Before Adding Home Insulation, Be Sure You Select the Right Type

Posted on March 12, 2013June 19, 2024 by kerry

Insulation Comes in a Number of Materials and Applications

Since keeping a home well-insulated is so important in terms of reducing energy bills and increasing comfort levels, there’s a wide variety of home insulation types that are available to homeowners. Different types of insulation will work best for different spaces, so it’s important to do some research and choose the right type for your situation. Continue reading “Before Adding Home Insulation, Be Sure You Select the Right Type” →

Water Heater’s Underperforming? Troubleshooting Tips to Get It Back on Track

Posted on February 12, 2013June 19, 2024 by kerry

A Hot Water Heater That Can’t Deliver on a Promise of Hot Water Needs Attention

Can you barely make it through your shower before the hot water is gone? Is washing dishes a challenge with dwindling hot water? Is “hot” water a bit of a misnomer at your house? If so, it’s probably time to take a look at your water heater.

While some water heater issues are best left to an HVAC professional, there are some things you can do yourself if your water heater’s underperforming.

Insulate the heater. Is your water heater located in an unheated basement area or utility room? If so, the unit is having to work hard during the cold winter months to deliver that hot water on demand. Save energy dollars and increase the amount of hot water available by insulating your water tank. Most home improvement stores sell specially-designed, insulated blankets that fit snugly over water tanks.
Don’t forget the pipes. In addition to the tank, your heated water may be losing its warmth traveling through cold pipes. If the pipes leading from the water heater are in a cold part of the house, consider buying special insulation wraps to help keep the water in them warm.
Is it the element? Your hot water challenges may be caused by a problem with the heating elements (on electric heaters), pilot light or thermostat. Have someone check these three essentials to make sure they’re functioning properly.

If you’ve checked these three common trouble spots and your water is still lukewarm at best, it’s probably time to call an HVAC professional to identify the source of the problem.

If your water heater’s underperforming or you need help with other mechanical systems in your Long Island home, give T.F. O’Brien Cooling & Heating a call. We’ve been helping homeowners throughout Long Island with their heating and cooling needs since 1934.

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, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Image via Shutterstock.com

A Home Duct System That’s Designed to Deliver

Posted on February 5, 2013June 19, 2024 by kerry

Delivering Air Evenly to the Whole House is Important

A well-designed home duct system is a fundamental component for maximizing your house’s overall energy efficiency. Continue reading “A Home Duct System That’s Designed to Deliver” →

Done Insulating? Not If The Attic Hatch Is Leaking

Posted on January 29, 2013June 19, 2024 by kerry

Warm Air Can Escape Into Your Attic Through the Hatch: Seal it!

If your attic hatch is leaking, it may be a big source of energy loss in your home. Further, it will negate other insulation improvements you make to the attic. Fortunately, it’s fairly easy to stop leaks through the attic hatch. Continue reading “Done Insulating? Not If The Attic Hatch Is Leaking” →

Your Geothermal Heat Pump: Factors That Will Affect The Final Cost

Posted on January 15, 2013June 18, 2024 by kerry

Weigh the Cost and Savings Benefits of a Geothermal System

There are many reasons to install a geothermal heat pump system in your home. Geothermal heating is effective, environmentally friendly, safe and has a low operating cost. Continue reading “Your Geothermal Heat Pump: Factors That Will Affect The Final Cost” →

Home Energy Efficiency: Improvements That Get Results

Posted on December 18, 2012June 18, 2024 by kerry

Prepare Your Long Island Home for Winter’s Fast Approach

As the weather turns colder, people living on Long Island start thinking about simple maintenance tasks they can perform that will benefit them once winter weather really sets in. Making improvements in and around your home can save you money by boosting your home energy efficiency and can help protect your investment in your home. Continue reading “Home Energy Efficiency: Improvements That Get Results” →

Home Insulation Upgrade: 3 Ways You’ll Benefit

Posted on November 29, 2012June 18, 2024 by kerry

Keep Winter Weather Out and Warm Air in With Insulation

As the temperature starts to drop, many Long Island homeowners take steps to make their homes winter-ready. In addition to fall furnace preventive maintenance, evaluating your home’s insulation should be a top priority before winter hits. Continue reading “Home Insulation Upgrade: 3 Ways You’ll Benefit” →

Need A New HVAC System? Do A Load Calculation First

Posted on November 19, 2012June 18, 2024 by kerry

Knowing How Your Home Uses Energy Will Help You Choose Wisely

If you’re starting the process of choosing a new HVAC system, the first and most important step to take is getting a load calculation. Continue reading “Need A New HVAC System? Do A Load Calculation First” →

Smart Investments That Promise Long-Term Home Energy Savings

Posted on November 13, 2012June 17, 2024 by kerry

Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

When you make investments in your home that lead to long-term home energy savings, you’ll be rewarded with lower energy bills year-round. Unlike other kinds of investments, there’s no risk when you spend some time and money to increase your home’s energy efficiency. Continue reading “Smart Investments That Promise Long-Term Home Energy Savings” →