential safety hazards like leaks, allergens, fire, and carbon monoxide poison. This can ultimately improve not only the health of your heating system but the health of your household, too.

Familiarity Breeds Success:
Every heating system is different. Heaters and furnaces have their own peculiarities. Do you want to waste time and money with a heating repairman who has little or no experience with your type of heating system or who has to learn on the job and familiarize himself with the workings of your heating unit? It pays to have a heating repairman who already knows your heating system inside and out and is familiar with your particular heating unit's performance and repair history.



How to Find a Heating Repair Professional You Can Trust

This is not something to take lightly. Choose a heating repair professional as carefully as you would choose a new doctor or dentist. Ask around to friends, family, local companies, or the Better Business Bureau to compile a list of trusted, quality heating contractors. Heater and furnace emergencies are no joke, and you want to be sure the heating professional you have on call is the best person for the job.

If you live in Delaware, Pennsylvania or Maryland, you can't go wrong by choosing Horizon Services for your heating service needs. Our heating technicians provide a level of quality and professionalism that is unequaled in the industry. Friendly, accountable, experienced technicians with a personal touch. It's a relationship that you'll treasure for years.


Related Heating Information from Horizon Services...

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Coto De Caza Plumbing

Do you still feel you "live in the sticks" when you drive home to Coto De Caza?
Who do you call for plumbing service in Coto De Caza?

Despite all the development in South Orange County, Coto De Caza is still "way out there".... but not to worry, www.SPLASHplumbing.com services your area too. Although we don't advertise in your area, we have plenty of clients in Coto, Dove and Trabuco Canyon as well as Wagon Wheel!

Give us a call today for a free estimate on any of your Coto De Caza plumbing issues.

Call 877-HEY-SPLASH today!!

Plain Uttapam & Coconut Chutney



This recipe is from Mallika Badrinath's cookbook. Uttapam and dosa can be prepared using the same batter. Dosas are usually crisp and thin while uttapams are thick like pancakes. If you want soft, spongy, white dosas or uttapams, this is the recipe.

Ingredients:
Raw Rice or Sona Masuri Rice - 3 Cups
Whole Urud Dal - 1 Cup
Fenugreek Seeds - 1/2 tsp
Water as required (roughly 5 cups)
Salt

Method:
Rinse and drain rice and dal.
Soak them together for 3 hours along with fenugreek seeds.
Grind to a smooth batter adding water gradually.
I always use wet grinder to prepare idli/dosa batter.
Add salt and mix well using your hands.
Allow the batter to ferment for 16-20 hours.

To prepare Uttapams:
Mix the batter well. If it is thick, add little water.
Heat a griddle.
When it is hot, grease it with oil.
Take a laddle full of batter.
Pour it in the center.
Do not spread it.
Drizzle oil around the corners.
After a minute, flip it and cook the other side.
Serve with chutney.



Coconut Chutney:
Coconut - 1/2 cup
Almonds/roasted unsalted peanuts - 10
Green Chilli - 1 or 2
Hing - a pinch
Ginger - small piece
Coriander leaves - a handful
Salt

Seasoning:
Oil - 1 tsp
Mustard Seeds - 1 tsp

Method:
Grind all the ingredients with water to a smooth paste.
Heat oil and add mustard seeds and allow to crackle.
Pour the seasoning over ground mixture.

Notes:
To make onion uttapam, add chopped onions, green chilli, curry leaves, coriander leaves to the batter and follow the same procedure.