Lewis Maclean April 2019

APRIL 2019

Settling Into Spring — AND GETTING READY FOR SUMMER

Every time we check your air conditioner during an inspection or tune-up, we also check for refrigerant leaks. This doesn’t apply to every air conditioner out there, but a lot of homes still use air conditioners that rely on refrigerant to properly function. We check because leaks can be harmful to the surrounding environment and the chemicals can get into the groundwater. Plus, the Canadian government requires that any and all A/C equipment be checked for refrigerant leaks every year. This is a problem with older A/C units. As these units age, there’s a higher chance they can develop leaks. Many newer units do not use toxic refrigerants to operate, especially consumer- grade units you’d find in just about any home. The reason why the Canadian government requires the check comes back to the depletion of the ozone in the 1970s, ‘80s, and ‘90s. There were various refrigerants and many other chemicals that contributed to the depletion of the ozone. While most of those “trouble” chemicals are no longer on the market, we still have to keep an eye out for the stragglers. This check is something we’ve done for our customers for a long time. After all, it just makes sense to check for leaks, no matter what. It really comes down to this: When we’re proactive about maintaining HVAC systems and preventing leaks, we protect the people who occupy that home or building. We also help

protect the environment, which is important not only for today but also for our future on this earth. Of course, we do so much more during every A/C inspection and tune-up. It’s about getting into the nuts and bolts of the unit, looking for issues that may be hurting its efficiency right now or in the near future (summertime, for instance). On that last point, another thing to keep in mind is even if nothing is necessarily wrong with your A/C, a tune-up will help you have a trouble-free summer.

For folks who don’t have an A/C but may be thinking about installing one in their home, spring is a great time to make this addition. You can get the unit installed and up and running without having a long wait. A lot of people who are thinking about an A/C installation will wait. Working in this business as long as we have — we see it. On the first hot day of the year, we get a lot of calls from people who are ready to make the leap. That translates to longer wait times — and when your home is heating up, waiting isn’t something you want to do. That’s it for me this month! I hope you’re having a great spring, and as always, if you need anything from us, we’re standing by the phone ready to take your call, 24/7 — and we’re here for all your plumbing, heating, drainage, and air conditioning tune-up and installation needs!

–Tyler Dillon

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Be a Tourist in Your Hometown No Place Like Home Experience is Key

Is your home ready for summer? It may still be early, but it’s an important question to think about as we approach the summer months. While the Lower Mainland isn’t known for the hottest summers in the country, it can still get pretty toasty — and we want you to be prepared! As we like to say at Lewis MacLean, prevention is often the best medicine. Our technicians are here to help you prevent issues that may arise with your HVAC system down the road. That said, you may have wondered how our techs can identify these potential issues and diagnose problems before they happen. The answer is experience. We’ve been in the HVAC and plumbing business for a long time, and we know how to train our techs to look for certain signs that something might go wrong. That’s because we’ve seen what happens when things do go wrong — and what causes those problems, big and small. Every inspection we do is designed to pinpoint issues most people don’t notice. It might be a loose screw or a worn valve. Because HVAC systems have many mechanical components, there is a lot that can go wrong, especially as these systems age. We’re here to serve as “HVAC doctors” to keep these kinds of systems up and running through their expected life span while minimizing issues. And on top of identifying mechanical issues, our techs also look for potential safety hazards. If you’re a long-time reader of this newsletter, you know all about the dangers of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide, or CO, is generated by appliances such as gas water heaters and furnaces. If a component on one of these devices has deteriorated or HOW OUR TECHS OPERATE—AND WHY APRIL INSPECTIONS ARE SO IMPORTANT!

Do you dream of adventure? Do you want to see something new, discover someplace

interesting, and make memories you’ll cherish forever? Do you still have to be at work on Monday? Finding adventure doesn’t have to mean packing up and trekking across the globe for six months. Being adventurous is all about

changing your mindset and looking for the unexpected in the familiar.

As you start planning summer vacations, instead of spending a lot of money to be a tourist somewhere else, why not try finding a little adventure at home?

Get a Room If you really want to experience your hometown through the eyes of a tourist, try waking up somewhere new. One night in a hotel room or bed-and-breakfast can really put you in the adventuring mindset. Find Local Events Now’s the time to check out the farmers market you’ve been meaning to go to for ages! Then you can swing by that free concert in the park before going to a play at your community theatre. Attending local events is a great way to visit places in town you’ve never been before. You might even find a historical tour that can teach you all about the wonders of your town. Download an app like Eventbrite, or go old-school and check for fun local events in the paper. Appreciate the Arts There are countless tiny museums and cultural attractions all over the place that most people overlook — especially those who have lived in an area for a while. Does your hometown have interesting art installations on Main Street? What about museums dedicated to strange and supernatural phenomena, parks, historical landmarks, or giant robotic farm animals? Check Yelp.com for lists of popular attractions near you, or ask your friends for suggestions. You might be surprised by what your hometown has to offer. You might be thinking, “This is would be great if I lived somewhere fun!” If you’ve ever thought your town was boring, that’s all the more reason to try being a tourist! Adventures can happen anywhere if you just take that first step out the door.

broken, it could put you, your family, and your pets at risk.

Going into summer, we want to make sure your home is a cool and comfortable sanctuary. We’re here to keep your air conditioning system working efficiently and effectively. Why talk about air conditioning in April? Well, April is the best time for a system inspection and any needed maintenance. Peak cooling season will be here before you know it, and when that happens, our techs will be busy. Right now, you can avoid peak season and the wait times that come with it!

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4 Steps to Cleaner, Better-Looking Carpets

When was the last time you cleaned your carpets? While many homeowners will vacuum at least once a week, they have a habit of putting off deep carpet cleaning for years at a time. Over time, however, carpets accumulate dust, dirt, dander, bacteria, mold, and more. Anything you track in on the bottom of your shoes will inevitably end up in your carpet — even if you take care to remove your shoes at the door. That’s simply the challenge of owning carpets. Many allergen experts suggest that carpets should be deep cleaned at least once a year, depending on the severity of your allergies. For people with more severe allergies, a deep clean may be necessary about once a month. Just like washing your sheets and pillowcases once a week, it can be hugely beneficial when it comes to reducing symptoms related to allergies.

Pre-cleaning Before starting the deep clean, vacuum excess dust, dander, and other particles. This is crucial to getting the best possible results because it means slightly less work for the deep cleaner. Use a carpet rake or brush to help loosen up embedded particles as you vacuum. Cleaning There are different ways to deep clean your carpet, such as hot water extraction, steam cleaning, and bonnet cleaning. Bonnet cleaning is usually reserved for commercial purposes, while there are many hot water extractors and steam cleaners easily available to homeowners to either buy or rent. For the average home, a steam cleaner is a great choice and is easy to use. possible, turn on fans in carpeted rooms to help circulate the air. And don’t open any windows! Allergens will get back into the home and settle on the damp carpets. Grooming Once the carpets are dry, once again take a carpet brush or rake and run it over the carpets. This helps restore volume to the material that may have been lost due to foot traffic. Once the carpet has been brushed, vacuum it once again. You’ll be left with carpet that looks as good as new! Drying At the end of a deep clean, the carpets are usually still damp. You want to avoid walking over any damp carpet and, if

Of course, deep cleaning is also a great way to remove stains and restore your carpet’s original look and feel. This spring, as you clean your home and freshen things up, try these four steps to get your carpet looking great (and get allergens, dust, and bacteria out of your home):

BLISTERED ASPARAGUS WITH PEANUT-COCONUT SPRINKLE

INGREDIENTS

• 12 ounces asparagus, stalks trimmed • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil • 1 Fresno chile, deseeded and finely chopped • 2 tablespoons soy sauce • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

• 1 teaspoon agave nectar • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated • 2 tablespoons peanuts, crushed • 2 tablespoons shredded coconut, toasted • Salt, to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large skillet over

3. In a mixing bowl, combine chile, soy sauce, lime juice, agave, and ginger. Mix in peanuts and coconut. 4. Spoon over asparagus and serve. Inspired by Bon Appétit magazine

BUTTERFLY DANDELION EASTER FOOL

HOAX MISCHIEF PASSOVER PRANK

RAINBOW SHOWERS

medium-high heat, heat oil until shimmering.

2. Season asparagus with salt and sauté, tossing frequently until blistered, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a platter.

SPRING TAURUS

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23008 Fraser Highway Langley, BC V2Z 2V1 604-532-9625 www.lewismaclean.com

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THIS ISSUE

How Cool Are You? Adventure Awaits (At Home) How Our Techs Operate Suffer From Allergies? Clean Your Carpets! Blistered Asparagus With Peanut-Coconut Sprinkle 3 Travel Myths Debunked

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Paris on a Budget?

3 TRAVEL MYTHS YOU SHOULD STOP BELIEVING

Travelling has many social and educational benefits, but some people have hesitations that prevent them from jetting off on new adventures. Below are three debunked travel myths to give you some ease as you plan your summer vacation! Myth: Vacations are expensive. Fact: You can travel anywhere on a budget. Tracking flights to score the best deal, setting spending limits, and packing meals are a few ways to save money. Hostels and Airbnbs are great alternatives to spendy hotel stays. Additionally, you don’t have to cross the country to have a great trip. Every province and state has museums, unique roadside attractions, historical sites, and a booming nightlife. When you know your price limits and what you want to do, travelling can be a fun and inexpensive venture. Myth: Travelling is dangerous. Fact: If you’re smart about what you do and where you go, travelling can be safe. Go with your gut and only stay somewhere that is approved by travel guides. Visit places you feel comfortable

in, and do your research by reading travel blogs, websites, and books to find places that have been vetted by others. Travelling in groups can also be a great way to lower your risk of danger. As long

as you plan ahead, you will have a safe trip. Myth: Jet lag is caused by a lack of sleep.

Fact: While jet lag can make you sleepy, it’s actually caused by a disruption in your circadian rhythm. Our bodies are cyclical, and the circadian rhythm is set by both a natural need for your body to reset and outside forces, such as your job, time zone, and diet. Travel can disrupt this rhythm and routine, which leaves you lethargic during and after your vacation. Sticking to water before and during your flights and staying physically active during and after traveling are great ways to fight jet lag and get back into your normal rhythm. Don’t let these travel myths keep you from seeing the world. Set a budget, go with your gut, and prepare for a shifting rhythm to make your next adventure the best one yet.

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