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COMFORT CONNECTIONS
METAL DETECTING AND HVAC How These Two Are Oddly Similar
Every fall, Aire Serv franchisees (and franchisees of other brands under the
the beach is like a home’s HVAC system (or in some cases the home as a whole). The man with the metal detector is our team member — the service professional who comes to your home to diagnose a problem, tune-up the unit, or help you design a system when the time
Neighborly umbrella) gather for an annual convention, but in the spring, we gather in smaller groups for regional meetings across the country. This spring, Andrea and I went to the meeting held in Florida at Fort Walton Beach. About 15 other Aire Serv locations attended this meeting, and it was great to talk to other owners and their team members to bounce ideas off one another. Getting together like this is always an invaluable experience, and I learned some things that can better help my technicians serve you and your homes. But I also enjoyed going to Fort Walton Beach for the meeting because I’ve never been to that part of Florida. If you ever get the chance to go, I
comes to replace it. The gentleman had the entire beach to scan; likewise, we have an entire system to check out.
our knowledgeable technicians and the wonderful work they do. They work hard and do their best regardless of whether the homeowner is watching them do
Troubleshooting sometimes begins with the homeowners noticing something is off because they are in the home all the time, but often our service professional will notice something the homeowners
their job or not. They know where to look and what to look for — and they have the skills necessary to find a solution and fix the issue. Here at Aire Serv of the Mid-Hudson Valley, we aim to provide you with the best service possible. Our customers are important to us. Seeing the man on the beach reminded me of the tools and techniques we use (and the character traits we must possess) to better serve you, our customers. Like the man, our team has not only the knowledge and experience but also the patience and determination to tackle any issues that may impact your comfort during the hot summer months ahead. Our team is ready and looking forward to helping you and your family stay cool this summer!
highly recommend that you do. They have beautiful white sand beaches on the Gulf side. On our first morning, before our meetings began, Andrea and I sat on our balcony taking in the beautiful scenery when we saw a man using a metal detector on the beach. We thought it made an excellent, though unusual, analogy for our business. The man worked with the perfect tool for the job and had trained to use it for
might not see. Perhaps the man with the metal detector was given a hint where to begin his search; other times, his thorough canvassing of the beach might lead to a discovery. Either way, he needs to have the proper tools, knowledge, and experience to get the job done. Our team of technicians, likewise, have all this (and more!) to solve a problem, to spot potential
the best results. With a goal in mind, there was something he searched for (though he could have found something unexpected). Yet, the gentleman remained persistent and persevered even when the results took a while.
issues before they cause a breakdown, and to make recommendations that will increase the safety, efficiency, and reliability of your home’s HVAC system. Like the man on the beach, a good technician has patience and the determination to rise to the challenge. We pride ourselves on
Jim Serra
Seeing this man on the beach reminded me of our business and our team. In our case,
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KEEP THE SMOKE AT BAY
Remove the Smell of Campfire Smoke
Try adding a little H2O. Water is actually a very harsh compound. In a heated form, it has the power to kill bacteria and eliminate gnarly smells. So, if you have strong, lingering campfire smoke smells, try washing your clothes in very hot water. This will pull the smoke from your fabric. However, don’t
There’s only one way to make the great outdoors even greater — the campfire. But if your campfire smell lingers on your clothes for days after you enjoy the fire, it can be anything but “great.” Kill the smell with this go-to guide.
But first — why does this happen? Fabrics cling to whatever they come in contact with, and some fabrics, like cotton, tend to cling harder than others. Smoke is light
use this method all the time. As mentioned, water can be harsh — even to the very item you’re cleaning.
and small, so it can easily penetrate fibers of your fabric, and wood may contain chemicals and compounds that can be very damaging to clothing. Thus, not removing the smoke smell could permanently alter your clothes.
It’s time to keep it organic. Rather than relying on solutions or water to clean your garments, hang your smoky clothes outside. This is a useful solution for those who have items that cannot be washed at home, but it may not be completely effective. If that’s the case, try rubbing your clothes with dryer sheets to lift the smell, too! Try It: Don’t trust a home remedy with your favorite clothing item. Instead, place a few T-shirts you don’t care about near your next campfire. The following day, try a remedy on that shirt! If you run into any difficulties, consult with a trusted dry-cleaning expert. What About Mental Stress? As mentioned earlier, the summer heat can stimulate your stress hormones. But there are some ways to help reduce the stress you may feel during the hotter months. • Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day. You don’t have to do much; walking around your neighborhood or gardening counts (preferably during a cooler time of day). You can even try meditation and yoga as well. • Visit with family and friends. When you’re with your loved ones, it can help lower stress and anxiety levels. Share a laugh with those you love, or have a summer dinner outside. But be sure to stay hydrated with water! • If our bodies aren’t getting enough rest, we can’t properly respond to stress. So be sure you are having a good night’s rest and sleeping for at least seven hours a night. If you find yourself having more difficulty than normal with heat, contact your medical care provider to see if there is something they can do to help you. If your AC isn’t working this summer, give us a call! We will be happy to take a look and get it working so you can stay cool and refreshed this summer.
Go bitter or go home! Lemon juice and white vinegar are strong enough to cut through stains and smelly particles, but they’re gentle enough to keep your
clothing in good condition. There are a few ways you can do this. You can soak your clothes in vinegar and cold water prior to washing. Alternatively, add a splash of lemon juice to your washing machine before washing any smoky clothes.
Stay Cool This Summer SIX WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS
By the time you read this, we’ll likely be in the peak of summer heat. This heat can cause stress to increase in more ways than one, such as heightened anxiety. This type of stress is more of the mental/ emotional variety, but there is also a physical form of stress during the summer you could experience: heat stress. This is when your body cannot get rid of the excess heat you’re feeling. Fortunately, there are some ways you can cool off this summer, even in the heat. How to Reduce Heat Stress In most cases, you can treat heat exhaustion yourself by doing the following: • Find a cool area in the shade or preferably in an air- conditioned location. Lie down on your back with your legs elevated higher than your chest. • Drink water or a sports drink. This will help you stay hydrated and reduce the risk of dehydration. It’s recommended that you don’t drink beverages that have alcohol — this can cause dehydration. • If possible, take a cool shower or bath. But if those options aren’t available to you, soak a towel in cold water and place it on your skin.
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What Is SEER2? And How Does It Affect You?
Starting on Jan. 1, 2023, the Department of Energy’s (DOE) new minimum efficiency standards for split system air conditioners and split system air source heat pumps will go into effect. Also known as SEER2, this new regulation is a part of the DOE’s goal to reduce the overall energy consumption in the United States. What does this change mean for you and your family? Will you need to get your air conditioning unit replaced? Here is everything you need to know about this change that will happen at the beginning of next year. What is SEER2? This acronym stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This number indicates the energy efficiency of your air conditioning unit; the higher the SEER number, the more energy efficient it is. This regulation will require all new HVAC units to meet these updated requirements.
Because of these changes, HVAC manufacturers will be required to comply with a new testing procedure. As a result, this means any new AC unit installed after Jan. 1 must have a SEER2 rating of 14. For heat pumps, the SEER2 rating must be a rating of 15. How will this affect you? It’s best to plan and prepare for this change before the new regulation goes into effect. If you have an older system and have been on the fence about whether to replace it in the near future, it may be time to consider doing it sooner, before higher equipment prices take effect. Even though in the Northeast lower efficiency units may still be available in the new year, most likely manufacturers will stop production of these units earlier and supply will dwindle. If you are looking into replacing your system, allow Aire Serv of the Mid-Hudson Valley to assist you. We will be happy to provide you with options.
Find the Hidden Van for a Chance to Win! • Search this newsletter for the hidden van icon: • A winner is selected every two months (one winner per bi-monthly issue) • Send entries to Aire Serv of the Mid-Hudson Valley, 392 Masten Road, Pleasant Valley, NY 12569 or email to MidHudsonValley@aireserv.com. Include your name, address, phone number, email address, and where in the newsletter you spotted the hidden van. Every two months, one (1) winning entry will be drawn from all correct entries received during that two-month period. Winners will be contacted by phone and announced in future issues of Comfort Connections. Prizes will be mailed to winners. Limit one (1) entry per household.
HEALTHIER HOT DOGS WITH SLAW
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS 1. In a large skillet over high heat, warm the
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil • 1 green apple, peeled and diced • 1 red onion, thinly sliced • 1 small head red cabbage, cored and shredded • 2 tsp ground cumin • 1 tbsp grill seasoning • 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar • 2 tbsp maple syrup • 8 organic chicken sausage links • 8 whole-wheat hot dog buns, toasted
vegetable oil. Sauté the apple, onion, and cabbage and toss until wilted. Season with cumin and grill seasoning and cook for 10–12 minutes, until tender. 2. Add the vinegar and maple syrup, then toss to combine. Cook for 1 minute and set the slaw mixture aside. 3. On the grill, cook the sausages according to the package instructions. 4. Assemble the works, starting with the bun and sausage, then piling on the slaw. 5. Dig in! For an extra health boost, serve with grilled summer vegetables.
Inspired by RachaelRayMag.com
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392 Masten Rd. | Pleasant Valley, NY 12569 845-256-6158 | aireserv.com/mid-hudson-valley
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1 2
An Unusual Analogy for Our Business
Remove the Smell of Campfire Smoke
Heat Can Cause Stress
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New Regulations Are Starting in 2023 Healthier Hot Dogs with Slaw
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Oceanside Activities to Try This Summer
OCEANSIDE ACTIVITIES THE ENTIRE FAMILY CAN ENJOY
The summer season is officially underway and many Americans are planning to take a trip to the beach to celebrate the occasion. If you’re going on a family vacation to the ocean for an extended period of time, you may be worried about keeping everyone entertained. That’s why we put together a list of some of our favorite oceanside activities to try this summer. Your summer vacation will be filled with fun and excitement after trying some of these great activities!
or on the beach. You can buy a net and set up a game of beach volleyball to get everyone involved, or you can try one of the many new beachside sports hitting the market like TidalBall, pickleball, and Spikeball. TidalBall is the beach version of cornhole, so if you haven’t played it yet, you definitely want to check it out. Experience nature The wildlife and environment of the beach are most likely drastically different from what you can experience back home, so make an effort to see all you can. At many beaches, you’ll be able to see dolphins, whales, and sea rays from the shore. You can also look in the sand for crabs and small crustaceans. By simply standing still and taking in all of the sights and sounds of the ocean, you’ll gain a greater appreciation for the surroundings. Ride the waves You don’t need to be an experienced surfer to venture into the water on a board. Of course, you can take surfing lessons at many beaches, but you can also get in the water on a bodyboard for a thrilling experience. Additionally, you can rent kayaks or paddleboards if you want to be on the water but not necessarily in it.
Get active There’s nothing more relaxing than sitting on the beach and listening to the calm repetition of the waves, but maybe you want a little more excitement by the ocean.
If that’s the case, there are plenty of sports to try. You can bring a
football and throw it around in the water
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