Keep Your Home Cool This Summer

Keep Your Home Cool This Summer Without a Big Utility Bill

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Everyone is thrilled – summertime is here! It’s an undeniable fact that we’ve all been anticipating the season. The sun is happy about this too, as this is its opportunity to shine (literally). The issue here is, as much as we love being able to go to the beach, or the sweet freedom to barbecue, we need to stay cool without running up the utility bill! With that being said, have you thought about how to keep your home cool this summer?

While air conditioning is one of the first things that come to mind, the next thing that pops up is the expense that comes with running it during the summer months.

Here are some easy and inexpensive ways to keep your home cool this summer:

  1. GET THERMAL CURTAINS – Thermal curtains (also known as blackout curtains) can help prevent heat transfer, block sunlight and even dampen noise coming in to your home. With a foam-backed, opaque fabric, they black out sunlight and prevent it from entering through your windows when the curtains are closed. They also prevent air from entering or leaving your home, which can help a lot when it comes to keeping your home cool this summer. You might be wondering if it would cost thousands of dollars to install thermal curtains in your home. The good news is they can be very reasonable, especially if you only install them in the rooms with the most exposure to sunlight.
  2. UNPLUG UNNECESSARY APPLIANCES/DEVICES – As irrelevant as this may sound to you, every electronic appliance or device you plug into a wall socket consumes a small amount of energy even when they are not in use. On top of that, they actually emit a small amount of heat, which we all know is not needed during the summer months. Turning off appliances and devices won’t do the trick, so you will need to unplug them if you really want to reduce the amount of energy used in your home.
  3. MAKE USE OF NATURAL LIGHT AND HIGH EFFICIENCY LIGHTING – Do you know that a traditional 100 watt light bulb can increase the temperature in a small room by 11 degrees? This is a perfect reason why you should use energy efficient light bulbs, like LEDs, or take advantage of natural light as much as you possibly can. Some people might shy away from switching to LED light bulbs due to the upfront cost, but once you do the math you will realize that you can’t afford not to make the switch. For example, if you replaced 20 standard light bulbs with LED light bulbs, you could save over $3,000 throughout a 20 year period (not accounting for utility rates rising over this period).
  4. COOK MEALS OUTSIDE – On a normal warm day, your kitchen will heat up enough to make you sweat when the oven is turned on. Now, imagine what turning an oven on in an already scorching house would do? Instead of increasing the temperature inside of your home, try to pre-plan meals, so that you don’t have to use the oven during the day. Instead, cook on the grill, use a microwave, or prepare a meal that doesn’t require cooking. If you absolutely must use the oven in your home, before noon or after the heat of the day is the right time if you really want to keep your home cool.
  5. SET YOUR CEILING FAN TO COUNTER CLOCKWISE DIRECTION – Here’s a fact: there is a right way to use your ceiling fan depending on the season. On most ceiling fans, there is a small switch that changes the direction of air flow. During the winter, your ceiling fan should run on the lowest speed and rotate in a clockwise direction. This pulls cool air up toward the ceiling, which in turn displaces the warm air that rises and collects near the ceiling. However, during summer months, it should rotate in a counter clockwise direction to push the cooler air down towards the ground.
  6. DON’T NEGLECT YOUR HVAC SYSTEM – We can’t get rid of air conditioning during the summer, as it is one of the best ways to keep our homes cool, even when we consider the cost to run it. To keep your HVAC system running at its best this summer, you need it serviced by a licensed professional as soon as possible.

Do you need HVAC service in the Greater Sacramento area? Peck Heating & Air Conditioning has been serving the Greater Sacramento area since 1977 and we would be happy to help! Call us at (916) 409-0768 or click here to schedule an appointment now.

Peck Services

Heating & Cooling Efficiently

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As much as half of the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling. So making smart decisions about your home’s heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can have a big effect on your utility bills — and your comfort. Take these steps to increase the efficiency of your heating and cooling system.

Change your air filter regularly
Check your filter every month, especially during heavy use months (winter and summer). If the filter looks dirty after a month, change it. At a minimum, change the filter every 3 months. A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder to keep you warm or cool — wasting energy. A clean filter will also prevent dust and dirt from building up in the system — leading to expensive maintenance and/or early system failure.

Tune up your HVAC equipment yearly
Just as a tune-up for your car can improve your gas mileage, a yearly tune-up of your heating and cooling system can improve efficiency and comfort. Learn more:

Install a programmable thermostat
A programmable thermostat is ideal for people who are away from home during set periods of time throughout the week. Through proper use of pre-programmed settings, a programmable thermostat can save you about $180 every year in energy costs.

Seal your heating and cooling ducts
Ducts that move air to-and-from a forced air furnace, central air conditioner, or heat pump are often big energy wasters. Sealing and insulating ducts can improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system by as much as 20 percent — and sometimes much more.

Focus first on sealing ducts that run through the attic, crawlspace, unheated basement, or garage. Use duct sealant (mastic) or metal-backed (foil) tape to seal the seams and connections of ducts. After sealing the ducts in those spaces, wrap them in insulation to keep them from getting hot in the summer or cold in the winter. Next, look to seal any other ducts that you can access in the heated or cooled part of the house.

Consider installing ENERGY STAR qualified heating and cooling equipment
If your HVAC equipment is more than 10 years old or not keeping your house comfortable, have it evaluated by a professional HVAC contractor. If it is not performing efficiently or needs upgrading, consider replacing it with a unit that has earned the ENERGY STAR. Depending on where you live, replacing your old heating and cooling equipment with ENERGY STAR qualified equipment can cut your annual energy bill by more than $115. But before you invest in a new HVAC system, make sure that you have addressed the big air leaks in your house and the duct system. Sometimes, these are the real sources of problems rather than your HVAC equipment.

Ask about Proper Installation of your new equipment
Replacing your old heating and cooling equipment with new, energy-efficient models is a great start. But to make sure that you get the best performance, the new equipment must be properly installed. In fact, improper installation can reduce system efficiency by up to 30 percent – costing you more on your utility bills and possibly shortening the equipment’s life.

To read more about this and see support documents, please visit https://www.energystar.gov

Content Credit: Energy Star

Fall HVAC Checklist

Fall HVAC Maintenance Checklist

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With average costs anywhere between $150 and $425, having your HVAC system professionally cleaned may not be in the budget. While you cannot solve every issue with preventative maintenance, here are seven do-it-yourself tips you need to know to keep your system healthy.

  • Check and replace your air filters often.

    The most important thing you can do at home is inspect your air filter. Dirty air filters make your HVAC system less efficient and cause undue strain on its working parts.

  • Set a reminder each month to check your air filter and replace it if it is dirty or clogged. While the general rule is to change your filter every 30 to 90 days, they may need to be replaced more often if you have pets or open your windows often.
  • Another thing to consider is purchasing a new high-efficiency pleated air filter. The folds in these filters trap more small particles than traditional filters, keeping your system clean and your family healthy.

  • Keep your AC and heating systems free of debris.

    If you have an outdoor unit, it is important to keep the system free of debris. Check your unit every week or so  for leaves, pollen, dirt, sticks or other debris. Clear the debris from the top and sides of the system using gloves and, if necessary, a hose. This allows for maximum airflow to the fan and increases your unit’s efficiency and lifespan.

    In order to ensure the cleanest system possible, try to remove anything that blocks air flow to the system, leaving about two feet of space around the unit.

  • Clean your registers

    Try to keep your registers and ducts clean of dust and debris. Be sure to wipe down your registers as often as possible to keep dust and debris out of your system.

  • Give your humidifier a vacation.

    In order to give your system a rest in the summer, turn off your furnace humidifier’s water supply. When the cooler months approach, replace the water panel (also know as humidifier pad), set the relative humidity between 35 and 45 percent, and turn the water supply to the furnace humidifier back on.

  • Listen for unusual noises.

    One more passive things you can do is to keep an ear open for odd noises when your system is running. Often times, noises in your system are created by register blockages, debris in the vents, or loose bolts on the furnace or registers. If you hear any odd noises, try to locate the source. If you can’t find the source, check out this list of common HVAC system noises, what they mean and how to fix them. If this does not solve the problem, go to tip seven.

  • Use fans to give your system a break.

    Another passive way to keep your system healthy is to use fans when possible to give your system a break.

    On hot summer days, use ceiling fans and portable fans to circulate air through the house and help your HVAC system bring the temperature in your home down quicker. On cooler days, instead of programming your thermostat, open your windows and turn on your fans to circulate the cool air into the house and keep temperatures comfortable.

    Giving your system a break when you can will lengthen the life of equipment and save you money on your energy bills.

  • Know when to call a professional.

    Many HVAC manufacturers require annual preventative maintenance in order to maintain the unit’s warranty. Check your warranty to determine if/when maintenance is required by an HVAC professional.

    If your system does require preventative maintenance, it is best to schedule your check-up for the cooling system in the spring and your heating system in the fall, before HVAC professionals get busy. HVAC professionals will check your system for problems, adjust loose bolts and wires, and address any other issues you may have.

What You Can Do Yourself

From the extra task of raking leaves to sealing cracks and applying weather stripping to keep the cold out, there are many tasks on your to-do list. One more to add to your list this time of year is HVAC maintenance! Below are crucial steps that you should take to properly care for your heating system this season. This will not only keep your system in good shape, but it will help save you money in the long run!

DIY Outdoor System Care

  • Clear vegetation and debris away from your exterior heat pump unit. This will ensure adequate airflow and help to prevent damage to the unit.
  • Shut down your air conditioner for the winter. Inspect it for damage, and protect it with a cover if you choose. Turn off the outdoor switch to prevent your air conditioner from being turned on accidentally.

DIY Indoor System Care

  • Make sure any combustible products are stored away from your heating system.
  • Inspect your air filter and replace it if needed. A clean air filter will work to reduce indoor contaminants throughout the winter season, as well as facilitate proper airflow into your home.
  • Make sure your registers are clear of obstruction. Move heavy furniture and other items which may be blocking registers, preventing heating from reaching your living spaces and potentially straining your system.
  • Change the water panel of your home’s humidifier. Doing so will help your humidifier function at its best throughout winter to alleviate dry air problems and ensure your home maintains proper humidity levels.
  • Replace the batteries in your carbon monoxide detector. This should be done annually to protect your family from undetected carbon monoxide exposure.

What You Should Leave to the professionals

There are some tasks best left to the professionals. Heating systems are composed of sensitive equipment which requires maintenance to improve performance and efficiency. This fall, make it a priority to schedule professional fall HVAC maintenance. A trusted HVAC contractor will provide essential cleaning, care, and inspection to ensure your heating system can handle the important job of keeping your home comfortable through the cold months.

Content Credit: Will Housh at HVAC.com

Christmas Tips

The Helpful Guide to a Simple Christmas

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WRITTEN by JOSHUA BECKER

“When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things – not the great occasions – give off the greatest glow of happiness.” – Bob Hope

I am often asked for thoughts and advice on celebrating Christmas. And when I am, there are a number of helpful resources I send out in reply.

Personally, I have written my Christmas thoughts elsewhere: I respect gift-giving as a love language and do not want to rob my family members of that simple joy. But I prefer quality over quantity, needs over wants, experiences over products, and provide gift wish-lists whenever possible. For the kids, we reevaluate toy boxes and closet space a few months after the holidays to determine if there are items (new or old) to remove. The philosophy is simple, straight-forward, and easy to manage.

But I am not the first to write about enjoying a simpler Christmas. In fact, as I mentioned earlier, there are countless posts/articles/guides on experiencing a simple, stress-free Christmas. And in an effort to create a valuable resource for myself and others, here is a comprehensive list of the best links in one handy, thorough, shareable guide.

The Helpful Link Guide to a Simpler Christmas

Rethinking Christmas.

The Case Against Buying Christmas Presents | Zen Habits – I love Christmas, but the shopping has got to go. Here’s why.

1 Simple Strategy to Save $2,000 this Holiday and Make Everyone Love You Forever | Far Beyond the Stars – You’ve been bombarded by advertising since the day you were born telling you that the only way Christmas would be a success was if you spent somewhere around $1,000 on gifts for people.

The $100 Christmas | Mother Jones – We felt cheated by the Christmases we were having — so rushed, so busy, so full of mercantile fantasy and catalog hype that we couldn’t relax and enjoy the season.

35 Gifts Your Children Will Never Forget | Becoming Minimalist – I have countless holiday memories. Most of them center around faith, family, and traditions. But very few childhood memories actually include the gifts I received.

Gift-Giving Guides.

One Less Gift – A Holiday Gift Exemption Certificate | Miss Minimalist – Tired of holiday consumerism? Give a “One Less Gift” Certificate to someone special.

A Non-Consumer Christmas: Simple Gifts for Kids and Grown-Ups | Get Rich Slowly – Not sure what to buy for your loved ones this year? Consider buying nothing at all.

18 Non-Toy Gifts for Children | Nourishing Minimalism – A great way to combat too many toys, is to shift all the gifts to non-toy items.

Simple, Practical Guides.

7 Tips to Overcome Holiday Gift Clutter | Becoming Minimalist – How can we create space to both humbly accept gifts and remain clutterfree? What specific steps can we take to successfully overcome holiday gift clutter?

The Top of Your Holiday To-Do List: Breathe. | The Art of Simple – Your holiday preparation assignment today? Breathe. Relax your shoulders. And do the following.

Three Steps to a Simplified Holiday | Be More With Less – For far too long, Western culture has convinced us that the best types of holiday celebrations involve more – more decorations, more presents, more time commitments, more stuff.

Beyond the Tension: Having Christmas with Joy | Small Notebook – After sampling both sides, I choose to do those things that reflect joy in my activities and attitude.

Holiday Printable Guides.

Christmas Budget Worksheet | Life Your Way

Christmas Gift List | Life Your Way

Emotional Needs.

How to Survive (and Thrive) During the Holidays When You Feel Alone | Zen Habits – There may be some of you who are going through these holidays without family, without anyone perhaps, and I know that can be extremely rough. This post is for you.

This Christmas, Give Peace | Becoming Minimalist – Family relationships can cause conflict, turmoil, and stress at any time, but the tensions are often heightened during the holidays – that is what makes the Christmas season so difficult for many.

Finding Happiness in the Midst of Grief | Zen Habits – Pay attention to the people in your life because relationships are the only true wealth.

Content Credit: Joshua Becker at https://www.becomingminimalist.com/simple-christmas-links/

Your Home’s Fall Checklist

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Fall is the perfect time to take care of the little things that can make a big difference for you and your home. Most of the tasks listed
below are well with-in the average person’s ability. But even if you choose to have a professional handle them, it’s worth the expense. You’ll save money — and maybe even your life.

Here’s the checklist at a glance. See the following pages for more detailed guidance.

  • Get your mind in the gutters. Inspect and clean gutters and downspouts.
  • Button up your overcoat. Seal gaps and cracks around windows and doors with weather-stripping and caulk.
  • Get on top of roof problems. Inspect your roof for damaged or curled shingles, corroded flashing, or leaky vents.
  • Walks the walks (and drives). Take steps to repair damaged sidewalks, driveways, and steps.
  • Chill out. Drain and winterize outdoor faucets and irrigation systems.
  • Freshen your filter. Clean or replace dirty furnace filters.
  • Give your furnace a physical. Have a professional inspect your heating system.
  • Gather round the hearth. Check fireplaces for soot or creosote build-up. Better yet, schedule a visit from a reputable chimney sweep.
  • Keep the humidifier humming. Clean the plates or pads to ensure efficient operation.
  • Head-off gas problems. If you have a gas-fired room heater, have it inspected by a pro. Also, perform any routine maintenance recommended by the maker.
  • Keep the wood fires burning brightly. Wood stoves are making a comeback. To avoid a deadly situation, be sure to inspect yours before firing it up.
  • Keep your family safe at home. A home safety check should be an annual ritual in every household. Test smoke and CO monitors, inspect (or install) fire extinguishers, review fire escape plans, and rid your home of old newspapers and other fire hazards.

Read more at http://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/maintenance/weatherizing/your-homes-fall-checklist/

Content Credit: Better Homes and Gardens

HVAC Energy Saving Tips

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Here are some HVAC Energy Saving Tips from PG&E. For even more tips, check out this Energy Saving Tips page on their website.Energy Saving Lightbulb

  • Turn off equipment when not in use
  • Set thermostats at 78 degrees Fahrenheit for cooling in the summer and 68 degrees Fahrenheit for heating in the winter.
  • Close curtains, shades and blinds at night, during unoccupied periods of the day and on weekends to maintain comfortable room temperatures and lower heating and cooling costs.
  • Regularly clean and perform maintenance on AC and HVAC unites, cleaning condenser coils, replacing air filters and checking ducts and pipe insulation for damage.
  • Install motion detectors to control lighting in frequently unoccupied areas, such as restrooms.
  • Add weather stripping, caulking or foam around windows and doors to reduce drafts.
  • Adjust foor latches, replace worn door gaskets, install auto-closers and add strip curtains to walk-in refrigerator and freezor doors.
  • When purchasing desktop computers, monitors, printers fax machines and copiers, consider ENERGY STAR models that hibernate after periods of inactivity.

Here’s a chart showing peak times during summer and winter times.

HVAC Tips from PG&EAt Peck Heating & Air Conditioning, we’ve been serving the Greater Sacramento area since 1977 and look forward to helping you with your air conditioning and heating needs.  We’re pleased to serve both residential and commercial customers; each of our experts is prepared to help you with sales, service and installation of the comfort system that is ideal for your home or business.

Call us at (916) 409-0768 for a quote!

Things to Consider When Choosing a Heating and Air Contractor

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Picking the right contractor is very important when looking for a new air conditioning or heating system in the greater Sacramento area.  Below, you will find a few questions to ask yourself before choosing which contractor to hire.

      1. How long has the heating and air Oleg, Peck HVAC technicianconditioning contractor been serving the Greater Sacramento area?
      2. Does the AC and Heating contractor offer name brand products like Rheem, American Standard or Mitsubishi?
      3. Did the Sacramento area AC technician actually do any diagnostic testing on your system before providing you with a quote?
      4. Did you research the local Sacramento AC company you are getting a quote from?  Look them up on Yelp, Angie’s List and the Better Business Bureau to find out more about their reputation.
      5. Are you rushing the decision because you are being pressured by the AC technician or AC sales representative that came to your house?
      6. Are you considering a Sacramento area AC Company based on a low cost air conditioning quote you received?
      7. Is the initial cost deterring you from going with the proper heating and cooling system for your Sacramento area home?  If needed, does the HVAC contractor offer good financing programs?

At Peck Heating & Air Conditioning, we’ve been serving the Greater Sacramento area since 1977 and look forward to helping you with your air conditioning and heating needs.  We’re pleased to serve both residential and commercial customers; each of our experts is prepared to help you with sales, service and installation of the comfort system that is ideal for your home or business.

Call us at (916) 409-0768 for a quote!

HVAC Customer Assurance Plan

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Our HVAC Customer Assurance Plan (C.A.P.) can help decrease your utility bill, extend the life of your system, and improve the air quality of your home. With summer right around the corner, now’s the time to plan and prepare!. Keep your home comfy and cool during the hot days of summer, with a great maintenance plan from Peck Heating & Air Conditioning!

 Peck’s HVAC Customer Assurance Plan (C.A.P.) Offers:

  • Inspect compressor connector
  • Check for abnormal odors and noises
  • Remove dirt, leaves, and debris from inside cabinet
  • Inspect outdoor fan motor and blades; lubricate as necessary
  • Inspect control box, controls, and wiring connections
  • Inspect compressor and associated tubing for damage
  • Monitor for starting capabilities, check for correct voltage/amp draw
  • A thorough Fall inspection of your Furnace
  • Discounts off necessary repairs and/or new equipment
  • And More!

Don’t get caught off guard, keep your family comfortable all year-round! Schedule a Spring inspection now (check out our Specials page for current offers), or to find out how our C.A.P. Maintenance Package can give you peace of mind…

Call Today 916-409-0768! 

Peck HVAC Customer Assurance Plan

Peck Heating & Air Conditioning Maintenance Plan

 

 

Roseville Electric HVAC Rebate

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Roseville Electric HVAC Rebate

  • Premium Level HVAC Rebate increased to $850
  •  From March 1, 2015 through June 30, 2015

The latest Roseville Electric HVAC Rebate offers our readers and residential customers in the Roseville area, a great way to save! As we’re approaching the spring and summer months, it’s a good time to think about replacing your old HVAC unit with a more energy efficient one.  Like most of us, you’ll most likely want to replace your system with the most affordable model available.

Roseville Electric’s increased rebate is designed to help close the gap between a minimum efficiency unit and a “Premium Level” 16 SEER / 13 EER unit. You will be required to comply with all existing program requirements and qualifications, which have been established for the “Premium Level” rebate.

Roseville Electric HVAC Rebate Premium Level Requirements:

  • Split System AC or Heat Pump 16 SEER / 13 EER / 9HSPF
  • Package System AC or Heat Pump 16 SEER / 12.5 EER / 8.4 HSPF
  • Programmable Thermostat

Qualifications for the increased rebate offer will be determined by the purchase date identified on your invoice.

Please Remember:

  • “Saver and Elite Level” rebates will remain unchanged.
  • If you’ve already received a rebate for a purchase and installation prior to March 1, 2015 you won’t qualify for this spring special rebate.

Visit the city’s website for more details: Roseville Electric

REMEMBER THIS FANTASTIC OFFER EXPIRES JUNE 30TH, 2015

GIVE US A CALL NOW FOR YOUR FREE REPLACEMENT ESTIMATE!

916-409-0768

 

 

 

 

 

HVAC Maintenance…

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Our HVAC Maintenance Plan…

hvac maintenance, peck heating & air conditioning

Peck Heating & Air Conditioning can help keep your system running smoothly!

Ben Franklin had it right when he said ” An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”! To keep your home or business warm in the winter and cool in the summer, there’s no better way than to have your system maintained by a reputable company like Peck Heating and Air Conditioning.

Chances are, that you are paying too much in utilities!

Did you know?

  • Your air conditioning and heating costs are 40%-70% of your monthly utility bill.
  • Dirty coils, filters and equipment are responsible for over 50% of most breakdowns!
  • Only 1/16th inch of dirt on a coil can raise your utility bill 20%!
  • Dirty equipment = dirty air that you are breathing!

Our Customer Assurance Plan

Outdoors, We Will:

  • Clean dirt, leaves and debris from inside cabinet
  • Inspect coil and cabinet, clean as necessary
  • Inspect fan motor and blades; lubricate as necessary
  • Inspect control box, controls, and wiring connectors
  • Inspect compressor and associated tubing for damage
  • Inspect compressor connector

Indoors, We Will:

  • Inspect blower assembly, fan belt and motor, lubricate and clean as necessary
  • Inspect evaporator coil, drain pan and condensate lines, clean as necessary
  • Inspect for gas leaks
  • Inspect burner assembly, clean & adjust as necessary
  • Inspect ignition & safety control-clean and adjust as required
  • Inspect ignition & safety controls – clean & adjust as necessary
  • Inspect heat exchanger & heating elements
  • Inspect flue systems- (carbon monoxide kills)
  • Inspect control box, controls, wiring and connections
  • Inspect air flow – check for leaks at unit
  • Clean washable type filters

With Your HVAC Maintenance Plan, We Will:

  • Monitor for starting capabilities
  • Listen for abnormal noises
  • Monitor HVAC system for correct refrigerant charge
  • Investigate abnormal odors or smells
  • Monitor your HVAC system for correct voltage/amp draw
  • Monitor operating system – making certain that system operates as intended by the manufacturer
  • Cover correct system operation with owner

Sign up for your HVAC maintenance plan today and start saving on your utility bills! Let PECK help you save money by cleaning and maintaining your equipment! We’re proud to say that our family business has been here for over 30 years!