AireServ - March/April 2022

AireServ - March/April 2022

aireserv.com/mid-hudson-valley | 845-256-6158

COMFORT CONNECTIONS

HVAC CARE IS A SMART MONEY MOVE How You Can Make HVAC Work Affordable

Since April is Financial Literacy Month, I thought this was the perfect time to talk about something most people shy away from discussing: money. As an HVAC expert, I may not be the first person you think of when you’re considering the ways you can save money, so you may be surprised to learn that the very nature of the work we do at Aire Serv of the Mid-Hudson Valley does just that. Our main goal is your family’s comfort and safety, but tangentially speaking, the work we do can also save your family a lot of money in the long run. For instance, if you have a piece of equipment — say your heating system or air conditioner — that is outdated, not up to code, damaged, or inefficient, it may actually be costing you more money to operate. It is having to do more work to create the kind of output you need it to, which can increase your home's heating, cooling, and/or energy costs unnecessarily. Furthermore, you run the risk of creating more damage and needing to make costlier repairs if there is a major malfunction. Typically, emergency repairs create the costliest messes.

recommend updating out-of-date and malfunctioning equipment as soon as possible. Not only is it dangerous to rely on a faulty piece of equipment, but also a replacement can save energy and lower your monthly bills, since it will operate more efficiently than your old equipment. It’s a big bill upfront, but the cost savings will be felt immediately. However, I understand this isn’t a possibility for everyone. HVAC replacements and major repairs can be expensive, and while we always want to protect our customers from malfunctioning units, we also understand that it's not financially feasible for every customer. To combat this, Aire Serv of the Mid-Hudson Valley offers two alternative payment options. Our first is a third-party financing opportunity. We fill out the easy application with the customer on site, and we usually have a response within minutes. Once we have approval, we can plan the replacement project. The second option is our most popular. With this option, customers have 12 months to pay for the project in full without incurring any interest. I believe this is the most popular option because it provides homeowners with the funds they need to make the repair or replacement immediately and pay for it over time as they are able. Utilizing an alternative payment option is more common than you might think. There are lots of reasons a homeowner may choose to pay over time. But what we don't want is for you to sacrifice your family’s safety and comfort simply because you're worried about affordability. If you have further questions about our financing or payment options, please speak with any of our team members. We would be happy to walk you through the process to (affordably) protect your home.

To prevent having to pay higher than necessary energy bills or foot the bill of a costly repair that could have been prevented, I always

Jim Serra

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MAKE YOUR MEDIA ROOM A NO. 1 ‘SEAT’ FOR SPORTS

UP

Three Expert Tips

Whether you’re forced to hunch over your phone to catch the big game or you’re bumping elbows with strangers at the local sports bar, it’s no secret that there is a better way to cheer on your favorite team. This March Madness season, turn your home into the go-to sports viewing destination for all your local friends and fans. And here’s a great bonus: Once your favorite season is over, all the upgrades you make will create a great space for family movie night! Check these out. Reimagine Your Space Find a room in your house that will be the easiest to modify. A basement living area or large bedroom will work. Then, consider upgrades. For instance, Houzz.com explains that embedding speakers into your ceiling or entertainment system will declutter your space and create a full surround-sound effect. Mount your TV to save on space, create a theatrical experience, and fill the space with soft furnishings like rugs, couches, and even fabric walls and curtains. This will create an optimal sound experience. Invest in Tech You may think you need a huge TV and DJ-quality speakers, but the truth is, you just need to find quality technology that meets your viewing needs. For instance, basketball and baseball fans will want televisions with the greatest picture quality since these

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sports are mainly about the visualization of the game. Football and hockey fans will want great sound quality because the arena-like atmosphere heightens the excitement. Find the aesthetic you want and consult with online and in-store experts to find the technology that will best serve you.

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Don’t Forget the Snacks TV? Check. Sound system? Check. Enough seating? Check! Snacks? Oh no … Upgrade your snacking options from chips and dip to restaurant-quality offerings. Install a minifridge or small freezer in your space, and add a microwave or air fryer. This makes for easy access to warm food options. Consider upgrading your space with a small island or bar, and stock it with all the essentials, including cups, plates, napkins, silverware, chips, popcorn, nuts, sodas, and water. Try these fun ideas, then all you’ll really need to worry about on game day is if your favorite team will win!

Save Money, Live Comfortably

of your HVAC unit’s age so you can monitor it for minor malfunctions that, if repaired early, could prevent major problems and a sooner-than- necessary replacement.

THREE WAYS HVAC MAINTENANCE IS A MONEY SAVER

On this edition’s cover, you read about the payment plans available to customers at Aire Serv of the Mid-Hudson Valley. In explaining these options, owner and expert Jim Serra also touched on the reasons delaying maintenance or repairs can be more costly in the long run. And we’re willing to bet you want to learn more about why that is. Let’s start from the beginning. If your home’s heating or cooling system is 10 years old or more, it’s already considered “outdated.” It may not need to be replaced, and it likely won’t be cost-effective to replace it if it still functions properly. However, at this point, you have entered a new phase in your HVAC unit’s life: the golden years. Much like dogs are considered “senior” pets when they are 10 years old or older, your home’s HVAC system is the same. While regular maintenance is necessary for all units to extend longevity and to keep these systems operational, for an older unit, this twice-yearly cost can prevent dangerous and expensive repairs, and it can extend the life of your unit. It’s also important for you to be aware

While a technician cannot give a precise date at which an HVAC system will go kaput, they can help you prepare for any upcoming repair and maintenance needs they may uncover when performing the tune-up, allowing you to make the best decision for your home and bank account.

To recap, regular maintenance saves you money by:

• warning you of potential hazards or dangers that could become costly to fix if not remedied; • extending the longevity of your current unit; and • providing you with an estimate of when you may need to replace your unit. That makes maintenance worth every penny. Schedule your system maintenance today to reap these benefits! Call us or visit us at AireServ.com/Mid-Hudson-Valley.

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Sustainability in Three Steps PGRADE YOUR HVAC SYSTEM TO HELP THE PLANET!

the ecological health of the globe is put in the spotlight as we Earth Day. Citizens are encouraged to reduce their usage of e items and reuse what they can in an effort to cut back on while corporations have long been pushed to cut their emissions. ’re looking to do more, one of the simplest measures you can starts with your home’s HVAC system. Depending on your me, needs, and budget, you have various options. he easiest and most affordable option is to invest in smart thermostat technology. These devices are Wi-Fi enabled and allow you to monitor, update, and control your home’s temperature from anywhere. So, while you’re on vacation in Florida, you can adjust the temperature at home to prevent unnecessary power usage. Some systems also come with sensors that automatically adjust the temperature in rooms based on occupancy. So, your unit will ensure your living room stays cozy while your storage room gets just enough heat or air to keep its contents safe.

upwards of 30% of air that moves through the ducts in your home is

lost before it even reaches the air in your home due to holes and cracks. This means your system has to work harder and run longer to get your home’s temperature to the ideal level. If you can afford to do more , we always recommend upgrading to Energy Star appliances. These

devices are certified through the U.S. government as more eco-friendly than other systems on the market. In doing so, you could find the same level of comfort in your home that you enjoy with your current system, protect the planet by using less energy, and save money on your monthly bills. Talk about a win-win-win. Our team at Aire Serv of the Mid-Hudson Valley is proud to partner with our customers to identify eco-friendly HVAC options that work for them. Call us today to learn more.

Another easy way to lessen the impact of your HVAC system and improve its efficiency is to patch leaky ductwork. Energy Star reports that

HAVE A LAUGH

EASY CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER BARS

• 6 tbsp butter • 1 cup brown sugar INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS 1. Melt the butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. 2. Add the brown sugar and peanut butter. Stir to combine. Mix in the eggs, flour, baking powder, salt, vanilla, and 1/2 cup of peanuts. 3. Pour the batter into a greased 8-inch microwave-safe baking dish. Microwave on medium-high for 4 minutes. Microwave on high for 3 to 6 minutes more, or until the top of the mixture appears almost dry. 4. Top with chopped chocolate. When it melts, spread it evenly over the bars and top with the remaining peanuts. 5. Cool for 15 minutes, cut into squares, and serve!

• 1/4 cup peanut butter • 2 eggs, lightly beaten • 1 cup flour • 1/2 tsp baking powder • 1/2 tsp salt • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 3/4 cup chopped salted peanuts, divided • 4 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped

Inspired by SouthernLiving.com

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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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Don’t Think You Can Afford HVAC Care? Think Again …

Make Your Media Room a Slam Dunk Three Ways Regular Maintenance Saves You Money

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Three Ways Your Home’s HVAC Can Be More Sustainable Easy Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

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Create a Keepsake for Good Luck Year Round

MAKE A FOUR-LEAF CLOVER KEEPSAKE But Find the Elusive Good-Luck Charm First

One of St. Patrick’s Day’s most popular symbols is a four-leaf clover. In Ireland, these clovers represent luck and good fortune. Each leaf on the clover has a different meaning — faith, hope, love, and success. It’s a tradition to find a four-leaf clover on St. Patrick’s Day and do activities involving this lucky specimen. So, how do you find these good-luck charms, and what can you do with them?

Instead of staring at the patch in close detail and counting leaves, search the patch without focusing on the tiny details. This increases the odds of eyeing a four-leaf clover because the different patterns, shapes, and sizes of these clovers will jump out at you. If you find one, keep looking! There’s a chance another one might be nearby.

Clover Craft

Once you find your clover, preserve the luck in it all year by placing it in a picture frame. First, gently press the clover leaves between the pages of a large book for several days to flatten them out. After pressing, you can add green food coloring to your clover to enhance its color. Once it’s dry, clean it and let it sit overnight. Then, place your clover onto acid-free paper, cut to fit the size of a picture frame of your choice. Next, use acid-free glue to keep your clover in place, and finally, seal your frame shut. You now have your personal good luck charm! Searching for a four-leaf clover and creating a keepsake will be a great bonding experience for you and your family. We wish you luck! Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

How to Find a Four-Leaf Clover

Although it may seem difficult, it’s easier than you might think. First, find a dense patch of white clover — near it is where four-leaf clovers reside. They are different

from the rest and are often smaller, so keep that in mind when you look for the lucky green clovers.

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