September 19, 2023

Do You Need a New Heating System?

8 Signs You Need a New Heating System

As the cool weather approaches here in Westchester, you’re probably thinking about turning on the heat. Are you concerned about your older furnace or boiler? If it was underperforming last year, now is a great time to think about a new heating system. If you get a furnace or boiler replacement before winter arrives, you can save yourself a lot of worry, hassle, and even money.

But do you really need a new heating system right now? Here are 8 signs to look for. If you have noticed more than one of these (and sometimes even one is enough), it’s time to consider a new furnace or new boiler.

Do you need a new heating system? 8 signs to look for:

1. Age of the equipment

If your residential furnace or boiler is 15-20 years old, it’s close to the end of its life. It’s smart to replace it before it breaks down completely, and you find yourself without heat.

2. Recurring repair issues

Think about your heating equipment like a car. When it’s new, it just needs regular maintenance. As it ages, things will start to break and you’ll have to pay for increasingly expensive repairs. At a certain point, it’s just not worth sinking more money into it. Then it’s time for a new one. If you have had recurring problems with your furnace or boiler, or a steady stream of different problems, it’s time to consider a new heating system.

3. Signs of a carbon monoxide leak

If members of your household are experiencing symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and nausea, there’s a possibility your furnace has a slow leak of carbon monoxide. It can happen if you have a crack in your furnace’s heat exchanger or in flue pipes.

With a very small leak, you might not experience symptoms right away. But there might be signs in the room where your furnace is located, such as soot stains around the furnace or a yellow pilot light (more on that one in a minute).

THIS IS DANGEROUS! If you suspect a carbon monoxide leak, get everyone out of the house and call emergency services immediately.

If this happens to you, you won’t want to take a chance on repairing your old furnace. Replace it and keep your family safe.

4. Unusual noises from the heating system

Your furnace or boiler can make all kinds of worrisome (and annoying) noises as it gets older. Some of them may be caused by issues that are repairable. But if you keep fixing things and new noises keep developing, it’s a sign that the parts are getting worn. You can expect more problems to come, and probably a complete breakdown in the not-too-distant future.

Stop the noises, and stop worrying about a breakdown, by getting a new boiler or new furnace this heating season.

5. Pilot issues

Your older furnace or boiler probably has a pilot light (new equipment might not). The pilot should burn a bright blue. If it’s yellow or orange, the gas-to-air mixture is not right. That not only reduces the efficiency of your system but also can produce carbon monoxide.

If the pilot light keeps going out, chances are you have a faulty thermocouple. That’s very dangerous because this part acts as a safety check to keep gas from building up in your home if the pilot light goes out.

Pilot issues are dangerous and should not be ignored.

Combined with other issues listed here, pilot issues are a sign that your system has deteriorated to the point where it’s not worth fixing.

6. Short cycling or constantly running

Older boilers and furnaces tend to run inefficiently. It may run constantly in the effort to heat your home to set temperature, or constantly turn on and off (called short cycling).

Either way, it’s a sign that the parts are aging and nearing the end of their useful life.

7. High utility bills

When your heating system is running constantly or short cycling, that uses more power and more fuel. The older your furnace or boiler gets, you are likely to see your utility bills steadily climbing.

Getting a furnace or boiler replacement can bring a significant drop in your energy expenses since a new heating system will be much more energy efficient.

8. Temperature variance

Have you noticed temperature inconsistencies in your home: some areas are too warm while others are too cold? That can happen because of your older, inefficient heating system and also due to problems with your ductwork.

When you invest in a new heating system, you also have the chance to replace damaged ductwork and fix duct design issues. The result is consistent comfort you can count on.

Furnace or boiler replacement is quicker & easier than you think

If you think you need a new heating system, fall is a great time to do it. Demand is lower, so you can get it done faster. It’ll be done before winter kicks in, so you don’t have to worry about being without heat. And you can save money with manufacturer incentives and rebates this time of year.

Bruni & Campisi makes heating installation easy with 24/7 service in Westchester, Putnam, and Fairfield counties. Our technicians are licensed, friendly, professional and willing to explain the entire heating installation process to give you confidence that you’re getting the best system for your home.

Your new equipment will be covered by a warranty, including a 1 year warranty on labor. We also include a complimentary Gold Maintenance Membership to keep your new equipment in peak condition. Learn more about Heating System Installation.

Schedule a consultation today!

Bruni & Campisi provides 24/7 emergency service, installation, and maintenance for plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and generators in Westchester, Fairfield, and Putnam Counties. We also offer energy audits, sewer cleaning, and chimney cleaning. With our 40+ years of experience and training, you get the quality service you need.

September 11, 2023

Energy Audit Uncategorized

How to Save Energy & Lower Utility Bills at Home

Looking for ways to save energy?

Are your utility bills going up month by month? Yes, rates are increasing. But the part you can control is your energy usage. Your older home is becoming less energy efficient over time. That’s harming the planet, costing you money, and making your home uncomfortable. You are probably noticing drafts, hot and cold spots, and excess humidity.

Your home can waste energy in many ways. So where do you start to make improvements that save energy, lower your bills, and improve comfort?

Start with a home energy audit. Here’s what homeowners in Westchester need to know.

A home energy audit identifies the best ways to lower utility bills

A home energy audit (also called a home energy assessment) is the simplest way to learn how to save energy at home and lower utility bills.

An energy auditor inspects your home and analyzes your home’s energy efficiency. You get a report that recommends changes you can make to save energy, based on your home’s age, design, condition, and usage.

For example, you could learn that installing more energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment could cut your energy usage in half. You also might get recommendations for sealing specific areas of your home and adding insulation to reduce heat and cooling loss.

You may be able to make some improvements yourself. Others will require the help of a professional. You can choose which improvements to make based on your budget and your needs.

If you have an older home, and especially if you’re planning to replace your HVAC system, you can get valuable tips that help you make smart decisions and save a bundle.

Homeowners who make the recommended improvements can expect to save an average of 25% per year on energy costs.

More benefits of an energy audit:

If saving energy and money, improving comfort, and reducing your carbon footprint isn’t enough, there are even more reasons to get a home energy audit:

Get tax credits and rebates for the improvements you make. When you make home improvements recommended by your energy auditor, you can take advantage of tax credits, manufacturer rebates, and utility rebates that save you thousands.
Identify hazards. An audit can also reveal health and safety issues your home may have, such as poor indoor air quality or mold growth. You might not even realize that you and your family are at risk.
Increase your home’s value. If you are planning to sell your home in the not-to-distant-future, getting an energy assessment and making home energy efficiency improvements can boost its value and make it more attractive to buyers.
It costs you nothing. Bruni & Campisi provides energy audits to homeowners in Westchester and Putnam counties at no cost to you through the NYSERDA program.

What does an energy auditor do?

An expert energy auditor follows a specific process to assess your home energy efficiency, including the following steps:

Examine your home’s exterior, including the size, number, and condition of walls and windows.
Inspect the age, condition and operation of your HVAC and water heater equipment
Perform a blower door test to measure the air-tightness of your home
Perform a thermographic scan to measure heat and cooling loss, using infrared cameras to measure your home’s surface temperature
Talk with you about your home occupancy and usage patterns
Examine your recent energy expenses

How to prepare for your home energy assessment:

Get ready for your energy audit by gathering the following information for your auditor:

Copies of your energy bills over the past year, or a summary of your expenses
List any problems you have noticed, such as temperature inconsistencies, drafty rooms, or condensation forming on windows
Records of recent HVAC maintenance or repairs
Records of recent renovations (such as replacing roofing, siding or windows)

Bruni & Campisi can help you save energy & improve your comfort

An energy audit tells you how to save energy at home and lower utility bills. Here’s why Bruni & Campisi is the company you can rely on to give you smart, helpful advice:

Highly trained and knowledgeable experts. Our licensed and insured technicians and service providers can advise you on many areas for home energy efficiency improvements.

We help you save money. We can provide you with ROI calculations for the improvements we recommend, and even help you obtain rebates.

We stand behind our work. We schedule appointments at your convenience, and we guarantee you’ll be happy with our services.

[Learn more about NYSERDA Home Energy Audits]

August 25, 2023

Water Heater

Save on a Heat Pump Hot Water Heater: Rebates & Tax Credits

Now is the time to buy a new heat pump hot water heater in Westchester

Concerned that your water heater may be on its last legs? Don’t wait to find yourself with no hot water, or worse, a leak that floods your basement. Replacing it proactively prevents an emergency and also saves you money. When you invest in a new heat pump hot water heater, the latest energy-efficient technology, right now you can take advantage of incentives like rebates and tax credits.

If your home is in Westchester, ConEd is offering a rebate of $1000 on a new heat pump water heater. That’s on top of saving up to $350 annually on your utility bills with a more efficient appliance.

Plus, you can take advantage of a federal program to claim 30% of the project cost (up to $2,000) as a federal tax credit when you install an ENERGY STAR approved heat pump hot water heater in your principal residence.

Is it time to replace your water heater? Here’s how to tell.

When to replace your water heater

Is your water heater about to fail? If you have noticed one or more of these signs, it’s time to consider a replacement:

The obvious: you have no hot water!
Water is leaking from the tank
Hot water runs out quickly
Water with a metallic smell or taste
Discolored water
Strange noises coming from the water heater
Water heater is more than ten years old

Here’s why a new heat pump hot water heater is the smart choice.

Why a heat pump water heater beats traditional gas or electric

A heat pump hot water heater (also known as hybrid water heater or hybrid electric heat pump) basically works like a refrigerator in reverse. It pulls heat from the air and uses it to heat the water in your water heater. This process is 2 to 3 times more efficient than generating heat with electricity or gas.

That is why a heat pump water heater costs so much less to operate. According to ConEd, a family of 4 can expect to save about $350 a year on energy bills, and thousands over the life span of the appliance.

Plus, you can feel good about doing your part to help protect the planet by using less energy.

Heat pump water heater brands we recommend

As experienced installers of heat pump hot water heaters, these brands are our top picks:

AO. Smith is known as one of the world’s leading providers of water heating and water treatment solutions. Check out their ProLine® XE Voltex® Hybrid Electric Heat Pump Water Heaters here.
Bradford White produces Built to be the Best® products using high-quality materials, outstanding workmanship, and state-of-the-art manufacturing technology. Check out their AeroTherm® Series Water Heaters here.

Both brands offer conventional water heaters with storage tanks as well as demand-type or tankless heat pump water heaters.

Tankless models offer the greatest energy savings if your family uses less than 42 gallons of hot water daily. If you often need larger quantities of hot water simultaneously (for showers, laundry, and running the dishwasher, for example), you might be better off with a conventional model.

A few requirements

Will a heat pump hot water heater work in your home? Here are some requirements:

Space. You need at least 1,000 cubic feet of air space around the water heater

Temperature. The area where the water heater is installed must stay between 40º–90ºF year round. A warmer space helps the system operate more efficiently.

Drainage. A nearby drain is required for periodic maintenance (flushing sediment from the system).

Electricity. A heat pump water heater does require electricity to operate, so your electrical panel must be able to accommodate the unit’s requirements.

Because every installation is different, it’s important to have your site inspected by a comfort advisor. Bruni & Campisi experts can answer any questions and create the ideal installation plan for your needs.

Get started now

Ready to install a new, energy-efficient water heater in your home? Learn more about your options here.

If you’re a homeowner in Westchester, Fairfield, or Putnam County, schedule an appointment with Bruni and Campisi today!

April 18, 2023

Air Conditioning Service

Switching to Central Air: FAQs

Whether you already have a central air system or want to invest in one, knowing enough about it is crucial. Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions about these units to help you make informed decisions.

Is Switching to Central Air Conditioning Viable If You Don’t Have Ductwork?

You can switch to central AC with or without ductwork. You have two options for your home — adding ductwork or choosing an alternative, like a ductless mini split air system. Either way, you can set up central AC by adding the right components to your house.

With that said, ductless central air is not usually as efficient as a traditional split unit. You can ask an HVAC technician to discuss the best option for your home and budget.

Does Switching to Central AC Increase My Home’s Value?

Switching to a central AC system can increase your home’s value and appeal to buyers. The amount your house’s value can increase will vary, but many people see a few thousand dollars more when selling. We recommend only installing this AC type if you don’t plan to sell your home immediately to maximize your investment.

What Is the Life Expectancy of a Central Air Conditioner?

A central air conditioner can last between 10 and 20 years if you maintain it properly and replace parts as necessary.

How Do You Maintain Your Central Air After Installation?

You should schedule maintenance on your central AC system at least once a year, preferably in the spring. Check and clean parts of your AC between professional visits to keep it in good shape and replace the filters every 90 days.

How Do You Know When It’s Time to Replace Your Central AC?

Here are some of the most common signs that indicate it’s time to replace your AC system:

The unit no longer meets your needs.
Your system is over 10 to 20 years old.
You refill the refrigerant more often than before.
Your energy costs to run it are much higher.
Repair costs are higher than the price of a new unit.

Start Upgrading Your Central Air Unit With Bruni & Campisi

Whether you want to install a central air conditioner for the first time or need to replace your existing one, Bruni & Campisi is here to help. We offer flat-fee pricing with no hidden costs, a one-year labor warranty and 24/7 emergency support. You can trust our licensed and insured technicians to help you when needed.

March 9, 2023

Air Conditioning

Central Air vs. Ductless A/C: Which Is Best for You?

When choosing a new heating and cooling system or replacing an old one, it’s essential to know which option best suits your home. Central air and ductless systems both offer a unique set of benefits to a home, and learning about each one can help you make an informed decision.

What Is Central Air?

Central air is an HVAC system that can circulate cool and warm air (depending on the type of system) in your home through supply and returns ducts. The system uses a thermostat to control the temperature and ductwork to circulate air.

What Is Ductless Air?

A ductless air conditioner and heating system, or ductless mini-splits, cools and warms a single room or several rooms in your home without using traditional ductwork.

The Difference Between Central and Ductless Air

A central air system and ductless mini-splits both distribute warm and cool air inside the home. The main difference is that ductless mini-splits do not require any ducts. They can also be separately adjusted in each room using remotes, while central air is adjusted using a single thermostat.

Pros of Central Air

Are you looking to install central air to heat and cool your home? Here are the pros and cons of this traditional HVAC system.

The pros of central air include:

Lower upfront cost: Most homes already have existing ductwork, making installing central air less expensive.
Air filtration: Ducted systems are excellent at filtering allergens and dust. They also integrate easily with most air quality products.
Consistency: Central air systems provide consistent heating and cooling for the entire home.

Pros and Cons of Ductless Air

If you want a more energy-efficient option, mini-splits may be the perfect solution. Consider the pros and cons of ductless air to ensure this system is right for your home.

Ductless air comes with several benefits, including:

Efficiency: Ductless systems are energy-efficient, and some systems can qualify for additional rebates & incentives from your utility company.
Temperature control: Do you have a room that tends to get colder or warmer than another? You can easily manage the temperature of each room or space in your home.
No ductwork: Installing ductwork is not required, which is perfect for new home additions and rooms like garages or attics.

Install the Right Heating and Cooling System for Your Home

At Bruni & Campisi, we install both central air and ductless mini-splits. Our installation process always starts with free consultation with our Comfort Advisor who will walk you through your options for a new or replacement system. Together you will take into consideration your budget, lifestyle, home size & layout. They will help find the perfect solution for your home!

All Bruni & Campisi Heating or Cooling (HVAC) installs come with a one-year labor warranty and a complimentary Gold Maintenance Membership for peace of mind. Our licensed and insured technicians are here to help you stay cool in the summer and warm on those long winter nights.

Ready to install a new HVAC system? Schedule an appointment with us today.

February 16, 2023

Air Conditioning

Types of Home Air Conditioning

Choosing the Right Air Conditioner For You

When summer comes along, temperatures can quickly rise and make the interior of your home humid and uncomfortable. While catching shade under a tree or hopping into a swimming pool can help you cool off outside, it’s helpful to have an air conditioning system indoors to keep the heat at bay.

There are several types of home air conditioning units on the market, such as central air conditioners and ductless air conditioning systems. These air conditioner systems have distinct advantages and drawbacks to consider to help you decide whether to install them in your home. In this air conditioner guide, you’ll learn about the different types you can choose from and how to make the best decision for your home.

Ductless Air Conditioners (Split)

Split or ductless systems are broken into two parts. The indoor unit handles air distribution and cooling, while the exterior holds the condenser, condenser fan and compressor. Ductless air conditioners are typically mounted high on an interior wall and are usually found in homes without a comprehensive HVAC unit. You can also find split systems in hotels or multi-unit buildings.

These AC systems are more affordable for some than installing a complete HVAC system, allowing homeowners to find relief from the heat while on a budget. Many ductless systems also come with heat pumps, allowing them to offer heating to homeowners on top of their cooling, making them a budget-friendly alternative.

Air Source Heat Pumps

Air source heat pumps are similar to ductless or split air conditioners, but they can provide air conditioning and heat, making them ideal options if you’re looking for a two-in-one system. If these systems are correctly installed, they can provide up to three times more heating and cooling energy. Air source heat pump technology has evolved over the years, so the newer models can work in various locations across the United States for effective heating and cooling.

These heat pumps work by utilizing aluminum or copper coils and a compressor. If you’re trying to heat your home, the liquid refrigerant in the exterior coil removes heat from the air while the interior coil releases it into the home. These systems come equipped with a reversing valve, which allows you to change the direction of the refrigerant so it works to cool your home instead.

Air source heat pumps are ideal when you need to heat or cool a smaller home or use them as an add-on while reworking your system. These heating and cooling systems are more affordable for homeowners looking for cooling solutions that fit within their budget.

Central Air Conditioning

Homeowners with a large property who want to cool multiple spaces at once should consider a central air conditioner. Central air conditioners utilize a split system that regulates the air within the ducts in your home, known as a ducted system. The split system is a combination of two components — an outdoor and an indoor system. The outdoor system contains the compressor and condenser, while the indoor portion contains the air handler and the evaporator coils.

Like usual air conditioners, central air conditioning uses refrigerant to help cool the air indoors while removing heat. The warm air is moved outside, and cool air is carried throughout the ducts, helping to cool each room. You can combine programmable thermostats with modern central air conditioning units.

Some of the benefits of central air conditioning are its ability to reduce indoor temperatures quickly and overall humidity, contributing to a more comfortable home.

Geothermal Air Conditioning

This type of air conditioner is one of the newer methods available on the market. Geothermal air conditioners use the natural insulating properties of the Earth. Temperatures at a specific depth underground remain the same regardless of the temperature above ground. These new systems use the home’s existing duct system to force cool air throughout the vents, helping to reduce your home’s overall temperature. Geothermal air conditioners can also deliver heat in colder months and generally has lower energy costs than a central air conditioning system or a furnace.

These systems work by circulating water in the ground, which carries heat from inside the home and allows it to sink into the soil. This process works the opposite in the winter, with the water pushing the heat from the ground into the home. Due to the technological requirements, geothermal air conditioning systems have a high initial and purchase cost and aren’t ideal for homes with little yard space. However, they’re a good option for larger homes that want to extend the life span of their cooling system.

Bruni & Campisi’s Signature Series Units

Another option is Bruni & Campisi’s Signature Series, an energy-efficient air conditioner offering high-quality performance. These units can help you save on your monthly utility bill, reducing how much energy is needed to cool your home. These units are quieter than other air conditioning options, meaning they perform without disrupting your comfort.

You can also pair these units with a smart thermostat, allowing you to control your home’s temperature from the convenience of your phone or tablet. The smart thermostats are Alexa, Google and Apple compatible, giving you complete control from anywhere in your home. We also offer preventive maintenance plans and 24/7 emergency repairs with our Signature Series units, ensuring your air conditioning unit stays operational and lasts as long as possible.

How to Choose an AC System

Many factors come into play when choosing an HVAC system, including:

Size: One of the first things you need to consider is the system size you need to meet your cooling needs. A ductless mini-split would be ideal if one area of your home gets warmer than the other or if you want the ability to keep each room at a different temperature. However, if you want to cool your entire home, consider central air conditioners.
Budget: Another factor you’ll want to consider is your budget. Different air conditioning units are more expensive than others, such as geothermal units or central air conditioners. If you’re looking for something on the lower end, a ductless air conditioner is one of the most affordable options. Consider your overall budget and cooling needs to help you determine what system would work best for your home.
Features: Many AC systems come with different features. Some come with smart thermostats, auto delay switches or fan-only options. You’ll want to consider what features you want to help you make a final decision on the unit you need. Remember that some units may be more limited depending on your chosen model.
Energy efficiency: Some units are more energy-efficient than others and can help you save on monthly utilities. Look for a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) higher than your current unit for something more energy-efficient.
Installation and maintenance: You’ll also want to consider the installation and maintenance requirements before you choose an AC unit. Some units require more extensive installation and maintenance, which can be a hassle for some homeowners. Consider how often you can perform maintenance on your HVAC system before you choose one to help you make the best choice. You can also contact a professional for your AC maintenance needs.

Choose Bruni & Campisi for Your Air Conditioning Needs

If you want to install a new air conditioner in your home or need maintenance and repairs, Bruni & Campisi is here to help. We offer air conditioning installation and repair services to help you stay cool during summer. We can help you feel more comfortable in your home, giving you various air conditioning options to help you find the best system for your cooling needs.

We pride ourselves on our quick, efficient services. We also offer a one-year labor warranty on all of our work, so you know you’re taken care of. If you are ready to install a new air conditioner in your home, call us at 914-229-2809 in New York or 203-263-9662 in Connecticut or schedule and appointment today!