Dear Friends,

Comfort LineCool Times … Hot News Fall / Winter 2007

The summer of 2007 willbe remembered as one of

the hottest ever. EnduringFlorida’s heat and humiditywithout a properlyfunctioning air conditioningsystem is truly trying on aperson’s soul. I am sograteful for each of ourcustomers for their patience,understanding,dedication andfriendship throughthis recent long, hot,summer. I am proudof our BENSON’S

team for workingtogether so well toget us through someextremely busytimes.

The main reasonwe publish and mail you thisnewsletter each quarter is toequip you with theinformation to make the bestchoices and help you reduceyour energy costs. Our goal isto help you better understandyour heatingand airconditioningsystem,empoweryou to

make educated decisions andpurchases, and show you howto save money.

In addition to our printednewsletter, Benson’s also hasan area on our website thatlists resources you can use forfree that will help you makethe most informed decisionspossible. I encourage you to

take a few minutes and visitwww.bensonshvac.com.

With the busiest season inthe history of BENSON’S nowbehind us, we are able to lookback and honestly say It’sBetter at Benson’s. Becauseof the hard work andflexibility of our team, wewere able to solve hundredsof air conditioning problemsquickly and efficiently. Witheighty employees and stillgrowing, BENSON’S has a totalof over 600 years ofcombined experience to takecare of all your needs.

At BENSON’S it is ourpromise to make you asatisfied customer. It is thiscommitment to our customersthat makes us the Number #1Air Conditioning Companyyear after year.

Rather than dread a phonecall from a dissatisfied

customer for lack ofperformance or a qualityissue, at BENSON’S weembrace such calls becausethat is the only way tocorrect, learn and train. Westrive every day to emphasizethe character quality thatmakes us different – to treateach customer the way we

want to be treated. Withour skills, experienceand this servant heartattitude, we try to solveeach heating and airconditioning challengeto the immediatesatisfaction of ourcustomers. To ensurewe consistently do ourbest each and every day,I personally look at

every response card that ismailed to BENSON’S so wecan continually tweak ouroperations to ensure weprovide the best fit for ourcustomers. This year 98% ofall cards we received werefrom customers who weremore than satisfied. Many ofthem explained in great detailspecifically how a BENSON’S

employee did a great job. Asalways, our goal is 100%satisfaction.

Thank you all for lettingus serve you.

Your friend,

R-22What is it?. . .

ReferralProgram . . .

Carbon MonoxidePoisoning . . .

CommercialProjects . . .

ControllingHeatingCosts . . .

CustomerService & ESAs . . .

In the Kitchen . . .

INSIDE2

3

3

4

3

6

Benson

“REMINDER: Daylight Savings Time isNovember 4, 2007.”

Set Your Clocks Back

5

What You Need to Know About Refrigerants

Page 2BENSON’S ComfortLine Fall/Winter 2007

2007 FallPromotions

Take$200 Off an AccuClean

Whole House Filtration System

Same as Cash /Deferred Payment until

JANUARY 2009!

Regular price is $950 With equipment purchase.

On Any Qualifying Equipment Purchase

562-3132Just call and we’ll happily prove ourvalue to you.

– Benson T. Green

R-22 – What is it?Since the 1960’s, the most commonly known

refrigerant for most air-conditioning systems is calledR-22 (Freon). Unfortunately, when it is manufactured,R-22 results in a by-product that contributes to globalwarming and when system leaks occur, R-22 escapesand contributes to ozone depletion. Inthe 1990’s, the EnvironmentalProtections Agency (EPA) put intoplace a phase-out schedule for theheating and air conditioning industry togradually eliminate R-22. AfterJanuary 1, 2010, products using R-22will no longer be manufactured but R-22 will still beproduced for servicing existing equipment.

What Does this Mean for You?R-22 will still be produced to service existing

equipment for another two decades. But, you shouldknow that as R-22 is gradually phased out, non-ozone-depleting alternative refrigerants are being introducedthat do not contribute to depletion of the ozone layer.When purchasing a new system, you have the optionto help our environment by choosing a system thatuses ozone-friendly refrigerants. Another factor toconsider when evaluating new equipment is energyefficiency. This is just as important as reliability andcost, in making your decision. Even if your airconditioner is only 10-years-old, you may savesignificantly on your cooling energy costs by replacingit with a newer, more efficient model.

Your 24 hr. Service Hotline:

The Silent Killer: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

You can’t see or smell it, but athigh levels carbon monoside

can kill a person in minutes. It isimportant to recognize that thesymptoms of carbon monoxidepoisoning are similar to those ofthe flu (headaches, dizziness,mental confusion, nauseau,weakness and fainting.) Unlikethe flu, the symptoms willdisappear when you leave thesource. If you suspect you havebeen affected by carbonmonoxide, open doors, turn offappliances and leave the buildingto get fresh air. Head to thenearest hospital or clinic where asimple blood test can confirmcarbon monoxide poisoning.

Prevention is the key toavoiding carbon monoxidepoisoning:• Install a carbon monoxide

detector in your home orbusiness (BENSON’S has carbonmonoxide detectors and can install one in your home or

business the next time we’re therefor a visit.)• Hire a trained professional to

inspect all fuel-burningappliances, fireplaces and woodstoves annually.

• Choose appliances that venttheir fumes outside.

• Read and follow all instructionsthat accompany any fuel-burning device.

• Never idle a car in the garage.• Do not use a gas oven to heat

your home, a charcoal grillindoors or sleep in any roomwith an unvented gas orkerosene space heater.

• Do not ignore symptoms.

Page 3BENSON’S ComfortLine Fall/Winter 2007

Commercial ProjectsFlorida State Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .State of FloridaFlorida State University Human Performance Lab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Childer’s ConstructionFlorida State University College of Medicine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Childer’s ConstructionFlorida State University Marine Science . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .LLT Building Corp.Florida Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Childer’s ConstructionGBGH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Nick Chason ConstructionGem Collection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Riley Palmer ConstructionKentucky Fried Chicken . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Richardson Turner ConstructionLegacy Toyota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Riley Palmer ConstructionLively Technical College – Cullinary Arts Facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .LLT Building Corp.Laundry Mat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Nick Chason ConstructionScottsdale Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Advanced BuildersSummer Camp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Childer’s ConstructionTallahassee Community College, SMA 2nd Floor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Childer’s ConstructionWoman’s World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Keith McNeill Plumbing

BENSON’S is pleased that Billy Kelly, Jr. has joined our team. Billy is a tremendous asset to ouroperation and he will take BENSON’S to a higher level of mechanical contracting which willenable us to serve our contractors and customers on any high performance mechanical job theyhave. Billy is a native Tallahassean and graduate of Lincoln High School. He and his fourteen-year-old son enjoy boating, football and stock car racing. With over 27 years of experience inmechanical contracting Billy brings invaluable knowledge and experience. After spending 22years with his prior company, Billy is looking forward to many years of success at BENSON’S.

Welcome, Billy!

BENSON’S ComfortLine Fall/Winter 2007Page 4

Energy Efficiency and ControllingYour Winter Heating Costs

Did you know that about half of your householdenergy use is from heating and cooling?

With the change of seasons and cooler weather onthe way, keep in mind that there are ways to staycomfortable and reduce your energy bills at the sametime. Here are a few simple steps you can take toenhance your system performance while reducingyour energy costs.

1. Change your Air Filters – Dirt and dust build upin your air filters restricts airflow, which reducesefficiency and increases your heating costs. Makeit a point to change your air filters monthly.

2. Maintaining Equipment – Pre-season check-upscompleted by a professional are one of the mostimportant measures you can take to preventproblems.

3. Check Your Thermostat Settings – The optimalsetting during the fall and winter months is 68degrees. Setting it a few degrees cooler at nightwill help you reduce expenses even more.

4. Ceiling Insulation – Make sure your ceilinginsulation is adequate to help keep your homewarm. Visit www.energystar.gov and click on“Home Sealing” to view recommended levels ofinsulation for the various rooms in your home.

5. Seal air leaks around home including ducts –This will reduce drafts and help you get fullperformance out of your heating and airequipment and insulation.

BENSON’S offers several options for preventativemaintenance (see page 5.) During a routine fall tune-up, your BENSON’S comfort consultant will checkthermostat settings, tighten all electrical connectionsand measure voltage and current on all motors,lubricate all moving parts, check and inspect thecondensate drain in your furnace and heat pump,check all system controls, and inspect, clean orreplace your air filters. We also offer duct cleaningand duct sealing services.

When is it time for a change?

While your equipment may be functioning properlytoday, it is still important that you stay informedabout new choices. The heating and air conditioningindustry continues to offer new and improved energyefficient systems that are better for our environmentand result in cost savings. Even if your system isonly 10-years-old, you may save significant costs byreplacing it with a newer, more efficient model.Products with the EPA’s Energy Star label can savehomeowners as much as 10 – 40% on their heatingand cooling bills every year. All of BENSON’S

comfort consultants are fully trained in the manysystems available to our customers and we will workwith you to choose the best option for you.

Page 5BENSON’S ComfortLine Fall/Winter 2007

Customer Service Counts

As director of customerrelations, my personal

motto is “you talk and Ilisten.” I understand that itis your continued supportthat allows BENSON’S tocontinue to grow. It is onlythrough constructivefeedback from you that mystaff and I can learn how toserve you better.

During the past fewmonths, with the local heat index atrecord numbers, the BENSON’S teamreally pulled together to make itthrough some of the busiest dayswe’ve ever had. Our staff workedmany extra shifts during the long hotsummer to make sure we exceeded ourcustomers’ expectations. On mostweekends, we “staffed up” our officesso that our administrative teamanswered the phone lines and

coordinated scheduleswhile several comfortconsultants workedtirelessly handling servicecalls. During one summerweekend, we served overfifty brand-new customers.The coordination andteamwork of everyoneinvolved helped us getthrough the hottest month

on record while we workedtoward one goal; to keep you as loyaland satisfied customers.

When you are happy with ourservice, please tell a friend and let usknow by completing the “YourOpinion Matters” card that yourcomfort consultant gives you at theend of each service call. If you forany reason are not 100% satisfied,please fill out the card or call medirect, 800-201-4317.

Brandi Costa oversees BENSON’S customer service team and hasworked at Benson’s for six years.

Brandi CostaDirector of Customer Service

“They tirelessly worked to

make sure my wife an I

had a back-up air condi-

tioning unit to keep us cool

while our unit was fixed.

He even worked around my

unusual work schedule to

get the job done. We were

very impressed!”

– The Godsey’s

Win a Free Dinner forTwo from Benson’s

When you returnyour BENSON’S

customer response card,you not only help keep usinformed about thequality of our serviceand how we can improve– you can also win a freedinner.

We believe so strongly inthe importance of customer feedback, thatevery card we receive isentered into a drawing towin a dinner for two valued at $75. The cards provide us withinvaluable informationon how we can tweak ourcustomer service toensure that every need isbeing met.

So when you get your card in the mail, pleasesend it in, and you will be automatically entered.Thanks again, and good luck!

Congratulations to OurMost Recent Winner:The Godsey’s

Energy Savings Agreement Plans

Bronze Level

$100/ yearSecond unit $85/year

• Service with-in 48 hours • 10% discount on Repairs • One Tune-up visit• Diagnostic Charge $90 per visit

$150/yearSecond unit $85/year

• Service with-in 24 hours

• 15% discount on Repairs

• Never an Overtime Charge

• Two Tune-ups a Year

• One Free Diagnostic Charge

• Diagnostic Charge $75 Per visit

$250/yearSecond unit $85/year

• Same Day Service• Duct sealing w/ Mastic• 20% discount on Repairs• Never an Overtime Charge• Two Tune-ups a Year• Never a Diagnostic Charge• Free Filter Program• One Free S.E.E.R. Upgrade Point*

* Does not include 2 speed equipment

$450/yearSecond unit $85/year

• Same Day Service• Duct sealing w/ Mastic• 30% discount on Repairs• Never an Overtime Charge• One Super Tune-up Check Heating/and Air

Conditioning Same Visit• Surge Protector or CO2 Detector• Never a Diagnostic Charge• Free Filter Program• Two Free S.E.E.R. Upgrade Points*

Silver Level

Diamond Level

$1150/first yearSecond unit $575/year

• Duct Cleaning• U.V. Light installed• High Efficiency Filter• Micron- Application-Treatment• Duct sealing w/ Mastic• Same Day service• 30% discount on Repairs• Never an Overtime Charge• One Super Tune-up Check Heating/and

Air Conditioning Same Visit• Surge Protector or CO2 Detector• Never a Diagnostic Charge• Two Free S.E.E.R. Upgrade Points*

Platinum Level

$450/yearSecond unit $250/year

• Micron- Application-Treatment• U.V. Replacement Lamp• Duct sealing w/ Mastic• Same Day service• 30% discount on Repairs• Never an Overtime Charge• One Super Tune-up Check Heating/and Air

Conditioning Same Visit• Surge Protector or CO2 Detector• Never a Diagnostic Charge• Free Filter Program • Two Free S.E.E.R. Upgrade Points*

Platinum Level Maintenance

Gold Level

* Does not include 2 speed equipment

* Does not include 2 speed equipment* Does not include 2 speed equipment

If you would like 2nd unit monitor purchase for only $175

Page 6BENSON’S ComfortLine Fall/Winter 2007

While growing up, a favoritecake that my mother would bakewas a devil’s food cake, which wecalled a “Boogeyman Cake”.Mama would always make thiscake on my birthday (even after Iwas grown) and on other specialoccasions. This was very goodwhile still warm but even betterafter it had sat in the refrigerator aday or two and was enjoyed with acold glass of fresh milk from ourcow “Lady”.

– Paul Smith, Benson’s Chief Financial Officer and employee for four years.

INGREDIENTS• ½ Cup of butter

• 1 Cup cane syrup (or substitute2/3 cup dark corn syrup and 1/3cup dark molasses)

• 2 eggs

• 1 Cup sugar

• 3 Cups plain flour

• ½ Cup buttermilk

• ½ Cup strong boiling coffee

• 1 Tablespoon baking soda

• 4 Tablespoons cocoa

• 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract

FILLING INGREDIENTS

• 2 Cups Sugar

• 1 Cup Butter

• 1 Cup Sweet Milk (whole milk)

• 1 Teaspoon Vanilla

DIRECTIONSCream butter and sugar, add

eggs and beat well. Add syrup. Siftflour, baking soda and cocoatogether and add to mixturealternately with milk and coffeethen add vanilla. Pour into four 9-inch lined cake pans. Bake 25minutes at 300 degrees.

Heat sweet milk and sugar untilsoft ball stage, add vanilla andbutter. Cool until the mixturereaches spreading consistency.

After cake is cooled, pourfilling on each layer of cake as youstack and pour the remainingmixture over the top layer andallow to run down the side of thecake.

5402 Tower RoadTallahassee, Florida 32303

Phone: 850-562-3132Toll Free: 800-201-4317Fax: 850-562-6546Send us your e-mail address if youwould like to receive ourspecial offers throughout the year:bensons@bensonshvac.com

PRSRT. STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDTallahassee,FLPermit No. 801

Visit us online:

www.BensonsHVAC.com

Best Heating and AirConditioning Company

Best Heating and AirConditioning Company

THE 2006

In the Kitchen: Boogeyman Cake