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MONTH 2021
(AV)A BREATH OF Fresh Air MAY 2025
AvaAir. We’ll Be There
Economic Pressures and Heartfelt Goodbyes
Running an HVAC business comes with its share of headaches, and none are more persistent than the fluctuating costs of materials. Since 2018, a staggering 25% tariff on steel and aluminum has left many in our industry grappling with rising prices — a trend that doesn’t seem to be letting up anytime soon. Here at AvaAir, we’ve recently had to navigate through changes due to new safety regulations, which have bumped up the costs of our refrigerant equipment by 20%. These costs are due to necessary safety improvements to handle the mild flammability of modern refrigerants. It’s a classic case of being caught between a rock and a hard place: improving product safety while managing spiraling expenses. Now, you may wonder why someone in HVAC is talking economics. Well, not many know this, but I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in economics from Georgia State. However, the theories I studied do little
to ease the burden of practical realities. The inflation numbers economists offer don’t reflect the pressures on our industry. The costs we face are escalating far beyond the general inflation rate. For example, last year, despite significant increases in our operating costs, we made a conscious decision not to raise our installation fees. We absorbed these costs to spare our customers the impact. However, maintaining this stance is becoming increasingly challenging. I’m not one to sound the alarm unnecessarily, but it’s tough to see a sustainable path forward without adjusting our pricing to some extent. We’re trying to hold the line on prices, but with manufacturers hinting at more hikes in aluminum costs, my head is spinning. * Sigh * When these costs climb, it affects everything from the equipment we install to the trucks we drive and even the insurance we carry. Every aspect of our business feels the pinch. Despite these challenges, we strive to maintain transparency with our customers, which is why I’m explaining this to you all now! And amid these business pressures, life got a bit more challenging on the personal side. A few months ago, our family lost Lucy, our Australian shepherd. She was my frisbee dog and an excellent protector of the house. She was also my daughter Ava’s best friend. Lucy was part of the family, and we did all we could to keep her healthy as long as possible. We took her to the vet regularly and followed up with all of their recommendations. But, sometimes, you can’t prepare for the worst. Her absence has left a quieter house. Our bulldog hasn’t quite mastered Lucy’s mail alert system; now, packages sit at the door until we stumble upon them ourselves. Just this past January, she was out there making snowmen with Ava — she’d help push to create the snowball base and everything! Everyone loved Lucy. Her smart and lively spirit will always be missed in our family. She left pawprints in our hearts.
–Chris Heenan
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DIET DECEIVERS Shockingly Sneaky High- Calorie Snacks For most health-conscious Americans, counting calories is the go- to method for keeping their bodies and eating habits in check. Unfortunately, even the strictest dieters may be defeating their goals without realizing it. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, moderately active males aged 31–45 need to consume 2,600 calories daily to maintain proper weight and health. In contrast, moderately active females in the same age group need 2,000. Moderately active older adults need 2,400 and 1,800, respectively. Although these amounts seem to offer considerable wiggle room at first glance, you may be shocked to learn how quickly calories add up — even when your diet consists of “healthy” options.
We should all show appreciation for the moms in our lives year-round, but Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to do something extra special. For many busy moms, a relaxing, stress-free breakfast in bed is the ultimate treat. But Mother’s Day breakfast doesn’t have to be an over- the-top display or super complicated to prepare. A little planning, a few thoughtful details, and helping hands make all the difference. Start with a menu she’ll love. Mother’s Day breakfast in bed should be simple but meaningful. Breakfast go-tos like pancakes and French toast are delicious and easy to make, and you can add a parfait or fresh fruit and a cup of freshly squeezed juice for a special touch. If she loves eggs and toast, go in that direction. Preparing Mom’s favorite dish or incorporating ingredients that remind her of a family tradition can take the meal to the next level. Present it beautifully. You can elevate even a simple breakfast with a few thoughtful additions. Ditch the disposables and use real plates, silverware, and linen napkins. Deliver the breakfast with care on a lovely tray accompanied by a small vase of flowers. Keep everything organized neatly, and include a handwritten card or note to add a heartfelt message to the meal. Make it a team effort. Get the whole family involved — minus Mom, of course! Even young kids can pitch in by spreading butter, arranging fruit, or folding napkins. Older kids can help out more with the actual cooking. To make Mother’s Day morning stress-free for everyone, do prep work the night before. Chop fruit, prepare the coffeemaker, and premix the pancake batter. And don’t forget the cleanup. Working as a team to wash dishes and put things away will ensure a dirty kitchen doesn’t ruin Mom’s special day when she gets up. Remember, you don’t have to prepare the perfect meal to make Mother’s Day memorable. It’s all about showing your love and appreciation. The holiday is an opportunity to bring the entire family together to create a special moment for the most important woman in your life. Treat Mom to a Magical Morning The Ultimate Mother’s Day Breakfast Plan
Glaring truths about ‘good’ foods. First, let’s avoid the misconception that calories are the end-all,
be-all of a successful diet plan. Sure, you could keep your weight down by
eating nothing but 2,600 calories of Oreos every day, but your body would miss out on much-needed protein. For a healthy way to provide your body with this essential nutrient, reach for chickpeas instead — but keep in mind that a single 1-cup serving on top of a salad packs nearly 300 calories. To put that into perspective, that’s the caloric equivalent of pouring an order
of McDonald’s small fries and a packet of barbecue sauce on your leafy lunch. Here’s another not-so-fun fact: One cup of guacamole has about the same calories as a McDouble burger! Drinks you should ditch. Thirsty? No problem — just swallow 10 teaspoons of sugar! Sounds preposterous, right? Well, that’s how much sugar you consume every time you drink a 12-ounce regular Coke, which also has more than 140 calories. Other drinks you may think are “healthy choices” really aren’t. Even though electrolyte drinks like Gatorade might seem like a great option after a workout, several brands are high in sugar, sodium, and other chemicals. A better choice? Coconut water, which naturally has electrolytes! Fruit juices are another tricky one. They may tout vitamins but are sugary and high in acid. You’re better off eating the actual fruit.
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STEP BY STEP
Help Your Kids Fall in Love With Hiking
Getting your kids outdoors to enjoy nature is a goal worth pursuing, but smartphones, video games, and social media have made it far more challenging in recent years. We celebrated Earth Day on April 22, and a nature walk is a great way to keep the appreciation for nature going. Planning games, creative projects, and other challenges to engage them during your hike can get kids involved from the start. Choose a trail that isn’t too difficult, and allow your children to wander and explore. If your children have a creative flair, encourage them to collect dried leaves, pieces of bark, seed pods, sticks, and other items to use in a collage. For adventurous kids, you can draft an age-appropriate list for a scavenger hunt to keep them from growing bored on the walk. You can include different insects native to your area, specific colors of leaves, and types of flowers, and you can even have them keep an ear out for different bird calls.
photos of their leaves or other parts. Additionally, the Arbor Day Foundation offers an online step- by-step guide at ArborDay.org for identifying a tree by its leaves. Keep the learning going by having your kids record their distance based on trail signs or a map app on their phones and calculate their average
speed. You could also invite your youngsters to become cartographers, tracing the trail and surroundings on paper, including landmarks, rivers,
and lakes. Older kids can add topographical information using their phones or an altitude app such as Altimeter or My Altitude.
Hiking is a fantastic activity to help your kids appreciate the outdoors rather than their phone screens, but being in nature takes energy. Remember to pack snacks and a water bottle before you leave, or pack a favorite picnic meal to savor the rewards of exploring the outdoors!
Challenge your kids to make a list of all the plants or animals they can identify while they walk. Apps like Leafsnap help you identify plants using
Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Lettuce Cups
Take a break
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
Ingredients
• 1 boneless beef chuck roast (about 2 lbs) • 3 medium carrots, peeled, chopped • 2 medium sweet red peppers, chopped • 1 medium onion, chopped • 1 8-oz can unsweetened crushed pineapple, undrained
• 1/2 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce • 2 tbsp packed brown sugar • 2 tbsp white vinegar • 1 garlic clove, minced • 1/2 tsp pepper • 3 tbsp cornstarch • 3 tbsp water • 24 lettuce leaves for serving
1. In 4- or 5-quart slow cooker, combine roast, carrots, peppers, and onion. 2. In small bowl, stir together the next 6 ingredients; pour over roast. 3. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours. Remove roast, let cool slightly, then shred. 4. Skim fat from cooking juices, then transfer juices and vegetables to a small saucepan; bring to a boil over high heat. 5. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water, stir mixture into juices, and cook 3–4 minutes until sauce is thickened. 6. Return beef, sauce, and vegetables to slow cooker; cook for 10–15 minutes. 7. Serve beef in lettuce leaves. Directions
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WWW.AVAAIR.COM 678.902.2822 3231 Normandy Cir. NE Marietta, GA 30062
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AvaAir. We’ll Be There
Inside
1
Tackling Inflation and Bidding Farewell to Lucy
2
Hidden Hazards to Your Health
Mother’s Day Breakfast Ideas to Wow Mom
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Tips for Engaging Your Kids in a Nature Hike Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Lettuce Cups
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Secrets to a Stress-Free Family Picnic
DITCH THE STRESS, EMBRACE THE FUN Spring Family Picnics Made Easy
When was the last time you gathered the family, threw down a blanket, and enjoyed a meal together in the warm sun? A picnic is the perfect springtime activity, but the planning and food prep can make it seem like more hassle than it’s worth. The truth is, however, that picnics don’t have to be complicated. Here are four tips for planning easy family picnics. Pick the perfect picnic spot. When choosing a location for your picnic, think about how your family would like to spend the day. A park with open fields and playground equipment keeps kids entertained between bites, but a park isn’t the only option. The beach, a local lake, or a mountain picnic area are all fantastic for a family picnic. Just remember bug spray and sunscreen and find a shady spot on hot days. Don’t overthink the menu. Picnics are all about the food, but that doesn’t mean you have to fuss over the menu. Keep things simple, and choose items that can withstand time outside the cooler. Easy-to-eat options like sandwiches, fruit, and
finger foods are tasty and quick to prepare. Add variety with veggies and hummus or cheese and crackers.
For an extra treat, grab premade cookies or brownies. Lemonade, juice, and fruit-infused water are refreshing options and keep everyone hydrated without the caffeine. Bring an insulated cooler for drinks and food, and don’t forget wet wipes for easy cleanup. Create a cozy, kid-friendly setup. The picnic blanket is a great start, but you can take things up a notch with a few extras. Plush blankets, throw pillows, and lawn chairs offer comfortable sitting and lounging options. Pack entertainment as well; outdoor games, like Frisbee and ring toss, and a portable speaker to add to the fun. Don’t forget — it’s about family! Family outings shouldn’t be stressful; the best ones are sometimes the simplest. Instead of worrying about perfect details, focus on spending time together outdoors, relaxing, and enjoying good food and even better company.
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