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

Choose Heat Pumps for Better Comfort & Efficiency

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

If You Want an Upgrade to a More Efficient and Versatile Home HVAC System, Check Out Heat Pumps!

If you’ve been thinking about installing a heat pump in your home, but you’re unsure whether or not it’s a good decision, we’re here to tell you that it may just be a great choice for your home. The fact is that many people aren’t really sure about what, exactly, heat pumps are, and how they can help them when it comes to maintaining their home’s comfort. What do heat pumps do, anyway?

As defined by the Dept. of Energy (DOE), heat pumps offer an energy efficient alternative to air conditioners in climates with moderate heating and cooling needs. While life on Long Island isn’t necessarily what one might term as moderate, heat pumps can still offer a great advantage when coupled with your home’s furnace or boiler:

Heat pumps are energy efficient: The DOE explains that heat pumps move heat from a cool area to a warm area using electricity, rather than producing heat. That means they can heat or cool the same space as a traditional system using less energy, which in turn helps you save on your utility bills.

Heat pumps are “greener”: Heat pumps don’t burn fossil fuels, and as such, are more planet friendly than other types of systems. The heat pumps we install also use a non-ozone depleting refrigerant that offers better energy efficiency. And, most of the models we install meet ENERGY STAR efficiency guidelines.

Heat pumps provide an alternative to AC: If you are considering either installing air conditioning or replacing your old system, you might want to consider getting a heat pump instead. Carrier, the brand of heat pump we install, indicates that heat pumps are an ideal alternative to AC and offer heating, cooling and dehumidifying.

A heat pump can help make your furnace more efficient: In cooler climes, heat pumps often aren’t able to do all the heavy lifting once the cold weather arrives. But, when used in conjunction with your furnace, they can help you save energy. We offer Hybrid Heat from Carrier, an electric powered heat pump and furnace combo.

Heat pumps often come with credits and incentives: Because they’re considered high-efficiency comfort equipment, there may be rebates available from government agencies, utility companies and manufacturers. We’ll help you look into the credits and incentives your purchase may be eligible for.

Want to learn more about how a heat pump can help your home feel more comfortable and be more energy efficient? Then contact T. F. O’Brien. We’re pleased to help our customers throughout Long Island, including Nassau County, Suffolk County, Queens and Brooklyn get the heat pump systems they need for maximum comfort and efficiency. Give us a call at 516.488.1800 and we will be more than happy to help you.

Give the Gift of Comfort this Holiday Season with These 3 HVAC Products

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

Show You Care About Your Loved One’s Comfort With an HVAC Product!

When people think about holiday gift giving, their thoughts often turn to cars, jewelry, and even vacation packages. But if you’re looking for a gift that can ensure year-round comfort and joy for your loved ones, you might want to consider giving HVAC products that are specifically designed to help people enjoy a better indoor environment. We’ve chosen three items that we know your loved ones will appreciate from the moment they’re installed and for years to come.

Smart Thermostats: Today’s thermostats offer so much more than the old, dial-style thermostat we likely grew up with in our homes. Even basic programmable thermostats can help you keep your home more comfortable and more energy efficient. But smart thermostats can take home comfort to a whole new level. That’s because they can be accessed easily, even when you’re away from home. By using a web app, you can control your smart thermostat at home, the office, or while away on vacation. Some smart thermostats are even able to learn your family’s comfort habits, helping you maintain the highest level of heating and cooling efficiency. T.F. O’Brien can help you decide on the perfect smart thermostat for your gift-giving needs.

Standby Generators: Does someone you love need assurance that they’ll have power, no matter what the weather? Then a standby generator is a great gift choice. Infants, the elderly and those who rely on electricity to operate home medical devices are most in need of a home generator, but really, anyone can benefit. We provide top-of-the-line standby backup generators that offer utility-quality power, quiet operation and a durable exterior that helps ensure they’ll last for years. Our generators run on the home’s natural gas or LP fuel supply, and offer backup options that include essential circuit, managed whole-house or complete whole-house coverage. And, you can count on us to maintain the generator or make any needed repairs.

Ductless AC & Heating: If you have a loved one who has to contend with a clunky window air conditioner to keep a room cool in the summertime, and a potentially dangerous space heater during the winter, then you might want to consider giving them the gift of ductless air conditioning and heating this holiday season. A ductless system requires no messy renovations or installation of additional ductwork, and our installers can typically have it up and running for you in just a few hours. Ductless also provides advanced energy efficiency, quiet operation and indoor air quality control, so your loved one will not only enjoy improved comfort, but also a potential savings on their energy bill. Talk about a gift that keeps on giving!

If you’d like to give any of these gifts of comfort to someone you care about this holiday season, T. F. O’Brien wants to help you. We’re pleased to offer comprehensive services throughout Long Island, including Nassau County, Suffolk County, Queens and Brooklyn. Give us a call at 516.488.1800 and we will be more than happy to assist you in spreading the holiday cheer!

This Holiday Season, Make Sure Your Furnace Can Keep You Safe.

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

A Broken Furnace Will Show a Variety of Symptoms

As the classic song goes, there’s no place like home for the holidays, but if you’re contending with a furnace that isn’t operating properly, your home may not feel as comfortable – or as safe – as you’d like. Your furnace may be giving you several indications that a repair is needed, and knowing the warning signs can mean the difference between a dangerous system breakdown and getting the repairs you need so you and your family can experience comfort and joy this season.

The most dangerous issue a furnace in need of repair might have is giving off carbon monoxide, which is invisible, odorless – and can be fatal. If your carbon monoxide detector goes off at any time, you should leave your home and call in the professionals right away. You should also know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning – these include headaches, dizziness and vomiting. If anyone is experiencing these symptoms, get them to fresh air and call your local fire and ambulance.

Fortunately, your furnace may simply need repairs but not be dangerous. According to Bob Vila, you should have a qualified HVAC technician look at your system if you’re dealing with the following furnace issues:

  • Your energy bills are increasing, even though your furnace usage is still the same.
  • Your furnace cycles on and off at more frequent intervals.
  • Your furnace seems to be heating your home unevenly (some rooms are hot, some are cold).
  • Your furnace is noisy and has developed rattling, buzzing or humming noises.
  • You notice an excessive amount of dust in your indoor air.

At T.F. O’Brien, we want to help you ensure that your family is safe and comfortable, at the holidays and all year long. If you’re furnace is experiencing any of the above symptoms, we can help. Our technicians are NATE certified and trained to provide you with the best furnace repair possible. We’re pleased to offer comprehensive services throughout Long Island, including Nassau County, Suffolk County, Queens and Brooklyn. Give us a call at 516.488.1800 and we will be more than happy to help you.

November Message from Kerry

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

T.F. O’Brien is thankful for you!

November is one of our favorite months of the year, because we have a chance to pause and reflect on all that we’re thankful for. At T.F. O’Brien, when we stop and think of what we give thanks for, our great customers always come to mind. We’d like to extend our sincere gratitude for your patronage, year in and year out.

We’re also thankful for our families, and we’re so glad that we are a family company, and have been since we opened our doors. We take pride in one another’s successes, which is why we’re so pleased to congratulate Chris O’Brien on his recent success in the NYC Marathon, which took place on November 1.

This month, we’d also like to pass along some exciting news from one of our comfort advisors, Brendan Sihler, who has partnered in a craft brewing company with his brother Kevin. Best of luck to Brendan! And, our special Cool Cash offer is coming to a close – have you taken advantage of the savings yet? (It expires November 15th so hurry!) Thinking about turning up the heat again – and how costly it can be? A programmable thermostat can help you save this winter. And, if you have limited space for ductwork in your home, high velocity heating can help you stay warm no matter how cold it might get outside.

Best wishes for a wonderful Thanksgiving from our family to yours.

Kerry

5 Amazing Ways a Heat Pump Can Help Your Suffolk County, NY Home

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

Heat Pump Technology Keeps Advancing Making It a Great HVAC Choice

Maybe you’ve been thinking about installing a heat pump in your Suffolk County, NY home, but you’re not really sure if it’s a good choice. The truth is, a lot of people don’t really know how heat pumps can help them maintain their home’s comfort. We all know furnaces and boilers are made to keep us warm, and air conditioners help keep our homes cool all summer long, but what, exactly, do heat pumps do?

According to the Department of Energy (DOE), heat pumps provide an energy efficient alternative to air conditioners in climates with moderate heating and cooling needs. While in this area you’ll likely need to use your heat pump as well as a furnace or boiler, you can still take advantage of these five amazing benefits heat pumps offer.

  • Heat pumps use less energy. The DOE explains that heat pumps use electricity to move heat from a cool area to a warm area. Because they move heat rather than produce it, they can heat and cool the same space as traditional equipment using less energy – and that can help you save money on your utility bills.
  • Heat pumps are a better choice for the planet. Because heat pumps don’t burn fuels, that makes them more planet-friendly than traditional systems. The heat pumps we offer to our Suffolk County, NY customers use Puron®, which is a non-ozone depleting refrigerant choice that also provides better energy efficiency than refrigerants of the past. Plus, most of the models we offer meet ENERGY STAR guidelines for efficiency.
  • Heat pumps are a good alternative to air conditioning. Carrier®, one of the best brands of heat pumps in the country and the brand we carry here at T.F. O’Brien, says that heat pumps are an ideal alternative to an air conditioning system. Their units provide heating, cooling and dehumidifying.
  • Heat pumps help furnaces perform more efficiently. In cooler climates like those in Suffolk County, NY, heat pumps by themselves might not be enough to keep your home warm during the chilly winter months. Carrier offers an electric-powered heat pump and furnace configuration known as Hybrid Heat®, a combo that can help save energy.
  • You can save when you choose to install a heat pump. Because heat pumps are considered to be high-efficiency equipment, there are often tax credits and incentives available. Depending on the heat pump and the region it’s being installed in, you may be able to receive rebates from government agencies, utility companies and manufacturers. T.F. O’Brien can help you look into the rebates and incentives you may be eligible for.

At T. F. O’Brien, our focus is always on your home comfort and energy savings. We work hard to make sure that you’re fully satisfied with the work we’ve done for you, and we never consider a job done until you are. When you need a heat pump for your Suffolk County, NY home, count on T.F. O’Brien for professional installation and service after the sale. In addition to heat pump installation, we’re pleased to provide heat pump maintenance and repair as well. To learn more, give us a call at 516.488.1800 and we will be happy to help.

At T.F. O’Brien, We Take Furnace Repair in Your Nassau County, NY Home Very Seriously

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

We Fix and Replace Furnaces for Our Long Island Neighbors

At T.F. O’Brien, we strive to not only be experts in the field of home comfort, but to also be friendly and approachable to all of our clients. We enjoy being lighthearted, but there is one area in which we’re always very serious – and that’s your home’s comfort system. We always work hard to make sure you’re comfortable in your Nassau County, NY home, but even more importantly than that, we take your safety very seriously. When it comes to furnace repair in Nassau County, NY, we cannot emphasize enough how very important it is to make sure your equipment is running safely.

There are certain instances where we may deem your furnace unsafe for use, and the main reason we would do so is because it either poses a fire or carbon monoxide (CO) hazard. As an Angie’s List Super Service award winner, we work hard to provide our customers with excellent service. That might mean coming into your Nassau County, NY home to make a furnace repair, and having to red-flag your furnace, or determine that it cannot be used until repair or, in some cases, replacement, has been made. If that happens to you, you can rest assured that we’ll help you until repairs can be made or a replacement can be performed. Angie’s List indicates that most often, HVAC companies flag furnaces because of CO concerns, and lists some potential reasons for these concerns:

  • The heat exchanger is cracked. This allows CO and other noxious gases to leak into the ductwork – and living areas.
  • There is a chimney blockage. Instead of CO escaping out of the chimney, it comes back into the home.
  • The venting system is cracked. Instead of directing CO outside, the cracks allow it to seep into the home.
  • There is an electrical problem with the furnace. Many things can cause this – be alert in instances of water or flood.
  • There might be another issue, such as dirty burners, gas pressure issues, or lack of air for proper combustion.

When you call T.F. O’Brien with the furnace repair needs of your Nassau County, NY home, you can trust that we’ll treat you fairly and with consideration of the needs of your and your family. If we feel you’re in an unsafe situation, we’ll work diligently to get to the root of your furnace problem. Our technicians are specially trained to provide the highest level of service possible. They’ll provide a complete evaluation of your furnace, and make recommendations for repair that will get your furnace back up and running smoothly and efficiently.

In the worst-case scenario, you might have furnace issues that are either too costly or too extensive for us to recommend repair. In some instances, it very much depends on your furnace’s warranty whether it will be more cost-effective to repair or replace your unit. At T.F. O’Brien, we generally only will recommend a replacement if it is warranted, and in those circumstances, we’ll help you find a furnace that’s right for your home and budget. We’ll also work with you to find any available rebates and incentives, and financing is available for qualified buyers. Most of today’s furnaces are highly efficient compared to older models, and they have sealed combustion systems for safety.

You can enjoy comfort all winter long in your Long Island, NY home when you choose T.F. O’Brien for all your furnace needs. We’re pleased to provide you with the furnace repair services you need. We proudly serve all of Long Island, including Nassau County, Suffolk County, and Brooklyn. Just give us a call at 516.488.1800 and we will be more than happy to help you.

Count on T.F. O’Brien for the Innovative Boiler Services You Need

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

We Can Install a Wall Hung Boiler to Replace Your Old One

If it’s just about time to replace the boiler in your Nassau County, NY home, then you should call T.F. O’Brien. We offer boiler services throughout the area so that our customers never have to be without the boiler heat they need. What’s more, we work hard to stay on the cutting edge of boiler technology, so that we’re able to provide you with boiler services that are both effective and innovative. One of the products we proudly install is the wall-hung boiler – an energy efficient, flood resistant boiler unit that proves good things come in small packages. ENERGY STAR designates the wall-hung boilers we install in your home as among the most efficient on the market today.  But you may be wondering what, exactly, a wall hung boiler is. Here are five ways these boilers are different, innovative and perfect for your home.

  • Wall hung boilers are super efficient. Many of the models we provide offer you a huge 95 percent efficiency level. That means that only five percent of the heat produced by these boilers is lost, whereas the rest is used to heat your home. Considering that boilers more than 10 years old can be up to 30 percent less efficient than today’s boilers, the energy you save by installing a new wall hung boiler will be significant.
  • Wall hung boilers can weather the storm. Or more appropriately, a flood in the aftermath of a storm. That’s because wall hung boilers are mounted directly on the wall instead of on the floor, which also helps you save on valuable floor space in your Nassau County, NY home. Home flooding often spells disaster when it comes to your boiler – mounting it on the wall can help keep it clear should flooding occur.
  • Wall hung boilers are space savers. As we mentioned above, installing a wall hung boiler means you get to save valuable floor space. But that’s not the only reason – most wall hung units are packaged, which means that all of the features, such as sensors, microcomputer and condensing unit, that are outside on a traditional system are completely built in. Their compact size means they can be installed in spaces where traditional boilers might not fit.
  • Wall hung boilers are quiet. You won’t hear a lot of noise from your new wall hung boiler. These units are manufactured to operate in a much more quiet manner than their older counterparts. Plus, if your current boiler is noisy, sounds like rumblings, vibrations and banging could mean there are some problems. Any time you suspect you may need boiler service in your Nassau County, NY home, call us – we want you to stay safe!
  • Wall hung boilers are a “greener” way to heat your home. We’ve mentioned that wall hung boilers are super efficient, which already helps them be the more environmentally sound choice for home heating. But they also can cut fuel consumption and gas emissions in comparison to conventional heating systems.

If your boiler is old, you live in an area prone to flooding, or you just want better energy efficiency, it might be time to consider a wall hung boiler for your home. When you need innovative boiler services and solutions for your Nassau County, NY home, you can count on T.F. O’Brien to help. When you call us, we’ll show you your options and provide you with the best in quality products and installation. Just give us a call at 516.488.1800 and we will be more than happy to assist you.

October Message from Kerry

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

Welcome October from T.F. O’Brien

It’s that time of year again, when goblins, witches, princesses and superheroes all show up at your door asking for candy. Pumpkins transform into smiling (or scary) Jack-o-Lanterns, and apples transform into cider! Though we love the colorful leaves and the clear, crisp days, we also know that fall is also the time of year when our thoughts turn to your home heating needs. Do you have any little “gremlins” in your furnace that seem to be making it tough to keep your home comfortable? The best way you can know for sure if you need furnace repair is by giving us a call. We’ll check your furnace over thoroughly and make sure you get the repairs you need.

And, if you need a new system for your home, there’s no better time than the present. Between system rebates up to $900, utility rebates up to $1000, and our $200 instant rebate, we can save you up to $2100 on a brand-new, high-efficiency system right now. This offer ends on November 15, 2015, though, so call us right away to learn more about how we can help you save now, and in the long run on your utility bills!

Click to learn more about high efficiency heating systems – is one right for you and your home? And, check out our website to learn more about ductless heating, for those spaces in your home where adding ductwork is either impossible or impractical. Plus, did you know that, depending on your system, you could convert your furnace from oil to gas? We’ll explain to you how we can help you do it.

Happy October from all of us at T.F. O’Brien!

Thanks for reading!

Kerry

Heat Pump 101: What You Need to Know About Heat Pumps for Your Nassau County, NY Home

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

Heat Pumps are a Popular Choice Because of Their Efficiency and Comfort

 

Have you been considering ways you can improve the energy usage in your Nassau County, NY home – while staying comfortable at the same time? Then you should know that heat pumps are a great way to maximize your heating and cooling budget and help reduce your carbon footprint. According to the Department of Energy (DOE), “for climates with moderate heating and cooling needs, heat pumps offer an energy efficient alternative to furnaces and air conditioners.” While you may need to use a heat pump in conjunction with a furnace or boiler in this area, you can still reap the benefits heat pumps can offer.

How do heat pumps work, anyway? The DOE explains that heat pumps actually work kind of like a refrigerator, using electricity to move heat from a cool area to a warm area. Because they move heat rather than produce it, they can heat and cool the same space as traditional equipment using less energy – and less of your utility budget. The most common heat pump is called an air-source pump, which moves heat between your Nassau County, NY house and the outside air.

Carrier®, one of the premier manufacturers of heat pumps in the country and the brand we offer at T.F. O’Brien, calls heat pumps “a smart alternative to an air conditioner.” They offer heat pumps that provide heating, cooling and dehumidifying. For cooler climates like ours, heat pumps alone may not be enough during the especially chilly winter months here in Nassau County, NY. In that case, Carrier provides an electric-powered heat pump and furnace configuration know as Hybrid Heat®. This can help you save significantly on your home heating costs.

T.F. O’Brien believes that helping save energy and providing heating equipment that benefits the planet rather than harms it is important. Because heat pumps don’t burn fuels, that makes them much more Mother Nature-friendly than traditional systems. And, the heat pumps we offer use Puron® refrigerant, which is environmentally friendly and non-ozone depleting. Most of the models we offer for installation in your Nassau County, NY home meet ENERGY STAR guidelines for efficiency, all while providing you and your family the best in performance and home comfort.

Because heat pumps are considered to be high efficiency equipment, there are often tax credits and incentives available. Depending on the type of heat pump and the region in which it’s being installed, you may be able to get rebates from government agencies, utilities and manufacturers. If you’re considering installing a heat pump in your Nassau County, NY home, T.F. O’Brien can help you look into the rebates and incentives you might be eligible for. We want you to enjoy the energy savings you’ll receive by installing a heat pump, so we will help you get as much cash back as possible on your heat pump.

At T. F. O’Brien, our focus is always on your home comfort and energy savings. We work hard to make sure that you’re fully satisfied with the work we’ve done for you, and we never consider a job done until you are. When you need a heat pump for your Nassau County, NY home, count on T.F. O’Brien for professional installation and service after the sale. To learn more, give us a call at 516.488.1800 and we will be happy to help.

How to Know When You Need Heating Repair for Your Long Island, NY Home

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

Some Symptoms of a Malfunctioning or Broken Furnace or Boiler

If you’ve ever had your heating system quit on a cold, dark night, then you know how unpleasant that experience can be. Not only are you and your family struggling to keep warm, but you’re also faced with trying to find a heating contractor who can help you during this emergency. The best way you can head off a situation like that from happening is to prevent it before it does. If you pay attention to your Long Island, NY home’s heating system, it will likely tell you that it either needs repair or replacement. Carrier® explains that there are a few ways you can tell if your system needs some heating repairs – or if it’s time to think about a new one.

If your house feels chilly no matter how much you crank up your thermostat, and if your energy bills are on the increase but you’re not keeping your home any warmer than usual, then heating repairs in the near future are probably in the cards for your Long Island, NY home. When you notice these factors, you’ll want to assess your heating system. How old is it? The maximum life for furnaces, for instance, is about 20 years, with the equipment’s efficiency diminishing over time. And, older heating systems generally have much lower efficiencies than their modern counterparts. When you compare your efficiency rating to your energy bill, you’ll be able to see if your heating system is underperforming – that likely indicates an underlying problem that needs attention. Age and efficiencies of your heating system are a good measuring stick when it comes down to the decision between making heating repairs or replacing your entire system.

At T.F. O’Brien, we always assess the situation when it comes to our Long Island, NY customers’ heating repair needs. If we check out your system and then discover that the costs of repairs will be significant, especially when compared to the cost of replacement, we’ll help you decide if a new installation is the better choice for you. We know that new heating equipment can be costly, and that’s why many people wait until their furnace or boiler breathes its last breath to replace it. You might be surprised to learn, though, that modern, high-efficiency heating equipment might actually save you money in the long run! You’ll likely see your home comfort levels increase – and your heating bills decrease, sometimes significantly. And because of the national focus on greener living, there are often rebates and incentives available on higher efficiency equipment, from both the state and utility companies. T.F. O’Brien can help you find incentives, get financing if you qualify, and install a heating system that’s a perfect fit for your home, your lifestyle and your budget.

Of course, we’re not going to try to sell you a heating system if you don’t need one. If we discover that a heating repair is all you need to get the heating system in your Long Island, NY home up and running again, we’ll send in one of our skilled heating repair technicians to help. Regardless of the make or model of heating system you currently have, we can identify the issue and make your repairs quickly, so that you know you and your family will be safe and comfortable in no time. When you have a service agreement with us, you’ll receive top priority when it comes to your emergency repair needs – even when we’re at our busiest. (Of course, if you’re having us service and maintain your system on an annual basis, your equipment will last longer and the need for heating repairs will be less likely to occur.)

Don’t let another cold Long Island, NY winter leave you feeling the chill – 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.