Lehigh Valley Marketplace

By Nancy Moffett

Yes, the cold winds of winter in the Lehigh Valley have begun to blow, so it’s not too early to get your home ready for the ice, snow and frigid temperatures that will follow. We talked to local contractors to learn how to save energy, prevent damage and maintain a comfortable home this season.

HVAC:
Bob Burkholder, of Burkholders Heating & Air Conditioning, says if you’re heating with fossil fuel (oil, gas or propane), it’s important to have your unit checked, not only for efficiency, but also for safety. “There are too many needless deaths due to carbon monoxide from malfunctioning heating systems,” he explains. Aside from safety, having a yearly check-up by a professional can save up to 25 percent of heating costs by making certain the unit is running correctly. “Even though fuel prices have come down, it’s important to maximize performance,” he asserts, “especially with electricity deregulation coming in January.”

If your system uses a heat pump, you want to know it’s operating correctly as is the electric back-up system. “If the back-up comes on too soon, your bills will be higher,” Burkholder says. Heat pumps have a life span of 10 to 15 years, so consider upgrading to a new one if that’s the case. “The technology is much better, and you may qualify for a government tax credit of up to $1500,” Burkholder explains. If your home is heated with oil, check into high efficiency burners that can be added to existing boilers and deliver up to 90 percent efficiency. The tax rebate program also covers window replacement, insulation, doors and roofs and is available through December 31, 2010. See www.energystar.gov for details.

John Frantz, sales manager for Tru-Comfort, Inc., agrees that regular heating system maintenance is vital. “Just as you have regular maintenance done on your car by a professional, it’s equally important to avoid your system breaking down just when you need it most.” He recommends a once-a-year check-up for oil or natural gas systems, every six months for heat pumps.

Regarding furnace filters, John Heckenberger, owner of ICS Heating & Air Conditioning, recommends changing them every month. “It’s a simple way to make sure your system is operating at maximum efficiency.” A dirty filter increases cost and can damage equipment. He also says routine heating system maintenance isn’t expensive. “Cleaning a gas unit ranges from $89 up to the mid-$100s, while costs for an oil system are in the $150 to $175 range. People neglect routine maintenance when times are tough. But it will cost much more if the system fails at the worst time of year,” he notes.

WINDOWS AND DOORS:
Bob Dicataldo, Starmark Window Systems, notes that a high percentage of heat is lost through old windows and doors. “Replacing windows is one of the most expensive projects for home owners,” he says, “but can save you in the long run on both heating and air conditioning.” Heating bills typically drop 20 to 30 percent with energy-proof windows. Dicataldo also notes that 95 percent of heat ducts are placed under windows to counteract coldness from them. “Having an energy efficient window is the number one thing you can do to cut heating costs,” he notes. But, if you already have good windows, make sure they are properly sealed. Caulk cracks and replace worn weather-stripping on doors.

Regarding replacement doors, Dicataldo says, “A steel, two-inch gauge door has an R-value of 15 to 16, the same insulation value as walls. The worse the windows and doors, the harder your heating system has to work.” If whole-house window and door replacement isn’t in the budget, consider doing one room or one floor at a time to spread out cost.

ROOFING:
Paul Snellen, owner of Paul Wright Roofing, says it’s important to have roof gutters cleaned and to make sure water is flowing through downspouts. Neglecting this maintenance can result in ice buildup and roof damage as well as ice build-up on sidewalks and driveways.

Walk around the house and check for anything that looks obvious, i.e., missing or curling shingles, metal flashing that’s not where it should be. “If it doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t,” he notes. Then, it’s time to call in a professional, being sure to check their references and insurance, get quotes and a contract before proceeding. Pennsylvania recently enacted a law that requires all contractors to be licensed. Check out any prospective contractor at www.attorneygeneral.gov.

Alan Kunsman, owner of Alan Kunsman Roofing & Siding, provides ongoing inspection and maintenance for homes with slate roofs. “Many are 50 to 100 years old. Our highest priority is to keep them in good shape so ice jams don’t develop and cause damage inside the house,” he says. Regarding general shingle roofs, if they are 20 to 25 years old, have them inspected to be sure they’ll last through the winter. “If we have a massive snow or ice event, having a roof in poor repair could mean a catastrophe.” Kunsman offers a program that automatically notifies homeowners when it’s time for annual inspection and maintenance. “This keeps costs down, as we have all the information we need to do the job quickly and efficiently,” he explains.

OTHER AREAS:
• Seal leaks in the house with caulking or spray foam.
• Install an Energy Star-rated programmable thermostat.
• Check hot air ducts for leaks and seal them.
• Close heat vents in little-used rooms.
• Cover outdoor air conditioning units.
For more winterizing tips, a free do-it-yourself home energy audit and in-depth information on home energy conservation, go to www.energysavers.gov.

RESOURCES

Burkholders Heating &
Air Conditioning, Inc.
383 Minor Street, Emmaus, PA 18049
610-965-9736
www.burkholders-hvac.com

Tru-Comfort, Inc.
1309 Stefko Boulevard, Bethlehem
610-691-1889
www.tru-comfort.com

ICS Heating & Air Conditioning
1732 Fairmont Street, Allentown
610-432-8070

Starmark Window Systems by OKNA
460 Sumner Avenue, Allentown
610-432-7827
www.starmarkwindows.com

Paul Wright Roofing
1531 Eaton Avenue, Bethlehem
and
1227 Airport Road, Allentown
610-770-3979
www.paulwrightroofing.com

Alan Kunsman Roofing & Siding
203 Washington Street, Freemansburg
610-865-6990