Author: T.F. O'Brien Cooling & Heating

7 Ways You Can Improve Your Energy Efficiency

Posted on by T.F. O'Brien Cooling & Heating

Here are Tips for Saving Energy in Your Long Island Home

The winter weather always makes us think about ways we can save some energy – usually when we get those utility bills. We all know saving energy helps to save us money, but it can also save the planet, too. Luckily, saving energy is as easy as following these seven tips:

Your Whole House

  • Seal doors and windows that leak. Weather-stripping, caulk, and foam sealant can all help keep conditioned air in – and cold or hot air out.
  • Choose a smart thermostat. These thermostats give you greater control over heating and cooling your home. Forgot to set your thermostat to “away” temperatures? With a smart thermostat, that’s not a problem, as you can log in remotely from your phone or computer.
  • Make use of your ceiling fans. In the summer, set your fan counterclockwise to create a cooler feel to the air, and in the winter, reverse to clockwise to push the warm air down from the ceiling and back into your living space.

In the Kitchen

  • If you use a dishwasher, let your dishes air dry rather than using the dishwasher’s drying setting.
  • Cover your pots and pans when you cook, and choose the appropriately sized heating element for the pan. Forgo the stove altogether and use toaster ovens or the microwave for small meals.

Electric

  • Replace your old bulbs with LEDs, and use daylight whenever you can to illuminate your home. And, take the LEDs outside, too, for your pathway and porch lights.
  • Unplug battery chargers when not in use. Consider using power strips that keep electronics from drawing power when not in use.

You can find even more ways to save by checking out the Department of Energy’s Energy Saver Guide. And, if you’d like to know how choosing the right home comfort equipment can help you save, too, simply call T.F. O’Brien at 516.488.1800 and we’ll be glad to help.

Cold Climate Heat Pumps = Energy Efficient Comfort

Posted on by T.F. O'Brien Cooling & Heating

T.F. O’Brien Can Help You Get the Heat Pump You Need

According to the Department of Energy, heating one’s home is the largest energy expense for most homeowners in the U.S. But with advances in technology, heat pumps can now be used in the cooler climate of the Northeast – and they can save you money.

The Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships offers that a heat pump system can save consumers more than $400 annual compared to an electric system, and more than $900 when replacing an oil system. There are different models to choose from, including both ductless and ducted systems. We can help you choose the best one for your home and your comfort needs.

Another heat pump system benefit is, they can also be used in warm weather for air conditioning. As a result, they can be an ideal solution for all your home comfort needs. They’re made to heat and cool your home appropriately, at a price that works with your budget.

At T.F. O’Brien, our heat pumps are high quality and are from the best home comfort brands in the business. And, you’ll be glad to know that our heat pumps are environmentally sound. They’ve achieved an Energy Star rating and using non ozone-depleting refrigerant. To find out more about installing a heat pump in your home, visit our heat pump page or give us a call at 516.488.1800 and we’ll be glad to help.

Happy New Year from T.F. O’Brien

Posted on by T.F. O'Brien Cooling & Heating

Welcome to our first newsletter of 2018! We hope this finds you happy, safe and well. So far, we’ve had a brutal winter. Below freezing temperatures coupled with lots of snow and ice have made this winter one for the record books. The average for this time of year is 38 degrees, according to Accuweather, and we’ve been seeing temperatures in the single digits. During these types of cold snaps, we recommend that you don’t set your thermostat back, as it will take a long time to return to your preferred, comfortable temperature. 

T.F. O’Brien can help you (and your pets) stay warm this winter.

It’s important to us that you know you can count on T.F. O’Brien during the chilliest of weather. We offer the heating products and services you need to stay comfortable, even when Old Man Winter is being less than cooperative. You can count on us for emergency services – we can help you during your time of need! And, we’re always happy to help you choose the best system for your home, at the best price, should you find yourself in need of a new heating system. Plus, we’re sharing some tips on our blog how you can keep your four-legged fur friends safe and comfortable this winter, too. Read more here. 

Happy New Year from all of us here at T.F. O’Brien. Thanks for reading!

Enjoy, 

Kerry

Keeping Your Pets Safe in Cold Weather

Posted on by T.F. O'Brien Cooling & Heating

When it’s bitter cold outside, you rely on your heating system to stay warm. If you have pets, they probably appreciate your heating system too! Cats and dogs experience the cold weather much in the same way as people do. But, there are a few precautions you should take to ensure your pet is as safe as possible during the cold. The ASPCA offers some safety tips that will help your pet stay comfy, cozy and healthy this winter.

Nine Tips to Ensure Pet Safety this Winter

  • Walking your dog is necessary, even in the chilliest weather. But that can lead to itchy, flaky skin. Having a home humidifier can help, as well as making sure you towel-dry your pet’s coat – and especially their feet!
  • Keep grooming to a minimum. Of course, brush your pet, bathe them when necessary, and if needed, keep them neatly trimmed. But reserve close haircuts for the summer months. If your dog is short-haired, a coat or sweater can help keep them warm during trips outdoors.
  • As mentioned above, bathe only when needed. If your pet must be bathed, choose a pet shampoo and conditioner specially formulated to moisturize.
  • Always make sure your pet’s paws are in healthy condition. Ice, snow and melting agents can affect your pet’s foot pads. After each walk, make sure to clean their feet and check for any cracks or redness.
  • Give your furry friend a “pet-icure.” Massage petroleum jelly or pad protectant into your pet’s feet. This helps them stay moisturized and acts as a barrier between harmful salt and chemicals. To further protect your pet, consider outfitting them in booties for outdoor adventures, and choose a pet-friendly ice melt for use at your home.
  • Be aware of antifreeze spills. Unfortunately, animals are drawn to the taste of antifreeze, and it is lethal. Clean up any spills as soon as you notice them.
  • Giving your pet extra food or snacks in the winter won’t make them gain weight – in fact, it’s good for them to indulge in a little extra. That’s because animals expend a lot of energy staying warm in the winter. Make sure your pet stays hydrated, too!
  • Keep sleeping spaces warm and cozy, away from cold and drafts. They love a nice, warm pet bed with an extra blanket or pillow.
  • If it’s too cold for you outside, it’s too cold for your pet. Just like people, animals can suffer from hypothermia and frostbite. And, like cars become ovens in the summer, they become refrigerators in the winter. It’s best to keep your pet home during cold weather, and they definitely should not be left in a vehicle.

T.F. O’Brien can keep you – and your pets – warm all winter long.

At T.F. O’Brien, we’re dedicated to keeping your home comfy, cozy and safe for both you and your furry companions. If you need help with home heating this winter, give us a call at 516.488.1800, and we’ll be happy to keep Fido, Fluffy and the whole family comfortable, no matter how cold it gets outside!

Start Off Your New Year in Comfort, With a Replacement System

Posted on by T.F. O'Brien Cooling & Heating

Is one of your New Year’s resolutions to conserve energy? Then you should definitely take a look around your home. No doubt, there are ways you can save energy by making some home improvements. Choosing LED lighting, unplugging charging cords and reversing ceiling fans to push warm air down into your living space during the winter months are all easy ways to save energy in your home. If you have to crank up the thermostat to stay comfortable during the winter, though, you probably need to take a closer look at your home.

There are many factors that can cause your home to use more energy than it should. Drafty, old windows, inadequate insulation and old, inefficient heating equipment can all be likely suspects. You’ll want to take care of all the problems in your home in order to ensure maximum efficiency. That makes people nervous, because those repairs and replacements can be costly. However, many people find that once they make these changes, their energy savings is significant. What’s more, they save money in the long run on their utility bills.

Replacing your old system can help you save energy, save money and enjoy better comfort.

Today’s heating systems are built with efficiency in mind, many achieving 95 percent efficiency or better. That means more of the heat they generate stays in your home, keeping your home warmer while using less energy. And that savings is reflected in your monthly utility bills. You’ll be able to stay warm for less! Not to mention, when you trust the professionals at T.F. O’Brien to help, we’ll make sure your new system is sized right for your home.

Often, older systems in homes lose efficiency because of remodeling changes to the home or added space. So if your system was installed in your home, say, 20 years ago, your home today might be much different. Our experts are trained to analyze the current heating needs of your home, so the system they install will keep your whole house warm, efficiently. And, you can trust T.F. O’Brien to install the best quality products in your home. Not only will they provide you with energy efficiency and comfort, but they are built to last for years to come.

When you’re ready to take the next step toward a more energy-efficient home, T.F. O’Brien can help. We’ll provide you with a new heating system installation that offers high-quality energy efficiency, energy efficiency and durability. We proudly serve all of Long Island, including Nassau County, Suffolk County, and Brooklyn. Simply call us at 516.488.1800 for assistance.

T.F. O’Brien Can Bring You Comfort & Joy – Even in an Emergency!

Posted on by T.F. O'Brien Cooling & Heating

This is the time of year for festivities, food, family… and freezing temperatures. Unfortunately, the colder it gets outside, the more we need to use our heating system. And the harder our heating systems work, the greater chance for a breakdown. Luckily, you don’t have to let a broken down furnace or boiler be the grinch that steals your holiday cheer. Just rely on the folks at T.F. O’Brien to help you get the repair services you need.

We know there’s no good time for a heating system breakdown. But when your house is full of nieces, nephews and your great-aunt Bethany, a furnace or boiler failure is even worse. You don’t want to spend the holiday huddled in your living room in your winter outerwear – and you don’t have to. We offer exceptional repair service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – even on holidays.

T.F. O’Brien offers emergency services on most makes and models of heating systems.

Our technicians are highly skilled in furnace and boiler repair. They have the qualifications to repair most makes and models of equipment. As a result, your heating system concern will be remedied correctly. You and your family will be sipping your eggnog in comfort in no time flat! And while it may not seem very shiny or glamorous, you can always give a gift that keeps on giving – a seasonal maintenance contract from T.F. O’Brien.

When you have a seasonal maintenance contract with us, an emergency repair situation is far less likely. That’s because our technicians will thoroughly inspect and maintain your equipment before winter starts. They’ll make sure any problems are addressed right away. That way, small concerns are taken care of before they become large – and potentially expensive – repairs. Not to mention, if you do experience a furnace or boiler breakdown, you’ll receive priority service. That saves you from having too much of a wait in a chilly house with a bevy of cold, complaining relatives – and isn’t that well worth it?

Trust T.F. O’Brien with your emergency heating repair needs.

Don’t be left out in the cold this holiday season – count on us to help you stay warm no matter how frightful the weather outside may get. When you need heating repair in Long Island, T.F. O’Brien is ready to assist you. T.F. O’Brien proudly serves all of Long Island, including Nassau County, Suffolk County, and Brooklyn. Just give us a call at 516.488.1800.

Holiday Cheer from T.F. O’Brien

Posted on by T.F. O'Brien Cooling & Heating

Thanks for reading Kerry’s Monthly Message for December. The holiday season is here, and we’re looking forward to special times with friends and family. The scent of Christmas cookies baking in the oven, the twinkling of lights in the windows, and the joyful, giving nature that the season seems to bring out in us are just a few of the reasons that we love this time of year.

Of course, there is no good time for a furnace or boiler breakdown, but during the holiday season it’s that much worse. At T.F. O’Brien, we understand that heating emergencies can happen at the most inconvenient times. That’s why we’re here for you – nights, weekends and even holidays. If you need emergency services, call us at 516.488.1800, and we’ll be happy to help you. 

We love this time of year – especially giving gifts! Need some ideas? Read on…

This December, we have some gift ideas for the person on your list who has everything – why not give the gift of HVAC? And, if you’re wondering the best way to keep your furnace running optimally this winter, there’s one simple thing you can do. Find out what it is by clicking here! Additionally, here are a few ways you can save energy – and ultimately money on your utility bills – this winter. 

We hope you and yours have a joyous Christmas or Hanukkah season, and we wish you the very best for a happy New Year. See you in 2018! 

Thanks for reading, 

Kerry

Saving Energy During the Holidays

Posted on by T.F. O'Brien Cooling & Heating
Girl holding a ball of christmas lights.
Choose LED holiday lights for energy savings.

The holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year, but let’s face it – it can also be the most expensive. Not only are you buying gifts, traveling, entertaining and decorating, but you’re heating system is likely running steadily – and that can up your utility bills. Luckily, there are a few ways you can conserve energy in the winter that will help you save on your energy bills.

Check out these energy saving tips from the Dept. of Energy:

  • Open the drapes of your south-facing windows during the day to take advantage of the sun’s warming rays.
  • If you have window drafts, weatherize them. And, replace airy summer curtains with heavier drapes.
  • Layer up with warmer clothing, and turn the thermostat down as low as is comfortable. Set the thermostat back when you aren’t at home and during sleeping hours.
  • Seal up places around your home where cold air could be sneaking in, like around pipes and chimney gaps.
  • Turn down the temperature of your hot water heater to the warm setting, around 120ºF.
  • Stringing up lights this holiday season? Choose LED decorative lights to help reduce energy usage.
  • Keep your heating system in shape. Get your seasonal maintenance from us, and change your filter regularly.

Taking these measures can help your winter home become much more efficient and can help you reduce the cost of energy in your home. If you’d like to learn more about energy efficiency, T.F. O’Brien can assist you. From smart thermostats to high-efficiency heating equipment, we want to help you make your home its efficient best. Just give us a call at 516.488.1800 and we’ll be happy to help.

Want Maximum Furnace Efficiency? Do This One Simple Thing.

Posted on by T.F. O'Brien Cooling & Heating
Cat swatting christmas decorations on a tree.
Got pets? Then you’ll want to change your furnace filter more frequently. Pet fur and dander can fill up your filter in a hurry!

Winter is here, and that means your furnace will be working hard to keep your home warm and cozy. While we all appreciate the heat provided by our home comfort system, most of us don’t look forward to the higher utility bills that winter brings. That’s why it’s important to make sure your furnace is operating most efficiently.

Getting annual maintenance from your HVAC dealer every fall is very important, but there is also a way you can be proactive in the efficiency of your furnace. That one simple step? Changing your furnace filter when it’s dirty. According to the Department of Energy, changing your furnace filter once a month during the winter is an important measure – it will keep your system running optimally this winter and for years to come.

But how does changing your filter contribute to your furnace efficiency?

It’s only logical – your furnace has to work harder when airflow is impeded. Dirty filters keep the air from flowing freely. Worse – the air that does manage to flow through your system is dirty when your filters are. These factors lower the efficiency of your furnace – and increase your utility bills.

And, there are certain factors that you should take into account when considering how often to change your furnace filter, too. These factors include smokers in your home, if you have furry friends like cats or dogs, and if you have anyone with respiratory illnesses or allergies in your home. If any of these factors exist, changing your filter on a more frequent basis might be necessary to ensure top heating system performance.

Nervous about changing your filter? No problem! T.F. O’Brien will be more than happy to help. Our technicians can show you how to do it, or do it for you – whichever is most convenient for you. Just give us a call at 516.488.1800 and we’ll be happy to help.

Three Ways to Give the Gift of HVAC this Holiday Season

Posted on by T.F. O'Brien Cooling & Heating

If you have a hard-to-shop-for loved one, you know how difficult finding the right gift for them can be. What do you give to the person who has everything? This holiday season; why not consider something you might not have thought of before – HVAC. We’d like to share with you some ideas that can help make the season bright – and more comfortable.

Here are three HVAC-related ideas that can help you finish off your holiday shopping list:

Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats have changed the way people do home comfort over the last few years. This technology enables people to have control over their heating and cooling systems like never before. More than a programmable thermostat, smart thermostats can generally be controlled remotely, from a Smartphone, tablet or computer. That way, the homeowner can keep household temperatures regulated, even when away from home. Also, smart thermostats are usually fairly simple to use, which makes them ideal for almost anyone. There are even smart thermostats on the market that have “learning” capabilities, so they know when you’re home, when you’re away, and your preferred home temperatures during these times.

Ductless Heating & Cooling

It’s a modern trend that people convert areas of their homes like basements and garage spaces into personal enjoyment areas, such as crafting and hobby rooms, music rooms and the much-sought-after “man cave.” However, these rooms may not exactly be the paragon of comfort, as they are often not connected to the home’s duct system. Luckily, ductless heating and cooling is available for these spaces, making them as comfortable and usable as the rest of the house, no matter what the weather outside is like. Ductless systems require no additional ductwork, are efficient and non-obtrusive, and generally can be installed in a short period of time with minimal construction work.

Smoke Detectors & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

There’s no better way to let someone know you love them than to show them you care about their safety. Giving a gift of new smoke and carbon monoxide detectors might not seem very glamorous, but it’s one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give. There are devices on the market that can warn you of smoke or carbon monoxide, even when you’re not at home. When you count on T.F. O’Brien to help, we can provide you with advice and best placement of your smoke and CO detectors.

This year, give a memorable gift that keeps on giving – HVAC from T.F. O’Brien.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help. Just give us a call at 516.488.1800 and we’ll be happy to help you make someone’s holiday extra special this year.