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

Don’t Be Spooked by Your HVAC System! 

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

Give Yourself the Treat of a Maintenance Check for Your Heating System

October is here, and that means it’s time for ghosts and goblins… and cooler weather. We love what October brings – the leaves, the pumpkins, the candy corn… but we also know it ushers in those chillier temperatures, too. Is your home comfort system ready for the winter months to come? You won’t have to be spooked by your heating system this year as long as you get the annual maintenance you need. Haven’t had your heating system tuned up yet? Give us a call soon!

Planned maintenance can really help you protect the investment you made in your HVAC system – we offer maintenance for AC, furnaces, boilers, heat pumps – any equipment we install, we’ll be happy to help you maintain. In addition to maintenance, we’re pleased to provide complete services for all HVAC systems. For instance, if you have a boiler, we can help you with maintenance, repair and installation. Since October is the month for sweet treats, we’re excited to include a recipe for one of our favorite fall indulgences – homemade caramel corn. Read all about it here. 

Happy Halloween from all of us at T.F. O’Brien – enjoy!

Kerry

The Time for Treats Has Arrived – Try T.F. O’Brien’s Tasty Caramel Corn!

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

Once October arrives, everyone’s thoughts seem to turn to sweets! From pumpkin spice everything to apple cider to the trick or treat candy we buy and vow we’re not going to open before Halloween night, tasty treats abound. A fall specialty that always brings back childhood memories is caramel corn. There was nothing like munching on a handful of this crunchy, yummy treat at a Halloween party – nothing said the holiday season had arrived quite like that sweet-salty goodness.

Sure, you can buy caramel corn in a bag or a can, but why not try making it yourself this year? We’re sharing a favorite recipe that’s easy to make – and offers a fresh, delicious flavor you won’t find in any store. Passed along to us from a family friend, we hope you try this recipe for yourself – enjoy!

Baked Caramel Corn

Ingredients

• 6 quarts popped popcorn (air popped is best; microwave popcorn won’t work)
• 1 cup butter
• 2 cups firmly packed brown sugar (light or dark)
• ½ cup corn syrup (light or dark)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions

• Preheat oven to 250ºF.
• Spray a large roasting pan with cooking spray (like Pam).
• Pour popped popcorn into pan.
• In a heavy saucepan, melt butter. Stir in brown sugar, corn syrup and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil without stirring for 5 minutes.
• Remove from heat; stir in baking soda and vanilla.
• Pour the syrup mixture over the popcorn, stirring to thoroughly coat popcorn. Bake 1 hour, stirring every 10 minutes.
• Remove from oven, let cool completely and break apart.

At T.F. O’Brien, we love making everything we do for you a treat – never a trick. You can count on us to provide you with honest, reliable HVAC services all year round. Just give us a call at 516-488-1800 and we’ll be happy to help you with any home comfort need you might have.

Fall Into Home Comfort with T.F. O’Brien!

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

Back to school means getting back into the swing of schedules and routines. The weather is still mild, so you might not have to turn your thermostat up just yet – but are you prepared for that first chilly night? You will be, when you call us for your annual preventive maintenance. If you haven’t called yet, you should – fall is a busy time here at T.F. O’Brien and our maintenance schedule is filling up fast! 

Choosing the right generator for your home is important – find out which one is the best pick for you and your family by clicking here. And, find out what you can expect during a heating system maintenance visit. Plus, here are some ideas on how you can get your home prepared for winter weather – do you have everything you need for a winter emergency? Fall is a great time to be sure you’re all set for the chillier months ahead!

We hope you have a great September – enjoy and thanks for reading! 

Kerry

How Can You Choose the Right Generator for Your Home?

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

A Quality Generator Will Provide You With Years of Emergency Service

If you live on Long Island, the chances are you’ve weathered a few storms, some which had a devastating aftermath. Severe weather can cause power outages that occur for several hours, even days. Nobody wants to be without power – more than just a modern convenience, we rely on a steady supply of power to prevent food spoilage, appliance damage, and in some cases, power is essential for lifesaving devices like home oxygen or home dialysis.

When you’re considering purchasing a generator for your home, you’ll find that there are different options out there. Portable generators can provide power on a temporary basis to a small number of lights or appliances, but they can pose some dangers if not installed properly. For instance, a portable generator should never be used in an enclosed area, such as inside the house or even in a garage. The National Fire Protection Association warns that portable generators can emit deadly carbon monoxide, cause electrical shock and pose a fire hazard when improperly used.

The Department of Energy offers that “permanently installed, stationary generators are better suited for providing backup power to the home.” At T.F. O’Brien, we’re pleased to offer our customers automatic standby generators. This type of generator backs up the circuits you choose during a power outage, and automatically start within seconds of detecting power loss. Standby generators run on your home’s existing natural gas or LP fuel supply, and you can choose a backup option from essential circuit, managed whole-house or complete whole-house coverage.

What’s more, our technicians professionally install the standby generators offered by T.F. O’Brien, so you don’t have to worry that you’ve improperly installed your generator like you might with a portable unit. And, we offer complete generator maintenance and repair, so you’ll never have to worry about the proper functioning of your generator. If you’d like to learn more about installing a quality standby generator for your home, we’re ready to help. Call us at 516.488.1800 and we will be happy to assist you.

August Monthly Message from Kerry

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

Welcome to the August Message from Kerry. We hope you’re having a great summer so far – who can believe this is the last full month before we start to get into the swing of fall? So enjoy these last few lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer – the kids will be back to school and we’ll be back to our daily routines before you know it! Even though summer is still with us, now is the perfect time to call to schedule your fall annual maintenance. It might seem early but calling now helps to guarantee you’ll get the service you need well before those chilly evenings hit!

While we’re on the subject, we can’t stress enough the importance of fall preventive maintenance. Our service technicians will get your system in prime shape for cooler weather, keeping you and your family comfortable and safe.

With August flying by and September approaching, you might want to think about a generator for your home. A standby generator can be an important addition to your home – especially with fall hurricane season on its way.

Is the basement in your home prone to flooding? Then you might want to consider a wall-hung boiler. Because they’re up off the ground, they’re a good choice for homes where basement flooding is a problem.

We hope you have a great August – enjoy and thanks for reading!

Kerry

Stay Cool this Summer with T.F. O’Brien

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

Welcome to the July Message from Kerry. Summer is in full swing and we’re definitely feeling the heat! Warm weather means air conditioning systems all over Long Island are running daily – and we’re so glad you chose us to help make sure yours was running great this year. We thank everyone who called us early for AC maintenance, and we appreciate you trusting us with your home comfort needs!

Do you know what to look for if your AC isn’t running perfectly, before you call us? There is often a simple DIY solution that you as a homeowner can take care of easily. And, have you been considering high efficiency air conditioning? It can help you save money on your energy bills. What’s more, we’ll share ideas for staying cool when Mother Nature cranks up the heat!

Enjoy your July, and thanks for reading!

Kerry

If You’re Not Sure if Your Home is Too Damp, Here Are Five Ways to Tell.

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

dehumidifier-long island, new-yorkWith Long Island Heat Comes Long Island Humidity

 

Summertime can cause your home’s humidity level to increase. Usually, with air conditioning, it isn’t overly noticeable, but some homes just seem to have more of a moisture problem than others. What’s the big deal if your home has too much moisture, anyway? Well, excessive humidity, especially in warmer weather, offers a breeding ground for mold and mildew – and that can cause health concerns. Most people can feel excessive moisture in the air, but there are a few other definite telltale signs that can indicate your home has a problem.

Condensation: Have you noticed that the windows of your home have foggy glass, or even beads of moisture on them? This means the air in your home is too damp. It can lead to wood rot and mold growth if nothing is done to reduce your home’s moisture levels. Indoor factors like an oversized humidifier, and outdoor factors like heavy rains and high humidity levels, can lead to too much moisture inside.

Mold: If you notice mold growing in your house, especially on your ceiling or in the corners of your walls, moisture is likely a problem in your home. Black mold in particular can cause health issues. Dehumidification can help, but you should get at the root of the problem, like plumbing issues or a leaking roof, to make sure you take care of the cause and mitigate moisture damage.

Odors: Mildew has a distinctive, musty odor that lets you know its presence. Mold and mildew are both fungi that aren’t good to breathe in, and grow rampantly where there is excessive moisture. These odors point out that too much moisture in your home is a problem, and can help you discover where dehumidification will best benefit your home.

Wood rot: Too much moisture in your home can cause the wood to rot, and worse, invite pests like termites into your home. Window and door casings often show signs of wood rot first, but the same thing can be happening to your drywall, hardwood floors and foundation. That’s why taking care of humidity is important for the structural integrity of your home.

Allergens: Mold, mildew and bacteria thrive in humid conditions, so if you’re experiencing increased allergy symptoms inside your home, too much moisture could be the culprit. A dehumidifier may help you diminish the presence of these allergens in your home, helping you and your family breathe easier.

If you have any of these signs of excessive moisture in your home, it might be time to install home dehumidification. At T.F. O’Brien, we have experience in helping people with their indoor air quality needs, including dehumidifiers. Simply call us at 516.488.1800, and we’ll be happy to help you with your dehumidification needs.

When Does Your AC Need Replacement? Three Ways to Know.

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

carrier-air-conditioning

Here are Some Things to Ask Yourself About Your Current AC System

 

When summer arrives, everyone gets excited about the warm weather and the chances for outdoor fun. But people still want to be able to come inside and cool down – which is why having air conditioning that works well, and works efficiently, is so important. If your AC system hasn’t been keeping you and your family as comfortable as you’d like, you might be trying to decide if it’s time to replace your current system. Most people need some help deciding if a few simple repairs will do the trick, or whether a new installation is in order. Here are a few ways that can help you choose the best course of action.

How old is your AC system?

Air conditioning systems typically last between 10 and 15 years, with proper maintenance. If your system isn’t functioning as well as it should and it’s either at or over a decade old, it might be time to consider a new installation. You need to look at the age of the system in relation to the cost of repairs. Generally speaking, if the cost of repairs is approaching 50 percent of the value of your system, a replacement is probably in order.

How efficient is your system?

There’s no way around it – the older your air conditioning system is, the less efficient it becomes. And that means your utility bills will likely be on the rise. While replacing your system might seem like a more costly venture up front, today’s high-efficiency systems can offer you comfort at 20 to 40 percent better efficiency. That means your energy bills will decrease significantly, and that will save you money in the long run.

Do you have a refrigerant leak?

Refrigerant leaks might seem like an easy fix, but they can be the precursor to a whole host of problems. Most older systems use R-22, or Freon, which is a refrigerant that has been phased out in favor of the more environmentally friendly R-410A. As a result, Freon has become very expensive, so refilling a system that uses this kind of refrigerant can be very costly. Leaking refrigerant can be an indicator that the compressor soon will give out, too – and that can be a $2000 expense to the consumer.

If any of these are concerning you about your air conditioning system, you’re probably trying to decide between repair and replacement. At T.F. O’Brien, we can help you. We will thoroughly inspect your current system to see if a repair will cost-effectively do the trick. If not, we’ll talk to you about why and we’ll help you choose the best replacement system for your home, lifestyle and budget. Simply call us at 516.488.1800, and we’ll be happy to help you decide whether repair or replacement is right for your home.

Five Reasons You Need a Smart Thermostat for Your Summer Home

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

nest-learning-thermostatSave Energy and Worry With New Home Comfort Technology

If you have a summer home, there’s no doubt you appreciate having a place where you can get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday living. Your summer home is the place you and your family go to relax, enjoy the beach, and simply unwind. Like any other home, though, your summer home comes with a set of ownership concerns. How can you make sure all is safe and sound when you’re not there? Well, you can keep your eye on your indoor comfort levels much more easily than you may have thought, with the use of a smart thermostat.

Unlike traditional thermostats, or even modern programmable thermostats, smart thermostats can learn your home comfort habits and provide remote management, so you are able to both monitor and control your summer home’s comfort levels any time, from just about anywhere. You can log into the smart thermostat’s interface using your phone, tablet, laptop or computer, and control the temperature of your summer home at the touch of your fingertips. And that makes it easy to keep an eye on your energy usage, while you’re away and while you’re there relaxing. Here are five ways a smart thermostat can benefit your summer home:

  • Energy savings: Half of the cost of your energy bill, on average, goes to the heating and cooling of your home. If you’re heating and cooling a primary residence and a summer home, it can get costly. According to ENERGY STAR, you can save around $200 a year on energy costs just by controlling your thermostat properly. With a smart thermostat, that’s easy to do.
  • Adaptability: Because some smart thermostats “learn” what your home comfort habits are over time, you won’t be constantly running the AC or furnace while you’re not there. Some of today’s thermostats use sensors and your mobile phone’s GPS to tell whether or not anyone is home, and control the climate accordingly. Plus, you can go online and make changes as necessary at any time.
  • Energy control: Most of the smart thermostats on the market today offer you energy usage reports, so you’ll be able to keep a closer eye on the comfort control of your vacation home. Your mobile device will show you the actual amount of energy you’re using toward indoor climate control, letting you take better control over your energy usage.
  • Plan for the weekend: You won’t have to worry about walking into a sweltering summer home – or, conversely, constantly keeping your vacation house cool when no one is there. That’s because, as we’ve discussed previously, adjusting the temperature in your summer home is as easy as going online, when you have a smart thermostat. You can adjust the temperature so that it’s perfect, just in time for your arrival.
  • Good looks: It might seem superficial, but smart thermostats are made to blend in nicely with your décor and provide a modern, elegant look. Smart thermostats offer an easy-to-read digital display, backlighting and even graphic icons, so you can count on easy of use and an attractive design.

Keeping your summer home comfortable – at a cost that’s comfortable, too – is easy when you install a smart thermostat from T.F. O’Brien. Simply call us at 516.488.1800, and we’ll be happy to help you find the right smart thermostat for your summer home.

Five Reasons Why You Should Consider Ductless AC for Your Long Island Home

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

Ductless Mini-Split Systems Have a Number of Advantages

Ductless air conditioning is not a brand-new idea, but it has gained in popularity in recent years. As a result, many people have heard about it, but might not necessarily know how it works and if it’s effective. You should know as a consumer, ductless air conditioning can help you improve your indoor climate dramatically, all while reducing energy costs.

According to ENERGY STAR, ductless systems are extremely efficient, and effectively deliver conditioned air to different zones in your Long Island home.  And, most ductless systems provide not only air conditioning, but heating for your spaces as well. Want to learn more? Here are five reasons why ductless is a great choice for your home:

  • Ductless systems can save you money. When you replace the inefficient window air conditioners and electric baseboard heaters in your Long Island home with a ductless system, you can cut your home’s cooling and heating costs by 30 percent.
  • Ductless systems put the control in your hands. With a traditional system, you usually have a thermostat that controls the cooling and heating to all rooms in your home. Ductless air conditioning and heating allows you precise temperature control over each zone, usually with the touch of a button.
  • As the name suggests, there is no need for ducts. Ductless air conditioning is mounted directly on the wall or ceiling, with no need for ductwork installation. That means the duct losses of a traditional system are eliminated, so you’re more comfortable in your Long Island home – and you save money.
  • Ductless air conditioning is a trusted technology. As we said earlier, ductless air conditioning has been around for a while – more than 30 years. These systems are used worldwide and have been proven to be an effective, efficient means of home comfort.
  • Ductless systems provide cooling AND heating. While you can install strictly ductless air conditioning in your Long Island home, you should know that ductless cooling and heating – all in one unit – is also an option. So, if you relied on electric baseboard heat in the winter and window AC in the summer, a ductless system can provide a convenient, single solution.

If you think ductless air conditioning sounds like a great option for your Long Island home or business and would like to find out more, 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. Simply call us at 516.488.1800, and we’ll tell you about the different options for ductless air conditioning and help you find the solution most suited to your needs.