Understanding How Your Home Uses Energy is ImportantUpgrading an HVAC system could be one of the most complex purchases you make as a homeowner, and the critical first step is a load calculation. Continue reading “Before Investing in an HVAC Upgrade, Get Load Calculations Performed”
Team Work and a Dedication to Quality Service is Our MissionThere are very few businesses around today that were around in 1934. T.F O’Brien Cooling & Heating has stood the test of time, and the HVAC customers of Long Island have been the beneficiaries of that longevity. Continue reading “Call on T.F. O’Brien, and Count on Courteous, Expert Service”
Professional HVAC Technicians Have to Qualify for a NATE CertificateIf you’ve had an experience with an HVAC contractor that let you down, consider hiring one with NATE certification. You’ll know you are in good hands and can rest assured that the job will be done right the first time. Continue reading “NATE Certification Means You’re In Great Hands”
We have talked before on this blog about zoning systems and the improved comfort and temperature control they can bring to your Long Island home. If you are considering getting a zoning system installed, there are six important design elements that you need to keep in mind. Continue reading “Your Home Zoning System: 6 Key Components Of Excellent Design”
Regular Heat Pump Maintenance is Something You Can Do Any Time of the Year
Heat pump maintenance is vital for keeping cooling (and heating) expenses as low as possible, and for providing home comfort all year long. Continue reading “Heat Pump Maintenance: Even If You Forgot To Schedule Spring Service, It’s Not Too Late”
Programmable Thermostats are a Way to Save MoneySo you need a new thermostat and, because this may be the first time you’ve ever had to shop for one, you may not know where to begin. If that’s the case, consider three factors and, by the time you head to the store, you should feel ready and confident to make the right selection. Continue reading “Need A New Thermostat? 3 Key Considerations”
Don’t Neglect the Equipment That Keeps Your Home Comfortable
We’ve all heard the saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Many apply that saying too loosely to preventive maintenance on a variety of home equipment, from lawnmowers to heating and cooling equipment. The trouble is, a preventive maintenance plan has more benefits than many homeowners might initially realize. Imagine a row of dominoes: Once the first one falls over, each successive one topples, until they’ve all fallen. Your HVAC equipment can end up the same way, without service. Continue reading “Wondering What’s All The Hype About Preventive Maintenance? Why It’s Critical”
Learn About Mold Abatement to Remove Spores From Your Home
When a region receives an unusually high amount of rain and when relative humidity is high the resulting moisture can lead to mold problems. Left unchecked, mold growth can become rampant, lower the value of your home, cause health problems and generally be inconvenient to repair. Continue reading “Is Mold A Problem After This Year’s Wet Weather Conditions? When To Call The Pros”
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.
Programmable thermostats may be the most intelligent household devices you can purchase for your home. They pay dividends the first day you use them and features on newer devices go far beyond just temperature settings. Prices vary, but the choice to switch to programmable is not difficult once you know about the features and energy savings possible with these units.
So, what does a programmable thermostat do?
A programmable thermostat raises and lowers the temperature in your home all based on your energy requirements. For example, in the winter, we recommend you set your programmable thermostat on the low side after midnight because you’re in bed anyway.
Thermostats use different rules on different days so that the temperatures fit your daily activities. Here are three common programs:
7-day: You program each separate day of the week.
5+2 day: This has a Monday through Friday program , plus a weekend program.
5+1+1-day: Monday through Friday, plus separate Saturday and Sunday programs.
Lots of features are available in newer models, such as controls for humidifiers, dehumidifiers, ventilation systems, and the ability to set the thermostat remotely. You can get reminders for filter changes, your UV filters and just about any issue connected to your heating, cooling and humidification systems.
Carrier®’s Infinity Control programmable thermostat, which we consider our best thermostat, can adjust temperatures in up to eight different zones. That makes it easy to save money by cutting back on heating and air conditioning in sections of your home that aren’t used as much or seem to naturally be warmer or cooler on their own. Bonus rooms built above a garage to serve as an office, but are hard to heat and cool, are perfect for this precise programming.
Of course, you want to choose a programmable thermostat that fits your system. The professionals at T.F. O’Brien are happy to discuss the options and offer expert advice. Call us if we can 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, please download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
