QUARTERLY
SUMMER 2021
Home Comfort
A Letter From
STEVE SCHMIDT “Hold on tight because here we go again.” This is the overwhelming feeling surrounding everyone and everything here at Frederick Air. It seems that the dust never really settles. We spent the last year discovering how we were going to adjust and deal with the pandemic and now we are looking forward to our new lives and the way we go about business in a post-pandemic world. While we wish it was as simple as ripping off our masks and giving everyone in sight a big hug, we all know it’s more complicated than that. Our days are filled with making plans and establishing procedures that continue to keep our team and our customers safe and healthy. We made some drastic modifications in the way we do things here and a lot of new habits are here to stay. Some of the modifications and changes we made have been overwhelmingly beneficial. We are now completely set up and comfortable continuing our normal routines and serving our customers with our staff working almost entirely remote. We are prepared in case of another outbreak but also prepared to continue to provide world-class customer service during any sort of emergency. From this day on…extreme heat on the weekends, snow events, power outages or any other sort of crazy circumstance will not interrupt our ability to serve our customers with excellence! I could not be prouder of the way our staff in the office and in the field has adapted to the ever-changing landscape. We have taken every challenge and met it head on, succeeding at every turn. I wish I could say that we are sitting here completely prepared for the summer heat and the notoriously busy season. In many ways we are. We are staffed adequately for all the maintenance, service calls and installations our friends and neighbors will need this summer. We have the right people working in the field and a complete team of customer service reps and dispatchers
With all of our preparation and planning there’s only one challenge we didn’t anticipate or imagine; the national problem of manufacture and distribution of parts and equipment. I’m certain you have heard about shortages in building material, products and equipment nationwide. Unfortunately, our trade has not been spared. Before the season has even begun our suppliers are out of stock on the everyday products we depend on the fix and replace your HVAC systems. I cannot put our frustrations into words. A simple delay in a particular material or component and then a staffing problem with a trucking company or distributor can delay a delivery for weeks. We all know that when an air conditioner is not working, weeks can seem like a lifetime. I assure you that we will do everything in our power to deliver the same timely, dependable and excellent service you have experienced for years. Our commitment remains strong: same day service for our valued Protection Plan members, and, “sign a contract with us today and have air conditioning that night” for when you need a new system in an emergency. Yes, Frederick Air will do “Whatever It Takes” to keep you comfortable this summer. Now more than ever…
greatest in the industry in order to keep all of our data
“Frederick Air, It ’s A Good Call.”
and customers happy and satisfied.
STEVE SCHMIDT |
to handle the calls. We even have an awesome support staff in the warehouse, accounting and sales departments. After months of preparation we have switched our accounting and dispatching software to the latest and
PRESIDENT
“ From quotation to installation, we are very pleased with the work done by Frederick Air. Extremely professional and prompt, they provided us with a new AC system right before the summer hits and took the time to understand our individual needs versus trying to sell us something we didn’t need. With Frederick Air, I was extremely impressed with how they handled even the smallest of details. They’re located our outdoor unit around the corner and did everything they could to hide the pipes and lines on our house to minimize the aesthetic impact. Additionally, they willingly installed a new WIFI-thermostat and then took the time to walk through how to operate it with us. These little touches along with the fair pricing and friendly staff reinforced that we made the right decision going with Frederick Air.
” ANDY F.
Ductless Systems The Perfect Solution for Air Conditioning in a House (or Area) Without Ducts
Even though air conditioners have been standard equipment in houses for the past 50 years, there are still many homes that do not have these necessary units. Usually, it’s because they were constructed before air conditioning became a standard feature. That means that many of them do not have a ductwork system needed for an AC installation. Installing a ductwork system can be expensive and it takes a lot of time. Nowadays, with summers that are increasingly humid
INSTALLATION As we mentioned, ductless systems require less time and money to install than a central air conditioning system. The fast installation, as well as its ability to reduce cooling costs, provide quiet operation and improved indoor air quality, have made this type of AC system a favorite for many homeowners.
and hot, life without air conditioning is practically unmanageable. So, what are the AC options for those who live in homes without ductwork? The answer could be a ductless air conditioner system.
COST-EFFECTIVENESS
Ductless AC Units
Ductless Air Conditioning units are generally more
In the simplest of terms, a ductless AC system includes
efficient than central air conditioning systems.
one outdoor and multiple indoor units that are connected
They can operate each unit independently and use
by refrigerant tubing and electrical wiring. Typically, the
fans with different speeds to allow for additional
indoor units are wall-mounted and deliver cooled (or
energy savings. The size is also an advantage; being
heated) air directly into the living space. Ductless AC
smaller, they tend to be less intrusive and they are
systems can present one of the easiest and most versatile
able to produce heat in the wintertime as well
options out there because the installation only requires a
if a heat pump is selected.
hole in the wall for the refrigerant line and wiring.
LOWER YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT The small size of a ductless AC system, along with its capability to cool or heat individual rooms, allow for better energy efficiency. The system follows Energy Star guidelines, which means they are far more energy-efficient than the minimum standards put forth by the US government. The system uses a refrigerant R410A, which has no chlorine in its formula and is known for its zero-ozone depletion potential. This means the ductless AC will have less impact on the environment throughout its life cycle.
Key Takeaways Ductless systems are energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and fully customizable, providing consistent and exceptional comfort throughout the whole year. They work well in homes and rooms where ductwork isn’t an option. Ductless systems help keep you comfortable by allowing you to adjust the air conditioning or heating at the touch of a button. We’ve been working with ductless systems for over a decade. If you or someone you know has been suffering through the summer heat in a home without air conditioning, please give us a call. We can help you find an AC system that works best for your home and budget. Call us at 301-663-0300 for more information about how a ductless system could work for your home.
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7 Summer Activities for Families in Frederick REFRESH, UNWIND, AND SAVOR Summer is upon us, and Frederick County offers plenty of ways to enjoy it to the fullest. Here are seven of our favorite ways to make this summer one to remember.
Greenbrier State Park Located in the Appalachian Mountains, Greenbrier State Park offers recreation at its finest. Stroll across the sandy beach, canoe across the sparkling lake, or hike through a majestic trail showcasing diverse wildlife habitats. Pet-friendly camping and picnic areas ensure that your family has plenty of ways to connect with nature.
Homemade Ice Cream Few summer pleasures can match the experience of making ice cream at home. Kids will love learning how to prepare their favorite flavors. And there’s no better place to find quality ingredients for homemade ice cream than at your local Frederick County farmers’ market. Local ingredients like organic milk, vanilla, and fresh fruit make for delicious, healthy ice cream that the whole family will love. Don’t want to make your own? No worries. Frederick County has a variety of ice cream shops that would be happy to serve you. Our favorites include South Mountain Creamery and Rocky Point Creamery.
Summer Concert Series Enjoy free, high-quality musical entertainment on Sunday nights in June, July and August at the Baker Park Bandshell. The Summer Concert Series showcases professional musicians from a wide range of musical backgrounds. Grab food from your favorite Downtown Frederick restaurant and head to Baker Park with your chairs for live music and dancing.
Escape Room An escape game is where you’re locked in an air-conditioned space and have to search for clues to solve a series of puzzles in order to get out. (Or else, time runs out and they unlock the door for you.) The best part is that you can choose who is in your group. Find a theme and difficulty level that’s right for your group and choose your companions wisely. ClueIQ, Escape This Frederick, and Surelocked In Escape Games are the ones in our area. Visit their websites for more information.
Cunningham Falls State Park Another majestic state park, Cunningham Falls is nestled in the Catoctin Mountains. It is currently open for hiking, camping, and sightseeing. Campgrounds are available for reservations, and the playgrounds offer fun for kids (and adults) of all ages. You’ll find the iconic falls and lake at the WIlliam Houck Area on Route 77. The Manor Area off Route 15 is home to the one-of-a-kind Scales and Tales Aviary and Catoctin Iron Furnace.
Public Pools The William R. Diggs Memorial Swimming Pool is currently open and the Edward P. Thomas Jr. Memorial Swimming Pool (Baker Park) will open mid-June. Frederick City residents receive a discount but anyone can come and splash around with the purchase of a pass.
Summerfest Family Theater From clowns and magicians, to Emmy-awarding winning musicians and puppeteers, the Summerfest Family Theatre has brought high-quality entertainment to Frederick youngsters for over sixteen years. Join them on Thursdays at 10am in July and August at the Baker Park Bandshell for full-length performances by some of the most sought-after children’s performers in the region.
Frederick County has no shortage of things to do this summer. For more ideas, visit celebratefrederick.com or visitfrederick.org.
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