With home energy bills rising every year, Frank Tomalewski believes that it’s only a matter of time until a majority of American houses are fitted with super-energy efficient heating and air-conditioning systems.Whether it’s a dual system using a heat pump on chilly days and switching natural gas on freezing days, or a simple wood-burner/gas-heat combo, the HVAC veteran says that the types of projects he now does primarily as specialty jobs will eventually become commonplace.

“I think energy costs will eventually demand that you wring out the greatest value for every dollar you spend,” he says. “Most homes will be running more than one heating system.”

Staying ahead of industry trends has helped Tomalewski carve a niche for himself in the ultra-competitive HVAC business.His company,Mechanical Systems Services, performs plenty of standard residential and commercial jobs, but also specializes in more advanced projects, like managing the complex, computer-driven systems that run cutting-edge commercial buildings.

When it comes to helping clients make their homes and work-places as energy efficient as possible,Tomalewski finds that best solutions are often the most obvious. “A lot of times, the first thing I tell people is to replace their windows,” he says. “It doesn’t help my business, but it makes a big difference in your energy bill.”

Beyond that, replacing an older thermostat can help save money both in energy dollars and repair bills. Many commercial buildings are turning to advanced systems that can be monitored online, telling a technician exactly what systems are running, how much energy is being expended, where, and at what times of the day, all of which allow someone like Tomalewski to find ways of created the greatest efficiency.

For more information, visit www.mechanical-systems.com or call 412-220-9230.


16th Annual Fundraiser
GRAND PRIZE: 2008 Ford Mustang V6 Coupe Loaded or $18,000.00 Cash

Drawing: Wednesday, June 11, 2008, 5:30 pm, Chamber Building
Only 750 Tickets will be sold at $60.00 each. Call the chamber for tickets and information.
Proceeds Benefit Chamber Scholarships & Building Funds

FEATURES

Hurdling to Victory

Thanks to Coach Heiser Who Came Back From the Future to Save SF’s Athletic Program



Cover Focus
Freshman hurdler Josh Godwin during a recent meet.

South Fayette Rocks with Footloose
The musical story of a town’s toe-tapping transformation.

Cleaning Up
Volunteers were out in force this spring tidying up sections of South Fayette.

Landfill Power
How Waste Management keeps your trash out of sight and turns garbage into clean energy.

Special Needs
The school district has created a unique learning opportunity for one particular student.

History: Part One
Brushing up on South Fayette’s intriguing past.

History: Part Two
Honoring SF’s fallen in America’s wars.

Cupcakes for Seniors
When kids team up to cook food for seniors, you can bet the result is likely to be mouthwatering.

Message From the Superintendent

Sixth-grader Recognized

Green Machine Wins
“Best School Band”