fort myers - Home-Tech AC and Appliances

Community Connections. Home-Tech Supports Public Broadcasting & WGCU

March 7, 2013 By dishwasherrepair

“My wife and I watch PBS every night and the one thing I noticed is that we NEVER push the mute button. And years ago, I saw a Lexus spot, and while I don’t remember the details, it made such an impression on me that I said to myself, ‘I want my company to come across with the same class as Lexus. So, I decided that we [Home-Tech], would become a sponsor. I have had customers tell me they appreciate our support of public broadcasting. And if we don’t support it, it may not be here for all of us to enjoy.”

- Steve Marino, President and CEO of Home-Tech

Click Here to see Steve’s PBS Testimonial Video.

More About Community Support for WGCU

Home-Tech is proud to be a community business partner of WGCU, PBS and NPR. The programming these stations provide are more than news and more than entertainment, they provide a voice for our local communities. While Sesame Street and Antiques Roadshow may be your first thoughts when it comes to public broadcasting, to Home-Tech it represents local jobs and a long lasting tradition of excellence in programming. So, when Home-Tech aligns with WGCU it is because of the class and excellence of their network, and the extraordinary opportunities that public broadcasting represents and provides to our local communities.

Your Community AC and Appliance Experts

While we support our community, we do hope that the community will support us in return by calling Home-Tech when you need an appliance or air conditioning repair. We serve all of Lee, Collier, Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties and can even provide emergency repair service when you need it most. Nothing means more to us than supporting the communities where we live and work, and if we can get the word out through an organization like WGCU, even better. Have questions about a repair, call us anytime at 800-800-8356.

Filed Under: About Us, Community Service, Home-Tech News, Techster’s Appliance and AC Tips Tagged With: community, fort myers, public broadcasting, WGCU

Best of Air Conditioning – 2013 Best AC Systems

March 4, 2013 By dishwasherrepair

Now that 2013 is in full swing, its time to share the facts and our recommendations on the best air conditioning systems on the market for this year. It is never easy when researching a major purchase, like an air conditioning system, to really know what you are getting. While there are many options and brands to chose from, there are five systems that really stand out. Home-Tech’s air conditioning experts have done the research for you. You can trust our selections, as our criteria for selecting these AC systems are based upon price, performance, warranty and durability.

Amana 18 Seer Air Conditioning System – ASXC18

The ASXC18 is a popular selection because it is a best value when considering price and warranty coverage. This air conditioning unit provides high-efficiency, outstanding performance and quiet operation. In addition, it’s reliable operation and outstanding features add up to premium indoor comfort. Amana’s premium warranty protection includes a lifetime unit replacement limited warranty as well as a 10-year parts limited warranty.

Carrier Infinity 21 Central Air Conditioner – 24ANB1

Home-Tech’s air conditioning experts consider this Carrier to be the most technologically advanced and the highest performer in its class. It is the “Corvette” of the bunch. Not only was the Infinity 21 pinned as the Most Efficient in 2012 by Energy Star, but it was also named by Consumer’s Digest as a Best Buy^® winner. By far, this system does the best job removing humidity in the home thanks to the two-stage scroll compressor.

Photo Courtesy of Trane

Trane XL20i - 4TTZ0024A

Trane air conditioning systems have a reputation of lasting the longest and being built the toughest. Their slogan, “It’s Hard to Stop a Trane,” is true, these units hold up for a very long time. The Home-Tech AC team refers to the XL20i as the ”F150 of the AC industry.” This dual-compressor unit has an exclusive compressor for milder weather and a second, larger compressor for hot days. Trane’s patented Comfort-R™ provides greater humidity control in cooling by running the fan at a slower speed during start-up.

Bryant Preferrred Series Air Conditioning System – 126B

Bryant, a sub-brand of Carrier, is a more economical option to save consumers some lettuce. Bryant is the “Toyota,” always reliable, doesn’t have many problems and will last for a very long time. This is the air conditioning system your neighbor and most of the people on your block will have. The Bryant 126B is a great, sturdy and long-lasting AC system and that is why we highly recommend it.

Maytag iQ Drive – PSA4BI – 24.5 SEER

When it comes to efficiency, the Maytag PSA4BI is the industry’s elite. This air conditioning system comes standard with a very strong warranty and it is made of stainless steel. Do you like a system that is extremely quite? The iQ drive puts out a quiet 59 decibles. This system was also awarded a Consumer Digest’s Best Buy^® and rated Most Energy Efficient design in 2012 by Energy Star. Thanks to its energy efficiency and high-end comfort features, this air conditioner qualifies for the Maytag ecoLogic™ green seal.

Your AC Experts

Have questions about the right air conditioning system for your home? While this list is an excellent start, every home is different. Make sure you research the system you may purchase, and double check that the AC company you hire is NATE certified, like Home-Tech. A new air conditioning system is no good unless it is properly installed, balanced and is the proper SEER for the size of your home. Don’t just call anyone, call Home-Tech to learn about our air conditioning options at 800-800-8356.

Filed Under: Air Conditioners, Home-Tech News, Techster’s Appliance and AC Tips Tagged With: air conditioning, Amana, best of 2013, bradenton, bryant, carrier, fort myers, Maytag, naples, sarasota, Trane

Women in Management at Home-Tech: An Interview with Marketing Director, Margo McQueen

March 1, 2013 By dishwasherrepair

Name: Margo McQueen

Position: Marketing Director

How many years have you been with Home-Tech: 2 years

What other positions have you held?

I started in the Marketing Department and have worked in the IT department as well.

What gives you the greatest satisfaction?

To be perceived correctly by the public and our customers is our ultimate goal in the Marketing Department. We are an employee-owned company where each individual truly cares that our customers receive an outstanding concierge-like service experience each time. It is very satisfying to have a website, advertising materials and commercials that truly reflect our company culture so that others can understand the high quality services we offer. I am satisfied each time I hear of one of our customers sharing with another how much they love Home-Tech’s service. Our customers’ satisfaction is my greatest satisfaction!

What is unique about the marketing department?

In all of southwest Florida, I doubt there is another marketing department that has the quality of manpower and womanpower that ours does. We do almost all of our work in-house, including our own public relations. Our CEO has assembled an awesome marketing department and under his steady hand we have built our excellent brand now for over 3 decades. I have spoken to marketing firms that would like to work with us, but in almost every case, the services that they are offering are something we are already doing. They are always amazed that we do everything in-house, but that’s the Home-Tech way.

How would you describe your management style?

I am Home-Tech’s newest manager. I bring what I have learned in the past managing a sales team of 200 women as well as techniques I have learned from other Home-Tech managers. I believe and trust in everyone in our department. They are gifted and creative. I try to provide the environment for them to flourish. Creative people do best when they have time to dream and think and have as little stress as possible. I am trying to carve that space out for them so they can do great work. All brainstorming is welcome. We have fun every day!

Home-Tech is a woman-friendly organization, wouldn’t you agree?

Yes! It may surprise people that a business based on repair of air conditioning and appliances has so many opportunities for women to thrive. The CEO and employee owners have created a culture, though, where everyone can thrive. If you want to work hard, learn every day, “play well with others” and always keep the customer in the front of your mind, you can be successful at Home-Tech.

What advice do you give to newer employees?

In your free time talk to as many other employee owners as you can. Learn what their job description is. The faster you get the whole picture of what Home-Tech does in your mind, the better. The most successful employees understand everything we provide and why we do what we do.

What is your favorite saying?

My favorite saying is “You gotta’ eat the frog first thing”. This is a concept I learned a long time ago and live by every day. You look at your task list for the day, pick the one thing you are dreading and knock it out first thing. You get it over with or “eat the frog”. Once it’s done, the rest of your day just flows so nicely.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

You need to move to Ft. Myers! I had dear friends support me and encourage me to move here 2 years ago and I’m so glad they did. It’s so beautiful here and conducive to healthy living. I’m in love with southwest Florida.

What are your interests outside of Home-Tech?

I’m interested in learning about every little nook and cranny here in southwest Florida and capturing it with my camera. Most of my free time is spent out and about with my dog enjoying the beauty of Florida.

Filed Under: About Us, Home-Tech News, Techster’s Appliance and AC Tips Tagged With: fort myers, Home-Tech

Throw ARC a Wishbone. The ARC Starlight Auction Helps Animals in Need

November 19, 2012 By dishwasherrepair

We are thankful to the various volunteers and different charities in our communities. During this time of year, we tend to focus on charities and not-for-profits who provide meals for the homeless, but let’s not over look the growing need of our homeless animals, as well. When opening up your heart this holiday season, remember all the cats and dogs who could use a warm and caring home, and help out the Animal Refuge Center.

18th Annual ARC Starlight Auction

The Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort and Spa will graciously host the 18th Annual ARC Starlight Auction at 6:00 PM, November 24, 2012. As their signature event, the ARC Starlight Auction is an opportunity to gather and celebrate the year’s successes and to support ARC’s efforts to help homeless pets in need. In one evening, friends of ARC come together to enjoy an exquisite meal and participate in the silent auction and exciting live auction events. These auctions provide a fantastic opportunity to get a jump on your holiday shopping while helping out a great cause. Imagine…holiday gifts that are tax deductible!

If you’re looking for a fun evening filled with excitement and anticipation for a good cause, please join ARC at this year’s annual event. Tickets are $75 each and include admission, dinner, dessert, and a cocktail. Over two hundred sought after auction items will be offered for your bidding pleasure. These items include: South African Photo Safari trips, artwork by local talents, exquisite gems from exclusive jewelers, fine wines, electronics, resort packages, high end restaurant gift certificates and much more. To purchase tickets call (239) 841-0810.

Home-Tech Lends Its’ Paws to ARC

Home-Tech is fully committed to ARC. Not only do we have three employees who sit on the board for ARC, we are also sponsors of the ARC Starlight Auction. We provide repair services on ARC’s buildings and provide our trucks for transportation, when needed. You can even see the dogs of Home-Tech in the ARC 2013 photo calendar. Our very own, Tracey Hendershott, goes on-air at WINK-TV and Fox 4 Morning Blend with the ARC animals up for adoption. We love our pets and certainly love what ARC does for animal welfare.

Did you know that ARC has the largest animal sanctuary in Florida? We fully support their philosophy, which avows that once an animal is accepted for adoption, it will not be destroyed to make room for another. ARC is now placing approximately 500 dogs and cats per year into responsible, loving homes through direct and indirect adoptions. ARC’s on-going mission is the education of the community regarding the importance of spaying and neutering their animal companions, with the ultimate result being the elimination of euthanasia.

How You Can Help with ARC

Attend the auction or purchase auction tickets online
Donate online
Volunteer at Adoption Events
Sign up to receive the ARC e-newsletter to keep up to date on all things ARC

Filed Under: About Us, Community Service, Home-Tech News, Techster’s Appliance and AC Tips Tagged With: community, fort myers

Bosch Dominates Dirty Dishes- Appliances that Get it Done

October 29, 2012 By dishwasherrepair

Appliances, even dishwashers, are not created equal. With Bosch, you not only get the dishes done, you get a J.D. Power and Associates Award-Winning dishwasher, rated the highest in customer satisfaction. And, to top it off, there is an up to $200 rebate on Bosch dishwashers at Home-Tech now through November 25th.

Bosch Dishwasher Rebate Details

To view the rebate form, click here.

Offer valid October 27, 2012 – November 25, 2012.

Buy any eligible Bosch Dishwasher and receive a Bosch Visa Prepaid Card worth up to $200.

Eligible units must be current models listed on the rebate form.

This rebate may not be combined with any other Bosch Manufacturer Rebates.

Not eligible at Lowe’s, Sears & Best Buy

The Dish on Bosch

Bosch appliances are in high demand because they are top performers. Home-Tech knows Bosch dishwashers are not only sleek in design, but are noted as the quietest and most energy efficient in every price class. With only 39 dBA, this is the quietest dishwasher on the market. How about food for thought? Bosch dishwashers use fewer than 200 kilowatt hours per year year and less than two gallons of water per load. This exceeds ENERGY STAR requirements for water by 125% and can save you up to 436 gallons of water every year!

Appliances Invented for Life, by Bosch

Check out the features on the Bosch 24″ Recessed Handle Dishwasher 800 Plus Series:

ActiveTab™ Tray Optimizes Detergent Dissolving
Water Softener Ensures Perfect Cleaning Results
AquaStop® Plus 4-Part Leak Protection Works 24/7
Load Size Sensor Automates Wash Temperature
4 Wash Cycles and 2 Options
Sanitize Option eliminates bacteria and enhances drying results
Variable Spray Pressure
EcoSense™ Reduces Energy Usage by up to 20%
Half Load Option for Small Loads
Multi-Function LED with Remaining Time
24 h Delay Start Timer
Express Wash – In 30 Minutes or Less
Auto Delicate Wash for Fine China
Glass Care Cycle for Fine Glassware
15 Place Setting Capacity
VarioFlex™ Plus Racks for Flexible Loading
RackMatic® Plus – Upper Rack adjusts to 3 Different Loading Levels
Extra Tall Item Sprinkler Cleans Items 22″ Tall

Be a Better Bosch Shopper

Reward yourself with a Rebate! Shop for Bosch dishwashers in Home-Tech’s showrooms or at our online appliance store. Home-Tech sells the best in home appliances and our experienced Appliance Specialists can advise you on the right dishwasher or appliance for your home. Have questions about Bosch dishwashers or other appliances? Give us a call at 800-800-8356.

Filed Under: Appliances, Dishwasher, Home-Tech News, Techster’s Appliance and AC Tips Tagged With: appliance sales, bosch, bradenton, dishwasher, fort myers, lakewood ranch, naples, rebate, sarasota

A Look Inside Home-Tech, An Interview with Sharon Smith

October 26, 2012 By dishwasherrepair

Interview With: Sharon Smith

Position: Parts Manager

Number of Years with Home-Tech: 8 years

What other positions have you held with Home-Tech?

I was living up north in Pittsburgh and found out about Home-Tech online through the website. I applied for a job and moved here. I started out in Customer Service with Tracey Hendershott.

How was that?

It was a good start for me, but I realized it wasn’t the thing I was the best at. Then I was in scheduling, approvals, dispatch. I did research with Gordon and finally ended up in my current position.

What is your favorite part of the job?

Every day is very different and challenging. I really enjoy my team of employees that I work with.

Tell us a secret.

I have an irrational fear of zombies and believe they could actually exist. I love going to Zombiecon in downtown Ft Myers and dressing up. I’m also addicted to The Walking Dead. Sometimes when I’m in the shower my imagination gets the best of me and I start thinking about how one might be breaking into my house! I’m also afraid of spiders!

Filed Under: About Us, Home-Tech News, Techster’s Appliance and AC Tips Tagged With: fort myers, Home-Tech

Sweating Air Conditioning Vents? Try Closing the Windows.

October 25, 2012 By dishwasherrepair

Cooler weather is upon us and we all feel the desire to open up the windows. Whether you live closer to the water on the beach or inland, one rule holds true: Turn OFF your air conditioning if you are going to open up the windows. People say “Don’t sweat the small stuff,” but a sweating air conditioner can cause warping and/or other unwanted water damage to the air conditioning unit, its installation and the overall performance of the unit.

Technical Talk

Air conditioning is designed to operate as a closed loop. If you have the windows open, you are drawing in humid, warm outside air. This forces your AC unit to “condition” that air as well. If you close the windows, the AC unit recirculates the air in the house, removing moisture and cooling much more efficiently. Negative pressure can also be the culprit here. Hot or warm, humid air can seep in from open windows or cracked sliding doors. This extra air coming in will make it difficult for your air conditioner to keep up, it will bog down your system, and increase your energy bills.

The Repeat Offenders

1. The Vacationer: You and your family are on vacation by the beach. The sounds of crashing waves are what you desire, but you also want the cool, dry feeling of air conditioning. You CAN have both, but it requires a Bose sound machine, put on the crashing waves setting. Here is the reality of the situation, it is BAD to keep the AC running with the windows open. The owner of the vacation home, or rental company will thank you for being respectful of their air conditioning.

2. The Prop-the-Door-Open Guy: Think propping the door open for a long period of time won’t effect your AC? Think again. You are effecting the balance of pressure in your home, which will effect the efficiency of your air conditioning system and the indoor air quality. Do you and your AC a favor. Ditch the prop, and just close the door. Your wallet will thank you for increasing the efficiency of your AC.

3.The Forgotten About Filter: Open windows aren’t the only causes of sweaty vent syndrome. Dirty coils or a clogged air filter can also do damage. Be proactive and check your air filter every month. If your air filter is clean and not clogged, and you suspect you have dirty coils, its time for Home-Tech to take over.

4. The Mis-Informed: Have you had an air conditioning technician come out and tell you that sweating air conditioning vents are normal? If so, this homeowner received bad information. Sweating AC vents are not desirable. Perhaps your air conditioning unit is located in a highly humid area or your air conditioning was not properly installed. Call a licensed air conditioning company, like Home-Tech, and have the professionals take a look at it.

Still Sweating Your Air Conditioning

If sweaty grills and vents are prevalent in your home, your energy bills are spiking and the efficiency of your air conditioning is lapsing. It’s time to call Home-Tech and schedule a service call. Our NATE certified technicians will get your humidity and other air conditioning problems taken care of quickly. Your comfort is our priority. We will get your AC performance back to its optimal levels quickly. Save on the cost of this air conditioning repair by using our No Fuss, No Muss Special. Call today to schedule service and to learn more about our services at 800-800-8356.

Filed Under: Air conditioning Repair, Home-Tech News, Techster’s Appliance and AC Tips Tagged With: ac repair, air conditioning, air conditioning installation, air conditioning service, bradenton, fort myers, Home-Tech, lakewood ranch, naples, sarasota

Customer Switches to Home-Tech, Appliances Repaired Same Day

October 24, 2012 By dishwasherrepair

Subject: Attaboy

Hi,

I just wanted to tell you how pleased I was with Justin, #707. He repaired my refrigerator on September 20, 2012 and was very professional. Justin left everything very clean and tidy. I also purchased a Home-Tech Service Agreement with him, since I was very happy with his services.

Previously, I had purchased appliances from [competitor] and had used them for years. In the past I had used them for service and to purchase new appliances. However, when I called [competitor] on Thursday morning for service, they informed me that they would not be able to come out for the repairs until Friday or Monday. They said they would call me on Friday and let me know.

I then decided to call Home-Tech. and your service department said they would be out that afternoon for the appliance repair. I had thought about purchasing your service agreement for about a year and was sorry I did not do it back then. However, I now have it and will certainly recommend your company to everyone I can.

Again, Justin deserves a big ATTABOY!

Thank you.

- Nancy Jo Russell, Fort Myers

Filed Under: appliance repair, Home-Tech News, Techster’s Appliance and AC Tips, Testimonial Tagged With: appliance repair, fort myers, Home-Tech, positive review

Community Events: Home-Tech at Key to the Cure 2012 in Fort Myers

October 19, 2012 By dishwasherrepair

On Thursday, October 18, Home-Tech proudly participated in the 2012 Key to the Cure Breakfast at Saks Fifth Avenue in the Bell Tower Shops. Our very own, Sonya Sawyer served on the Saks Breakfast Hostess Committee for this event. This Key to the Cure event is a collaboration between the Lee Memorial Health System’s Regional Cancer Center and Saks Fifth Avenue. In attendance from Home-Tech was Lizette Hollenbeck, Christina Hollis, Elise Lipoff, Margo McQueen, Kimberly Riching, Sheryl Stahl and Sonya Sawyer.

How Home-Tech Does a Key to the Cure Table

The fun twist on this event was the “decorate your own table” approach. Each table was tasked to create their own unique centerpiece design that was to be auctioned off. The Home-Tech Marketing team, consisting of Margo, Chrissy and Elise spent several weeks putting together the various elements of the table design. The themed colors were black, white and hot pink. Our centerpiece was a shiny stack of stainless steel stockpots and a gift certificate for a tabletop wine cooler. We wanted to remind our community that not only do we provide outstanding air conditioning and appliance installation and repair, but also sell high end appliances like Thermador.

At each place setting, there were several Home-Tech branded items. Each napkin had a Home-Tech band around it, and in front of each plate were cards showing a retro Thermador appliance ad on one side, with their modern version on the other. Each setting had a Home-Tech fan/auction paddle intended to be used during the fashion show or silent auction. On one side it had our logo, and on the other there was a clever saying, like “Need It, Lookin’ Good or Have to Have it!” We were glad we had them during the very humid morning yesterday.

The different elements of the event included a delicious breakfast provided by Cantina Laredo, juice by Sun Harvest Citrus, coffee & muffins from Courtyard Café, 15 custom decorated tables by the Saks Breakfast Hostess Committee, a Saks Fifth Avenue Fall Preview Fashion Show, Cancer Prevention Speaker, Shopping & Special Silent/Live Auction. Music was provided by DJ Robert McDonald from New Beginnings Events!

Shopping for a Cause

The Breakfast at Saks event is a kickoff to the Key to the Cure Charity Shopping Weekend. Saks Fifth Avenue Bell Tower Shops will donate 2% of sales from October 18 through October 21 to benefit women’s cancer initiatives at Lee Memorial Health System’s Regional Cancer Center in Fort Myers during the annual Key to the Cure Charity Shopping Weekend.

Filed Under: About Us, Community Service, Home-Tech News, Techster’s Appliance and AC Tips Tagged With: appliance sales, community, fort myers, Home-Tech, key to the cure

Lanai Lights Shine Bright, Electrical Installation Now Available

October 18, 2012 By dishwasherrepair

Home-Tech is proud to introduce a new product to our customers, Lanai Lights. Lanai Lights are a professional lighting solution that will shed new light on your outdoor living experience. This is the first lighting system specifically designed for screen enclosed space. This easy to use system is attractive and adaptable for docks, fences and pool cages. The beautiful and modern design will compliment your lanai. Don’t grill in the dark anymore, these lights are a great solution for nighttime, outdoor cooking. When you utilize Home-Tech’s professional electrical installation services, you can shed new light on outdoor living in your home.

An Electrical Installation of Lanai Lights include:

Illumination of large areas including lanais, decks and balconies
Allows users to control the intensity of light with a dimmer and a remote control for ease of use
Original incandescent or energy saving “soft” or “Daylight” L.E.D. option available
Specifically designed to project light 170 degrees in the desired direction, avoiding unwanted light pollution
Compatible with existing homes or new construction, designed to fit nearly all standard screen framing
Electrical installation assistance available by Home-Tech
Available in white and bronze to match standard screen enclosure framing
Adaptable to any size outdoor living area, unique modular mounting system can be easily reduced or expanded
Proprietary design, you will not find a comparable product on the market
Plugs into any standard outdoor GFI electrical outlet
Limited One-year manufacturer warranty

Stop by the Home-Tech’s Appliance Showrooms to see a professional electrical installation of the Lanai Light kit. The standard package contains 5 Lanai Lights. Standard Kits are offered in 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 light kits, and lights, wiring, controls, wire covers, instructions and miscellaneous required items. Want to know the cost of the kit with standard electrical installation? Call us to find out more at 800-800-8356. Our Appliance Specialists can answer any questions you may have about this lighting system or any other appliances that Home-Tech sells.

Filed Under: Electrical, Home-Tech News, Techster’s Appliance and AC Tips Tagged With: electrical, fort myers, Home-Tech, installation, lakewood ranch, lanai lights, lighting