Ossining WWII Vet Recipient of Home Energy Makeover
A 90-year-old World War II Army veteran from Ossining is the first recipient of a joint program to provide free home audits and energy makeovers to veterans in Westchester.
A group of local certified energy efficiency contractors joined forces to retrofit the 61-year-old Somerstown Road home of Victor Paolantonio, which is estimated to save $1,000 annually by reducing oil and electrical expenses.
“I could not believe this was done free of charge,” Paolantonio remarked last Thursday outside his home. “In this country there’s nothing you get for nothing. They really did a beautiful job. It’s unbelievable.”
The home was insulated and air sealed, a high efficiency heat pump and ductless system was installed and the home was properly ventilated to ensure indoor air quality.
“What we are doing is part of a full scale Home Performance with Energy Star assessment and upgrade,” said Cortlandt resident Andrew Fischer of Bright Home Energy Solutions, one of the contractors that donated time to the project. “We expect to save the Paolantonio’s around 30% on overall energy bills, and closer to 50% on his oil. And make the house a whole lot more comfortable.”
The Building Performance Contractors Association of NYS is the driving force behind the effort, along with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and the county.
“We’re all glad to put our hammers to good use. We are glad we can use our skills and resources to do something so meaningful,” said BPCA spokesperson Vincent Hannigan of Bruni & Campisi. “All of our veterans deserve our gratitude and respect for the sacrifices they made.”
Three more veterans are being sought for a free home energy makeover this year. To nominate a veteran, visit www.home-performance.org or call Energize NY at (914) 302-7300.
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