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

Choose T.F. O’Brien for Your Home or Office HVAC Needs

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

TFO WEB CommercialHVACT.F. O’Brien residential customers know that we strive for complete customer satisfaction when it comes to keeping their home comfort systems in great shape. But, did you know we can offer the same level of service for your business? When you choose us for your commercial heating and cooling needs, we’ll work hard to make sure your staff and your customers are as comfortable as possible.

At T.F. O’Brien, we’re able to help businesses not only with their heating and cooling needs, but with the air filtration requirements companies have been faced with since the COVID-19 pandemic. We can help ensure that your space meets state regulations, helping you, your employees and your customers stay safer.

T.F. O’Brien offers a full suite of commercial hvac services.

For help with
Commercial Services,
Call or click here:
516.488.1800

Just like we provide a complete range of HVAC services to our residential customers, we offer full-service HVAC to our commercial clients as well. We can provide you with heating and cooling installation, maintenance, and repair services, as well as indoor air quality products. We’ll work with you from the start to the finish of your project, making sure that you’re completely satisfied with our services.

We take great pride in helping businesses just like yours every day – see what Louis Basso, founder of Alcott HR, had to say:

“We required a complete HVAC update on our 37-year old building. Not only did we want to replace our old equipment, but we also wanted to add equipment that could scrub the air for the staff working here during COVID-19. We called upon T.F. O’Brien to assist us, and they replaced our system, including indoor air quality products, in stages starting at the beginning of fall. Our system is fully operational now, and working very well,” Basso said.

“The staff at T.F. O’Brien is great to work with. There is always a real person answering the phone, and the customer service experience is an excellent one. We like that they’re a family business while having the expertise and experienced staff to get the work done professionally and effectively. And, many of the people working there have been with T.F. O’Brien for many years, which is a testament to a good organization. I have no hesitation in recommending them to other businesses.”

Let us help you with your commercial HVAC project.

Contact us today to learn more about these commercial HVAC services:

When you need commercial HVAC services for your business or organization, just give us a call at 516.488.1800 or fill out our convenient contact form, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

How Whole-House Humidification Can Keep You More Comfortable

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

Winter weather means that homeowners are running their heating equipment a lot more frequently. In homes that have forced air heating systems, the indoor air very often becomes drier. While in the summer, we want less humidity in our homes, in the winter months it’s better to have humidified air.

Humid air makes people feel warmer, which is why in the summer people often opt for air conditioning and dehumidification for their homes. For the same reason, people may want to humidify their homes in the winter – to help them feel warmer and for a number of other positive benefits.

What are some symptoms of overly dry air in my Long Island home?

Avoid dry air discomfort,
Call or click here:
516.488.1800

The telltale signs of overly dry home air are generally pretty easy to spot. If the air in your home is too dry, you probably are noticing a lot of concerns that may be related to it. These include:

  • Creaky wooden fixtures, like floors and stairs
  • Cracking and warping in furniture or wood
  • Excessive static cling
  • Itchy, flaky skin
  • Dry mucous membranes (nasal passages/eyes)
  • Houseplants need to be watered more often

Fortunately, humidifying the air in your home is an easy fix for most of these concerns. Depending on your needs, you may also find that a whole-house humidifier provides the greatest benefit to you and your family.

How is a whole-house humidifier different than a room humidifier?

The principle of a whole-house humidifier and a room humidifier is the same – to deliver humidity into the air of your home. However, both of these humidifiers do exactly what they say – one delivers moisture to an individual space in your home; the other, all throughout your home.

How does a whole-house humidifier work?

Whole-house humidifiers actually are installed in conjunction with your furnace and your ductwork, so they send a mist into your home’s airflow, sending it throughout the house whenever your furnace runs. They require very little maintenance – because they use water from your plumbing system, you don’t have to worry about filling them. And, they’re efficient to operate, so you won’t have a huge added expense to your electric bill.

Whole-house units do require installation by a qualified HVAC technician and a small amount of annual maintenance if your home tends to have hard water. Otherwise, these humidification systems are pretty much set it and forget it – the only thing you’ll notice is improved indoor air and greater comfort.

How can T.F. O’Brien help me with whole-house humidification?

At T.F. O’Brien, we’re pleased to offer quality whole-house humidification systems to our customers. We’ll provide you with the installation of your system, and any additional maintenance you might need.
To learn more about our whole-house humidifiers, simply give us a call at 516.488.1800, and we will be more than happy to help you!

COVID 19: An Update

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

GettyImagesNavigating the Colder Months and Diminishing the Spread of Covid

The cooler weather has arrived, and along with it, an uptick in COVID-19 cases. In some areas throughout the Long Island region, businesses are once again having to shut down, and people are being encouraged to stay at home whenever possible. As a T.F. O’Brien customer, you may be concerned about getting the heating services you need as a result of these closures. We want to assure you that we are still operating, and still available to assist you.

Home heating is a necessity when the temperatures dip down, and with families staying at home more often, your comfort is very important to us. The HVAC industry has been deemed an essential business, and as such, we will be there for you when you need us. We know there is a lot of uncertainty during times like these, but you can rest assured that all of us at T.F. O’Brien will be here for you and your family.

Of course, as we have been doing throughout the pandemic, we will have certain procedures in place to help ensure the safety of you and your family as well as our employees. We want you to be comfortable, not just with your home heating, but with the way we help you with your needs. Please review the following procedures we have in place to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19:

  • We require all service technicians to be equipped with the following personal protective equipment when entering homes or businesses:
    • Gloves
    • Shoe Covers
    • Portable UV Lights
    • Masks
  • All service technicians are following best practices for prevention of viral transmission:
    • No personal contact, including handshakes
    • No passing of any object without it being sanitized or handled with
      gloves
    • We’re practicing social distancing on the job
  • If an employee is experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, and fever, we are mandating they stay home for 14 days, or seek medical attention consistent with CDC and WHO guidelines. Should there be concerns about any employee, please contact us.
  • For the safety of our employees and customers, our Customer Relations team check with you beforehand to confirm that no occupants at a customer’s residence or business is experiencing any symptoms and to re-confirm we have the authorization to enter and service the property.
  • We will postpone service if we encounter any situations where symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, and fever are present.

It is always our aim to ensure the health, safety, and comfort of you and your family. We understand that you may have questions regarding our safety procedures, and we want you to feel free to talk to us about any concerns you may have. Please contact us during normal business hours and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Thank you for trusting T.F. O’Brien to help you with your heating needs during this time. We appreciate your business and look forward to serving you and your family.

Five Reasons to Choose a Smart Thermostat

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

With people working and learning from home more and more, having the best possible home comfort is important. Along with being home more often comes increased energy use in your home – you and your family are spending more time on electronics and devices, are likely using kitchen appliances more frequently, and certainly relying on your heating and cooling system more than ever.

Fortunately, installing a smart thermostat is one way to help your home’s HVAC system operate more effectively and efficiently, and keep you and your family more comfortable. Not sure what the benefits of a smart thermostat are, or if it’s a good choice for you and your family? Below are just a few of the benefits of installing one in your home.

5 Ways a Smart Thermostat Can Help You Enjoy Better Comfort

To learn more,
Call or click here:
516.488.1800
  1. Smart thermostats can help your home become more energy-efficient. That’s because this technology is easily adjustable, from virtually anywhere. Some types can even “learn” your family’s habits and adjust temperatures accordingly!
  2. Worry-Free. No more worries about heating and cooling systems when you’re away from home. With a smart thermostat, you can easily check into your system from your smartphone or laptop. Some systems even send you an alert if something happens out of the ordinary with your HVAC system.
  3. Better Home Comfort, On Demand. Warm up (or cool down your home) before you arrive home. You can turn your thermostat down during the day or whenever you’re away, and then turn up the heating or cooling from your phone or computer, so you’ll arrive to a comfortable home.
  4. Compatibility with Smart Home Systems: Some can hook into other smart devices. There are thermostat systems that are compatible with smart lighting and air quality equipment like humidifiers and air purifiers. There are smart thermostats that can be voice-activated, too.
  5. Tracking Energy Usage: Many smart thermostat brands keep a record of your energy usage on their online platform – making it simple for you to assess the times of day when you use the most energy, or if there is an unusual amount of energy being used (which could indicate a system issue).

T.F. O’Brien can help you decide if a smart thermostat is right for your home.

Keeping your 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 home.

Indoor Air Quality Products: A Gift that Keeps on Giving

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

GettyImagesAs we enter the holiday season, our thoughts start to turn to gift-giving. While everyone likes fun, whimsical gifts, sometimes the best ones you can give are practical ones. With people spending more time indoors, and the holiday season being much different this year than it has been in some time, you may be thinking of how you can truly show someone you care about them. A gift that can help those you love to enjoy a better home environment is one way you can accomplish this.

Indoor air quality, or IAQ, is more important than ever. People want to know the air their family is breathing is healthy, clean, and free of contaminants. Fortunately, there are many products available today that can help people get better air quality in their homes, from very basic products like HVAC filters to highly advanced air cleaners and purification systems. At T.F. O’Brien, we’re pleased to provide the products and services that can help people enjoy better air quality, no matter what the season.

Learn about air purification that can kill up to 99 percent of viruses, bacteria, and mold.

To learn more,
Call or click here:
516.488.1800

Today’s air purification offerings include systems that are effective against all three categories of indoor air pollution – particulates, microbial agents, and gases. These systems are installed directly into a home’s existing ductwork, providing whole-house air cleaning. Because of this, they help reduce common allergy triggers, such as pollen, mold spores, dander, and dust. And, they’re thoroughly tested on airborne and surface bacteria and viruses, so you can count on every cubic inch of the air in your home reached by your central system being purified.

You can also learn more about our advanced air purification system here.

And, there are other air quality products that can help available.

  • Air Sterilization: Mold can cause major issues when it comes to indoor air quality. Ductwork offers a great place for mold to grow quickly. You might be noticing some mold problems in your home because of health issues your family is experiencing, or unpleasant odors in your indoor air. We can perform a UVC air sterilization, which uses ultraviolet germicidal lights to kill mold and bacteria.
  • High-Efficiency Filters: When you have a loved one who suffers from allergies, asthma, or hay fever, getting a high-efficiency filter for your system can help greatly. At T.F. O’Brien, we can provide you with the same type of filtration used in operating rooms.

Giving the gift of better indoor air quality is easy – just call T.F. O’Brien.

We’re ready to help you provide your loved ones with better indoor air this holiday season!
Just give us a call at 516.488.1800, and we will be more than happy to help you!

Do You Have ESP? If Not, T.F. O’Brien Can Help You Get It!

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

You don’t have to have special intuition to know that the heating system in your home works hard every day during cooler weather – that’s a given. And as such, it’s important for you to maintain your heating system on a regular basis. Your heating system is a complex machine, and making sure that all the moving parts are operating correctly is crucial in helping it last longer and work more effectively and efficiently.

How can you ensure your system works great, year after year? By getting ESP – that is, our Energy Saver Plan. While our technicians are not exactly psychics, they are able to properly maintain your system and troubleshoot it promptly and professionally if there seems to be anything not working quite right. They’ll make sure your heating system is running effectively and efficiently, and help you save if you need repairs.

When you participate in the Energy Saver Plan program, there are many benefits you’ll enjoy.

GET ESP NOW!
For more information,
Call or click here:
516.488.1800

Our Energy Saver Program is designed to help homeowners keep their home’s HVAC system running smoothly. It provides vital maintenance that can help your home stay more comfortable, and your system last longer. When you sign up for ESP, you’ll enjoy the following benefits:

HVAC Tune-Up & Safety Check

  • Preventive maintenance tune-up inspections
  • Priority tune-up scheduling
  • Venting & CO safety testing
  • Extended system life
  • Maintenance of warranty
  • Maintenance of optimal system efficiency

HVAC Repairs

  • 15% parts and labor discount
  • 50% off all diagnostic charges
  • 50% overtime discount
  • Evening/weekend priority service
  • 1-year warranty on all work

Getting ESP is as easy as giving T.F. O’Brien a call today.

We see better comfort and efficiency in your future – and all you need to do to get it is to sign up for ESP!
Just give us a call at 516.488.1800, and we will be more than happy to help.

Talking “Turkey” About Winter Energy Efficiency

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

Like most homeowners, when cooler weather starts to roll around and the holiday season settles in, you and your family likely start spending more time indoors. And, with this year being particularly unique, the chances are you’re probably using a lot more energy than usual. Many people are working and going to school from home, at least part of the time, and that likely means they’re using more lighting and electronics. Couple that with increased energy use in the cooler months due to home heating, and you may be wondering if there are ways you can improve your home’s energy efficiency.

The heating system in your home can use a good portion of your energy budget. During a typical year, the Department of Energy estimates that home heating uses more energy and costs more money than using any other system in your home, and generally accounts for up to 42 percent of the average utility bill. This year, because people are likely to be home at times when they typically wouldn’t be, those prices could potentially be even higher. So, what are some ways the average family can save on energy during the winter months?

5 Ways You Can Save Energy This Winter

Fortunately, there are a few measures any homeowner can take if they are looking for ways to conserve energy during the winter months. We’ve compiled five ways you can save energy – and potentially on your utility bills – when the colder weather strikes. Learn more below:

SAVE ENERGY NOW
For more information,
Call or click here:
516.488.1800
  1. Turn off lights and unplug small appliances when not in use. This seems like it should be an easy one, but when family members are all milling around the house, it can be hard to remember to turn off lights to unplug toasters and other small kitchen appliances when not in use. You can consider using a timer on lights in your home, or just making it a habit to do so when you leave a room. Even though it seems like a small step, it adds up. And remember, even if you’re not using appliances, when you leave them plugged in they’re still sapping small amounts of energy almost continuously.
  2. Consider installing a programmable thermostat – or better yet, a smart one. There are several thermostats on the market today that can be programmed for maximum efficiency. You can set your thermostat to different temperatures for different parts of your day, such as when you’re home, away, or sleeping. And, smart thermostats take it to the next level by “learning” your family’s habits. Not to mention, they can be controlled remotely from smartphones or computers, so if you forget to turn your thermostat down before leaving home, you can easily adjust it remotely.
  3. Switch to energy-saving lightbulbs and power strips. While this can be an upfront expense, you’ll save in the long run. LED bulbs use significantly less energy than incandescent bulbs, and they last much, much longer – potentially up to 25 years, according to NYSERDA. Energy-saving power strips can also help you save because they can prevent that energy-sapping, even when appliances are not in use, that we mentioned above.
  4. Always look for the most efficient appliances.No doubt you’ve noticed that most appliances available on the market today are ENERGY STAR-rated. Appliances that have received ENERGY STAR’s seal of approval are made to be more efficient and use less energy. Virtually all appliances today have a version that is made to be as efficient as possible, from washers and dryers to dishwashers and even home heating equipment.
  5. Make sure you get annual maintenance on your heating equipment. Annual maintenance not only helps you stay more comfortable, but it can also help assure that your heating system is operating at its efficient best. That’s because annual maintenance services include cleaning your equipment, which allows it to run more smoothly. And, keep your system’s filter clean – that’s generally a part of your maintenance but may need to be done more often depending on how frequently your equipment runs.

At T.F. O’Brien, we want to help you save energy this winter.

We always work to help our customers find the most energy-efficient solutions, and we can help you too. Learn more about the maintenance plans that can help your equipment operate at its most efficient, and ask us about thermostats that can save on system energy use, too. And, if it’s time to replace your heating system, we can help you find one that is just right for your home – and can help you save on those winter utility bills.

Just give us a call at 516.488.1800, and we will be more than happy to help!

Not Convinced You Need Heating Maintenance? Here Are 7 Benefits.

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

For some people, getting annual heating maintenance is an expense they think is unnecessary. We can understand that. Often, homeowners are unaware of the benefits of getting annual maintenance, so they don’t make it a priority.

At T.F. O’Brien, our goal is always to first inform our customers of the benefits of any services we provide, so they can make their own decisions. While we encourage you to get the annual maintenance you need, we also want to explain to you why it’s important. That’s why we’re sharing this list of benefits with you.

7 Benefits of Annual Heating Maintenance

SAVE NOW
For more information,
Call or click here:
516.488.1800
  1. Better Efficiency: Heating systems get dirty. As the air flows through them, so do any particles that might be floating around in that air. When you get annual maintenance, your technician will clean your system thoroughly and replace the filter. And that makes your system run more smoothly and efficiently.
  2. Lower Energy Bills: When your system is cleaned on an annual basis, it runs better, as we said above. Systems that are bogged down with dirt and gunk have to work much harder than they did when they were new. Annual maintenance eliminates the gunk and dirt, so your system can operate much more easily – and that saves on energy bills.
  3. Improved Air Quality: A neglected heating system usually means a neglected air filter as well. If you’ve ever changed your filter, you know how much dirt, dust, and other particulates can collect there. By getting your system cleaned and your filter changed, those particles will be trapped – and kept from infiltrating the air in your home.
  4. Warranty Maintenance: Many homeowners are unaware, but most equipment brands require maintenance regularly to maintain the warranty on the system. If you don’t get the required service, your warranty becomes invalid – and that can result in having to pay for costly repairs you otherwise wouldn’t have to.
  5. Fewer Costly Repairs: Another benefit of having your system checked out yearly is the ability of your technician to catch small issues before they become larger ones. Some issues can be fixed without having to install new parts – but left unattended can lead to very costly repairs down the road, or worst-case scenario, needing a heating system replacement.
  6. Longer Equipment Life: Think about it this way – if you didn’t get your car inspected annually, change the oil, and get new tires when needed, you probably wouldn’t expect it to last long. The same thing goes for your heating equipment. By getting regular maintenance, you can help it last longer, which will save you on the unexpected expense of a premature replacement.
  7. Improved Equipment History: When you have your system maintenance done by a professional on an annual basis, they’ll keep a record of both the inspections and anything that might have needed extra attention on your system. That way, should you need a repair, your technician will have a record of system performance to help with troubleshooting.

Getting the annual heating maintenance you need is as easy as calling T.F. O’Brien.

At T.F. O’Brien, we know the real benefits of getting annual maintenance, and our skilled technicians can help ensure your equipment runs effectively and efficiently this winter, and for years to come.

All you need to do is give us a call at 518.488.1800, and we’ll schedule an appointment for you.

Five Scary Signs You May Need Indoor Air Quality Products

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

A home with Halloween decor and bats against a full moon

If you’ve been feeling a bit frightened by the air quality in your home recently – no worries. There are many products available on the market that can help you get improved indoor air quality this autumn and all year through. Today’s homeowners don’t have to live with floors that creak, corners that collect cobwebs, or phantom odors that drift up from the basement. There are solutions for every one of these problems – and you don’t have to call Ghostbusters to get them.

Not sure if unsatisfactory indoor air quality is haunting your home? Here are a few telltale signs.

Who should you call?
Call (or click):
516.488.1800
  1. Creaky Floors: Do your wood floors creak and groan when you walk across them, or even in the quiet of the night? You probably aren’t being haunted; that is, haunted by anything other than low humidity. This can especially be a problem when the heating runs frequently, so if your wood floors, furniture, and doors are making ghostly sounds, you might need to add a home humidification system.
  2. Moldy, Smelly Basement: If you have creepy-looking grey or green mold growing up the walls of your basement, you probably are having a problem with too much humidity. An overly humid, dark basement is the perfect breeding ground for mold, mildew, and even bacteria. Adding a dehumidifier in your basement can help alleviate that problem, making your home cleaner and healthier.
  3. Creepy Cobwebs: If the corners of your rooms are covered in cobwebs, and if you frequently have to dust your mantle and moldings, the chances are your HVAC system isn’t properly filtering the air before it circulates throughout your home. You can solve this by replacing your system’s filter whenever it’s dirty. And, if this doesn’t do the trick, an air cleaner can help.
  4. Mysterious Orbs: If you ever notice strange little balls of light in photos you take in your home, it could be a ghostly presence, but it’s far more likely you have dust and debris floating around in the air that you might not even be able to see with the naked eye. As we said above, dusty indoor air is a sign of a dirty filter, so make sure you change it out seasonally, or even monthly depending on how much your system runs. Not sure how to do it? We can help – give us a call, and we’ll show you how or do it for you.
  5. Unpleasant Odors: Are you and your family haunted by a stinky house? Do cooking smells, pet odors, and smoke from either cooking or tobacco linger in the air? Then you might want to consider improving your ventilation and air filtration. We can help with both, and we offer state-of-the-art air cleaners that virtually eliminate other “goblins,” like germs, bacteria, dust, pollen, and dander.

You don’t have to be spooked by problems with your indoor air. Call T.F. O’Brien today.

At T.F. O’Brien, we know that being comfortable in your home goes beyond heating and cooling. That’s why we offer our customers complete indoor air quality products and services as well. And getting what you need isn’t a nightmare – all you need to do is give us a call at 518.488.1800, and we’ll schedule an appointment for you.

Allergies Acting Up? Here Are Some Late-Summer Culprits.

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

GettyImagesYou may notice that during the late summer and early fall, your allergies start to act up a bit. That’s because some of the culprits that cause fall allergies make their appearance as early as late August. That can make for a very long allergy season – and nobody wants to deal with sneezing, itchy eyes, and a stuffy nose any longer than they have to. So, what might be causing your allergies to be on the uptick?

Usually, here on Long Island, we need to look no further than ragweed. This abundant wild plant is responsible for the majority of late summer and fall allergies. And, avoiding the pollen it emits is difficult. Even in areas where ragweed doesn’t grow, allergy sufferers should be on the lookout – the pollen can travel hundreds of miles. Another common cause of late summer and fall allergies is mold. Why is that a problem? Leaves that fall from trees are a perfect breeding ground for it because it thrives in cool, damp places.

What can I do about indoor air quality if I suffer from allergies?

For more information,
Call or click here:
516.488.1800

Well, we aren’t physicians, so we can’t provide you with any medical advice when it comes to your allergies. But we are home comfort doctors of sorts – and that means we can help you get equipment for your home that can reduce allergens and make your indoor air cleaner and fresher. These five practical pointers can help you keep allergens at bay in your home:

  1. Keep windows and doors closed in the morning, as that’s when pollen counts are generally at their highest.
  2. Make sure floors are swept, mopped, or vacuumed regularly. Carpets especially can hold allergens, so clean them regularly.
  3. Change your HVAC system’s filter. Filters keep contaminants from entering the air of your home, but if they get dirty, they’re not effective.
  4. Choose a high-efficiency filter. We can provide you with the same type of air filters used in hospital operating rooms.
  5. Consider installing an air purification system. If you have allergies or other respiratory concerns, a whole-home air purifier can be very helpful. That’s because these systems are designed to reduce all areas of indoor air pollutants, including particulates, microbial particles, and gases.

At T.F. O’Brien, we’re happy to help you with your indoor air quality needs.

Don’t let your allergies get the best of you this year – just call T.F. O’Brien at 516.488.1800. We can’t wait to tell you about the many ways you can breathe easier!