Kerry’s Blog

Start Off Your New Year in Comfort, With a Replacement System

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

Is one of your New Year’s resolutions to conserve energy? Then you should definitely take a look around your home. No doubt, there are ways you can save energy by making some home improvements. Choosing LED lighting, unplugging charging cords and reversing ceiling fans to push warm air down into your living space during the winter months are all easy ways to save energy in your home. If you have to crank up the thermostat to stay comfortable during the winter, though, you probably need to take a closer look at your home.

There are many factors that can cause your home to use more energy than it should. Drafty, old windows, inadequate insulation and old, inefficient heating equipment can all be likely suspects. You’ll want to take care of all the problems in your home in order to ensure maximum efficiency. That makes people nervous, because those repairs and replacements can be costly. However, many people find that once they make these changes, their energy savings is significant. What’s more, they save money in the long run on their utility bills.

Replacing your old system can help you save energy, save money and enjoy better comfort.

Today’s heating systems are built with efficiency in mind, many achieving 95 percent efficiency or better. That means more of the heat they generate stays in your home, keeping your home warmer while using less energy. And that savings is reflected in your monthly utility bills. You’ll be able to stay warm for less! Not to mention, when you trust the professionals at T.F. O’Brien to help, we’ll make sure your new system is sized right for your home.

Often, older systems in homes lose efficiency because of remodeling changes to the home or added space. So if your system was installed in your home, say, 20 years ago, your home today might be much different. Our experts are trained to analyze the current heating needs of your home, so the system they install will keep your whole house warm, efficiently. And, you can trust T.F. O’Brien to install the best quality products in your home. Not only will they provide you with energy efficiency and comfort, but they are built to last for years to come.

When you’re ready to take the next step toward a more energy-efficient home, T.F. O’Brien can help. We’ll provide you with a new heating system installation that offers high-quality energy efficiency, energy efficiency and durability. We proudly serve all of Long Island, including Nassau County, Suffolk County, and Brooklyn. Simply call us at 516.488.1800 for assistance.

T.F. O’Brien Can Bring You Comfort & Joy – Even in an Emergency!

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

This is the time of year for festivities, food, family… and freezing temperatures. Unfortunately, the colder it gets outside, the more we need to use our heating system. And the harder our heating systems work, the greater chance for a breakdown. Luckily, you don’t have to let a broken down furnace or boiler be the grinch that steals your holiday cheer. Just rely on the folks at T.F. O’Brien to help you get the repair services you need.

We know there’s no good time for a heating system breakdown. But when your house is full of nieces, nephews and your great-aunt Bethany, a furnace or boiler failure is even worse. You don’t want to spend the holiday huddled in your living room in your winter outerwear – and you don’t have to. We offer exceptional repair service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – even on holidays.

T.F. O’Brien offers emergency services on most makes and models of heating systems.

Our technicians are highly skilled in furnace and boiler repair. They have the qualifications to repair most makes and models of equipment. As a result, your heating system concern will be remedied correctly. You and your family will be sipping your eggnog in comfort in no time flat! And while it may not seem very shiny or glamorous, you can always give a gift that keeps on giving – a seasonal maintenance contract from T.F. O’Brien.

When you have a seasonal maintenance contract with us, an emergency repair situation is far less likely. That’s because our technicians will thoroughly inspect and maintain your equipment before winter starts. They’ll make sure any problems are addressed right away. That way, small concerns are taken care of before they become large – and potentially expensive – repairs. Not to mention, if you do experience a furnace or boiler breakdown, you’ll receive priority service. That saves you from having too much of a wait in a chilly house with a bevy of cold, complaining relatives – and isn’t that well worth it?

Trust T.F. O’Brien with your emergency heating repair needs.

Don’t be left out in the cold this holiday season – 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.

Holiday Cheer from T.F. O’Brien

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

Thanks for reading Kerry’s Monthly Message for December. The holiday season is here, and we’re looking forward to special times with friends and family. The scent of Christmas cookies baking in the oven, the twinkling of lights in the windows, and the joyful, giving nature that the season seems to bring out in us are just a few of the reasons that we love this time of year.

Of course, there is no good time for a furnace or boiler breakdown, but during the holiday season it’s that much worse. At T.F. O’Brien, we understand that heating emergencies can happen at the most inconvenient times. That’s why we’re here for you – nights, weekends and even holidays. If you need emergency services, call us at 516.488.1800, and we’ll be happy to help you. 

We love this time of year – especially giving gifts! Need some ideas? Read on…

This December, we have some gift ideas for the person on your list who has everything – why not give the gift of HVAC? And, if you’re wondering the best way to keep your furnace running optimally this winter, there’s one simple thing you can do. Find out what it is by clicking here! Additionally, here are a few ways you can save energy – and ultimately money on your utility bills – this winter. 

We hope you and yours have a joyous Christmas or Hanukkah season, and we wish you the very best for a happy New Year. See you in 2018! 

Thanks for reading, 

Kerry

Saving Energy During the Holidays

Posted on by T.F. O'Brien Cooling & Heating
Girl holding a ball of christmas lights.
Choose LED holiday lights for energy savings.

The holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year, but let’s face it – it can also be the most expensive. Not only are you buying gifts, traveling, entertaining and decorating, but you’re heating system is likely running steadily – and that can up your utility bills. Luckily, there are a few ways you can conserve energy in the winter that will help you save on your energy bills.

Check out these energy saving tips from the Dept. of Energy:

  • Open the drapes of your south-facing windows during the day to take advantage of the sun’s warming rays.
  • If you have window drafts, weatherize them. And, replace airy summer curtains with heavier drapes.
  • Layer up with warmer clothing, and turn the thermostat down as low as is comfortable. Set the thermostat back when you aren’t at home and during sleeping hours.
  • Seal up places around your home where cold air could be sneaking in, like around pipes and chimney gaps.
  • Turn down the temperature of your hot water heater to the warm setting, around 120ºF.
  • Stringing up lights this holiday season? Choose LED decorative lights to help reduce energy usage.
  • Keep your heating system in shape. Get your seasonal maintenance from us, and change your filter regularly.

Taking these measures can help your winter home become much more efficient and can help you reduce the cost of energy in your home. If you’d like to learn more about energy efficiency, T.F. O’Brien can assist you. From smart thermostats to high-efficiency heating equipment, we want to help you make your home its efficient best. Just give us a call at 516.488.1800 and we’ll be happy to help.

Want Maximum Furnace Efficiency? Do This One Simple Thing.

Posted on by T.F. O'Brien Cooling & Heating
Cat swatting christmas decorations on a tree.
Got pets? Then you’ll want to change your furnace filter more frequently. Pet fur and dander can fill up your filter in a hurry!

Winter is here, and that means your furnace will be working hard to keep your home warm and cozy. While we all appreciate the heat provided by our home comfort system, most of us don’t look forward to the higher utility bills that winter brings. That’s why it’s important to make sure your furnace is operating most efficiently.

Getting annual maintenance from your HVAC dealer every fall is very important, but there is also a way you can be proactive in the efficiency of your furnace. That one simple step? Changing your furnace filter when it’s dirty. According to the Department of Energy, changing your furnace filter once a month during the winter is an important measure – it will keep your system running optimally this winter and for years to come.

But how does changing your filter contribute to your furnace efficiency?

It’s only logical – your furnace has to work harder when airflow is impeded. Dirty filters keep the air from flowing freely. Worse – the air that does manage to flow through your system is dirty when your filters are. These factors lower the efficiency of your furnace – and increase your utility bills.

And, there are certain factors that you should take into account when considering how often to change your furnace filter, too. These factors include smokers in your home, if you have furry friends like cats or dogs, and if you have anyone with respiratory illnesses or allergies in your home. If any of these factors exist, changing your filter on a more frequent basis might be necessary to ensure top heating system performance.

Nervous about changing your filter? No problem! T.F. O’Brien will be more than happy to help. Our technicians can show you how to do it, or do it for you – whichever is most convenient for you. Just give us a call at 516.488.1800 and we’ll be happy to help.

Three Ways to Give the Gift of HVAC this Holiday Season

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

If you have a hard-to-shop-for loved one, you know how difficult finding the right gift for them can be. What do you give to the person who has everything? This holiday season; why not consider something you might not have thought of before – HVAC. We’d like to share with you some ideas that can help make the season bright – and more comfortable.

Here are three HVAC-related ideas that can help you finish off your holiday shopping list:

Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats have changed the way people do home comfort over the last few years. This technology enables people to have control over their heating and cooling systems like never before. More than a programmable thermostat, smart thermostats can generally be controlled remotely, from a Smartphone, tablet or computer. That way, the homeowner can keep household temperatures regulated, even when away from home. Also, smart thermostats are usually fairly simple to use, which makes them ideal for almost anyone. There are even smart thermostats on the market that have “learning” capabilities, so they know when you’re home, when you’re away, and your preferred home temperatures during these times.

Ductless Heating & Cooling

It’s a modern trend that people convert areas of their homes like basements and garage spaces into personal enjoyment areas, such as crafting and hobby rooms, music rooms and the much-sought-after “man cave.” However, these rooms may not exactly be the paragon of comfort, as they are often not connected to the home’s duct system. Luckily, ductless heating and cooling is available for these spaces, making them as comfortable and usable as the rest of the house, no matter what the weather outside is like. Ductless systems require no additional ductwork, are efficient and non-obtrusive, and generally can be installed in a short period of time with minimal construction work.

Smoke Detectors & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

There’s no better way to let someone know you love them than to show them you care about their safety. Giving a gift of new smoke and carbon monoxide detectors might not seem very glamorous, but it’s one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give. There are devices on the market that can warn you of smoke or carbon monoxide, even when you’re not at home. When you count on T.F. O’Brien to help, we can provide you with advice and best placement of your smoke and CO detectors.

This year, give a memorable gift that keeps on giving – HVAC from T.F. O’Brien.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help. Just give us a call at 516.488.1800 and we’ll be happy to help you make someone’s holiday extra special this year.

Happy Thanksgiving from T.F. O’Brien!

Posted on by T.F. O'Brien Cooling & Heating
Male, female, and baby turkey on white background.Welcome to our November e-newsletter! Who can believe we’re already mid-fall here on Long Island? Mild temperatures have made for a pretty nice autumn, but you never know when that might come to an end. As a result, T.F. O’Brien makes it our priority to have your heating system prepared for the winter months ahead.
And, this month we can help you get a high-efficiency heating system, which will keep you warmer and save you money on your utility bills. What’s more, through the end of this month you can save up to $2000 on a new heating system for your home.
  • Up to $1,200 in Manufacturer Rebates
  • Up to $600 in Utility Rebates
  • $200 T.F. O’Brien Instant Rebate

This offer ends 11/30/17, though, so give us a call or click here to learn more about our specials. 

November is the time to think about heating your home this winter.

Also this month, learn about alternate heating systems, which are perfect for people who lack ductwork and/or space for a traditional heating system in their homes. Additionally, read all about programmable thermostats, and how they can help you enjoy better comfort and energy efficiency. Not to mention, the simplest furnace maintenance you can do at home can save you money and wear and tear on your system. Find out what it is!

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us here at T.F. O’Brien. Thanks for reading!
 
Enjoy, 
 
Kerry

October Greetings from T.F. O’Brien

Posted on by T.F. O'Brien Cooling & Heating
Three pumpkins sitting on a hay bail.
This year, we’ve seen much of the southern United States and our island territories devastated by powerful hurricanes. Having lived through two severe hurricanes ourselves in recent years, our hearts go out to those suffering in the wake of the storms. We hope for a much milder October for all, as we prepare for the winter months to come.

T.F. O’Brien can help you get ready for the heating season ahead.

This month, we’re pleased to announce our Pre-Season Heating Sale. You can save up to $2,000 on qualifying heating equipment. And, did you know a home generator can be a lifesaver during inclement weather? Plus, autumn means winter weather is on its way – who needs a home heating system, anyway? Click the links to learn more. 
Happy October from all of us here at T.F. O’Brien.
 
Enjoy, 
Kerry

Need Heating Services for Your Nassau County Home? We Can Help.

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

Even though nobody wants to think about it, cooler weather is coming. Once it hits, you’ll be relying on your the heating system in your Nassau County home. And, if you have an older system, you may need repairs or other services. That’s why you need a heating contractor who’s reliable and can offer all the services you might need. When you put your trust in T.F. O’Brien, we can help you stay warm and toasty all winter long.

At T.F. O’Brien, we’re a full-service contractor providing heating services all throughout Nassau County. We have credentials you can trust, and provide a complete range of heating services for your home. We want to make staying comfortable easy for you, whether you have a furnace, a boiler, a heat pump or ductless. As a result, we offer installation, maintenance and repair services for all types of heating systems.

Here’s how T.F. O’Brien helps you get the heating services you need for your Nassau County home:

Heating System Maintenance: One way you can ensure that, once the long, cold winter months arrive, your family will be safe and warm is by choosing heating system maintenance. At 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 our customers. Keeping your heating system properly maintained is a priority for us because it helps your system operate at peak performance, while helping you save on utility bills.

Heating System Repair: It’s Murphy’s Law – if it’s going to break down, your heating system likely will do so on the coldest night of the year. You need a heating contractor can help in a hurry – which is why you should count on T. F. O’Brien. Our technicians are highly trained and use the most advanced diagnostic equipment, instruments and tools available so they can evaluate your heating system repair needs quickly and thoroughly, which will help you save time and money – and get back to being warm and comfortable!

New Heating System Installation: Do you need a new heating system installation for your home this winter? Then you should call the experts at T.F. O’Brien. We make it our priority to always look out for your best interests and provide high quality new heating system installations to ensure the comfort and safety you expect. We offer systems that will keep your home at the perfect comfort level, all while helping you save on your home’s energy consumption – as well as on your heating bills. And, your satisfaction is guaranteed!

And, we offer a wide range of heating products, so no matter what you need, we can help.

Don’t let another cold 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 a heating contractor, T.F. O’Brien is ready to assist you. T.F. O’Brien proudly provides heating services to all of Nassau County. Just give us a call at 516.488.1800.

Heating Services for Your Suffolk County Home Keep Your Family Comfortable

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

Woman bundled in purple winter hat and scarf.Struggling Heating Systems are No Fun

Nothing is fun about having a heating system concern in your Suffolk County home. Maybe your heating system isn’t as efficient as you’d like, or maybe you’re not getting the heat output that you need for home comfort. But if you don’t feel like calling your contractor for heating services, there are a few things you can do in order to keep the chill off. We’re sure your family will love these awesome ideas for staying cozy without the chore and expense of calling your contractor.

Buy everybody snowsuits.

Make sure you get the super-padded ones, and even layer them if you have to. Sure, your entire family will be walking around like penguins that have somehow landed on Long Island, but their lack of range of motion is nothing compared to having to pay for heating services.

Take it outside.

Build your family an igloo in the middle of Long Island, and move in. Yes, they won’t enjoy the modern conveniences of plumbing and WiFi, but why spend money on heating services for your Suffolk County home when you have so much free snow outside?

Or, warm up inside.

Start adding habanero peppers to everything you cook and tell your guests it’s a Long Island delicacy. Stuff your Thanksgiving turkey with them. Put them in your Christmas pudding. The warmer you feel on the inside, the less you’ll have to rely on your home’s heating system.

Constantly jog in place.

Everybody knows exercise is a great warm-up! Jogging in place while you’re watching TV is a fun activity for the whole family. Got a spouse who does the cooking? They’ll love getting a little extra exercise while preparing dinner. Kids have homework? Jogging to keep warm will keep their bodies active and their minds off your home’s chilly temperatures. Commuting to work in the city? Lightly jog on the platform while waiting for the LIRR — just make sure to mind the gap.

Hang out in your outerwear.

Keep your hats, mittens and scarves on as you go about your daily activities. True, woolen outerwear can be a little itchy and can make some everyday tasks like brushing your teeth and enjoying a nice bowl of (habanero) soup a little challenging, but it will be worth it when you don’t have to pay for heating services for your Suffolk County home.

Or, you can simply choose T.F. O’Brien when you need heating services for your Suffolk County home.

We understand that services cost money, and some, like emergency repairs or replacements, can be unexpected and not a part of your budget. That’s why we try to keep our prices reasonable, offer financing and provide you with special offers on new heating equipment when possible. Plus, when you work with us for heating service for your Suffolk County home, you can choose a heating maintenance agreement, which can help you keep your system running effectively and efficiently all winter long, and help you find small heating system issues before they become larger, more expensive ones.

So instead of following the silly suggestions above, just give T.F. O’Brien a call when you’re in need of heating services for your Suffolk County home. And – hold the habaneros.