Posted by Daniel Sinclair on Wed, Aug 18, 2010 @ 07:01 PM
Guest blog Article by Houston Neal
Cash for Caulkers is on the way. The bill has already been approved by the House of Representatives and as of July 28th, Senator Harry Reid will present the bill in the Senate. According to USA Today, the Senate will likely vote on the bill within the next 10 days.
This is great news for both homeowners and contractors. The bill provisions $6 billion for energy-efficient or “green” retrofits. It is expected to fund renovations for 3 million families, create 168,000 new jobs and save consumers $9.2 billion on energy bills over the next 10 years.
But in order to cash in on upcoming rebates, homeowners and contractors will need to do their homework. There are 13 types of retrofits eligible for funding and each has unique eligibility requirements and rebate amounts. Some are straightforward and easy to understand. For example, homeowners can receive a $50 rebate for installing 5 or more storm windows or doors. The eligibility details for this retrofit are listed as:
"Must be installed on at least 5 existing doors or existing single-glazed windows. Must comply with any procedures that the Secretary of Energy may set for storm windows or doors and their installation."
Others are more difficult to understand. For example, to receive a rebate for replacing and sealing ductwork, homeowners must follow these guidelines:
"Sealing must be installed in accordance with BPI standards or other procedures approved by the Secretary of Energy. For duct replacement, you must replace and seal at least 50 percent of a distribution system of the home."
Or for an even more complex example, check out the requirements for homeowners that want to install Air-source air conditioners or heat pumps:
"Must be installed in accordance with ANSI/ACCA Standard 5 QI–2007. The air-source air conditioner must meet or exceed SEER 16 and EER 13; or SEER 18 and EER 15. The air-source heat pump must meet or exceed SEER 15, EER 12.5, and HSPF 8.5."
In this case, homeowners should rely on the expertise of specialists like Sinclair. To learn more about how we can help you qualify for coming rebates, contact Sinclair HVAC & Plumbing.
If you are interested in reading more about the bill, visit HVAC Software Advice. They have created an easy-to-read guide that lists the requirements and rebate details of the 13 types of retrofits. They also bundled similar retrofits into three packages to help those who just need to know how to get started. To read more, visit: http://www.softwareadvice.com/articles/construction/cash-for-caulkers-the-definitive-guide-to-the-home-star-bill-1061110/
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Posted by Daniel Sinclair on Wed, Jul 21, 2010 @ 07:22 PM
Water heater replacement is something that Sinclair Heating Cooling and Plumbing specializes in! If you have a water heater in your home or place of business you know that it is a matter of time until you will need to replace it. If you have a tank water heater, I wanted to give some tips on what to look for but also what to expect if you have Sinclair plumbers change-out your water heater.
If your water heater tank is in a closet inside your home, business, or garage always check the copper lines going into the tank. If you see corrosion or water sitting on top of the inlets, this is a sign of a leak! Also, check the bottom of your water heater monthly (especially if it is old) for rust, corrosion, or dripping water. This tip is especially important because the bottom of the tank could bust open and leak up 75 gallons of water, depending on the size of your tank. Not good! All of these problems would usually lead to your water heater needing to be replaced.
After you call or schedule Sinclair to replace your water heater, we would get approval from you to do the work. Then our plumbers would start to drain the water heater so they can remove it. After most of the water has been drained the plumbers would remove the old water heater and bring in the new one. Before setting the new tank, the plumber will set an aluminum drain pan in order to keep water from leaking. After setting the drain pan the new water heater is lifted-up and set into place. A new water shut-off valve is set on the copper supply lines and everything for the supply lines is welded together. Water is added to the tank and after it is full, electricity is hooked up or gas. The plumber would then turn the unit on and set the temperature at your preferred setting. It takes a couple of hours for water to heat-up to the set temperature.
I hope that these tips have helped you to be able to spot a leak and know what to expect when you have Sinclair come out and replace your water heater. By the way, I am working on a Tankless Water-heater blog that will posted soon. Any questions or comments?
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Get $20 off your next service repair! Hurry, coupon expires July 30, 2010!
Posted by Daniel Sinclair on Wed, Jul 07, 2010 @ 04:30 PM
If you are building a new home or remodeling your kitchen, there are some decisions that you need to make very carefully. Several of them involve big investments and some that you will live with for a long time. Some big decisions you are going to have to make about your kitchen sink is what kind of sink you should purchase and what type of faucet will fit with the sink. Here are a few ideas on this subject that I would like to share with you, from my experience.
When Tom and I were building our home, I had an important decision to make about a sink for the kitchen, and that was whether to get a cast iron or stainless steel sink. I thought that I should get stainless steel because my other appliances are stainless. I got the stainless steel sink for that one reason and that was a BIG mistake. I am constantly wiping it down to get rid of hard water spots! If you live in Lubbock you know what I am talking about with the hard water. Also, the sink never looks “polished” and it looks like I just finished using it and didn’t clean up after myself. Using Lemi-shine helps but overall I wish I would have chosen the cast-iron sink instead. With a cast iron sink, a good swipe of Comet makes it look like new! Even with Lubbock's hard water, a cast iron sink seems to be a better choice. The other important tip to consider is the depth. 7" is too shallow (lots of splash) for a kitchen sink, try 9" at least, double bowl. You want the sink to be deep enough so when you wash big pots and pans you will have room.
The last tip includes the type of faucet you should buy. Daniel (my son) wrote an article about choosing the right faucet back in May, check it out.
Remember: DO YOUR RESEARCH and ask your friends! Think before you buy! Any comments or questions?
Posted by Daniel Sinclair on Wed, May 12, 2010 @ 02:00 PM
This article was posted back in October of last year and it is one of our most read articles! I thought I would repost it and add more information since there is so much interest. Another reason why I am reposting this article is because of all of the allergy related illnesses going around right now. This Purifier is the perfect remedy!
"The Perfect Air Purifier": This purifier provides efficient removal of airborne pollutants by keeping your system operating cleaner than ever before. It uses patented germicidal technology to capture and kill airborne pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and mold. All you have to do is change the filter! Usually the homeowner has to change this filter once a year! It's not like the conventional 1" filters that have to be replaced monthly. This 4" pleated filter has a MERV 15 rating! A MERV of 15 means that this filter can catch the smallest of particles, which means you are not breathing them. The Perfect Air Purifier is ideal for home-owners with allergy concerns and those sensitive to the effects of pollen, pets, and more. At this time of year in West Texas the spread of disease is rampant. If you would like a demonstration or estimate of The Perfect Air Purifier let us know by commenting or go to the contact page.
Sinclair is also the only Healthy Air Specialist in Lubbock. What does that mean to you? First, a dealer must be a Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer. That means the dealer has met Bryant's high standards for superior skills, superior service, superior products, and a superior promise in writing for 100% satisfaction, guaranteed. Second, the dealer must have at least half of their service technicians certified through the North American Technician Excellence (NATE) program. It's the leading certification program for technicians in the heating, ventilating and air conditioning industry, and is the only test supported by the entire industry. And finally, extra training and testing is required in the field of indoor air quality including theory, application, product knowledge, and identifying the best package of solutions to fit your needs and lifestyle.
I hope that this has answered more questions about what the Perfect Air Purifier does and what an Healthy Air Specialist does. If you have more questions please leave a comment and I will get back to you!
Posted by Daniel Sinclair on Thu, Apr 01, 2010 @ 06:00 PM
Key lime pie
1 can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk
2 cartons Cool Whip
1 pkg. of Lime Kool-aid
1 graham cracker crust
In a large bowl combine Eagle Brand, 1 carton Cool Whip and Kool-Aid package. Pour into graham cracker crust. Top with Cool Whip. Refrigerate until set and serve.
Note: You can use Pink Lemonade Kool-aid instead of lime. Delicious!
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Get $20 off of your next repair from Sinclair
Posted by Daniel Sinclair on Wed, Mar 10, 2010 @ 06:00 PM
SLOW COOKER CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS RECIPE
Chicken- I like to use the pre-cooked Rotisserie chicken from Sam’s or the grocery store. FULL of flavor! OR
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cooked
2 T butter
1 can of cream of mushroom soup
1 can of cream of chicken
1 onion, chopped
Add seasoning to your taste. I use: cumin, parsley, poultry seasoning, seasoned salt and pepper
1 can of low sodium/low fat chicken broth (or water)
If you choose, you can add 2 CANS of mixed veggies (mix of carrots, peas, tiny potatoes, celery) I use ½ of a 16 oz. pkg. of frozen mixed veggies + ¾ c. water
Last, 1 can of LAYERED, (like Hungry Jack flaky) biscuits, quartered.
Place everything but the biscuits into the crock pot. Cover and cook for approximately 4 hours on LOW. About 45 min to an hour before serving, place the torn biscuit dough in the slow cooker. Cook until the dough is no longer raw in the center. This is a thick mixture which resembles a crust less potpie. Enjoy.
FYI: We are revising the newsletter, so expect something a little different with the next one you see.
Feedback: What do you enjoy about the monthly recipes?
Posted by Daniel Sinclair on Wed, Feb 10, 2010 @ 05:00 PM
Enchilada Casserole
1 (14 oz.) can tomatoes
1 small chopped onion
1 clove minced garlic
½ tsp. Ground red pepper
½ tsp. Salt
6 oz. can tomato paste
½ lb. ground beef, browned
1 can beans, drained
1 pkg. Dry taco season mix
2 cups shredded cheese
9 corn tortillas
Sauce: Blend tomatoes with onion and garlic in blender. Pour in medium saucepan. Add pepper, salt and tomato paste. Heat until boiling, then simmer 5 to 10 minutes. Place 3 tortillas in bottom of crock pot. Layer on tortillas 1/3 of ground beef, 1/3 tomato sauce, and 1/3 Cheddar cheese, then 3 more tortillas. Repeat each layer 2 more times, ending with cheese. Cover and cook on low 6 to 8 hours. Serves 4.
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Posted by Daniel Sinclair on Wed, Jan 27, 2010 @ 05:00 PM
Peanut Butter Pie from Beth Sinclair's Kitchen
1 prepared chocolate cookie pie crust
1 c. creamy peanut butter
8 oz. cream cheese (at room temperature)
12 oz. container of non-dairy whipped topping, divided
1 (11.75 oz) jar hot fudge topping, divided
½ c. sugar
Drizzle: 2 T. hot fudge topping and 2 T. creamy peanut butter
In a medium bowl, beat together peanut butter, cream cheese and sugar. Gently fold in 3 c. whipped topping. Spoon mixture into pie shell. Using a spatula, smooth mixture to edges of pie. Reserving 2 T. hot fudge topping, place remaining hot fudge topping into microwave-safe bowl or glass measuring cup. Microwave for 1 minute. Stir. Spread hot fudge topping over pie to cover the peanut butter layer. Refrigerate until serving time. Just before serving, spread the remaining whipped topping over the hot fudge layer, being careful not to mix the two layers. Place 2 T. hot fudge in small baggies and knead for a few seconds. Cut a tiny hole in the corner of the bag and drizzle over pie. Do the same with 2 T peanut butter going in the opposite direction of the hot fudge.
This pie makes my mouth water, how about you?
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Posted by Daniel Sinclair on Thu, Dec 24, 2009 @ 04:34 PM
Merry Christmas! From all of us at Sinclair Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing, we want to wish you and yours a Merry Christmas. With all of the bad weather in Lubbock, we would like to encourage you to be careful out on the roads.
If you are kicking yourself because you didn't get your furnace or heating unit checked before it got too cold, it's not too late! Sinclair is still offering you a chance to have it serviced, and for a limited time we are offering our twice a year maintenance contract at a special price! So don't delay and sign up for our maintence contract or schedule a call today.
By the way, our website has a new page! Click on the News link on the menu bar and that will send you to a new area for the website. This page is still new but has several articles that will help you with trouble shooting problems for residential thermostats as well as information about tankless water heaters. Feel free to comment about these articles or rate them as good or bad. If you have some good ideas for articles or want to know more about plumbing, furnaces, Bryant's Perfect Air Purifier, etc..., please let us know and we will post helpful articles to help keep you informed about the latest in HVAC and Plumbing industry.
Photo by Angelo
What are you doing for the Holiday's? Did you miss our newsletter?
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Posted by Daniel Sinclair on Mon, Dec 14, 2009 @ 06:15 PM
Sinclair Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing recently mailed out our company newsletter discussing the latest and greatest with our industry. If you have not received one yet, you have come to the right place! In the latest letter we are focusing on our residential plumbing department. Plumbing?!?!?! That is correct, Sinclair also can work on any plumbing problems you might have in your home! We have been plumbing in Lubbock for the last 15 years. In the newsletter you can meet the gentlemen that run our plumbing department and fix many of our customers' problems every day. All you have to do to read the latest newsletter is to click on this link to download it.
After you read it let us know what you think by sending us a comment.
Photo by Matt Callow
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