AireServ of the Mid-Hudson Valley - January/February 2021

AireServ of the Mid-Hudson Valley - January/February 2021

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COMFORT CONNECTIONS

TRADE JOBS ARE IMPORTANT

And Other Lessons We Learned in 2020

I’m just going to state the obvious: COVID-19 threw a big wrench into all of our plans this year! When we began 2020 just one year ago, many of us were hopeful. It was the start of a new decade, and we had goals we wanted to accomplish and milestones we wanted to reach. By March, all of that was up in the air. Each day brought a new obstacle and with it, the growing fear that this could last a lot longer than we anticipated. Suddenly, our road maps for 2020 were useless. We were just trying to get to the following week in one piece! Because of all of this, like many companies, we at Aire Serv of the Mid-Hudson Valley won’t meet our financial goal for 2020, and while it’s not entirely our fault — thanks, COVID-19 — it’s certainly a time we can learn from. It’s important to note that we actually had a very busy summer. The intense heat kept us busy, and we could have taken on more work. We just didn’t have enough technicians. I think this year has illuminated a large gap in our workforce. As a society reliant on “essential workers,” like grocery store clerks, nurses, teachers, and more, we all learned just how valuable our service industries and tradespeople are. Yet there are not enough young students being encouraged to explore the trades, and as a result, those of us in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and other trades are left scrambling with busy schedules. Of course, being busy is a good problem! But the lack of experienced technicians and interest in learning more about this career ultimately has the biggest impact on customers. Services become more expensive as schedules fill up, and prices can sometimes jump from one year to the next.

common homeownership issues, and problem-solving on a daily basis. These are valuable jobs that offer an opportunity for those who prefer to not sit behind a desk or “climb the corporate ladder.” One of our goals in 2021 is to make the trades more accessible to those who would thrive in a career as an HVAC technician. While we regularly train our new technicians, we hope to have a more streamlined and powerful program option for those who are fresh to the field and want to learn more. We believe this is a very lucrative career choice, and we want to show young technicians just how rewarding it can be to help families achieve greater comfort in their own homes. This past year was challenging, but it did teach us how to keep pushing forward. We learned that while it isn’t easy to shift from a suddenly slow schedule to an overly full calendar, the work we do has meaning and it’s worth plugging away at it. Our clients showed us that this year. Thank you for trusting us during one of the most tumultuous times and for your continued support. We won’t forget it as we march toward our goals for 2021.

Wishing you and yours a very happy New Year!

Jim Serra

P.S . We’re growing! If you know someone who would make a great addition to our team, we’d be very grateful if you’d point them toward Aire Serv of the Mid-Hudson Valley. 845-256-6158 1

Imagine life without tradespeople digging into the nitty-gritty of what makes the day-to-day world function effectively, fixing our most

PREV HOU FIR WI

OUT WITH THE NEW, IN WITH THE OLD!

Four Old-School Hobbies Making a Major Comeback

January is National Hobby Month — and for good reason! As people set goals for 2021, they’re also thinking about trying new hobbies. But with so many out there, picking just one can be a hobby in itself. Thanks in part to COVID-19, many people have rediscovered old-school hobbies. Some of these have been around for decades or even longer, and others have established communities that can rely on one another for support, sharing information, and more. Here are four great examples. MAKING BREAD Over the last year, interest in this ancient hobby has skyrocketed. Homemade bread is tastier and more nutritious than store-bought, and it’s so satisfying to watch it come together. Not to mention baking is a great skill to have! With so many types of bread to try, you’re not going to run out of ideas any time soon. COLLECTING CARDS No matter what people were into during the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, there was a trading card game for it. And even going into 2021, that tradition has been kept alive. When many people were stuck at home last year, they rediscovered their card collections and remembered how much fun they were. As a result, card sales went through the roof, and online card communities lit up with activity from all over the world.

RESTORING CARS Car restoration is a hobby that lets you get your hands dirty, and it's one that you can do with your kids or grandkids. It can be not only educational for them but also fun! Together you can track down parts, talk to folks who are also interested in restoration, and learn about the history of your car. Though car restoration can be a bit costly and time consuming, it’s certainly a journey worth taking.

EMBROIDERING Embroidery has taken off because it’s both inexpensive and fairly easy to get into. Plus, many people have fallen in love with its meditative quality. One of the great things about embroidery is that you can use it to make amazing personalized gifts, like pillows, wall hangings, and kitchen towels!

THE HEART OF YOUR HVAC SYSTEM

How to Keep It Humming Along

1. Checkup: Start with regular maintenance. A tuneup can ensure your system is running smoothly. The technician will look for any signs of damage, remove debris, and provide you with a full diagnostic rundown, so you can see where things stand and what you might want to prepare for down the road. 2. Healthy Diet: Similar to how your heart needs a diet that won’t clog your arteries, your heat exchanger and blower need to be regularly cleaned to remove any gunk or debris that is gumming up the works. An experienced technician can do this for you! 3. Exercise Routine: Your HVAC system was meant to run! But overworking an HVAC system can cause extra wear and tear. Leaving your heating or cooling system at a steady temperature provides just the right pace for its heart. Try not to force it to work any more or less to avoid damage. We can give your HVAC system’s heart a good checkup this winter! Schedule your appointment with Aire Serv of the Mid- Hudson Valley today.

February is American Heart Health Month. Valentine’s Day and the candy hearts that line grocery store aisles serve as an important reminder for all of us. It’s a chance to schedule a heart checkup, change our diets, and get more exercise — all with the hopes of a healthier, happier heart. In addition to checking on your heart’s health, consider the functionality of your HVAC system’s heart: the heat exchanger and blower. The heat exchanger transfers energy from a fluid or gas to another fluid or gas, creating heat or cool air for your home. While the exchanger creates heat or cool air, a different component actually gets it into your home. That’s when the blower takes over. It pushes the cold or warm air into your home’s ducts and vents. These two components are at the heart of every HVAC unit as they create the very heat or cool air your home needs!

In order to protect the heart of your HVAC system, mimic what you would do for your own heart health.

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VENT USE RES THIS INTER!

FOUR SPACE HEATER SAFETY TIPS

Space heaters can be handy to use in your garage or an ice fishing shanty, but they shouldn’t be used before understanding their potential dangers. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that 43% of home heat-related fires are caused by space heaters, and some space heaters can pose medical risks. However, you can safely use a space heater. Protect yourself and your family this winter with these safety tips! Don’t use it if you don’t need it! You should never have to use a space heater in your home. If one area of your house is cooler than the rest, it's a sign that something is wrong with your HVAC system. An HVAC technician can diagnose the issue, fix your system, and get your home back to an even temperature. Keep the area clear. A space heater gives off a lot of heat, and highly flammable items, like papers, clothing, or blankets can spark a fire if they are too close to a space heater. Plug the heater in at least 3 feet away from any objects to avoid critical damage. ( Pro Tip: Plug

the heater directly into the wall — not an extension cord or power strip, which can easily overheat.)

Use a certified and inspected device. Look for a label that identifies the space heater as one that has been approved by a testing laboratory. Read reviews before purchasing a space heater and find one that best suits your lifestyle. For example, if you have a small garage, you likely won’t need a large model. Choose the one that best fits your needs for the space you need to heat. Unplug it when not in use. Finally, don’t forget to turn your heater off when it’s not in use! Space heaters should be turned off, unplugged, and stored only after they have cooled. This will help prevent potential fires or carbon monoxide poisoning. If you do smell gas, exit your home immediately and call 911. If you believe your home needs a space heater just to keep you warm, call Aire Serv of the Mid-Hudson Valley instead. Our technicians can inspect, diagnose, and fix your heating system. You won’t even miss that little heater! SLOW COOKER CHICKEN CASSEROLE

HAVE A LAUGH

Inspired by GoodHousekeeping.com

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tbsp olive oil • 8 chicken thighs or drumsticks, lightly salted • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour • 1 onion, finely sliced • 2 celery stalks, thickly sliced • 2 carrots, thickly sliced • 1 leek, thickly sliced

• 1 lb potatoes, peeled and cut in large chunks

• 2 garlic cloves, sliced • 14 oz hot chicken stock • 1 sprig rosemary

• Finely grated zest and juice of 1/2 lemon • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

DIRECTIONS 1. In a large frying pan, heat the oil and fry the chicken over high heat until brown, about 8 minutes. 2. Transfer the chicken to a slow cooker. Add the flour and stir. 3. In the frying pan over high heat, fry the onion, celery, carrots, leeks, and potatoes until lightly browned, about 8 minutes. Add the garlic and fry for 30 seconds more. 4. Transfer the vegetables to the slow cooker and add the stock, rosemary, and lemon zest. 5. Cook on high for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until chicken is tender. 6. Check the seasoning and add lemon juice to taste. Top with parsley before serving.

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392 Masten Rd. Pleasant Valley, NY 12569

The Lessons of 2020 INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1 2 845-256-6158 | aireserv.com/mid-hudson-valley These Old-School Hobbies Are Making a Huge Comeback Protect Your HVAC System’s Heart!

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Don’t Use Your Space Heater without Reading These Four Tips!

Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole

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Give Yourself a Boost by Getting Outside

LET THAT FRESH AIR FUEL YOU

FOUR TIPS TO MAKE GETTING OUTSIDE EASIER

Hunkering down and waiting for the dark and chilly winter season to pass sounds pretty nice. But the reality is, if we deprive ourselves of time outside, we do ourselves a big disservice both mentally and physically. Staying indoors all day affects your energy and mood, which makes it hard to get anything done, so here are four easy tips to make it easier to get a little fresh air. 1. Make it a priority. Getting outside means making the conscious effort to do so. If you want to reap its benefits, you have to decide to make it a priority in your day-to-day schedule. If you make the act important to you, you have more motivation to actually do it. 2. Use mornings effectively. Waking up and getting the day started can be hard. But studies have shown that natural light helps decrease your melatonin production, which means you feel ready to face the day sooner. So, set yourself a second alarm to head outside and take a quick walk around the block just after waking. Don’t even wash your face or grab coffee. Just get out there. 3. Take your work outside. If you’re working from home, take some work outdoors. Phone and virtual meetings are a great outdoor option, especially if you’ll just be an active listener and aren’t

required to do any work simultaneously. Attach a note to your meeting reminders to get yourself set up outside five minutes before you start. 4. Create a schedule. It might feel strange to set reminders throughout the day to step outside, but you easily get wrapped up in

activities and overlook breaks, and these reminders are exactly what you need. Start with 10-minute blocks three times a day. If you stick to them, soon you won’t need a schedule to get outside anymore.

Winter weather may be cold, but even when you’re bundled up under a jacket

and scarf, just 5–10 minutes outside can do wonders for your mood and boost your energy for hours.

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