Why Not Control What We Can?

Published on: Thu Feb 09 00:00:00 -0600 2012 in Hvac

Why Not Control What We Can?
By John Henry (Jack) Zohner
Do the newsflashes on TV make you a little uneasy too? Who would have imagined governments still killing protesters in their own countries? Or a Congress and Senate that is struggling to work together to improve our country? Or China loaning money to the U.S. to keep our country going? Are these crazy things really going on? Seriously?
We live in wild and unpredictable times. Many of us are nervous about the world around us and have withdrawn somewhat. We tend to get involved on an “as needed” basis and control what we can. Maybe that’s OK. Something we can control that has a dramatic effect on our lives is decisions in plumbing, heating, and air conditioning.
For instance, Deb and I invested in a state of the art heating and air conditioning system a few years back. The original builder’s model HVAC system in our condo was substandard overall. The general contractor cut corners on the HVAC system, which sadly enough happens too often.
Anyway, Deb and I decided to make changes. Now we closely control the quality of the air we breathe. Our air is scrubbed with an air filtration system that removes 99.98% of the impurities. Our humidity levels are controlled at precise recommended levels to keep our lungs healthy and skin moist in the winter.
Our condo has multiple levels that naturally cause temperature fluctuation. It’s difficult to control those temperatures, but we mastered it. Basically we had no choice. How would it look with my background in HVAC if I failed to have good indoor air quality at the right temperature? Or with plumbing that wasn’t top notch? But more importantly, why would we want to live in an environment that is substandard if we can control it? Why suffer? Life isn’t a dress rehearsal.
My point is controllable things in our lives can be accomplished. We just need to know where to find experts for answers. Your plumbing & HVAC questions can be answered today and Sunday in the John Henry’s booth at the Nebraska Builders Home and Garden Show at the Lancaster Event Center. We will have trained experts in our booth both days. Feel free to stop by and ask questions.
The John Henry’s booth is especially exciting this year because we kicked things up a notch. We decided to offer plumbing and HVAC equipment that give good, better, and best options. This allows a better selection for each specific need. It’s the right thing to do. Our goal is for customers to be comfortable with their decision for the life of that equipment.
Our Comfort Consultants are well trained to answer all your questions. They can explain true energy savings potentials if you decide to change out your existing HVAC equipment. They can also make sure your energy saving equipment is installed properly to get maximum energy savings.
Since customers deserve dependable HVAC equipment we offer Lennox and Trane, which are well known brands. Both brands have manufacture rebates available. There will be various levels of equipment available from basic builder’s models on up. Why settle for less than Trane or Lennox?
There are also L.E.S. Sustainable Energy Program incentives for energy saving equipment. We can answer your questions and fill out all the paperwork so you can earn those incentives. Our help makes it a painless process.
Mistakes in water heater purchases are too common so we decided to offer our version of good, better, and best applications based on experience. Of course there will be the standard A.O. Smith natural gas water heater available, but we will also have a water heater that gives a long-lasting supply of hot water when everyone in your home needs it most. The direct vent natural gas A. O. Smith Vertex has up to 96% thermal efficiency and qualifies for Federal rebates.
Another energy saving water heater is the A.O. Smith Voltex electric heat pump water heater. It qualifies for Federal energy rebates.
It gets better. We will offer standard installation base prices to start from with monthly payment options that include zero % interest for plumbing and HVAC installations!
We can control so many things in life by making some easy decisions that make sense. Energy savings with a good payback makes sense. Improving our health, comfort, and quality of life makes sense. We can control our lives and then let the rest of the world do their crazy things.
Hope to see you at the Home Show!

Let’s Play a Game Called “the News is Good and Could Get Better”!

Published on: Sat Jan 28 00:00:00 -0600 2012 in Hvac

My grandparents used to watch the news at 10:00 PM every night. This was back when they didn’t hear phrases like “drive by shootings” or “meth labs”. A “gang” was their gang of friends. Mel Mains was a household name.

This was also back when politicians were held at a higher esteem and the election process was much friendlier. Debates concentrated more on issues to improve the country and less on tearing down politicians. There was more honesty and much less posturing. The political questions made us feel more like strong Americans than just Democrats or Republicans. Politics weren’t perfect but we typically took the high road.

The news was kinder and gentler back then. It was much easier to watch. TV shows warmed the heart; this was before “reality” TV and everything that goes with that. Nobody would consider calling a show Hell’s Kitchen. The only competition in our kitchen was rushing to eat mom’s hot Kolaches. That was reality of the best kind!
I thought the days of good news were almost gone forever until earlier this month when Wendy Birdsall of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce shared some good news to members about Lincoln and our state. Somehow it didn’t end up on the news at 10:00. Maybe that’s because this news wasn’t controversial, exciting, or sexy. Regardless it needs to be shared further.

According to Wendy Birdsall, Lincoln was named in the Top Ten of best run cities in the nation and Nebraska was named the second best run state in the nation by 24/7 Wall Street. Nebraska maintains the third lowest unemployment rate in the U.S. MSN Careers says Nebraska is the third best state for job seekers. According to Forbes, Lincoln is one of America’s safest cities and is the best city in American for new jobs.

Wendy Birdsall also told us Governor Dave Heinemann presented his State of the State address to lawmakers. During the address, he gave his recommendations for the 2012 legislative session and budget; unveiling the details of his bold plan for tax cuts for all Nebraskans.

We found out Nebraska moved from the 41st highest tax burden to 29th over the past 8 years. This is the result of a bi-partisan and deliberate effort of prioritized and focused government spending. Thanks Wendy Birdsall, for sharing this news.

I believe this news is so important we can’t ignore it during these challenging times in our country. We deserve to know Nebraskans have moved forward while much of the country is sliding backward. No other state has a Unicameral that works so well to reach across party lines. How many states had a Senator like Terry Carpenter that changed parties five times and was successful? The Unicameral is unique.

Yes, the news is actually good in Nebraska overall and getting better. Our Midwest work ethics are shining through. We need more good news to replace whatever they call it that continues to be thrown at us nationally. We need to locate the good stuff where we can and I have a suggestion.

One place there will be good news shared is the Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show at the Lancaster Event Center on February 9th through the 12th. I plan to be there in the John Henry’s booth most of the show. We can talk about the things in life that have true meaning.

Let’s talk about real life things like the ways the plumbing, heating, and air conditioning trades can protect and improve your health. Let’s talk about protecting your lungs with filtered air that is humidified and delivered at the right amounts.

Let’s talk about how to pay for that equipment with 0% financing or manufacturer rebates because they are working hard to increase sales this year.

There is other good news to share like the fact the Lincoln Electric System has $3M available for the Sustainable Energy Program (S.E.P.) that begins February 1st. The S.E.P. program has even better incentives this year for higher efficiency equipment, plus new rebates for water source heat pumps.

Bring your questions and maybe we can make our own positive news and have fun doing it.

We can’t go back in time, but I believe we can improve the news by paying attention to what matters. Let’s ignore the front page of the tabloids and make our own news because we deserve better.

Trading Pencils for Computers!

Published on: Tue Jan 10 00:00:00 -0600 2012 in Plumbing

Trading Pencils for Computers!
In 1975 I started my career working as an apprentice plumber for a local plumbing and heating contractor on the NBC Bank project at 1248 “O” Street, which is the Wells Fargo Center building today.
I was assigned to Slim, a Journeyman plumber that was demanding, but at the same time a great mentor with a huge heart (thanks Slim, you are missed). Slim gave me channel lock pliers, a 6’0” folding ruler, and a pencil. I was expected to carry those essential items at all times and write down anything Slim dictated to me.
Leonard, our Job Superintendent had a pager that worked part time in that building, which was heavily reinforced with steel. People often paged Leonard with a message to call them. It wasn’t unusual for Leonard to be on the 12th floor and have to go to street level to use a pay phone to return a call. Even though the pager caused Leonard extra steps to a phone, he was grateful to have the pager because it improved communication.
In time I became a plumbing foreman and had a pager too. Shortly after that I had a “brick” style telephone. Remember those huge phones that weighed down our belts? Despite the size, they improved our lives.
Technology moved forward consistently at home too. Deb and I progressed from rotary dial phones to push button phones. Soon there were cordless phones so we could walk from room to room. Of course answering machines were just “frosting on the cake”.
Our land lines are now gone after moving ahead through cell phone technology over time. Instead we carry small state of the art cell phones that do so many things. They are also computers, cameras, calendars, address books, and the list goes on. It’s hard to believe where technology is at today.
Each improvement has been like driving a car for the first time. It’s exciting; I still get that warm and fuzzy feeling. The latest improvement in our company is the most exciting yet, which is mobile field computers for our Service Techs. So what’s exciting about that?
Imagine being able to send a service request to a Service Tech’s mobile computer at his home; then knowing when his truck leaves and arrives at any destination. Also imagine the value in knowing the location of a Tech when a customer frantically calls because water is pouring through a ceiling. That Tech can be there to help in minutes.
Our Customer Service Representatives enter service requests so customer info is readily available for the Techs. The Tech instantly has important customer info and specific instructions like the dog’s name is Duke and make sure not to let him out or pet him because he bites everyone!
Our Techs have a multitude of equipment info readily available on line. Most equipment manuals can be found on the computer, which includes troubleshooting comments. That’s valuable info for dangerous HVAC equipment that had recalls or a unique method to repair it.
Warranty info is instantly available to reduce confusion for customers that need to make repair decisions. Repair history can be documented to the customer’s address in writing and with pictures by using the cameras on the computers. That’s handy for current and future owners.
Parts used from a service truck each day can automatically be tracked and replenished each night to match actual demand on job tickets. The bar code scanners improve accuracy of parts.
History of parts usage reduces overall inventory because parts can be ordered on a just in time basis. Reduced inventory improves gas mileage and increases the life of the vehicles.
It’s easier for Techs to just show customers the receipt on the computer to operate paperless and improve the environment, but Techs can print an invoice on the job if a customer prefers a receipt. Customers can pay by credit card on the spot.
Staying current with technology is the right thing to do. It improves customer service and reduces labor costs. In some ways it’s patriotic because it helps keep our country producing at a higher level.
This computer evolution will save lives and improve customer service. The Techs are excited about this technology and never want to go back to the way things were. It’s a Win Win situation.
It’s exciting that #2 lead pencils have been replaced with computers that are improving our world. It happened in what seems like a short time. Hope you enjoyed that journey too!!!

What a difference 40 years makes!

Published on: Sat Dec 24 00:00:00 -0600 2011 in Hvac

What a difference 40 years makes!

It’s easy to take things for granted as time passes by. The changes in the automotive industry are a great example. The obvious exciting changes were the shapes, styles, and colors of our cars through the years. A less exciting hidden change can be viewed as the pollution standards that went into effect in 1971, although some may perceive that change as important and somewhat exciting.

The need for the change in pollution standards started in 1950’s when automobiles were polluting the skies over Los Angeles. A scientist discovered the cause of that pollution and the problem was studied extensively. In 1966 Congress required minimal emission controls on 1968 and later automobiles.

In 1970 Congress established the Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A.), which became responsible to regulate motor vehicle pollution. In 1971 automobiles were required for the first time to meet the E.P.A. standards. From 1971 until today the carbon monoxide output per vehicle went from approximately 87 grams to under 4 grams!!! In addition the mileage of vehicles increased dramatically to provide an even greater effect in improving our environment. What a difference 40 years makes.
Our perception of the E.P.A. probably just changed. The reality is the E.P.A. is sort of an unsung hero that was publicly chastised almost every step along the way as the price of our vehicles went up. It historically seemed like they provided too many government regulations, but looking back their results were phenomenal. Imagine what our skies would look like today without E.P.A. regulations.
Sadly enough the heating and cooling industry seems much further behind the automotive industry and E.P.A. in energy efficiency requirements while protecting the environment. Maybe that’s because the Department of Energy (D.O.E.) that is very involved in the heating and air conditioning industry was established 7 years later than the E.P.A. We can be assured the D.O.E. will catch up.

Although many of us still struggle with accepting new government regulations with a smile, the D.O.E. took some proactive steps recently to protect our environment and it looks like it’s time to grin and bear it. The new D.O.E. regulation establishes where 80% and 90% efficient furnaces can be installed in the U.S. beginning May 1, 2013.
What this means to Nebraska is we are grouped with 30 Northern states that will be required to install furnaces with a minimum efficiency of 90%. The balance of Southern states will only be required to meet 80% efficiency standards.
The primary goal of the D.O.E. is to reduce energy consumption with this new regulation, although there will be a number of other benefits. The risk of carbon monoxide deaths should be greatly reduced in the Northern states, which are considerably more prone to carbon monoxide poisoning. That’s partially because the metal flue pipes used for 80% efficiency furnaces are typically gravity types that are prone to back drafting carbon monoxide into homes.

A plugged flue on an 80% efficiency furnace will not shut off causing carbon monoxide deaths, whereas a 90% efficiency furnace has safety switches to shut it off. The 90% efficiency furnaces have PVC flue piping to draw outside air in for combustion and directly discharges flue gases outside. They are much safer.
After looking back at what the EPA accomplished, it seems easier to accept the new DOE regulations. We can expect impressive results over time. Of course there will still be added costs, so it’s time to find sensible solutions to help ease the pains.
The good news is there is still time to install 80% efficiency furnaces locally before the D.O.E. regulation takes effect. I do not recommend installing 80% efficiency furnaces for a multitude of reasons, but in certain situations they make sense. If you are not sure of your best direction it’s important to ask a professional.
The current generations of 80% furnaces have favorable options like increased air flows and variable speeds. There are some manufacturer rebates available, plus the L.E.S. Sustainable Energy Program will start again soon for high efficiency heat pumps and air conditioners. The 80% efficiency furnace is a good match with heat pumps. It’s possible to save $5K on an installation while rebates and incentives last.
If you already have a 90% efficiency furnace you have been proactive and are enjoying energy efficiencies already. If you have an 80% efficiency furnace it really makes sense to consider your options soon.

On a personal note I would like to thank my readers for their kind words and ongoing support.
Happy Holidays!

Is the Next Major Health Risk

Published on: Thu Dec 01 00:00:00 -0600 2011 in Plumbing

Is the Next Major Health Risk “Brewing”?
By John Henry (Jack) Zohner

Deb’s family had an unofficial family reunion recently. Basically it was a chance for a small group of us to get together and share their past history. There was interesting scrap books passed around. One news clip was a story about a plumber that died in a plumbing ditch cave-in. That hit home.

Something else that caught my eye was a picture of an old “house” from the 1800s that looked more like a small weathered storage shed. Odds are good it didn’t have plumbing. At best it had a wood stove in it. There was an outhouse nearby and a hand yard pump for water not far away. Those ancestors probably felt lucky to have two important amenities.

It hit home how lucky most Americans have it today. We have come a long ways. Imagine not having plumbing in a home; especially during a cold Nebraska winter.

Even today over 70% of the world does not have modern plumbing. Quality drinking water is a serious concern. In remote countries rivers are often used as the sewer, to wash clothes, and the “drinking fountain” too. Health risks are high.

It’s hard to believe our world still faces serious risks from plumbing since the first documented plumbing dates back to 2500 B.C in Egypt. Just two hundred years ago, the cause of Cholera was not known and typhoid was an ongoing problem. Cholera killed over 20,000 people in London between 1849 and 1854. The Cholera epidemic resulted from discharging sewers in to the Thames River, which was the source of drinking water for London.

The cause of Cholera was originally misdiagnosed, which dramatically increased the death count. Death counts of plumbers were especially high. One stubborn scientist in London pushed forward against the accepted beliefs, and eventually developed a water supply system that separated it from the sewage systems. Cholera disappeared.

In 1861, Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert, died of Typhoid. Typhoid proved to be an ongoing concern, when her son almost died of the same disease ten years later. They discovered typhoid was caused by contamination in plumbing lines. The plumbing system was repaired and Typhoid problems went away.

It seemed like plumbing health problems were a thing of the past until 17 years ago when over 2,000 people died from the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) virus. This virus originated at Amoy Gardens, an apartment building in Hong Kong, from improperly installed plumbing. The SARS virus was transmitted throughout the apartment building by exhaust fans that were sometimes 10 times larger than necessary. There was no air conditioning, as we know it.

The spread of SARS was stopped by proactively isolating people infected by the virus. There were deaths as close to the U.S. as Canada. We were lucky this time. The outburst of SARS was a red flag for the plumbing industry and HVAC around the world. The associated costs of this outbreak were staggering, not to mention the loss of lives. We learned proper air filtration and safe plumbing throughout the world is important.

Although risks seem less today, we still need to be concerned. Even “simple” tasks such as the cabling of sewers can involve exposure to blood borne pathogens and other microbial risks. Anyone working around sewers or other sources should wear the proper protection. Those efforts may prevent the next deadly virus from starting.

A little known fact is our community has some of the best plumbing installations in the world. That reflects directly to the efforts of the City of Lincoln Plumbing Codes Department staff. Bob Siemsen, Chief Plumbing Inspector for the City of Lincoln, is nationally known for his efforts to improve plumbing installations. Mr. Siemsen and his staff take our safety seriously. Thanks to the City of Lincoln Plumbing Codes department and local plumbers that risk their lives to make our world safer. Odds are good the next world virus will not start in our community, but we can never be too careful.

The plumbing industry is working hard to prevent the next epidemic. Research and training is ongoing. Codes change on a regular basis.

Did you ever think the air you breathe and the water you drink may be contaminated by plumbing located half way around the world before we are affected? The SARS epidemic was a good warning shot. We may feel safe, but the next epidemic may be “brewing”. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.

Is This Just More Government Protecting Me From Myself or What?

Published on: Mon Nov 21 00:00:00 -0600 2011 in Hvac

Is This Just More Government Protecting Me From Myself or What?

As a kid I remember eating a quick breakfast and then running outside as that screen door slammed shut behind me. Some days I would scan the farm yard for a few seconds before taking off on an exciting new adventure, with my faithful dog at my heels. Those days could be compared to Calvin and Hobbes days in some ways. There were very few rules to worry about other than “don’t get into trouble or hurt”. Often I was luckier than good.

Time forces us to grow up and those treasured days of freedom with few rules tend to vanish. We are forced to become responsible. Some increased responsibility comes with benefits such as getting a driver’s license and gaining the freedom to come and go as we please. Other changes like playing football require us to get physically and mentally prepared before we have the benefit of competing. We often learn the hidden benefits are far greater than winning a game.

Hidden benefits are often hard to see until someone points them out. Then change can be much easier to accept. If change provides good benefits we may even reverse our course and support it. The proposed change in our community on furnace efficiencies is a perfect example of hidden benefits.

Let’s assume you have heard or read the Lincoln City Council will be voting on a change to increase furnace efficiency minimums to 90% in Lincoln and the three-mile area outside of the City limits. Up front it just sounds like more government regulations, which most of us despise. However if we look deeper into the benefits the proposed change is actually just common sense.

Let’s go beyond the most obvious benefit, which is energy costs will be lowered by the change. The initial increase for energy efficient equipment is approximately $800 to $1500 installed. The payback each year is in the ball park of $300 or so a year. Installation costs should be recovered in five years or less. That benefit is fairly obvious so let’s move forward and look at some deeply hidden benefits.

The proposed change improves overall air quality in our community because there will be less carbon monoxide produced with 90% efficiency equipment. Higher efficiencies reduce carbon monoxide output. It’s like taking cars off the street. Everyone benefits.

A hidden change that can’t be seen results from the fact combustion air for 90% equipment almost always must be brought in from the outside through PVC piping. This reduces air infiltration and the quantity of air that needs to be reheated. We just “took more cars off the street”. Less infiltration also improves humidity levels during dry Nebraska winters. Humidity levels should be kept between 30% and 50% for maximum health and comfort.

Reduced air infiltration also improves the quality of the air. Approximately 90% of homes have indoor air quality issues that most people don’t realize. These are all measurable conditions. Indoor air can be 3 to 4 times more polluted than outdoor air. Over 50% of health problems are intensified by poor indoor air quality.

Another hidden benefit is energy costs will be reduced for renters that pay the utilities. Many renters that can least afford to pay high utilities are forced to do just that because low efficiency equipment is an unspoken standard for most rentals. All landlords will be required to operate from a more even playing field. The gap between “slumlords” and responsible landlords will be narrower.

High efficiency furnaces with PVC pipe supplies and returns can help eliminate the need for existing flue pipes or deteriorating brick chimneys that are often defective. Plugged or defective flues are hard to imagine. Who really thinks there are birds or squirrels in their flues or chimneys?

As a Master HVAC contractor and Master Plumber I accepted an oath to protect our community. That means nothing short of good health for everyone with no carbon monoxide deaths. Although I do not support more rules and regulations overall, the proposed furnace efficiency change makes sense and with a clear conscience I fully support it.

The end result is over time all homes and businesses in our community should have healthier air. That really hits home as I am writing this article because Deb and I just heard we are the proud grandparents for the 9th time. I can spend time with my grandkids knowing I did all I could to protect them.

Is There Something More Dangerous Than Guns and Drugs Hidden in Your Ductwork?

Published on: Sat Nov 12 00:00:00 -0600 2011 in Hvac

“Harry” bought a 17 year old cabin by a lake. “Harry” called it a cabin, but it was actually more like a house than a cabin. The previous owners had trashed it so it needed extensive work. Sometimes the best deals can be found that way for those willing to work.

“Harry” did his due diligence to help make his decision on the property, so he had a solid understanding of what was needed to get the property in tip top shape. “Harry” cleaned the home top to bottom and then painted it inside and out. He replaced the pet stained carpet.

“Harry” had allergies so he decided to purchase a high efficiency air filtration system. “Jack”, his HVAC contractor recommended one that would remove 99.98% of the impurities out of the air. “Jack” also recommended replacing the oversized propane furnace with a heat pump and electric furnace. “Harry” was more than pleased to learn he could cut his energy costs at least in half.

“Jack” said it was important to clean the ductwork before installing the new equipment. Why install a high efficiency air filtration system on dirty ductwork? That advice proved to be wise when the old furnace was removed because it was easy to see the ductwork was filthy. It was time to clean it.

The Techs inserted the vacuum hose and duct camera in the system. A duct camera gives a clear view of the inside of the ductwork so it can be cleaned properly to remove foreign materials. Often there are larger items like scrap from the original construction, pop cans, etc. It’s common to find plastic toys and a ball or two. Oddly enough it’s not unusual to find an animal skeleton or signs they have been there. Duct cleaning helps remove various odors. It also helps keep the furniture cleaner.

This time the Techs found a plastic bag with marijuana and pornography tapes that of course didn’t belong to “Harry”! Just imagine if the wrong person found that stuff! The items were destroyed and life continued on.

Ironically it’s not unusual to find strange things in ductwork because it’s easy to remove registers and hide things. Items can be pushed in too far in and fall to an area they can’t be reached. They can also be forgotten.

What is hidden in your ductwork that you do not know about? Who will find those things after you move? “Harry” assumed those items belonged to the previous owner, but maybe it was an owner or two before that. Duct cleaning does more than remove dirt; it gives peace of mind.

“Harry” did the right thing by getting his cabin cleaned and painted before having the ductwork cleaned. That makes sense. “Harry” has enjoyed his cabin for a few years now. He enjoys the outdoors and goes inside to give his lungs a treat when they need it.

There are other life threatening things that can be found in ductwork. Just think if a loaded gun was hidden and children found it? That’s a concept that’s easy to imagine. There is another item that can be “hidden” in the ductwork that is even more dangerous. It’s more dangerous because it can silently kill the entire family or make them sick in more than 50 different ways. It is odorless and tasteless. Do you give up? Of course we are talking about carbon monoxide. Nebraska has led the nation in carbon monoxide deaths in the past.

Is carbon monoxide “hidden” in your ductwork and throughout your home? When was the last time you had your furnace and water heater checked to make sure it was operating properly? The burners on both units could be dirty or plugged. The furnace heat exchanger could have failed last winter. It makes sense to get natural gas furnaces and water heaters checked annually by a licensed and trained HVAC contractor to maintain maximum efficiency and safety.

Let’s end this article on a really positive note and talk about food! Below you will find my Chile recipe. It’s designed to feed about 30 people, so you may need to cut it down accordingly.

Each Chile batch seems to turn out a little different. I adjust the taste after simmering 6 hours or so. Adding blackstrap molasses and chocolate amounts can help cut the spiciness down as needed.

Please stay safe so you can enjoy some Chile during the holidays ahead.

Recipe:

Simmer the following ingredients in a large electric roaster for at least 4 to 6 hours at 200 degrees or slightly higher. It’s good to let them simmer overnight. Be careful not to scorch them!

•Two gallons of drained chili beans or a variety of beans according to taste.
•One gallon diced tomatoes or equivalent fresh or frozen whole from the garden.
•Four large onions. Don’t rub your eyes!
•One whole minced garlic or equivalent ground up. Extra garlic is always good!
•Six 1.55 oz. milk chocolate bars or one large bar (save one to eat while cooking!).
•One jar BBQ sauce
•Four green peppers. Use yellow or red to improve color!
•One “Darn Good Chili” mix or other types as desired.
•Add Chili powder to meet your tastes.
•32 oz. jar of hot salsa
•*Ten or so fresh hot Jalapeno peppers. Don’t rub your eyes or other sensitive parts!
•*One jar of sliced Jalapeno peppers. Don’t rub your eyes or other sensitive parts!
•The meat…adjust quantities to your tastes…approximately 4 lbs. venison/hamburger, or sausage, or even diced ham with the bone……or whatever crawls by!
•1/3 jar of dark black strap molasses.
•Add in golden brown sugar…slowly experiment with the amount as desired. Additional brown sugar and blackstrap molasses reduce the spiciness if that gets out of hand!
•Add V8 or beer to get the right consistency if needed.

*Note: The spicier the better until people complain as they quickly fill their gut…they always come back for more!

*This is a disclaimer to protect John Henry (Jack) Zohner by releasing him from any or all lawsuits resulting from gut aches, natural or unnatural gas, fires, blindness, sterility, senility, or anything else that crazy people may accuse him of causing! He is innocent by reason of temporary or permanent insanity! Just eat your Chili and leave the poor guy alone!

Is Booing the Huskers or a HVAC Tech OK?

Published on: Sat Oct 22 00:00:00 -0500 2011 in Hvac

It wasn’t that long ago Tom Osborne was leading championship football teams on the field. Nebraska was recognized for our sportsmanship and abilities. There was a special pride as we stood up and cheered for both teams as they walked off the field.

For the most part booing didn’t exist during that era. Sadly enough that evidently changed for some fans at the Ohio State game and it’s worth talking about when it’s OK to boo.

Imagine the preparation it takes for athletes each day to allow them to compete at a high level. Then imagine getting booed because something may not have gone 100% right. It rips your heart out. Unless it has happened to you personally it’s hard to understand how terrible players feel after they dropped the ball or failed in some way that causes fans to boo or groan. That sound never really goes away.

Maybe booing feels acceptable to a handful of loud students and fans, but thankfully that respect factor is still there for the vast majority of us. It’s a lot more fun to be a good sport and cheer for life in general.

Booing a player is easy to comprehend, because most of us have been exposed to that, but what about “booing” an employee that brings down the entire company? One person can make an entire company look bad for a moment, but a company is typically a lot different than a football team because there are so many more things to judge them on. For example, let’s talk about a HVAC Tech that “drops the ball”. Should we “boo” the Tech if:

1. He fails to respect your schedule and arrives late for a service call?
2. He lacks the training or tools to check for high carbon monoxide levels as soon as he begins working?
3. Hygiene is not high enough on his list? Does he respect your home enough to wear shoe covers; who knows where those feet have been?
4. His truck looks like it came out of a salvage yard? It’s rusty, leaning, and the dash looks like a supply house. That huge oil spot in your driveway will linger on long after he is gone.
5. He makes a mess of your home and walks away? Why did he cut a hole in the ceiling?
6. He sells heating and air conditioning equipment you never heard of, but says it’s almost as good as the name brand stuff?
7. The job never really gets done to your satisfaction and there is no warranty?
8. His employer doesn’t run the company like a business and surprises you with unexpected charges a few days or weeks later when the invoice arrives?
9. Something is missing when he leaves? There is probably a reason his company does not belong to the Better Business Bureau. It’s wise to check out a business or charity by calling the Better Business Bureau at 402-436-2345 or on line at Nebraska.BBB.Org. Why do business with anyone with less than an A+ rating?

Odds are if a HVAC Tech drops the ball for one thing he will fall short in all areas. Should we “boo” him? The answer for me is I do not boo anyone. Typically I just move on if a service falls short. As consumers we deserve performance in all areas. If that is not in the picture we should just be the customer that never comes back. Beware though because it seems bad companies are often replaced by others.

Great companies are fairly easy to spot. They have a purpose from the beginning. They hire well and it shows. Their interview process is extensive. They require drug and alcohol checks. Did your heating and air conditioning company? Odds are very high they did not perform a background check. Who’s that stranger in your house?

Great companies have ongoing training for their employees and hold them to higher expectations. They grade their performance to keep them accountable. They are not in it for the money, but somehow money follows them. These are the companies worth cheering and supporting more than ever. As a consumer I will be there at the finish line cheering you on!

Thanks to Tom Osborne for all you have done for Nebraska. You led by example. You hired great coaches. You taught us how to cheer and respect others. You taught us it’s not OK to boo.

Would You Rather Do Business in a Dirty Building Or a Clean Building?

Published on: Sat Oct 08 00:00:00 -0500 2011 in Hvac

You can tell a lot about how a business is ran by the condition of their building. Is their parking lot in good shape? Are there weeds in the landscape? Does it take a lot of effort to open their front door because the air flow is pulling it in?
If you went deep into the bowels of a building, would you feel good about spending your money there? Does that business have disgusting rest rooms? Is their indoor air quality healthy? Do they own a broom or mop? Do they ever sanitize their door knobs?
Would you eat in a restaurant that has a disgusting kitchen? I have seen quite a few kitchens in our community and there are a few restaurants I won’t eat at, which says a lot because some really good food occasionally comes out of the worst kitchens. Maybe the cockroaches and flies add something to the flavor!
So many times a business concentrates solely on what they do, but not on how they should look or who they should be. The reality is just starting and running a business for a short time isn’t that difficult, however running a business professionally that lasts through the years takes a special effort and talent. That requires dotting the i’s and crossing the tees. That special effort is often easy to spot when you walk into a well maintained building.
Keeping a building in great condition can be more difficult today than it was 20 years ago because money is tighter. It can also be easier to keep a building in great condition. Say what? In other words, planning and concentrating on the details to install quality products pays dividends over time. It’s just as easy to do it once and do it right.
It takes a special understanding to know which building product investments make sense. Training building managers can help them understand what is needed. Some of the best building managers gain that experience by belonging to professional organizations so they can rub shoulders with other professionals and learn from their experiences. One of those organizations in our community that has made a huge impact over the years is the International Facility Management Association (IFMA).
Few people know IFMA exists in our community, although it is the largest and most widely recognized professional association for facility management, with a worldwide membership of over 20,000 in 78 countries. The local IFMA chapter of 40 members celebrated their 20th anniversary on March 1st.
Odds are you have been in an IFMA members building before and probably appreciated the quality. IFMA members proudly take maintenance to that next level. A clean building is one of the first indications an IFMA member is at the helm, but IFMA is about more than keeping a building clean.
IFMA meetings are designed to share important information for businesses. Speakers at meetings share knowledge of things like state-of-the-art cost effective products and service solutions to understand diverse workplace needs. Members learn how to reduce liability by keeping their staff informed on important issues and legislation affecting the workplace. Why get sued to learn life lessons the hard way?
Mom used to say “a clean home is a happy home”. The same can be said about a business. It’s easier to go to work each day if your work environment is clean and healthy. It’s also safer. Odds are you won’t slip on the ice in the parking lot or on the sidewalks. The heating and cooling equipment will be maintained regularly to allow the air to be filtered properly. The temperature and relative humidity will be at the right levels to keep you healthy. Maybe there will even be a Lennox solar powered heat pump on the roof because the IFMA manager understands energy payback.
IFMA members tend to understand that pulling weeds and painting the walls is every bit as important as selling a product or service. They realize the quality of their building or fleet may be the first impression for their customers.
If you or someone in your organization would benefit by becoming an IFMA member you can get more information by contacting Jackie Swanson at 402.458.1292 or by e-mail at jswanson@nufoundation.org.
This article is dedicated to IFMA in celebration of their 20th anniversary and the Facility Managers of our community that keep their buildings in tip top condition. Thanks for all you do to make our world a better place!

Why A Diner Can Have Meaning?

Published on: Sat Sep 10 00:00:00 -0500 2011 in Hvac

By: John Henry (Jack) Zohner

A kitchen is the heart of a home. That’s where families come together and memories are made. That’s why we initially decided to build a Diner in our company. We needed more than a lunch room.

In some ways our Diner is just a glorified lunch room because we lack a grill to fry the tasty greasy foods diners are often known for, although we have shared some really special dishes there when our team comes together. That food feeds our stomachs. Eating together as a team helps feed our hearts. Feeding our hearts is every bit as important as feeding our stomachs. That’s one thing a Diner can do.

Most Diners typically have a collection of things from the past. When our Diner project began we were just assembling collectables with meaning together. The Bing Crosby album from my parents had special meaning. So did dad’s pipe wrenches. We added items to honor God and our country. Few Diners go that far.

Ironically our Diner theme ended up taking on another meaning as boxes and drawers were emptied. History on those walls provided new undertones last weekend during our Labor Day celebration. That history is crying out to be told. It has potential to evolve into a bigger story of the history of plumbing and HVAC trades in our community.

An example is the picture of Forest Boyum, founder of Forest Heating and Air. He was an icon of the HVAC industry that watches over us now. The first HVAC code book for the City of Lincoln is also on our walls. It would be respectful to have a picture of the founding fathers that helped put that first HVAC code book together if anyone has that available. That code book had only seven pages but has evolved to over 120 pages. That’s interesting history.

It has been easier to collect “things”, but the stories that should be included are often lost. Those stories help us understand things like why OSHA became necessary over time. Danger seemed to always lurk around the plumbing and HVAC trades. An example is the lead pot.

Few plumbers today will get a chance to use or see a lead pot that was a necessary tool for plumbers to melt lead as they assembled cast iron soil pipe for sewers. Plumbers that have used lead pots to install cast iron soil piping can truly appreciate all the hard work and craftsmanship that was involved.

Stories like that need that to be told because those plumbers also had first hand knowledge of the dangers of working with hot lead. They knew lead joints that would “explode” when hot lead was poured on frosty or damp cast iron. That molten lead would actually splatter out on the nearby surfaces and plumbers. Our lead pot is a symbol of those days gone by.

It may also be difficult to understand the white gas torch for soldering pipe caused numerous fires, but was the tool of choice at one time to put together copper pipe fittings. The end of our torch is still a mess to indicate how dirty those torches burned. The flame was anything but clean or tightly contained.

Another interesting item is the City Directory from 1969 that is almost two inches thick. That’s a lot of history and memories. Why are so many of those companies gone today? Without understanding our past it is difficult to appreciate the present or improve the future.

Our careers and lives can have more meaning if we understand history in general. A Diner can capture some of those memories and remind us where we came from. It can become a museum.

There are many stories that will be lost unless we can capture them, which is something I am attempting to do. It’s a fun hobby. If I can collect enough stories it may become a book about plumbing and HVAC in the history of our community or at least a chapter of things to be remembered.

If you get a chance, stop on by to see the John Henry’s Diner just South of 2949 Cornhusker Highway. The Diner is still evolving, but the basic theme is there. Let’s take time to have a cup of coffee or a soda. Maybe you have a story to share about a relative or friend that was in the plumbing and HVAC trades. There is still room for some small items to be hung on the wall and their stories. We also have a lot of walls. Let’s keep those memories alive.

Points to Ponder!

Published on: Sat Aug 27 00:00:00 -0500 2011 in Hvac

By: John Henry (Jack) Zohner

It’s always a challenge when a friend passes away. Services for Jerry Joyce were a week ago today and it’s an understatement to say he will be missed. Jerry was more than a friend. Jerry was a mentor that helped many people through the years. He was someone I could pick up the phone and call for advice.
Jerry was one of my first customers and someone that asked the right questions when I needed help the most. Maybe that is because Jerry was once a school teacher; he knew how to teach. Jerry Joyce had a natural way of asking a question and providing part of the answer. Sometimes we need questions and partial answers for subjects that are challenging so we can come up with our own conclusions.
With that thought in mind here are some heating and air conditioning questions and points to ponder:
1. How efficient are heat pumps? According to OPPD, heat pumps can achieve energy-efficiency ratings of 250% to 370%, while most high-tech gas furnaces can only achieve efficiencies of around 92% or so. Heat pumps are efficient because they move heat rather than creating it.
2. How does a heat pump heat and cool? Basically a heat pump is an air conditioner that can operates in reverse. In the summer warmth from in your home is absorbed by refrigerant in the inside unit and pumped to the outside unit. Then the cool refrigerant is used to cool the inside air of your home. In the winter heat is removed from the outside air and released in your home. Supplemental heat is needed when temperatures are below 20 degrees. Typically that is provided by electric resistant heat or natural gas.
3. Is there really heat available outside in the winter? It’s hard to believe there is heat in the outside air during a cold Nebraska winter until the temperature gets down to approximately 20 degrees. That’s about 85% of the heating season from October through May.
4. Would I be comfortable with a heat pump? According to OPPD, 94% of customers rate heat pump heating and cooling comfort as very good or good.
5. Is a heat pump or furnace better at providing comfort? The temperature rise from a heat pump is a comfortable 20 to 30 degrees whereas a furnace is 45 to 75 degrees. The furnace gives a blast of heat and then a cool down period, which is often noticeable.
6. Is it normal for a heat pump to have water or ice on it in the winter? It’s possible to have a thin layer of frost or ice on a heat pump as temperatures drop until it goes through a scheduled defrost cycle.
7. Is it unusual for the Lincoln Electric System to have an energy savings program while other utility providers do not? By reducing electrical usage through the Sustainable Energy Program L.E.S. can purchase additional electrical needs at lower rates. L.E.S. saves consumers money by reducing electrical usage. L.E.S. has the 9th lowest electrical rates in the country.
8. Can those highly advertised portable electric heaters with the fancy wood cases really cut energy bills in half? Beware of all “too good to be true” claims. If you have doubts contact the Better Business Bureau. Typically an electric heater for under $30 can produce the same quantity of heat as many of those advertised for $370 or more. Electric heaters are not the answer for good health and comfort because the body needs properly filtered air at controlled humidity levels.
9. Is it “to good to be true to clean the ductwork in a home for $79.95”? Gimmicks are occasionally used to get unscrupulous contractors in your home so they can give their sales pitch. Again, contact the Better Business Bureau to see if companies have an accreditation.
One of the many things I learned from Jerry was how to ask leading questions and reach sensible answers. That’s often the first step in improving our lives.
Jerry Joyce lived a successful and meaningful life. He did the right things for the right reasons. A great example of that is when it was time for Jerry’s mother to go to a nursing home. Jerry had a vision of the type of retirement home he wanted for his mother so he built the Legacy at 56th & Pioneers. Jerry Joyce led by example.
This article is dedicated to Jerry Joyce for his leadership and dedication that improved the lives of many.

How to Avoid “Naked” Technicians at Our Door!

Published on: Sat Jul 23 00:00:00 -0500 2011 in Hvac

By: John Henry (Jack) Zohner

Let’s imagine our “friend” named Bill wakes up tomorrow and the first sound he hears is water hissing. Bill jumps out of bed and his feet splash in water.

Let’s also imagine Bill knew exactly where to shut the water off because he planned for an emergency like this. After the water is off, Bill surveys the damage and knows it will be costly.

The good news for Bill is last month his plumber installed the plumbing that blew apart and caused the damage, so his plumber should be responsible for the damages. Hopefully his plumber has good insurance!

Bill dials that rascal so he can have a “talk listen”, which of course is when Bill talks and his plumber listens carefully. Just when Bill is ready to unload some choice words he finds out the phone for “Here Today and Gone Tomorrow Plumbing” has been disconnected.

Bill calls his buddy “Dick the Handyman” because Dick recommended “Here Today and Gone Tomorrow Plumbing”. Dick sheepishly tells Bill his buddy went out of business again and left town in the middle of the night. Bill barely gets over that bad news and then Dick tells Bill he is moving too; something about needing to avoid some customers like the whiny neighbor that thought his minor electrical wiring repair that burned down his cabin.

Bill’s day had gone from bad to worse. He not only lost his favorite plumber and handyman, now he will be stuck with repair costs and probably the cleanup too. Bill hit the yellow pages looking for another bargain; here he goes again. “Cheapest Plumbing” looks interesting. What could possibly go wrong by hiring a cheap plumber?

“Cheapest Plumbing” guaranteed they would be there in an hour or Bill would get a crisp $5 bill; no strings attached. Three hours later Charley from “Cheapest Plumbing” showed up late at Bill’s door huffing and puffing. Some obvious problems are Charley is naked and doesn’t have a van or tools. Charley doesn’t have the crisp $5 bill either. Bill fires Charley on the spot.

These three scenarios sound ridiculous, but in many ways we are describing real life in many ways. There are always people that will do things cheaper and also people willing to hire them looking for a bargain. The important element that is typically missing is the tech is not qualified to do the work. The low cost may seem good for the moment, but the long term results will be less than stellar.

A point that is not obvious is what else do the “naked Charleys” from all walks of life forget or lack? Do they have any formal training? Do they have offices? Will they damage our properties? Do they have the proper licenses and insurance? Are they full of promises and good intentions that never happen? Will they be in business tomorrow? Approximately ninety per cent of new businesses fail within the first ten years. Did they have background checks or drug and alcohol testing; who is that stranger in your home?

Think of the times we have been let down in almost every industry. In many ways they are also a form of a “naked Charley” that at some point will stop short of good customer service.

So how do we stack the deck to get better service? Odds are taking the ultra cheap route will get the “naked Charleys” to our door, so let’s rule out the deals that seem too good to be true. Quality doesn’t have to be pricey, but service typically improves as the cost goes up.

It’s hot out so let’s use the heating and air conditioning trade as an example of what to look for. The more professional HVAC Techs are easy to spot. They are well dressed and have a good attitude. The best techs are typically NATE certified, which requires ongoing training. They wear the NATE patches proudly. They are knowledgeable of their trade and can make recommendations. They arrive on time with clean trucks that do not have junk piled on the dash. They respect your home and leave things cleaner than when they arrived. They are trustworthy.

These techs are a lot like each of us in many ways. They appreciate a warm smile and a pat on the back. Many could use a glass of ice water, because the excessive heat is draining them right now. Yes, there is a difference in a well dressed tech and one that isn’t dressed.

By John Henry (Jack) Zohner

Improving Great Customer Service!

Published on: Sat Jun 11 00:00:00 -0500 2011 in Plumbing

By: John Henry (Jack) Zohner

Let’s hope all customer service is making you feel warm and fuzzy, but odds are we are both getting that same half-hearted thank you too often. Maybe it’s time to ask for more. Let’s talk about The 3 Sons clothing store.

Deb and I were camping at Lake Okoboji, Iowa last week. We decided to take a quick drive to the neighboring town of Milford, Iowa to see what we were missing. A sign caught our eye that advertised a store called The 3 Sons. The sign said the store was “one block east of the stop light by the bank”.

The 3 Sons building was weathered and old, which hinted there was something really special inside. Before the front door could close we were greeted by Herman Richter, one of the two owners of the store. Herman looked at ease standing behind the cash register with a warm smile that said we mattered. He graciously thanked us for stopping by and invited us to take our time as we looked around.

The front of the store was small but it set the tone with family pictures that included store history. Pictures documented 52 years of business and indicated their store was much more than a business; it was somehow their passion. I knew we were in for a treat.

We proceeded through a narrow door opening with a thick wall indicating two buildings had been joined together. The old wood floors creaked as we walked from one small room to the next. The two story building was a block long but we never ran out of smiling faces to help us with more than just words.

Of course there were bargain items at “½ price plus a dollar” in the back room and up the creaky stairs. What successful business doesn’t have specials they are willing to share?

The thing that hit me like a ton of bricks was the store was filled with high end quality clothing that is typically found in much larger cities and not in a town of 2000 people. Mere survival indicated they ran their business wisely during the last 52 years and cared about their customers who in turn supported their business.

The overall shopping experience was heartwarming. As we left Herman told us thanks for shopping in their store and welcomed us back. He told us to have a safe trip home. His eye contact indicated sincerity. We left on Saturday, but so much of the story was missing we went back on Sunday for more warm treatment.

Herman recognized us right away and thanked us for stopping back. I asked Herman to share the history and business philosophy of The 3 Sons. Herman and his wife Paula said 3 Sons was founded 52 years ago by Herman, Emil, and Jim (three brothers}. Jim passed away in the ‘60s. Emil and his wife Sue worked there. The staff was mostly family and others that were fully engaged in providing customer service.

Herman and Emil both had sons that left their family business to attend Iowa State. Matt and Brian both worked in large department stores, but that special something was missing. The family business drew them home. They missed their roots and providing that special customer service their family provided and was known for. The “baton” has since been passed to Matt and Brian to carry on the family legacy.

Herman told me he “has been really blessed for the last 52 years because he wakes up every morning and still plays store”. In many ways his job is not work because he loves people and what he does.

This article isn’t really about a clothing store in Iowa, but about the kind of service that makes a difference. Experiencing great service should not be unusual, but the norm. It’s the type of service we deserve in everything we do. As a farm boy from Butler County all I experienced was friendly service. That’s all I knew.

Sadly we are becoming a product of changes in America. It’s easy to point fingers, but there is hope for a better tomorrow. We can control our destiny. In many ways all we have to do is reward those that make us smile and consistently provide good customer service. The others will self destruct and go away.

Thanks to those of you that “get it” and provide great customer service every day. You are appreciated and on my good list.

Were the Good Old Days Good to Us?

Published on: Sat Apr 09 00:00:00 -0500 2011 in Hvac

By: John Henry (Jack) Zohner

We typically have great memories from the past that are good and maybe some that are not so good. If we are optimists the good memories tend to outweigh the not so good memories.

One great memory for me is country school picnics. Parents stood around talking and the kids played with things like the campfire. We burned everything that would burn. Grass and leaves were fun because they made a lot of smoke. Some of us scorched hot dogs and marshmallows beyond recognition. Of course we ate them. By the end of the night we were worn out and our lungs were full of smoke.

In the good old days one of my favorite chores was to take the trash out and burn it behind the chicken coop. Our “burn barrel” was a 55 gallon drum with both ends cut out. The barrel sat up on bricks to allow air to ventilate through the barrels. Of course I was instructed not to play with fire but it was basically a free zone because I usually could hear the screen door slam.

It’s amazing what burning plastic does when it lands on a finger. That memory is still fresh. Spray paint cans with the little noisy ball inside were entertaining when they exploded after reaching the right temperature. The smoke had a different odor for each material. Newspapers smelled better than cardboard or plastic.

Another memory is baling hay for our neighbors. Of course we threw bales on scorching hot days. Long sleeve shirts and blue jeans reduced burning scratches that hurt. I wrapped a red handkerchief around my face to keep the alfalfa dust out of my lungs, but by the end of the day I was sneezing and coughing; just like from grain dust after scooping grain. In the good old days it seemed like all the harmful effects to our lungs were over after the symptoms went away, or so it seemed. The good memories from baling hay were the farmer’s wives fed us well.

Even after a hard day of work it was difficult to fall asleep at night without air conditioning. Although our two story farm house had good ventilation when the windows were open, a 100 degree day meant sweaty nights. I remember lying in bed with my eyes open watching the David City airport beacon light rotate, leaving shadows across the ceiling. Sleeping conditions were not always great in the summer and winter was often more challenging.

Winter meant cold nights and lots of covers. The second level bedrooms were cold and when it was windy the windows leaked enough air to move the curtains. On the coldest days my closet had frost on the walls and clothes would stick to them. Conditions improved when our local heating handyman replaced our oil burning heater with a propane furnace. It had one 3 ½” x 12” duct that dumped in the center of our second level. Basically the heat followed whatever route it wanted to take.

Our farmhouse had one bathtub and no shower. Water pressure was low, but a hot bath felt good after a dusty day on the farm.

I am not complaining whatsoever. We lived much better than previous generations and many others around us. We had a solid roof over our heads and everyone lived about the same. We had plenty of tasty food because dad was a good provider and mom was a great cook. I liked to eat. Life was good overall. There were great memories and we were truly blessed. The good old days were just much different than what we know today.

That’s good news because the quality of life continues to improve. We understand health risks better. We have better heating and cooling systems to provide comfort. We’ve learned to keep our windows closed and remove pollens from the air by proper air filtration. Humidity levels can be set at a level that keeps our lungs and skin healthy.

Times changed too on how we do maintenance of heating and cooling systems. The systems are more complex and require specialists today to keep them fine tuned to operate efficiently.

Now is a great time to take care of our health, because before long these will be the good old days again and hopefully they treat us well. It’s a great time to get cooling systems ready before hot and humid weather is here again. Will you be ready?

Are You Ready for Spring?

Published on: Sat Mar 26 00:00:00 -0500 2011 in Hvac

By: John Henry (Jack) Zohner

It’s hard to believe spring is here already as another harsh Nebraska winter quietly slips away. Spring is such a refreshing time of year as decaying vegetation disappears and everything turns green. Flowering trees will soon be in full bloom to give us the fragrance of spring air.

Spring is a time we are tempted to open our windows and let that cool breeze in as we air out our homes, but our outside air will be polluted with pollens, molds, mildew, pet dander, and the list goes on. Let’s not forget the dust that lands on our furniture and waits to enter our lungs. The temptation is great as we leave that bedroom window open and drift off into a deep sleep.

Many of us wake up with a stuffy nose. Although there are over 35,000 documented allergy sufferers in our community, it is probably safe to say everyone is affected to a certain point by pollens and other allergies? Would all of us feel better by closing those windows and turn on the cooling system? Does that cooling system have a good air filtration system that will remove up to 99.97% of the pollutants? Maybe the real question is do we have the right heating and air conditioning system ready for spring? Is it ready to run for another year? Let’s talk about why these things are important.

Spring is a time temperatures will fluctuate. It’s possible to see frost in the morning and 70 degrees or more on the same day. Furnaces will run at night and then the cooling systems will kick in around noon. Let’s say hopefully the cooling systems kick in, because there is always doubt if these mechanical systems survived another winter.

The condenser cooling unit sits outside and is subjected to harsh Nebraska temperatures throughout the year whether it runs or not. Corrosion sets in as time ticks on. Expansion and contraction leads to metal fatigue. It’s common for refrigerant to escape from the refrigerant piping under these conditions because it is under a very high pressure.

That’s a concern because condenser cooling units need precise refrigerant pressures or the cooling system will not work properly. 90% of the systems in operation that have not been serviced have the wrong refrigerant pressures, which will result in poor operation and efficiency.

Low or high refrigerant pressures are kind of like a car that is missing some spark plug wires. It may run, but not very well. Cooling systems often run but will not cool well enough to remove humidity, which also by design removes pollutants like dirt and pollen. They will run much longer than necessary and the life of the unit will be reduced.

Spring is the perfect time to think about improving health by installing a better heating and cooling system; especially now when there are financial incentives that make sense. Some heating and cooling equipment manufacturers have nice rebates of up to $1400. There are other incentives too.

The Lincoln Electric System started up their Sustainable Energy Incentive program again in February. This program is designed to pay incentives for the installation of high efficiency heating and air conditioning equipment that reduces energy consumption. L.E.S. has proven that reduced energy consumption reduces the need for increased power plant production. Why increase power plant production when we can reduce electrical usage. This theory hits really hits home as Japan is being forced to deal with nuclear power plant issues following their unfortunate earthquake. Thanks to L.E.S. for taking a proactive approach.

There is also a Federal tax credit available. The tax credits, rebates, and incentives can add up to $4400 or more. Add this together with energy savings and in many cases an older system is too expensive to keep in operation; especially when health is at risk.

Spring is a great time to have heating and air conditioning systems serviced. It makes sense to have the system ready before that hot summer day when many of the cooling systems fail and technicians are busy. Why be on a long list to get the cooling system repaired?

It makes sense to have heating and cooling systems serviced a regular basis by a trained licensed technician that is certified. They will know the equipment well enough to identify potential parts that can fail. If they do a good job it makes sense to have them back again if their company offers a service maintenance program. Are you ready for spring?

Do You Know What is Inside All Your Christmas

Published on: Fri Dec 10 00:00:00 -0600 2010 in Hvac

By: John Henry (Jack) Zohner

Mom and dad typically hid Christmas packages to keep everything more of a surprise. Their rules were “don’t search the house for hidden packages”.

My parents knew how tempting Christmas packages could be so they baited my sister and me. Instead of hiding the packages like they typically did, they stored them in plain sight on the steps between 1st and 2nd floor. They told us to leave the Christmas packages alone. After walking by the packages for a few days it was too much to take and our curiosity won out. We knew immediately we had been had when the Christmas packages had bricks in them instead of what was on our wish list.

That training exercise was a valuable trust lesson at an early age. It was a lesson that came with consequences because we let our parents and ourselves down. It took a while to gain that trust back, but today we can laugh together about the bricks.

Another lesson to be gained is things are not always what they appear to be in packages. In my mind I pictured a huge race car track and with accessories instead of bricks. That is what I wanted to believe. Heating and air conditioning can be like that too.

In many ways we can view the world around us as “packages” full of surprises. For instance, the environment we are in at this moment could be considered as a “package”. We want to believe that “package” contains healthy and clean air. The reality is it naturally can contain something much different.

Every day trillions of contaminants are generated or enter our homes and office “packages” through infiltration. These contaminants include things like allergens, bed bugs, pet dander, flu viruses, smoke, chemicals, metals, acids, asbestos, pollens, carbon monoxide, soot, mold spores, and the list goes on with lots of nasty stuff.

Some of the larger contaminants can be seen as they fall out on our furniture. Other contaminants are hopefully caught up by quality air filtration systems before they reach our lungs, which is another “package”. Contaminants trapped in our lungs can result in headaches, nausea, lung disease, emphysema, or lung cancer. Contaminants that are not contained in our lungs are destined to go into our bloodstream.

Contaminants in our bloodstream can contribute to health problems such as brain damage, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, liver damage, and kidney damage.

The “package” we live in also needs to have proper humidity levels. Too high of humidity levels can cause people to feel lightheaded or dizzy. It can contribute to mold. Too low of humidity can cause itchiness or flaking of the skin.

Understanding the relationship of the air we breathe and our health sheds a new light on heating and air conditioning, because air quality starts there. Do you know the air quality inside the “package” you live in?

Writing for a Better Tomorrow!

Published on: Wed Nov 10 00:00:00 -0600 2010 in Plumbing

By: John Henry (Jack) Zohner

Since 2001 the Neighborhood Extra has printed a few hundred of my articles. Originally the articles were fairly specific about the plumbing, heating, and air conditioning trades. Through time it became evident it was easier to explain those trades by comparing real life experiences. Some of those articles may have seemed like a stretch like when I compared plumbing and HVAC to Czech food, but in my world there is a correlation of many things to food!

Interestingly enough some have asked if I write my own articles. Yes, I do write my own articles. Writing has always been fun and challenging after getting past the basics like penmanship in country school. Miss Betty made sure we looped our letters properly. She stood by as we dotted our “i”s and crossed our “t”s. Mrs. Hoffman was exactly what I needed in 6th grade as she expertly throttled down my wild side and taught important basics of English. I was lucky to have some strict teachers that were really dedicated.

Writing forced me to see the world from different angles and maybe at times even look at life under a “microscope”. It may have been easier to remain a bystander, but the reality is it’s been interesting. I believe John Madden said it best when he said “sometimes you have to hear things you really don’t want to hear, and look at things you really do not want to see”. Although John Madden was talking about football at that moment, the same thing can be said about life.

One thing that is obvious is how much the world around us has changed since 2001. Almost 10 years have passed, but it seems like much longer. Together we have been through a lot as a country and personally.

Feedback tells me the world around us is OK, but many of us miss the simpler times. Today our world is tends to worry those of us that “know better”. Our world is confusing at times. That revelation seemed evident during the last election process that often resembled a bad soap opera. As strange as things were it seems the underlying message after the election was the majority of Americans are not satisfied with our world as we know it today. Maybe that gives hope that we expect much more as a society.

We probably should be very concerned because the humanistic side of life continues to show new problems. Road rage consistently shows its ugly head. Bullying has recently reached unacceptable levels. Blue collar crimes have rocked our economy. The people side of life is becoming concerning.

Writing forced me to wonder if my seven grandchildren will ever grasp how much Deb and I enjoyed the simple way life was through the years. Will there always be church bazaars and high school events as we know them today? Will there be heartwarming shows like the Andy Griffith show and Leave it to Beaver or will they be stuck with “reality TV” that is currently shaping our society?

Our grandchildren may be surprised we used to take the time to communicate with others face to face without texting. This may sound strange but recently a young man explained he does not make eye contact with people because he is so used to texting and using electronic devices to communicate that he doesn’t have the skill to give eye contact. Sadly enough his reasoning didn’t seem to bother him. I challenge you to start watching for this the next time you communicate with the people that are addicted to texting.

My goal is not to complain about where we are at today, but to leave this world a better place for future generations like past generations did for us. Many paid the ultimate price so we can enjoy the freedoms we have today. Out of respect my goal is to become even more accountable to honor them.

Writing in many ways has forced me to take that challenge even more seriously. At our company I continue to raise expectations. It starts with the hiring process. Our goal is to only hire “eagles” and our hiring process is tough. We start with the basic “filters” of criminal history checks, drug and alcohol testing, and personality profile testing to get the right people in the right jobs. We “hire for attitude and train for skill”. All we have to offer is service and that starts with providing the right people.

I am proud of our team for being the only plumbing, heating, and air conditioning company in our community to win the Better Business Bureau Integrity Award. It was a direct reflection they understand integrity is needed in every transaction. Although that award meant a lot, my proudest moments are seeing them grow and succeed in life. In many ways they are my extended family.

My goal in writing began as a way to improve safety and awareness of our community when dealing with heating and air conditioning. That requirement is written in the Bylaws of the Lincoln Heating and Air Conditioning Association. As a LHACA member and master HVAC contractor I take that challenge seriously.

With safety in mind, please make sure to get your heating and air conditioning equipment serviced to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Nebraska has led the country in carbon monoxide death rates because we rely on natural gas heating equipment during our cold winters. Our company consistently finds high levels of carbon monoxide when we service furnaces. We also have started checking water heaters for carbon monoxide levels because it seemed like the right thing to do. We do this for free when servicing furnaces. It’s amazing how many water heater burners need to be cleaned because they emit high levels of carbon monoxide.

Hopefully this article did not seem too personal, but it was time to share reasons for my writing path and thank my readers that have provided valuable support through the years.