35 minute read
HOMEFRONT II
The Homefront II
The leaves are beginning to turn and the days are getting crisp. It’s definitely fall. . . those chilly nights, apple cider and, of course, Halloween! It’s also the time to get your home winter ready before the first snowflakes fly. As our homes have become our refuge, COVID-19 has made us more aware of the importance of good indoor air quality, clean gutters, and properly working furnaces. It’s also the time to consider future projects such as window replacement, new roofs, and kitchen and bath design renovations, along with new paint. And don’t forget to take time out for yourself with a visit to your local hair salon for a new do. Not only will you feel better in the long run you’ll be able to face the coronavirus, still a very real threat, lurking behind every mask. Once again, it’s Harrisburg Magazine’s pleasure to highlight the following local businesses who will help us approach winter in the right frame of mind. And by supporting and buying local we can help these businesses prosper. 7
Handyworx LLC, a residential and commercial facility repair and construction business is composed of a team of professionals who are ready to perform any large projects, small jobs, or anything in between you may have.
“Hire us for as long as you need to get those pesky jobs completed, or have us handle that big project you’ve been meaning to get around to from start to finish,” says Danielle Nagle, owner.
“Our business is really varied and each job is unique. This year, we have done quite a bit of painting, both exterior and interior jobs.”
She adds, “We have also performed some kitchen remodels and front porch replacements for our clients. Helping home sellers with their home inspection report remediation also has been a popular job.
“We are very flexible. There is no job too big or too small.
“We can do jobs as small as replacing a sink faucet to a large one where we rehab an entire house to prep it for sale” says Nagle.”
Income producing property owners that need repair services rely on Handyworx for timely and efficient maintenance even during the pandemic.
“Other than following the CDC guidelines for personal interactions with our clients, nothing has really changed since the pandemic began,” says Nagle. “In fact, our business is growing.”
Nagle says, “Our crews wear masks, carry hand sanitizer and alcohol spray bottles. We are committed to keeping our clients and our employees safe.”
She adds, “And as we are adjusting to the new normal as a result of COVID-19, our usage of alcohol has increased dramatically; that is, for cleaning purposes.”
Handyworx offers free consultations with no customer commitment. Located at Wormleysburg, PA you can get additional information by calling 717-480-4279 or at contact@thehandyworx.com.
Alliance Business Technologies has been Harrisburg and Central PA’s primary source for IT service and sales since 2001 when it was established by Dale Nagle.
“From our humble beginnings as a tiny storefront in Wormleysburg, we have grown to two locations throughout the region with a fleet of service vehicles to bring our award-winning service right to your door,” says Chad Nagle, president.
“Our store locations are 5520 Derry Street in Harrisburg and 1201 Market Street in Lemoyne,” Nagle explains. “Alliance Business Technologies provides managed IT services, VOIP phone services, website design and credit card processing for businesses,” says Nagle. “ We also sell and service desktop PCs, laptops, and monitors as well as accessories.”
A family owned and operated business, “We service residential customers in central Pennsylvania and multi-state business customers nationwide,” adds Nagle.
Nagle says Alliance Computers has adjusted very well to the new normal as a result of COVID-19 and its services are in high demand.
“As more of the workforce is now working from home and with schools operating remotely, our help desk services have seen an increase in demand,” says Nagle. “And our managed IT services have enabled our business customers an increased flexibility in their work processes.”
Nagle adds, “As people are using their computers to work from home, our computer repair service is in high demand. And with the limited availability of new products and the uncertainty of the future economic climate, it is more important than ever to keep computing equipment operating and data backed up. “We maintain a safe environment and we have instituted policies to protect our customers and staff. We wear masks, provide bottles of hand sanitizer throughout the two stores and we regularly wipe surfaces with alcohol. Our employees check their temperature and oxygen levels daily before the beginning and at the end of their shift.”
For more information go to www.alliancecomp.com or call 717-920-0300 (Harrisburg store) and 717-763-7020 (Lemoyne store).
If you’re ready for 2021 – and who isn’t? – the Fifth Anniversary Homeland Calendar can help you ring in the new year with an opportunity to win prizes and the certainty of doing good for the community.
Everyone who receives a $25 “lottery” calendar can win a daily prize drawing of up to $100. Your purchase also benefits Homeland’s residents and patients. Over the past five years, the calendar has raised more than $40,000 to support our benevolent care initiatives.
Representing the traditional fifth-anniversary gift of wood, the calendar features gorgeous images of mighty oaks – a fitting theme given Homeland’s strong community roots dating to 1867.
It also celebrates how those roots have grown into the complete continuum of care Homeland provides for the changing circumstances of patients and families.
Homeland Center is our region’s premier facility for those needing personal care, skilled nursing care and rehabilitation. The Ellenberger Unit provides a supportive environment for those suffering from memory impairment or dementia.
Branching out, Homeland at Home supports patients wherever they reside.
Homeland HomeCare assists seniors with daily tasks, and Homeland HomeHealth provides doctor-ordered medical treatments and rehabilitation. Homeland Hospice offers compassionate end-of-life care which allows patients and families to make the most of every precious moment together.
The Fifth Annual Homeland Calendar is the perfect way to show you care – for loved ones and those in need.
Homeland also extends its sincere thanks to Capital Blue Cross for generously printing our calendars.
“We are a full service company who make it our passion to provide you with a high quality professional paint job. From start to finish , big job or small job, inside or outside we will provide you an outstanding final product that you can be proud of years to come,” says Bruno Puna, owner of American Dream Painting.
“American Dream Painting focuses on bringing you quality and affordable painting work so you can spend your time doing the other enjoyable things you like,” adds Puna. “Unless you enjoy painting, let us do it for you.
“We offer quality services including painting, staining, power washing and drywalling and our most requested services at the moment have been dining and living room decorative painting.”
Like other painting companies, American Dream Painting has been affected by COVID-19 restrictions and state guidelines.
“Back in March we were only working in vacant homes and apartments since it was cold outside,” explains Puna. “Now that the state is in the Green Phase and regulations have relaxed a bit we are now back in our customers’ homes working. However, we are abiding by COVID-19 guidelines and are making sure our customers are safe.
“We have added sanitization practices to every single job we take. All of our employees wear gloves and masks and they disinfect and clean every surface that they touch including door knobs at the beginning and end of each working day.”
Puna says, “We understand that these are tough and unpredictable times, especially for people’s pockets. We are offering 35 percent off a free closet painting for one room.
“Life is better with colors. If you have a project, contact us for a free estimate.”
American Dream Painting is located at 2102 Page St. in Camp Hill. Telephone: 717-712-2405.
On All Floors: Your Home for Flooring Solutions
On All Floors is an award winning Harrisburg based flooring business. When you hire On All Floors, you are choosing a flooring company that stands alone in its ability to meet and exceed your flooring needs.
The ultimate success of any flooring project, regardless of size, budget or schedule, is a proper installation. No customer is satisfied with their floor covering purchase until it is correctly installed. At the core of On All Floors identity is professional, trustworthy, and thorough installation. Many flooring companies use subcontractors or spread duties over multiple departments with information and responsibilities changing hands constantly. With On All Floors, the people who measure and quote your project are the same smiling faces who install it!
The owners of On All Floors are Pete Hayden and Nick Instasi, business partners who possess over 50 years of combined experience in flooring sales and installation. Since 2004, Pete and Nick have been growing the company to serve homeowners, businesses, contractors, property managers and design professionals in ways that the competition can't.
In addition to installation expertise, design support also sets On All Floors apart. Pete and Nick utilize their background in art and decades of design experience while assisting customers find the perfect product. Every customer is invited to visit their streamlined showroom to select the flooring material that fits their look and performance needs. Showroom visits are done by appointment in a one-on-one environment. If you are interested in a product that is not at the showroom, just mention it! On All Floors has the ability to special order a wide variety of products that will surely fit your individual needs!
The final way that On All Floors is changing the flooring game is its pricing. They operate a specialized physical showroom and employ an in-house crew of five installers. Their ability to maintain low overhead allows them to pass the savings on to you, the customer! Customers do not have to pay “big box markups” on material but will still enjoy the benefits of "brick and mortar" wholesale pricing. On All Floors can compete with any flooring retailer's pricing!
As 2019 and 2020 back-to-back winners of Harrisburg Magazines award for Flooring Sales and Installation, some notable On All Floors projects include the locker rooms of the Harrisburg Senators, the hardwood and carpet of the Governor’s Mansion and the interior steps and hallways of the Capitol Building.
On All Floors offers a wide variety of Luxury Vinyl Tile, Carpet, Hardwood, Ceramic, Laminate and Sheet Vinyl that can transform any room of your home! "If you are in search of flooring professionals defined by quality and integrity, give us a call," says Instasi.
To learn more, follow On All Floors on Facebook while their website is under reconstruction. Nick and Pete can be reached at (717) 448-6318 and (717) 903-3202, respectively.
If you meet her on the street, with or without a mask, you’ll definitely know you’ve met her before. That’s because Linda Johnston has lent her smiling friendly face to countless TV and radio spots, magazine and newspaper ads and other direct marketing materials touting the benefits of products by Renewal by Andersen of Central Pennsylvania for many years. And chances are good that she’ll greet you with that same friendly smile in person, making you feel as though you’ve known her for years and are on her best friends’ list.
That’s because, Johnston, the General Manager of Renewal by Andersen of Central Pennsylvania, loves what she does.
“Find something you love to do...you'll never work a day in your life!” Johnston states on her LinkedIn page.
Employed by the company for 30 plus years, she’s worked her way up from a part time employee to being at the helm.
“I started with the company just out of Bishop McDevitt High School,” she says. “I was a call center representative when I first began.
“And I’ve loved every step of my journey with this company,” she says.
Johnston says back in the days call center representative made sale calls basically using a telephone directory as a place to begin and to find phone numbers for potential customers.
“ We’d work from neighborhood phone lists and just pick up the phone and call, she explains. “ I definitely made a lot of dials before I got a ‘yes,’” she adds.
Johnston says that the company’s marketing plan has morphed over the years from cold call dialing to specific leads generated from television, radio, magazine and direct mail advertisements.
“It’s been a huge shift for our business,” Johnston says. “Now customers come to us after they’ve seen our ads and direct marketing materials. “It’s been very good.”
“While Renewal by Andersen of Central Pennsylvania is the start to finish replacement window division of Andersen Windows we do more than sell windows,” says Johnston. “Our goal with every customer is to create the best customer service experience. Our team strives to wow every customer throughout the entire process of their project.”
Johnston has 160 employees working as call center representatives, designers, showroom sales representatives and installers at two different locations to manage. Besides the Mechanicsburg location, the company has another location in Duncansville, Pennsylvania close to Altoona. The company has been consistently named in the Top 50 Place to Work.
“It’s easy to talk about a product that I care about and about a team who I believe in,” says Johnston. “I’ve loved to watch employees work their way up in the company as I did. And I especially love to watch them as they advance, buy their first car, and their first house,” she says. “Watching our employees grow is very rewarding.”
“In addition to taking care of our customers, we also focus on taking care of our employees. We believe: Happy Employees equal Happier Customers!”
Johnston says the health and safety of both our customers and our employees will always be the company’s top priority.
“We continue to monitor COVID-19 and the health concerns facing our community,” says Johnston. “We have taken numerous actions to do our part in helping limit the spread of the virus, while still providing our customers with the exceptional products and services that they’ve come to expect from Renewal by Andersen.”
Johnston says even though the pandemic has been trying at times, the company has seized the opportunity to reinvent itself.
“We have followed CDC guidelines for businesses, including increased cleaning at our offices and facilities. For our employees, we have enacted new leave policies that allow employees to stay home and self-quarantine if warranted. This includes our in-home design consultants, as well as our neighborhood marketing, installation, and service teams.
“When it comes down to it, it is our customers who have the final say in how we work. Their comfort level is paramount. We offer appointments at home as well as using the Zoom app for those who
are unwilling to invite us into their homes. We fit our customers’ needs and wants to ensure the safest possible outcomes for our homeowners and team members.”
Johnston, the single mother of a 14 year-old son who is starting his freshman year at Bishop McDevitt, says, “COVID-19 has affected nearly every aspect of our daily lives, and left those in need at even higher risk of not receiving the nutrition they need.”
As a result, to do their part, Renewal by Andersen of Central Pennsylvania is collecting food items for New Hope Ministries, St. Francis of Assisi Food Bank, and Bethesda Mission.
“When COVID-19 became a reality and folks starting losing their jobs or were furloughed, my team and I met and asked ourselves, ‘How can we help the community?’”
Johnston says the company decided to pair up with Scott Karns, owner of Karns Foods, to collect can goods and other food products to donate to the local food banks.
“We set up tables outside of two local Karns’ stores each weekend in August. To date, we’ve donated over 35,000 pounds of food,” says Johnston.
“We will continue to do so. It’s our way of giving back to the community,” she says. “And the people of Central Pennsylvania have been very generous in donating and that’s very encouraging.”
Johnston says giving back is Renewal by Andersen’s core philosophy. To this end, the company has also held blood drives in their Mechanicsburg store, and over the summer, donated funds to Highspire Diner so they could continue serving lunches to students who might not have the ways or means of getting fed.
“Our monetary donation helped Highspire Diner provide over 3,000 lunches,” says Johnston.
“This definitely made everyone at Renewal by Andersen feel great.”
Johnston says this time of year folks are preparing for the cold winter months ahead.
She explains that there is a misconception that windows cannot be installed in winter months. However, she also adds that Renewal by Andersen has a complete process for that. The company will replace one opening at a time and one room at a time so you don’t lose heat.
According to Andersen, installing windows now will save you more money throughout the colder months. You will not need to hang plastic or heavy curtains to keep the cold drafts out and your windows will not be cold to the touch.
Call Renewal by Andersen today for a free in-home window consultation. Renewal By Andersen is your replacement window and door expert.
New name, new brand, Ace Handyman Services offers same quality service as before
It’s that time of year “We are continuing to when the days are growing add services, especially shorter. It’s also the time those requested by Ace of year when people start Hardware Customers,” thinking about preparing says Woods. their homes for winter. “We do a lot of drywall While tasks associated with repairs, T.V. hanging, winterizing one’s residence gutter cleanings, power may be an easy fix for some, not everyone is after washing, and bathroom remodeling that includes blessed with the necessary a product called The craftsmanship to do them well. Fortunately for these folks, Ace Handyman Onyx Collection, and tile shower and tub surrounds.” Services is only a phone call away and is ready to take on any and all projects. Woods says Ace Handyman Services offers customer incentives to
“Formerly known as ‘Handyman Matters,’ our name officially do business with them. changed this year on March 3,” says Erin Woods. “Handyman Matters “We are always offering specials on our four-hour and eight-hour is a franchise with locations all around the country. About a year ago, packages,” she says. “We also offer a discount for repeat customers Ace Hardware bought the franchise to add to their brand,” Woods adds. that have work done every 30 days or less. We have a senior and
“My father and I started the business together in 2004, and then I veteran discount as well.” became the sole owner in 2015,” she says. Woods says there is a link on their website to its 400+ reviews on
“We do any small repairs that our craftspeople are capable of including rate-a-biz, plus an additional 350+ reviews on Angieslist. changing lightbulbs in hard-to-reach areas, gutter cleaning, power “We have also been recognized as one of America’s Best Companies washing and staining decks, changing light fixtures and plumbing for Customer Service by Newsweek in 2019 and 2020, in addition to fixtures. We also do larger projects that include painting inside and out, winning Harrisburg Magazine’s Simply the Best and Readers ’Choice replacing flooring, bathroom and kitchen remodeling,” adds Woods. Handyman for many years.”
“There’s not much we don’t do,” Woods says. “Our Customers can book their work online, upload photos and
In 2019, Woods and her husband added an additional territory in notes to their job and receive an ‘On the Way’ text notification the day Lancaster and York and now own the business together. of the job,” says Woods.
“Our main office is at 4219 Derry Street in Harrisburg. We have “We’re always looking to add creative tradespeople to our team, now an additional office in Carlisle and a small location within an office in Harrisburg, Lancaster, and York,” she adds. “Quality craftsmanship, in Lancaster until we find the space that we are looking for,” explains superior service and pride in our work is what drives us. Our guarantee Woods. “Our phone number is 717-566-6604.” is to make sure every job is complete to our customers’ satisfaction.”
Bella Donnas’ Team is Passionate About the Profession and the Salon
From inside the salon to the stylists behind the chairs, Bella Donnas is doing something right.
Owners and sisters, Rachel Minsker and Jessica Weldon (Mathieu) who lead their team, say they place a huge emphasis on making sure each member supports one another.
“Rachel, who specializes in color, handles salon emails, texts, and social media. She also organizes marketing and advertising for the salon in addition to being one of our stylists,” says Weldon.
“Jess who loves to cut hair, handles our Paul Mitchell inventory and is in charge of ordering and product displays,” says Minsker. “She also organizes our annual Christmas Open House and coordinates Paul Mitchell education.”
“Whitney is a manager and stylist who is outstanding with multidimensional color, and Jen is the salon manager, receptionist, and bookkeeper who has excellent communication skills,” adds Weldon. “Bonnie is a stylist who specializes in colors and blonding, and so is Morgan. Morgan’s forte is formal styling and balayage coloring. Sarah is a stylist and a nail technician who is extremely talented in nail art; and Kerri is a manager, trainer, stylist, and nail technician whose leadership skills the full team relies.”
“And James is a barber who specializes in men’s haircuts and fades,” adds Minsker.
“The Bella Donnas’ team is a very close-knit family. We help each other, from cleaning, to application, to education,” says Minsker.
“When one of our guests refers a new client they will receive 20 percent off of a service, as well as the client who was sent to us,” explains Weldon.
While the salon offers haircuts, color and formal hairstyling, facial waxing, make up and nail services, Minsker says, “Color is our most popular service, specifically balayage or feathered highlights.”
“This service is regularly requested by our guests,” says Weldon. “The technique gives a more ‘lived in’ look and grows out nicely, leaving a low maintenance color.”
Couch Potato Carpet & Flooring says it’s all in the name
When Glenn Ushkowitz had the opportunity to open his own business, he wisely relied on his wife’s suggestion to call it “Couch Potato Carpet.”
“I had always been a sports guy all my life,” says Glenn. “I would spend my Sundays watching football and my Saturdays attending an afternoon baseball game. Silvia, my wife, would lovingly refer to me as a ‘couch potato’ because I loved watching sports and not so much playing them. So when it came time to come up with a name for the new flooring store, Silvia jokingly said, ‘Couch Potato Carpet.’ Her suggestion had a nice ring to it and it stuck,” he adds.
“We are a small, locally owned family business,” says Glenn. “I’ve been in the flooring business my whole life with both family and friends. I started as an installer, and in 2002 I had an opportunity to open my own store.”
Couch Potato Carpet & Flooring has two locations. One in Hummelstown at 420 Milroy Rd. and a second in Etters at 320 Newberry Commons. “In November 2018, I decided to open a second location, in Etters, with family friend, Steve Frank,” says Glenn. “Steve has also been in flooring is whole life. He too, used to install and has worked for top carpet manufacturers in the past,” explains Glenn.
“We are a small, locally owned family business,” adds Glenn. “Our staff is quite knowledgeable. Unlike the big box stores who many times hire anyone to work without being knowledgeable of specifications, sub floor issues and other things that make a difference in the end, almost all of our employees, measurers and salespeople have a flooring background. And an added bonus is our installers all have 10 plus years of experience.”
“Customer service is our number one priority,” says Glenn. “Our customers will get a salesperson who will work with them from start to finish,” he adds.
“Our customers won’t have to deal with 10 different people. They will have one to two contact people throughout the job who are easily accessible even through text. We don’t use outside contracting companies; only in-house installers.”
Glenn says Couch Potato Carpet & Flooring’s best-selling items are carpet and luxury vinyl plank which is waterproof.
“Real hardwood flooring has become more popular, too.” Glenn adds. “Right now we are offering customer incentives of 10 percent off the total price, including labor, when they mention they saw our ad in this issue of Harrisburg Magazine.
For more information about Couch Potato Carpet & Flooring go to www. couchpotatocarpet.com or call (717) 566-7679.
Tyson Fence Co. can improve and define your space
They say good fences make good neighbors, but there’s also many other reasons to add a fence around your house or business. Not only will a fence protect your property, it will provide safety and privacy, while at the same time, increase property value and make your home or business aesthetically pleasing; all very good reasons to get a quality fence installed by a quality company. That’s where Tyson Fence Co., Inc. comes into the picture.
Established in 1983 by two Middletown High School buddies after graduation, it was just Jim Tyson and his high school friend working by themselves installing fences as subcontractors. In 1993, Bill Hill bought out Tyson’s original partner. Since then, Tyson Fence Co., Inc. has grown to 20 plus employees who furnish and install commercial and residential fence to South Central Pennsylvania.
“By serving our customers we have become the largest fencing company in the area,” says Hill. “We carry a large selection of fencing materials in stock and can special order to fill your needs. We specialize in commercial and residential fence material sales and full installations. In addition to ActiveYards™ PVC and ornamental aluminum fence, we also carry chain link, wood, ornamental steel, gate operators and other commercial fencing options.
Hill says the company’s best selling items are chain link, PVC and ornamental aluminum fencing.
“Right now, we’re offering a free gate with an ornamental aluminum fence installation of 120 feet or more,” adds Hill. “Please mention
this article in Harrisburg magazine for discount.
“We offer the best in quality products, provide professional installation and an extremely dedicated staff to assist our customers’ questions and needs,” says Hill.
“Our installation teams are second to none. If you choose to have us install your fencing, our workers are fully insured and our foremen have a combined 100 years of installation experience,” adds Hill. “Want to install it yourself? We sell to the public at discounted prices direct from the manufacturer and delivered to your door with installation instructions.
Tyson Fence Co., Inc. is located at 7970 Grayson Road, Harrisburg. For more information call (717) 564-3116.
How to get the most impact from your bathroom remodel budget
Bathrooms may be the smallest rooms in your home, but a bathroom Invest in smart storage. Our bathroom designers can make the remodel can be a big project no matter the size of your space. Designers most of small spaces with cabinetry, vanities, wall-mounted storage, and contractors have to consider a unique set of demands – plumbing, and more. Dave Ramsey says the top three items to buy in bulk all belong electrical wiring, moisture content and space constraints – all while in the bathroom: toiletries, dental care items (like electric toothbrush creating a pleasing and highly functional design. heads and dental floss), and of course, toilet paper. According to U.S.
Per square foot, no room in the house is more challenging or costly News & World Report, you can actually save 50% more when buying to remodel than the bathroom. According to HomeAdvisor.com, the toilet paper in bulk instead of in single rolls. (Fewer trips to the store average cost of a bathroom remodeling project is approximately $10, and less wasted packaging are a plus for the environment, too!). But 567, which includes minor, partial, and small bathroom remodeling those savings don’t mean much if you don’t have a place to put all costs. A comprehensive bathroom remodel costs closer to the $15,000 that stuff. Great cabinetry solutions allow you to store towels, linens, to $25,000 range, and larger master bath remodel can easily hit toiletries, hairdryers, children’s bath toys, and cleaning supplies out of $50,000, even reaching as high as the six-figure stratosphere. sight while maintaining a clean, yet functional, streamlined look.
But there’s also good news: The money you spend on your bathroom Create a focal point. By establishing a design focal point, you can remodel pays off in unmatched value, both in terms of day-to-day living draw attention to one special feature and get away with less expensive and resale value. If your bathroom doesn’t feel fresh and functional; options everywhere else. This trick works great with tile, for example. or, if it lacks style and storage space, it’s probably time to renovate. In Eye-catching glass or mosaic tile is gorgeous, but costly. Used sparingly order to get the most out of every dollar you budget, it’s important to on one wall or as an accent feature, it can still add a lot of impact without know where to splurge and where to spend: breaking the budget. You can also use a specific bathroom feature (like that
Combine great design and energy efficient features. When decadent freestanding tub we mentioned above) to create visual interest. you begin searching for stylish bathroom features, make opulence Pay attention to “clean” details. The best bathrooms feel like a affordable by choosing pieces that feature both great design and personal spa, a space that’s clean and restful, and one where every detail has energy-efficiency. Splurging on a high-end showerhead doesn’t feel been considered. Thoughtful touches like handheld showers sprays not only unnecessarily indulgent when you realize you’ll save water (and add an element of luxury, they also make it easier to clean the shower (and money) over time thanks to its low-flow feature. Likewise, if you’re your pets!). For other features that make cleaning and sanitizing a breeze, going to update your toilet, you might as well choose one that leads consider quartz countertops, a frameless-shower surround with water-spot to long-term savings by using less water with each flush. According to resistant glass coating, and a toilet with a skirted base. Finally, don’t forget the EPA, a low-flow toilet could save more than $110 per year in water the details. Great cabinetry hardware can dress up even the simplest cabinet. costs, and $2,200 over the lifetime of the toilet. And, you’ll want to be sure that the style and finishes of your faucets and
Choose one splurge feature. For some people, luxury is a hot fixtures align. Visual cohesion, even in the smallest elements, is a hallmark bath. If you agree, consider buying that dream claw foot tub. But if of a bathroom that’s been carefully and professionally designed. you’re someone who only takes showers, you might want to splurge on Bathrooms are some of the most high-traffic rooms in the home – radiant-heat floors or heated towel racks instead. Choose one feature and you can have one that feels luxurious without breaking the bank. At that represents your personal height of luxury and incorporate it into Swartz Kitchens & Baths, we make it our mission to design the bathroom your bathroom design. Other popular bathroom luxuries include: a of your dreams within the budget you can afford. If your bathroom needs fireplace, a coffee bar, or an over-the-tub TV. a boost, contact us to get started with a complimentary consultation.
Zimmerman Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning are the trusted experts when it comes to ductless HVAC systems
Whether your motivations for energy conservation are economic, environmental, or personal, the benefits of energy efficiency will have something to offer for everyone. Summer is over and autumn has officially started. If you’re considering a new heating and cooling system or hoping to warm-up a cool spot in your house before it gets too cold, it may be beneficial to look into a ductless HVAC system.
Ductless heating and cooling systems are wonderful options to meet your home comfort needs and the best part is, you can use one system all year long. This system will keep you warm in the winter months and cool during the hot summer days. Other benefits include improved air quality as well as excellent dehumidification.
“A ductless or mini-split system is a heat pump or air conditioning system that relies on an outdoor compressor and one or more indoor air handlers to provide efficient heating and cooling without the need for ductwork. These can be designed to handle a single room or an entire home,” says Tim Kortze, manager at Zimmerman Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.
“Just like traditional air conditioners and heat pumps, a ductless system utilizes refrigerant to flow from the outdoor compressor to an indoor air handler to transfer heating or cooling,” explains Kortze.
“Both the indoor and outdoor components of ductless systems are extremely quiet. You won’t hear the typical on/off like a traditional a/c or heat pump because it is designed to run more constantly at lower speeds. While the indoor units are whisper quiet,” Kortze adds.
“These systems are extremely versatile and customizable. Indoor components are most commonly installed on walls closer to the ceiling. However, there are units that can be recessed into ceilings and some that can rest on the floor. We even have the ability to create a mixed system by incorporating existing duct work with an air handler along with a ductless component both connected to one outdoor unit.”
Kortze says the heating and cooling efficiencies of ductless systems are very impressive.
“Some homeowners cringe when they hear the words ‘heat pump’ because they associate that to high electric bills or cold air blowing from the vents in the winter, This is no longer the case. Some systems can produce full heating capacity when it’s only 5° outside, thus providing the capability of being a sole source of heat. And during those hot summer days, some systems can achieve a cooling efficiency or SEER rating of over 30!
“One of the biggest benefits is that we can now eliminate hot or cold spots in a house that homeowners may have simply lived with. Sunrooms, basements, home offices, or master suites that had little or no ductwork, we can now create a dedicated zone. Additionally, if a system is designed with multiple indoor units, each room can be individually controlled to provide personal comfort,” adds Kortze.
He says that before installing a ductless system, Zimmerman Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning spends extra time designing it to ensuring it will work for the space.
“It’s very sensitive equipment and attention to detail is critical for proper operation,” explains Kortze. “We install everything beyond what the manufacturer recommends and stick strictly to their specifications. Doing this ensures a longer, more reliable life for the system.”
“We’re able to provide parts warranties up to 12 years. With proper installation and on-going maintenance, a good ductless system should last well beyond its warranty,” he says.
According to Kortze, there are many features that go along with a ductless HVAC system that homeowners will like.
“Most commonly, each indoor unit is controlled by a remote control;
however, there’s an option to utilize Wi-Fi to control one or more indoor units. The homeowner can control the temperature, direction of air flow, fan speed, and much more from any style controller,” says Kortze. “Another high-tech feature included in some systems is a digital sensor to detect occupancy of a room. This can be programmed to automatically adjust temperatures and direct airflow either to or away from a person in the field of view.
“The best thing to do would be to give us a call to set up a time that we can provide a thorough evaluation of a home or space where an application like this may be beneficial,” adds Kortze.
Readers who want more information about ductless HVAC systems and other residential energy efficiency options should call Zimmerman Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning at (717) 697-3528 or go to www.ezimmerman.com
“We are a professional painting company with over 43 years of experience,” says Darin Klinger. Klinger, who along with Bryan Daniels owns Key Painting & Decorating adds, “Our business is equipped to handle any size interior and exterior painting project throughout Central Pennsylvania.”
While Klinger admits that COVID-19 has affected the painting business, he adds, “The virus has slowed down the commercial end of Key Painting & Decorating, but our residential work has picked up considerably.”
Klinger says, “We are taking every precaution to ensure our customers and teams are safe by following Pennsylvania standards and guidelines.”
Klinger says these safety measures allow Key Painting & Decorating to continue operating and providing the exemplary customer service that their homeowners and commercial clients are accustomed to receiving.
“Our clients can rest assured that we are still here and ready to serve your needs at normal capacity,” Klinger adds.
“We are family owned and we serve our customers in areas of commercial/ industrial painting, wall covering, epoxy coatings, residential painting, and pressure washing,” says Klinger.
“Here at Key Painting & Decorating, our team can take even the most worn-out exterior and bring it back to life with a fresh coat of high-quality exterior paint, applied using professional tools and experienced techniques to ensure a quality finish each and every time.
“We provide a range of custom interior painting services, allowing for a smooth, seamless experience and exceptional results in every home.”
Klinger says Key Painting & Decorating LLC is equipped to handle any size interior and exterior painting project throughout Central Pennsylvania.
“We maintain the highest safety standards and are fully insured during every job. Our PA Home Improvement Contractor Number is 149802.”
Key Painting & Decorating LLC is located at 100 W 2nd Street, Suite 100, Hummelstown, PA 17036 and can be reached at 717-566-0280.
Need your gutters cleaned? Let The Gutter Guys do it for you
Having your gutters flow freely 365 days a year is vital in protecting your home. Water is essential to life but when uncontrolled can be very destructive. While it's one of the more aesthetically pleasing seasons, fall frost, rotting leaves and a number of other cool-weather conditions can spell serious trouble for our gutters. All the more reason to get your gutters cleaned before winter sets in.
The friendly folks at The Gutter Guys, the largest full-service specialty gutter franchise in Central Pennsylvania, say clogged gutters cause damage in two ways. Above ground, water can work backwards into the roof line and get behind the gutter causing the fascia board to rot and costly repairs can result. Also, mosquitoes love gutters that are clogged and those that aren’t unclogged become a breeding ground for these pests.
And they explain that if water is not moved away from the foundation of the home it can cause significant damage and will result in costly repairs. Also, termites, mostly unseen, love moisture and if left disturbed can result in major expenses.
The Gutter Guys, which has been in business since 1988, makes its bestselling product— seamless gutters—out of only .032 gauge aluminum, which is the strongest used in the northeast. Guaranteed for life not to chip crack peel or leak, seamless simply means no areas are joined or caulked together, which if they were, would make them prone to leak. Seamless gutters are one piece.
GutterGards is The Gutter Guys’ patented system which has a lifetime “No Clog Guarantee.” This lifetime guarantee gives customers peace of mind and protection for their greatest investment—their home.
Call The Gutter Guys for an in-home demonstration at no cost. Mention The Gutter Guys’ ad for a discount. And don’t forget to check out The Gutter Guys’ Google Reviews.
For additional information about the Gutter Guys, go to www.thegutterguys. com/harrisburg or call 717-561-1027.
