Friday, December 20, 2013

Gault Energy & Stone President, Sam Gault, Tours NYC's Bank of America Building with Fairfield County Teens

 
Westport | 203-227-5181
Bethel | 203-790-9023 

This week, the winner and finalists of Gault Energy & Stone's teen essay contest, "What's Next?: Energizing the Next 150 Years?", joined company President Sam Gault for a private tour of New York City's celebrated Bank of America Building, one of the world's most environmentally responsible high-rise office buildings.  
 
Pictured L to R, front row: contest finalist Nathalie Pacheco, a sophomore at Bridgeport's Fairchild Wheeler Multi-magnet High School, contest winner Shelby Cataldo, a junior at Staples High School, contest finalist Jordyn Patterson, a senior at Westport's Staples High School, and Mike Aitkenhead, an Environmental Science teacher at Staples High School
L to R, back row: Sam Gault, Meredith Donaher, Gault Energy & Stone marketing assistant, and contest finalist Graham Bonnell, a sophomore at Bridgeport's Fairchild Wheeler Multi-magnet High School.  Not pictured: contest finalist Stephen Galyas, a senior at Norwalk's Brien McMahon High School.

Shelby Cataldo's winning essay focused on the science of imitating plant cells and the process of photosynthesis to create energy. The four finalists' essays focused on the use of carbon nanotubes, hydrogen fuel cells, converting human and animal waste to energy, and harnessing ocean waves to create energy.  In addition to the Bank of America tour with her fellow finalists, the winner received a $1,500 scholarship. The contest was part of Gault Energy & Stone's year-long 150th Anniversary celebration.

Congratulations to all!

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Have an Eco Friendly Christmas

 
Westport | 203-227-5181
Bethel | 203-790-9023

It’s not too late to make this Holiday Season a little more environmentally friendly. Whether you've finished decking the halls or are still in process, we've rounded up some tips so you can be greener this year:
  1. Switch to LED Christmas lights - LED lights use 90% less electricity than regular Christmas lights and are fairly inexpensive!
  2. Try Fiber Optic Decor - Fiber optic trees and decorations are number one in energy efficiency. Most cases involve a single bulb located in the base of the unit that lights the entire decoration.
  3. Mind the Lights - Wait until it's dark to turn on Christmas lights and turn them off prior to bed. Six hours or less of daily use is a good goal to aim for.
  4. Don't Use Excess Light - Christmas tree lights should provide enough lighting to navigate around the room, avoid turning on additional lights.
  5. Turn Down the Thermostat - When you have guests, extra bodies mean extra warmth - turn down the thermostat during a party at your house.
  6. Choose Energy Free Gifts - Did you know that 40% of all batteries are purchased during the holiday season? Opt to buy gifts that don't use electricity or batteries.
  7. Choose Rechargeable Products - For gifts that do require batteries, consider rechargeable batteries and a charger.
  8. Take a Stroll Around the Neighborhood - Leave the car at home, walk around your neighborhood to see Christmas lights. The temperature this weekend is supposed to be in the 50s, take advantage!
Do you have any energy saving tips for the holidays? Share with us on our Facebook page!

Friday, December 13, 2013

Important Safety Tip: Maintaining Seasonal/Unoccupied Homes

 
Westport | 203-227-5181
Bethel | 203-790-9023

No matter how you heat your home, maintaining your heat to a certain level is critical. Freeze-ups in an empty or unoccupied home can cause expensive damage. Water from broken pipes can flood a house in a  matter of hours causing structural damage and loss of personal property.

To prevent any problems from occurring while you are gone, please:
  • Make sure your heating system is working properly prior to departing
  • Ask someone to check on your home often in your absence
  • Set your thermostat to 55 degrees or higher
If you know you will be away from your home for any length of time, arranging for supervision is the best thing to avoid preventable mishaps.

Remember to LIKE us on Facebook for home advice and other safety tips!

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Have a Greener Thanksgiving

www.GAULTENERGY.com
Westport | 203-227-5181
Bethel | 203-790-9023 

With all the effort, time and money you put into this yearly tradition, why not make your Thanksgiving a little greener? See below for some ways to bring sustainability into your holiday - without skimping on the festive fun:

Low Waste -Before you start to make your menu, look at what you already have and build your shopping list around that. Also, have a leftover plan; incorporate your Thanksgiving leftovers into recipes for added variety!

Be Energy Efficient - If you have several dishes that need to be in the oven at the same temperature, put them in together to reduce energy use and prep time. Plus with the oven going and a house full of guests, there's plenty of warmth to go around. Turn down the thermostat a few degrees.

Choose Local - Support your community, local economy and your health by choosing a more localized menu. Read our recent blog post for more information.

Prep for Less Stress
- A lot of dishes can be prepped before the big day, this way you can spend more time with the family and less time in the kitchen. Prep pies, desserts and vegetables for casseroles and sides the night before.

For Decor - DIY - Create simple and elegant table decor simply from walking into your own backyard! Branches, leaves, pine cones - not only will these items create less waste, but you'll have fewer items to store since everything is disposable and biodegradable.

How are you planning to have a greener Thanksgiving? Share with us on our Facebook page!

Monday, November 25, 2013

Nancy Gault's Apple Pie

 
www.GAULTENERGY.com
Westport | 203-227-5181
Bethel | 203-790-9023


In honor of Thanksgiving, we wanted to share one of our favorite family recipes with our customers. If you're still looking for a dessert to make - try Nancy Gault's Apple Pie:

Ingredients:
8 or 9 inch Double Crust
1 ½ cups of flour
½ tsp. salt
½ cup shortening
4 Tbsp. of cold water
1 cup sugar
¼ tsp. cinnamon
Apples (8-10)

Step 1:
Sift together 1 ½ cups of flour and ½ teaspoon salt. Add ½ cup shortening and 4 or 5 Tablespoons of cold water and mix with a fork or pastry mixer (add 1 or more Tablespoons of water if needed).

Step 2:
Cut the dough in half and roll one half out and lay on bottom of pie plate.

Step 3:
Peel and slice apples (mixture of green and red). Put apple slices into pie plate making sure the slices are not stuck together.

Step 4:
Mix ¾ to 1 cup sugar and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon together and sprinkle over apples being sure to get the mixture in all the crevices between the apples.

Step 5:
Roll out the other half of the dough and lay on top of the apples. Press the bottom and top dough together around the edges and prick the top with a fork. Lightly brush the top with milk.

Step 6:
Bake at 400 degrees for about 50 minutes or until the sugar starts to come out the top.

Let us know how your Apple Pie turned out on our Facebook page!

Friday, November 22, 2013

Go Local This Thanksgiving!

Westport | 203-227-5181
Bethel | 203-790-9023

Next week, we will all be sitting down with our loved ones to enjoy a special annual meal. While Thanksgiving can mean many things to many people we should remember that this holiday is truly a celebration about community.

And what better way to honor your community than to go local this year by putting together your Thanksgiving dinner using foods within 100 miles of where you live. After all, eating close to home is good for your health, the local economy, and the environment.

Here are some tips for mastering a local Thanksgiving feast:
 
Think Outside the Bird
Locally grown turkeys are HIGHLY coveted and in short supply, if you haven't done so already you should place your order immediately. Try looking into Stone Gardens Farm, Ekonk Hill Turkey Farm or CT Farm Fresh. Otherwise feel free to get creative and go with beef, pork, or even chicken instead. 
 
Pick Homegrown Produce
Find local vegetables, fruits, side dishes at your local farmer's market! LocalHarvest.org is a great resource for finding locally grown goods.
 
Pour a Connecticut Wine
Don't stress over which wine to choose, chances are there will be a few options during the meal. Select whichever wine you'd like to have with the dinner you have planned. No plans this weekend? Take a visit to some of the wineries along the Connecticut Wine Trail or head to your local Wines & Spirits store for a selection.
 
Feather Your Nest
Finding a centerpiece can be as simple as walking out to your backyard. Set a beautiful autumn table with some outdoor elements (pine cones, flowers, leaves) and some candles and you're ready for your guests to arrive.

Don't forget, there are no 'rules' in celebrating a local harvest - getting back in touch with your local food system should feel like an adventure, not a chore. Have fun with it!

Let us know how you plan to go local this holiday season. Do you have any favorite 'local' themed recipes? Share with us on our Facebook page! 

Tips inspired by NBCDFW and The Daily Green

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

24/7 Service for Peace of Mind - Join the Club!

www.GAULTENERGY.com
Westport | 203-227-5181
Bethel | 203-790-9023

When it comes to joining Gault Energy's Heating and Cooling Protection Plan Clubs, you should know that the vast majority of our customers are already enjoying the many benefits that come with membership.

Don’t hesitate, enrolling is EASY - plus, why wouldn’t you want some peace of mind where your home, finances, and family are concerned? Here are 3 simple reasons why you should join the club:

  1. No longer worry about your home’s comfort or wonder if your heating and cooling systems are running at their peak performance and efficiency. 
  2. Save money over the long-term, by preventing costly equipment breakdowns and extending the life of your equipment. 
  3. Have peace of mind knowing that Gault Energy’s service technicians are here for you and your family 24/7

For more information or to get started in enrollment, simply call one of our Customer Care representatives at 203.227.5181 or complete our “How May We Help You” form online.

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Hybrid Cars... Hybrid Heat?

www.GAULTENERGY.com
Westport | 203-227-5181
Bethel | 203-790-9023

You already know that a hybrid car saves energy, but did you know that a hybrid heating system could help you save energy at home?

Our revolutionary System 2000 hybrid heating system can save you up to 40% on your energy bills while also providing you and your family with an almost endless supply of hot water. That's an annual savings of $1,600 off the average energy bill!

Call us today at 203.227.5181 to schedule your in home consultation with one of our expert Comfort Specialist and let us help you use less—so you save more—this coming winter.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Oil vs. Natural Gas – Which Heating Fuel is Right for Your Home?

Westport | 203-227-5181
Bethel | 203-790-9023

While natural gas was cheaper than home heating oil last winter, did you know oil heat has been cheaper than natural gas for 15 of the last 18 winters? In fact, many experts are saying that oil will be cheaper than gas over the next ten years – and here’s why.
  • First, more and more sources of oil are being discovered right here in the US. Many newspaper stories have reported that these new discoveries could make the US totally oil dependent by 2015.
  • Second, liquid natural gas is now being produced in the US for export to countries like China and India, where it is sold for 5x what it is sold for in the US. This export market has led to increased demand, which in turn means natural gas prices will skyrocket.
While Gault Energy is fuel-neutral when it comes to installing furnaces and boilers, we’re still confident on home heating oil. If you’re considering changing from home heating oil to propane or natural gas to heat your home, please give us a call at 203.227.5181.

We’ll talk you through the options and install the heating system that is best for you and your family. As always, you’ll get the same 24/7 service with your natural gas or propane heating system that you have come to expect from us!


If you have questions or would like additional information, please send your inquiries to info@gaultenergy.com, or view our Newsletter.

Friday, November 8, 2013

Want More Savings - Refer a Friend Today

Gault Inc., Since 1863
Westport | 203-227-5181
Bethel | 203-790-9023
Want to put more money back in your pocket this Holiday Season? Of course you do - and here's how:

You already know the many benefits of being a Gault Energy customer, and here is one more. Refer a friend to Gault Energy, and if they become an automatic delivery customer, you will receive $100 on your account.

Refer five people and that's $500.00 right back to you! So why not put more money back in your pocket and help those you know by introducing them to a company you know and trust with a reputation for unbeatable service?

Start today. Who knows? Maybe you can start the heating season off without spending a dime!

Fill out our online form, or call us today at 203.227.5181 for more details.
*New customers must be credit approved and on automatic delivery.*