Check out our May newsletter!
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COMFORT CONNECTIONS
When it comes to relieving stress, there’s one constant in my life: my wife, Andrea. As a couple, we enjoy the time we spend together, and one commitment we have made to our relationship is sitting down and eating dinner together every night. Some nights are easier than others. We are both busy people and we have bad days like everyone else — we're certainly not perfect. But making the effort to sit down and eat dinner together can be one of the most relaxing parts of my day. Of course, sipping a bourbon sour, our favorite cocktail to unwind with, makes this even more restorative. Recently, Andrea and I have also really enjoyed watching "Death in Paradise" on Netflix. This British procedural follows an inspector who is transferred to the island of Saint-Marie despite hating the sun, sand, and ocean. His main prerogative is to investigate the perplexing murders on the island, and much like other crime shows and mysteries, the show does a great job of keeping the viewer guessing each week. When I’m not enjoying a nice meal, a bourbon sour, or the latest Netflix binge with Andrea, I find solace in reading books. As a business owner, I often find myself diving into business and self-improvement books, as I continually try to soak up as much knowledge as I can. But I’m also a big fan of military spy books. There’s nothing quite like the rush of following an agent as they try to track the latest enemy and save thousands of people from destruction — all from the comfort of my own couch. Granted, the heart-racing thrills of spies and murder mysteries may not sound like the most relaxing ways to unwind, but it’s comforting to become engrossed in worlds that are outside of our own hectic lives. Readers will remember that Aire Serv of the Mid-Hudson Valley has been busy this past year, even going so far as to beat our revenue record for 2018. It was a great feat for our company, but this meant our technicians were busy DINNER, DRINKS, AND NETFLIX How My Wife and I Find Time to Relax Together
"When it comes to relieving stress, there’s one constant in my life: my wife, Andrea."
helping homeowners with their system emergencies, adhering to regular maintenance checks, and installing new technology. Finding time to unwind became a necessary part of my day as my team and I did our best to serve our growing number of loyal Aire Serv customers. But I’m not the only one in the home who stays busy. In addition to helping me with this newsletter and some of the administrative tasks that keep Aire Serv running smoothly, Andrea also holds down a full-time job and is involved in our community. She is active with the women’s guild at St. Joseph’s Church and sings in a community choir. On nights where responsibilities keep us pulled in various directions, our nightly dinners become even more valuable to us. And sometimes the best way to unwind is to just get away from it all! In early May, Andrea and I plan to take our first trip to our timeshare in Williamsburg, Virginia. We’re excited to learn more about the history of this colonial town, and the scenery will certainly elicit some serenity. I hope you can find time to relax this May, and if you’re not sure about what to do, might I suggest a bourbon sour and some "Death in Paradise"?
–Jim Serra
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POPULAR STREAMING SERVICES
Which Services Are Right for You?
Finding that perfect streaming service for your family can cause parents some stress. There are so many options, and it can be difficult to determine which services provide child-appropriate content AND won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Luckily there are plenty of affordable platforms that have family-friendly content. NETFLIX AND HULU Known as two of the most popular streaming services that offer family-friendly content, Netflix and Hulu feature plenty of shows and movies that are perfect for kids. For families who own smart TVs or a digital media device, like Roku or Apple TV, both services are available after a quick app download.
Amazon Prime Video is included with their membership. Those who aren’t can enjoy this streaming service by itself for $8.99 a month.
Offering an extensive collection of titles of multiple genres, Amazon Prime Video is a great streaming service. Movies range from “The Daniel Tiger Movie: Won’t You Be Our Neighbor” for your toddler to the more serious “The Dark Crystal” for kids who are a little older. As with Netflix and Hulu, this service also has a parental control feature, ensuring kids don’t watch anything that may be inappropriate.
Both of these platforms have parental controls, allowing parents to set up accounts and restrictions for what their children can watch. You’ll
DISNEY+ Disney+ will be the newest streaming service, which is set to be released later this year. Families will have access to classic Disney movies as well as other content that Disney has influenced. They’ll even have exclusive access to the newest Disney creations. It's been speculated that anticipated titles “Captain Marvel,” “Toy Story 4,” and “Frozen 2,” will only be available to stream on Disney+. Parents can rest easy knowing that R-rated films won’t be available through this new service as Disney wants to keep its family-friendly approach.
never miss an episode of “Ninjago” or “Sesame Street” again! Their prices are reasonable as well, with Netflix plans ranging from $8.99–$15.99 a month and Hulu being slightly cheaper at $5.99–$11.99 a month.
AMAZON PRIME VIDEO For parents who are already Amazon Prime members, the
STAY SMART
HOW YOUR HVAC SYSTEM CAN SAVE YOU MONEY AND ENERGY
As technology becomes increasingly more efficient with the advent of artificial intelligence systems like Amazon’s Alexa or the Google Home, more homeowners are turning to smarter technology to run their homes, and your HVAC system is one of the technological upgrades you can make. At Aire Serv of the Mid-Hudson Valley, we typically advise our customers to replace their heating and cooling systems every 10 years, especially as technology experts continue to create advanced systems that save customers money and energy. For example, when you knock down 1 degree of your home’s heating or cooling, you get 1 percent more savings. So, when it’s 10 degrees cooler in your home, you can save roughly 10 percent on your energy bill. Programmable HVAC systems create tangible savings just like this, and the best part about smart technology is that the unit does this automatically. Smart and programmable thermostats can adjust your home’s temperature without overworking your system and your wallet. These units know when to heat up your home and when it needs a cool down based on when you and your family are in the house.
Because no two homes are the same, thermostats also offer residents a variety of customization options. Some are equipped to handle a weekday schedule and a weekend routine, while others have specific scheduling options for each day. A third type allows you to coordinate a specific heating and cooling schedule Monday through Friday, with different settings for the weekend. But, as any homeowner will tell you, there’s more to an HVAC system than temperature. Regular maintenance is a requirement of a high-functioning heating and cooling system, and some smart HVAC systems have this figured out, too! Smart devices can be programmed to let homeowners know when their filter needs to be changed, which is handy considering all of the things we have on our minds 24/7.
You don’t have to be a technological genius to reap the ecological and economic benefits of a smart HVAC system. Learn more about these devices and schedule a consultation with one of our technicians by calling 845-256-6158.
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ALTHFUL C UNIT
HOW YOUR AIR CONDITIONER CAN HELP YOUR WELLNESS
Fitness fads come and go, but the basics of healthy living will always remain. Eating right and getting enough exercise have withstood the test of time as some of the best ways to stay healthy, but did you know that your air conditioner can give your health a boost? Find out how below. STOP COUNTING SHEEP Think of sleep as a recharge for your body. When you sleep, your hormones level out and your body regulates itself, leaving you refreshed for a new day. The best way to achieve great sleep and wake up like a Disney princess is to do so in a cool room. According to the National Sleep Foundation, your room should be kept cool, dark, and quiet. The foundation also found that the best temperature for sleeping is somewhere between 60–67 degrees Fahrenheit, and a well-maintained air conditioner can really come in handy for this. SOOTHE YOUR HEART AND SOUL The temperature of your body can have a big impact on how it functions, both physiologically and emotionally. Studies have linked higher, humid
temperatures to dehydration from excessive sweat and spikes in heart-related conditions. Psychologists also found that heat can lead to irritability, anger, and laziness, which can ultimately lead to more heart-related issues. SUBDUE YOUR SCHNOZ Allergy season is in full swing, and for allergy sufferers, it can feel like an ever-daunting task to relieve your symptoms. Studies have shown that a well-maintained air conditioning unit can help you breathe easier because the air that’s being pushed around your home is clear of dust, pollen, and allergens. This can also benefit those with asthma. But if your ducts are not maintained or properly cleaned, your HVAC unit can make your sneezing, sniffling, and suffering even worse. Stay on top of your unit’s maintenance to keep the tissues at bay. To reap all the benefits of your air conditioner, you need an HVAC system that runs properly. Our technicians can help you keep your system spotless and your air conditioner running at its best. Schedule a tune-up by calling 845-256-6158.
HAVE A LAUGH!
SHRIMP SAUSAGE SKEWERS
These shrimp skewers are a quick way to add some surf and turf to your cookout. Pair them with a vinaigrette salad for a side dish that complements without overwhelming the main event.
INGREDIENTS
• 2 zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch pieces • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil • Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
• 1/2 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined • 1/2 pound cooked sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons paprika • 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder • 1/2 tablespoon onion powder CREOLE SEASONING INGREDIENTS
• 1/2 tablespoon cayenne or chili powder • 1/4 tablespoon dried oregano • 1/4 tablespoon dried thyme
DIRECTIONS 1. Heat your grill to medium-high. 2. In a bowl, combine all ingredients for creole seasoning. 3. In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, sausage, and zucchini, and toss with the olive oil. 4. Add creole seasoning and mix well until all ingredients are covered. 5. Load up skewers with alternating pieces of shrimp, sausage, and zucchini until they’re full. 6. Grill skewers until shrimp are well-cooked (6–8 minutes).
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Inspired by PaleoLeap.com
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Relieving Stress INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1 2 Streaming Services Perfect for Your Family 845-256-6158 | aireserv.com/mid-hudson-valley
Programming Smart HVAC Technology
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Stay Healthy and Cool
Shrimp Sausage Skewers
How to Travel Sustainably
GO GREEN
GET OUT THERE WITH THESE ECO-TOURISM TIPS
Vacations can come with great expense, and not just for your bank account. According to a 2018 study published in Nature Climate Change, travel accounts for 8 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Cut through the greenwashing and do your part to lessen these emissions by traveling sustainably. TRAVEL GREEN When possible, trains, hybrid buses, and carpooling are great alternatives to larger, more environmentally intrusive travel methods. Large cruise liners are detrimental to oceans, and airplanes emit large amounts of toxins into the air. However, you can cruise and fly with the earth in mind. Some cruise lines are working to reduce their impact by installing more eco-friendly lighting and materials, and flight experts recommend using “green” airports, choosing fuel-efficient airlines, staying longer, and traveling less. If anything, it’s an excuse to extend your European vacation! STAY GREEN Where you stay impacts the environment as much as how you get there. Hotels use copious amounts of water for bathing and laundry, and they struggle to reduce energy because guests leave their lights and televisions on. However, many luxury resorts, woodsy cabins, and even entire countries have opted to make eco- tourism easier. If you’re looking for a region of the world committed
to preserving nature, look no further than Iceland, Finland, and Sweden, which are ranked the three most environmentally friendly places in the world. DO GREEN Man-made attractions like the Egyptian pyramids and Machu Picchu are some of the world’s greatest wonders, but Earth itself is pretty breathtaking. Check out natural attractions while hiking or camping in preserved forests, or soak up all the Caribbean has to offer by snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing,
kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. When you’re mindful of your surroundings and remain unobtrusive, there are endless outdoor activities you can explore. Some locations even partner with environmentally conscious organizations you can donate to or volunteer with.
Opt for a green vacation and know that while you relax, the earth is getting a little relief too.
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