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

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.

Is a Heat Pump a Good Choice for My Long Island, NY Home?

Posted on by T.F. O'Brien Cooling & Heating
T.F. O’Brien is here to help.
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516.488.1800

When it comes time to replace or enhance the heating equipment in your Long Island, NY home, if you’re like most of today’s homeowners, the chances are you’ll do some online research before purchasing any new products or systems. Having so much information available is great and can help you gain insight into the benefits of today’s heating equipment, but, by the same token, it can get confusing. The home heating industry has changed a lot since the days of basic furnaces or boilers, and now you have many different, innovative options that can provide you with both warmth and energy savings.

Many people are choosing heat pump systems to keep their homes warm come winter. According to Carrier®, heat pumps are systems that offer extreme versatility by providing heating, cooling and dehumidifying. Depending on the heating needs of your Long Island, NY home, a heat pump can provide you with year-round heating and cooling. Some people choose to install electric powered heat pumps in combination with their oil or gas fueled furnace – and that can mean significant savings on your utility bills.

While there are many different styles of heat pumps to choose from for your Long Island, NY home, most commonly people install a split system. This simply means some of the components of the heat pump are inside your home, and some are outside. Regardless of their configuration, heat pumps work by transferring hot air as opposed to burning fuel inside your home, leading to higher energy efficiency. They’re designed to provide your home with the appropriate levels of heating and cooling, at a price that works within your budget.

At T.F. O’Brien Heating & Cooling, we work hard to meet the heat pump needs of our Long Island, NY customers, as well as the needs of our planet. Because heat pumps function by transferring heat as opposed to burning fuel, they are by nature more efficient – and that makes them better for Mother Nature. You can also rest assured that the refrigerant used in the heat pump models we install is environmentally friendly and non-ozone depleting. Additionally many of the models we sell meet ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency and provide unprecedented heating efficiency, superior performance and increased home comfort.

Not to mention, there are often tax credits and incentives available on heat pump systems, because of their high efficiency levels. Geothermal heat pumps, for instance, often have several rebates attached to them, both on a state level and through utility companies. The best way to find out if the heat pump you’re considering for your Long Island, NY home is eligible for any rebates or incentives is by calling us at T.F. O’Brien. We want to help you save on your heat pump installation, and we’ll work with you to find all the cash back we can for you so you can enjoy better year-round comfort and savings on your home’s energy costs.

Your complete satisfaction is our top priority. We strive to ensure that you’re completely 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 home, count on T.F. O’Brien for professional installation and service after the sale. T.F. O’Brien proudly serves all of Long Island, including Nassau County, Suffolk County, and Brooklyn.
To learn more, give us a call at 516.488.1800, and we will be happy to assist you.

What Will You Get with Planned Heating Maintenance from T. F. O’Brien?

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

When the Kids are Headed Back to School is a Good Time to Tune Up Your Heating System

Do you want to ensure that once the cold winter months come, your heating system is operating effectively and efficiently? Then you’ll want to call T.F. O’Brien – we know that heating system maintenance is vital to the life of your equipment, which is why we offer comprehensive heating system maintenance plans for Long Island residents. Keeping your heating system in top condition is a priority for us.

When you call on T.F. O’Brien for your heating system maintenance, we’ll walk you through the details of our maintenance programs. We service nearly every make and model of heating equipment ever made. And what’s more, heating system maintenance will help your system achieve peak performance, and help you save on future energy bills and repair costs.

If you want to keep your heating system operating at top efficiency, an annual maintenance plan is a must. There is simply nothing better for your equipment, and no better way to achieve peak system performance. On top of these benefits, spending a little on an annual maintenance plan will save you money on your utility bills and repair costs because your system will almost never break down. Sometimes annual utility savings are high enough to actually offset the cost of the maintenance plan!

Our Planned Maintenance Program includes many points of inspection, including:

  • Check system functions, safety controls, and adjust the operating sequence if needed.
  • Inspect electrical components and connections and repair/replace or tighten as required.
  • Check for proper airflow and change dirty air filters.
  • Inspect pumps, lubricate, and check flow rates.
  • Clean and lubricate motors as needed.
  • Examine belts, adjust and align as required.
  • Inspect, clean and balance blowers.
  • Clean the burner assembly.
  • Remove soot from the fireside of the burner.
  • Clean and check the operation of the humidifier.
  • Visually or with remote camera, inspect the heat exchanger for cracks.
  • Adjust air/fuel ratio of the burner and perform combustion analysis. Fine-tuning a burner helps to achieve maximum fuel efficiency and optimum firing.

In addition to the peace of mind you’ll get from knowing that your HVAC system is working properly, our tune-ups offer other benefits, such as discounts and priority service.   Of course, the greatest benefit is the one you’ll notice every day – your comfort at home!   Ask us about fall tune-ups for your home heating system. It’s a wise investment in your home and your home comfort. T.F. O’Brien proudly serves all of Long Island, including Nassau County, Suffolk County, and Brooklyn. Simply give us a call at 516.488.1800.

Standby Generators Can Help You Weather the Storm

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

Honeywell Automatic GeneratorsBack Up Power That’s Automatic and Safe

When the power goes out in your neighborhood, usually you can rest assured that it will come back on within a matter of minutes. But when it goes out during a severe weather event, like a hurricane or snowstorm, it can be out for hours – and sometimes even days. And when you have no power for that length of time, it not only can cause disruption and inconvenience, it can be detrimental to the health and safety of you and your family.

If you or a family member relies on electricity for any home medical needs such as oxygen or home dialysis, you know that a prolonged power outage is serious. And, for those who are physically frail, climate control is important – fluctuating indoor temperatures can be detrimental to their health. Not to mention, food spoilage is likely to occur – leaving you in a situation where you have to either discard all the food in your fridge or freezer, or face possible contamination.

Another factor to consider is that power outages can be tough on your home’s equipment and plumbing. If your home is without power for a prolonged period of time during a winter storm, your home comfort system can’t operate – and that can lead to frozen pipes. Using other heating sources such as fireplaces, wood stoves and kerosene heaters is an option, but according to the NYS Department of Health, these should be used only with extreme caution, as carbon monoxide fumes can build up, causing illness or in the worst cases, death.

What might surprise you, though, is that you can prevent all of these issues by choosing a standby generator for your home. When you have a standby generator installed in your home, you’ll enjoy automatic standby protection that backs up the circuits you choose during a power outage. The generator will start automatically within seconds of detecting power loss, and runs on your home’s natural gas or LP fuel supply. And, you’ll be able to choose a backup option, including essential circuit, managed whole-house or complete whole-house.

At T.F. O’Brien, we’re pleased to offer our customers top-quality standby generators from the best brands in the industry. They’ll provide you and your family with utility-quality power, quiet operation and a tough exterior, so you know you can rely on them to weather the storm. And, our technicians are qualified to maintain and repair your generator as well, so you’ll be able to rely on it for years to come.

You and your family can stay safe, no matter what kind of weather Mother Nature throws at Long Island. With a quality standby generator from T. F. O’Brien, you will never have to worry about being without power again. To find out more about our standby generators and how owning one can benefit you and your family, call T. F. O’Brien today at 516.488.1800, and we will be more than happy to assist you.

August Message from Kerry

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

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Stay Comfortable and Safe as Summer Winds Down

Welcome to the August Message from Kerry. We hope this finds you well and enjoying the remaining days of summer. It’s hard to believe, but in just a few short weeks the kids will be back to school, and we’ll be back to routine. Summer never seems to last long enough! That’s why this is the time of year to take advantage of all the great things the season has to offer – and to make those home improvements you’ve had on the back burner.

For instance, you might have been thinking about – and putting off – installing new air conditioning in your home this summer. It’s not too late! We can help you get a new air conditioning system so once next summer rolls around, you’ll be more comfortable and energy-efficient than ever! Of course, when late summer approaches, so does hurricane season. Here on Long Island, we unfortunately know what the aftermath of that can be like. We encourage you to protect your family with a standby generator. And, late summer is the time of year when plants like goldenrod start to bloom, making those with allergies suffer. Did you know T.F. O’Brien can help you improve your indoor air quality?

All of us at T.F. O’Brien hope you have a wonderful August. Thanks for reading!

Kerry

Welcome to July!

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

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Enjoy Your Vacation With Smart Home Technology

Summer is in full swing, and chances are you’re planning some vacations for you and your family, even if that means enjoying a relaxing staycation at home or at your summer home. Did you know that you can control the temperature of your house, even when you’re not there? T.F. O’Brien offers smart thermostat solutions that are perfect for your residence, as well as your home away from home!

While we love the great summer weather here on Long Island, sometimes the humidity gets a little unbearable. We can help you find a solution if your house is just too damp during the summer months. And, we’ll share some tips on how you can conserve energy, no matter how hot the outdoor temperatures get.

Have a wonderful July!

Thanks for reading!

Kerry

Efficiency – It’s a Good Thing!

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

Our Technicians Arrive at Your Home With What They Need to Get the Job Done

As home comfort professionals, we at T.F. O’Brien are always talking to our customers about efficiency. We tell you about the equipment you need to keep your home comfortable, while saving on your utility bills. We explain how you can keep your heating and cooling systems running at maximum efficiency through annual maintenance. And, we offer you HVAC equipment that will leave a minimal carbon footprint on the planet. We believe it’s important to not only install the best, most high-efficiency products on the market, but also to provide our customers with a smooth process. That’s why we not only strive to give you great equipment, but we also make the most of the time we spend with you.

At T.F. O’Brien, we’ve maximized our workplace efficiency, so working with us is always a satisfying experience. Some of the ways we’ve streamlined our process so you get the best possible service include:

  • Box trucks. The trucks are equipped with virtually everything our technicians will need on the job, so they will most likely be able to come in and service your equipment without having to leave the job site for parts or tools.
  • iPads and cell phones. All of our employees are equipped with iPads and cell phones, which make it easy for them to communicate with our home office, upload information regarding the services they perform and look up information such as part numbers for faster service.
  • Inventory system. We maintain a good inventory of everything on our trucks and in our warehouse, so we always know what we have on hand and what’s needed. That way, we don’t run out of product, and we won’t show up at a jobsite only to have to leave to get the needed parts.
  • “Just-In-Time” delivery system. To increase efficiency and decrease waste, we receive goods as they are needed in our production process, which reduces inventory costs.

All of these measures help us keep our costs down – and our quality up – for our customers. Let T.F. O’Brien help you with your next HVAC project, whether you need maintenance, repair or installation. Even if you’re simply wondering how you can use less energy in your home and save on utility bills, we have the answers you need. Call us at 516.488.1800 to learn more today!

Avoid the Crowds This Summer – Service Your AC at the First Sign of Trouble.

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

Don’t Wait for the Hottest Days to Get Your AC Repaired, Call Us ASAP!

Driving to and from work at rush hour is never a good idea. Take Mom to IHOP for Mother’s Day breakfast, and no doubt you’re going to have a bit of a wait. Beach traffic? Football game traffic? Be prepared for backups. Saturday night out at the hottest new restaurant in town? Hope you made reservations. When faced with these scenarios, avoiding the crowd is usually your best plan of action. Did you know the same goes for HVAC service?

When summer rolls around here on Long Island, the chances are you’re going to rely on your air conditioning system to help you and your family stay cool and comfortable, even when the outside temperatures are soaring. It always seems, though, when the mercury is at its peak, so are calls to the local home comfort company. Sometimes, it can’t be avoided, like if your air conditioning system goes on the fritz and you need a repair or replacement. But, there are circumstances that, with a little careful planning, can be circumvented.

When you schedule maintenance with your home comfort company, you can count on your system getting the attention it needs, when it needs it – rather than having to wait for the crowd. A maintenance plan makes it easy for you to schedule your system inspection and tune-up well in advance of the rush. Your technician will be able to make you and your air conditioning system their top priority, answering any questions you might have and making sure your system is in optimal working order, running both efficiently and effectively.

If you wait until the hottest day of the year, however, there is no guarantee that you’ll get the service you hope for. It’s not because your HVAC contractor doesn’t care about your needs; it’s because there are too many calls, and not enough hours in the day. At T.F. O’Brien, we never cut corners when it comes to helping our customers, not even during the busiest times – but that also means if you call us with an air conditioning need on the hottest day of the year, we may not be able to help you as quickly as you’d like. That situation isn’t ideal for us, or for you – and that’s why we offer plans to help you get the air conditioning services you need.

The added benefit of getting preventive maintenance in advance of the crowd? It’s the single best way to make sure your system is running at its best, so when those 90-degree days hit, you’ll know your air conditioning system will be ready to perform. It also helps prevent small problems from becoming larger ones – so you can trust that any small repairs are made, avoiding a big, expensive fix in the future!

Even if you don’t have a maintenance contract with us, calling as soon as you suspect an issue can help you avoid the crowds and confusion. If you think there might be a problem looming on the horizon with your air conditioning system, calling for a checkup at the onset of symptoms is ideal. When the temperatures spike, your system will be working overtime, and all that extra performance can spell system failure. And, it stands to reason… if one system is failing on the hottest day of the year, probably there are a lot more that will be, too.

Calling right away when a problem presents itself, rather than waiting until your AC just can’t take it anymore, can mean the difference between waiting around for service in a hot home, or staying cool and comfortable. When you need air conditioning service for your Long Island, NY home, T.F. O’Brien is ready to assist you. Don’t wait for a breakdown – call us at 516.488.1800 at the first sign of trouble!