Check out our July newsletter!
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COMFORT CONNECTIONS
In May, Andrea and I went on a trip purely for a vacation. Typically, we head out of town when I have a business meeting, and, while we are great about making time for fun on these trips, nothing compares to a real vacation. For our most recent vacation, we headed to our timeshare near Colonial Williamsburg for a week of history, exploration, and relaxation. This was only the second time in 10 years that we had stayed in Williamsburg, but it was our first time exploring Colonial Williamsburg and the surrounding historical sites. As you walk through the old village of Colonial Williamsburg — and it’s a lot of walking — you are thrust back into yesteryear everywhere you turn. Each staff member is dressed in colonial garb and teaches the visitors about the various jobs and tasks of that era. It was astonishing to see the different trades in action. We also visited Monticello, the house and plantation of former president Thomas Jefferson. This grandiose house was very interesting, and I was especially intrigued by the fact that Jefferson actually designed the home and its many ingenious features himself, making it a truly unique home that was way ahead of its time. Our visits to Colonial Williamsburg and Monticello were both worth the trip, and each one really makes you think about the skills it would take to live in colonial times. I like to think of myself as fairly handy, but living like that would be very difficult. Thankfully, innovation has paved the way for a more leisurely life these days. Evidence of this can be found in a couple of other stops on our trip, when we visited a local winery and a distillery (on two separate afternoons, mind you). We’re not wine or whiskey snobs by any means, but Andrea and I enjoy an occasional glass. The selections we sampled tasted great, and we were impressed by all of the care and innovation that goes into making them! If anything, it was a great way for us to spend a couple of afternoons in a beautiful region of the country. This trip was the perfect way to kick-start our summer, which can often get pretty busy. Service calls keep our Aire Serv team busy, so we have to be strategic about finding time for a few summertime activities. SUMMERTIME FUN Creating Memories and Enjoying Seasonal Favorites
For the Fourth of July, our family usually fires up the grill and enjoys a quiet evening at home. In the past we have attended local fireworks displays, but we typically like to simply spend the day outside grilling and enjoying each other’s company. If we find ourselves with a free day here and there, we make our way to Lake Taghkanic to spend a day on the beach, or we hop on the motorcycle and hit the open road. Regardless of how we choose to spend our summer days or our next road trip, I’m just thankful to have someone like Andrea to share these memories with. Have a safe and happy Fourth of July! "Regardless of how we choose to spend our summer days or our next road trip, I’m just thankful to have someone like Andrea to share these memories with."
–Jim Serra
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UNIQUE, OLD-TIMEY SUMMER DESTINATIONS
Break the Mold With These Exciting Outings
There are only so many times you can go to Disney World over the summer until both kids and parents start snoring from boredom. Why not take a break from your modern ways? Silence your cell phones, pop in a road trip CD, roll the windows down, and get a new perspective on this great nation of ours. You’d be surprised by the hidden historical gems our country is home to. THE NATIONAL COWGIRL MUSEUM AND HALL OF FAME Whether you have a car full of restless young’uns to entertain, or you just want to gain some new insight into your country roots, this outing is fascinating for the whole family. As a truly unsung and unique aspect of the American West, this blast from the past gives new meaning to “girl power.” Through exciting displays and informative tours, the National Cowgirl Museum brings you back to a daring world where no day was guaranteed. Starting as nothing more than a modest room in the building’s basement, the museum has grown to more than 33,000 square feet and boasts over 4,000 artifacts. Located in Fort Worth, Texas, this destination may be a bit of a drive, but the unique opportunity to take in the bravery and achievements of some of history’s greatest cow girls makes the trip worth it. TOMBSTONE, ARIZONA, AND ALL ITS WILD WONDERS Few towns have played a more important role in our common knowledge of the Wild West than Tombstone, Arizona. From the
popular movie of the same name to the famed “Gunfight at the O.K. Corral,” this stunning city is unparalleled in historical value. Through countless restoration efforts and local museums, this Wild West behemoth has no shortage of adventures to set out on. From old-timey saloons and spooky graveyards to the infamous Birdcage Theatre, you can go on a week’s worth of expeditions accompanied by friendly guides who are there to fill you in on all the tales of old.
AMERICAN INNOVATION
THREE U.S. INVENTORS THAT INFLUENCED THE HVAC INDUSTRY
As we sit in our perfectly temperature-regulated homes through blustery winters and scorching summers, it’s hard to believe that just 100 years ago, the HVAC industry was going through its own renaissance. American inventors were actually at the forefront of this overhaul, and their inventions continue to have an impact. Learn more about three U.S. inventors who changed the HVAC game below.
heating systems with her patented furnace technology would create a safer alternative. The invention utilized natural gas and numerous burners, and families could adjust the temperatures for each room of the house. Her design ultimately led to the installation of air ducts, which allow air to be distributed throughout your home with ease. Frederick Jones Keeps Us Cool Willis Carrier is credited with the invention of the modern air conditioner, but it was actually Frederick Jones who made this technology readily available to the masses. Jones’ portable air conditioning units were often supplied to military medical tents that were operating in the middle of a war zone. This innovation allowed soldiers to recover from injury in perfect comfort. Today, Jones’ work keeps food cool as it’s hauled across the nation.
(Here’s an extra fact for your trivia game: All these innovators were of African American descent.)
David Crosthwait Jr. Regulates Large Buildings Heating and cooling your home is one thing; managing the temperature in a large building is a whole different beast. But that’s exactly what we should thank David Crosthwait Jr. for. Holding 119 patents, Crosthwait was an engineer and inventor from about 1920 to 1971. His work includes innovation in refrigeration, heating, temperature regulation, and vacuum pumps, but his most notable achievement was creating the heating systems for Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall. Alice H. Parker Changes the Home Heating System In 1919, Alice Parker changed the way we heat our homes. After centuries of dangerously burning wood to keep the house warm, Parker’s central
The HVAC industry has come a long way in the past century. Learn more about today’s innovations online at AireServ.com/Mid- Hudson-Valley, and give our experts a call at 845-256-6158 when your unit needs servicing.
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PLAY IT COOL
Don’t Overwork Your Air Conditioning Unit by Doing This
As temperatures continue to climb, there’s nothing more distressing than when your air conditioning unit is on the fritz. Avoid the meltdown and use these three tips to avoid overworking your air conditioning unit this summer. HELP IT! To conserve energy and save money, the best choice you can make for your HVAC unit is to set it at one temperature and leave it alone. This keeps it humming along at a consistent rate, without dangerous spikes in energy. Keeping your ceiling fan on, closing your blinds, and avoiding using appliances that give off heat — like your stove or a hair dryer — will help you keep your home cool without having to reach for that dial. CHECK IT! You may not be an HVAC expert, but you can still keep an eye on your air conditioning unit for signs of stress and wear. The easiest place to look for these symptoms is on your air filter. If it’s too clogged, dirty, or worn out, you need to replace the filter. It’s best to check your filter once every month, but if you hear unusual sounds or notice your HVAC unit isn’t performing
like it used to, a glance at your air filter is the first thing you should consider. Always consult with an HVAC expert if you suspect something may be wrong with your unit. SERVICE IT! You wouldn’t expect your car to run for years without an oil change or a tire swap, so why would you expect your HVAC system to work without regular maintenance? Regular tune-ups and maintenance can go a long way in preventing dangerous mishaps or the need for costly repairs. Your HVAC expert can catch problems before they happen, and technicians can clean your unit for optimal performance. This means you will be able to rest easy in the comfort of your cool home knowing you have a unit that is performing at its best. Don’t spend the summer sweating. Let the experts at Aire Serv of the Mid-Hudson Valley keep your air conditioner running all summer long with regular tune-ups and maintenance. Learn more by calling 845-256-6158.
HAVE A LAUGH!
Skewers are a Fourth of July favorite, but these are not your classic kebabs. They’re a fresh, light, and fun way to start a barbecue. Oh, and they don’t require any actual cooking. WATERMELON CUCUMBER SKEWERS
INGREDIENTS
• 1 medium-sized watermelon, cubed • 2 cucumbers, cut into rounds 1/4-inch thick • 1 block feta cheese, cubed
• 1 bunch fresh mint leaves • Salt, to taste
DIRECTIONS 1. Assemble skewers by placing one watermelon cube, one cucumber round, one feta cube, and one mint leaf on skewer in that order. Repeat until skewer is full. 2. Lightly season with salt and chill in fridge until right before serving.
Inspired by CookingLight.com
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Our Recent Trip to Colonial Williamsburg and Our Summertime Plans INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1 845-256-6158 | aireserv.com/mid-hudson-valley
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Take a Step into the Past This Summer
Three Inventors Who Changed the HVAC World
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Prevent the AC Meltdown With These Tips
Watermelon Cucumber Skewers
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Avoid the Summer Heat Somewhere Cool
CHILL OUT RELAX IN THESE COOL DESTINATIONS THIS SUMMER
As the scorching summer sun beats down, it’s hard to remember that just six months ago you were shivering through the winter, whether that meant a chilly 50°F or bitter subzero temperatures. But if cooler temps sound like paradise, and a dip in the pool is no longer keeping you cool, it might be time to take a vacation somewhere chilly. Check out these three destinations to avoid the summer heat. ALASKA No place says chilly quite like Alaska. Trips to Alaska can be expensive during this time of year, but when you step into that crisp air with a cool mountainous view, you’ll understand why it’s a popular summer voyage. Travelers can choose to fly or take a cruise ship, and many cities feature tourism-packed excursions. A few notable locations include Anchorage, the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, and Denali National Park and Preserve. ICELAND Just as its name suggests, Iceland can be the perfect destination for travelers yearning to get away from the unbearable summer heat. With temperatures rarely exceeding 60°F — the average high for the country — packing is easy for this relaxing vacation. Take a relaxing dip in one of the country’s many hot springs or enjoy tremendous views of the fjords. Even better, you can tour the country at any time because it’s sunny almost
24 hours a day. What could be better than a midnight hike around the fourth happiest country in the world?
NORWAY Just because it's summer
doesn’t mean you have to give up your skiing hobby! Venture off to Norway and experience some of their most popular summer ski
resorts. After a day or two shredding the slopes, experience the popular Norwegian Opera and Ballet in Oslo or choose between numerous outdoor and indoor exhibitions. Best of all, you won’t even break a sweat, as the average temperature in Norway’s hottest month barely hits 70°F. Bordering Sweden and northern Finland, Norway can even be the beginning to a cool European tour this summer.
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