Join us for our Technician Hiring Event on Tuesday, October 29 from 5-8PM at our 100 Denton Ave., Hyde Park location to find out how we can help advance your HVAC career! Bring your resume and see why T.F. O’Brien Heating and Cooling is an excellent HVAC employment opportunity with full benefits, robust training, and continued education opportunities.
Contributed by Joe Pantorno
There’s a reason why over 7.5 million people live on Long Island (not “in;” don’t ever say “in Long Island”).
No matter your interests or tastes, the 118-mile strip of land protruding from New York’s mainland has something for everyone — and that rings especially true during the fall.
As we prepare for the season packed with foliage, apple picking, and trick-or-treaters, here are some of the best things to do on Long Island this autumn:
One can’t officially ring in fall on Long Island without going out east for a day of apple and pumpkin picking.
It’s a rite of passage the moment the first chill is felt in the air following the dog days of summer.
Whether you’re in Riverhead at Harbes Farm or in Water Mill at Hank’s Pumpkintown, there’s fun for all — both for a family day or fun with the friends.
Best of all, you won’t come home empty-handed. Turn those apples into a pie or carve up those pumpkins to keep the fall fun rolling.
For a more adult-themed day out east on Long Island — amongst friends or with that special someone — the wineries provide a perfect day of relaxation.
According to the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, Long Island boasts 73 wineries and tasting rooms with a majority of them located on the north fork.
Just sit back, smell the grapes, and enjoy!
If you’re not into wine, don’t fret. Long Island also has plenty of breweries for the favorite beer drinker in your life.
With approximately 40 breweries to choose from, you won’t be short of opportunities to try some of the best local craft beer the region has to offer.
Don’t worry, there will probably be plenty of pumpkin beer to go around this time of year.
Autumn and art truly converge at Old Westbury Gardens during October.
Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns features over 5,000 unique, hand-carved pumpkins that create one of the coolest fall strolls you’ll ever take.
The illuminated jack o’ lanterns range from the traditional to creepy as the path is set to a musical score that completes the perfect seasonal and Halloween ambiance.
But be sure to get your tickets as soon as you can because the limited schedule makes this event a hot commodity.
If you’re looking for a real scare, look no further than Bayville Scream Park.
The haunted house has become a staple for thrill-seekers as demons, clowns, and witches bring the “most macabre, unsettling, and disturbing images in the back of your mind” to life.
There’s more than just the haunted mansion, though. Attractions also include the “Temple of Terror,” “Evil in the Woods,” and “Uncle Needle’s Funhouse of Fear.”
It’s probably best to leave the little ones at home for this, but you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime.
Just try not to be afraid of the dark when you’re done.
The park will be open from Sept. 27-Nov. 3.
Joe Pantorno is the sports editor at Metro.
At T.F. O’Brien, one of our top priorities is our customer’s comfort and safety. That’s why we strive to ensure your home comfort system is always working properly and operating safely. Because October is Fire Safety Month, we want to talk about ways you can help protect your home and your family against fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Having the proper devices in your home is crucial when it comes to your home safety. With modern technology, today’s home safety equipment is better than ever at detecting smoke, heat and carbon monoxide emissions. Learn more below about the three most important safety devices you can have in your home, with information provided by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
Smoke alarms, also often called smoke detectors, are the first line of defense if there ever is a fire in your home. When installed and maintained properly, they can play a vital role the reduction of fire and smoke related deaths and injuries. There should be smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, and in every bedroom and outside of sleeping areas. If you have battery operated smoke alarms, test them regularly, and replace batteries once a year. Additionally, you can purchase sealed alarms with long-life lithium batteries, or hardwired smoke alarms as well. If your smoke alarm sounds and you don’t know the immediate cause (like burnt toast), you should get out of the house and call your fire department.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that at the very least cause serious illness, but can also cause death. There are a number of ways that CO can be emitted into the home, including heating and cooking equipment, vehicle emissions, and generators. You should ensure heating equipment and generators are regularly inspected to ensure their safe operation. Make sure to have a CO detector located in the same area as smoke alarms (you can install dual smoke/CO detectors), and make sure to test them regularly. If your CO detector sounds, leave your home immediately and call your local fire department right away.
Portable fire extinguishers can help save your home – and your life. They’re useful in putting out small fires. The NFPA indicates they may be used in situations where “the fire is confined to a small area, such as a wastebasket, and is not growing; everyone has exited the building; the fire department has been called or is being called; and the room is not filled with smoke.” Remember, fire extinguishers have expiration dates, too. Check yours to make sure they are not outdated. Keep a fire extinguisher in the garage, kitchen, and basement, or wherever you have equipment that could cause a fire.
For more information, please visit the NFPA website by clicking any of the links above or here. You can also call T.F. O’Brien at 516.488.1800 to make sure your home heating equipment is in good working order, and that your CO detectors are properly installed.
If you or someone in your family suffers from fall allergies, you know how uncomfortable a time it can be. Itchy noses, watery eyes, and stuffy sinuses can make the autumn season unpleasant for some. Unfortunately, it can be hard to find relief even in your own home, as pollen and mold can enter on your shoes, clothing and through open windows. The good news? There are ways to improve your indoor air quality, or IAQ, helping you feel more comfortable when allergy season arrives.
Fortunately, getting the IAQ products you need to make the air in your home fresher and cleaner is as easy as calling T.F. O’Brien. We can help you get the indoor air quality products you need, as well as make sure your home comfort system is well-maintained. Just give us a call at 516.488.1800 and we’ll be glad to assist you.
Have you been thinking about replacing the old heating system in your home? Maybe your current system hasn’t been keeping your home as warm as you’d like, or maybe you’ve noticed a steady increase in your utility bills over the past few years. Or, perhaps you’ve had to make a lot of expensive repairs to your system, and it still isn’t running as well as it should be.
No matter what your reason may be for deciding to replace your current heating system, you should know that there are options available that are highly efficient and can help you save on energy costs. If you choose a traditional furnace or boiler, modern systems offer superior energy efficiency when compared to their older counterparts. You should also know, heat pump systems are a viable option for many homeowners as well.
Just like the name implies, a heat pump system “pumps” heat – either into, or out of, your home. According to the Department of Energy (DOE), heat pump systems transfer heat between your home and the outside air. During the cooler months, heat pumps actually extract the existing heat from the outdoor air and move it into your home. Because these systems move heat rather than make heat, they are highly efficient, helping you save both energy and money.
Additionally, there is an added bonus to installing a heat pump system – because they move heat, they can also move it out of your home during the summer months. This enables your heat pump system to provide both heating and cooling to your home, making it a viable solution if you need to replace your entire home comfort system. Heat pump systems are available for homes both with and without ducts, too, so virtually any home can benefit from heat pump installation.
Many homeowners express concern over whether heat pump systems will operate properly in areas that tend to get colder winters. Much of this concern stems from the fact that for many years, heat pumps didn’t function well below a certain temperature. However, according to the DOE, heat pump technology has advanced significantly in recent years, now allowing it to offer “a legitimate space heating alternative in colder regions.”
At T.F. O’Brien, we’re pleased to provide our clients with quality heat pump solutions for their home. When you make an appointment with us, we can evaluate your home to make sure a heat pump solution is the right choice. We’ll explain the benefits of heat pump systems, and help you choose the perfect system for your home. Just give us a call at 516.488.1800 and we’ll be glad to assist you.
Have you been considering a career in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R) industry? If you have, you should know that there are many benefits to following this career path. Many times, you’ll be able to attend a trade school and receive your certification in a year’s time, and then receive additional training and education on the job.
Very generally speaking, HVAC technicians repair, maintain and install comfort systems, such as air conditioning systems, furnaces, boilers, ductless systems and heat pump systems. Additionally, they provide services which include installation, maintenance and repair of ventilation and refrigeration systems.
Most HVAC technicians work in homes, schools, hospitals, office buildings or factories. Some typical duties of HVAC technicians include:
People who are interested in pursuing an HVAC career are in luck – it’s a growing industry in the United States, and job opportunities are expected to increase at a very steady rate over the next decade. Still not sure if a career in the HVAC industry is the right opportunity for you? Below are seven reasons you might want to consider it.
At T.F. O’Brien, our focus in always on helping our employees succeed, as well as promoting the HVAC industry in the most positive light. We strive to stay up to date on all the latest comfort technology, from smart thermostats to high-efficiency cooling and heating systems, and everything else in between. Our technicians receive the training they need to be successful in their field, as well as comprehensive benefits and a friendly work environment.
To learn more about employment opportunities with us, click here or give us a call at 516.488.1800.
The kids are back to school, and vacation time is over. While we’re still enjoying warm weather here on Long Island, we also are refocusing on getting back into the routine of things. It’s the perfect time of year to get organized – which will help you and your family avoid the chaos that inevitably strikes once earlier wake-ups, homework and after-school activities hit!
Of course, at T.F. O’Brien we’re happy to help with all your home comfort needs, which gives you one less thing to think about! Whether you need ductless for that new converted space in your home, maintenance for your equipment, or even a filter change, we can help. Just give us a call at 516.488.1800, and we’ll help you stay comfortable.
Kerry O’Brien, president and co-owner of T.F. O’Brien Cooling and Heating in Long Island, will speak at the Metropolitan Air Conditioning Contractors of New York’s (MACC) “How to Survive and Thrive in the HVAC Industry” event on Thursday, September 12.
The seminar for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) professionals will begin at 6 p.m. at Trattoria 35 in Bayside. O’Brien, a Long Island native, will discuss his experience building his company, how he got into the HVAC industry, what challenges he has faced in his 15 years as company president and how he overcame them.
At the event, Kerry O’Brien will detail how much of the company’s ability to survive for 85 years in business is attributed to adaptability.
“My father and grandfather taught me: ‘The one constant is change.’” O’Brien said. “Since we opened our doors, we’ve evolved with the times and updated everything from the equipment and tools we use to our customer service. For us, it’s a thrill keeping up with modern challenges and advancements.”
The Survive and Thrive event will also feature Joseph DeMicco, founder and CEO of Amplify Industrial Marketing + Guidance. It is free to MACC members, or $50 for non-members. To register, visit the MCC NY website.
About T.F. O’Brien Cooling & Heating – T.F. O’Brien is a Long Island-based HVAC company founded by Thomas Francis O’Brien in 1934. Their team of over 40 employees has been family-run since its inception and strives to offer the best service and technical expertise on the island.
About MACC – The Metropolitan Air Conditioning Contractors of New York MACC is a non-profit association whose membership is comprised of HVAC industry professionals in the New York City metro area. MACC members are given the distinct opportunity to network with other industry professionals and are provided with the tools and resources necessary to grow their businesses. Membership is comprised of two categories: Contractor and Associate. A contractor is any firm, or corporation that designs, installs, services and/or repairs environmental systems. An associate is an industry-related company that supplies products or services to contractors.
As hurricane season approaches here on Long Island, it’s time to think about preventive measures that can be taken to help you and your family stay safe during the storm. While we hope a hurricane doesn’t happen, it’s good to be prepared in case it does. One of the best ways you can ensure that your home won’t lose power during the storm is by installing a generator.
There are several reasons why choosing a standby generator for your home is a good idea, the obvious one being maintaining power even when there is an outage. We’d like to share with you a few other reasons why having a generator is important.
Having a generator helps ensure your family’s safety and comfort. On Long Island, we’ve endured some very powerful storms and hurricanes, which have resulted in loss of power for an extended period of time. Generators help keep your appliances running, your home comfort equipment operating, and your lights on. That way, you can stay comfortable and stay in your home – helping you and your family weather the storm more easily.
A generator keeps your perishables from spoiling. According to the Food and Drug Administration, your refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours, and your freezer about 48 hours. Unfortunately, in a circumstance like a severe storm or hurricane, your power can be out for a prolonged period of time. A generator can mean your food stays preserved and safe for consumption.
Is there someone in your home who needs electricity for their medical devices? Then having a generator is crucial. Medical devices like nebulizers, home oxygen and CPAP machines all rely on electricity to operate, and in many cases, it is crucial that these devices are operable. As such, a generator can be a necessity for those with medical needs.
Generators can help preserve your appliances and home comfort equipment. It’s not necessarily the lack of power that causes damages to your appliances, but the sudden surge of electricity when power is restored that can cause problems. A generator ensures that your appliances and home comfort equipment have the power they need throughout the outage, avoiding that problem from happening – helping your equipment stay intact.
Having a generator keeps your security system functional. Unfortunately, power outages can be an ideal time for burglaries. No electricity means home security systems are disabled, and there is no lighting to deter would-be burglars. If you have a generator, however, you can avoid both of these scenarios – and help keep your home secure.
At T.F. O’Brien, we’re pleased to provide our customers with quality residential generators. We offer automatic standby generators that back up the circuits you choose during a power outage. They automatically start within seconds of detecting power loss, and run on your home’s existing natural gas or LP fuel supply. You’ll be able to choose a backup option from essential circuit, managed whole-house, or complete whole-house coverage.
Want to learn more about installing a quality generator in your home? We’re ready to assist you. Just call us at 516.488.1800 to schedule an appointment with us today.
Here on Long Island, we’re able to enjoy warm summer weather well into the fall months. Because we have a prolonged cooling season compared to most of New York, that means it’s important to have not only properly maintained cooling equipment, but also equipment that can transition easily from season to season. If you’ve been considering an all-in-one solution to your home comfort needs, you might want to consider ductless.
Ductless cooling and heating can provide you with effective, efficient cooling all summer long, helping you and your family enjoy precise comfort control. Perfect for converted or added spaces, as well as homes that lack ductwork, these systems provide the cooling you need in a compact, easy to install unit. Because they don’t require ductwork, you won’t have to deal with the mess of construction – often, your ductless system will be ready to enjoy in one day.
While ductless systems that offer cooling only are an option, you should know you can get systems that offer both cooling and heating. This configuration is especially helpful once the weather starts to transition. People often find that during this time, some days call for cooling, while others might need a little home heating. That’s where ductless cooling and heating comes in. It’s simple to switch from cooling to heating with a ductless system – which ensures home comfort no matter what the weather outside is like.
At. T.F. O’Brien, we’re pleased to provide our customers with the very best ductless cooling and heating systems available. Our expert technicians can install them in your home both promptly and without a lot of mess or downtime, so you can enjoy the benefits of ductless quickly. What’s more, you’ll enjoy improved comfort that’s highly energy efficient, quiet, and easily controlled by a remote. And, ductless systems are made to blend seamlessly with virtually any décor.
To learn more about how you can stay comfortable, no matter what the season, give us a call at 516.488.1800, and we’ll be happy to tell you more about ductless cooling and heating for your home.
