Rol Air Repair - April 2021

Rol Air Repair - April 2021

A B R E A T H OF FRESH AIR

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APRIL 2021

763.515.6411 ROLAIRREPAIR.COM

208-459-3388

SPRING IS IN THE AIR — AND AIR IS OUR BUSINESS! WHAT WILL “SPRING-CLEANING” MEAN TO YOU THIS YEAR?

When I do it, I find all kinds of things: new solutions to old problems, new appreciation for things I might otherwise overlook, and new ways that my company can better serve our clients. One of those ways — and something I’m very excited about — is our “As Little As One Day Bath & Shower Upgrade.” It’s a service we started doing earlier this year, and the name pretty much says it all: a lightning-quick upgrade to your shower and/or bath that will change your quality of life in the tub overnight — often literally! That’s because this deal is designed for maximum impact in minimal time. Although circumstances sometimes mean we cannot get everyone’s remodel done in a day, it never takes much longer with our pros on the job. Rol Air Plumbing & Heating brainstormed this service, and it’s been a total knockout for the clients so far. That just makes sense: Not only can updating a tub and/or shower totally change the look and feel of a bathroom space, but it’s also something that a homeowner gets to enjoy immediately. And we knew that we could do these very fast, in as little as one day in many cases. Last but not least, bathroom updates are more likely to add value to a home than almost any other type of remodel. As you can imagine, we’ve been pretty busy already this spring, and it’s only looking to get busier. But that doesn’t mean that we can’t make time for a client who needs our help — whether it’s an emergency plumbing repair, a heating problem in a guest room when family is about to visit, or a one-day demo and remodel job like the one I just described. We’re able to do all of this through deliberate planning and smart growth, hiring the right people, and approaching each situation with the right attitude. What does spring-cleaning mean to you? What will you set your sights on and accomplish in the fresh air? This year, start with a spring- cleaning of dusty thoughts and negative energy. The rest will follow.

To me, this is a wonderful time of year. When you breathe in the clean air, you can almost smell the warm winds of summer coming our way. Although we know winter may still have a few last tricks up its sleeve, there’s no doubt that everything is headed in the right direction. That makes it the perfect time to check in with ourselves and make sure that we’re headed in the right direction, too. No matter where the season finds you, everyone can benefit from a little “spring-cleaning” as we clear away the cobwebs of winter and better our mindsets so we can pounce on the opportunities coming our way this year. One trend that I’ve noticed is a massive spike in homeowners doing, or scheduling, remodels of all kinds. It’s been wonderful to see people getting really engaged with their house and property. Some of them are learning new skills, like carpentry or drafting, and others are having fun working with the tradesmen, helping them realize their vision for their house. But the greatest thing that I think many homeowners have discovered in the past year is that there’s a home project for every person, every budget, and every busy schedule. Those people are “spring-cleaning” in a big way — they’re taking a house that they’ve lived in for years, or maybe even decades, clearing away the dust (metaphorical and literal), and looking at the space with new eyes. And that’s exactly what “spring-cleaning” is all about: using the energy we get when spring is in the air to revitalize the familiar.

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THE CHALLENGE OF RECYCLING PLASTIC WHY IT’S HARD — AND HOW YOU CAN BE BETTER AT IT!

That Does What ?

Many of us recycle because we believe in the idea. With so much plastic waste ending up in oceans, rivers, and the side of the road, we want to do our part to make the world a little less polluted. So, why is it that plastic recycling seems so complicated? Plastic recycling varies greatly from city to city. Some cities have more comprehensive plastic recycling programs, while others don’t. But no matter the city, most plastic we intend for recycling is not recycled at all — it ends up in a landfill. Part of the reason is that it’s being sorted incorrectly. The other reason is simply ludicrous: Most plastic was never intended to be recycled in the first place — and it’s cheaper for companies to use brand-new plastic than it is to use recycled varieties. Another major problem is the fact that there are several types of plastic on the market, which makes recycling a complicated prospect. Most plastics cannot be recycled together, as their chemical composition varies just enough. If the wrong types of plastics are recycled together, the result is unusable. It’s just too degraded.

5 THINGS TO KEEP AWAY FROM YOUR DRAIN

When it comes to your kitchen or bathroom sink, the only thing that should be flowing down the drain is water. Of course, in the average household, you can call that a pipe dream (literally). So much gets rinsed down our drains, it’s no wonder plumbers are in such high demand! However, there are a few things you should never want to wash down the drain, even if you have a garbage disposal. Not only can you end up with clogged or damaged pipes, but you’ll also have to deal with unpleasant, lingering odors. Fats This is one of the worst substances you can send into your home’s plumbing system. Once fat — such as bacon grease — hits the cold pipes under and around your house, it starts to congeal, becoming hard and waxy. Over time, fat will build up in the pipes, resulting in major blockage. High-Fiber Foods Certain foods like asparagus, carrots, celery, corn husks, and potato peels can spell trouble for your drain and disposal. Fibrous strands can get caught in the grinding plate of the disposal, which then build up and cause clogs. Additionally, high-fiber foods don’t wash away well, as fibrous strands can tangle and clump together in pipes. Seeds Seeds can cause serious problems. Large seeds (peach pits) aren’t going to go anywhere and may end up damaging your disposal or getting caught in your pipes. Smaller seeds aren’t much better and can be a challenge for the disposal if they become lodged in the grinding plate and pipe bends. Starches Foods like pasta, potatoes, and rice are heavy and absorb water. Because of this, they can become a thick mess inside your drainage system, much like fat. They can settle and accumulate, leading to, you guessed it, a clogged drain. Paper Paper towels, tissues, and napkins cause problems due to their fibrous makeup. The only type of paper that can safely be put down the drain (or flushed, in this case) is toilet paper. It’s specifically designed to disintegrate in water. And those popular “flushable” wipes should never be put down a drain; despite their advertising, they are not flushable and can do serious damage as they accumulate.

Most plastic is imprinted with a small number inside of a triangle — typically 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5. This is not an official symbol that says the plastic is recyclable. It only tells you what type of plastic it is. In some communities, plastics labeled “1” and “2” can be recycled together. Sometimes, plastics labeled “4” and “5” have to be separated to be recycled. Some communities cannot even process certain types of plastic, and those will end up in the landfill no matter what. So, what can you do to be a better recycler? Make sure you’re recycling according to your community’s guidelines. Check your local waste department website for details on what types of plastic they can and cannot process. Alternatively, reduce the amount of single-use or limited-use plastic you use. Instead, use glass products when possible. Glass products last much longer than plastic, they’re better for the environment, they’re healthier — and they’re infinitely recyclable!

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BOOST YOUR HOME’S ENERGY EFFICIENCY

With These 3 Products

With the development of accessible, affordable technologies and home products, improving the energy efficiency of your home is easier than ever. On top of that, many of these products give you more options for home automation so you can save money and stay comfortable without even thinking about it. Here are three investments that will boost your energy efficiency right now.

A Smart Thermostat

The great thing about smart thermostats is that they offer more programmable options than traditional thermostats. For example, you can buy a thermostat that connects to your home’s Wi-Fi and is controlled by an accompanying smartphone app, no matter where you are. Another awesome feature is that smart thermostats will turn on and off based on your schedule and temperature preferences. In the long run, this feature can save you money and energy.

A Smart Water Heater

Generally, water heaters are not the most energy efficient — especially if you’re in a household where hot water is in constant demand. But with a smart water heater, you can change that. Much like the previously mentioned thermostat, you can control a smart water heater remotely or set it to heat water according to a specific schedule. This way, the heating elements aren’t running all day, every day. They come in tank and tankless varieties, though tankless is the way to go to maximize energy efficiency without taking up much space.

Next-Generation Insulation

While you might be familiar with fiberglass insulation, an industry standard, there are much better options that help you maintain the temperature in your home. For existing homes, spray foam insulation is the best option, as it is the easiest to install and can still save energy. It’s also ideal for insulating attics, basements, and hard-to-reach spots. For new homes or more involved renovations, insulating concrete forms are the most energy-efficient option.

SPRING VEGETABLE AND CHICKEN PASTA BAKE

TAKE A BREAK

Inspired by TheSeasonedMom.com

Ingredients

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425 F and grease an 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray. 2. In the prepared dish, stir together cooked chicken, artichokes, asparagus, carrots, uncooked pasta, chicken broth, half the chives, half the parsley, garlic, salt, and 2 tbsp Parmesan. 3. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes. 4. Uncover and stir. At this point, check the pasta to make sure it is al dente. If it’s undercooked, cover the dish and return to the oven until pasta is tender. 5. Remove from oven and garnish with remaining Parmesan, chives, and parsley.

• 1 cup cooked chicken, diced • 1 14-oz can artichokes, drained and quartered • 1 cup fresh asparagus pieces • 1/2 cup carrots, grated • 1 1/2 cups uncooked penne pasta • 1 3/4 cups chicken broth • 1/2 cup fresh chives, chopped and divided • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped and divided • 2 tsp minced garlic • 1/4 tsp salt • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

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26069 2ND ST. W, ZIMMERMAN, MN 55398 763.515.6411 ROLAIRREPAIR.COM

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

WE CARE MORE

INSIDE

1

Spring is In the Air — and Air is Our Business!

2

Never Put These Down the Drain!

Why Is Recycling Plastic So Complicated?

3

3 Home Products That Can Slash Your Energy Bill

Spring Vegetable and Chicken Pasta Bake

4

5 Herbs That Thrive in Low Sunlight

THROW SOME SHADE AT YOUR PLANTS 5 HERBS THAT THRIVE IN LOW SUN SPOTS

An herb garden is a wonderful addition to any home. They attract honey bees, offer pleasant, mild aromas, and are ideal for the home cook. But there’s often one issue homeowners and apartment dwellers face: too much shade. However, several varieties of herb thrive in partial (2–4 hours of sun) or full shade (less than two hours).

Cilantro: Partial shade — grows fast and thrives in cooler temperatures.

Chives: Partial shade — it won’t flower as much in shade, but its culinary value isn’t affected.

Mint: Partial to full shade — grows fast and thrives in many conditions.

Oregano: Partial to full shade — like mint, it’s easy to grow and makes a great addition to many dishes.

Parsley: Partial shade — the Italian variety is a biennial herb and has a two-year growth cycle, but you don’t have to wait to harvest.

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763.515.6411

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