Kerry’s Blog

5 Reasons to Get Heating Maintenance This Year

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

Fall is a time when most people take advantage of the last bit of milder weather to prepare their homes for the winter months ahead. General home maintenance, like making sure drafty doors and windows are sealed, the chimney (if you have a fireplace) is cleaned, and home protection systems like smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly, are all important tasks. But what about your home’s heating system? Is it in working order for the chillier weather ahead? The best way you can ensure that it’s ready for winter is by getting annual maintenance.

It should come as no surprise that systems that receive the proper seasonal maintenance work better than neglected equipment. And when your heating system works better, you can count on it to help your family stay more comfortable. Plus, it can save you money on your utility bills. If that’s not reason enough to get your heating system the maintenance it needs, there are plenty more!

Here are the top five reasons why annual maintenance is important:

  • Better Equipment Efficiency. When you call for heating maintenance, part of the service includes cleaning of your system. That’s important, because when a heating system is dirty it works harder, and much less efficiently – taking more money from your wallet when it comes time to pay utility bills.
  • Enhanced Equipment Safety. Much like taking your vehicle for an annual tune-up, heating system maintenance allows our technicians to inspect your equipment. They’ll make sure all electrical components and combustion parts are in good working order. If they aren’t, deadly carbon monoxide can be produced or there can be a fire hazard.
  • Improved Home Comfort. Your heating system needs to be at peak performance in order to keep your home toasty warm during the colder months. When you get heating maintenance, you can count on better airflow. Not to mention, repairs or replacements can be made to any components not in proper working order.
  • Longer Life for Equipment. When you make sure that your heating system is properly maintained, you’re helping to ensure that it runs better. Maintenance ensures a cleaned and lubricated system. It frees it of the gunk and buildup that can cause your system to run poorly. And, small issues are found and repaired easily before they cause premature system failure.
  • Better Indoor Air Quality. Changing the air filter is an important part of maintenance. When your system circulates air through a dirty filter, those particles make their way into the air you and your family breathe. Getting the seasonal maintenance your system needs keeps indoor air free of mold, pollen and dust.

T.F. O’Brien provides you with the heating maintenance you need.

When you work with T.F. O’Brien for your maintenance needs, you can rest assured that your heating system will be running at its most effective, most efficient best this winter. Our technicians are highly skilled. They can help you make the most of your heating equipment – now and for years to come. Call us at 516.488.1800 to schedule your heating maintenance with us today – your system will be glad you did!

Happy October from T.F. O’Brien

Posted on by T.F. O'Brien Cooling & Heating
Image with penguin wearing hat and scarf for coat drive event.October is here, and with it comes cooler breezes, more colorful leaves, and the scent of pumpkin spice in the air. The kids are thinking about the perfect Halloween costume, and you and your family might be taking weekend journeys to apple orchards and pumpkin farms.
Amidst all the fun fall has to offer, don’t forget to give us a call to schedule your heating maintenance! It’s the best way to ensure your heating system will run great, no matter how cool the weather outside gets!
With the cooler weather in mind, we at T.F. O’Brien are thinking ahead to those who are less fortunate. That’s why we’ve started a Winter Coat Drive. Click here for details on how you can help us keep people warmer this winter. And, storm season is coming, and that can mean power outages. Find out how a generator can help you weather the storm by clicking here.

Plus, check out these energy-saving tips from NYSERDA:

  • Choose the cold setting on your washer. Whenever possible, wash your laundry with cold water to save on the energy it takes to heat up water for warm and hot settings.
  • Compute with care. Choose to plug computers and other electronics into an advanced power strip. Also, consider choosing a laptop over a desk computer – laptops are more energy efficient.
  • Check your filters. Take a look at the air filters on your home’s HVAC equipment, especially during the high use months. Change out the filter if it’s dirty. That will help your system run more efficiently.
  • Consider a programmable thermostat. That way, you won’t have to worry about adjusting the thermostat to fit your schedule – it will automatically adjust for when you’re sleeping or away from home.
  • Change your light bulbs. By swapping out incandescent light bulbs for ENERGY STAR certified LEDs, you can save energy and on future bulb purchases – LEDs last up to 25 times longer than traditional bulbs.
Enjoy your October! Thank you for reading.
Kerry O’Brien

Coat Drive to Benefit the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless

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

IT’S COOL TO HELP PEOPLE STAY WARM THIS WINTER.

T.F. O’Brien Cooling & Heating is excited to begin their first Winter Coat Drive to benefit the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless. When the frigid weather arrives, we know how important these items will be to those we help!

We are asking for donations of new or laundered, gently used coats, scarves, hats and gloves.

WHEN: October 1st through November 16th

WHERE:
T.F. O’Brien Cooling & Heating
100 Denton Avenue
New Hyde Park, NY 11040

Join Us In Giving Back! We’ll gladly pick up your donation during any scheduled service call.

Download our poster HERE and help us spread the word!

Welcome September from T.F. O’Brien

Posted on by T.F. O'Brien Cooling & Heating
September has arrived, and with it, so has back-to-school for the kids, and back to routine for the adults. With summer fleeting, you might not be thinking about your home’s air conditioning system as much. You should! You’ll likely need to use it at least for a couple of months, so make sure you’re keeping an eye on your filter. Making sure your filter is clean can help your air conditioning system operate more efficiently and enjoy a longer life!

Need air conditioning? Believe it or not, now’s the perfect time to get it!

Now is a great time to get a new air conditioning system installed in your home! We’re offering a special end-of-season cooling sale that can help you save significantly on a new system for your home. Click here to learn more! Thinking about a ductless system for your home? Did you know they can offer both heating and cooling? Here’s some more info on keeping your home comfortable all year long with ductless.

Have a spectacular September! Thank you for reading.

Enjoy!

Kerry O’Brien

5 Tips for Maximizing Your Air Conditioner’s Efficiency

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

August is known for its hazy, hot and humid weather. Chances are, you’ll be running your air conditioning system much of the time. No matter how efficient your air conditioner is, it still uses energy, and that can get costly if it’s operating most of the time. The good news is, there are a few ways you can maximize your efficiency, making it so your air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard.

Here are some ways to improve energy consumption:

  1. Seal leaky doors and windows. That way, the cold air won’t escape inside – and the hot outdoor air won’t come in.
  2. Put your ceiling fans to work. Make sure your fans are set to counterclockwise – this helps create a cooler feel to the air.
  3. Make sure your filters are clean. When your air conditioning system runs frequently, its filters can get clogged with dirt and dust. Change it out often during high-use months for better effectiveness and efficiency from your air conditioning system.
  4. Consider a smart thermostat. You’ll have greater control over your AC system. Many smart thermostats “learn” your habits, so they’ll automatically set sleeping and away temperatures. And, most smart thermostats can be controlled even when you’re not there with a convenient phone app.
  5. Keep the heat in your kitchen to a minimum. On very hot days, consider grilling out, using the microwave, or using the Crock-Pot. Turning on your oven can add significantly to the heat of your home, making your AC work harder.

Of course, if you’re concerned about your air conditioning system’s efficiency or effectiveness, or if you’re paying way more on your utility bills than you should be, you should give T.F. O’Brien a call. We can check out your system to rule out any issues, and if there are problems, we can make the needed repairs. To learn more, call us at 516-488-1800, and we’ll be happy to help you.

Storm Season is Coming… Is Your Generator Ready?

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

Woman in black coat holding an umbrella in the rain.As the dog days of August wind down, the storm season of late summer begins. From severe thunderstorms to damaging hurricanes, in our area we need to be prepared for inclement weather. Since the hurricanes we’ve endured in recent years, many homeowners have opted to have a generator installed. Like any other type of equipment, however, it’s important to make sure your generator is properly maintained.

How can you make sure your generator is up and running in the event of a storm? Count on us to provide you with the generator maintenance and repair you need. Here at T.F. O’Brien, we not only install the best home generators on the market, we also provide maintenance and repair services. That way, you’ll be able to rely on your generator now and for years to come.

At T.F. O’Brien, we install, maintain and repair generators for your safety and peace of mind.

Our skilled technicians are trained to provide generator maintenance and repair on many types of home generators that are 20kW or smaller. When you contact us for generator services, you’ll be provided with a comprehensive analysis of your generator system. Then, our technicians will complete maintenance or repair services thoroughly and professionally, with your comfort and safety in mind.

When storm season arrives this year, you’ll be ready – when you get the maintenance or repairs you need from T.F. O’Brien. We proudly serve all of Long Island, and will be happy to help you. To learn more, call us at 516-488-1800.

5 Reasons Why VRV Air Conditioning is Perfect for Your Home or Office

Posted on by T.F. O'Brien Cooling & Heating
Let T.F. O’Brien help determine whether
VRV AC is right for you
Call or click here:
516.488.1800

When you need an energy-efficient cooling option for your home or business, you may want to consider variable refrigerant volume (VRV) air conditioning. These systems offer targeted air conditioning for your home or office, and are built with advanced technology that allows them to be highly energy efficient and to provide optimal cooling for your space. Of course, VRV has several benefits that you’ll enjoy for your home or office.

Here are five reasons why you should consider installing VRV air conditioning:

1. It’s efficient.

When you choose to install VRV air conditioning in your home or office, you can look forward to energy savings. They circulate only the minimum amount of refrigerant needed. And, they offer individual climate control of air conditioning zones. This means they use less energy – and that will save you money in the long run on your utility bills.

2. It requires little to no ductwork.

VRV systems are engineered to minimize or eliminate the need for ductwork. When you install one of these air conditioning systems, you won’t have to deal with the mess and hassle of adding ductwork to your home. And, because VRV systems operate without the need for additional ductwork, they’re perfect for spaces like additions, converted attics and finished basements.

3. It’s easy to design and install.

You won’t have to worry about your home or office being a construction zone for weeks when you choose to have a VRV air conditioning system installed. Designing these systems is simple because there is a wide selection of units available, ensuring that each particular unit installed is suited to its environment. And, because installation is simpler than with traditional air conditioning systems, you won’t have the mess and weeks of construction.

4. It requires little maintenance.

VRV systems require little maintenance and are highly reliable. As long as you get the annual maintenance on your VRV air conditioning system as you would a traditional system, you should notice amazing reliability, energy efficiency and cooling effectiveness from the moment of installation and for years to come.

5. It’s readily available from T.F. O’Brien.

When you work with T.F. O’Brien, you’ll have access to our full lineup of air conditioning products and services, including VRV air conditioning. You can count on our highly skilled technicians to install your VRV system to perfection. We ensure our technicians are trained in all the latest technologies, so we’re able to provide you with quality products and expert installation. We trust Daikin® to provide our customers with the very best in variable refrigerant volume air conditioning systems for their homes and offices.

Contact T.F. O’Brien today to learn more about VRV AC.

Don’t suffer through another sweltering summer – choose the professionals at T.F. O’Brien Cooling & Heating to help with all of your VRV air conditioning needs. T.F. O’Brien proudly serves all of Long Island, including Nassau County, Suffolk County, and Brooklyn, and is ready to assist you.
Simply call us at 516.488.1800, and one of our friendly representatives will be more than happy to help you.

Beat the Summer Heat this July with T.F. O’Brien

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

Stay Cool With Air Conditioning Services on Long Island

July is here, and the heat has made our rough winter long forgotten. It’s definitely been a warm one so far, and we’re busy making sure our customers are able to stay cool and comfortable. If you’re noticing the slightest concern with your air conditioning system, it’s a good idea to give us a call and set up an appointment ahead of a breakdown, so we can help ensure you stay cool and comfortable.

We offer a full listing of air conditioning services, including AC repair and maintenance. And, we install a complete range of air conditioning products which include central air, high efficiency, ductless, and more. We will be more than happy to meet with you and discuss what system would be perfect for your home and lifestyle. Just give us a call at 516.488.1800 to set up a consultation with one of our comfort specialists.

This month, click here to learn how you can keep your home cool – and your energy bills lower. And, did you know home generators can help you weather a summer storm? Or maybe you’re holding out on installing AC. Here are some reasons NOT to get AC for your home this summer.

We hope you have a great July, and thank you for reading.

Enjoy!

Kerry O’Brien

What Type of AC is Best for Your Home?

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

Choose a System That Fits Your Home and Budget

You don’t have to suffer through a heat wave this summer when you rely on T.F. O’Brien to help you get the relief you need. We provide air conditioning installation, done to your complete satisfaction. We’re committed to the comfort of our customers, which is why we’ve always been a leader in innovative home comfort products and have stayed on top of all the latest new technologies. We can help you stay cool this summer, in a way that’s perfect for your home and your lifestyle. We offer a number of different types of air conditioning products, so we’re sure to find just the right one for you and your family.

We’re pleased to offer traditional central air conditioning for your home, as well as ductless, high velocity, and heat pump systems:

Central Air Conditioning: Central air is very common, and if you already have a central air conditioning system in your home, replacing it with another when the time comes is a fairly simple process, because the ductwork is already in place. If your system is older, switching to new, high-efficiency central air can help you save money on your utility bills, and keep your home more comfortable all summer long.

High-Velocity AC: This type of air conditioning system is perfect for older, multi-story homes that lack ductwork, but are in need of improved home cooling. This is an ideal system for adding air conditioning to homes where larger ductwork may be impossible or impractical. High velocity air conditioning offers a dehumidified, cooler environment while providing complete and thorough air conditioning.

Ductless Air Conditioning: Do you have a room in your home that you’d like to be more climate controlled, but where ductwork might be impractical or impossible? For spaces where adding ductwork isn’t really a great option, ductless, or mini-split, air conditioning can help. Ductless units are great for additions, finished basements, converted garages and other areas of your home where cooling is needed.

Heat Pumps: It may sound counterintuitive, but heat pumps not only help to heat your home in the winter; they can help you stay cool during the summer months as well. The heat pumps we install have been engineered to work great in colder climates, and can provide your home with appropriate levels of cooling all summer long. And, they have achieved an Energy Star rating, and use a non ozone-depleting refrigerant.

The professionals at T.F. O’Brien can help you decide which type of air conditioning is best for your home. Simply call us at 516.488.1800 and one of our friendly representatives will be more than happy to help you.