AireServ of the Mid-Hudson Valley - January/February 2023

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COMFORT CONNECTIONS

OUR GOALS COULDN’T BE ACCOMPLISHED Without Our Amazing Team

Can you believe it’s already 2023? Time sure does fly by when you’re doing what you love. At the start of a new year, I like to review the past year and see what kind of progress Aire Serv of the Mid-Hudson Valley made on our goals. In our last newsletter, I mentioned how Andrea and I take an annual weekend getaway to reflect on the previous year and set our goals for the future. This year, we noticed many strides and improvements our team accomplished in 2022. One of the goals we set for 2022 was to increase our revenue and surpass last year’s total. Throughout our busy season, our team rose to the occasion and handled with professionalism and grace so many challenges thrown their way. I cannot help but give a heartfelt nod to our technicians and office staff for their excellent communication and teamwork. They are the main reason we were able to achieve our goal. I couldn’t be prouder of my team and their hard work — none of our accomplishments and victories would be possible without them. I’m incredibly grateful for our technicians and their perseverance through the hot, humid summer. Now, they are facing below-freezing temperatures and harsh winter wind. A big thanks to them for always going the extra mile (and for braving those cramped, dark crawlspaces!) to ensure our customers remain comfortable through every season. Another goal for 2022 was to focus more of our attention on not only reaching out to new customers but also nurturing the relationships we have with our existing customers to let them know how much we appreciate their business. My team and I genuinely care about you and your families. We enjoy engaging with you all as we run diagnostics, make repairs, and ensure your HVAC system is performing as it should be. With Andrea now working with us full time, we have another pair of eyes watching out for such opportunities and another set of

hands working toward strengthening these important connections every day. Some of you may have received thank-you cards from us after we visited your home or a small token of our appreciation after we installed new equipment in your home. We’ve even added or resumed some services based on popular demand. Reviewing our accomplishments and setting future goals, I realized that the career and personal interest I’ve had and pursued the longest is my work in the HVAC industry. I’ve had other jobs and enjoyed a variety of interests over the years, but HVAC has been one of my most enduring passions. I love this work because there’s always something you can improve upon. There’s never a dull moment at work because I learn something new from my team, from connecting with our customers, and from the daily challenges that present themselves. But most importantly, I enjoy working with my wife, Andrea, and my son, Nick. It’s been an honor seeing them as well as our technicians and office staff grow every day. I look forward to what we can accomplish together this year. To our customers, a huge thank you for allowing our team to serve you. We wouldn’t be where we are today without your continued support. We value your ongoing feedback as it helps us to get better every day and lets us know what’s most important to you. It’s been a pleasure assisting you this year with all your HVAC needs, and we look forward to ensuring your home remains comfortable for you and your family for years to come.

Happy New Year!

Jim Serra

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EXPLORE THE WORLD OF MIDDLE-EARTH

In Recognition of J.R.R. Tolkien Day

On Jan. 3, we recognize J.R.R. Tolkien Day in honor of one of the most prolific storytellers and world builders of the past century. Tolkien is responsible for creating the world of Middle-earth, which most people are familiar with thanks to The Lord of the Rings books and movies. The talented author has inspired many individuals with his work, including Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin and even Led Zeppelin. If you’re a fan of The Lord of the Rings or anything hobbit- related, you might want to take advantage of J.R.R. Tolkien Day. Here are a few ways to get your Middle-earth fix in early January. Read Tolkien’s books. The books are where Middle-earth first came to life. With The Hobbit , The Lord of the Rings , and The Silmarillion , there's no shortage of Middle-earth stories to consume. They are written elegantly and contain much more detail than Peter Jackson’s film adaptations. But the stories are lengthy, especially if you’re planning to read the entire The Lord of the Rings trilogy, so make sure you have ample time to read. Watch shows and films inspired by Tolkien’s work. Peter Jackson’s collection of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies are fantastic adaptations of Tolkien’s original

work and are always worth a rewatch when J.R.R. Tolkien Day rolls around. You can also watch Amazon Prime’s new The Rings

of Power show that dives deeper into the lore of Tolkien’s expansive world. If you’re looking to learn more about the man himself, try watching the 2019 British-American biographical drama film, Tolkien . Play video games that take place in Middle-earth.

If you’re into video games and Tolkien’s work, you’re in luck! Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor and Middle‑earth: Shadow of War are both well-received games that are very popular with fans of Tolkien’s work and gamers who enjoy stealthy action games. Over the past few years, a game that allows you to play as Gollum called The Lord of the Rings: Gollum has been in development and will surely bring joy to fans everywhere when it is released. Team Trivia: Nick and his wife, Carly, are big LOTR fans and highly recommend a movie marathon. Be sure to have enough food for hungry hobbits!

Baby, It’s Cold Outside! 3 HEATING MISTAKES COSTING YOU MONEY

Keeping the Bathroom Fan On Bathroom fans are great for drawing

Winter is in full swing now! As you venture back inside your home after spending time in the cool winter air, you want to be surrounded by warmth — as if you are wrapped inside a blanket. However, you may be spending more on your heating bill than necessary. Here are three common mistakes that could be costing you money.

moisture and odors from the air. However, since these fans vent hot air out to keep your bathroom cooler, they can remove the warmth in your home if you leave them on for an extended time. To maintain proper humidity and temperature in your home, turn off your bathroom fan as soon as you leave the bathroom. Likewise, turn off the kitchen fan over your stove as soon as you're done cooking. Relying on Space Heaters When your heating system isn’t doing an adequate job, you may consider using a space heater to warm your home. While space heaters are great for heating a single room, they won’t be able to heat your entire house. Not only will the heaters take a while to heat every room in your home, but they’re also not cost-effective. Call us today to schedule an appointment if your heating system isn’t working properly, or if you’re getting cold spots in certain areas of your home. We can do some troubleshooting and propose some possible solutions.

Leaving the Heater On When No One Is Home If you’re on vacation, at work, or spending the day running errands or visiting friends,

you don’t need the thermostat to hold the status quo. When you leave, drop the temperature to 65°F to conserve energy (unless the outside temperature hits the teens or single digits). While it may not be ideal to lower your thermostat, the small adjustment will save you money in the long run. If you have a manual thermostat, you could upgrade to a programmable or smart thermostat so you can bump up the temperature when you’re on your way home and it will be just right when you arrive.

If you have questions about your HVAC system, we at Aire Serv of the Mid-Hudson Valley would be delighted to assist you.

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Is Your HVAC System Making You Sick? Consider Investing in an Air Purifier!

At this point in the winter, your HVAC system has been working hard to keep your home warm. As a result, it also collects dust particles and germs that are then dispersed into your home. In fact, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air pollutants are five times higher than outdoor levels! Since we spend more time indoors this time of year, we could be breathing in these pollutants. While you can’t see these tiny particles, they could affect you and your family. Do you sneeze or cough when you enter your home? Does your throat get sore? Do you experience recurring headaches? If you said yes to any of these questions, you might want to look into cleaning or replacing your system’s air filters. In addition, you can also invest in an air purification system to help cleanse the air inside your home. What is an air purifier? Air purifiers or air cleaners are devices that remove contaminants from the air and improve the overall air quality in your home. These devices are generally mounted in your existing ductwork and use the system fan to pull in and filter or sanitize the air before your

system disperses it back into your home. Air purifiers can also filter human or pet hair and eliminate odors, which helps those with allergies or asthma. Do air purifiers actually clean the air and prevent sickness? Air cleaners can purify the air you breathe and help reduce the likelihood of some illnesses. Purifying your indoor air also reduces allergic reactions and minimizes respiratory irritations. It can even help you sleep more soundly since it allows you to breathe more easily. What else can you do to improve your home’s air quality? Replacing your HVAC filter regularly is one of the most effective and simplest ways to improve the air quality in your home. Your filter is your home's first line of defense when it comes to removing dust, germs, and other particles from the air. The quality of the air you breathe affects your health— and that’s important to us! If you’re ready to take the next step to improve your home’s air quality, call Aire Serv of the Mid-Hudson Valley today.

SLOW COOKER CHEESY GARLIC BRUSSELS SPROUTS

Can You Find the Van? We have hidden a tiny van somewhere in this newsletter! Can you find it? If so, send your name, 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 AireServMHV@gmail.com. One entry will be drawn at random from all correct entries received. The winner will be contacted by phone and announced in the next newsletter. Prize will be mailed to the winner. Limit one entry per household. Last issue’s winner is Adrienne P. of Pleasant Valley. Congratulations, Adrienne!

Inspired by TheKitchn.com

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter • 2 1/2 lbs Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

• 1/2 tsp kosher salt • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese • 2 tbsp heavy cream • 1/8 tsp freshly grated nutmeg

• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced • 4 oz cream cheese, cubed

DIRECTIONS 1. Coat the inside of a 3– to 5-quart slow cooker with butter. Add Brussels sprouts, garlic, cream cheese, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine. 2. Cover and cook on LOW until the Brussels sprouts are tender, 2–3 hours. 3. Turn the slow cooker off or to the “warm” setting. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, cream, and nutmeg until the Parmesan melts and the Brussels sprouts are coated in a creamy sauce. Season with more pepper to taste.

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392 Masten Rd. | Pleasant Valley, NY 12569 845-256-6158 | aireserv.com/mid-hudson-valley

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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Thank You for an Incredible 2022!

Explore the Lore of Middle-Earth

Do You Keep Your Bathroom or Stove Fan On?

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Is Your HVAC System Making You Sick? Slow Cooker Cheesy Garlic Brussels Sprouts

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3 Unique Winter Activities to Experience

WANT TO TRY SOMETHING NEW THIS WINTER? CHECK OUT THESE 3 UNIQUE ACTIVITIES

Skating on Mirror Lake at Lake Placid Lake Placid, New York, had the privilege of hosting the Winter Olympics twice, so it’s no surprise they have some amazing cold weather activities to showcase. A truly exceptional experience is skating on Mirror Lake. They have a 2-mile-long ice track where you can test your speed as well as open areas for people to skate or play a game of ice hockey. You can even participate in dog sledding there. It’s a beautiful area filled with various winter activities. Ice Fishing Excursions in Brainerd, Minnesota While fishing might be more commonly known as a spring or summer activity, you can get plenty of fishing done in the winter if you know where to go. Brainerd is considered one of the best places to visit for ice fishing enthusiasts. There are over 300 fishing lakes near the city, and you can expect to catch bluegill, walleye, largemouth bass, yellow perch, northern pike, and many others. If you like to fish throughout the year, check out Brainerd.

Throughout winter, we have the opportunity to participate in many activities that are only possible during this season. We can ski, snowboard, snowshoe, sled, and more. While some people fly south for winter vacations to escape the cold weather, others travel to extraordinary winter destinations within our country. Plenty of options are available if you’re looking for a truly unique experience this winter. Here are three winter activities that will leave you with long-lasting memories. Snowmobile Tours in Alaska Alaska is one of America’s hidden gems, even though it’s the biggest U.S. state. If you’re looking for unique winter experiences, you’ll want to visit Alaska. One of the coolest adventures you can experience is a snowmobile tour. You can hop aboard a snowmobile and ride the same path as the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race or visit some beautiful mountains and glaciers. Many of these tours will lead you right past moose, bears, and caribou as you take in the beauty of Alaska’s environment.

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