Check out our January/February edition!
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COMFORT CONNECTIONS
NATIONAL HOBBY MONTH SPURS A MOTORCYCLE COMEBACK Riding Into the New Year
I’ve mentioned my passion for motorcycles in previous newsletters, but with January being National Hobby Month, I think now’s as good a time as any to think about and plan for diving back into this endeavor. I haven’t had too much time these days to ride my motorcycle (and the window of good riding weather is relatively limited in our area), but I’m sure any working person can say the same about some of their favorite hobbies. While January is a great time to revisit indoor hobbies during a cold winter, there’s nothing wrong with making a plan now to get back on my bike with my wife, Andrea, once sunnier spring weather arrives. I didn’t learn how to ride a motorcycle until I was in my 20s, when a spur-of- the-moment decision led me to buy one. A friend taught me how to ride, and motorcycling became an instant passion. Of course, life happened, and I was often too busy to take the bike out on the road, so I sold my motorcycle. I’m not sure if I have many regrets that surpass that one! Fortunately, in 2006, I decided to purchase one again and, this time, share my hobby with Andrea. There’s nothing better than doing something you enjoy with someone you love. Andrea also fell for biking; we made many motorcycle trips to Lake George and other places. Sadly, we haven’t had the time to do this in quite a while. Of course, I still do maintenance, oil changes, and washing to keep my motorcycle running, but it’s challenging to make time for leisurely rides.
to get it running smoothly. I eagerly rolled up my sleeves and got to work on it, and we really enjoyed some leisurely rides around town in it this past summer. National Hobby Month reminds me how important it is to make more time for my hobbies and passions — riding my bike with Andrea in the great outdoors once the weather warms up, or having an outing in the MG, will do me plenty of good and is well worth the wait for warmer weather. Hopefully, you’re also inspired to pick up past hobbies or try out new ones this month. With my line of work, it’s not unexpected that I would be a handyman of sorts even off the clock. Now that I mention it, if you enjoy working on cars and are good at repairs, you might make a great HVAC technician or system designer. You don’t have to be an HVAC expert to become one in the future. We all — everyone on our team — had to start somewhere!
Last spring, I found an old 1976 MGB convertible for sale, and while it had been lovingly cared for, it required a bit of mechanical work
"National Hobby Month reminds me how important it is to make more time for my hobbies and passions — riding my bike with Andrea in the great outdoors once the weather warms up will do me plenty of good and is well worth the wait for warmer weather.”
Here’s to discovering new passions and reviving those that have taken a (temporary) back seat.
Jim Serra
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FOOD FOR THOUGHT— THE BENEFITS OF EATING AS A FAMILY
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Educational Benefits Mealtime
In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to overlook the simple yet profound act of sharing a meal with family or friends. However, research suggests that eating together at least three times a week can significantly benefit overall health, particularly for children. Let's delve into why this age-old tradition is more important than ever. Healthier Eating Habits One of the most immediate benefits of family meals is you generally eat better. Families sitting down to eat together are more likely to consume a balanced homemade meal rich in essential nutrients like calcium and fiber. This is especially beneficial for children in their formative years who need these nutrients for growth and development. Weight Management Eating together also helps in controlling weight more effectively. Home-prepared
meals usually contain healthier ingredients and allow for better portion control. Mealtime structure also supports better eating habits, which can be a crucial factor in weight management for both adults and children. Positive Effects on Child Development Research suggests that eating dinner together positively affects child development. Children interact with adults and siblings, and conversations help them learn social skills, table manners, family values, and culture. Emotional Well-Being Family meals are not just about the food but also about spending quality time together. Enjoying a meal with loved ones allows family bonding and may even improve mental health. It contributes to fewer emotional problems and helps children feel loved, safe, and secure.
conversations can be educational. Parents can discuss various topics, helping children expand their knowledge, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills. This intellectual stimulation can be particularly beneficial for school- aged children.
Sharing meals with family or friends is not just a social custom but a healthful practice with numerous benefits. The advantages
are numerous, especially for children. So, make it a point to gather around the table for a meal at least three times a week. Your body, mind, and soul will thank you.
TECH TALK Eric G. Answers Some FAQs!
Q: What is the typical lifespan of my HVAC system, and how can I extend it? A: The average HVAC unit was built to last 15–20 years, but like everything else, the better it's maintained, the longer it will last. If it’s neglected, it won't last. Regular maintenance and changing the filters are critical. Q: Are there any warning signs that my system may be approaching the end of its life? A: That depends on the type of system you have, but the tech who comes out to do your annual system maintenance can let you know about the condition of your specific equipment.
We're grateful to have such an amazing and knowledgeable group of technicians on our team! In an effort to share their knowledge with you, Eric G. allowed us to pick his brain for this month's edition of Tech Talk and answered four commonly asked HVAC questions! Q: How can I optimize my thermostat settings for efficiency? A: At my house, I have a programmable thermostat set on a schedule. When I'm not home, or at night, I lower it to 63°F, and I raise it to 68°F when I'm home during the day. That way, I optimize efficiency by using less energy when no one's home, but it's not turned down so far that the system has to work too hard to come up to temperature.
Meet Eric G.! Eric has been in HVAC for 19 years, but he grew up swinging a hammer with his dad, who was a master carpenter. Tired of lugging wood, Eric returned to school to learn HVAC and has been at it ever since. Before coming to Aire Serv, he was doing commercial work but says he enjoys interacting with customers in the home and being part of the family atmosphere here at Aire Serv. Fun fact: Eric has a degree in mathematics but says, "A desk is not for me!" He likes to stay busy on and off the job and enjoys hiking, four-wheeling, and keeping up with his three kids, three dogs, and a grandson.
You can swap out any thermostat with a programmable thermostat, or even a Wi-Fi model, so you can control it while you're away. Q: How can I improve indoor air quality with my HVAC system? A: Dry air is always a problem in the winter, so a humidifier is beneficial. A good filter is always a plus — or a media filter, depending on your needs and whether you have allergies or pets. The more contaminants in the air, the more you should do to purify the air.
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WINTER-PROOF YOUR PIPES How to Protect Your Pipes and Avoid Costly Repairs
As temperatures drop, the risk of frozen pipes becomes a concern for every homeowner. When water freezes in your pipes, it expands, creating pressure that can cause pipes to burst and lead to water damage and costly repairs. Fortunately, you can take several preventive measures to protect your plumbing (and all your possessions!) during the iciest season. Insulate your pipes. Insulating pipes is one of the most effective ways to prevent them from freezing. Use pipe insulation sleeves or wrapping material, especially in unheated areas such as basements, crawl spaces, and attics. Insulation helps retain the heat within the pipes, reducing the likelihood of freezing. Seal gaps and cracks. Identify and seal any gaps or cracks in your home's walls, floors, or foundation. Cold air drafts can contribute to freezing pipes, so ensuring your home is properly sealed will help maintain a warmer climate for your plumbing. Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses. If you know temperatures will drop below freezing, disconnect and drain water from outdoor hoses. If hoses are left connected, water can freeze and expand back into the pipe, potentially
causing it to burst. You should store hoses in a sheltered location to prevent any damage. Let faucets drip. On extremely cold nights, allowing faucets to drip can relieve pressure within the pipes. Running water, even at a trickle, can help prevent freezing. Focus on faucets connected to pipes along exterior walls or in colder areas of your home. Install a programmable thermostat. Investing in a programmable thermostat allows you to regulate the temperature in your home, even when you're away. Set the thermostat to maintain a minimum temperature, typically above freezing, to protect pipes during colder periods. Many people habitually turn down their heat at night or during the day when out of the house. But when the temperature sinks into the 20s and below, you should not turn the heat down. You might think you’re saving money by turning down the heat, but it will end up costing you more if your pipes freeze. Taking proactive steps to prevent frozen pipes can save you from the inconvenience and expense of dealing with burst pipes. You can safeguard your plumbing and enjoy a worry-free winter by insulating, sealing, and maintaining a consistent temperature.
Can You Find the Van? We have hidden a tiny van somewhere in this newsletter! Can you find it? If so, send your name, mailing address, phone number, email address, and where in the newsletter you spotted the van to Aire Serv of the Mid-Hudson Valley, 392 Masten Rd., Pleasant Valley, NY 12569, or email us at office@aireservmidhudson.com. One entry will be drawn at random from all correct entries received. The winner will be contacted by phone or email and announced in the next newsletter. Prize will be mailed to the winner. Limit one entry per household.
SPINACH AND ARTICHOKE DIP
Inspired by TheSpruceEats.com
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. 2. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the onion, salt, pepper, and garlic. Reduce the heat to low and sauté until the onions are softened, about 3 minutes. 3. Add the spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Stir to combine. 4. Fold in the cheddar and 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, season with more salt and pepper to taste, and heat until warmed through. 5. Transfer to a greased casserole dish, sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, and bake for 20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. 6. Serve with chips, baguette slices, or crudité.
INGREDIENTS
• • • • • • • • • • • •
1 tsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 10-oz pkg frozen spinach, thawed and drained
1 12-oz jar marinated artichoke hearts
8 oz cream cheese 1/2 cup sour cream 1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Last issue's winner is Virginia K. of Poughkeepsie. Congratulations, Virginia!
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392 Masten Rd. | Pleasant Valley, NY 12569 845-256-6158 | aireserv.com/mid-hudson-valley
Make Time for Your Passions This National Hobby Month INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1 2 Why Eating Together Matters More Than You Think
Tech Talk With Eric G.
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Prevent Frozen Pipes With These 5 Tips
Spinach and Artichoke Dip
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Winter's Best-Kept Secrets: How to Cozy Up Your Home
CHASE AWAY THE WINTER CHILL
Transform Your Space with Cozy Comfort!
No. 2: Nature brings warmth. During those colder months, it's likely many plants aren't thriving outside. Everything holds that bare-bones appearance, which leaves cold, empty space. Our brains associate organic materials, like wood, foliage, fruits, and vegetables, with warm weather because that's when they grow! So, when the outside lacks a natural glow, bring the warmth inside by adding something organic to every room. No. 3: Fluff it up! And finally, there is no feeling cozier than a soft blanket or our pet's fluffy fur against our skin. We want to feel enveloped by these fluffy things, so a great way to make your space cozier is to switch out those thin throws or beaded or smooth pillows, and opt for softer textures. Choose towels and blankets you feel like you can sink into!
Starting now and into the next few months, the one thing most places have in common is a chilly outside temperature. In fact, in January 2023, the average temperature in the U.S. was 35 degrees F! So, it's no wonder most people stay inside where it's toasty, and part of the enjoyment in doing so is that cozy feeling a warm home in a cold winter can bring us. But what if, despite your heater running, your home doesn't feel all that cozy? Feeling cozy can involve blankets, hot chocolate, or crackling fires, but everyone's preferences differ. Here are a few key things anyone can do to up the cozy factor in their space this winter. No. 1: You have a cold home if you have a cold floor. By this, we mean if you don't have rugs on your hard floors, you're losing out on some major cozy points. Rugs make you feel warmer and more comfortable when your feet land on something other than ice-cold tile, and rugs make rooms appear fuller!
By applying these three pillars of cozy living, you can create an indoor space you'll never want to leave this winter.
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