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

Furnace Filter Filthy? Change is Good.

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

Did you know that one of the most common furnace problems is filter failure? And did you know it’s often a simple fix you can do yourself? Forgetting about the furnace filter is easy enough for a homeowner, but if you make an effort to keep track of your filter, check it frequently during the winter months when your furnace runs often, and change it when it’s dirty, you can expect enhanced furnace performance.

Furnaces need filtration so that the air brought into the equipment is cleaned before it’s heated and sent back out into the home. When your furnace becomes dirty and clogged, it can limit the airflow into your furnace, which causes a heat, and pressure buildup. This can cause your furnace to either run with reduced heat output and poor efficiency, or shut down entirely.

Changing your furnace filter can help avoid costly breakdowns.

But this scenario is easily avoidable – all you need to do is set a schedule for yourself to change your filter. Generally speaking, you should plan to check your furnace filter during the heating season on a monthly basis. Chances are, you will discover that your filter is pretty dirty, and if that’s the case, you’ll want to replace it. If you’re nervous about doing it yourself, you should know T.F. O’Brien can help you. Our friendly technicians will be glad to show you how to change your furnace filter, or do it for you. Just give us a call at 516-488-1800 to learn more.

Boiler on the Fritz? Five Things You Can Do Until Help Arrives.

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

Chilly winter weather can mean your boiler is working overtime, and sometimes that can also spell trouble. An overworked boiler is more prone to breakdown. If your boiler goes on the fritz this winter, you’ll unfortunately have to deal with no heat until help arrives. Nobody likes to think about a boiler breakdown, but if it happens in your home, there are ways you can prepare yourself.

Here are five ways you can be prepared for a boiler breakdown – and what to do while you wait for T.F. O’Brien to arrive to help with repairs.

Take measures to prevent the breakdown before it happens. Sometimes a boiler breakdown isn’t avoidable, but sometimes… it is. Making sure your heated areas are well insulated, and windows and doors are weatherproofed can help. Other measures, like area rugs on floors and heavier draperies can also help retain heat so that your system doesn’t have to work overtime.

Have an action plan in place in the event of equipment failure. Make sure you have another heat source available, such as an electric space heater or kerosene-fueled heater. If this isn’t possible, consider in advance where you and your family might stay while waiting for repairs if necessary.

Get winter wear and other cozy items together. It’s good to have an emergency bin filled with hats, mittens, hoodies, sweaters, scarves, fleece throws, blankets and any other comfy item you might need should you experience a breakdown. If the breakdown happens during the night, staying in your bed with extra blankets and even cuddling with other family members and pets can help you stay warm!

Take your pipes into account, too. Drain water from any pipes in your home that could freeze, or open taps enough to keep a steady drip of warm water running through the line.

Call for help. When you need help, and you need it fast, you can rely on T.F. O’Brien to be there as soon as possible. Call us when you have an emergency, 24/7, even on holidays or weekends.

T.F. O’Brien can help with repairs… and help you avoid a boiler breakdown altogether.

You can often avoid suffering through a boiler breakdown when you choose annual maintenance for your boiler, too. Annual maintenance agreements are an easy and affordable way to keep your system running in tip-top shape, and to ensure that if there ever is an emergency, you’ll receive priority treatment at a lower price. Call us today to learn more about our repair services and our annual maintenance plans, too.

High Velocity Heating May Be Right for Your Home

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

These Heating Systems Have a Number of Advantages

Do you have an outdated radiator heating system in your home? If so, you’ve probably been thinking about installing a new heating system – but chances are, you have limited options when it comes to ductwork. Owners of older, multi-story homes that have relied on a radiator system often find that larger diameter ductwork is space prohibitive. So what options do you have when it comes to a new heating system? High velocity heating can be a valid choice for homes with limited space for a duct system.

High velocity heating uses smaller diameter ductwork to bring heat and comfort to older homes where larger ductwork isn’t an option. It uses a type of indoor equipment known as an air handler, outdoor equipment, a line set of pipes that connect the indoor and outdoor units, and small-diameter ductwork which transfers the heated air throughout the home. A standard thermostat controls a high velocity system.

Besides improved home comfort, high-velocity systems offer numerous additional benefits, which include:

  • Quiet Performance
  • Space Utilization
  • Limited Remodeling
  • Draft-Free
  • Constant Temperature
  • Humidity Reduction
  • Good Looks

When you need high-velocity heating for your home, T.F. O’Brien can help. We’ll work with you to determine whether or not high-velocity heating is the right choice for your home, and provide you with professional installation and service. To learn more, call us at 516-488-1800 and we will be more than happy to assist you.

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.