Local Talent

     I recently attended the the Belle Glade, Pahokee Annual Christmas mixer at the Bank of Belle Glade.  It was very festive with lots of food, great trimmings and good folks.  There were bank presidents,  business owners, farmers, high school principals and retirees among the crowd.  The thing I was most struck by was our local talent.  Zarak Lawson played Christmas music for us with his downhome comtemporary style.  Some local women immediately jumped on the microphone and chimed in with song.  Zarak is a local musician who graduated UF (Go Gators!) and has come back to make Belle Glade his home.
       I met a local anesthesiologist named Glen who told me how lucky we are to have Dr. Karis as our local surgeon because he is top notch and extrememly well educated.  I had to agree as he has operated on nearly everyone in my family!
     When it was time for door prizes, I was lucky enough to win a book written by our very own Ann Rust who signed the copy for me.  Although already considered a local hero, someday, I believe  she will be a real celebrity.  I really enjoyed myself meeting new people and reconnecting with some I hadn't seen for awhile.
     We have a lot of talent in the Glades.  Sometimes we get a bad rap from the press but if you come out and visit for a day or so you will meet some of the finest folks in the land. 

Holiday Time!

     Thanksgiving has come and gone.  Everyone is madly trying to get a jump start on the decorations, tree trimming, Christmas cards, gift buying and holiday bustle.  Many stores had their trees and decorations up before Thanksgiving.  Take time to remember the reason for the season....its not about the tinsel and the sparkling lights.  Its about taking time to show someone how much you love them.  Do something extra special for someone less fortunate than you this holiday.  When making your gift purchases this year, remember those less fortunate.
     Many families are struggling.  The unemployment rate is at an all time high.  Perhaps in lieu of a gift for a loved one, give a donation to your church for a family that is struggling. 
     Have a safe, happy holiday season from all of us in the Glades Gas Family.

Propane Incentives for Farmers

    Good Day Farmers!  We are here to share good news with you....The Propane Economic Research Council is offering news of rebates to farmers wanting to go green with propane.        http://www.agpropane.com/Feed/
This website has all the news along with the one page simple application.   http://www.agpropane.com/Feed/files/FEED%20Flyer.pdf   The Propane FEED Program  (Farm Equipment Efficiency Demonstration) was designed to test and monitor propane usage in irrigation pumps and other farm applications.
     There is a fairly simple application.  Fill it out today and see how you can save big bucks and be enviro-friendly as possible.   C'mon FLORIDA FARMERS!  Check out this map to see where they are using efficient propane on the farm:  http://www.agpropane.com/feed/Map.aspx?id=7705  we don't see any of our locals on here.

September News

Hello Friends!
     The summer has come and gone, the kids are back in school or gone off to college and the heat is relentless.  No time to slack on changing or washing out  your air conditioning filter.  Your unit is working harder than ever to keep up with the humidity and the ever soaring  temps.  The afternoon rains are the  only occasional relief we seem to get only to beget more toads and more  mosquitoes.

Should you need work on your central air system, here are some key questions for your contractor:
     

Trane Condensors

• Make sure your contractor is licensed and has adequate workers compensation.
• Verify your contractor's license status. 
• Get a written warranty for your contractor's work
• Take advantage of expert advice. Ask a lot of questions!
• Get a written bid. 

Club Green Winners!

     In an effort to go Green we instituted Club Green in March of 2011.  If you currently pay your bills on line or with a credit card over the phone or have a credit or debit card on file, good news,  you are automatically enrolled in Club Green. You may say so what is the big deal...well we think it is a very big deal when people collectively do things to help our planet.  When you think of the paper wasted on sending out paper bills to every customer who in turn send in checks in envelopes and multiply that by thousands of customers every month, well, that adds up to a lot of paper and a lot of trees.  I guarantee we haves saved a tree or two since March and we are just getting started!  So if you want to get on the band wagon, just give us a call....here are the winners:

March     Glades Dry Cleaners

April       Crop Production Services

May        Dr. Kevin Connell

June        Randy Prescott    

July         Robert Carter

August's winner will be announced on the 18th!  Stay tuned and congratulations to our winners!

Propane Sources

     Well it has been a few weeks since we blogged.  Summer seems to be flying by.  The Mosquito Magnets are in full swing, pool heaters are getting a break with all this heat and generators are being cranked up in preparation for a hurricane.  If you have any of these contraptions, they can be tied into your main house tank if you choose.....there is some labor involved however you will never have to fill one of those portable BBQ tanks again!  The best thing you can do is to tie in your BBQ grill if you  have a built in.  Running out of gas in the middle of cooking some expensive steaks is not a fun situation especially if you are cooking for company!
     Propane offers tremendous value.  When the summer storms come and the power goes out, you can still cook and some can shower with their gas water heater.  Propane is an extremely clean burning fuel and that is why propane converted vehicles require much less maintenance.....it is common for our vehicles to run 200,000 miles before an engine overhaul is necessary.  Chefs love propane in cooking because they can control the temperature so much better than on an electric source.  Of course everyone loves to grill on the Bar-B which is a healthy alternative to heating up the kitchen in summer.  Laundromats use propane in their dryers for a fast effective way to dry their clothes.  There are so many great ways to use propane and we  have just mentioned a few.....one of our favorites is up at Big Bertha's...the toys!  The Tiki Torches and fire-pit offer such a relaxing ambiance that just can't be matched.
     To learn about some other fun ways to use propane, stop by the office and we will be glad to share.  In the meantime have a great  summer and happy vacationing.....with high gas prices we are hearing that most people are staying at home enjoying their propane on the Bar-B!

Mosquito Magnets which are a name brand mosquito repellent work very well to combat those nasty little critters that are about to take over the Glades.  If you really want to get mosquitos under control once and for all, we can tie it into your main gas supply and no more hauling 20# tanks to the local dispensers.

 

What is the big deal about Social Media?

    Just what is the big deal about social media anyway?  Who has time to learn how to set up a Fan Page or set up a YouTube or Twitter account?  Personally, I have accounts all over the place and spend a lot of time working on each one.  I think each media has its own benefits.

     YouTube is a fantastic way to share a "how to" lesson.  You can go to YouTube and learn how to do just about anything you want.   You can learn things you never even thought about learning before!  Did you know that it is the 3rd largest search engine??  It is the fastest, cheapest way to do video marketing.

     In business, Twitter can help you reach new markets and increase sales but only by building relationships.  It is a great way to publicize your business and build a strong brand.  You send 160 character Tweets to your Followers and let them know what is happening in your world or share advice., or just wish everyone a great week.  Twitter is about relationships, not sales.  It is fun to meet people on Twitter and learn from their Tweets.

     Facebook is the phenomenon of this decade for sure.   I believe our grand kids will be talking about it some day as I don't think it is going anywhere soon.  You can advertise a business, service or product for free by setting up a fan page, which literally takes about 5 minutes.  Fan pages are starting to look like web sites in that you can enter your email address and get on people's mailing lists.  It is growing exponentially by the day.  Ads pay for the company since signing up and having a fan page is free.  Facebook is a great way for grandparents to see what their families are doing hundreds or thousands of miles away.  It is a great platform for businesses to share important information with their customers on a daily basis.  And of course teens love talking to their friends in class on their cell phones while looking  up what movies are playing at the local theater.

     No matter which media you choose to dive into, they are all fun, free and only a click away.  If you have any questions how to use any of them, stop by the office....I love to share!

    

Propane Safety First! GAS Check

Launched in1985, GAS Check™ signified the beginning of an industry-wide effort to help reduce residential accidents involving propane. Developed by a team of industry volunteers, the revised GAS Check™ Inspection Program responds to changes in the propane industry and appliances.

What is GAS Check?
GAS Check is a completely voluntary set of guidelines for inspecting residential gas systems.
This inspection guideline covers propane containers, regulators, appurtenances, gas supply
lines and equipment visible and accessible to the person conducting the inspection and
represents the conditions existing on the date of the inspection.

Gas Appliance System Check (GAS Check™) is a voluntary inspection program developed by PERC together with the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) that provides guidelines to technicians on how to perform two important types of residential safety inspections:
•  A “Gas System Check” of the gas delivery system, including containers, regulators, and appurtenances.
•  A "Gas Appliance System Check" of both the gas delivery system and all propane-burning appliances.

Our technicians have been performing GAS Check since 1985 on all new installations.  Ask your propane supplier if they have done the same.

Happy Cinco de Mayo

Mexican favorites!

     Do you know what Cinco de Mayo really is all about?  Most people don't.  The Battle of Puebla took place on May 5, 1982 outside of the town during the French intervention of Mexico.  The Mexican Army defeated the French forces that were occupying the area at the time.  Today the victory is celebrated on the 5th of May every year.  See a map of Puebla, it is located in the Southern Mexico:   


http://www.sacred-destinations.com/mexico/puebla-map

Clean Coils Save $$$$$
The coil on the left is extremely dirty vs. the new coil on the right.                                            Maximizing the efficiency of your Air Conditioning (HVAC) system makes sense with the rising costs of energy. Both condenser (outdoor) and evaporator (indoor) coils are made to provide optimum heat transfer required for the area needing cooling. The air being transferred, in most cases, contains a mixture of dust, dirt, pollen, grease and moisture. These contaminants settle on the surface of the coil and impact the ability to transfer heat. They also affect the quality of the air within your home or building. The cost of operating dirty air conditioning equipment is greater than you might expect!
Power Costs
Equipment operating with dirty coils may use as much as 37 percent more energy than equipment with clean coils. Restricted heat transfer causes the compressor to work harder, increasing the head pressure. Rising head pressure will result in a loss of cooling capacity of up to 30 percent. (Example: If our 4-ton system with a 30 percent loss is now only providing 2.8 tons of cooling). The system will cost more to operate and provide less cooling. This loss will be noticeable on the hottest days, when cooling is needed the most!
Life Expectancy
Higher operating pressures caused by a dirty coil may reduce your equipment's life expectancy. The restriction of heat transfer and strain placed on the compressor can lead to equipment failure. Compressor failure means no cooling. Compressor replacement cost is out of sight compared to a cleaning! Caution:  Do not judge the cleanliness of a coil by its visual appearance. Air conditioning cooling coils provide moisture, cool temperature and food from dust; all which contribute to contamination growth which affects the cooling coil in the following ways: • Reduced heat transfer. The contaminants on the coil surface act as an insulation media between the air and the cooling coil. The air flowing through the coil is not reduced in temperature adequately enough to allow the system to cool the building efficiently. Therefore, the compressor will run continuously to compensate for the poor temperature transfer. In a system where the air is cooling the building efficiently, the compressor will cycle in and out of service as required. Poor heat transfer results in poor energy savings. • Blockages in the coil. This decreases the amount of air passing through the system. This in turn affects the air conditioner's ability to cool the air. To compensate, the compressor is running at longer durations. Effective maintenance on the cooling coil provides cost savings in energy consumption. • Corrosion of the coil. Contaminants attach themselves to the fins of the cooling coil. Over time, they become etched into the surface to provide a secure holding. This eats away at the cooling coil and over time degenerates the cooling coil's ability to perform efficient heat transfer. The solution for coil corrosion is to remove contaminants through maintenance. The alternative is to replace the cooling coil, which comes at a greater cost than coil maintenance.
So you are asking what is the best way to keep my coils clean?  The answer is to change or wash your filter like clock work every month.  We wash our's when we pay the electric bill.  If you suspect your coil is dirty, call for a coil cleaning before the real heat sets in.  It will save you money over the course of the summer.  Be kind to your AC and it will be kind to you:)

Southeastern Convention International Propane Expo

  We just returned from the one of the largest trade shows in the South in Atlanta, Georgia.  The National Propane Gas Association sponsors the show every year just before Easter.  We have been attending it for over twenty-five years.  There are wholesale distributors and retailers involved in every facet of propane imaginable.   The show had less exhibitors this year, only two hundred and thirty compared to over five-hundred in the past....The shrinking economy roars its ugly head.  It still is an incredible show with new state of the art propane toys.
       One particular toy that really caught our eye were these glass beads put out by RH Petersen.  We have been selling their gas logs for over twenty five years.  They are second to none in terms of a realistic looking gas fire place logs.  They are called Fyre Stones and Fyre Glass.  You can check them out at:  Peterson Logs  

May have to replace our traditional logs with the Stones...they are really different. 

We have always been a member of the National Propane Gas Association.  Their mission is:

     "To advance safety and to increase the use of propane through sound public policy"

Black Gold Weekend

The 33rd annual Black Gold Festival will be held on Torry Island at the Belle Glade Marina this weekend.  Here is the schedule.  C'mon out and enjoy the fun!


Schedule of Events:
6:45 a.m. – Registration for the 5K Walk/Run at the Torry Island Campground and Marina. All participants will receive a free t-shirt.
7:30 a.m. – 5K Walk/Run – Torry Island Campground and Marina
11:30 a.m. – Opening ceremonies
Noon – Kernel Contest
11 a.m. – 6 p.m. – Art & Photography Exhibits, Dunking Booth, Volleyball Tournament, Children’s rides and games, Glades style food booths, and Arts and Crafts booths
11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. – Continuous Entertainment, Airboat and Car show
4:30 p.m. – Dave “Gator” Bressmer Concert
6:00 p.m. – Ryan Walker Concert
6:45 p.m. – Wild Blue Concert
Grand Finale – Fireworks

PBC School District Using Propane Buses?

by JADE MINGUS / KVUE News

Bio | Email | Follow: @JadeM_KVUE     

  Could Palm Beach County School Board follow suit??

Austin area school districts are getting creative to save dollars during the current education budget crisis. Eanes Independent School District is implementing several cost-saving measures to help offset a multi-million dollar shortfall.
Eanes ISD won a $2.2 million grant to purchase propane powered buses. Transportation Director Tim Wysong said the buses could save $75,000 a year in fuel costs and another $25,000 a year in maintenance costs.

Eanes ISD will get the propane buses this summer and put them in service by the fall. The 25 buses will replace the district’s oldest, least efficient diesel powered buses. 

“Every dollar we can save here we can put towards children,” Wysong said. 

Wysong said the cost of a gallon of diesel fuel has risen 74 percent since 2008. He said propane costs less than diesel, and it burns cleaner.

Eanes ISD also requires bus drivers to idle three minutes or less. Wysong says turning off the engine has so far saved the district $1,000 per week.

Austin ISD has a no idle policy unless there are special circumstances.
AISD also received a grant to buy propane buses; six will start service this fall. The school district has 478 buses that transport 22,000 students every day. AISD buses travel 7 million miles per year.

Eanes ISD parent Robyn Post supports cuts outside the classroom. She believes the propane buses could save badly needed dollars.

“I would rather cut fuel prices through this new program rather than cutting teachers and important staff members to help educate our children,” Post said.

Eanes ISD also added GPS monitoring devices to every school bus. The district has since shortened routes and consolidated stops.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if  Palm Beach County School Board and Palm Tran for that matter follow suit and switch to propane gas.  They would save the tax payers big money in the years to come and help boost the local economy by supporting local propane companies.

March Club Green Winner!

     Our first winner of Club Green is Glades Dry Cleaners!            Congratulations to them for going green.

     In an effort to go Green,  Glades Gas is instituting Club Green. If you currently pay your bills on line or with a credit card over the phone or have a credit card on file, you are automatically enrolled in Club Green! You may think this is not a big deal but we assure you, it is. If you think about the paper we use to send one bill and you the customer use to pay that bill and then multiply that times twelve months in the year, well, that all adds up.  We figure we have already saved a few trees in the past year or so.      As a member of Club Green, your name will automatically be entered into our monthly drawing for a free prize. That’s it, no strings attached. You can feel good knowing that you are helping our planet and we feel good helping you feel good!
     We will announce our winners on  Facebook and Twitter at the end of the month. If for some reason you don’t want to be publicized, just let us know.  Naturally,  we will call you first so you will be the first to know.

If you are not a member of Club Green it is easy to join. Just call today and sign up for auto pay and you too can feel good about saving the planet and you may even win something!!
Thank you to those of you who are already a member

Keep Your Dryer Vent Lint Free

 Friendly Reminder:  I found my lint trap slam full today!  I forgot to clean it after a load of towels and sheets.
If you use dryer sheets (such as BOUNCE), you want to scrub your lint trap with a cleaner and brush under the tap every once in a while.

A coating gets on the screen and makes it almost waterproof, so it also restricts the airflow from your dryer making it take longer to dry your clothes. The longer the dry time, the larger the... electric bill.

It will also prolong the life of the dryer!

Club Green...Sign Up Today for March's Drawing!

In an effort to go Green,  Glades Gas is instituting Club Green. If you currently pay your bills on line or with a credit card over the phone or have a credit card on file, you are automatically enrolled in Club Green! You may think this is not a big deal but we assure you, it is. If you think about the paper we use to send one bill and you the customer use to pay that bill and then multiply that times twelve months in the year, well, that all adds up.  We figure we have already saved a few trees in the past year or so.

So now the good news! As a member of Club Green, your name will automatically be entered into our monthly drawing for a free prize. That’s it, no strings attached. You can feel good knowing that you are helping our planet and we feel good helping you feel good!
We will announce our winners on our blog at www.GladesGasAC.com and Facebook and Twitter. If for some reason you don’t want to be publicized, just let us know.  Naturally,  we will call you first so you will be the first to know.

If you are not a member of Club Green it is easy to join. Just call today and sign up for auto pay and you too can feel good about saving the planet and you may even win something!!

Thank you to those of you who are already a member

Nascar Tries Out Propane in 2011

Did you know that propane gas is the 3rd most widely used fuel in the world. This year at the Daytona International Speedway, race fans will see more "green" on the track. Ford Motor Co and Roush Clean Tech will test out two Ford F250 Super Duty pickups as part of the fleet of emergency vehicles throughout the season.
"Roush Clean Tech is driven to win the alternative fuels race with a line-up of propane autogas-powered Ford vehicles unparalleled in performance, dependability, and environmental soundness" said Joe Thompson, president of Roush Clean Tech.

This is pretty cool! Propane is a clean burning alternative energy source.

Hank Hill Gets It Right on His Propane Gas Grill

A well done steak is like shoe leather.....never could understand why one would buy an expensive piece of meat and then cook the taste out of it!

Propane Fire Pit

This weekend will be perfect for sitting around a propane fire pit.  The pesky Florida mosquitoes are still at bay and the summer scorching heat has yet to arrive.  Imagine just turning it off and on without any mess or cleanup.

Tax Season is Here....Noritz Energy Tax Credit

 Here is the process to receive your 2010 Energy Tax Credit from the Federal Government:

  

For 2010, the homeowner needs to complete the IRS Form 5695 and file it with their tax return. Here is a link to the Form: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f5695.pdf, which has complete instructions for calculating the rebate amount.

On the IRS 1040 Form,  the Residential Energy Tax Credit (from Form 5695) is claimed on Line 52.

In case you are audited, save your receipts and a copy of the Manufacturer's Certification Statement for your records. Here is a link to the 2010 Noritz Certification Document: http://www.noritz.com/u/jan2010_taxcreditcert_copy.pdf.  It is accepted for all the Qualified 2010 Noritz Models.

Feel free to give us a call if you need help

How to Go From Electric to Gas Water Heater

This video will answer most questions you may have.  If not, give us a call today!

Appliance Manufacturers Going Going Gone

There are only a limited number a major appliance manufacturers left in the marketplace. Over the years, the big ones have bought up the smaller ones and merged those product designs into their own product lines. They now produce products under the various brand names they own.

Often there is only cosmetic differences in the appearance of the appliance, while the underlying mechanical workings are very similar, if not the same. The manufacturers warranty may also differ between brands and models.

To aid in comparing new appliances, I have compiled a list of some of the major appliance manufacturers and the brand names they own. I have also tried to note where a product with a particular brand name varies greatly from the other brands of the same manufacturer.

Manufacturer Brand Name
Amana
(previously owned by Maytag,
now owned by Whirlpool) Amana
Caloric
Danby ( 5 )
Econowash
Glenwood
Imperial ( microwave, refrigerator )
Litton
Maytag ( washers with models starting SAV, NAV... )
Menu Master
Modern Maid
Speed Queen (older domestic models)
Sunray
Viking (US fridges except built-in models)
Fedders Airtemp
Climette ( current models )
Comfort Aire ( window a/c's )
Crosley ( some window a/c's )
Emerson Quiet Kool ( a/c's )
Fedders
Hamptom Bay ( some a/c's )
Maytag ( window a/c's and dehumidifiers )
Microsonic
Frigidaire/Electrolux
~ non-USA brands below ~ Affinity™
Airdryer ( dehumidifiers )
Capehart ( freezers & dehumidifiers )
Citation ( freezers )
Dometic (microwaves - serial number prefix "HG")
Design Manufacturing ( D&M )
Electrolux
Euroflair ( 1 )
Frigidaire
Gallery
General
General Freezer
Gibson
Harvard Logic ( dehumidifiers & microwaves )
Kelvinator
Kenmore ( see Sears below )
Icon
Leonard
O'keefe & Merritt
Polaris ( freezers & dehumidifiers )
Roy
Tappan
Vesta
White Westinghouse ( major appliances only )
commercial products by
Frigidaire/Electrolux Arctic Air ( fridges and freezers ) ( 9 )
Edina ( refrigerators )
Edina Technical (freezers converted to pop machines)
Fedpak (freezers converted to soft ice cream freezers)
Imperial ( freezers ) ( 9,10 )
Venex (freezers converted to vending machines)
General Electric * Amana (older dishwashers)
Americana
Beau*Mark ( most )
BeefEater
Camco
Concept II
Eterna
GE
General Electric
Hotpoint
Kenmore ( see Sears below )
McClary
Moffat
Monogram ( 1 )
Profile
RCA
In-Sink-Erator Ace Hardware ( 6 )
Badger
Crosley ( 6 )
Dayton ( 6 )
Emerson ( 6 )
Franke ( 6 )
Frigidaire ( 6,7 )
ISE (In-Sink-Erator)
Kenmore ( 6 ) ( most )
KitchenAid ( 6,7 )
Master Plumber ( 6 )
Maytag ( 6 )
True Value ( 6 )
Whirlpool ( 6 )
Wolverine Brass ( 6 )
LG Electronics Arco Aire ( mini-split a/c )
Carrier ( recent a/c, dehum )
Comfort Aire ( recent a/c, dehum )
Comfort Maker ( mini-split a/c )
Crosley ( recent a/c )
Fast ( mini-split a/c )
Friedrich ( recent a/c, dehum )
GE ( recent a/c, microwaves, dehum )
Glacier Breeze
Goldstar
Hampton Bay
Heat Controller ( mini-split a/c )
Heil ( mini-split a/c )
I-City ( mini-split a/c )
Kenmore ( see Sears )
LG
Panasonic
Quasar
Ritetemp
Tempstar ( mini-split a/c )
Texas Furnace ( mini-split a/c )
Whirlpool ( recent a/c )
Zenith
Maytag Corp.
(now owned by Whirlpool) Admiral (USA)
Atlantis
Crosley (except a/c's, also see Whirlpool)
Dynasty
Gaffers and Sattler
Gemini ( 1 )
Hardwick
Jade
Jade Range
Jenn Air ( 3 )
Magic Chef (major appliances only)
Maytag ( 2 )
Neptune ( 1 )
Norge
Sears * Capri
Coldspot
Galaxy
Kenmore
Oasis

Sears does not manufacture any of their products, instead they are all made by the other leading manufacturers, often with added features. They are then rebranded with the Kenmore (or other) brand name.

Notably are: most laundry products and dishwashers made by Whirlpool, lower end front load washer and matching dryer by Frigidaire and many range models by GE.

new See model number reference
Whirlpool * Admiral (Canada)
Chambers
Coovert (ac's)
Crosley (newer fridges, a/c, washers)
Danby ( 8 )
Estate
Inglis
Ikea
Kenmore ( see Sears )
KitchenAid ( 4 )
Kirkland
Maytag Epic®
Roper
Speed Queen (Canada only)
Sub Zero (undercounter ice makers)
Whirlpool
WC Wood
(factory purchased
by Whirlpool 2010) Amana ( older freezers )
ArticAire
Country Squire
Crosley ( freezers )
Danby ( freezers, some dehumidifiers )
Edison
Electrohome (range hoods, humidifiers, dehumidifiers)
Estate ( freezers )
Frost Queen
KitchenAid ( freezers )
Maytag ( freezers )
Miami Carey (range hoods)
Quickfreeze
Quickfrez
Roper ( freezers )
Sahara
Whirlpool ( freezers )
Woods
Electrolux
(non-North American)
ACEC
AEG
Alfatec
Arthur Martin
Arctis
Atlas
Bendix
Buderus
Castor
Elektro Helios
Elektra
Electrolux
Faure
Flymo
Husqvarna
Ibelsa
Juno Lehel
Marynen
Moffat
Nestor Martin
Parkinson Cowan
Progress
Rex
Rosenlew
Simpson
Therma
Tornado
Tricity Bendix
Volta
Voss
Zanker
Zanussi
Zoppas
Nordyne
(HVAC products)
Frigidaire ( 11 )
Gibson ( 11 )
Grandaire ( 11 )
Intertherm ( 11 )
Kelvinator ( 11 )
Mammoth ( 11 ) Maytag ( 11 )
Miller ( 11 )
Philco ( 11 )
Tappan ( 11 )
Westinghouse ( 11 )

Notes:

1. Unique product line
2. 'Dependable Care' laundry line is unique to the Maytag brand name and is the product they are famous for. Now sold as "Performa" brand with model numbers starting LAT.... LAV... LAW...
3. Unique range product line
4. Dishwasher has stainless steel tub and a redesigned wash system including pump.
5. Most full size laundry equipment and gas ranges.
6. Garbage Disposals and Hot Water Dispensers Only.
7. Current models.
8. Canadian full size refrigerators and some electric ranges.
9. Distributed by Broich Enterprises
10. Sold through Blue Ribbon Foods, Colorado Prime, Duttererís, Guaranteed Foods, Service Foods, Town & Country, and Farm & Home.
11. HVAC products only.



This list is pretty comprehensive...I don't see LG on here which used to be Phillips. We are finding that Whirlpool has such a huge market share now. Recently we tried to replace a computer board on a 10 year old, electric double oven only to find out that Whirlpool is no longer making the part. They have offered the consumer a 33% discount on a new one....It leaves the consumer very little choice.

Outdoor Cooking Safety Tip by Crazy Tony

How to maintain your regulator on outdoor cooking equipment.

Propane, Diesel and Gasolin Engines Compared

Comparison of Diesel, Propane, and Gasoline on Its Engine, Price, and Efficiency
By Alrey Cruz

Platinum Quality Author Fuel economy is a must for most motorists nowadays. Every car owner who values less fuel expenditures constantly try to search for the perfect fuel or the perfect engine that will give them the maximum mileage at minimum fuel consumption.

There are currently three major engine types that are in wide use in the auto industry: gasoline, diesel, and propane. Of the three, the most commonly used is the gasoline engine. It is endeared by many car owners for its quick acceleration via spark ignition and high voltage current, fast start-up, and noiseless and smooth road performance. But in the wake of the incessant oil price increase, the gasoline's pricey tag drives motorists away. Gasoline engines are the least fuel-efficient of the three. Furthermore, it has been pinpointed to be a major contributor to global warming and air pollution because of its exhaust fumes. However, supporters of the petrol or gasoline engines have found ways that reduce fuel consumption as well as toxic emissions.

The diesel is the brawny one of the bunch. It is built to sustain heavy loads. It is a mean muscle of a machine. Its supporters point out the diesel engine's mighty torque power, fuel-efficient performance, and its low maintenance characteristic. Diesel is much more economic compared to petrol because it can self-combust. Petrol, on the other hand, needs to be ignited before it can generate power. But there is a downside to the diesel-powered motor. They have slow ignition and acceleration (especially during cold seasons), are noisy on the road, and they emit the most carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. For this reason, diesel is set aside for heavy equipment rather than everyday urban vehicles.

Then there's the "youngest" (in terms of market existence) engine type: the propane engine. Propane-run vehicles are considered to be the "purest" among the other engine types. This is because the propane engines give off lesser toxic emissions to the air. In fact, the only toxic substances that the propane engine gives off are ones with the lowest lifespan. Compared to a diesel engine, the propane engine increases burning efficiency by 15% to 20%. Propane engines also generate 10% to 20% of torque at the reduction of fuel costs. And the biggest highlight in a propane engine is its fuel cost. Propane fuel is way cheaper than that of petrol or diesel fuel.

These three engine types have something to offer to all motorists. Where one lacks in power, another is abounding with it. Where one fails in environmental contribution, another excels. The comparison among the petrol, diesel, and propane engines yield varying results, which cater to varying driving styles. All the car-seeker has to do is to lay out his priorities and match it up with the vehicle that best fulfills his criteria.

We found this article extremely enlightening considering that all of Glades Gas' vehicles are bi-fuel ie. they run on both gasoline and propane with the flip of a switch. Without widespread filling stations, propane isn't feasible in our driving area. In California and Texas there are widespread CNG (compressed natural gas) filling stations. Maybe soon our government will take the proper action to ensure that all drivers are driving the clean burning engines such as the propane engines that we drive.

"How Full is Your Bucket"

Last weekend I read the New York Times#1 Best Seller "How Full Is Your Bucket?" written by Tom Rath and Donald O. Clifton, Ph.D

I thought it was a great quick read. It offers positive strategies
for work and life. So this morning we had our weekly office pow wow and I brought each employee their own personal bucket and tried to give them a dose of the book in the short time we can squeeze in before work. The book offers strategies to improve your personal, social, spiritual and work life. It simply suggests that by filling another's bucket by offering only positive comments, you in turn fill your own bucket.

The author suggests that focusing on only the good will in turn give you a better life. It reminded me of many of Oprah's shows about Pay It Forward. We will attempt to fill our buckets here during the day so when we go home, perhaps our home lives will be enlightened. I encourage you to read the book!

5 Tips on Saving a Service Call on your Air Conditioner!

The condenser is the part of an air conditioner system located outside a building.  It consists of a system of coils that connect to units inside the building. If the condenser is not running, it does not produce air to cool or heat.

1. The condensing unit functions by compressing gas, or refrigerant, as it pumps through a system of coils. The refrigerant then becomes a high temperature, high pressure liquid, as it flows through copper tubing attached to a set of coils.  It is imperative that you keep these coils clean.
2. The refrigerant expands and becomes a low temperature gas that absorbs heat as it passes through the home ductwork system. Moisture that condenses outside the coils is carried away by a drain.  If this drain gets clogged up with mold and dirt, you may need to call in the  pros to clean it out for you.
3.   Make sure leaves and debris have not clogged the coils around the unit.    If so you can simply hose it down.  The unit has to be able to breathe. 
4.  Check the circuit breaker to make sure it is on. You may just need to flip   the switch.
5. A blocked outdoor unit may decrease air flow, causing the home to not get enough air or heat.   The filter on the air handler (inside unit) needs to be changed or washed on a monthly basis to maintain optimal air flows.

                      Get Professional Help

6. It the unit does not run after simple changes listed above, you may need to call us!

New Fish Restaurant on Lake Okeechobee

Big Bertha's is now open

We went to Big Bertha's Wednesday night to see

what all the  hoopla was about.  There were six of

us and we were all pleasantly suprized at what we

found.  It was Wednesday night and they had a bunch

of specials.  I ordered the Fried Grouper Bang Bang

Po Boy on homemade bread.  It was really good.

I ordered the sauce on the side as it was a tad spicey.

Someone else had a Grilled Rueben O'hara that was

actually open faced and divine!  Everything I tried was

good, even the cole slaw which had pineapple in it.

We left Belle Glade at 5:15 sharp as I wanted to see

a Lake Okeechobee sunset which is like no other.

I broke a few traffic laws on the way and scared a few of my passengers however it was worth the rush as the

sunset was like  no other....magnificent...I wish I could capture it on my little Sony.

After dinner we sat lakeside enjoying the view, warming our toes by the firepit.  They tiki torches were all

aglow blowing in the persistent Lake "O" breeze.  We spoke with the manager Bob and his son, both of

whom were very nice and they thanked us for coming.  They told us they were having some unforeseen

kitchen problems out in the wind that they hope to tackle soon so that they can expand the menu.  They

told us of the Grand Opening next weekend, Saturday the 29th with a live band.  We assured them that

we would be back and that we would spread the word.   If you haven't been yet, be sure to see Big Bertha

over the bar and read about her history...its quite a fish tale!!

This is Clearly a Fire Hazard! Read on....

How to Keep Your Dryer Lint Free!

How to Clean Your Dryer Lint Trap
By bearably40, eHow Member
User-Submitted Article

Take your dryer lint trap out of dryer lint trap keeper and wash with hot soapy water and light soft sponge. This will help keep your dryer from costing you and from burning out the heating element. Good luck and keep your dryer lint trap clean.

Reasons for cleaning your lint trap in this manner -- rub your fingers on dryer sheets. You will feel a film on the lint trap -- that film collects on your dryer lint trap causing your lint trap to clog, and washing with hot soapy water will remove the film allowing the air to flow more freely and will keep your heating element from burning out. It will also allow your clothes to dry faster.

Read more: How to Clean Your Dryer Lint Trap | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_5212188_clean-dryer-lint-trap.html#ixzz1BItwUMPR

How to Clean Your AC Filter

How to Change an Air Conditioner Filter

By an eHow Contributor

Changing the air filters in your home air conditioning units is the least expensive thing you can do to maintain your cooling system. Dirt and air pollutants can damage your health and damage the equipment requiring expensive repair or replacement of the system. Follow these simple steps to change your air conditioner filter.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Locate your furnace and the filter compartment. This compartment is normally covered by a strip of metal that slides in and out of place.
   
2. Determine the size of the air filter that needs to be replaced. The sizes are noted on the side and usually appear as 16x24 inches and other similar sizes.
   
3. Purchase a replacement filter in the size required for your system. There are a variety of filters to choose ranging from the inexpensive standard spun glass filters to pricier synthetic polyester fibers.
   
4. Consider high efficiency filters if you live in warmer, dustier climates as they do more than just capture dust particles. The high efficiency filters can trap tiny particles of dust, pollen, mold and other irritants.
   
5. Look at hepa filters and filters coated with chemicals to kill bacteria if allergies and other irritants are a concern for your family, .
   
6. Use a black permanent marker when you change the filter. When you slide up the metal guard, note the direction of the air flow marked on the side of the old filter and draw arrows in the same direction on the metal guard. This way you will have no question which direction to insert the new filter.
   
7. Replace high efficiency filters at least 4 times per year. Read the manufacturer's label as most recommend changing your air filter on a monthly basis. (High efficiency filters do have a longer life expectancy than the less expensive spun-fiber filters.
   
8. Discard the old filter.
   

Read more: How to Change an Air Conditioner Filter | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2043782_change-air-conditioner-filter.html#ixzz1Ae5Rxfle