Steel T Cool Comfort 2015

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COMPLIMENTARY ISSUE

PREMIERE ISSUE

cOOL COMFORT

CARRIER HALL OF FAME HONOREE

WHY GET A SECOND OPINION?

DOES YOUR AC

NEED A CHECK UP?

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENTS: A GRE AT INVES TMENT

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YOUR LEADER FOR

Get Comfortable with Carrier® Home Comfort Systems Life can be unpredictable. So when you’re home, your sense of comfort and relaxation should be just how you want it to be. Carrier helps millions of people take control of home comfort with innovative solutions ranging from furnaces to central air conditioners to air quality products. Even with products as reliable and efficient as Carrier’s, proper installation is critical to keeping you comfortable. Steel T Heating & Air Conditioning will work with you before installation to custom design a solution that will meet the unique needs of your home – regardless of style, layout or size.


IN AC SERVICE ALL SEASONS

OUR GUARANTEE IS YOUR PEACE OF MIND.

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IN THIS ISSUE OF COMFORT ZONE

5 GREETINGS

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AIR PURIFIERS: HOW THEY WORK

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WHY GET A SECOND OPINION

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GET YOUR GRILL ON

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STEEL T: BUILDING AN INDUSTRY LEADER

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WHY A FURNACE MIGHT BE RIGHT FOR YOU

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CARRIER® HALL OF FAME HONOREE

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THE IMPORTANT ROLE OF HUMIDITY IN DRY CLIMATES

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SIGMA PI MARCH MADNESS CLASSIC

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COLORADO’S NEW CONSTRUCTION BOOM

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MEET THE TEAM

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UNDERSTANDING WARRANTIES

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SERVICE AGREEMENTS

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REGULAR CHECK-UPS KEEP YOUR AIR CONDITIONER HUMMING

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WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU CALL STEEL T

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© 2015 DeWayne Thomas A Media Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Cool Comfort is a free publication owned by DeWayne Thomas A Media Company, Inc.™ and distributed locally by Steel T Heating & Air Conditioning. If you would like copies placed at your business please call our offices at 303-761-9276. Produced in whole or in part by CustomDesignMags.com™ & DeWayne Thomas A Media Company, Inc. 4305 62nd Street East, Bradenton, Florida. 34208 We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and or advertisements, nor are we responsible in any way for the products and services advertised or promoted within these pages. For information on this or other printed publications produced by CustomDesignMags.com™ & DeWayne Thomas A Media Company, Inc. please call our offices at 941-538-7770 or visit us on the web at customdesignmags.com™.

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GREETINGS from Steve Reister President, Steel T Heating & Cooling

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hen my father bought Steel T in 1989, he fully intended to turn around the company’s lackluster reputation, starting with how we treated employees and customers. He wanted Steel T to be a family, respect and loyalty the most important tenets. After I took over as President in 2001, I knew that continuing to focus on this mantra would carry us through any difficulties and strengthen the community’s trust in us. I’m proud to say that we have never strayed from our core principles, and this mentality has allowed us to become an industry leader in Colorado, winning Carrier’s Market Dominance Award for 22 straight years.

There are many heating and air conditioning companies to choose from, so why choose us? We believe in doing what’s right. Every single day. That is why we strive to have better trained people than any of our competitors. By employing the best and taking care of them, we are able to give you, our customers, the same feeling. It doesn’t matter if you are interested in purchasing a new unit or simply need a professional to take a look at your current one, Steel T considers you a part of our extended family. We offer the best in repair, service, and sales. Our products, including furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, and filtration devices, all come from fellow industry leaders. We plan on having your business for life, something we look to achieve by proving to you every day that you will find no better value for your heating and air conditioning needs than Steel T, and that your experience with our company will always be great. We simply do not accept anything less from ourselves. We know that without you, we have nothing. Whether you have been with us for 20 plus years, like many of our customers have, just joined us, or are weighing your heating and air conditioning options, you will always be a top priority. Steel T gives you the best, because that’s what you deserve, and you shouldn’t ever have to settle for less. I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to read our magazine and look forward to taking care of you. Because that’s what family does.

Sincerely,

Steve Reister, President

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Why Get a Second Opinion?

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ou would probably think twice before making an immediate decision about an expensive proposition such as a new car or medical procedure. A second opinion is the best way to determine if you’re making the right decision. We here at Steel T encourage you to apply that same reasoning when considering an investment in a new air conditioning system. Unfortunately, there are companies that deliberately mislead customers into believing that they need something when that is not actually the case. It may not be an entire system; in fact, often it’s a small part or something insignificant. But there are occasions when technicians, especially those who receive commissions for up-selling a customer, may recommend a brand new 6

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system that could end up costing several thousands of dollars. The sad fact is that these salespeople are often successful, mainly because many homeowners have only purchased one or two air conditioning units in the past. Because of their limited knowledge, they are likely to trust the “expert” who is providing them with information. This is especially the case in the middle of summer when the unit is not working and the family is hot, hot, hot. That’s exactly when it’s wise to suffer a little discomfort for a short period of time and get a second opinion. And then, of course, there are the scammers, who are not even affiliated with a bona fide air conditioning company. They’ll promise a low price for an inspection, then

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find “malfunctions” that they’ll want to repair after hours or on weekends, with no written contract or complete bid. See the article on page 31 for more information on why a service agreement with Steel T can help you avoid these scams. At Steel T, it’s our goal that consumers make informed decisions and receive the services they actually need. We believe that second opinions are important, and offer them at no cost to current and potential customers. If you have a question about a diagnosis or just want to make sure you’re making the right choice, just give us a call and we’ll do our best to make sure you have all the information you need to feel comfortable with your decision.


BUILDING an Industry Leader

by Kyle O’Connor

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“When times are really good and things are cranking, you’re pushing for new construction, but you’re also trying to grow a division of the company that is imperative to staying afloat during unexpected economic downturns.”

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rior to 1989, Steel T was known as a low price heating and air conditioning option, but also a low quality one. Ken Reister purchased the company as it was facing bankruptcy, seeing promise where others saw failure. He knew, however, that it would take a massive effort to get things turned around. By 1991, he had bought out both of his partners, believing himself ready to steer the ship of change on his own. Ken realized that in order to achieve such a change, he would have to focus on customer service. By committing to giving customers the best service of any company in the industry, Ken began to set Steel T apart from the competition. Quickly, the negatives associated with the company became replaced with positives. When searching for best value, customers consistently landed on Steel T. By the mid 1990s, Steel T had established itself as an industry leader in the residential new construction market. In 2001, two of Ken’s sons, Steve and Chris, took over the majority of day-to-day operations, Steve ascending to President of the company, and Chris, Chief Financial Officer. The brothers shared the same goal as their father: to provide unrivaled customer service and treat employees and customers like family. Both

Steve and Chris had been involved in the business during their adolescence, doing everything from sweeping and cleaning the warehouse to installs and service work. Steve, in particular, embraced a future with Steel T from the get go. He had worked part-time for his father since 1990, his responsibilities growing as time went on. By the time he graduated from college in 1995 (both Steve and Chris received diplomas from the University of Northern Colorado), Steve was ready to work full-time. Things moved along smoothly until March of 2001, when a recession caused by the Y2K scare began. The economic decline worsened considerably after the attacks on September 11th, 2001. Many competing companies went out of business. To stay relevant, what Steel T had to do was “take a bigger piece of a smaller pie,” Steve notes. A huge help for Steve and the entire company was the addition of Chris to the team. He had spent some time exploring other ambitions, but found himself drawn to the idea of building Steel T into something truly special. Business soon exploded, 2004 Steel T’s highest grossing year ever. As their father had done in the mid-90s, Steve and Chris capitalized on new construction. But what if another economic crisis hit? Would they be ready? Steve and Chris realized that the principle their father had established, and they had perpetuated, of treating anyone associated with business as they would family, was the very thing that would keep them viable no matter what the economy did. So over the next two and a half years, they invested heav-

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ily in their customer service department, taking it from a warranty department to a true full service one. Says Chris on the evolution, “When times are really good and things are cranking, you’re pushing for new construction, but you’re also trying to grow a division of the company that is imperative to staying afloat during unexpected economic downturns.” This renewed focus on customer service “saved our business, there’s no doubt about it,” Chris adds, referring to the devastating recession beginning in 2008. At the time, new construction was breaking about even, but it was the service department that really kept Steel T in the black. Despite this, it was a very trying period. Steel T went from servicing 30 houses a day to 30 a month. Steve says that the most difficult day of his career was one in which he had to let 18 people go.

of the state where they can gain a foothold. At the same time, they will still put a premium on training new people to grow the at-home replacement service department, and hope to really make it the nuts and bolts of the company. Not clouded by ambition, Steve and Chris won’t ever become overly focused on the profit margins. As Steve says, “Taking care of people is the most important thing you can do in life.” This attitude, embraced by everyone who dons a Steel T uniform, is what built the heating and air conditioning company into an industry leader, and what will continue to keep it ahead of the competition.

Right now, Steel T employs 60 technicians, far less than the 100 they had in 2004, but the company is trending up. They plan on taking advantage of the new construction boom presently occurring in Denver, as well as any other parts

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CARRIER HALL OF FAME • CARRIER HALL OF FAME • CARRIER HA

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arrier inducted business owner Ken Reister into its prestigious Dealer Hall of Fame at the 2015 Carrier® Factory Authorized Dealer conference held in Dallas, Texas. Reister founded Steel T Heating and Air Conditioning, a Carrier® Factory Authorized Dealer (FAD) in Englewood, Colorado. Carrier®, the world’s leader in high-technology heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration solutions, is a part of UTC Building & Industrial Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX). This lifetime achievement recognition is presented annually to select industry-

CARRIER HALL OF FAME • CARRIER HALL OF FAME • CARRIER HA 10 COOL COMFORT

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ALL OF FAME • CARRIER HALL OF FAME • CARRIER HALL OF FAME “Carrier’s success depends on dealers like Ken Reister. His commitment to excellence, customer service and business growth is central to everything Carrier represents. We are thrilled to demonstrate our appreciation for his loyalty to Carrier by inducting him into our Hall of Fame.” Reister. His commitment to excellence, customer service and business growth is central to everything Carrier represents. We are thrilled to demonstrate our appreciation for his loyalty to Carrier® by inducting him into our Hall of Fame.” Other noted qualities among recipients are vision to seize opportunity, a focus on continuous improvement, and personal and professional integrity. Although thousands of dealers across the country represent Carrier® brand products, fewer than 1,500 surpass the high standards defined by the company to qualify as a FAD. Among those, Reister is one of only three dealers to be inducted into the Hall of Fame this year. The other two inductees are Chuck Kulp of Energy Air in Tampa, Florida, and Eddie and JoNell Evans, posthumously honored as longtime owners of Reed Service Company in Beaumont, Texas.

leading contractors nominated by distributors and chosen by Carrier® management. Nominees must be FADs and have a minimum of 20 years associated with Carrier® as their primary brand. “The Carrier Dealer Hall of Fame was created to recognize and honor dealers who demonstrate enthusiasm, loyalty and courage in their work and who embody the same leadership philosophy as Willis Carrier, the founder of our company and the inventor of modern air conditioning,” said Chris Nelson, President, residential and commercial systems, Carrier®. “Carrier’s success depends on dealers like Ken

Ken Reister purchased Steel T in 1989, determined to turn around the company’s lackluster reputation as a low quality air conditioning and heating option. He decided to change the attitude at every level, from how management operated to how employees and customers were treated. Everyone associated with the business would be treated like family. The transformation took time and effort, but by the mid 1990s, Steel T had become an industry leader, especially in the residential new construction market. In 2001, Ken passed the majority of day-to-day operations to his two sons, Steve as President and Chris as Chief Financial Officer. Today, the brothers continue building

upon the customer first mentality instilled by Ken, and Steel T remains Colorado’s largest Carrier® Factor Authorized Dealer. Reister has made a positive impact on countless lives with his unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, employee development, and giving back to his community. Steel T has participated in dozens of home builds with Habitat for Humanity over the last 20 years and has also completed three home projects for the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway. Additionally, the company has raised thousands of dollars for Susan G. Komen for the Cure and is a major sponsor for the local affiliate of the Special Olympics. Steel T has been a Carrier® Dealer for 23 years, and was one of the first Carrier® Factory Authorized Dealers in Colorado, earning this distinction in 2007. Steel T was also the first heating and air conditioning company in Colorado to receive the Carrier® Presidents Award, in 2013. They have been recognized by the heating and air conditioning industry many times, as well as the Colorado business community, which speaks to its commitment to excellence and dedication to placing customers first. Steel T has received the Longevity Award every year since 1992 by its local branch of the Better Business Bureau. For more information visit residential. Carrier.com/dealers/index.shtml or follow the company on Twitter: @ CarrierGreen

Founded by the inventor of modern air conditioning, Carrier is the world’s leader in hightechnology heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration solutions. Carrier experts provide sustainable solutions, integrating energy-efficient products, building controls and energy services for residential, commercial, retail, transport and food service customers. Carrier is a part of UTC Building & Industrial Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp., a leading provider to the aerospace and building systems industries worldwide. For more information, visit www.carrier.com or follow @CarrierGreen on Twitter.

ALL OF FAME • CARRIER HALL OF FAME • CARRIER HALL OF FAME SteelT.com

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SIGMA PI March Madness Classic

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espite a mass of onlookers packed into bleachers surrounding the court, all that can be heard is the repeated thwap of a leather basketball on polished hardwood. The point guard crosses midcourt, surveying the defense in front of him. He signals with his free hand for a teammate to shift toward the opposite hash. Looking up, he sees the neon orange numbers on the shot clock ticking down. Time to make a move. He splits two defenders and charges to the hoop. The opposing center slides toward him. At the last second, he passes to a cutting teammate who scores an easy layup. The crowd explodes, everyone on their feet, clapping and cheering, making the building shake.

March Madness is taking place, this one inside the gymnasium at Chatfield Senior High School in Littleton, Colorado. Here, the Chatfield Unified Program and Sigma Pi have co-directed the Sigma Pi March Madness Classic for the past 14 years, consistently growing as more and more people want to take part. Beginning in 2001, led by Mark Reister (younger brother of Steve and Chris) and his fellow Sigma Pi’s from the University of Colorado at Boulder, the Sigma Pi March Madness Classic is a basketball tournament for high school athletes with special needs. Participating teams play in a Unified league throughout the year, which culminates in the Classic hosted by Chatfield.

No, this isn’t the Final Four at Madison Square Garden, but it might as well be. 1,800 miles from the Big Apple, another

Another man without whom the tournament would not be possible is Clark Stuckey, a Special Education teacher at

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Chatfield. When he first arrived at the school in 2000, he saw that the population to form a Unified basketball league existed, and with no program yet in place, decided to form one. His wife, Heather, also a Special Education teacher in town, had been involved with a Unified program at her school, so Clark was inspired to start his own at Chatfield. That first year, Clark’s Unified program had seven athletes. One of those seven happened to be a neighbor of Mark’s, who was at the time president of the Sigma Pi Fraternity at the University of Colorado. Mark had been looking for a philanthropy project and inquired about assisting with the Chatfield Unified basketball program. He suggested to Clark that they host a tournament in Boulder, and after all logistics were figured out, five teams would


participate in the first ever Sigma Pi March Madness Classic. The next year in 2002, Clark and Mark decided to have the Sigma Pi’s come down to Chatfield, the school sponsoring the event since then. Approximately 50 men from the fraternity make the trip every year and help with setting up, score keeping, officiating, cheering, and cleaning up. 15 years have passed since Clark started Chatfield’s Unified basketball program, and now 51 athletes play on four different teams. Some of the kids he worked with at the start are no longer kids, but adults in their late 20s and 30s, and they continue to come back to participate. With Heather’s help, Clark organizes a full season for 24 area Unified teams, no small task. Teams are formed and games are scheduled based on the age and ability of the athletes.

Due to Mark’s association with the tournament, Steel T has been involved almost since the beginning, first acting as a sponsor, and then becoming more active each subsequent year. In 2010, the company decided to feed all players, coaches, and Unified partners during the tournament. The next year, they fed everyone who came to the event (over 750). Now, they continue to feed all tournament goers and participants, and also provide all members of the Chatfield Unified team (around 45) with athletic jackets. These jackets symbolize what the Sigma Pi March Madness Classic means to all associated, and the community as a whole. Best of all is how much the athletes cherish them. Zach Arendt, who plays for the Chatfield adult team, comments, “I feel like a Denver Nugget because I have a team jacket with my name on it.” This past year, over 1200

people came to the tournament, and the Reister family couldn’t be happier. Say Steve and Chris on the Classic, “Spending time with these kids, seeing the smiles on their faces, and the hugs you get from them, is priceless.” Clark echoes the brothers’ sentiments, reflecting on one particular Sigma Pi Classic a few years ago. Standing alone on a Chatfield High second floor balcony, he looked down at the common area and watched the Unified athletes receive their medals. “I got a little emotional,” Clark says. “When it comes to Unified, it really is my passion. It’s something I get a lot of joy out of.” As with the Unified athletes, the Reisters, and Steel T, Clark and his family have already begun thinking about next year’s tournament, excited for another March Madness, Chatfield style.

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REGULAR CHECK-UPS 14 COOL COMFORT

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Keep Your Air Conditioner Humming

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hether basking in the warm summer sun or enjoying the crisp cool winter air, Florida residents can maximize their cooling and heating system with a simple routine of regular maintenance. With a small amount of foresight, knowledge and time, home and business owners can enjoy clean and efficient air conditioning and heating throughout the year. One of the easiest and least expensive maintenance tasks is simply to frequently clean or replace air filters between visits from a professional. Not only does this improve the quality of the air within the home, it also extends the efficiency and lifespan of your air conditioning system. Steel T Conditioning’s Service Manager, John Cozad, explains, “When we do a maintenance inspection, we’ll clean the drain lines, check the Freon levels, and change the filter, but keeping those filters clean between visits can make a big difference in air quality and efficiency.” Preventing problems before they arise is ideal, and smart home and business owners rely on preventative maintenance plans to keep their systems working at peak efficiency and to ensure that should any problems arise, they are dealt with swiftly.

“If you are part of a yearly maintenance program, not only do you get us out annually to maintain your system during the year, but should we have to come out at any other time during the year you get a 10% discount on parts and labor every time we come out, and you also get reduced trip charges and priority service,” John says. “Priority service is so important, because on the first hot day of the season or the first cold day, we get a lot of calls. We have around-the-clock service, and we’ll have a huge spike over a weekend. What priority service means for customers signed up with maintenance agreements, is that they go to the top of the list. If you call us and your unit is down, and you are already on a plan, you are our priority.” Of course, maintaining your system is in your best interest, but it also might be a requirement of your equipment’s warranty. Most manufacturers require annual maintenance and records to provide warranty coverage, and some require proof of regular preventative maintenance plans and services. “Not following the maintenance schedule might be enough to void some warranties. “says John. “We recommend maintenance in the spring to get ready for the summer, and again in the fall to prepare for winter. It’s important to maintain the heating system, too.”

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WHAT TO EXPECT WH “It's a terrific day at Steel T How may I direct your call?”

“I need maintenance/service on my home” (Service and Maintenance Customers receive Priority Scheduling.)

We will verify name, address and make of unit and schedule an appointment.

“I would like a free estimate on getting a new air conditioner.”

Our tech gets dispatched to your home. (Reduced diagnostic charge for Service and Maintenance Customers.)

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EN YOU CALL STEEL T Comfort Advisor provides you with good, better, best offer and schedules installation.

Unit is installed.

(We pride ourselves on clean installation.)

Final inspection is passed.

Equipment is registered and warrantied with Manufacturer. Diagnosis made, check for price and availability. (You will receive a detailed service report regarding the condition of your unit - no hidden fees.)

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303-761-9276 SteelT.com

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AIR PURIFIERS: HOW THEY WORK

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by Kyle O’Connor


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he air inside your home can become inundated with pollutants, but air purifiers can significantly reduce their numbers. This is especially important to do for people with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues. Understanding what air purifiers are and how they work will help you in choosing the right one. Simply put, an air purifier is a device— whole-house air cleaner, whole-house air filter, or portable—that removes contaminants from the air. This includes smoke, mold spores, pollen, viruses, bacteria, pet dander, asbestos, microorganisms, and other potentially harmful materials. The standard unit for measuring air particles is the micron. Because the naked eye is unable to see anything smaller than 10 microns, and most airborne particles are smaller than .3 microns, much of what is filtered is invisible. Something to note is that room air conditioners only capture particles 10 microns or larger. To get rid of these and smaller particles, air purifiers typically use filters, electrical attraction, or ozone. Air filters are fine sieves that trap particles as the air circulates through the device. The more times the air passes through the filter, the cleaner it becomes. The most popular filter is the activated carbon filter, which uses

INFINITY SERIES

a chemical reaction called adsorption to pull odors, gases, and vapors from the air. Electrical attraction is another technological feature of some air purifiers. There are three types: electrostatic precipitating cleaners, electrets filters, and negative ion generators. Electrostatic precipitating cleaners use a fan to draw particles in and then charge them with subsequent groups of high voltage wires. The precipitating cells (in the form of plates) carry the opposite electrical charge and attract the pollutants as they pass the cells. These are a good option for people who don’t want to have to replace filters often. Electret filters use synthetic fibers that create static charges to attract particles. There are several types, including plain, pleated, disposable, and reusable. Negative ion generators use small charged wires or needles to form gas molecules with negative charges or ions that stick to the airborne particles, which then gather in the filter. Ozone generators employ high voltage electrical currents to change oxygen to ozone. This acts as a strong oxidant and breaks down molecules and microorganisms in the air. This may be the least effective of the three main air purification methods, and ozone has actually been shown to be an irritant itself.

BEST MODELS: Carrier, one of the most trusted brands in the HVAC industry, offers several lines featuring air purifiers using some of the most innovative technology currently available. INFINITY SERIES: the award-winning Infinity air purifier uses its trademarked Captures & Kills technology to destroy airborne pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and mold. This whole-house air cleaner also re-purifies circulated indoor air as many as 8 times an hour. PERFORMANCE SERIES: this is the ‘little brother’ to the Infinity air purifier, designed for the more budget conscious and to fit narrower installation spaces. It also uses Captures & Kills technology to continuously filter out pollutants, allergens, and pathogens in your home, leaving you with cleaner, healthier air. COMFORT SERIES: the Comfort Series EZ Flex Cabinet Air Filter is designed to keep air flowing cleanly and efficiently through your home. This cabinet air filtration product is a convenient and affordable way to improve indoor air quality and system performance. For more information on Steel T’s air purifier lines please call us at 303-761--9276 or visit steelt.com.

PERFORMANCE SERIES

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COMFORT SERIES

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GET YOUR F Recipes from the family farm to your backyard

GRILL ON FAMILY FEATURES

Things to Know Before You Shop the Meat Case n There’s no need to pay extra for poultry or pork that’s labeled hormone-free. USDA prohibits farmers from using hormones to raise chicken and pigs. n Nearly all beef cattle, whether raised organically or conventionally, spend the majority of their lives on pastures eating grass. n Purchasing organic, grass-fed and free-range meats does not make them safer to consume. These labels refer to how the animals are raised, but all meat and poultry can contain bacteria that could cause illness. n Most cases of foodborne illness can be prevented with proper processing, hand­ling and cooking of food to destroy bacteria.

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iring up the grill is an American tradition. The farm families who produce the food so many people enjoy at backyard cookouts want to share some of their favorite grilling recipes, as well as an appre­ ciation for how food gets from the farm to the table.

Safe Minimum Internal Temperatures 145°F Beef, pork, veal and lamb (roasts, steaks and chops) 160°F Ground meat 165°F Poultry (whole, parts or ground)

Farmers like Amanda Folkens, from Iowa, Danell Kalcevic, from Colorado, and Nicole Small, from Kansas, have joined with more than 70 other farmer volunteers across the country in the CommonGround pro­gram as a way to talk with home cooks about how food is grown and raised. “On our farm, animal care is top priority, as it is for thousands of other family farms in the U.S.” said Amanda. “By keeping our animals indoors, we make sure they are protected from predators, disease and bad weather.” To learn more about family farms and facts about your food, visit www.FindOurCommonGround.com. Here are some of Amanda, Danell and Nicole’s favorite grilling recipes:


Beef Rack of Ribs

By Danell Kalcevic Serves: 4 to 6 Salt (to taste) 1 tablespoon black pepper (to taste) 1 tablespoon seasoned garlic salt (to taste) Cayenne pepper (optional) 1 to 2 racks of beef ribs (number of racks based on number of people) 1 tablespoon yellow mustard 1/3 cup brown sugar One bottle of favorite barbecue sauce

The night before serving, prepare rub for beef ribs (salt, pepper, seasoned garlic salt and op­tional cayenne pepper). Sprinkle both sides of ribs and then rub vigorously. Wrap in plas­tic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, place on medium tempera­ture grill and spread yellow mustard and brown sugar on each side of the ribs. Grill for 5 to 8 minutes until each side is slightly browned and caramelized. Remove ribs from grill and slice with sharp knife. Place individual ribs in a crock pot on low. Add one bottle of your favorite barbecue sauce. Let simmer 6 to 8 hours.

Country Barbecue Potatoes By Nicole Small Serves: 4 to 6 2 pounds small red potatoes 2 tablespoons butter, melted 1 teaspoon honey 3 teaspoons seasoned salt 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Preheat oven to 450°F. Coat 9 x 13 baking pan with nonstick spray. Cut potatoes into small to medium–sized pieces and put in pan. Melt butter and honey, and then drizzle over potatoes. Sprinkle with seasoned salt, salt, garlic powder and pepper. Toss well to coat. Bake, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and golden brown. Stir potatoes at least once.

Grilled Hawaiian Ham Sandwich

By Amanda Folkens Serves: 1 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1/2 tablespoon seasoning pepper 1 to 2 1/4-inch thick ham slices (about the same thickness as the bread) Cooking spray Pineapple slices (can be fresh or canned) 2 slices sourdough bread

Preheat grill for high heat. Mix brown sugar with pepper to create a rub mixture. Using your hands, massage the rub onto both sides of the slices of ham. Ham slices should be completely covered (front and back) with brown sugar mix. Place ham slices on sheet of lightly greased foil, then place onto grill. On separate sheet of greased foil, lay pine­apple slices out, uncovered. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes or until brown caramelization appears around edges of ham and pineapple. Remove ham and pineapple from heat and assemble onto toasted sourdough bread. SteelT.com

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WHY A FURNACE MIGHT BE

RIGHT FOR YOU

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by Kyle O’Connor


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ccording to the Department of Energy, space heating is the largest energy expense for the average U.S. home, accounting for roughly 45 percent of energy bills. Because of this, it’s important to choose the heat system that’s best for you, and there are many. Furnaces used to be considered inefficient, mainly because many of them were, but the newest gas models are anything but, and might be right for you and your family. FURNACE ADVANTAGES EFFICIENCY: The majority of furnaces produced within the last several years are up to 98 percent energy efficient, meaning 98 percent of the energy taken is used to generate or distribute heat. This is as high as any efficiency you’ll find with other heat sources. FLEXIBILITY: There are many different models and sizes that can run on a range of fuel types. Also, this means finding a furnace that will ideally suit a particular home isn’t difficult. Another thing that makes furnaces so flexible is that they can often be hooked up to existing ducts. So if your home already has ductwork installed, you can easily connect a furnace without having to install extra pipes, radiators, and baseboard heaters.

BEST MODELS Carrier, one of the most trusted brands in the HVAC industry, offers several lines featuring furnaces using the most innovative technology currently available. INFINITY SERIES: this line allows you to enjoy ultimate comfort whether you live in the cold north and need the high-efficiency of a condensing gas furnace or the moderate south and can manage with a little less efficiency. INFINITY SERIES WITH GREENSPEED INTELLIGENCE: the most advanced Carrier® furnace ever made, its unique design innovations achieve unprecedented efficiency and quiet. This line has a unique, modulating gas valve, and when paired with Infinity control, actually adapts its output to the needs of the home.

PERFORMANCE SERIES: supported by the Performance Edge thermostat and a multi-speed blower motor, these powerful furnaces live up to their name by operating consistently in any climate with efficiency, flexibility, and durability. COMFORT SERIES: if efficiency is very important to you but budget is your primary concern, these furnaces excel at generating warmth throughout your home—while generating low energy bills during those long winter months. This reliable line comes with a 20 year heat exchanger limited warranty backed by Carrier® quality manufacturing for years of heating comfort. For more information on Steel T’s furnace lines please call us at 303-761-9276 or visit steelt.com.

SIZE: Furnaces come in a variety of sizes and can often be quite small, the burners, heat exchangers, and blower arranged together in a compact manner. Boilers, on the other hand, require large tanks of hot water and thus take up more space. LOCATION: Furnaces are often called central heating systems because they usually occupy a central location inside your home. In most instances, this will be in the basement, which won’t lower the aesthetic value of the home. FASTER HEATING: Furnaces work almost immediately to bring heat into your home, whereas a heat source like a boiler has to heat up a full water tank each time you need warmth. This can take a while. Newer, high efficiency furnaces use a two stage burner, which not only provides faster heating, but also better distribution of that heat. The benefits are twofold: you don’t waste energy (and money) by overheating when turning the furnace on, and your home is more evenly heated, no noticeable hot and cold zones.

INFINITY SERIES

PERFORMANCE SERIES

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THE IMPORTANT ROLE OF HUMIDITY IN

DRY CLIMATES

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by Kyle O’Connor

aintaining a proper humidity level in your home is important for several reasons. The recommended average relative humidity is between 35 percent and 45 percent, this range providing the best comfort for your family, while helping to protect your belongings (especially wooden ones) from damage caused by dryness or excessive moisture. The most important thing to consider, however, is how both low and high humidity can affect your health. In order to maintain an ideal humidity level when you live in a consistently dry climate, you’ll need a humidifier.

can lead to and exacerbate skin diseases like eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. Even if you don’t have a diagnosable skin problem, you can still suffer associated symptoms, such as dry, scaly, itchy skin, and even weeping pustules. These issues can worsen in colder months, when the skin is more likely to become depleted of moisture. This is commonly referred to as “winter itch.” Additionally, dry air will draw moisture out of your skin, potentially causing small cracks on your skin’s surface. Cracked skin increases your risk of becoming sick by providing an entryway for possibly dangerous pathogens.

LOW HUMIDITY CAN AFFECT

Eyes: low humidity is known to increase the evaporation of tears, disrupting the

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moisture balance necessary for a healthy and comfortable eye surface. Nose/Sinuses: a study conducted by Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia found that nasal congestion may be related to the temperature and humidity of inhaled air, possibly more than any other variable. While high humidity is known for causing nasal congestion, dry air can as well. Very dry air dries out your sinuses to the point of irritating the membranes, leading to inflammation. Viruses: the same Monell Chemical Senses Center study also found that flu viruses survive longer and spread more easily in low humidity.


The most important thing to consider, however, is how both low and high humidity can affect your health. In order to maintain an ideal humidity level when you live in a consistently dry climate, you’ll need a humidifier.

Allergies/Asthma: according to research published in Environmental Health Perspectives, keeping proper humidity levels may help to lower rates of respiratory infections and allergies.

BEST MODELS

Carrier, one of the most trusted brands in the HVAC industry, offers several variations of its renowned Performance Series featuring humidifiers using the most innovative technology currently available. Steam Humidifier: steam output humidifiers are often the best choice for larger homes or when you want more precise control over humidity. This humidifier forces water to flow between

electrodes to create steam, which is then dispersed into the ductwork. This design uses an easy to replace canister system and can be managed by your system’s Infinity control or Edge thermostat. Fan-Powered Humidifier: whether you live somewhere with consistently dry air or dry air has arrived due to a season change, fan-powered humidifiers are engineered to quietly blow moisture directly into your ductwork and spread comforting humidity throughout your home.

Bypass Humidifier: these whole-house humidifiers simply use the blower motor of your furnace to drive moisture vapor into your home’s ductwork. Bypass humidifiers are easy to maintain and require only an annual water panel change. For more information on Steel T’s humidifier lines please call us at 303-761-9276 or visit steelt.com.

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COLORADO’S

NEW CONSTRUCTION

BOOM

by Kyle O’Connor

Steve views Steel T as an “elite residential new construction company.” They have installed heating and air conditioning systems in over 50,000 new construction homes in the last twenty plus years, including everything from 20,000 square foot custom homes to single and multifamily units.

A

s Steel T pushes forward into the future, they continue to put an emphasis on growing the new construction sector of their business, both residential and commercial. Although they are more in the niche market for commercial new construction, they operate at a high, all encompassing level when it comes to residential projects. Steel T president, Steve Reister, sees this dynamic staying consistent, but envisions even more growth on the residential side. As only one of four in Colorado that compete at the highest level for residential

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tions in this regard, always producing high quality results quickly. Steve says, “We are extremely good at doing multiple rooftop replacements. We have even done 26 in one day, getting all of the businesses back up and running.” Other companies often take much longer, Steve noting some will quote up to three weeks for a single roof. They are currently licensed to go up to four stories.

new construction projects, Steve views Steel T as an “elite residential new construction company.” They have installed heating and air conditioning systems in over 50,000 new construction homes in the last twenty plus years, including everything from 20,000 square foot custom homes to single and multifamily units. Steel T has the expertise to perform any residential new construction task. They can assist in the design build of a dream home or take a set of drawings and design a system that will meet any budget and surpass expectations.

Steel T builds out up to 3,000 units per year. Along with select commercial projects, this generally makes up 70 to 80 percent of Steel T’s annual revenue. This year, residential new construction will make up at least 56 percent of that. If a builder has a choice in company and a national agreement with Carrier, they nearly always look to Steel T first. As long as the two can meet on price, the project moves forward immediately. This applies to commercial new construction as well. Many of these projects are rooftop replacements, as Steel T has earned a reputation as one of the best op-

As with residential new construction, Steel T is diversified in the type of commercial projects they can manage. Besides rooftop replacements, they do tenant build outs and smaller jobs like single building coffee shops and other businesses. Many times the focus is on more intricate, detailed jobs. This fits with the mentality Steve and his brother, Chris, have created, which is to work closely with their customers and form lasting relationships. They simply cannot compete with the large, national new construction companies in the commercial sector—and they don’t want to. Steel T takes on mostly residential projects because, as Steve and Chris have joked for years, “We want to retire with our customers, not on them.” Behind this humorous motto is a very serious goal to keep customers for life. Steve recognizes that this isn’t usually possible with commercial projects. Even though Steel T aims to exceed expectations in all facets of the process for both commercial and residential new construction, the close relationships they strive for with customers occur more often with residential projects. This area of Steel T’s business is not just about building in the construction sense, it’s about continuing to build their ever growing family.

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MEET THE TEAM Steve Reister

Chris Reister

From an early age, Steve had his mind set on being an integral part of Steel T. He started in the warehouse, cleaning and organizing, then eventually assisted the route technicians and even did installs and maintenance on his own. He continually shouldered more responsibility as he got older, and after he graduated from the University of Northern Colorado in 1995, he started full-time. In 2001, his father, Ken Reister, passed control of day-to-day operations to Steve, who took over as president of Steel T.

Chris, along with his brothers, contributed to the family business throughout adolescence. He learned the ins and outs of the HVAC industry, working up to installation and service operations during high school and college years. As with his brother, Steve, Chris also graduated from the University of Northern Colorado, and it wasn’t long before he was drawn back to Steel T, eager to build upon what his father had established. In 2001, Chris absorbed control over day-to-day operations, earning the title of chief financial officer.

President

Adam Rosenblum

Customer Care Representative)

Adam originally hails from the Chicagoland area, and moved to Denver in March of 2014. He started with Steel-T in December of 2014, working in the dispatch and customer service department. He spends his days fielding customer inquiries and scheduling technicians in order to provide fast, friendly and competent customer service.

Erin Shorwell

Customer Care Representative

Erin grew up in Aurora, CO. On multiple occasions, for several years, she was the sole employee in dispatch and service department, ensuring that customers received the level of workmanship that clients have come to expect of Steel-T. She spends her free time outside with her dog Lucy, hiking and enjoying the Colorado sunshine.

Bill Moore

Service Technician

Bill started in this industry in 1993, earning his diploma from DIT, graduating in March 1995. He then started in school, specializing in HVAC systems, and earning his NATE certification. Bill loves the outdoors, almost as much as he loves his three energetic boys, where they all enjoy biking through Colorado’s beautiful nature.

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Chief Financial Officer

Myke Michael Service Technician

Myke is a US Army veteran with 28 years of experience in the HVAC industry. He is NATE certified for heating, air conditioning, as well as air to air heat pumps, both in installation and service. Behind the old Army veteran’s serious demeanor is a soft-hearted family man who enjoys his job and the great outdoors including everything from fishing and camping to walking his dog.

John Cozad Service Manager

John is the Service Manager here at Steel T. He also takes care of all the Manual J & D design for the new homes that Steel T builds, as well as the Energy Star criteria. John grew up in the Arvada area, and after high school he entered the Navy under their Nuclear Power Plant Program. John was stationed on submarines where he was cross trained in air conditioning and refrigeration. So when John got out he put his air conditioning knowledge to use. He now has over 23 years of experience and has done pretty much everything there is to do on the residential side of things. When not at work, John enjoys camping, fishing, hunting, and shooting.

OUR GUARANTEE IS YOUR PEACE OF MIND.


YOU'RE ZERO DEGREES OF SEPARATION FROM THE DEGREE YOU WANT

INFINITY® SERIES CONTROLS

The unrivaled capabilities of the Infinity control represent our highest degree of comfort management. This communicating control is designed exclusively for our Infinity system products and is the brains behind our ultraefficient Greenspeed™ intelligence systems. What’s more, techno lovers will rejoice over the Infinity control’s energy management and remote access features.


UNDERSTANDING WARRANTIES

T

hank you for choosing Steel T to supply your indoor air quality needs! Here are just a few words on how to maximize your investment by understanding warranties.

When you purchased your new air conditioning system, it included a manufacturer’s warranty. You should have received a copy of this warranty from the manufacturer, which contains the manufacturer’s terms and conditions. If you can’t find your warranty paperwork, call our customer service department. We’ll be happy to help you! Manufacturers are beginning to enforce the terms and conditions within your paperwork. These changes may affect you. Most manufacturers allow you to transfer warranties to the new owner upon the sale of your property for a small fee and within 30 days of the closing. Manufacturers are now requiring the use of OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts. There are thousands of possible OEM parts for any of the multiple manufacturers, which make using

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and obtaining OEM parts difficult, and we can no longer use generic stock parts to replace a warrantied unit. However, it is our priority to repair your equipment as quickly as possible. Manufacturers do not cover costs for labor performed. This means that if you need service after regular business hours, extra charges may and likely will apply. Manufacturers now require yearly maintenance by an authorized dealer/servicer in order to keep a warranty in good standing. If you are not currently having maintenance done on your equipment at least annually, please contact us or an authorized dealer/ servicer in your area as soon as possible. Please call our Customer Service Department if you have any questions or to schedule maintenance. We have several maintenance plans and our professional staff will gladly explain them to you and help you choose which plan best fits your needs.

AGAIN, THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING STEEL T.


WITH OUR ESA AGREEMENT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE:

ENERGY SAVINGS AGREEMENT

OUR GUARANTEE FOR YOUR

PEACE OF MIND

R

elax, you just purchased peace of mind for your home. You can trust that our number one priority at Steel-T Heating and Air Conditioning is the

annual ESA ensures your family’s safety. We inspect your entire system, taking care of issues before they become a problem. As an added bonus, you receive priority service appointments, a discount on all service repairs, and our guarantee that you will never be charged for overtime services.

YOUR ESA INCLUDES:

• Semi-annual 22-point inspections, including a Carbon Monoxide Detector • Anytime service, with our guaranteed one hour call back times • A 15% discount on all replacement parts • Discounted Installations • No overtime rates on any service, including regular rate diagnostic fees • 100% Money Back Satisfaction Guarantee

safety of your family. Unfortunately, over 20,000 people die every year in the US from faulty mechanical systems in their home. Your Energy Savings Agreement (ESA) is much more than a simple agreement - it is our commitment to you that Steel-T is the family you can trust with the safety of your family. Our ESA is a structured approach that reveals deficiencies in your HVAC system, and then allows our Certified Technicians to correct them. When you have dirty equipment, it stops working. That lack of air flow across your heater can cause it to crack; these cracks send carbon monoxide into your home and can potentially be fatal. In addition, equipment is more prone to failure when it is not cleaned and checked on a regular basis. Your semi-

ACTIONS YOU SHOULD TAKE BETWEEN VISITS TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY SAFE:

• Change or clean your air filter on a regular basis. • Test your Carbon Monoxide Detector monthly and change the batteries as needed. • Don’t ignore noises from your system. If it sounds different, call Steel-T for a proper inspection that will save you from costly repairs and premature replacement down the road.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR BUSINESS AND FOR BEING A PART OF OUR FAMILY!

• Lower utility bills • Fewer equipment repairs • 15% discount on repairs • A transferable agreement • No overtime charges • Convenient appointments that work around your schedule • Extended equipment life • Restore lost efficiency • Priority service • 24/7 emergency service

OUR EXCLUSIVE 22-POINT MAINTENANCE PROCEDURE INCLUDES: • Clean burner assembly • Tune burners for efficiency • Clean furnace heat exchange or elements • Verify superior flue draft • Set thermostat heat anticipation • Test refrigerant pressure • Test compression starting capabilities • Test safety controls • Clean or replace air filter • Clean blower assembly • Apply protective coating to outside AC unit • Measure airflow • Adjust balancing dampers • Tighten electrical connections • Measure volts and amp • Lubricate all moving parts • Calibrate thermostat • Clean evaporator coil (if accessible) • Clean condensate drains • Measure temperature difference

EMERGENCY SERVICE ANY TIME ANY DAY!

303-761-9276

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HAZY, HOT AND WHO CARES?

FOR SERVICE & SALES CALL: 303-761-9276 steelt.com


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