Excel Mechanical, Inc: We Excel For You!

Happy 100th Birthday Arizona

2012-02-15T15:03:00.001-08:00

Guy Atchley salutes Arizona
Celebrating Arizona's Centennial

From: http://ping.fm/xd4lA

Firms' go-to employees...

2012-01-30T08:41:00.001-08:00

Firms' go-to employees
• Story
• (1) Comment
• Image (14)
Home / Business / Local / Local
Worker innovations credited for improving operations, bottom lines
Firms' go-to employees
Dale Quinn Arizona Daily Star Arizona Daily Star | Posted: Sunday, January 29, 2012 12:00 am | Comments

Saving cash and bringing in new business is a big deal for any company - especially in a lingering downturn that locally has yet to show significant signs of recovery.

The Arizona Daily Star asked readers to submit examples of Southern Arizona's innovative and outstanding employees who helped their companies excel in 2011.
Some entries were for individuals whose innovation sprang from the foreclosure crisis. Others stretched their companies' resources to save money and make operations run more smoothly.
One anticipated an issue before a client realized it might be a problem; another comes up with creative solutions for challenges on a daily basis. All were described by their colleagues as hard-working and thoughtful.

…. (More)

Management team led by TJ Zarling and supported by Carrie Stone, Jared Morgan, William Godinez and David Thomas
• Employer: Excel Mechanical Inc.
• Outstanding contribution: In an economy that's been devastating to construction, TJ Zarling and his team completely revamped Excel Mechanical, said owner Jim Zarling.
Through their work the company saw some of its highest profits last year, Jim Zarling said.
"They've actually turned it around in a really cruddy, cruddy economy for construction," he said.
The management team increased communication and eased tension between employees who work on plumbing systems and those who work on ventilation.
Team members also developed a way to track contact with clients: from initial meetings, to estimates, to follow-up checks when the job is done. That ensures that customers know the company is accountable for the work it provides, Jim Zarling said.
TJ Zarling and his team also made it clear what duties are expected from workers within a certain pay scale, so employees know when to ask for a raise. To increase productivity, the managers began using quarterly, performance-based bonuses, Jim Zarling said.

Read more: http://ping.fm/qT7NA

________________________________________
Copyright (c) 2012 The Arizona Daily Star

Are you ready for a freeze???

2012-01-09T10:35:00.001-08:00

February 2011... Remember half the town without gas for heat?? Remember frozen pipes and water spraying all over town with temperatures at roughly 18'?? Seems so far away now... Realistically… we are very close to that same time of year. Would you be prepared if the temperatures drop that low again? Have you insulated your outdoor pipes?

This is a very basic and simple task that ANY homeowner can undertake and save yourself possibly hundreds of dollars. Just go to your local home supply store like Home Depot, Lowes or Ace Hardware and ask someone for some pipe insulation. They come in all sorts of sizes and some are even self sealing. Others are good if you just wrap some duct tape around the outside.

At just over $1 for six feet or so this clearly becomes CHEAP INSURANCE. If you wait until it happens to try and insulate those that didn’t break… you may find (like last year) that all the supplies are gone and you have to wait until the stores can restock. So try and stay ahead of the game and insulate your outdoor pipes (including that copper line to your swamp cooler) now and save.

If you feel uncomfortable trying this on your own – Excel Mechanical, Inc. will be glad to help you get this taken care of. Just contact our office at 520-791-7049 and set up an appointment – tell them you “saw it in the blog” and get a “courtesy” discount.

REMEMBER… WE EXCEL FOR YOU!!!

Top-Ten Tips for Controlling Allergies in Your Home or Business...

2011-09-28T13:43:00.001-07:00

Maintaining a healthy home or building goes beyond managing the temperature inside—especially if anyone suffers from allergies or respiratory illnesses. Controlling allergies in your home or business is directly related to the air you breathe. At Excel Mechanical Inc., we believe that maintaining your Home or Businesses’ indoor air quality is the best place to start in the war against allergies.
Here are ten tips you can use to help control allergies in your home or business:
1. Regulate the indoor air quality. Installing an air purification system minimizes dust, dirt, pollen, dander, airborne mold spores, germs, viruses and chemical smells or fumes.
2. Run your air conditioner to filter the air. Running the A/C helps ward off irritants and control the humidity. Dehumidifiers (or in our Desert Southwest – humidifiers) keep moisture at a healthy level, which helps allergy suffers breathe easier.
3. Replace the filters on your air conditioner regularly. This can not be stressed enough. Replacing the filters keeps dust, pet dander and other allergens from circulating throughout your home. Filters should be replaced at a minimum of every 4-6 weeks to keep allergens from accumulating in your home.
4. Install air filters to help eliminate dust from furniture and floor coverings. Again, replacing air filters is crucial to air quality.
5. Place ventilation fans in bathroom, the kitchen and laundry room. Properly ventilating your home will lower the chances that irritants will accumulate.
6. Bathe pets regularly so that allergens don’t attach to their fur. It also helps to remove excessive dander from your pet. Pet dander is a known allergen.
7. Wash bath mats and tubs with hot water weekly. Mold likes to breed in warm, damp places, such as bathrooms. Running a ventilation fan when showering will also help to minimize mold.
8. Keep your appliances free of crumbs and your sink free of dishes. This will deter mice and other pests from using your kitchen as a food source. Pests such as mice and roaches exacerbate respiratory conditions.
9. Check that your dryer vents to the outside. Inside ventilation increases yet another source of irritation caused by the blowing particles of lint.
10. Paying special attention to bedroom housekeeping can significantly reduce allergy symptoms. Keeping fido and kitty out of your bedroom reduces the accumulation of pet dander that you are exposed to while sleeping, thus reducing your allergy response.
For more information about maintaining indoor air quality, contact Excel Mechanical Inc. at 520-791-7049 or contact@excelmechanicalinc.com . Remember… “We EXCEL for You!”

Fall Isn?t That Far Away ? Have You Scheduled Your Precision Tune-up?

2011-09-15T16:58:00.001-07:00

Because we use them so regularly, we often take our HVAC systems for granted. Only when they break down do we realize how vital they are to our everyday comfort. That’s why, before the cooler fall temperatures arrive, it is important to get a tune-up for your HVAC system. This will help ensure you make it through the summer with no problems as well as the upcoming winter.
A tune-up usually begins with an HVAC specialist inspecting each and every component of your air system. They check for parts that are damaged and replace them so that they don’t cause problems in the near future. This helps protect you from unexpected breakdowns when you need your air the most.
Your HVAC technician will also clean all of the parts. This helps them work more efficiently, keeping down energy costs. For example, the condenser coil works as much as 20 percent less efficiently when it is dirty. This is the part responsible for cooling the air, so that has a huge impact on your total energy use.
The technician will also secure your gas or oil connections to make sure there are no dangerous leaks. Long-term exposure can be a serious health and safety hazard. The burner will also be inspected to make sure it is crack-free and working properly.
Here are a few of the routine steps that are typically performed during an HVAC tune-up:
• Verify thermostat settings
• Lubricate moving parts
• Tighten electrical connections
• Check condensate drains
• Inspect system controls
Now is the ideal time to take on the preventative maintenance your HVAC system needs. Contact Excel Mechanical Inc. today to schedule a tune-up with one of our professionals.

5 Easy Ways to Cool Off...

2011-07-18T08:22:00.001-07:00

5 Easy Ways to Cool Off
1. Keep a Spray Bottle in the Fridge
Keep a small spray bottle full of water in the refrigerator. When you’re feeling hot, mist your face and neck a few times with the cold water for instant relief. To make this do double duty, you can add a few slices of cucumber to the water for extra cooling, or use weak green tea instead of water — the green tea will cool you off and improve your complexion, thanks to all of those antioxidants.
2. Place an Ice Cube on Your Pulse Points
This is so easy, and it really works! Take an ice cube, and place it in a wash cloth or handkerchief. Hold the ice cube to your pulse points in your wrists and/or neck for up to 30 seconds. By some estimates, this cools your body temperature an amazing three degrees — which makes a big difference when you’re hoping for some relief from the heat.
3. Cold Washcloth on Your Neck
Wet a washcloth with cold water. (If you’re really warm, consider placing it in the freezer for a few minutes.) Wring it out, and hold it to the back of your neck. You’ll feel instantly cooler.
4. Soak Your Feet in Cold Water
How many of us have sat with our feet dangling into a lake or pool and felt immediately refreshed? You can get that same cooling effect by filling a small tub or large pot with cold water and soaking your feet for a little while. And, if you want a little extra pampering, why not give yourself a pedicure when you’re finished soaking your feet?
5. Wet Bandanna
Wet a bandanna with cold water, and tie it over your head. This will instantly cool you off, and you can just re-wet the bandanna as needed to help keep you cool.
We hope these tips help you keep your cool this summer!
By Colleen Vanderlinden, Planet Green

TMC Children's Miracle Network "CHANGE BANDITS"

2011-06-21T15:09:00.001-07:00

Dear Friends and Associates of Excel Mechanical, Inc.
My daughter Jessica Zarling is raising money for TMC Children Miracle Network due to her life saving experience with TMC and it is her small way of helping support our community.
Won’t you please join the team at Excel in supporting her participation in Change Bandits.
All contributions will benefit our local Children's Miracle Network Hospital, Tucson Medical Center and 100% of the funds will go to support the children of Southern Arizona. Every dollar raised stays here in our community to help purchase new equipment, promote health and safety education, and expand pediatric programs for children and families served at TMC. Your contribution will also support Block by Block, Miracles Happen – the campaign for the new children's medical center at TMC.
Jessica’s hope is that she can raise at least $1000.00 to help save the lives of other children. Donations are done online through their online page:
http://www.helpmakemiracles.org/participant/CasaNinos
Please go online and help her make her goal.
Thank you so much,
Jim

TIP To Maintain your Water Heater in Top Operating Condition...

2011-06-14T17:55:00.001-07:00

Tip: Drain your Water Heater to clear sediment at least once a year and clean all air screens at the same time if it is a gas appliance (according to the individual manufacturer’s recommendations).
A water heater needs fresh filtered air just like an Air Conditioning System does.
When installing a new Water Heater, have your plumbing professional change the drain valve to a Ball Valve with a hose connection and you will have years of trouble free maintenance.

If you have an Electric Water Heater, change the elements every few years. They are low cost and the improved efficiency will pay for itself in very little time.

UV Safety Month... Sun Safety for your Eyes!

2011-06-10T11:11:00.001-07:00

UV Safety Month is a great time to learn more about UV safety. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the main cause of skin cancer. UV rays can also damage your eyes.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology wants everyone to be more aware of sun safety and protecting your eyes while outside in bright sunlight. Here are some facts and tips to share.

Who’s at Risk
Anyone can get skin cancer, but the risk is greatest for people with:
• White or light-colored skin with freckles
• Blond or red hair
• Blue or green eyes

How to Protect Yourself
You can take these steps to help prevent skin cancer:
• Stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher.
• Cover up with long sleeves and a hat.
• Check your skin regularly for any changes. The National Cancer Institute provides helpful information on what you need to know and how to do a skin self-exam check.

Jimmy Z's Thought for the Day...

2011-06-02T15:08:00.001-07:00

DRAIN THE SWAMP! KILL THE ALLIGATORS! BUILD FOR THE FUTURE!

More Tips to save $$ on your Cooling Bill this year...

2011-05-19T17:20:00.001-07:00

13. Fans can make your air conditioner's job easier while saving you money. Pedestal and ceiling fans improve the air circulation in your home, allowing you to raise the air conditioner’s thermostat. In moderate heat, fans can sometimes completely replace air conditioners. Ceiling fans use only about one tenth the electricity of a typical home air conditioner, and therefore cost only one-tenth as much to operate.

14. To stay most comfortable during the hottest hours of the day, do your cooking, laundry and bathing in the early morning or late evenings. These activities all increase the level of humidity in your home, making it less comfortable and forcing the air conditioner to work even harder. If other heat generating appliances, such as irons, ovens and blow dryers are used only in the early morning or late evening, your home will stay cooler.

Wind farm takes shape on Route 66 southeast of Kingman Blog title...

2011-05-13T18:43:00.001-07:00

http://ping.fm/5h9JI

Jimmy Z's Thought for the Day...

2011-05-05T09:57:00.001-07:00

It takes extraordinary amount of courage, perseverance and dedication to strive for excellence.

AC Tips to save $ (part2)...

2011-05-03T11:20:00.001-07:00

4. Air conditioning manufacturer recommends having the equipment tuned-up annually. These tune-ups pay for themselves when the technicians tweak the systems for peak performance. Maintenance is a great way for homeowners to have the piece of mind that their equipment has been taken care and should be working at the efficiency levels they originally paid for.

5. Hire a professional to seal and insulate leaky ducts, and to ensure that the airflow distribution system serving your equipment is operating at peak efficiency.

6. Open your foundation vents each spring if your home has a crawl space under it.

7. Prune back shrubs and remove debris, like grass and leaves, that may block airflow to your window air conditioner or your central AC compressor.

8. Shade room air conditioners from direct sun to reduce their workload. Clean the filters once a month and replace them as necessary to promote energy efficiency. Raise the setting when you go out to reduce operating costs.

Solar Energy...

2011-05-02T11:15:00.001-07:00

“I’d put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of power! I hope we don’t have to wait until oil and coal run out before we tackle that.” –Thomas Edison, 1931

Lots of Rooftop Solar Comes To Tucson

2011-04-27T08:42:00.001-07:00

Lots of Rooftop Solar Comes To Tucson
by Caleb Denison, April 4th, 2011

Arizona’s Renewable Energy Standard (RES), requires Arizona utilities to incrementally increase their use of renewable power each year until it reaches 15 percent of their energy by 2025. Under this policy, Tucson Electric Power (TEP) needs to source 3% of their power from renewable sources for 2011. Their plan? To install solar panels on “underutilized rooftops” throughout the city.

TEP has decided to procure solar gear from California based SunPower. The contract, according to SunPower, involves the purchase of 11 megawatts worth of solar technology that TEP intends to place on the roofs of schools and other public buildings throughout its region.

The program, which TEP calls the “Bright Roofs” project, will spread installations out over the course of three years and uses SunPower’s “T5 Solar Roof Tile” technology. The T5 bundles together a high-efficiency solar panel, frame and mounting system into one pre-fabricated unit. The solar tiles are oriented at a five degree angle which the manufacturer claims doubles the energy generated per square meter when compared to flat-mount systems.

TEP’s plans involve connecting each of the systems directly to neighborhood power circuits, feeding the energy into the grid. Once the three year project is complete, SunPower suggests that the total power generated should be enough to feed 1,800 Tucson homes.

Helpful Plumbing Tip...

2011-04-21T15:35:00.001-07:00

DID YOU KNOW... by adding 4 cups of ice to your garbage disposal once a month - you can not only sharpen the blades of the disposal... but it also helps clear your drains!!!

Want to save $$ on your Cooling Bill this year???

2011-04-20T17:02:00.001-07:00

As the mercury rises, so can the costs of keeping your home cool. And while news reports about high energy prices may have you in a sweat, Excel Mechanical’s HVAC department has some tips to help you save money while keeping your home cool this summer.

1. Set back your thermostat 2-3 degrees lower at night because your greatest heat loss occurs at night.

2. Invest in a programmable thermostat. By doing so, you can program the thermostat to turn down your air conditioning/heat for you when you leave for work when no one is home and after you go to bed when everyone is asleep. A programmable thermostat can run anywhere from $110 to $250 installed.

3. Replace your filters every 30 to 60 days. If you have a permanent filter, clean it with a mild detergent, per manufacturer's recommendations, every 30 to 60 days.

Stay tuned... More tips will be coming your way!!

Jimmy Z's Thought for the Day...

2011-04-18T09:17:00.001-07:00

If you're proactive, you don't have to wait for circumstances or other people to create perspective expanding experiences. You can consciously create your own... Stephen Covey

On this day in History....

2011-04-15T12:17:00.001-07:00

On This Day in History...
Congress ratifies peace with Great Britain, 1783
President Lincoln is pronounced dead, 1865
"Unsinkable" Titanic sinks, 1912
British evacuate Passchendaele Ridge, 1918
The Sacco-Vanzetti case draws national attention, 1920
Soviets capture Tarnopol in Poland, 1944
Jackie Robinson breaks Major League Baseball color barrier, 1947
Fidel Castro visits the United States, 1959
Antiwar protests held in New York and San Francisco, 1967
U.S. 1st Infantry Division withdraws from Vietnam, 1970
Greta Garbo dies, 1990

2011-04-06T17:43:00.001-07:00

From: Green Projects Showcase
Emerald Cities "Cool Pavment" Installation
by sheri
Solar Reflective Cool Pavement
Emerald Cities USA Ltd.
Phoenix, Arizona
http://ping.fm/NNIel

"GREEN" BUILDING

2011-03-31T15:14:00.001-07:00

Reid Park Zoo strives to be a community leader in “green” construction. They have recently opened the Lee H. Brown Family Conservation Learning Center, which features
• Solar power panels to produce energy for the building
• Highly efficient heating and cooling systems
• Recycled and sustainable construction materials
• Water harvesting and grey water capture
• Non-toxic, low fume paints and adhesives
• Natural day-lighting
• ….and much more!
They received the prestigious LEED Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. This is the first LEED platinum building in Southern Arizona.

What are the benefits of installing solar hot water/space heating systems?

2011-03-25T10:24:00.001-07:00

Sunlight is a clean renewable energy resource that has been used for many years. Some benefits of solar water/space heating are:

1 * Produces no emissions and is replenished naturally
2 * Reduces greenhouse gases
3 * Saves the release of 2 lbs. of carbon dioxide (CO2) for each kilowatt-hour (kWh) produced
4 * Saves the use of one-half gallon of water for each kWh of solar energy produced
5 * Saves the release of other emissions that result from the burning of fossil fuels such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide or mercury
6 * Makes use of one of Arizona’s greatest natural resources - sunshine
7 * Provides customers with options to reduce their electric bills.
8 * Is very cost effective with payback periods of as little as five years

CATS EXCEL Over Duke

2011-03-25T08:28:00.001-07:00

Last nights Game Vs. Duke was what looked like a practice game for the CATS to take it all the way, leading us into the Elite 8. GO CATS and Bring home the Victory!

Jimmy Z's "Thought for the Day"

2011-03-24T15:01:00.001-07:00

It's a dog-eat-dog world... and we're all wearing "MILK-BONE" underwear.

Let's Go - U of A

2011-03-24T14:53:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to the U of A Men's Basketball Team on making it to the "Sweet-16" Way to go Guys!! Good Luck today in Anaheim!