Lilac City Momma

Lynn

How Do I Prepare My Residential Heating and Air for the Fall

by

The fall is here. Time for changing autumn leaves, brisk weather, and holiday decorations adorning the front yard. It also means it’s time to check your residential heating and air equipment. Right … we know that as you settle on your couch with a cup of hot cocoa, this may not be the first thing that comes to mind during this time of year. But that doesn’t mean it’s any less important.

Trust us, we know. As industry experts in servicing and installing residential heating and air equipment, Watts Heating and Cooling receives numerous calls this time of year from panicked customers who realize their HVAC system isn’t performing up to par and winter is quickly approaching. Rather than wait until the last minute to check your residential heating and air equipment, here are some things you can do right now to make sure everything runs smoothly so, come wintertime, you won’t be left in the cold.

Change Your Air Filters

One of the quickest and easiest things you can do to improve the airflow of your unit is to regularly change or clean your air filters. It’s a good idea to change the filters at the start of every season, but you may need to change them more frequently, depending on your lifestyle. Homes with pet dander or cigarette smoke may have air filters that become clogged more easily than others. Inspect your air filters frequently and change them when necessary.

Changing your air filters will improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling equipment. This will not only increase the comfort level of your home, but will also save on energy costs during the long, cold winter months.

Adjust Your Thermostat Settings

Take advantage of the cooler temperatures by adjusting your thermostat settings. This will help you save money on your energy bill during the fall season. If you want to continue saving money during the winter months, consider investing in a programmable thermostat.

When you use a programmable thermostat, you can adjust temperatures when you know you’re going to be away from home. You can program your thermostat to return to a comfortable temperature right before you return. This allows you to adjust your thermostat settings so that you can maintain your comfort levels while also saving money.

According to the US Department of Energy, turning your thermostat down 7 to 10 degrees from its normal setting for 8 hours a day can save you up to 10 percent a year on your heating and cooling costs. This is a simple adjustment to make, and the savings can really add up.

Clean the Unit and Remove Debris

If you have an outdoor unit, you’ll want to make sure you clear any leaves or other debris from around the unit. This can inhibit the unit’s ability to work effectively. If plants are overgrown, clear those out as well. Plants should be kept several feet away from the unit.

You’ll also want to see if any branches are hanging overhead. If so, severe weather could knock these branches loose, causing damage to your system. Make sure to trim any overhanging tree branches so you avoid the risk of having them fall on your unit. After any bad storms, check the exterior of your unit for any damage and, if necessary, call in a technician to assess the situation.

In addition to clearing out the debris from around your outside unit, you should also clean out your indoor vents. Now is a good time to assess the condition of your air ducts as well. If they’re leaky, you may need to have them sealed to prevent heat or cool air from escaping. To determine whether this is necessary, it’s a good idea to have an energy assessment performed on your home. Which leads us to our next step.

Schedule a Service Appointment

Now is a great time to schedule a service appointment with your HVAC technician. You should schedule two appointments annually, one in the fall right before winter begins and another in the spring, ahead of the summer months.

Scheduling your service appointments at these times of year will ensure everything is running smoothly before the extreme weather comes. They’ll also give you ample time to fix your equipment if your technician notices something is awry. Regular maintenance also extends the life span of your equipment, reduces your utility bills, and provides a more comfortable indoor environment.

It’s also wise to have your HVAC technician perform a home energy audit. This will allow them to identify areas of your home where you may be losing energy and make recommendations for how to make your system operate more efficiently.

Air Seal Your Home and Add Extra Insulation

An energy assessment will help you determine what steps you should take to make your residential heating and air equipment operate more efficiently. For instance, heat and air often escape from the home through small cracks or crevices. This means you could have the most modern, efficient HVAC unit, but still feel drafts or uneven temperatures throughout your home. If that’s the case, it may be a good idea to have it air sealed.

Once your home is properly air sealed, you may want to add extra insulation as well. Think of insulation as an extra layer of protection. When your home is well-insulated, it keeps your system from going into overdrive to heat or cool your home properly. This means your heating and cooling equipment will operate more efficiently, saving you money and keeping your house comfortable year-round.

The Home Energy Saver is an excellent tool for recommendations on energy upgrades and their return on investment. For more recommendations, or if you have additional questions, feel free to give us a call. Watts Heating and Cooling specializes in residential heating and air products and services. We’ll keep you feeling warm and cozy throughout the winter months and cool as a cucumber during summertime.

 

Where Did the Cheeseburger Originate and 4 More Fun Food Facts

by

Your friendly neighborhood burger joint Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers has become the hottest place to be (and believe us, we know how hot it’s been this summer!). Across our fourteen locations in Arizona and California, we serve tried and true burgers and favorites with a twist, with a comprehensive beer selection. But we couldn’t help but wonder, where did the cheeseburger originate? That led us to some interesting history about some of our other familiar and favorite dishes.

Without further ado, here’s what we found on the origin of the cheeseburger and four more fun food facts.

1. Cheeseburgers

Of course, here’s what we were looking forward to most! Before there was a cheeseburger, there was a hamburger: simply a hamburger patty on a bun. In 1891, just west of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Oscar Weber Bilby was the first to serve hamburgers on a thick, yeasty bun instead of between two slices of bread. But it wasn’t until 1924 in Pasadena, California, that a short-order cook named Lionel Clark Sternberger first put a slice of cheese on the hamburger he was making. He called it the “Aristocratic Hamburger” and “The Original Hamburger with Cheese.”

Since then, the cheeseburger tradition includes just about any topping you can put on it, and the burger itself has spread to the rest of the world. Now not only can you have a cheeseburger made with beef, but also lamb, pork, or veggie burgers. The typical staples of a good ol’ American cheeseburger are usually pickles, onions, ketchup, mustard, lettuce, and tomato. However, really what it comes down to is that you’re only limited by your imagination. Take for instance our Bacon PB&J burger: sugar-cured bacon, peanut butter, grape jelly, cheddar, and chipotle honey sauce. It’s sweet, it’s savory, it’s weird, and it’s wonderful.

Come visit and try it out yourself! Our ingredients are fresh, the beer is cold, and the cheeseburgers are exactly right.

2. French Fries

In the US, we love our fried potatoes: we have steak fries, potato chips, tater tots, and hash browns, on top of a multitude of different fries of all shapes and textures, such as waffle-cut, crinkle-cut, and curly. French fries come with almost every restaurant meal, from sandwiches to fried fish. Are they French? Not technically. The story goes that US soldiers in southern Belgium brought the ideas and recipes back from their deployments during World War I. The Belgians typically ate fried fish, but in the winter, when the rivers froze, they fried potatoes instead. So why aren’t they called Belgian fries? It turns out the dominant language of the area was French, and the name stuck.

There have been other French fries, though they probably didn’t look like the long, golden strips that we know now. Back in the 1780s in Paris, street vendors sold fried potatoes, though the potatoes that originally were brought from South America to Europe were tiny—only about the size of golf balls.

The earliest mention of French fries in America was when President Thomas Jefferson directed the White House chef, Frenchman Honoré Julien, to prepare “potatoes in the French manner” for a state dinner. Jefferson was an avid Francophile (he lived in France from 1784 to 1789) and enjoyed bringing pieces of French culture to America.

3. Apple Pie

The phrase “as American as apple pie” has been around since 1851 and was popularized in the 1940s as a patriotic expression. However, it turns out that neither apples nor pie is born and bred in the United States! Apples of different varieties originated in Europe and Asia, and the various pie recipes came to us through immigrants from Sweden, the Netherlands, and Britain. The traditional lattice-style crust was a Dutch invention in the 15th century.

Remember hearing about Johnny Appleseed traveling the highways of the young United States, spreading apple trees wherever he went? Turns out, he actually spread crabapple trees, which have sour, inedible fruit, which is used to make hard cider. The apples we’re familiar with now came from Europe in the mid-1600s.

4. Buffalo Wings

Spicy, tangy, and messy, this is one food on this list that was an American invention from the start. A staple of bars and pubs, this chicken wing slathered in sauce and served with celery on the side was created in 1964. Teressa Bellissimo ran a family-owned restaurant called the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York—hence the name.

Why is it so often paired with bleu cheese and celery? The answer is simpler than you think: because when it was first dished up by Bellissimo, that was all she had available! No matter—the condiments stuck, and a delicious tradition was formed.

Want to be part of the tradition? The city of Buffalo has celebrated Chicken Wing Day every July 29th since 1977. You can either celebrate in New York or close to home—after all, we have four kinds of wings available every day.

5. Pizza

This most flexible of flatbreads comes in an infinite variety. In Brazil, you might expect it to come topped with green peas, with a super-thin crust. In London, you can find it with tandoori chicken and sweet corn. Or maybe you’d like to try the Swedish way, topped with banana curry? Even within the US, there are different ways of baking and presenting it: witness the Chicago deep-dish, the New York-style dripping with cheese, and the square Detroit pizzas.

Have you ever wondered why a pizza topped with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil is called a Margherita pizza? Did you think it might just really go well with margaritas? In reality, it’s because there’s a legend about the Italian King Umberto I and Queen Margherita. They asked baker Raffaele Esposito to make them a pizza on a visit to Naples in 1889. Esposito was considered the first to bring the Italian pizza into the mainstream, with tomato sauce, cheese, and toppings. Before that, pizza was a street food.

 

How to plan a cheap family trip

by

Are you planning a family vacation but have a tight budget? Fret not! You do have fun options besides the usual hotel staycation or the grandparents’ house for a short getaway. With some planning and creativity, you can cut vacation costs without having to cut any of the fun. We have some ideas for planning a family vacation on an economical budget.

1. Search for discounted vacation packages

Look at family vacation packages being offered on discount sites like Groupon,

Travelocity, Orbitz, Living Social and CheapTickets.

2. Signup for online fare alerts

Start planning your vacation as early as 6 to 12 months in advance. Sign up for fare alerts at websites like Kayak, DealBase or TravelZoo or book budget airline tickets in advance. Some budget airlines offer promotional deals that you will not find on comparison travel sites. Air fare prices will shoot up during peak holiday seasons. So be the early bird to grab your cheap seats on non-stop flights.

3. Take advantage of off-peak pricing

Many vacation destinations can be even more charming, more relaxing and definitely less expensive during off-peak periods such as during non-school holiday periods, non-festive seasons or on regular weekdays.

4. Book mid-week flights

If you have the flexibility in your plans, try flying and checking into hotels mid-week instead of from Fridays through Sundays to get cheaper rates. Your best bet to fly during public holidays are on Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year’s Day.

5. Cut back on little extras

Remember what your frugal parents used to do when planning holidays during your younger days? They would call a long list of hotels to find the ones with free breakfast or where kids get to stay for free or have free meals. Better yet, book a room with kitchen facilities so that you could cook a few of your own meals.

6. Travel on a recreational vehicle (RV)

There’s just so much fun having the entire family crammed into an RV – traveling the open road, having the freedom of driving, waking up and doing everything without having to follow rigid timings as would have been the case had you booked a holiday from a travel agency. You’ll get the chance to explore the nation’s wealth of national parks, scenic roads, mountains, hills and seaside. You’ll get to experience the adventure of camping and sleeping under the stars. Think about how much you’ll save on hotel and air fare.

If you need your RV transported to your holiday destination, finding a trusted RV transport service to move your RV at a reasonable price isn’t always a simple task. However, the task of moving your RV is made easier at Shiply. You can find a vast selection of RV transport services on Shiply, often at rates up to 75% cheaper than usual. All it takes is to fill out a simple online form and the quotes will be emailed to you within minutes. Shiply has been used by millions of people worldwide and you’ll get to read reviews from previous customers. For more details on how best to transport your RV, click here to find out to plan your adventurous holiday on an RV!

 

Mommy’s Guide to Eco Friendly Kids’ Toys This Holiday Season

by

It’s the yearly dilemma—what to get the kids for the holidays?

You have two choices. Purchase disposable toys that will leave plastic packaging all over your home on Christmas morning, or purchase eco-friendly kids’ toys that will last for years to come.

Many parents are becoming more aware of the importance of helping the planet by purchasing sustainable toys. If you’re ready to shop smart this year, keep reading to find a few of the best toys for kids that are environmentally-friendly.

Puzzles

Puzzles made of wood or recycled materials are one of the best environmentally friendly toys. They’re both fun and challenging for kids, helping to build fine motor skills.

You can find puzzles for kids of all ages, from large blocks for young ones to more complex 1,000 piece options.

Organic Modeling Clay

Kids love toys that let them express their creativity, which is why Play-Doh has always been so popular. However, for a more eco-friendly option, look for modeling clay that’s made from organic, all-natural materials.

It’s harmless if swallowed and also free from any allergens or chemicals. Kids can knead, mold, or shape it into any creation they desire, and it won’t dry out, if stored properly.

If it does start to dry out, a little bit of vegetable oil can usually make it supple again.

Wooden Blocks and Games

Toys made of wood are another top choice if you want to go organic. Many wooden blocks, games, and toys, like trucks, are made from recycled wood, making them sustainable choices.

Plus, wooden toys are long-lasting, and they can even be passed down generations of families. They won’t break or shatter like cheap plastic toys, so they’re much better for the environment too.

Not sure which wooden toys are best for your kids? This link can give you some suggestions.

Organic Cotton Toys

Lots of kids love plush stuffed animals, but are any good for the environment? Yes—if they’re made from organic cotton.

Sustainable cotton is free from pesticides and uses less water to grow. There’s less environmental impact and it’s often grown by small farms.

You can find plenty of organic cotton toys, but make sure they aren’t stuffed with any synthetic or plastic materials.

Shop These Eco-Friendly Kids’ Toys This Holiday

With so many eco-friendly kids’ toys on the market, there are plenty of amazing holiday present choices that won’t harm our planet. Plus, sustainable toys are a good way to help teach kids about the importance of looking after the environment.

To get started, use the ideas above to research organic toys that your little ones will love. Just to be sure to wrap them in recycled wrapping paper before placing them under the tree!

Did you find this helpful? To learn more, please keep reading to find similar content.

 

5 Reasons To Make Your Family’s Home More Eco-Friendly

by

The world is changing really fast, and one of the biggest topics that we’ve seen explode in the last few years is the topic of environmentalism.

Now, there are a lot of conspiracy theories and misinformation websites out there when it comes to saving the planet, but the one thing that most people will agree with, no matter what side of the argument your views are, is that we should be doing more collectively and individually to protect the planet.

Why It’s Important For Moms

A little goes a long way, and, for us as moms, it’s our job to ensure that our kids are bought up in a home that is safe and healthy for them. We should be helping to make this an environment that instills the values of being a steward for the planet.

There are a few easy ways we can encourage our kids to ‘be more green’ and to improve our family home’s carbon footprint, but for a lot of moms, the big question is ‘why should I?’.

Here are five reasons you should consider improving your home’s energy efficiency and carbon footprint, and they are five solid reasons too!

Healthier Home

Your home is one of the places you can have the biggest impact on your family’s health and well-being. Making your home more eco-friendly can take many forms, from getting into the habit of recycling regularly to going all out with solar panels, but it’s the cleaning solutions you use that will have the biggest impact on the healthiness of your family.

Why not switch to greener cleaning products. These are usually much gentler on the planet and, without harmful substances like bleach, they are a lot safer and healthier for your family too. So you have plenty to benefit from using greener products.

Save Money

Going down the eco-friendly route for your family home could cost you quite a bit of money if you were to go all out, to begin with, but taking small steps to make your home more energy-efficient can actually save you money in the long run.

The first step you should take is to get your home energy rating system sorted. Get in the experts, like the guys at Air By Design, to come and test your home’s efficiency and give you a rating. Then you know exactly what you’re working with and working towards.

Better For The Environment

It almost goes without saying that having a more eco-friendly home is better for the environment, but what does that mean for you and your family home? The answer is simple if you are looking after your little bubble of the environment, you’re taking the first step to look after the rest of the environment, and this is hugely impactful on kids.

Kids raised in a household that puts being good stewards of the planet front and center are more likely to carry this on elsewhere. They will be the ones picking up litter on the street and throwing it in the trash naturally, and they will affect change in their schools too.

It’s a great chain reaction to start.

Better Home Environment

Taking steps to make your home more eco-friendly will not just help the wider environment, but it will help your own environment, your house, and your home.

Studies have shown that having more plants and greenery around is great for the air, and it also makes people, in general, feel happier and calmer, and that’s just the start of it. When you know that your home isn’t having a negative impact on the environment, it’s like a weight lifted off of you and your family.

Increase the Value

One of the best reasons to begin to improve your home’s eco-credentials is because it could add value to your home.

Simple changes like adding a rainwater collection system, energy-efficient lightbulbs, or plotting out a vegetable garden in the backyard may not add much monetary value, but they will be a welcome sight for new people looking around, adding to the ‘wow’ value.

Bigger changes like adding solar panels to your roof, a recycling system, maybe even thermostatic radiators, and climate controls on your aircon go a long way to adding value to your property.

If you can market your property as carbon neutral, or even low carbon, it’s a big selling point for other families who are looking to get started on their own eco-friendly lifestyle. Therefore, energy improvements offer a great ROI.