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»Pumpkins are indigenous to the Western Hemisphere, and were unknown in Europe before the time of Columbus »Morton, Illinois is the self proclaimed pump-kin capitol of the world » 90 to 95% of all processed pumpkins are produced in Illinois

1st - World Vegetarian Day4th - National Golf Day5th - World Teacher’s Day / Do Something Nice Day8th - Emergency Nurses Day9th - Fire Prevention Day Leif Erikson Day13th - Columbus Day 16th - Bosses Day18th - Sweetest Day 25th - Make a Diff erence Day26th - Mother-In-Law Day 27th - Navy Day30th - National Candy Corn Day31st - Carve a Pumpkin Day - Frankenstein Friday - Halloween

It’s Fall...Just Step Outside...Get your homes and buildings pre-pared for another “lovely” Chicago winter.

I don’t blame you for wanting to hold on to the thought of warm weather for as long as you can. However, I will be the bearer of bad news and tell you it’s time to get winterized before we run out of nice weather altogether. Let’s be honest. Th e longer you have to prepare to get things done, the less likely that will happen. If you, like a lot of us, have waited this long, it proves the theory.

We have laid out some of the most cost eff ective ways to winterize – shy of costly and problematic upfront suggestions such as re-in-sulating your whole house. Instead we’ll focus on realistic and important things to do.

Number 1 – Locate and close all gaps between the inside and outside. Th at’s really simple enough. Th e basic premise is to fi nd areas where hot air can escape, cold air can get in, or potential moisture problems can occur. Th e fi rst place to check is for gaps around doors and windows. Aft er that, look for gaps in attics, garages and crawl spaces. As the cold weather approaches, your local hardware store will be stocking the essential caulk, weather stripping, insulation and other patches you may need to remedy the common problems home and building owners want to correct. It not only helps your bottom line, but can keep you safe.

Number 2 - Wrap up and store all hoses. If possible, drain unnecessary water lines con-nected to the outside. Not true in all cases, but some buildings and home drains are designed with water lines that run through attics, crawl spaces, garages, and other non-insulated areas. Th is is especially true if there is an irrigation system. Th ose lines should be drained.

Number 3 – Ensure your sump pump(s) and ejectors are in good working order, and have a power back-up. As we transition into winter we will be experiencing not only rain but peri-ods of snow and melting. With this comes the potential for sump pumps putting in the extra hours to keep up. A properly operating system goes a long way to having a dry basement; not only during the wet fall but the long winter as well. Do you have a back up battery for your

pump or a backup generator for your building? Test these as well. Big snows, winds and rain are an electrical grids worst nightmare. Be prepared.

Number 4 - Th e threat of fi re and carbon monoxide are year round, but the colder months always add new elements and dangers. As we close up structures and utilize more and more indoor appliances such as ranges, ovens, furnaces and fi replaces, we put ourselves at greater risk of problems.

Change the batteries in your smoke and car-bon monoxide detectors, and if your devices are more than fi ve (5) years old – replace them. Th is is such basic advice, but so oft en ignored! Do your research if replacements are necessary. You want products which sense low levels. For example, be aware that some of the newest models, such as the NEST, have design issues the manufacturer is working on. You also need to know that the law now requires smoke and especially carbon monox-ide monitors to emit warnings at low levels of detected emissions. For more information, we recommend http://corcoranheating.com/test-ing/carbon-monoxide/.

Number 5 – I know this is easy for me to say since this is my livelihood, but you should real-ly have all fuel burning and heating appliances (i.e. furnaces, boilers, RTU’s, etc.) checked out at the beginning of each season. I wouldn’t tell you that it if I didn’t truly believe it was im-portant – not from just a savings stand-point, but a safety one as well. It is so important that the next article is devoted to exactly what needs to be checked during maintenance, and reveals the secrets that not all of the other guys will let you in on. http://infographiclist.com/

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Murphy

INGREDIENTS: 12 ounces - semisweet chocolate, melted12 ounces - white chocolate, melted3 tablespoons each: - pepitas (pumpkin seeds) - orange and yellow mini M&M’s - orange and yellow nonpareils

DIRECTIONS:1. Line a large baking sheet with parchment. Pour melted semisweet chocolate onto parchment and spread into a 9x12 inch rect-angle about 1/4 inch thick; refrigerate until hardened, about 20 minutes.

2. Pour melted white chocolate onto the semisweet layer and quickly spread evenly. Immediately sprinkle surface with pepitas, mini M&M’s and nonpareils. Chill and break into pieces.

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How to solve:To solve a Sudoku, you only need logic and patience. No math is required. Simply make sure that each 3x3 square region has a number between 1-9 with only one occurrence of each number. Each column and row of the large grid may only have one instance of 1-9.

This round of contest coupons are already fl ying out the door! Everyone who sends us their raving fan testimonial or refers us to friends and family are already being entered into the next drawing. To enter, simply refer us to a friend/relative/neighbor. Be sure that anyone you pass along to us communicates that YOU were involved in the referral. For further assurance of your entry, send us a note with the name of the referred. You can also enter the drawing by submitting a testimonial of how happy you are with our work. Either way, it takes only a few minutes to enter. You can just drop us a line at: info@corcoranheating.com. One ticket is given for each testimonial or referral; ten tickets for every raving fan video. You determine your odds of winning, as there is no limit to entry tickets - plus - every referral nets YOU a gift as well!

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S U D O K U B R E A KS U D O K U B R E A K CONTEST CORNER

Hey everyone! It’s Franklin here with my turn to entertain everyone this month. I cannot tell you how much fun I have this time of year except for one minor detail: the ITCHING! Oh man, does this ragweed and mold wreak havoc on my paws! Sometimes it makes me feel like I am possessed, and causes me to fall into a licking frenzy at times. But thanks to the effort my parent’s make keeping the indoor air quality good and giving me the proper vitamins and extra medicine when I need it, I should survive with no lasting problems. I just need to get through what I consider the real tragedy of the situa-tion, which is that it makes being outdoors just a little less enjoyable. Check out the photo below which was taken at a recent trip to the dog park. Jack saw Dad using his lacrosse stick to throw me the ball and he wanted to try his hand at it. We won’t tell him his tosses weren’t quite the same because we sure do applaud his effort and enthusiasm. Before I head out for some more fun I wanted to remind everyone that it is National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. As many of you know, Murphy came to us by way of a shelter rescue. We couldn’t be happier he is part of our family, so ev-eryone in our household celebrates this October designation. Maybe you are unable to adopt, but if your hearts or wallets are open, can volunteer time, food, or money to one of the local animal rescue or adoption facilities in your area. - Frank

COOKING CORNER: Halloween Bark

W L9th @ Stars 7:30pm11th vs Sabres 7:30pm15th vs Flames 7:00pm18th vs Predators 7:30pm21st vs Flyers 7:30pm23rd @ Predators 7:00pm25th @ Blues 7:00pm26th vs Senators 6:00pm28th vs Ducks 7:30pm30th @ Senators 6:30pm

Total:

W L5th @ Panthers 12:00pm12th @ Falcons 3:25pm19th vs Dolphins 7:00pm26th @ Patriots 7:30pm

Total:

W L6th vs Wizards 7:00pm7th @ Pistons 6:30pm11th @ Bucks 7:30pm13th vs Nuggets 7:00pm16th vs Hawks 7:00pm19th vs Hornets 7:00pm20th @ Cavaliers 6:00pm24th vs Timberwolves 7:00pm*29th @ Knicks 7:00pm30th vs Cavaliers 7:00pm*@ Scottrade Center - St. Louis, MO.

Total:

A D0G’S W0RLD

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Th e sad reality? Not all contractors are the same, nor do they perform the same tasks during the “maintenance” or whatever title they’ve chosen to market their services under. Here are secrets for success we’ve learned from some of the brightest minds in our indus-try – those who have centuries of combined knowledge coupled with hands- on experience in the fi eld.

Th e fi rst secret is that the combustion (fi re) being made inside heating equipment, whether a furnace, boiler, water heater, RTU, make-up air unit, etc. needs to be tested. It’s easy to perform, and done on all heating maintenance and all heating service calls we go on, but it is only properly performed by an estimated 1% to 5% of the entire heating industry across the entire country. Corcoran Heating and Air Condition-ing is among those in the small percentage of compa-nies doing it right. When we heard about the proper testing methods and how essential they were, we were outraged that they are not mandated on any level. What needs to change: there ought to be regulations, and they ought to be enforced.

Let us explain how proper combustion testing works, and how important it is. To simplify we will examine it from a furnace standpoint, but the same principles apply across the board to all fuel burning appliances.

Th e test begins by drilling a 3/8” sized hole into the fl ue pipe to create a space for a meter probe to read the exhaust performance. Do not fear, though, as this hole is plugged and taped back up and will not create a problem for you or the equipment. Th e furnace is turned on and heat is cranked up to take our readings.

With a probe inserted into the small hole, our technician can look for several diff erent things, most importantly being the fl ue temperature, oxygen, and carbon monoxide levels. Th e readings he/she gets off the probe tell how effi ciently the fi re inside the unit is operating. Additionally, it also tells the tech if there are any safety concerns inside the heat exchanger.

Why do we look at these numbers, or care

about them in the fi rst place?

Th e fact of the matter is that furnaces are test-ed when they are produced in ideal factory en-vironments where the duct systems as well as gas fl ow are perfect. Once a furnace is placed on site the environmental and installation parameters aff ect how well the fi re will burn there. Th anks to our training and calibrated

instruments we can test under real working conditions and adjust for best operation.

OK. We have drilled the hole, turned on the unit, and taken the fi rst readings. Th e next step is to increase or decrease the gas being allowed through the gas valve in order to get optimal fi ring rates. It takes the right balance of gas pres-sure and airfl ow to produce an optimal fl ame. Th e fl ame may not be ‘perfect’ but it is dialed in and adapted to be the best possible for the envi-ronment where installed. We could merely crank the gas

up and down and peg the unit, but we need to make sure it is SAFE. We are also looking for a safe carbon monoxide rate and shoot for as close to 6% oxygen in the fl ue gas as possible. With a dialed in system we know for a fact that you will save on natural gas usage and get an effi cient heat transfer.

You may be thinking this sounds easy enough, and assume this was included in maintenance from company XYZ. Have you asked them? Have they ever brought it up? Probably not. Without this key piece of information, every-thing is just a guess. Sure, you could save a few extra bucks by having your blower cleaned, fi l-ter changed and burner vacuumed by someone – but there is no real dollar amount attached to that, nor is there any reassurance that your system is safe. Th e only way of knowing is through proper testing. Ask what the fi nd-ings of the combustion analysis were, request a reading on the meter in print out form and review the total system performance.

Th e second secret to good maintenance this season is to have your ductwork or radiant pip-ing’s blood pressure taken. Your doctor does it every time you see him whether during a complete exam or even for an aching foot. We know a heater’s pressure is as crucial to your

heating components, and also needs examina-tion at our every service call. Without doing that, parts can prematurely fail, comfort can be compromised, and your hard earned money could be wasted.

So how do we test your system’s “blood pres-sure”?

Simple. We make those same 3/8” holes in your duct stem. Again, without harming your equipment, we take our readings. Using cal-ibrated Veloci Calcs and Magnahelics we can see the pressure in your system and gauge what changes can be made to lower or improve it. Ensuring this helps dial in the best combustion similar to the tests we’ve reported on earlier in this article.

In most cases, the furnace will have higher than acceptable blood pressure (much like the people in this country, I’m guessing). And just like your M.D. we will see what changes need to be made to improve your numbers. Most cases require a relatively easy solution such as increasing the amount of return air going into the equipment. Th at lowers static pressure and improves overall performance. No long term or expensive pills will be necessary. A quickand painless annual monitor of pressure, however, is perscribed.

Th is isn’t rocket science and needn’t put clients at the mercy of their contractor. Th e secret of distinguishing mediocre HVAC service and great service is out and freely given away to use as you wish. Th ey are not passed on in an eff ort to frighten you (although it should. A little). I’ve done the training and know who listens and takes heed and who stays in the dark. I see how the numbers of HVAC CERTI-FIED contractors has remained static.

Insisting on these two simple tests (com-bustion and pressure) makes the diff erence between an average tune up and one which will ensure the safe and effi cient performance by your equipment all season long.

I have attached some links below to our newly updated website where you can fi nd out exactly what is included in our performance mainte-nance agreements, as well as the importance of carbon monoxide testing and the latest prod-ucts for keeping you safe this winter.

http://corcoranheating.com/testing/car-bon-monoxide/http://corcoranheating.com/services/mainte-nance-programs/http://corcoranheating.com/emergency-re-sponse/

Th e Only Two Secrets You Need To Know About Quality Maintenance Th is Winter

Tom performing a Combustion Analysis on a furnace during a performance maintence visit

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Tom’s Two Cents

PG.1

» Time To Winterize » Unique Holidays & Monthly Awareness

PG. 2

» Sports Corner » Dogs World - Note From Franklin » Sudoku Break » Contest Corner » Cooking Corner: Halloween Bark » Random Humor: Overprotective Treats

PG. 3

» The Two Secrets to Winter Maintenance » PG. 4

» Tom’s Two Cents

Whoever said, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fi x it” probably never heard of preven ve maintenance. As the leaves start falling and the days grow shorter, the weather around here will eventually get colder. Some of you will turn the selector switch from “cool” or “off ” to “heat” – and cross your fi ngers. No worries, right? Your furnace seems to be working. Then one day you go past it, or hear strange noises coming from it during the middle of the night and you realize you haven’t had your system serviced for awhile. You recall that just recently, an unfortunate homeowner in our area turned up the heat, went to bed, and his house exploded. And you’re aware that about eighty thousand cases of carbon monoxide poisonings are reported every year. Small numbers, newsworthy incidents, and probably you’ll be ‘all right’, but who needs that kind of crap hanging over their head? Maybe it’s me to have someone take a peek under the hood, give the res a kick, and give your hea ng system a good tune-up. If you are a current maintenance agreement customer, relax; we’ve got your back. If you don’t do regular maintenance or are uninterested……please reconsider! Seriously. At the least, change your furnace fi lter and get a low level carbon monoxide detector. You can get a $25.00

discount* on our website for a service call or purchase of a CO2 detector if you give us some feedback on the newly designed website, or on your experiences with our company. *Discount not valid toward maintenance or diagnos c charges.

When we moved into our house in 1989 we had a few power outages early on so I purchased a back-up generator. For twenty fi ve years it did a good job. When the electricity failed I would turn off the main breaker in the basement, plug in the home made heavy duty extension cord, start up the car and jump start the natural gas generator. Lately, however, it started burning a li le oil and once a day took a li le siesta. I’d give it a shot and a li le jump. Life was good again. But neither the neighborhood trees nor I art ge ng any younger, and Mother Nature likes to test both Commonwealth Edison’s wires and us common folk. Unfortunately for my wife, and for those of you that know me well, I keep in pre y good shape, so, like a cockroach, I’ll probably live forever. And considering that power outages aren’t convenient - and that just a few weeks ago a good storm put me through seventy two hours of the old generator and its inconvenience - and the whole oil thing which became my “mad as hell and not going to do it anymore’ moment – together

with considering that I love my wife, running water, and other powered conveniences- and confi dent some celes al power dictates I won’t be home when the next outage occurs, I fi nally did it! I installed a whole house generator. I’ll keep the old generator around to use on a jobsite or help out a neighbor or employee. (I only hoard the good stuff . Honest.) Check us out. Corcoran Hea ng and Air Condi oning could install a whole house generator for you, too. Go Bears! Go Hawks! Go Bulls!

In This Issue:

2137 Hammond Dr.,Schaumburg, IL 60173info@corcoranheating.comCorcoranHeating.com(847) 397-5888

Best, Tom