Serving Long Island Since 1934 516.488.1800
Serving Long Island Since 1934
516.488.1800
Updating or adding a new heating system is a smart move. After the brutal winter we have had in the New York area, installation of a high efficiency heating system can prepare us for next winter and get us ready to reap the rewards of better energy savings. Continue reading “New Heating Systems Offer The Perfect Opportunity to Add an Air Purifier” →
Water heaters are one of the biggest drains on a house’s energy use, especially as they begin to age. There are a few things to consider when picking a new water heater. First, which system should you get? Here are some of your options: Continue reading “Questions to Ask When Choosing a New Water Heater” →
Are you doing all you can to keep your home comfort energy costs low? It seems to be a never-ending quest to keep fuel and electricity costs at a manageable level. Prices go up and winters seem more severe; summer heat seems more oppressive. Have you ever wondered how your efforts to see more energy savings are paying off? Continue reading “New Home Energy Yardstick Can Target Energy Savings” →
A whole-house humidifier can make dry, indoor heat feel so much more comfortable. The humidity level in a home also helps keep the thermostat set a degree or two lower which helps on energy costs. Although the humidifier demands relatively little attention, there are a few things that the homeowner should occasionally check to make sure everything is in good working order. Continue reading “Humidifier Cleaning and Maintenance Tips” →
Your heating and cooling system is no different.
When lightning strikes nearby or a storm knocks down a power line, it’s possible to send a surge of energy through the power grid, damaging sensitive electronics. Anything with a microprocessor is at risk, including your heating and cooling system. Continue reading “You Protect Your Computer With a Surge Suppressor, Why Not Your HVAC System?” →
You may have the newest, most energy efficient heating and air equipment, or maybe your system getting on in years but still performing well. Whichever is your situation, a sure way to get the most out of either is to check your air ducts.
Continue reading “Sealing Air Ducts for Savings” →
The HVAC industry has become more complex in recent years. The pricing of electricity and other fuels, along with government standards has motivated manufacturers to produce better and more efficient equipment. Along with the manufacturing side, contractors have had to become better trained to keep up with industry changes.
There are terms used in heating and air conditioning that define the higher standards. The average homeowner needs to know a few basic ones in order to be better informed.There are three, in particular, about which every person should be aware. These terms are SEER, AFUE and NATE.
SEER, in the HVAC world, is a simple acronym for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. By understanding this term, the consumer can make better decisions on electrically powered heat pumps and air conditioners. The common SEER rating currently ranges from 13 to 25. The higher the number, the more efficient the cooling or heating.
AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. This rating applies to HVAC equipment that burns propane and other fossil fuels. The rating applies to how efficient the furnace, for instance, is at using fuel. An older gas furnace may only have a 65 or 70 percent AFUE rating. That means at 70 percent, the other 30 percent of fuel used is going out your flue or vent as waste. Newer models have ratings of 80 up to 95 percent. A 90 percent gas or oil furnace burns less fuel for an equal amount of heat and reduces waste and environmental impact.
NATE is a term for those who work in the HVAC industry. It represents North American Technical Excellence. A NATE Certified technician has undergone rigid testing of their skills and knowledge. Only by passing the test can an HVAC technician or contractor earn certification. When you have a NATE technician in your home, you have an assurance that they know how to deal with your problems.
At T.F. O’Brien, we want the public to be well-informed. Call on us or click here with any questions you have about terminology or your heating and cooling system. One of our own NATE-certified specialists, or anyone on our friendly staff will be happy to help.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics, click here to download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
An option for your heating and cooling system that allows better comfort, greater control and the potential to reduce energy costs sounds good, doesn’t it? The use of zoning systems gives homeowners that type of increased comfort and control in our homes.
Zoning systems added to a home’s existing heating and cooling systems results in a more consistent temperature level. The home is divided into zones that have their own thermostat. The different thermostats tie into a central control allowing the homeowner to have a consistent comfort level in all the home living spaces. This eliminates problem rooms or areas that are too cool in winter or too hot in summer. The flow of conditioned air is more accurately balanced without getting one room too hot or cool in order to warm up or cool off another room. More air is delivered where it is needed, less air where it is not.
The air distribution can be controlled and the comfort level in each zone is more easily maintained. Rooms or areas that are rarely used can be dealt with separately. Keep those areas at a winter level of 65 degrees and a summer level of 78. While the other living spaces maintain a 72-degree level, you are saving energy costs by reducing the heating and cooling of rooms that are seldom, if ever, used. Put the warm and cool air where it is needed, not where it is wasted.
Zoning systems can give you that kind of control. If you and your family have noticed “hot spots” or “cold spots”inside the home, zoning may be a solution. If you would like an assessment of your home to see if zoning systems can give you greater comfort and control, contact us at T.F. O’Brien. We’re always happy to help with answers and options for your home comfort concerns.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about zoning systems and other HVAC topics, click here to download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
The dead of winter, miserable as this one has been, is the time when preventive maintenance to your heating system pays off. We hope you’re remembering furnace filter changes monthly or as often as your particular system needs them. Otherwise, a well-maintained system should be purring along, allowing you to dream of the day when we’ll finally need A/C again.
Should your system have a problem, however, T.F. O’Brien wants offers an extra perk to those who sign up for our preventive maintenance plans. We’ll give your emergency call priority service, meaning you’ll know that one of our technicians will get to you that day. And by “that day,”we also mean your call will get priority 365 days a year.
We offer a discount on repairs, too, for members of our plans and our plans are transferable if you happen to move during the contract term. We like to think that the money you’ll save anyway, by keeping your system maintained through twice-yearly service, is a pretty big deal, too.
Winter is not the only time HVAC equipment breaks down though. Summer can be miserable when the A/C or cooling system stops working. You will want to spot and fix issues before they become problems. Preventive maintenance is the best way to ensure you and your loved ones will be safe and comfortable throughout the entire year.
For preventive maintenance questions, or any issue regarding home comfort, feel free to call the professionals at T.F. O’Brien. We’re happy to help.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about preventive maintenance and other HVAC topics, click here to download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
If it seems that some of the rooms in your home are comfortable while others are too cool, too warm or stuffy, it could be your air returns. Most homeowners don’t really think about the air ducts; as long as your HVAC system seems to be functioning, all is OK. In reality, it could be that inadequate return air ducting is the reason your home isn’t quite as comfortable as you would like.
For the air in your home to feel consistent and comfortable in every room, it is necessary that stale air is drawn out of the room so that heated supply air can enter the room. This is why it is desirable that air returns are placed in all major rooms, such as the living room, bedrooms and kitchen.
When return air ducts are located only in one or two rooms, the newly heated air coming in to your home has to force through the air in all of the rooms, making your HVAC system work harder. This also means an inconsistency in temperatures throughout your home.
We know that you don’t give these details much thought; we simply want you to be aware that air returns are essential to your family’s comfort, and to your HVAC system working as efficiently as possible.
If your home is lacking in return air ducts, consider having more installed. Avoid placing furniture over air returns, or blocking them with wall coverings or other items if located in the wall. Also, consider having a professional check your return air ducts for air leaks and proper air flow. You will save on energy costs, and your family will remain comfortable no matter what room they are in.
T.F. O’Brien services the Long Island, New York area. We strive to educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). You can find more information about air returns and other HVAC topics by downloading our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
