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COMFORT CONNECTIONS
You Can Impact Others by Listening IT’S NOT ALWAYS ABOUT WHAT YOU SAY
Hi, everyone! It’s Andrea filling in for Jim on this issue’s cover story. World Listening Day is coming up on July 18, and that got me thinking about a valuable skill to have (or to practice getting better at, in my case) — listening. A good listener can really impact others, not only because they are able to contribute to conversations and problem solving by picking up on things others miss, but also because they encourage others to bring their thoughts and ideas to the table. I’ve been married to Jim for almost 19 years, and he continues to surprise me — I never know what he will say or teach me! On the wall in his office, he has a quote from Maya Angelou: "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Those who’ve met Jim know that he’s quiet and soft-spoken, but he’s also an excellent listener. Whenever someone talks to him, he often gives the speaker his undivided attention. He doesn’t even have to say anything! Just the act of him listening and being attentive shows that he values them and their voice. By observing how Jim engages with others and with me, I have learned the art of a well-placed silence, one in which I can process information and form a thoughtful response AFTER allowing the other person to complete their thought. It’s amazing what you can learn about someone or something when you take the time to actively listen. It’s something I can definitely work on and improve!
have our strengths and weaknesses. Listening to your concerns allows us to recommend the right solutions to solve the unique challenges in your home both now and for the future. Listening to our team’s concerns as we work together allows us to troubleshoot when we’re falling short and brainstorm solutions to improve in those areas. But most importantly, by listening we can get to know you and our team members better. These are relationships we want to nurture! I can’t speak from a technician’s perspective (I certainly don’t have the HVAC knowledge they do!), but as a homeowner, when a service professional cares about what I have to say, takes in all the information, and uses that to assist me in making the best decision for my home and my family — well, that may have even more impact than the actual job itself! When someone values what I have to say, it’s reassuring. It makes me feel understood and cared for — which is one of our utmost priorities every time we visit your home. Because of the wonderful benefits of listening, I encourage you to spend more time listening to those around you. It’s so tempting to listen while thinking about what we’re going to say or do next. During the summer months, we’re all busy — summer camps, working, back- to-school shopping, vacations, and more. Our minds can become cluttered, making it difficult to focus on the person in front of us. So, I invite you to take a second before you speak to really listen. You may be surprised by what you learn, and may even make the person who's speaking to you feel heard and cared for. —Andrea Serra 845-256-6158 1
Everyone on our team works hard to listen to each other and to our customers. It comes more easily for some than for others, but we all
Te
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER Create the Perfect Stargazing Experience
little planning. Scope out a location away from city lights that has an unobstructed view of
Many children are fascinated by the mystery and beauty of outer space, but most tend to lose their reverence as they get older. That doesn’t have to be the case! A night of stargazing is the perfect way to spend a romantic evening or have a fun time with your family. But creating the ideal experience isn’t always as simple as stepping outside and looking up. Here are some tips to make the most of a night of sky watching. PICK THE RIGHT NIGHT. All nighttime skies are not created equal. Would-be stargazers must consider the weather and cloud cover. Further, the light from the moon tends to wash out the dimmer sparkle of distant stars, and it’s best to go during or immediately before or after a new moon phase. It can all be complicated, so make it easier with a stargazing forecasting site like GoodToStargaze.com. It will provide all the technical details and a simple “yes” or “no” verdict about the evening’s stargazing suitability. FIND THE IDEAL SPOT. Those who live in rural areas without much light pollution won’t have to go far to see the stars, but everyone else should do a
the sky, and make sure it’s legal for you to go there. You’ll also need a
place to set up blankets or chairs for a comfortable and relaxed experience.
BRING ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES. Don’t ruin the perfect evening by being unprepared! After so much planning, the last thing you want is to be run off by a chilly breeze or some pesky mosquitoes. The summer night in an open space may be cooler than expected, so bring a sweater or jacket. Ensure your clothing and seating are comfortable, and don’t forget bug spray. It’s also wise to pack some snacks and plenty of water. Further, you can step up your game by bringing binoculars or a star map. But remember to take all your goodies home with you. Leave nothing behind so the next amateur astronomers can enjoy their experience as much as you did.
AIR POLLUTANTS MAY BE INVISIBLE …
But They’re Still There!
the reduced ventilation can cause indoor air pollutants to build up and increase to harmful levels, which can cause various symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and headaches. 2. AIR POLLUTANTS CAN GET INTO YOUR LUNGS AND BLOODSTREAM. Tiny particles enter your lungs every time you breathe in, and they can travel to other organs. According to the EPA, if you don’t improve indoor air quality, you could be at risk of various health conditions such as chronic lung disease, heart disease, and cancer. World Health Organization statistics indicate that 4.3 million people die yearly due to poor indoor air quality in their homes. 3. PEOPLE ARE SPENDING MORE TIME INDOORS. When the pandemic first happened, many of us were staying indoors. But as we return to “normal,” alongside the rise of remote
work, more people are spending most of their time indoors. This transition has impacted indoor air quality issues and led us to breathe in more allergens like dust, pet dander, mold, and more. While you may not be able to see these pollutants, they’re surrounding you inside your home at all times! Because of this, it’s vital that you take preventative measures to improve your indoor air quality by changing your filters, scheduling regular HVAC system maintenance, and speaking with your technician about your specific concerns so they can suggest solutions to address those needs. At Aire Serv of the Mid-Hudson Valley, we care about you, your family, and the air you breathe! Please don’t hesitate to contact us about how you can improve your indoor air quality — we can recommend the right solutions for your home and answer any questions you may have.
When you think about pollution, you may consider the environment, metropolitan areas, and anything that involves the outdoors. But outdoor air pollution isn’t the only thing you should be concerned about — you should also consider the air you breathe inside your home. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), evidence shows that indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air.
But why is indoor air quality so important today? Here are just a few reasons.
1. HOMES ARE MORE AIRTIGHT. Conserving and improving energy efficiency in buildings and homes has been a top priority for many years. To that end, we’ve made our homes more airtight by applying caulk or a similar sealant around doors and windows. As a consequence,
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ech Talk Brandon Answers Some FAQs!
We’re fortunate to have amazing and knowledgeable technicians on our team — we can learn so much from them! In this installment of Tech Talk, we picked Brandon’s brain to get some answers to common HVAC questions.
the year and can easily get clogged with dust, pollen, and debris, which kills your energy efficiency. Also, a tuneup could prevent future service calls that might cost you more in the long run. Q: IF I REPLACE MY OUTDOOR UNIT, DO I NEED TO REPLACE MY INDOOR UNIT TOO? A: It depends. If you have an old R-22 refrigerant unit, the outdoor and indoor evaporator coils must be replaced to match the new refrigerant. If the outdoor unit is up to date with refrigerant, then you could replace just the outdoor unit. But if the indoor unit is in bad shape, dirty, or old, replacing both would probably be best. MEET BRANDON! Brandon started in the trades as an electrician apprentice, but speaking with HVAC technicians while working sparked his interest, and he made the jump to HVAC. He likes the variety of work and enjoys helping customers. Something people might be surprised to learn about Brandon is that he's a classically trained guitarist! Playing, recording, and writing music is his passion. He also enjoys working out, cooking, grilling, and playing ice hockey on a men's league team. Do you have a question you would like one of our technicians to answer? Please email it to us at AireServMHV@gmail.com. We would love to hear from you and answer your questions!
Q: THERE'S ICE ON MY AC UNIT, AND IT'S BLOWING WARM AIR! WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?
A : It could mean a few things: Poor airflow from a blocked filter or collapsed ductwork, blower motor failure that may have iced up the indoor and outdoor units, or a leak in the system that needs to be repaired. Q: WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF AN AIR FILTER? DO I REALLY NEED ONE? A : 100% yes! It filters the air flowing through the system and through your home. It keeps the internal components of the air handler clean and prevents the evaporator from clogging. If you want less dust in your home, you can check out one of the IAQ systems we offer. Q: DO I REALLY NEED TO GET A TUNEUP ONCE OR TWICE A YEAR? A: Yes! Your indoor and outdoor units need to be checked regularly to prevent possible failure. Parts get dirty throughout
GRILLED STEAK SALAD WITH PEACHES
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 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 Matt A. of Poughkeepsie. Congratulations, Matt!
Inspired by Delish.com
INGREDIENTS
• 1 lb skirt steak, fat trimmed • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar • 1 clove garlic, minced • 1 tbsp light brown sugar • 1 tbsp vegetable oil • Kosher salt
• Black pepper • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large lemon, juiced • 6 cups baby arugula • 2 ripe peaches, thinly sliced • 1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese or feta
DIRECTIONS 1. In a large resealable plastic bag or baking dish, combine steak, vinegar, garlic, and brown sugar. Marinate 20 minutes at room temperature. 2. Remove steak from marinade, coat with vegetable oil, and season generously with salt and pepper. 3. On a grill or in a pan over high heat, cook steak to desired doneness. Rest 5–10 minutes, then thinly slice against the grain. 4. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil and lemon juice to make dressing. Season with salt and pepper. 5. In a large serving bowl, combine arugula, peaches, cheese, and sliced steak. Drizzle with dressing and gently toss to coat.
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392 Masten Rd. | Pleasant Valley, NY 12569 845-256-6158 | aireserv.com/mid-hudson-valley
Speak Less and Listen More INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1 2 How to Stargaze Like a Pro Is Indoor Air More Polluted than Outdoor Air?
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Tech Talk with Brandon D. Grilled Steak Salad with Peaches
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Sandy Toes, Sunny Skies, and Beach Bliss
DISCOVER YOUR IDEAL SEASIDE RETREAT
Find the Perfect Beach Rental
One of the most important decisions anyone will make regarding their vacation is where they stay. This is especially true for summer vacations at the beach. Everyone has a different idea of their ideal vacation, and where you stay can make or break the trip. Here are a few things to consider before booking a beach rental for your vacation. SIZE MATTERS How many people are coming on your trip? Is it just you and your significant other, or are children coming? You will want to pick a rental to fit your family’s needs. If your traveling party is small,
a condo or apartment overlooking the beach will likely work. If your family is large or you’re worried about the kids being too loud, consider a single-family beach house instead. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION You probably already know what beach to visit, but choosing a specific unit can be challenging. Is a rental with a grand view of the beach and the ocean worth the cost, or is one without quite the view (but less expensive) still acceptable? You’ll also need to examine the surrounding area to ensure it has everything you need. If you don’t want to drive much once you settle in,
choose a rental within walking distance of the beach, shops, and restaurants. THE EXTRAS You should consider a couple of other things when booking a beach rental. If you plan to bring your pets, ensure the rental you book is pet-friendly. It’s also worth investigating if the beach itself is dog- friendly, as bringing your furry friend to the beach can make the vacation even more enjoyable. Many rentals also provide beach toys, body boards, and more so you don’t have to spend money buying or renting them at shops. Read through the rental description, and don’t hesitate to ask the owner any questions.
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