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First General Services Newsletter

February 2007 

Vol. 5


 Table of Contents:


Editors Note...

RAFFLE WINNER: 

MATTHEW KRIVAK, Donegal Mutual Insurance

Congratulations Matthew! 

Matthew and his wife won a $50 dining certificate to their favorite restaurant - Lum's Fernbrook Inn, located in Dallas Pa. We hope you enjoy your meal, and happy Valentine's Day! 

Also, I would like to say "thanks" to all of you who participated in our Valentine's Day Raffle. The response was overwhelming!

As always, please feel free to direct any comments/suggestions/requests for future topics directly to me at dsciandra@firstgeneralservice.com. I will gladly include your suggestions and/or opinions in one of our future issues...

Sincerely, 

Danielle 

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Feature Article 

Cold Weather/High Bills

For a while there, it appeared that winter forgot all about Northeastern Pennsylvania... and for those of you like me, who prefer sunshine and warmth over snow and ice, it almost seemed to good to be true. I kept waiting for the ball to drop (or the temperature in this case) and finally, the day came.    Its cold out!

It's funny how we tend to ridicule the gas and electric companies a little more than usual during this time of the year. But no matter how much we complain, our bills never get any smaller. So what do we do then?... We find ways to minimize usage. After searching the internet for ideas, I found that the least expensive options are based upon common sense - and while they may not cut your bills in half, they will definitely save you a few bucks. 

No. 1      The Thermostat

Stop living like a Jamaican and turn down the thermostat! Trade in your shorts and t-shirt for a pair of thermal underwear. For every degree you lower the thermostat, you can save up to 2% on each bill.

No. 2      Maintenance

Clean and service your furnace - at least once per year. When your furnace is cleaned and properly maintained, it will run more efficiently. Most utility companies offer service agreements that will not only provide you with an annual tune-up, but may also warranty the services they provided. 

No. 3      Home Inspection

Check your property for cracks and drafts. Heating/plumbing lines, windows and door frames are common places that heat is lost. Weather stripping or low cost caulking can solve this problem.

No. 4      Fireplace Flue

If your fireplace is not in use, remember to close the flue! An open flue can cost you up to 7% of your heating bill.

No. 5      Windows

For those of you with old and drafty windows, invest in a roll of plastic and tape (or staple gun- whichever you prefer). This will not only eliminate that extra blanket on your bed, but it will make a noticeable difference on your heating bill. 

No. 6      Alternate Heat

Since most of your cooking takes place indoors during the winter months, take advantage of the heat produced by your stove. Instead of shutting the door when you are done, leave it open!

No. 7      Energy Efficiency  

If all else fails and you can't determine the where energy is being lost, I happen to know a very reputable company that can inspect your property and determine the heat loss site by way of infrared camera.

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FGS Feature Service: Infrared Thermography

 

Thermography enables us to see and measure heat. All materials emit heat in the eye of the infrared camera. 

The FLIR ThermaCAMŽ infrared camera has been added to our long list of specialty equipment to aid in the building inspection process. Infrared cameras can not only see, but also record infrared images and measure the temperatures of objects, and areas of objects quite accurately.

Thermography can detect moisture intrusions, heat loss sites, and the efficiency/condition of heating and cooling systems ... in a  non-invasive manner.

For more information, visit www.flirthermography.com

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Quote of the Day

There's are moments in your life -- like the first time you rode a bike without training wheels, the first time you dove off a high diving board, or maybe the first day of your first job -- when you had to push past the fear or intimidation to get something you knew you had earned, and knew you were ready for. This leap of faith is exhilarating, and it changes your life forever. Seek out that frightening, intimidating leap today -- and jump.

Author Unknown - back to top


Joke of the Day

A couple came upon a wishing well. The wife leaned over, made a wish and threw in a penny. The husband decided to make a wish, too but he leaned over too much, fell into the well, and drowned. The wife was stunned for a moment but then smiled, "It really works!"

theholidayspot.com - back to top


New Specialty Services...

 

                      NEW!        INDUSTRIAL STEAM CLEANING         

                      NEW!        DUCT CLEANING

                      NEW!        SODA BLASTING

                      NEW!        CONTENTS INVENTORY

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About our Newsletter

First  General Services of NE Pa. initiated the Newsletter in an effort to maintain constant contact and provide updates on service capabilities to our colleagues in the restoration and insurance industry.  We are ever mindful of the changing conditions and needs of the area in which we all work on a daily basis. We believe that in order to maintain and improve our service, we will benefit from comments/suggestions from our readers. 

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We take privacy very seriously. We handle your personal information as we wish others would handle ours. First General Services of N.E.Pa. does not share, sell or lease unsolicited mail or email regarding new promotions or sales. If you would like to remove your name from these notifications, please send an email to dsciandra@firstgeneralservice.com and request to be removed from our list.