May 17th - Win Prizes, Discounts on Appliance Purchases and Enjoy KitchenAid’s Live Cooking Demonstration with Chef Richard Chaney

Home-Tech’s new Lakewood Ranch location Open House preparations are in full swing.  The floors are buffed, the windows and appliances shined, and setting up all of the giveaway items is a tough chore!  But, we are ready for it, finally, after a long wait.  We are happy to have our new Lakewood Ranch home, and are finding the Sarasota and Manatee customers very receptive to our beautiful, new Showroom.

Live Cooking Demonstration

Today, we met with Chef Richard Chaney from My Sarasota Chef about the Live Cooking Demonstration he will be conducting on behalf of KitchenAid.  So far, we know that pork loin is definitely on the menu.  Chef Chaney will be utilizing the KitchenAid Architect Series Double Ovens in our Show Kitchen.

Home-Tech Prizes & Giveaways

No Open House for Home-Tech would be complete without the Appliance Giveaways!  We have two stellar sets that will go out to two very lucky attendees.  The first is a laundry room set – The Whirlpool Duet Series Washer/Dryer.

4.3 cu. ft. Duet® Front Load Washer with Precision Dispense Ultra – WFW97HEXW

This 4.3 cu. ft. model uses 6th Sense® technology to intelligently analyze your laundry and automatically adjust the features for just the right touch.  The Precision Dispense Ultra has a removable reservoir that can hold enough detergent for up to 36 loads of laundry in a single filling.

Duet® High Efficiency Electric Dryer with Steam Cycles - WED97HEXW

You have plenty of options with this 7.4 cu. ft. electric dryer that features 13 automatic cycles and 6 temperature settings.  The Advanced Moisture Sensing system measures temperature and moisture levels, so the dryer stops itself when clothes are dry to save energy.

Win a Full Set of Samsung Kitchen Appliances

1.8 cu. ft. Over-the-Range Microwave - SMH1816B

This microwave features a 400 CFM Ventilation System.  Samsung’s powerful ventilation system quickly and quietly eliminates any food odors.  Sensor cooking adjusts the cooking time based on the vapors emitted from the food during cooking and reheating.

5.9 cu. ft. Freestanding Flex Duo Oven with Radiant Electric Range - FE710DRS

Samsung’s Flex Duo Oven gives you both a traditional single cavity range and a double oven in one.  This unique design let’s you easily switch from a large single cavity (5.9 cu. ft.) to two smaller cavities (2.7 cu.ft. and 3.0 cu. ft.), with independently controlled temperatures.  Cook more meals quicker, easier and carefree with five burners for ultimate flexibility.  Get one triple, one dual, two singles, and one warming burner.

24″ Dishwasher - DMT400RHS

Samsung’s exclusive twister nozzle system gets every dish extra clean.  A unique and dramatic upgrade from the traditional straight-line nozzle system, the twister’s powerful rotating effect whips water onto and into more of each dish maximizing our dishwasher’s cleaning performance.

26 cu. ft. Side by Side Refrigerator - RS263TDWP

The Twin Cooling System® maintains humidity and temperature levels that are just right so food stays super fresh.  Improved air circulation is another cool way to keep your food fresh.  Cool air flows out through multiple outlets in every shelf level and provides even cooling throughout the refrigerator.

Attend and Win!

These wonderful prizes can be yours- IF you attend the Open House this Thursday, May 17th.  Spin the Wheel to receive additional discounts on appliance purchases.  And, while you are there, find out about Home-Tech’s appliance repair services, air-conditioning repair service and our Service Agreements for your home.

Directions to Our New Location

SAVE THE DATE – MAY 17th – Lucky Winner to Receive a New Kitchen Package!

All of us at Home-Tech couldn’t be more excited about the official open house and ribbon cutting for our Sarasota/Bradenton showroom, located on S.R. 70 in the Lakewood Ranch area. We moved into our new building, located at 5205 Lena Road (the road just behind Norman’s Liquor’s) in April and have been getting the showroom, warehouse and offices ready for the public.  And now, we are more than ready.  We are thrilled.

First thing in the morning, we are having our “Official” Ribbon Cutting, to kick off the celebration.  Both the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce and the Manatee Chamber of Commerce will be represented, as well as Manatee County Commissioners.  It will be a proud moment for the construction team, our friends at Manasota Construction, the general contractor.  Nothing says “Open for Business” like a giant pair of scissors.

Lakewood Ranch Home-Tech Location

More than 7,300 of our customers and Service Agreement Members have been invited to the open house, to tour the new showroom and learn about all of the great services Home-Tech provides.  From 10am – 7:00pm, there will be fun activities, a live cooking demonstration in the KitchenAid demo kitchen, door prizes, refreshments and the Spin & Win Mega Wheel of Savings.  The Mega Wheel will have discounts on all major appliance purchases and other fun Home-Tech items.  Once in a lifetime discounts will be available for air-conditioning systems only at this Open House event.

Samsung Kitchen Giveaway Details

Every person who attends has the chance to enter to win the Samsung Full Kitchen Giveaway, worth approximately $2,600.  The set includes:

• 1.8 cu. ft. Over-the-Range Microwave
• 26 cu. ft. Side by Side Refrigerator
• 24″ Dishwasher
• Range

We are very excited to welcome you, meet you and hopefully make you a loyal Home-Tech customer.  Remember, should you need air-conditioning or appliance repair or sales, think of Home-Tech.  Should you need a new appliance, think of us, and our two beautiful showrooms located in: Fort Myers and Lakewood Ranch. 

Celebration of Women, CARE Walk/Run and MAR Tech-Tune Up

Home-Tech is proud to be strong supporters of community philanthropic organizations throughout Southwest Florida. Over the past month, we have been busy, appearing at more and more events. From Naples to Palmetto, Home-Tech’s employees have been out in full force supporting our communities.

Our Ladies Rejoice at the Hope Hospice Celebration of Women

Home-Tech at Celebration of Women

Hope Hospice’s Fifth Annual Celebration of Women was an amazing event, one where co-workers, philanthropists, caregivers and friends could recognize all the good we do for each other every day. The theme was Broadway, and was a fundraiser for Hope Kids Care. The children who are a part of Hope Kids live with serious illnesses or grieve the loss of a loved one.  Through this event, those children have a day to celebrate with their families and enjoy moments of joy. Our own women were celebrating at this luncheon, too ~ Sonya Sawyer, Pam Marino, Tracey Hendershott, Margo McQueen, Elise Lipoff Ramer, Sheryl Stahl, Jackie Ryan and Kimberly Riching.  Our ladies enjoyed participating in the Silent Auction, listening to Broadway vocalist, Mark Sanders, while watching a Saks Fifth Avenue Fashion Show.

We donated a Whirlpool Cabrio High Efficiency Washer and Dryer Set  to the Silent Auction.  The winner was : Judy Fowers!  Congratulations!  The desserts, fashion, women and children were a sight to see. We look forward to participating in this event for years to come.

Home-Tech CARES for C.A.R.E.

Home-Tech at CARE 5K

On May 5, Home-Tech was represented at the 5k Run and 1 Mile Fun Walk for the Center for Autism Resources & Education  (C.A.R.E) in Lakewood Ranch.  CARE provides support, education and resources to families and professionals in our community who are facing autism.  It was wonderful to interact with the CARE supporters, Lakewood Ranch community members, as well as Sarasota and Bradenton residents.  The proceeds of the event stay in the community to continually support families with autism.

Tech-Tune Up for Manatee Association of Realtors

Robert B. Grant, Jr. Home-Tech Winner!

On May 2nd, Home-Tech participated in the MAR Tech-Tune Up event in Lakewood Ranch. We had the chance to meet realtors and other exhibitors from our community. There are many who are starting to recognize our trucks and commercials up in the Sarasota and Manatee areas. We are more than happy to inform and educate everyone on the services Home-Tech provides for air conditioning and appliance repair, service and sales.

The winner of our $100 AMEX Gift Card was Robert B. Grant, Jr., a broker for All Brokers Realty in Bradenton.  Thank you, Robert, for coming by our new showroom to see our new appliances and learn more about Home-Tech.

Customer Testimonial - 5/8/2012

We returned home today after a trip and found that our AC was not working.  The initial call to report our problem was about 1pm.  I followed the instructions to confirm that we did have a problem and was told that we would be fitted into the schedule and that a technician would visit today.  At about 5:15 the service technician arrived.  At 5:45 the problem was fixed and our unit is cooling again.

THAT IS GREAT SERVICE!!!  The technician, Red C – # 720, got to the problem immediately.  He is very professional.

I have had other AC service companies and I grew to expect a sales pitch for some other service or gadget I didn’t need at the end of the service call.  Not with Home-Tech.  I pay for warranty service and that is what I get.  It has been quick and efficient.

Thanks,

Frank Daniher

The Ins and Outs of the Clean and Check Service

A Clean and Check from Home-Tech

We all hear the horror stories about the cheap $39.95 Clean and Check air conditioning deals. Then we hear about the little grandma that just wanted her AC system checked, and she wound up spending $300 on a condenser unit that really costs $9.00. For those AC companies, its’ about a commission.  The lady in our scenario only wanted to do an annual maintenance service on her air conditioner, and instead paid a lot more than she bargained for.

Home-Tech stands up for ethical air conditioning service and repair practices. Here at Home-Tech, we pride ourselves on the high quality of our air conditioner maintenance services. With the hotter weather on our doorstep, keeping our customers cool and comfortable is at the core of our commitment to the communities we serve. While we can fix any brand of air conditioner, maintaining AC units are of the utmost importance.

The Checklist

Did you know that other companies don’t do all of the items on this list below? They claim to, but skip over some of the most important check points of the clean and check process. Home-Tech does complete every item on the AC Clean and Check checklist, and we provide you a full write up of your system’s components and its efficiency. Here is what we do:

• First, we ask how your AC system is functioning, and if something is of concern, we make sure to address it during your Clean and Check.
• Initially, we change the air conditioner filter
• Then we check the thermostat for calibration settings
• Next we examine the evaporator coil, check it and then clean it
• The drain line is flushed and an algicide tablet is added to prevent algae build up in your drain
• The temperature difference from the input and output from your air handler is compared, revealing the efficiency level of your air conditioning system
• We then check the condenser unit, examining the running pressures, including the heat transfers for the difference in temperatures, as well as the power consumption of the unit
• Next, all electrical components and connections are checked
• Cleaning and checking of the condenser coil is then completed
•  Then we check the heating system to make sure it is functioning properly, assuring it can reverse cycle
• The Indoor Comfort Specialist then hands you the Indoor Comfort System Checklist informing you of the overall system condition

Indoor Comfort Specialist

Now that you know what we do and how we do it, keep Home-Tech in mind for your air conditioning maintenance needs. Home-Tech is available seven days a week and provides service by a qualified, NATE-certified, friendly technician.  

For advice from company experts on the proper maintenance of heating and cooling systems and major appliances, schedule online or call 1-800-800-8356 to schedule an appointment or learn more about the company’s service agreements for air conditioning repair. 

Win Mom a Star-Sapphire™ Dishwasher from Thermador® by Tweeting!

Has your mother told you, “Buy me a dishwasher for mother’s day this year?”  If she has, you are one of the lucky ones because most of us never know what to get her.  Let’s face it, buying any Mom a gift on Mother’s Day isn’t exactly easy.  There are the automatic go-to’s: flowers, chocolates, mani/pedi or massage.  Then there is the not-so-personal gift card type gift, which was selected out of convenience to you while shopping for the Mother’s Day greeting card at Walgreen’s.  And then, there is the last resort, making a hand-made gift.  The hand-made option is usually received by Mom with a half-smile, and is then put in the way back part of the closet to never be seen by the likes of day ever again.

Dishwasher Giveaway from Thermador

This year, make it worth her while, and win her an amazing Star-Sapphire Dishwasher from Thermador.   The contest is aptly named “Win Mom a Sapphire Mother’s Day Sweepstakes.”  Moms will love using the powerful Star-Sapphire to the height of its abilities. Thermador’s newest dishwasher takes at-home entertaining to new levels thanks to features such as its StarSpeed™ 20-minute residential hot water wash cycle, Flexible Chef’s Tool Drawer®, Time Remaining PowerBeam® and the industry’s largest wine glass capacity of 18 glasses.

How To Enter the Contest

1. Become a follower of Thermador on Twitter
   (@ThermadorHome)
2. Simply Tweet the following from May 7 to May 13 to win:Win mom a Sapphire! Follow @ThermadorHome and RT for chances to win a Star-Sapphire Dishwasher #MothersDay #StarMoms http://on.fb.me/IMGqvf
3. Then, Follow @hometechnews for the latest and greatest news from Home-Tech, and Thank US for telling you about the free dishwasher contest.
4. And, if you are feeling really generous, friend us on Facebook too: facebook.com/Home-Tech Sarasota/Manatee

The winner will be announced via Twitter and Facebook on or about May 19.

Appraising this Fine Gem

Thermador 6 Program Series

Innovation

• Star Speed™ is a full wash cycle in just 20 minutes
• Largest Wine Glass Capacity- 18 large wine glasses
• Piezo Touch Control communicates slick design and performance
• Time Remaining PowerBeam® shines the actual remaining time of the cycle on the floor
• Sapphire Glow™ internal light illuminates glassware
• Blue PowerBeam® operating indicator lets you know when the unit is running
• Flexible 3rd Rack delivers added loading capacity as well as adjustability to accomodate larger items, wider ends and utensil handles
• Flexible Folding Tines fold down to accommodate larger pots, pans and dishes and add flexibility to hold items twice as wide as standard models and significantly wider than competitors
• Dosage Assist optimizes break down of detergent tablets

Performance

• Crystal Protection™ System ensures perfect results for fine crystal
• PowerBoost® option increases temperature and pressure in the lower rack for the ultimate in heavy-duty cleaning
• Sens-A-Wash® ensures superior washing and drying guaranteed
• Extra Dry option ensures perfectly dry dishes
• Hand Wash allows you to delicately wash fine items and wine glasses
• Accommodates 15 plate settings for your dinner parties
• Powerfully Quiet® – 44 dBA for peaceful kitchen experience
• ENERGY STAR® Qualified – uses only 260kWh/Yr
• Extra-Tall-Item™ Sprinkler allows large items (22″ high) to be washed

Should you have any questions about Thermador or the Star-Sapphire 6-Program Dishwasher, you can call one of Home-Tech‘s Apppliance Specialists at 1-800-800-8356 or come into one of our two showrooms: Lakewood Ranch or Fort Myers to shop for a Thermador Dishwasher of your very own.  Also, you can shop our Online Appliance store day or night!

Even Hot Wives Need Cool Air During the Spring and Summer Months

Keep your Wife Cool with Home-Tech's Cool Value Plan

Trying to stay cool and fresh during the spring and summer months is not easy when you have an air-conditioner that isn’t functioning at its maximum.  As the summer approaches, and you begin to notice that your house or office is not as “cool” as it should be, the thought of costly air-conditioning service enters your mind.

We say, take a chill pill because Home-Tech offers the Cool Value program to residential and commercial properties. Instead of one-time service calls, consider a service agreement that covers your air conditioner and heating.  Cool Value is a maintenance program for your air conditioning unit or multiple units of any brand. It is designed to reduce inconvenient breakdowns, lower your monthly operating costs, while extending the life of your investment.  We offer flexible scheduling to fit your busy lifestyle.

The Cool Value Plan Pricing:

• $119 – 1 scheduled maintenance call per year. $80 per each additional unit
• $199 – 2 scheduled maintenance calls per year. $160 per additional system.

Why You Won’t Worry About Your AC

Wife that Needs to Cool Down

The Cool Value Plan Includes:

• 20% Discounts on needed repairs, parts and labor
• Maintains warranty requirement
• Special “Home-Tech Member” Pricing on replacement units up to 20%
• Priority Service
• Priority Scheduling INCLUDING after hours and Saturdays
• Tune-up and Cleaning of your AC system
• Home-Tech’s NATE certified technicians perform the service, not a sub-contractor

Service That Works…For You!

Home-Tech wants to provide the kind of service agreement that meets your needs. If a Gold or Silver Service Agreement covers too much for your needs, like your dishwasher, washing machine and dryer, range and microwave, we can work with you. This is why our Cool Value package is ideal for those who only wish to have service maintaining their cooling and heating equipment.

Call our Service Agreement department to learn more about the Cool Value program. Or, to schedule air conditioning service call 1-800-800-8356 or schedule online, and tell them you too have a hot wife!

Party Prep 101

Cold Margaritas for Fiesta

Crushed, cubed, chipped or blocked, ice is an essential part of the Cinco de Mayo celebration.  Beverages like beer and margaritas won’t have the cold crispness that is necessary to make your party guests pleased.  While your salsa may be fiery, and your home-made tamales delicious, the party guests will not be thrilled to quench their thirst with a luke-warm beverage.

Don’t fret!  Home-Tech receives many calls, every single week, on broken ice makers inside of refrigerators/freezers and independent ice makers.  While both ice makers are very different, let us break each down for you, so you can identify potential ice maker problems that may need repair.

Ice and Water Dispenser System for Refrigerators

Let us set the scene.  It’s 2pm, and the festivities are set to begin in a few hours.  You open up the freezer door to take out your ice bin.  With anticipation, you look inside, and what do you find?  Disappointment and no ice!  Worry not, because Home-Tech can fix any of these common ice maker problems:

1. No ice is being made
2. Ice has a bad odor or taste
3. White specks in your ice cubes
4. Ice maker is not working, but water is still dispensing fine
5. Small or hollow ice cubes are being produced
6. Ice cubes are all molded together

Independent Ice Makers

Our friends at Uline have listed the following as warning signs of an ice maker in need of repair:

1. Ice cubes stick together
2. No ice production
3. Not enough ice is being produced
4. Water in the ice bucket

Party On!

Be an excellent party host.  Don’t ask your buddy to pick up bagged ice at the gas station, or to have a filled cooler of ice brought over from his house that does have a functioning ice maker.  Be the party host that is responsible and proactive.  Make sure your ice maker is working properly.

If it isn’t, you know who to call…Home-Tech.  We service all brands of appliances and should your ice maker or refrigerator need to be replaced, we have two convenient Appliance Showrooms for you to shop in.  Remember, if you have a Home-Tech Service Agreement, your service call, parts and labor to make the repair are covered.

Call us today and be the hit of the party!  1-800-800-8356.  Home-Tech – Service that Works!

Happy Customer Testimonial

April 16, 2012

Hi -

We want to express our appreciation for the excellent appliance repair service call by your technician Milt.  This was our first acquaintance with your company and in the interim we have signed an annual contract with your company to service our various appliances.  We are looking forward to working with you and to enjoy a continuous good service as demonstrated by your representative Milt.

I was president of a german specialty machine manufacturer company and our success was subject of good customer service, therefore, I can relate to this very important matter.

Sincerely,

Max Neunkirchen

Infinity Control is a Command Center for your Air Conditioned Comfort

Infinity Control System by Carrier

Do you want to save up to 30% on your heating and air conditioning costs?  With Carrier’s Infinity Control system, you can save on energy costs when compared to a conventional non-programmable thermostat.  Add an Infinity Control to a compatible variable speed furnace or Infinity fan coil, and any central air conditioning or heat pump system.  Enjoy longer heating and cooling cycles at lower fan speeds for a more consistent temperature throughout your home.

The Infinity System allows you to control your air conditioning  temperature, humidity, air quality, fan speed and ventilation.  Set fan speeds, air filtration and temperatures with one convenient, easy-to-use control.  It also maximizes air circulation and minimizes potential drafts or hot spots.

The Bells and Whistles

Carrier's Infinity Control Panel

• One control gives you complete system access to your furnace, fan coil or air conditioner and optional accessories such as humidifiers, ultraviolet lights and filtration products.
• Intuitive on-screen prompts walk you through your programming options, even letting you save your changes or allowing you to return to previous settings.
• Going out of town? Change your home comfort system settings to your preferred vacation set points.
• View your furnace, air conditioner and indoor air quality performance at the touch of a button, 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week.
• Pop-up reminders let you know when it’s time to change filters or alert you to regular servicing check-ups.
• Adding the zoning system allows you to customize your comfort settings in up to eight different areas of your home, to eliminate temperature differences.

Home-Tech is a Premium Carrier Authorized Dealer

For over 31 years, Home-Tech has serviced millions and installed thousands of air conditioning systems throughout Fort Myers, Naples, Bonita Springs, Sanibel, Sarasota, and Bradenton.  Carrier has recognized Home Tech as a distinguished dealer in the area based on our company culture, the way we go to market, and the quality of our installations.  Carrier has selected us because of the extensive training, quality employees, and  the positive reputation we maintain in the communities we serve.

Call us today to speak with one of our Comfort Specialists.  1-800-800-8356. Or stop by one of our two showrooms to see the Carrier line of products perform; one in Fort Myers and one in Lakewood Ranch.