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.

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.

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.

Buying Air Conditioning for Dummies

**Warning; this is a boring document. However, if you can drudge thorough it, you will develop a better understanding of your home air conditioning & heating system. The purpose is to give you the knowledge (power) to select an Air Conditioning Contractor and equipment that will fit your family’s indoor comfort, budget and your home energy consumption.   

Let’s start with a little background about this unappreciated appliance called central air conditioning. Yes, I said unappreciated because most likely your furnace is in some dark closet, damp basement or dirty attic and the A/C unit is outside hidden behind shrub or bush. The only part of the system you are familiar with is the thermostat.  The human need to control indoor comfort began way back during the Roman Empire but for us it was with Willis Carrier’s revolutionary new invention in the year of 1914; a system that would control temperature, humidity, air circulation, ventilation and cleanse the air. Now in the 21 Century this appliance provides indoor comfort for millions of American families. 

First, you should know what you are buying is a central heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC, AC, air conditioning, heat pump, electric heating, furnace,) system that consist of six components:
(1) Outdoor air cooled condenser or heat pump.
(2) Indoor evaporator coil, this device works in conjunction with the outdoor unit.
(3) Freon piping system connecting the outdoor condenser to the indoor evaporator.
(4) Indoor air handler (electric heat) or furnace (gas heat). They are the heating module and contain the blower providing the airflow for both heating and cooling.
(5) Air distribution system which consists of the ductwork, grilles and register.
(6) Air filtering or clean air component, i.e. whole house air purification system.

Phew, done with the first part. Next we will be showing you how your HVAC system is most likely the largest energy consuming appliance in your home, and how you NEED to take a bit more time into making the right purchase.

For more insights, visit our website, www.chapmanair.com and see all the services we offer in your neighborhood.