Deiter Bros. Blog

Cost for R-22 Refrigerant up 400%

2012-02-03T15:36:00-05:00

Why is The Price of R-22 Refrigerant So High?

Since early January 2012 the price of R-22 refrigerant, which is used in
many air conditioning systems, has risen as much as 400%—and we don’t
know how high it might go. These are direct costs that we have to pay
and we have no choice but to pass those costs along, which is why your
refrigerant may be higher than it used to be.

Here’s Why
The U.S. EPA controls the production and import of R-22 refrigerant.
They set limits on how much can be produced and imported
each year, but they failed to set limits for 2012. Until the EPA sets
these limits, manufacturers must produce 45% less R-22 refrigerant
than they did last year. This creates uncertainty in the
marketplace and the manufacturers have increased their prices.

What’s Next?
The earliest the EPA will announce its decision is summer 2012. Nobody knows what the
final 2012 limits will be. Until the EPA makes its decision, the market will remain uncertain
and prices may continue to rise. As a professional contractor, our goal is to
provide you with the best possible products and services at the best possible value.
Unfortunately, we have no control over the cost of a commodity like R-22 refrigerant.
We apologize for any inconvenience and hope Washington resolves this issue soon.

Winter Weather Forecast for January

2012-01-02T12:00:00-05:00

Here's what the Weather Wizards at The Old Farmer's Almanac are calling for during the month of January here in our Lehigh Valley...

2012 is predicted to be 5 degrees warmer than average with sun and rain trading the spotlight until mid-January when the snowfalls start to come with increasing frequency and intensity. Our region's first real snow blizzard will bury the Valley on January 30th to 31st.

Be prepared! Make sure that your heating system is ready to go and running at peak efficiency this winter. Schedule a tune up or order your heating oil or propane online today!

Read more from our Fall / Winter Newsletter

Fall Furnace Tips

2011-09-27T12:00:00-05:00

Every year some people wait until the cold weather before they turn on their furnace and many find that over the summer something has gone wrong and they have no heat, brrr! We always receive a large number of service calls for furnaces on the first cold day of the fall. Take a few minutes today and turn on your system so you will be ready for the cold weather. If you have a problem, give us a call and get it fixed early.

Before starting your furnace, it's a good idea to check your filter. Clean filters help your furnace operate at its' peak efficiency.

Even if your furnace fires up like a champ, it's still a good idea to call us for a preventive maintenance tune-up. We'll adjust your system using computerized testing equipment, for peak efficiency, test and clean critical parts, and perform a potentially life saving carbon monoxide check.

If your furnace is 15 years or older, consider replacing it. An old furnace, even in good condition, may use only 60% of the available heat to warm the house. New high-efficiency furnaces can use up to 98%. New furnace fans will also reduce your electricity bills. Other benefits of new equipment's include higher property value and improved home comfort. We are happy to give you a free at-home evaluation of your heating system.

Currently, rebates are as high as $1500.00!

Deiter Bros. Does Propane!

2011-09-09T12:00:00-05:00

Check out our Bundled Benefits for Heating Oil & Propane Customers. If you use both Propane & Heating Oil:

DUAL FUEL Pricing Discount: You'll get an UNBEATABLE price on BOTH your heating oil and your propane... SAVE BIG$ ON BOTH!
FREE Annual Tank Safety Checkup ($45 Value1) PLUS Reward Points for all purchases & MORE!
EXCELLENT Service from the #1 ranked heating / cooling/ energy team in the Lehigh Valley

Deiter Bros. Heating Oil Customers:

REFER A PROPANE USER and you'll earn $50 worth of FREE heating oil for each who will become a new Deiter Bros. Propane Customer* AND you'll earn valuable Reward Point
SAVE ON ELECTRIC BILLS by switching to propane for HOT WATER, HEATING, COOKING & MORE.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER

Not a Deiter Bros. Customer Yet? SIGN UP TODAY

* For customers using more than 100 gallons of propane per year.

It's time for Deiter Bros. Buy Now or Cry Later Sale!

2011-07-08T15:40:00-05:00

I call it that because "Buy Now and Save…or Kick Your Own Butt Later" sounded a bit too frank.

It happens only once a year and I keep it real simple. I sit with our trusty Finance Manager and ask him for the rock bottom, fully installed price for every major piece of top quality equipment in our inventory: Lennox central air conditioners, furnaces and heat pumps; GE security systems; IQAir air purification systems, etc.

He gives me the lowest number…and that's what we sell them for…fully installed and backed by the peace-of-mind service Deiter Bros. has been providing here in the Lehigh Valley for the past 82 years.

You won't find better value or higher quality brands and installation anywhere. Check out some of the systems for special pricing during this one-time sale.

After Nature Strikes

2011-05-24T12:00:00-05:00

Few things are more frightening than the helpless feeling when a severe storm approaches. Most of us hope and pray it will pass without serious damage. In summertime, the biggest severe weather danger is usually from thunderstorms. A severe storm can spawn a tornado, but even if it doesn't, the damage caused by high winds, heavy rains, hail, and lightning can be devastating. The following are a few ways that you can protect your home to prevent storm damage and steps you can take after a storm to minimize damage.

Here are a few ways you can prepare your home for Heavy Storms:

Inspect Your Roof. Every few years, have your roof inspected to verify integrity. Even a small leak can cause major damage to the interior of the home over time. Water in your home may result in mold and mildew growth if not addressed. Left unchecked, mold and mildew becomes a health hazard and a remediation nightmare.

Check Your Consumer Electronics & Appliances. Lightning can strike the ground near your home and create a power surge, damaging valuable appliances and electronics. A whole-house surge suppressor can provide one layer of automatic defense. Local power strips can provide a second layer. Check to see that your electronics are plugged into fused power strips.

Check Your GFCIs. Later model homes feature ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) power receptors. The GFCI acts like a mini-circuit breaker and can protect people from shocks. GFCI's contain test and reset buttons. Test them each year.

Lighting. If the power goes out at night, make sure you have a supply of battery powered flashlights and lanterns. Check the battery charge levels annually.

Once the storm passes there are still some safety and comfort issues to consider.

Take a look at your central air conditioning system to make sure it's in good working order. The condensing unit, located outside can be damaged by hail or other flying debris. Minor damage to the coil might necessitate straightening the coil fins. More significant damage might result in a refrigerant leak. The worst damage comes from lightning strikes.

Most HVAC systems contain delicate electronics both inside the home and outside. If you notice any damage, or suspect the system has been zapped by lightning, it's probably best to have a technician check it out before turning it back on. If you experience a severe storm, we will be happy to make sure your comfort system is in perfect working order. Call us today to take advantage of our special inspection offer.

Visit Deiter Bros. at the 2011 Spring Home Show at Stabler Arena

2011-03-17T12:00:00-05:00

See us in Booths 129, 130, and 131!

Enter to win The Ultimate Easter Basket with Josh Early Candy and other Prizes!

2011 SHOW TIMES:
Friday, March 25: 6pm - 10pm
Saturday, March 26: 10am - 9pm
Saturday, March 27: 11am - 5pm

COST OF ADMISSIONS:
$6 per person
Children under 12 are free

Directions:
From Interstate 78, take Exit 67 Hellertown/Bethlehem Turn left onto route 412 and Continue to Water Street (look for the blue sign that reads "Lehigh University") Make a right onto Water Street (which becomes Friedensville Road) Travel a half mile to traffic island (look for the blue sign that reads Lehigh University) Bear right onto Mountain Drive South Make a right onto Goodman Drive The show will be located in the Rauch fieldhouse and Stabler arena on the Murray H. Goodman Campus, Lehigh University.

Are you ready for more color with your comfort?

2011-03-01T12:00:00-05:00

Deiter Bros. brings you the new ColorTouch Thermostats

Available in four color choices to match your home decor!

Customize backgrounds with your own favorite screensavers or choose from preloaded holiday and nature themes.

Naturally, it’s FULLY PROGRAMMABLE to control comfort when you’re home...and cut energy usage when you’re not.

Contact Deiter Bros. to learn more or visit http://www.dbrothers.com/venstar_thermostat.cfm

Oil Heat Myth vs. Facts

2011-02-18T16:14:51-05:00

Myths vs. Facts

Heating Oil — Greater Efficiency and a Greener, Brighter Future

This information was compiled by the Energy Communications Council (ECC).

Now, more than ever before, there is an ongoing and vigorous debate over the use of various energy resources and their potential impact on the environment. As part of this debate, much is being written about the United States’ reliance on foreign oil, the impact of fossil fuels on the environment, and the need to continually improve energy efficiency.

Energy consumers, business leaders, policy makers, and the news media do not need more rhetoric; they need to ensure a balanced dialogue on the economic and environmental benefits of all fuels. As such, it’s important to understand and separate commonly held myths about heating oil from the facts:

Myth Oilheat is expensive.

Facts Heating oil actually costs less than it did in 1980, when adjusted for inflation, and serves about 23 million Americans in 8.6 million households. Sources: Oillheat America

Myth Oilheat does not produce as much energy as other fuel sources.

Facts Each gallon of heating oil contains approximately 139,000 units of thermal energy (BTUs), making it an economically competitive energy source. Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration

Myth Oilheat today is inefficient.

Facts Oilheating systems in use today use substantially less fuel than they did just 20 years ago. For example, an average home that used more than 1,200 gallons of heating oil in 1989 now uses only 900 gallons, or 25% less. This decrease in usage is attributable to advances in equipment efficiency and household conservation. New heating oil systems boast energy efficiency ratings from 83 to 94 percent. Source: National Oilheat Research Alliance, America Petroleum Institute

Myth Oilheat produces many harmful air emissions.

Facts Heating oil burns almost 95% cleaner than it did in 1970. Today, residential oil burners produce less than one-third of one percent of total U.S. particulate emissions. Sources: Oilheat America , American Petroleum Institute

To gain even greater efficiency and lower emissions, the industry in coordination with state environmental agencies is working to cut the sulfur content of heating oil from 1,500 parts per million to 15 parts per million by 2018. Source: National Oilheat Research Alliance

Myth Oilheat has not responded to concerns about global warming.

Facts Since 1970, the heating oil industry has cut its total greenhouse gas emissions by approximately one third. Source: National Oilheat Research Alliance

Myth Oilheat is not renewable.

Facts In addition to its sulfur reductions, the heating oil industry is moving toward zero emissions with new fuel blends, called Bioheat®, which contain between 2 and 20 percent renewable fuel. When combined with Bioheat® Oilheat has the potential to reduce emissions to the lowest level of any fossil fuel. Source: National Oilheat Research Alliance

In fact, if just 5 percent of Americans heated their homes with today’s Bioheat®, it would be equivalent to taking 700,000 cars and trucks off the road. Source: Oillheat America

Myth The heating oil industry does not contribute to the local economy.

Facts Each year, the heating oil industry accounts for $20 billion in sales and $1.9 billion in payroll for 49,000 Americans. The fact that half of the U.S. energy workforce is expected to retire in the next 10 years, when combined with the heating oil industry’s commitment to renewable fuels, means that there will be thousands of good-paying jobs available for highly trained technicians, engineers, researchers, oil field workers, and others. Source: Center for Energy Workforce Development

Myth The heating oil industry is dependent on foreign energy from hostile suppliers.

Facts This “myth” is complete nonsense. The United States produces the vast majority of its heating oil and imports 10 to 15 percent from Canada, the Caribbean, and Latin America. Canada and Mexico also provide the United States with a significant amount of its crude oil. Advances such as Bioheat® mean more heating oil can be produced in the Midwest instead of the Middle East. And new exploration technologies such as horizontal drilling also mean the United States can responsibly produce more oil at home.Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration

Myth Heating oil is not safe.

Facts It takes an advanced high-tech burner to ignite heating oil. If you drop a match into heating oil it will go out as if dropped into water. Heating oil must be vaporized before it will ignite or burn. Source: Oilheat America

Winter Energy Saving tips

2011-02-05T10:50:47-05:00

Here are 5 things you can do now that will have an immediate impact on your energy bills without breaking the bank

1. Keep draperies and window shades on the south side windows open during the day to allow sunlight to enter. This adds additional heat in your home. Close them at night.

2. Make sure warm air grills and registers are not blocked by furniture, drapes, or rugs/carpets.

3. Install a humidifier. Most people know that lowering the thermostat will save money on their heating bills. To make lower thermostat settings more comfortable, add a humidifier in your home. In addition to lower utility bills at lower settings, humidifiers help lower the susceptibility to infection. The America Society of Otolaryngology, (ear, nose and throat specialists), states that overly dry environments make people more susceptible to infections. Call us at the number below. We would be happy to provide more information on this comfort solution.

4. Change your filters. Clogged filters cause your HVAC system to work harder (it’s like breathing through a paper bag), using more energy. This means that dirty filters cause you to write larger checks!

5. Write smaller checks to your utility company! Join our exclusive planned maintenance program. Call us today to enroll and start saving money.

EIA: Heating Costs Relatively Stable

2010-12-07T00:00:00-05:00

EIA: Heating Costs Relatively Stable

The EIA , (U.S. Energy Information Administration), expects household bills for space heating will be about 3% higher than last year. Heating oil inventories are 17 percent above their 5 year average, according to API’s latest weekly update. It was also noted that the rise or fall of crude oil prices is driven by the strength or weakness in the US dollar against other foreign currencies, such as the Euro, since the dollar is the primary currency in which oil is traded. As the dollar weakens oil prices generally rise.

Use space heaters safely

2010-11-26T00:00:00-05:00

Use space heaters safely

Every winter, more families suffer tragedies including injuries, fires, and deaths because of the improper use of space heating appliances. The Propane Education and Research Council, (PERC), has a great informational tutorial on space heaters that can be seen here in English or Spanish.

Act quick to claim your tax credit!

2010-11-24T00:00:00-05:00

Final Notice… Uncle Sam’s Incredible

$1,500 Money Giveaway is Ending Soon

And You Don’t Want To Miss Out On It!

You only have a matter of weeks to claim your share of this FREE money.

Here’s what it’s all About…

The Government wants you to own one of the most efficient heating and cooling systems ever made available to the American public. As a result, they are willing to “GIVE” you up to $1,500 for this purpose… but you must act very quickly! This amazing money giveaway program ends on December 31, 2010. And that’s not even the best part. In the Lehigh Valley, 50% or more of the average utility bill results from the cost of heating and cooling our homes. By getting one of these incredibly efficient heating and cooling systems you could (believe it because it’s true) save thousands of dollars in lower utility bills over the life of the new heating and cooling system.

*What it boils down to is that because our government wants you to save both energy and money, they are (for a very, very short time) offering homeowners a direct tax credit of up to $1,500 to help you purchase one of these super energy efficient heating and cooling systems. Over the years I’ve seen manufacturer rebates, small (around $300) government tax credits, incentives from utility companies and more. But never, in all my years in business have I seen an offer that saves anything near what’s being offered today. This almost borders on the absurd.

The tax credit is due to expire at the end of this year, so it’s important that you act quickly. You don’t want to make a mistake of somehow letting this drag on into January, which would mean you would lose out on the credit. $1,500 is too much to lose through a simple mistake. To me, the best part of all of this is the residual benefits in the months and years to come. With the ever increasing cost of energy these new super efficient comfort systems will mean lower energy bills every single month. This is great news for everyone.

I sincerely hope this information benefits you and I welcome you to call if you have any questions. If you believe this is a time to consider investing in a new system please call me at (phone number) for a free, no obligations estimate. I’ll be happy to explain the program and systems that qualify for all these savings, the total savings available and the estimated savings on your utility bills.

FEDERAL RESERVE ACTIONS EQUATE TO A "FED TAX" ON FOOD AND ENERGY

2010-11-23T00:00:00-05:00

FEDERAL RESERVE ACTIONS EQUATE TO A "FED TAX" ON FOOD AND ENERGY

More U.S. households than ever before will be receiving home heating assistance and food stamps this year. Unemployment remains high as companies across the country are forced to cut expenses to stay in business. Yet during this economic downturn, something odd is happening in the commodities markets. Everything is going up- from sugar to wheat to crude oil. This increase is not due to a lack of supply. Heating oil and gasoline inventories are higher than their five-year average and demand is down.

Americans are paying more for essential commodities because of a "Fed Tax." This is a phantom tax that Congress never passed and the President never signed, but is being imposed by the Federal Reserve. The Fed recently announced that it will buy $600 billion in U.S. Treasury bonds. The economic theory behind the decision (also known as "quantitative easing") goes like this: the Fed prints billions of dollars, injects them into the economy by purchasing bonds, which decreases the value of the U.S. dollar compared to other currencies. Agricultural and energy futures are traded on global exchanges in U.S. dollars. So when the value of the dollar decreases, the price of everything that is sold in dollars increases.

This devaluation may make U.S. exports more attractive, which is nice if you sell products overseas. But not for average Americans struggling in the current economy to feed their families, fill their gas tanks and keep their homes warm as temperatures plummet. While a devalued dollar can prevent deflation and spur exports, it also increases the price of everything else- including food and fuel. This Fed Tax- or quantitative easing, to use their words- is like simultaneously pressing on both the gas and brake pedals of the country's economic engine. We are spinning our tires- it is counter-productive and needs to be stopped.

The U.S. Congress did not pass, nor did the President sign, this new "tax." It was a unilateral decision of the Federal Reserve and the American people and Congressional lawmakers need to know of its consequences.

It's Fall Tune-Up Time!

2010-10-08T12:00:00-05:00

Save on Fuel this Winter by Getting Your Heater in Top Shape NOW.

Like any mechanical appliance, your heating system needs a little TLC every now and then…and the “now” is, well, right now. Because Fall is the time to tune-up, test and clean that faithful friend in the basement to make sure it can do its job throughout the coming winter.

Our service pros do a great job cleaning, lubricating, replacing worn parts, tuning up and efficiency-testing all heating systems: oil, natural gas or heat pumps. It’s the smartest way to get the most out of every energy dollar this winter AND keep your system running strong for many years to come.

WE’RE SCHEDULING FALL TUNE-UPS NOW. To get near the top of the roster, give us a call today at 1-888-557-4927. Or schedule on our website at http://www.dbrothers.com/online_services.cfm

We thank you…and your heating system thanks you!

Hospital Quality Air for your Home or Business

2010-09-15T12:00:00-05:00

IQAir from Deiter Bros. ...

Celebrate your freedom from allergens

Deiter Bros. now offers the #1 rated whole-house air purification system!

Call for your Free Quote today : 1-888-557-4927

Watch The Video

Tired of buying salt for your water softener?

2010-08-15T12:00:00-05:00

That's why homeowners are switching to the EasyWater System! The NO SALT, Eco-Friendly Water Solution!

The EasyWater is a great way to save money over the long haul. Without ongoing salt or chemical expenses, EasyWater will help lower your energy usage and protect your appliances.

Check out the EasyWater Water Conditioning System through Deiter Bros.

Cool Ideas To Beat The Heat (and SAVE!)

2010-07-29T12:00:00-05:00

When it comes to keeping cool, most people immediately turn to, and turn on, their air conditioner. While we agree that air conditioning is a wonderful invention, there are other ways to stay cool this summer--whether you're indoors or out. Try some of these money-saving and sometimes fun ideas to keep yourself (and your family) comfortable.

Outside the Home

Get wet! Your kids have the right idea! They love the water and it makes perfect sense. You don't need a swimming pool to cool off and have fun. Misters, sprinklers, water guns, water balloons and even just a plain old garden hose can make miserable days enjoyable.

Just because you're not a 10-year old, that doesn't mean you can't enjoy a run through the sprinkler. Put on a bathing suit and get outside. You might just recapture some of that childhood excitement!

Before air conditioning became common in houses, most folks headed to the movie theater to cool off. That's still a good idea, though it can be a little pricey these days. Why not check out some local museums instead? Or maybe a library. What's more fun than learning? Well, water balloons I suppose... but learning is fun too!

Need more ideas? When's the last time you had an ice cream social? OK, so maybe you've never had an ice cream social. Well it's never too late to start. Invite some of the neighbors over. After all, it's just a big, messy party! When everyone's had their fill and they're covered with melted ice cream, wash them down with the garden hose! See, you don't have to pick and choose--you can mix and match your summer cooling ideas!

Inside the Home

If you've had enough of the outdoors, you can try some of these tips to keep cool once you're back in the house. You don't have to go without air conditioning entirely, but these tips will allow you to move your thermostat up a few degrees which could save you some serious money each summer.

Perhaps the most sensible thing you can do is reduce the heat. Start by turning off the lights. Most of the energy from incandescent bulbs is nothing but heat. Only 5%-10% is used to generate light!

What else creates heat?

How about your electronics? Do you leave your computer(s) on all the time? Shut them down. How about that TV that's on even though no one is watching it? It's creating a lot of heat. Turn it off.

The oven? That one is obvious--use a microwave or outdoor grill instead. But what about your other appliances? Washers, dryers and dishwashers all generate heat. Don't use those until the sun goes down. And make sure you run your exhaust fan when taking a shower--it will go a long way toward removing heat and humidity.

Once you've reduced the heat in your home, start thinking about cooling yourself off. It may sound like common sense, but change into some light, comfortable clothing, turn on some fans and limit your activity (maybe read one of those books you picked up at the library!).

Summertime Savings

2010-06-30T12:00:00-05:00

Did you get your Summertime Savings Coupon?

If not, make sure that Deiter Bros. has your email address so we can send you coupons for valuable savings on your heating, air conditioning, indoor comfort items and fuel oil needs.

Visit http://www.dbrothers.com/ to sign up!

Hurry! Cash for Clunkers Ends June 30th

2010-06-15T12:00:00-05:00

Order a new high-efficiency oil, gas, or electric heat pump heating system installed by Deiter Bros. and we'll give you up to $400 cash for your old furnace, boiler, or heat pump system.

PLUS... up $2900 in available rebates.

A new system can reduce your home heating costs up to 40% and the savings just keep on growing with up to $1500 in Federal Tax Credits!

Call 1-888-557-4927 to learn more Today

It pays to be a Deiter Bros. Customer!

2010-06-01T12:01:00-05:00

Now every time you purchase any of our quality fuel products, energy-saving heating or cooling equipment, or services YOU WILL EARN VALUABLE POINTS redeemable for products or services from Deiter Bros!

Check out the highlights of this exciting new program or give us a call at 1-888-557-4927!

Oldest Air Conditioner Contest

2010-05-01T00:00:00-05:00

Enter now and you could win a new central air system!

Every year, Deiter Bros. seeks out the Oldest Central Air Conditioning System in the Lehigh Valley and every year, one lucky homeowner gets a new, high-efficiency central air unit FREE. Plus, 6 Runners-Up each win a $200 certificate good towards a new unit, too.

Is your central air system 10, 15, or 20 years old.... or OLDER??

You may be a winner, but there's only one way to find out... ENTER NOW!!