Preparing Your Home for the Thanksgiving Holiday

Getting your home ready for the Thanksgiving Day holiday can become stressful, but breaking the tasks down into steps and using a calendar to keep track of all of the errands and activities can make it simpler.

A cool autumn day is the perfect time to begin some housecleaning chores such as shampooing the carpets and upholstered furniture. Some may also wish for the exterior of their home to look perfect. This is why you should start by going outside and removing decayed lawn debris such as tree branches or leaves.

1: Make Do-It-Yourself Decorations

If you are looking for an easy do-it-yourself decoration to place next to each of your guests’ Thanksgiving dinner plate, then buy a few cases of glass canning jars.

Here are the supplies you will need to decorate your Thanksgiving table:

• Glass canning jars
• Rustic twine
• Glue
• Foam brush
• Potting soil
• Flowering autumn plants

You can smear glue on the outside of each canning jar before wrapping the twine around it from the bottom to the top.

After the glue dries, fill the canning jar halfway with potting soil before adding a beautiful flowering plant such as a chrysanthemum, zinnia, or whatever plant you choose from your local flower shop. Your guests will love taking one of these do-it-yourself decorations home as a party favor.

2: Pick Out Fresh Pumpkins at a Pumpkin Patch

The shriveling pumpkins that we still have from Halloween are tossed into the trash, and now is a great time to plan a family trip to the local pumpkin patch to get new decorations for your home’s porch and dining room table.

In addition to pumpkins, there are often small gourds in a variety of colors that are great for placing on your living room’s fireplace mantel and end tables.

It’s always a good idea to pick extra pumpkins to have puree for making delicious pumpkin pies, muffins and bread. You can also look for recipes to roast the pumpkin seeds.

3: Inspect and Clean Kitchen Appliances Thoroughly

A week before Thanksgiving Day, begin to inspect and clean your kitchen’s appliances to make sure that they are ready to roast a turkey and other dishes along with storing the leftovers. In addition to sanitizing the refrigerator, stove and microwave, verify that your kitchen's oven is working optimally to cook Thanksgiving dishes and that your home's HVAC system has received proper maintenance.

If your heating system isn't working properly; then contact Atlantic Heating & Air Conditioning in Boston, MA at this number: (617) 566-6990.

In modern times, cooling your home down is as simple as turning on your trusty A/C unit, but years ago, people had to rely more heavily on the design and construction of their homes in order to keep cool. Design and architecture serve aesthetic purposes, but as these design elements reveal, there is a definite function to this fashion.

1. Ceiling Height

High ceilings not only contribute to an overall sense of space, but they also serve to draw the hot air that is inclined to rise anyway. In older homes, these high ceilings were usually flanked with strategically placed banks of windows, which meant that this hot air had a direct escape route; far away from the homeowners sitting below.

Similarly, the positions of these windows along with the height of the ceilings also create some good cross-ventilation paths.

2. Relaxing on the Porch

Is there anything more idyllic than relaxing with friends and family at the day’s end on your front porch, enjoying each other’s company and a cool summer breeze, all at the same time?

Not only was this a daily social event in many areas during the earlier parts of the 20th century and before, but this was also actually a great way for people to keep cool.

Those wide wraparound porches are covered from the elements, and by design permit great air flow. When it got unbearably hot in the height of summer, people even camped out on their porches, sleeping there for the night.

3. The Shotgun Design

This housing type has a funny name but also has very effective use of design principles to promote airflow and keep it cool inside.

These houses are long and very narrow. Each room is built directly behind the one in front, connected wall-to-wall, rather than with hallways. It’s called a “shotgun” design, because in theory you could stand in the front door and fire a shotgun, with the bullet passing through each doorway and right out the back door.

In terms of cooling, the combination of high ceilings in close proximity to many windows sets the stage for free-flowing breeze and cross-ventilation.

4. Stone Walls

It’s not uncommon today to see people choosing stone as a building material, not just for the aesthetic, but if they are trying to build an energy-efficient home.

Stone is very slow to absorb changes in temperature (particularly heat) so that means it will take a long time for rooms insulated by stone walls to rise in temperature. Even in the heat of summer, these homes can remain reasonably cool.

Of course, this cooling power is given a boost if the nights are cooler, which is very effective during those seasons when nights are cooler, but days are still pretty hot.

We are a company that likes to think outside the box to provide you with quality heating and cooling solutions. Call Atlantic Heating & Air Conditioning in Boston, MA at (617)-566-6990 to find out more.

Join Atlantic Heating & Air Conditioning to Stop Bullying

Atlantic Heating & Air Conditioning believes it's important that our communities understand how bullying affects all of us. While most of the repercussions of intimidation and violence are associated with children, anyone can experience the negative impact of being bullied.

Victims have been known to suffer from anxiety, depression, sadness and loss of interest in work, studies, and hobbies. Sufferers have seen negative changes in their health. Bullying needs to stop!

Bullying has to be a matter we all confront to ensure victims feel protected and safe. During the month of October, we hope everyone who reads these words will join us in the fight against bullying by participating in and promoting the following events.

National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month

October brings together schools and organizations around the country in hopes of educating and encouraging communities to stop bullying and cyberbullying and give victims the courage to step forward.

Run, Walk, or Roll Against Bullying: October 6th

Sponsored by PACER and the National Bullying Prevention Center, Run, Walk, or Roll Against Bullying looks to raise awareness while engaging in fun activities for the whole family.

Freedom from Workplace Bullying: October 14th-20th

Freedom from Workplace Bullying hopes to get adults to get past the potential shame that keeps them silent and seek out help. Let's inspire witnesses to step forward, take a stand and make the workplace safe from bullying for everyone.

Unity Day: October 10th

CustomInk and PACER are sponsoring this event for the sixth straight year. Wear an orange shirt or get CustomInk's official "Be United" shirt and show your support for inclusion, kindness, and acceptance.

Stop Bullying Bystanders: October 14th-20th

Bystanders can play key roles in preventing and stopping bullying. This event is to remind witnesses not to ignore bullying or other signs of violence.

National Stop Bullying Day: October 12th

This event encourages everyone to spread the word about the dangers of bullying through #NationalStopBullyingDay. It's a great way to get the conversation started and maybe help a few victims find the courage to speak up.

We need to remove the stigma to hide when we're being bullied. Bullying can affect people for their entire lives, even long after the victims have left their bullies in the past. We need the generous spirit of people ready to support the cause and make a difference. We're asking every parent, student, co-worker, business, school and politician to decide what they can do to help.

Attend an event, educate your children, make sure local schools are doing the same, stand up for someone, report the bullying, or donate money or your time to an anti-bullying organization.

Atlantic Heating & Air Conditioning hopes you join us to stop bullying. Come by our office in Boston, MA or give us a call at (617) 566-6990 to talk about the HVAC services we offer!

With summer behind us, it’s a great time to get down to the business of being a homeowner by giving your home a really deep clean. In addition to tackling small repairs that you’ve put on the back burner through the summer, it’s time to get to those cleaning “extras.”

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These steps will go far to keep your home in good shape- not to mention it will look good too. To do the best job possible, you’ve got to have the right tools. Here are five items that you’ll find useful when you are cleaning this fall.

1 - Keep a Lint Roller Handy

As far as cleaning tools go, you can’t get more versatile than a lint roller. Use it in areas that your vacuum can’t reach or clean effectively, like furniture, clothing, curtains, the insides of drawers, your purse or even your car. It also does double duty as a duster for things like lampshades or draperies.

2 - Vacuum for the Carpets and More

You probably tracked a lot of extra dirt and dust through your home this summer, as is usually the case. Pull it out of your carpets with a good solid vacuum of each room.

Also vacuum your upholstered furniture, throw pillows and window coverings. It’s a good idea to vacuum around smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, because dust gathers there over time, which can be problematic.

3 - Vinegar- The Only Cleaner You Need

Got dirt? Got grime or grease? No matter your mess, a solution with vinegar is your best bet to getting it really, really clean. The fact that vinegar is natural, which means that it is safer for your family and less expensive is just a bonus.

In your kitchen alone, you can use vinegar to clean the floors, sinks, fixtures, pipes, the refrigerator and countertops.

4 - The Magic of Microfiber

There is no need to spend lots of money on high-end dusters and cleaning cloths. Microfiber cloths will do the job very well.

You can use them to dust (when they are dry) and as a durable cleaning cloth (when wet). The tiny fibers in the cloths work to pull the dirt out more effectively than other kinds of cleaning tools.

5 - Get a Good Rake

Not only can your rake pull together a pile of leaves for the kids to jump into, but it's also part of your essential cleaning kit. Use it to clean gatherings of leaves from your lawn in preparation for winter. You can also use it to help clean out window wells and gutters. Gutters need to be clear to drain water in the spring.

When getting your home ready for winter, don’t forget to check your furnace. This is the season to have it professionally cleaned and tuned up. We’ll get you ready to handle the Boston, MA winter with ease. Call Atlantic Heating & Air Conditioning at (617) 566-6990.

September is National Fruits and Veggies Month

National Fruits and Veggies Month is an excellent time to find ways to incorporate these wonderful foods into your diet. They're nutritious, filling and full of vitamins and minerals our bodies need to function. While many people enjoy fruits, it's sometimes harder to get the right amount of veggies in your meals throughout the day.

The following are some excellent tips to recognize these foods during National Fruits and Veggies Month.

Learn to Snack Healthy

Snacking is a good habit to have if you choose the right snacks. The humble apple and banana are both filling, affordable and nutritious snacks that are also portable. Not only will they fulfill a sweet craving, but will also help satiate hunger until your next meal.

Edamame is another healthy snack that is appetizing with a dip like hummus. Add in some carrots and pepper strips and you have a colorful meal that is full of vitamins.

Visit a Local Farmers’ Market

The farmers’ market is one of the best places to find fresh produce that is in season. The produce at the farmers’ market may have even been picked the day before or that same morning.

Many farmers’ markets also sell some produce that has been preserved or pickled by the family. These products offer a fun way to try a new jam or jelly that you may not find in the grocery store. The following are some unique items that you may find at your local farmers market.

• Rhubarb
• Heirloom tomatoes
• Okra
• New apple varieties
• Locally-grown food

Know the Benefits of Eating Fruits and Vegetables

It's important to understand the reason why the body thrives off eating a variety of fruits and vegetables. There are many benefits from eating fresh produce.

Once you find your favorites, it will become easier to find new ways to prepare them to ensure you get the recommended daily servings. Here are some of the most exciting benefits of eating fruits and vegetables:

• They're filling with minimal calories
• Many contain fiber to aid in digestion
• Greens and berries have antioxidants to help counteract the effects of aging

The next time you're planning a meal or snack, be sure to incorporate at least 2 or 3 fruits or vegetables. When you're shopping, look for a new variety each time you go to the store. You can always find recipes for nearly anything online, and it's tons of fun to expand your palate and try new things!

Now that we’ve discussed the benefits of fruits and veggies, our company, Atlantic Heating & Air Conditioning would like to offer you a hand with your HVAC needs in Boston, MA . Give us a call at (617) 566-6990.