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COMFORT CONNECTIONS
Redefine Spring-Cleaning
EXPERT TIPS ON HVAC MAINTENANCE AND HOME SAFETY
Spring brings an opportunity for renewal and refreshment: spring- cleaning! In our industry, spring-cleaning extends far beyond dusting baseboards, washing windows, and decluttering closets. It involves taking crucial steps to ensure our homes are safe, efficient, and ready to welcome the warmer months ahead. To that end, I want to share some lesser-known spring-cleaning tips and often-forgotten routine maintenance that will keep your home free from safety hazards. Some homeowners might not think about scheduling a professional maintenance check as part of their spring-cleaning routine, but an HVAC tune-up is vital for countless reasons. First, it ensures your system is running efficiently, which can significantly reduce your utility bills, but it also prolongs the lifespan of your equipment, preventing costlier repairs down the road or the need to replace your system sooner than would have otherwise been necessary. During a maintenance visit, the technician can rectify minor issues before they escalate into major problems. It's a small investment that pays off in the long run.
Another area often overlooked during spring-cleaning is the space around your HVAC unit, both indoors and outdoors. Clutter can accumulate around these areas, posing potential safety hazards and obstructing airflow. For indoor units, make sure to clear away any items that might have been stored nearby during the winter months. This includes boxes, clothing, and other household items that can restrict airflow and reduce your system's efficiency. Similarly, outdoor units need breathing room to operate effectively. Remove any leaves, twigs, or debris that have gathered around the unit. A 2-foot clearance around the unit will allow for proper air circulation. Safety is another aspect you’ll want to consider when spring-cleaning. This includes checking smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure they're functioning correctly. Replace batteries if necessary, and consider upgrading to newer models if yours are outdated. This simple step can make a significant difference in your family's safety. Lastly, don't forget about the little things that contribute to your home's overall well-being. Cleaning or replacing air filters is a quick and easy task that can improve both the air quality in your home and your system’s performance. Also, consider sealing any leaks in windows and doors to prevent cool air from escaping during the summer months. These items contribute to a cleaner home, make your home more energy-efficient, and can alleviate allergy and asthma symptoms which can become more severe as the weather warms up. As you dive into spring-cleaning this season, I encourage you to look beyond the surface and consider the systems in your home that keep you comfortable and safe. Routine maintenance on and around your HVAC equipment is just as important as other spring-cleaning tasks. When you take these steps, you're not only refreshing your living space but also ensuring that your home’s systems are prepared to handle the warmer days
ahead. Remember, a clean home is a happy home, but a well-maintained one is even better. Happy spring-cleaning!
Jim Serra
BEFORE
AFTER
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THE
DON’T SHELVE VITAMIN B12
Keeps Your Skin, Nails, and Hair Healthy
Getting your daily intake of vitamin B12 is crucial, as it keeps blood and nerves healthy. It even helps build DNA! B12 supplements and a vitamin-rich diet provide many advantages. While most people get enough vitamin B12 from their regular diets, vegetarians, adults over 50, and people with underlying conditions must ensure they get enough of this powerful vitamin for these five reasons. Keeps Blood Cells Healthy Vitamin B12 is very good for your blood cell health. It helps keep them small, round, and flowing smoothly. Meanwhile, a deficiency can make them larger and oddly shaped. The malformed cells have much more trouble flowing from the marrow to the bloodstream. This slowness is one of the causes of anemia, making you tired and weak. Protects Eyesight As we get older, our risk for macular deterioration goes up. Our retinas start to lose their effectiveness until our eyesight diminishes. Vitamin B12 reduces this retinal loss. Experts say that B12 might reduce the amount of a particular amino acid, which may contribute to macular deterioration. Helps Heal Depression Serotonin is a hormone responsible for our moods, thoughts, and brain power. Depression is linked to B12 deficiency, and many anti- depressants work by increasing the hormone. People with lower B12 levels can feel less depressed by taking supplements.
Unders
Getting the right amount of B12 is essential for the health of your skin, nails, and hair. Vitamin B12
Whether it’s play a pivot We’ve witn its impac tradition and ch work,
deficiency can cause hair loss, discoloration, and dry skin patches. These issues may be because proper blood flow is necessary for keratin growth, a protein that is essential to all three.
Ma M b
Helps Fight Memory Loss As we get older, brain deterioration is one of our biggest worries. Memory loss is a natural consequence of aging. Vitamin B12 deficiency correlates with memory loss and even brain atrophy. Once we get older, getting one’s B12 levels checked is extremely important. If you’re worried about your B12, consult with your primary care doctor. Doing so is especially important if you’re experiencing symptoms like fatigue, memory loss, and anxiety. There are many ways to combat B12 deficiency, so long as you know about it. When it comes to your health, knowledge is power!
Your preferred thermostat setting is just as personal as your coffee order. Whether you like your rooms icy or prefer a cozier atmosphere, there’s no right or wrong answer here as long as you stay within a normal temperature range. If you’re not sure what temperature is best, why not check out our team’s go-to temps at home and see how they compare? Our Team Shares Their Preferred Thermostat Temperatures
Liam: 64°
Eric G.: 68° (63° when he’s away)
Dave: 68°
Sandi: 68°
Jim: 69°
Nick: 62°
Eric S.: 70°
Brandon: 70° (64° at night)
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ERMOSTAT 101 stand Your Options for Home Climate Control
the iciest winter night or the most sizzling summer day, thermostats tal role in maintaining the ideal climate within our living spaces. nessed firsthand the transformation in thermostat technology and ct on efficiency, convenience, and energy consumption. From the nal to the smart, each type of thermostat offers unique advantages hallenges. Let's explore the different types of thermostats, how they , and weigh their pros and cons. anual Thermostats Manual thermostats, also known as analog thermostats, are the most basic type. They require physical adjustment to set the temperature. While their simplicity is a plus for those who prefer a hands-on approach, they lack the precision and features of more modern thermostats. The main advantage is cost-effectiveness and ease of use, but they fall short in energy efficiency as they do not allow for flexible scheduling or remote adjustments. Programmable Thermostats Programmable thermostats represent a significant leap forward in terms of energy efficiency. They allow homeowners to set specific temperatures for different times of the day and days of the week. This means you
considerable energy savings. The downside? They can be somewhat complex to program, potentially offsetting some benefits if not used optimally.
Smart Thermostats Smart thermostats are the cutting edge in climate control technology. They learn from your habits, adjust settings accordingly, can be controlled remotely via smartphone apps, and provide
detailed energy usage reports. Some models even integrate with home automation systems for a seamless
experience. The primary advantage of smart thermostats is the potential for significant energy savings and enhanced comfort. However, they come with a higher upfront cost and require a reliable internet connection for full functionality. Your choice of thermostat should be based on what matters most to you, whether it's simplicity, energy efficiency, or keeping up with the latest in smart home technology. Each type of thermostat offers distinct benefits, so as HVAC technology continues to advance, the right thermostat for you and your home is the one that strikes the perfect balance between comfort, convenience, and cost for your lifestyle.
can adjust your home’s heating and cooling when you're not home or while you’re asleep, leading to
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 an email. Prize will be mailed to the winner. Limit one entry per household.
Inspired by TheSaltyMarshmallow.com SESAME GARLIC RAMEN
DIRECTIONS 1. Cook the ramen noodles according to the instructions on the package. Toss the seasoning packet or save for another recipe. 2. Heat sesame oil in a small saucepan or skillet over medium heat. 3. Add garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn. 4. Remove pan from heat, whisk in soy sauce, brown sugar, and Sriracha until well combined. Feel free to add more heat or sweetness to taste. 5. Drain noodles and combine with sauce, tossing gently. 6. If desired, add your choice of cooked meat or tofu and mix thoroughly. 7. Garnish with green onions.
INGREDIENTS
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2 6-oz packages ramen noodles
Last issue's winner is Tim & Yvonne W. of Millbrook. Congratulations, Tim & Yvonne!
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2 tsp sesame oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/4 cup soy sauce
WE'RE TAKING A BREAK FROM OUR NEWSLETTER! Reach out to us by mail or email at office@aireservmidhudson.com to let us know your thoughts on the print newsletter and we will keep you informed when the newsletter resumes.
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1 tbsp brown sugar
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2 tsp Sriracha
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Chopped green onions, for garnish
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392 Masten Rd. | Pleasant Valley, NY 12569 845-256-6158 | aireserv.com/mid-hudson-valley
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1 The Comprehensive Guide to Spring-Cleaning 2 The Benefits of Vitamin B12 Team Talk: Go-To Thermostat Setting Edition! 3 Which Thermostat Is Right for You? Sesame Garlic Ramen 4 Exploring Sintra, Portugal
THIS BEAUTIFUL CITY IS STRAIGHT OUT OF A FAIRY TALE
Add Sintra, Portugal, to Your Travel Plans!
As spring break nears, you might already have plans to travel to Punta Cana, London, Key West, Paris, or a similar destination city. One more to add to your travel checklist is Sintra, Portugal. This beautiful town rests on the hills of Serra de Sintra, just outside the capital, Lisbon. The two castles within the city are the main draws, and it’s easy to see why. Pena Palace and Gardens The National Pena Palace and Gardens are absolutely stunning. The palace is adorned in primary colors, with intricately carved yellow, red, and blue buildings. It’ll cost you 10 euros to explore the grounds and a couple of extra euros to go inside, but it’s worth it! The carvings include many styles, including Neo-Islamic and Neo- Renaissance. Everything is opulent, and you’ll have a great time as you take in the extravagance. Some rooms are painted as an optical illusion, with doors and hallways looking three-dimensional when they’re just flat.
Once you head back outside, the rest of the grounds are just as lovely. The enormous gardens have many trails, marked and unmarked. You can get lost in the beautiful oasis, and we encourage you to put aside at least half a day to explore the gardens. Quinta da Regaleira Quinta da Regaleira is the city’s second significant castle boasting beautiful gardens, but its main draw is the initiation well. This 80-foot- deep well is a wonder as it sinks into the earth with mossy walls. We suggest you go early, as this is another big attraction for those visiting the city, and officials try to keep people moving as they arrive, mainly as it’s one-way traffic on the steps themselves. Once on the grounds, you can explore many grottos by following their main paths. The castle itself isn’t as opulent as Pena Palace, but it’s still a lovely location to visit. Sintra is perfect for any vacation, and though these are the main draws for the city, by no means are they the only ones. We encourage you to check out this city and see if it fits your travel plans.
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