Is Spring Just Around the Corner?

Well, we would all agree that this winter has not been a normal southern winter.  So, what do you think?  Is Spring just around the corner? 

The Farmers' Almanac seemed to be the only source to predict winter correctly, so we decided to look at their Spring prediction.  Here is what they had to say about our area...  In the Southeastern states, the season will open to windy and rainy conditions, followed by some very warm temperatures and severe thunderstorms. Showers will continue through most of April, followed by a cloudy, but hot May.

We decided since there is no straight answer as to whether the weather is going to be warm or cold, we would offer everyone a special that would take care of both needs.

                                         Give us a call today to schedule your
          $69.00 Spring Tune with FREE Furnace Safety Check!

Check or Change Your Filter!

It's the beginning of month, what better time to get in the habit of changing your air filter?!  

Even if you have a filter that last several months, you should take the time to make sure the filter hasn't become dirty early. Every home's and family's situation is different. Please understand that the length of time a manufacturer states on a filter is an average. This length of time may need to be adjusted for your home. Factors such as the number of people in your home, pets, the number of times your doors opens per day, and even how often you burn candles are all factors.

So, what exactly does the air filter do and how does it work?  The air filter is positioned where air is pulled into the system. The filter traps air-born particles that get sucked in with the air and keeps them from blocking the blower and clogging up the coils.  Clogged coils can't heat or cool the air passing over them.  A clogged coil and blocked blower may damage the system!  So, the air filter performs the important job of helping your heating and cooling system do it's job, and keeps it running efficiently.  This helps to prolong the life of your heating and cooling system.

Andy Lewis can help you with your filters.  When signing up for our Preventative Maintenance Agreement, we can offer options to change your filters when we come out and perform maintenance.  We also offer higher efficiency and better filters to make your home's air healthy!

Call us today at 704-391-9191!

                                         

We Survived the "Artic Vortex"! Did Your Heater?

So, we are finally thawing from record breaking low temperatures!  Hopefully your heating system kept you warm.  As we heard from Duke Energy, utility usage was at an all time high with everyone trying to stay warm.  So what does that mean for your heating system?  Run time, and LOTS of it. 

For those two days of extremely cold temperatures, and never getting above freezing, your heating system was working overtime!  If you haven't had your system checked yet this year, it is definitely a good time to do so.  Heating systems were put under a lot of strain, and could possibly breakdown or worse yet, you could have a Carbon Monoxide leak!  Remember, carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless. The only way to detect this deadly gas is with a carbon monoxide detector.  Make sure the batteries in the carbon monoxide detectors are still good, and run the test mode to make sure it is functioning.  Also, check the shelf life of the detector.  This should be located on the back or inside cover.  Carbon Monoxide detectors do not last forever, so make sure yours is still good.  

If you and others in your family start experiencing headaches and flu-like symptoms, please have it checked! We are still running our $69 Tune Up and Safety Check.  This will give you a comprehensive check of the heating system's performance.

Call Us Today to Schedule 704-391-9191

"The Andy Man Will Treat You Right"

A New Year is Just Around the Corner!

So, the new year is almost upon us.  Here in the South, we have our traditional New Year's Day dinner.  Pork, collard greens, black eyed peas, and cornbread are among the staples that most of us enjoy.  It is said that by eating this meal, you will enjoy luck and prosperity in the new year.  The black eyed peas represent coins, the cornbread represents gold, the collard greens represent paper money, and the pork represents looking forward to the future (because a pig is physically incapable of turning it's head to look back).  The practice of eating black-eyed peas for luck is generally believed to date back to the Civil War. At first planted as food for livestock, and later a food staple for slaves in the South, the fields of black-eyed peas were ignored as Sherman's troops destroyed or stole other crops, thereby giving the humble, but nourishing, black-eyed pea an important role as a major food source for surviving Confederates. 

Andy Lewis wants to extended our help with your prosperity in the New Year.  Give us a call today to schedule your $69 Furnace Tune-Up and Safety Check!  Not only will this assure your system is working safely, and efficiently (which will save you in utility bills), we will also guarantee the operation of your furnace for the rest of the season!* 

Call Today
704-391-9191!

 

Avoid a Holiday Catastrophy...Safety Tips for Making Sure Your Christmas Will Stay Merry & Bright!

During the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, we sometimes forget some very important things that can cause major catastrophes!  Check out these tips to make sure your family's Christmas stays merry and bright.

WATER THE TREE!  A dry tree is the #1 cause of fires during this time of year.  Don't forget to check it daily and make sure the tree has plenty to drink.

Check the placement of your tree.  You increase your chances of a fire tremendously when you place Christmas trees (real or artificial) next to fireplaces, radiators, and even heating vents. 

Trim your tree with care.  When hanging ornaments, don't forget your children and pets.  Any of those family heirloom ornaments that may have toxic paint, the breakable ornaments, and the ornaments with small parts should be placed high.  Also, consider replacing metal hooks with ribbon.  Not only does that help prevent choking, it looks pretty as well!

 

Use proper outlets when plugging in lights.  Sparks aren't exactly the bright shiny lights you're looking for, right?!  Outside lights should be plugged into a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlet.  This type of outlet will shut off the circuit if short or overcurrent.  If you do not have a GFCI outlet, you can opt to buy a portable outdoor unit from your local home improvement store for less than $20.  Then maybe have a qualified electrician permanently install one for the holidays to come.

Snapped, Cracked, Popped... we're not talking about cereal!  Cords that have been snapped, cracked, or the ends are popping open are NOT safe.  As nice as it is to reuse your lights, it's just not worth the fire hazard and shock hazard it brings.  Lots of home improvement store offer trade-in opportunities now, so make sure to replace any damaged lights or other items with damaged cords.

Will your fireplace seriously stain up Santa's suit?  Lots of people only use their fireplaces at Christmas.  Be sure your fireplace and chimney is clean and free of
debris.  You will be happy to reduce your chance of a fire, and Santa will enjoy not having such a high dry cleaning bill.

Be sure to watch your candle placement and extinguish them before bed or leaving.  Candles are used a lot during the season, but can be just as dangerous as a dry Christmas tree.  Be sure to keep candles away from walls, curtains, and paper.  Also, be sure to extinguish candles before going to bed, or leaving your home.

 

Post-Holiday Clean Up

As the holidays come to a close, and your tree is all taken down, give the area a thorough sweep to protect children and animals from harm.  This will clean up the obvious (glass, metal, and plastic), but it also cleans up pine needles which can be dangerous as well.  Also take care when taking down decorations on your house.  Be sure to deploy a ladder extending a minimum of three feet over the roof line or working area.  Ladders should be on level, firm ground, and should be able to carry both your weight and any objects you're hauling.

 

 

And of course, Andy Lewis Heating & Air will be here for you if you should encounter any problems with your heat!  You can call us day or night at 704-391-9191.

 

Everyone here at Andy Lewis Heating & Air Conditioning wishes you a SAFE and Happy Christmas & New Year!

 

 

Are You Ready for the Cold?

"So, what’s in store for this winter? The “Days of Shivery” are back! 
For 2013–2014, we are forecasting a winter that will experience below average temperatures for about two-thirds of the nation.  Farther south, where the thermometer will be vacillating above or below the freezing mark, Southern New England, Southeast New York, New Jersey, and down through the Mid-Atlantic region will be seeing either copious rains and/or snows.  Significant snowfalls are forecast for parts of every zone."  These are quotes from the Farmer's Almanac in regards to the 2014 Winter Forecast. 

So are you ready for the cold?  Is your home, and most importantly, your heating system ready?

In preparation for the cold, here are a few tips:

• You should be sure the filters for your unit are clean.  Any unnecesary strain on the system could cause a breakdown.
• Make sure the batteries in your carbon monoxide detector and fire alarm are new, and both are functioning properly.
• Have your system maintained by a professional.

 

Andy Lewis offers a comprehensive $69 Tune Up and Preventative Maintenance Agreements that will meet your needs.  The Preventative Maintenance Agreement provides two extensive cleanings per year (one cooling and one heating), a 15% discount on any repairs, and priority service in the event of a breakdown.  The Tune Up is a one time cleaning that provides a 20 point inspection of your heating system.  Either service allows you the peace of mind that your heating system is working properly and will keep you warm throughout the cold weather ahead!

 

 

 

Give us a call today at 704-391-9191
to schedule an appointment to make sure
you stay warm all winter!

Welcome to Andy Lewis Heating & Air's Newest Info Page!

In an effort to provide our customers with information, we have created this blog to pass that information to you.  Please be sure to check here often for tips, offers, coupons, and information that is very useful.  Here is some information about us and our business philosophy.

Andy Lewis looks forward to becoming or continuing to be your heating and cooling contractor. It is our goal to understand our customers' needs and provide them with the most cost-efficient and effective solution.  Our job is to provide our customers with options, so they can make decisions that fit their family's needs.  We recognize that every customer has individual comfort requirements, and we pride ourselves in our ability to listen and use our expertise, along with innovation, to ensure a worry-free HVAC system.  We promise quality dedication, excellent service, and 24/7 availability.

We believe that the most important thing we can do is to make a positive difference in the lives we touch.  Andy Lewis Heating & Air has been serving the Charlotte area since 1994.  In 2004, Mike and Lynn McAndrew purchased the business and started making positive changes.  Our company is one that people can trust!  We achieve that by treating everyone with respect and honesty.  Each person we employee, from installers to dispatchers to managers, realized they are affecting someone's life by the job they do and the support they give.  We truly have been blessed and we want to be a blessing to others.

For more information check us out at www.andylewishvac.com.  Also like us on Facebook!  Or call us anytime at 704-391-9191!