Sunday, April 7, 2019

Rheem, A Greater Degree of Good

Around the globe many companies are changing the way they do business. They are employing new practices to reduce environmental impact. Rheem is the first manufacture of heating and air conditioning equipment that has stepped up as there “Green Game” with it’s Sustainability Program. The Rheem Sustainability Program has many parts. At the top of the list is the Design For Zero Waste. By using recycled materials and reducing the amount of materials used in manufacturing their equipment.

Rheem’s line of super high efficient water heaters, furnaces, air handlers and air conditioners are leading the way in reduced energy consumption equipment for homeowners. Home comfort and high efficiently are not mutually exclusive as many brands would have you believe. Rheem’s Platinum line of heating and cooling equipment is a marvel of science and engineering. Not only does it use 40% less energy, it balances a homes exact humidity and temperature by reading and adjusting every other second. Using inverter technology they have mastered comfort in a way that you have to experience to understand.

Inverter technology allows the system to dial it’s self down with out shutting fully off. In essence the unit will bring the home to the desired temperature using 100% of it capability and then dial down to as little as 30% to maintain that comfort. It may dial it’s self up in the hottest part of the day and then back down as the evening cools. While standard air conditioners are subject to hysteresis or a lag time in when the home is comfortable and then rise to a temperature that is not before turning back on, this is not the case with the the Platinum Inverter.

 

 

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Saturday, January 12, 2019

Why we are not Promoting Trane?

It is hard to argue that Trane isn’t a quality brand. Moreover, the Trane condenser coils are a scientific advancement that makes other brands envy. Foundationally, they have always taken care of their employees and their employees consistently turned out a premium product.  They honor their warranties and make it easier than brands like Lenox for technicians to obtain replacement parts for immediate warranty repairs.

So why is it that we are not a fan anymore?

I believe that, to spite their many attributes there are 4 glaring problems we have seen and expect to see more of in the future.

A few years ago, and with little fanfare, Ingersoll Rand the parent company of Trane and American Standard began to outsource the manufacturing of the AC Compressor. As a long-time service tech, I can say with confidence that the old compressor and the new compressor are not in the same league. Many times, I have personally replaced fans, switches, capacitors and other parts on 25-year-old Trane and American Standard systems with the original compressors. Yes 25-year-old compressors. Not only were they still working but they were pulling no more amps than when they were installed on the home originally. Impressed? I still am.

The New and (Not Necessarily) Improved Compressor

In the past 2 to 3 years we have had 4 compressor failures on Newly installed Tranes and believe we know of 3 more that will fail in the next year or so. Unfortunately, the call backs keep coming in.

I have to wonder why Trane and American Standard stopped making their own compressors. One can only speculate it had something to do with cost. It is no secret that labor is much cheaper in Korea. Also, if they had to outsource the manufacturing of their compressors, why didn’t they go to the biggest and best manufacture with the longest and best reputation like theirs. Copland has been around forever. Next to the Trane compressor, Copland is what we find still working in some 20 to 30 year old units still in service.

Copland scroll is the most widely used compressor in the USA. If you ask this old HVAC workhorse, I think the Copland compressor coupled with the ingenious Trane condenser coil design is the smartest match up you could find. Unfortunately there seems to be little hope of a change on the horizon.

Is it time for a new furnace design?

For all the advancement in their condenser coils, I feel that the Trane and American standard furnace is a old-school technology. The calm shell heat exchanger is efficient at heating. However, it is not nearly as efficient as the tubular design. Additionally, the clam shell design has seams of different thicknesses. You don’t need to be an engineer to know that metal of different thicknesses will not heat up or cool off at the same rate. Over time this will make them crack. The clam shell heat exchanger is also noisy. In some cases, the wind noise created as air moves across it is downright loud. If you have long duct runs you might never notice it. In truth, I never thought about it until I installed a furnace with a tubular heat exchanger which is ultra-quiet.

Their Funace cabinets are very flexible and can become skewed when doing a horizontal install. The two slide on doors are also problematic. Yes this design of slide on cabinet doors is very common on 80% furnaces. They do offer a twist lock and sturdier cabinet but at an added cost. Hard to justify that when you can get better from another brands entry level funrace.

The Trane and American Standard furnaces are also not that simple to work on though I suppose no harder than most other brands. This is another fact that didn’t occur to me until I looked inside the newly designed Rheem. In some cases, you may need to remove multiple components from a Trane to get at the one you are trying to repair.  Again, this is common among many other brands, but I feel that a premium brand at their price should stay on top of the most cutting-edge design.

After the news of the impending steel tariff, Trane liberally increased there pricing to offset the upcoming added expense. This was expected but if you look at what other brands increased, Trane increased the most. Lennox, Rheem, Ruud, Amana and Carrier increased only a fraction of what Trane or American Standard did. They still have a well reviewed and notoriously long-lasting system though I question what the future will hold.

To me a “real” premium brand would have a warranty that stands out from their competitors. Such as free replacement if it fails in the first 12 months or 20 year warranties on some parts. The Trane warranty is same as it has been for the past decade or 2. When you have brands that have a more comprehensive warranty than a much more expensive brand, you can’t help but ask why. Wouldn’t the “superior product” come with a warranty that builds the most consumer confidence?

I can forgive the anti corrosive agent debacle that left us all scratching our heads wandering why a brand new AC may need a new TXV, reversing valve or compressor. We can even forgive tech support when every suggestion they had failed to solve the problem and left us holding the bag for the cost of pump downing, disposing and recharging with fresh refrigerant. Several brands were saddled with this problem. Our loss was our problem since these issues only revealed themselves after the 1 to 3 years. It was our choice to deviate from the industry standard 1 year warranty and offer 3 years of labor coverage. After years of being a raving fan and disregarding every other brand it is time for us to take the blinders off. The painful truth is Trane and American Standard falls short these days.

Wise customers are still shopping for Trane and America Standard. Those adamant fans of this equipment are going to call us, and we are still going to install New Trane and American Standard equipment. As a former TCS Dealer we know the product better than most. Unfortunately, on this brand, we will follow the industry standard. We will limit our labor warranty to only 1 year alongside Trane’s 10-year parts warranty. All in, if Trane could solve the compressor problems, take a good look at their warranty structure and join this millennium with their furnace design, it would be difficult in good conscience not to offer them to our customers as our premium brand even at the higher price. Until that happens, we will give the customer what they are asking for and promote a higher quality better warrantied brand at a more reasonable price.

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Sunday, November 25, 2018

Downtown Summerlin – Summerlin’s Shopping and Entertainment Complex

Summerlin nightlifeWhen residents at Summerlin want to go shopping, have a nice meal, or watch the latest blockbuster, they go to Downtown Summerlin. This entertainment and shopping center includes over 125 shops and restaurants in an open-air environment and is a must-visit for tourists who drop by the community. Downtown Summerlin is not only the community’s entertainment and shopping district, it also serves as a hub for most of the local and international businesses who have offices in Summerlin.

The shopping center is one of the primary developments in the greater Downtown Summerlin area. It has about 200,000 square feet of business space and 1,600,000 square feet of retail space. Owned by the Howard Hughes Corporation, Downtown Summerlin opened on October 9th, 2014. The project was originally going to be called The Shops at Summerlin Centre but was changed to Downtown Summerlin prior to its grand opening in 2014.

Currently, the shopping and entertainment complex has hundreds of retail stores, restaurants, and bars. It also has the Regal Cinemas movie theater, as well as Anchor stores, Macy’s and Dillard’s. Read more about Sun City Summerlin 

Shopping

Downtown Summerlin boasts a wide variety of shopping options, ranging from men’s, women’s, and children’s fashion, jewelry and accessories, shoes, as well as technology brands, toys and gifts, home furnishings and décor, health and beauty, sporting goods and fitness, department stores, and a number of specialty stores. Retailers include American Eagle, Forever 21, Banana Republic, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Apple, H&M, Charlotte Russe, Hot Topic, Crate & Barrel, Dave & Buster’s, Lush, and Trader Joe’s. Although there are no designer brands at the Downtown Summerlin shopping center, most popular retail brands do have a store there.

Entertainment          

Other than the special events and shows that the shopping center organizes, there are a number of things to do at Downtown Summerlin Regal for entertainment.

The Cinemas at Downtown Summerlin offer viewers a modern and unique theatre experience. The cinema has luxury seating, a wide selection of food and snacks, as well as a full bar that will satisfy any moviegoer.

Baseball fans will love the Las Vegas Ballpark. This state-of-the-art Triple-A baseball stadium will be opening on 2019 and will feature a wide range of seating options including suites, decks and party zones for groups, a kids’ zone, bars, and even a pool beyond the outfield wall. You can reserve your seats for the 2019 season by going to their official website, www.thelvballpark.com.

Groups and families will have a great time at Dave & Buster’s. The 60,000-square-foot entertainment complex offers great food and a lot of fun. Choose from a variety of dining venues, whether you want full-menu table service or chill at the sports bar, pub or eat-while-you-play areas, you and your friends are assured a great meal and fun times. Other than the classic billiards and shuffleboard tables, try their newest virtual games. You can also book their special facilities for corporate meetings and special occasions. Read more about Sun City Summerlin 

Dining

Downtown Summerlin is full of world-class dining options and hosts a diverse variety of cuisines that can satisfy all sorts of tastes and palates. Whether you’re craving pizza or tacos, or even something more fancy like formal French dining, the shopping center has you covered. There are also a variety of contemporary, family-friendly American restaurants and cafes, including major chains that we all know and love. Vegans and vegetarians will be happy to find a number of choices in Downtown Summerlin. There are also a number of gluten-free options as well.

Top rated restaurants at Downtown Summerlin include Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, Andiron Steak and Sea, Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar, Wonderland Bakery, Public School 702, Grape Street Cafe, Wine Bar & Cellar, MTO Café, SkinnyFATS, Casa Del Matador, and Pancho’s.

If you want to shop, dine, and have fun, drop by Downtown Summerlin. The shopping and entertainment center’s website contains a complete directory of all the shops, restaurants and bars, and service centers available in there, so first-time visitors best check out their site for more details.

Downtown Summerlin is located at 1980 Festival Plaza Drive Las Vegas, NV 89135. Opening hours are from Mon-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 11am-7pm. Visit their official site, www.downtownsummerlin.com, for announcements and details.

Source:

www.downtownsummerlin.com

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Sun City Summerlin – A Community for Active Seniors

Summerlin restaurantsWe all imagine retiring and going somewhere peaceful and relaxing to live out the rest of our lives. In fact, many people would opt to save up and purchase a property in an age-restricted community. There are residential communities that typically limits 80% of the residency to individuals who are over a set age, usually 55 years old, but it can vary.

Although most of us wouldn’t consider Las Vegas as a city to retire to, there are a couple of age-restricted communities close to the city that have become popular choices for retirees. One of these communities is Sun City Summerlin.

Sun City Summerlin is an active-adult community organized by Del Webb Corporation in 1989. It’s one of the country’s premiere adult communities that offers residents a number of amenities and facilities, activities and clubs, as well as views of the surrounding mountains and the Las Vegas Strip.

Life In an Age-restricted Community

There’s really no other way to become a member of the Sun City Summerlin community than just to purchasing a property there. The community offers you a variety of 42 different property models to choose from, ranging from 1,003 square feet to 2,895 square feet with a wide variety of floor plans. Once you purchase a property, you are given an account and automatically become a member of the official community association. The master-planned development is currently home to over 12,500 residents, and the community association encourages an atmosphere where residents maintain an active lifestyle by joining the different activities and groups in the community. Residents receive a newsletter each month filled with all events that are going to be taking place in the community and their site is always updated with up-coming events. Friends and family are welcome to visit you anytime and they get to stay with you in your home, so even when you’re not that active in community gatherings or events, you can still enjoy your stay here.

Community Centers and Golf Courses

Sun City Summerlin has four community centers: Desert Vista, Mountain Shadows, Pinnacle, and Sun Shadows. The different community centers have different amenities and facilities however all residents are allowed to use them no matter what area in the community they are living in. The community also has three 18-hole golf courses to choose from. Highland Falls Golf Course, Palm Valley Golf Course, and Eagle Crest Golf Course. All three gold courses also have driving ranges for those who don’t want to go through the 18-hole course.

Amenities and Facilities

Residents and their guests have access to entertainment centers where they can go shopping, enjoy a show, and even choose from the different restaurants available in the community. The different community centers have fitness facilities, meeting areas, a library, and free internet. There are also a number of indoor and outdoor swimming pools and spas available throughout the community. There are also a couple of picnic areas for those looking to spend some time with their friends and family outdoors. Read more about Best Restaurants in Summerlin

Activities

Adult communities usually offer residents a variety of activities and sports that they can join and have fun with at their community centers. Sun City Summerlin residents can enjoy recreational activities including, aerobics, billiards, bocce, horseshoe throwing, miniature golf, pickle ball, ping pong, racketball, shuffleboard, softball, and tennis. Elders who love the great outdoors will appreciate the many different walking tracks in and around the community.  Community centers also offer activities and classes on photography, arts and crafts, sewing, woodworking and other hobbies and pastimes.

Clubs and Events

Residents at Sun City Summerlin can join the many clubs available in the community. These clubs are often organized by other community members who share similar interests and would like to meet other residents interested in the same activities. Shows and events, often held at the community centers, restaurants, and the theaters, are often posted on the community’s official site. Residents can enjoy everything from a jazz show to a live band performance, go dancing, or just have fun.

You can compare living at the Sun City Summerlin with living in a big luxury resort or a fancier senior’s home. You get your own home, have access to high quality facilities and amenities, and get to join the different activities and meet new people. Home prices in Sun City Summerlin have generally been more stable than the overall local real estate market, and you can purchase a property even before you turn 55. It’s a great investment if you still want to live an active life during your golden years.

Source:

https://www.reviewjournal.com/homes/resale-news/summerlin-is-hotspot-for-age-qualified-communities/
http://www.suncitysummerlin.com/
http://www.lasvegasrealestate.org/sun-city-summerlin.html

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Best Restaurants in Summerlin

Summerlin restaurantsThe community of Summerlin, located west of Las Vegas City, has become one of the most dynamic and most visited communities outside the metropolis.  Summerlin offers a number of entertainment, leisure, shopping, and dinning choices that caters to both locals and tourists alike.

Finding a place to eat in Summerlin can lead to a bit of a dilemma.  There are a number of renowned and highlight rated restaurants in the community. Below are some of the top restaurants you can choose from the next time you’re looking for a place to eat at Summerlin.

Honey Salt

Honey Salt is the first independent business for Elizabeth Blau, a renowned American restaurateur. Together with her husband, award-winning Chef Kim Canteenwalla, the couple created a neighborhood restaurant with a menu selection that incorporates a sense of home with a sophisticated environment.

Location: 1031 Rampart Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89145. Opens Lunch and Dinner Daily. Monday- Friday: 11:00am – 9:00p, Saturday and Sunday: 10:30am – 10:00pm. They also offer Sunday Brunch from 10:30am – 2:30pm.

Elia Authentic Greek Taverna

You don’t have to go far to experience authentic Greek dishes. Elia Authentic Greek Taverna is a casual dining spot that offers the best Greek and Mediterranean meals for a reasonable price. Try their freshly toasted bread, octopus, lamb, and tzatziki.

Location: 4226 S Durango Dr Las Vegas, NV 89147. Opens Monday – Saturday: 11:30pm – 10:00pm, Sunday: 12:00pm – 9:00pm.

Nacho Daddy

This Mexican restaurant is known for its gourmet nachos, covered in fresh salsa and smothered in queso, guaranteeing all chips are covered in toppings. They also offer the usual Mexican-American favorites as well a full vegan menu. Their bar is known for the world famous Scorpion Shot, so those with brave hearts and stomachs will definitely enjoy this restaurant.

Location: 9560 W Sahara Las Vegas, NV 89117. Opens Monday- Thursday: 11 am – 10:00 pm Friday 11 am – 11:00 pm. Saturday 10 am – 11:00 pm and Sunday 10 am- 10 pm. 

Grape Vine Café, Wine Bar & Cellar

Designed after a rustic wine cellar, Grape Vine Café, Wine Bar & Cellar is ideal for those intimate meals with your special someone. The rustic ambiance surround the restaurant with a romantic feel, plus candlelight illuminates the restaurant during dinnertime. Dishes on their menu are mostly Italian with a modern and local twist.

Location: 7501 W Lake Mead Blvd 120 Las Vegas, NV 89128-0287. Opens for Lunch Mon–Sat 11:30 am–4:00 pm and Dinner Mon–Wed 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Thu 4:00 pm–9:30 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–9:45 pm.

Vintner Grill                 

This casual yet elegant restaurant offers a beautiful venue with Contemporary American dishes with influences from France, Italy and Spain. Dine in their fabulous dining room or have a romantic dinner on their spacious patio which features stunning dining cabanas. Signature dishes include taglietelli pasta with Lamb Bolognese, Bouillabaisse, and halibut with cous cous.

Location: 10100 W. Charleston Blvd. Suite 150 Las Vegas, NV 89135. Opens Lunch: Monday through Friday: 11:00am – 4:00pm. Dinner: Monday – Thursday: 4:00pm – 10:00pm, Friday & Saturday: 4:00pm -10:30 pm, Sunday: 4:00pm – 9:00pm. They also have a bar that opens daily until 11:00 pm.

The Melting Pot – Las Vegas

Mouthwatering fondues, hot strips of steak, and fresh seafood skewers awaits you at The Melting Pot of Las Vegas. This casual dining restaurant gives guests a unique interactive dining experience. The restaurant’s fun, inviting atmosphere makes it a perfect choice for an interesting date night or a memorable meal with friends.

Location: 8704 West Charleston Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89117. Opens Monday- Thursday: 5:00pm – 10:00pm, Friday: 5:00pm – 11:00pm, Saturday: 4:00pm – 11:00pm, Sunday: 4:00pm – 9:00pm. Read more about Summerlin Residential Communities and Apartments  

T-Bones Chophouse

This upscale steakhouse offers diners signature bone-in meats, dry-aged prime steaks, and fresh sea food selections flown in daily. Guests can also choose from their 7,500-bottle wine loft and find the best wine to match their scrumptious meal. Their romantic outdoor lounge also features a full bottle service and an overlooking view of the pool.

Location: Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa, 11011 W Charleston Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89135. Opens at Dinner: Sunday – Thursday: 5:00pm – 10:00pm, Friday & Saturday: 5:00pm – 11:00pm.

Echo and Rig Steakhouse and Butcher Shop

This steakhouse offers all the classic staple of American dining. Owned by acclaimed restaurateur and chef Sam Marvin, the menu offers servings of oversized slabs of beef and all the sides and trimmings of a classic steak meal.

Location: Tivoli Village, 440 S Rampart Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89145. Opens for lunch: Monday – Friday: 11:00am – 4:00pm. Dinner: Daily – 4:00pm – 11:00pm. They also have a weekend brunch: Saturday – Sunday: 9:00am – 3:00pm.

Source:

https://www.opentable.com/best-summerlin-restaurants?scpref=100

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Summerlin – Residential Communities and Apartments

Downtown summerlinAmongst the many towns and suburbs close to the City of Las Vegas, Summerlin is the most popular. This wealthy master-planned community is located west of Las Vegas, just at the edge of the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and Spring Mountains. While parts of Summerlin is shared with Las Vegas and Clark County, the community has developed into something dynamic and exciting.

History and Future

The community was acquired by Howard Hughes in the 1950s and is one of the country’s largest contiguous properties that’s under a single ownership located next to a major metropolitan area. Summerlin was named after Jean Amelia Summerlin, Hughes’ grandmother, and occupies over 22,500 acres. The area started development during the late 80’s and by the late 90’s, Summerlin’s first residential villages, parks, and schools had been completed. As of 2018, more than two dozen commercial and residential villages have been developed, with over 6,000 acres left for expansion and future development.

Being one of the most affluent communities in Nevada, Summerlin is rapidly growing. The community has more than 250 parks, two dozen private and public schools, nine golf courses, a modern medical center, more than a dozen houses of worship, world-class recreational facilities, 3 highly rated resorts, a growing number of national and local businesses, entertainment and shopping centers, office parks, and more. It’s also the only community in Southern Nevada with its own downtown area. Because of its rapid growth, many visit Summerlin for leisure or business, while some choose to stay permanently.

Population and Quality of Life

By 2017, Summerlin had an estimated population of 109,000. The community’s wide range of housing, as well as commercial and retail opportunities, has attracted a wide demographic to reside in the community to live and work. Summerlin has a stable and diverse population and is estimated to grow to 200,000 residents in the coming years. The community has won a number of national awards for its amenities and quality of life. Notably, Summerlin was named the “Number 1 best place to live and play” by National Geographic Adventure in 2007 as well as one of the “Best Places to Live in America” by Money Magazine in 2014. Average annual household income in Summerlin is around $139,000, making it one of the most affluent communities in the state.

Residential Areas           

The community is divided into three main areas that are managed by three master associations, Summerlin North, Summerlin South, and Summerlin West. Most residential communities here are single and multi-family home neighborhoods. Some villages also have custom homes for those who want to build their dream homes from the ground up. A number of apartment complexes are also available for those looking to settle in the neighborhood. Read more about Summerlin Hospital Medical Center  

Villages in Summerlin North include:

  • Reverence
  • The Canyons
  • The Arbors
  • The Crossing
  • The Trails
  • The Hills
  • The Hills South
  • The Pueblo

Villages in Summerlin South include:

  • The Cliffs
  • The Ridges
  • Red Rock Country Club
  • The Mesa
  • Ridgebrook
  • Summit
  • Summerlin Centre
  • The Willows
  • Traccia
  • The Gardens

It’s interesting to note that Summerlin South is considered to be one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in the Las Vegas Valley and the country as a whole. With an average household income of $306,000, residents of this area are known to live lavish lives. Many celebrities and prominent individuals own property in this area. Some of the residential areas here are guard-gated communities with luxury mansions that have home prices that could go well over $2,000,000.

Villages in Summerlin West include:

  • The Vistas
  • The Paseos
  • Stonebridge

Summerlin also has age-restricted communities where residents must meet a minimum required age. These residential communities are:

  • Sun City Summerlin
  • Siena

Apartments

If a house is too heavy of an investment at the moment, or for those looking for a smaller place to rent, there a number of apartments scattered throughout Summerlin. Most apartments are located in the middle of the community, close to downtown Summerlin.

Apartments in Summerlin include:

  • Willowbrook in The Willows
  • Morning Star in The Gardens
  • Falling Water in The Canyons
  • Canyon Villas in The Canyons
  • Altessa in The Vistas
  • Madera in The Willows
  • Tuscany in The Arbors
  • Red Rock Villas in the Crossing
  • Carefree Willows, which is a Senior Living apartment in The Willows.
  • The Constellation in Downtown Summerlin

Whether you’re planning to move to Summerlin to work or if you’re planning to stay for good, Summerlin is definitely one of the most diverse and dynamic communities to live in. It’s a fully integrated community where you can work, play, learn, and shop while living a high quality life.

Source:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summerlin,_Nevada
http://summerlin.com/uploads/files/Summerlin-Overview-101-update.pdf
http://summerlin.com/uploads/files/apartment-guide.pdf

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