So….what’s the deal with the windmill?

So….what’s the deal with the windmill?  Ever noticed the tiny little windmill within the red circle on our Chapman Logo? Well, neither have I.  I mean, I see it every day, on our trucks, on our invoices, everywhere. But, I never really thought about the windmill and its significance to our business or to our industry. I guess I just always assumed it represented sort of a giant fan. That’s perfect for an air-conditioning business, right? Wrong!  When I went to the source (aka Mr. Chapman) and asked him how he came up with the idea for the logo I was a little surprised at his answer.

I was ready to hear all about the “history of windmills” from Mr. C. (um, you have to know him). So, I did a smidge of research first. Seems they were first used in Persia in 600 AD. They actually used sails as opposed to blades to catch the wind in order to grind grain. Europeans began using them by the 1100’s for grinding grain as well as for pumping water. The American windmill began to be used in the 1800’s by farmers. This version had blades made of wood or steel. They were used to pump water for farm animals and some were even used to provide water for household use. And that brings us to the modern windmill that is used today to produce electricity. They are called “wind turbines” and are used today all over the United States.  

Windmills in West Texas

Preliminary Logo Designs

So, what does all of this have to do with our little logo? Not much, actually. Mr. Chapman says that he came up with the idea for the logo from a photo he took on a family vacation driving through west Texas.  On one of the many (he emphasized many) pit stops for the little ones, he shot a picture of a windmill with the sun setting directly behind it. It turned out to be a great shot and became of sort of a family favorite.




So, when he began his business in 1981, and family members began to weigh in on what it should be called, logos, etc.; someone brought up that photo. So, he thought, “windmills = fans, energy, air-conditioning…that’ll work.”  So, he designed a little graphic that mimicked the photo.  And we have used the same logo (at times in a different color) ever since.

So, what did I learn? While the windmill may represent energy, and we are in the “energy saving” business, it was not the inspiration for the logo. It was more inspired by family, which is fitting, as we are a family business with over 30 years of history and still going.

DRY AIR CAUSING STUFFINESS AND DRYING OUT WOOD IN YOUR HOME?

If your answer is “yes”, read this….

The most convenient way to do away with dry winter air is to install a whole house steam humidifier. We recommend Honeywell’s TrueSTEAM because it is simply the best.

When winter rolls around, you not only have to deal with the cold temperatures but also with the dry air the season inevitably brings. Dry air in your home can cause or contribute to several uncomfortable physical conditions such as itchy skin, nose bleeds, irritated throats and breathing troubles. Apart from physical problems, excessive dry air can also damage your home, causing warping of paneling, floors and furniture. And, can damage fine paintings. A whole house steam humidifier can help prevent these unwanted winter conditions.

An often overlooked characteristic of dry interior air is that it makes you feel colder than the actual temperature of the room. This happens because dry air absorbs moisture from your skin. When moisture evaporates away from your body, you cool down, much like the effect you feel when cooling off after sweating. Too much dry air in your house will make you feel colder even if you have your furnace set at a relatively high level.

A whole house steam humidification system will effectively relieve conditions caused by dry air. With better humidity levels in the air, you are more comfortable in your home
Why Honeywell’s TrueSTEAM ?

• Moisture on Demand - TrueSTEAM works by producing its own steam independent of equipment operation, so your home gets moisture when you need it most.
• Eco-Friendly - TrueSTEAM is the most eco-friendly way to humidify your home, because for every 1 gallon of water used, 1 gallon of humidification is produced.
• "True Steam" - While other humidifiers rely on moisture-filled pads that can be susceptible to bacteria growth in the water and the airstream, TrueSTEAM delivers "true steam" - the cleanest form of humidification.
• Out of Sight, Out of Mind - TrueSTEAM is installed out-of-sight by your heating and cooling professional into your home's central heating and cooling system. You can forget about having to fill clunky, portable units, because TrueSTEAM automatically fills itself.
• Whole-House Solution - Installs directly or remotely to your furnace to deliver moisture throughout your entire home.
• Minimal Maintenance - Simply clean once a year with soap and water and the rest of the time it cleans itself automatically.
• 5-Year Warranty

Chapman Air & Heat’s goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues specific to your air conditioning and heating equipment. For 31 + years, we have been a reliable source of HVAC sales and service in the D/FW area. We provide high-quality service and repairs performed to exact industry standards. Is a whole house steam humidifier right for you? If so, call us for your complimentary in-home visit. 214.340.4999

WHY SHOULD A CUSTOM HOME BUILDER PARTNER WITH CHAPMAN AIR & HEAT

Since 1981, Marvin Chapman, the Founder of Chapman Air & Heat has provided the Dallas/Fort Worth custom homebuilder market with luxury home comfort systems and installations. We have engineered, designed and installed thousands of custom homes from 5,000 sq. ft. to well over 20,000 sq.ft.  And…with a mechanical engineer on staff, each individual home is given complete attention to details.

Sometimes the most important design elements of a new home are the ones that are unseen; unlike Italian marble countertops, solid oak wood floors or imported iron staircases that catch your eye as soon as the door opens. For the most part, the air conditioning and heating system along with the air ducts is hidden away, out of sight. Our systems may be unseen but the comfort we provide will definitely be noticed.

Chapman Air & Heat installs high efficiency, leading technology Trane equipment along with an airtight duct system to ensure maximum comfort and reduced operating costs with minimal environmental impact. Our reputation for quality work among our builder clients is stellar. Our field personnel are dedicated and experienced full-time Chapman employees and practice the “Chapman Way” on an on-going basis. Quality is not just another word…it stands for value and excellence.

Our goal is to earn your business by providing your homeowner with the most comfortable, evenly controlled indoor climate and energy efficient home possible. We have the expertise to do that.

Chapman Air & Heat welcomes the opportunity to be of service.

Customer Service is Key

We have always heard that keeping an existing customer costs less overall than trying to solicit new business. We also know that if we concentrate all our efforts on that while our competition is focusing on gaining new customers we will eventually lose. Obviously, we have to do both. But, we will leave marketing to the experts and go with what we know. How do we retain our existing customers?

A.                   Quality.  Of course, you have to offer a great product and service at fair prices.  That’s a given.  

B.                    Convenience. Let’s face it; it is one of the most challenging aspects of a service company. Serving our customers, in a timely manner, trying to accommodate their schedule without staying open 24/7 is not an easy feat. And in peak seasons when demand for service is high, it gets even more challenging. But, it is almost a mantra at Chapman Air “we will not lose a customer because we could not meet their scheduling request.”

C.                   Care. It is the most essential element. First of all, it is impossible to deliver A or B without C. Even though we strive for 100% on all points, if we miss the mark at all a caring attitude can go a long way in resolving problems.  A customer will recognize and appreciate genuine concern when they see it. We believe this is why we at Chapman Air & Heat have retained so many customers these past 30 + years!

HOLY MACKEREL - What's up with Freon?

HOLY MACKEREL!!!!! The cost of R-22 FREON for central air conditioners has blasted into orbit within the last few weeks. Yes, we all knew this was coming but folks, it is here. After checking with several supply houses, we also were told A/C companies may be rationed on the number of drums purchased. Can you say “demand”? We have thousands upon thousands of homeowners whose A/C units require R-22. This is not a small price increase, this is a HUGE price increase should your unit need to be repaired. So, if you have an A/C unit that has given you problems in the past, you need to prepare for expensive repairs if you choose to keep repairing.

As you may recall, as of January 1, 2010, manufacturers could no longer make and ship units using R-22. All new units made and shipped come with 410-A Freon (Eco-friendly) since that date. However, manufacturers could make the units and ship “dry” (no Freon) and R-22 could be added in the field by the contractor. This filled a certain need for customers who only wanted an outdoor unit installed with the use of R-22. What was not taken into consideration (or maybe it was) was the cost of R-22. As R-22 Freon continues being phased out, the price will keep rising.

Things that are most important to do are make sure your unit is in tip top shape by having annual tune-ups, keep filters changed or cleaned as required and report any problems as soon as you know one exists. The best plan is to plan ahead to replace R-22 units. You will pay more upfront for a new air conditioning system that is in compliance with the EPA 410-A regulation but you will enjoy energy savings, better indoor comfort and no worries about Freon being phased out anytime soon.