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]

29Mar

March 29, 2018

Air Conditioning Air Conditioning Service Uncategorized

Benefits of Ductless AC Systems

When it comes to HVAC, most property owners know that their homes or business need a) a furnace and b) an air conditioner. Of course to find the right unit for your needs you need to evaluate the size, brand, and budget to name a few. What many home and business owners might not be aware of is that the standard furnace or the traditional AC system are not your only options. Aside from equipment such as a boiler or a geothermal heat pump one of the most popular forms of alternative cooling is the ductless AC system.

A ductless AC very much resembles the central air conditioner that most people might be familiar with. On the exterior of your property is the compressor and condenser which processes the warm air that is removed from a room. Also, on the interior is an air handling unit (evaporator and fan) where the cool air is created and delivered. What’s really different is the path that the air takes to get from one place to another. Conventional AC units have a duct system that has many flaws. In the ductless version, a conduit houses the power cable, condenser drain, refrigerant, and suction tubing and travels to each room in a much less invasive manner.

Benefit #1 – No Ducts!

If you’ve got a whole house or commercial property that needs to be cooled, ducts do their job to get that air delivered to where it needs to go. That being said there are numerous opportunities for ducts to lose heat as connections and seams become loose or crack and holes develop in the sheet metal. The ductwork is also very loud as air is forced through it. Finally, ducts can harbor dirt and debris that gets kicked up and distributed throughout the home every time the AC turns on.

With a ductless system, the processed air comes directly from the indoor air handler unit. Everything that is needed to communicate between the outdoor compressor and the indoor evaporator is transported via the conduit that is just 3” in diameter. This creates a quieter, more efficient, AC system that distributes less dirt. Plus you don’t want all the bulky duct work taking up space.

Benefit #2 – Convenience

If you were to run a traditional AC into any additional rooms in the house, it would involve tapping into the existing ductwork and creating another path. This simply isn’t feasible because your air conditioner is sized for the specific square footage of your home. Adding more space to cool will have a central air conditioner cycling nearly non-stop thus driving up utility bills and lowering lifespan.

This is the main reason why ductless ACs are so popular. If customers want to add on to their home or finish a garage or basement they can do so without disrupting the existing HVAC system. You can also use a ductless AC as a secondary cooling device to ease the pressure of your current air conditioner during peak times. Running the conduit of a ductless system to a living room or kitchen where most of the family time is spent allows you to turn down your ‘main’ air conditioner’s thermostat.

Benefit #3 – Energy Efficiency and Multi-Zone Cooling

Ductless systems are energy efficient almost because of all their benefits. Not having ducts, for example, prevents energy loss through leaks. The reason you can run a ductless AC in your living room and turn down the thermostat on your ‘whole house’ unit is because of multi-zone cooling. Basically what this means is that up to four different air handlers can run off each outdoor condenser. Each of these air handlers is in a separate room and they all have individual separate temperature controls. Therefore if you’re not in a room, you can turn off the air handler to that area. With most conventional central air systems, one thermostat controls the temperature for the entire home whether rooms are occupied or not.

This is just scratching the surface of a ductless AC systems benefits and potential. Please contact us if you’d like to learn more information about these wonderful home appliances.

March 27, 2018

Air Conditioning Air Conditioning Service Uncategorized

Maintaining Your AC Unit

The Importance of Maintaining Your AC Unit

Modern AC units are being built to last longer while running more efficient. That being said, manufacturers can only do so much – same for the installers. Home and business owners have a responsibility when they have a new air conditioner installed and that requires scheduled maintenance.

To be honest there’s really no reason not to have your AC maintained on an annual basis. Sure it is an overhead, but at the same time, you recoup that investment in lower utility bills, a more comfortable home, and a longer last HVAC system. Here is what can happen – and why – when you slack on maintaining your AC unit:

#1 You May Lose Your Warranty

Maintaining an air conditioner isn’t just recommended for premium performance, many manufacturers actually require it as part of their warranty agreement. It makes sense, why should manufacturers be liable for problems that occur prior within a warranty period if the unit is allowed to build up dust, operate with chewed belts, function with a condensing drain not being cleaned, etc.? An air conditioner warranty is a two-fold agreement – 1) the manufacturer will supply quality parts and stand by their workmanship if 2) the homeowner agrees to regularly have the unit cleaned, air filters changed, and so on.

#2 You’ll Pay Higher Energy Bills

If you think that lack of AC maintenance driving up utility bills is hyperbole, just look at the process. Air travels through a clean filter much easier than one caked in debris, right? The air conditioner will also continually try to meet the demands of the thermostat regardless of the condition of the filter. If your blower has to work harder to force air through a clogged filter, it’s going to cycle longer which will obviously increase your utility costs. This is true for components besides the filter, too as maintenance includes cleaning ducts and airways as well as inspecting the air flow of blowers and blades.

#3 Your Repair Costs Will Go Up and Your AC Will Die Off Faster

One of the most important aspects of air conditioning maintenance is a thorough inspection and lubrication of all the system’s moving parts. When belts are allowed to operate while worn or debris builds up in the bearings of the fan blade, it means other components must overcompensate and start to wear down faster themselves. In this manner, maintenance is a preventative measure that catches ‘issues’ before they become ‘catastrophes.’ Even more along those lines, blocked up drain plugs and condensation lines can lead to water damage or at the very least mold growth and a musty smelling utility room.

#4 Your House Won’t Be As Comfortable

You WANT your AC to be working on optimum levels not just to avoid financial repercussion, but so that your home is comfortable. Most people are aware that an AC that has failed to be maintained will not cool a property as good as it should. More than that though, the unit’s job is to condition the air in your home or business. A full and complete AC cycle works to remove the moisture and humidity from the air. If your AC isn’t working properly it either short cycles which leaves you with an uncomfortably humid house or it long cycles which drives up utility bills.

When it comes to contracting AC maintenance, failure to do so could cost you dollars at a time or it could cost you hundreds (or thousands) if you need repairs but your warranty is voided. We tell our clients that the other option of a comfortable home, lower utility bills, and much longer lasting system are the more desirable route to take.

Be sure to contact us for AC maintenance!

18Jan

January 18, 2018

Article Uncategorized

What to Do When Your Pipes Freeze in the Winter?

Pipes Frozen – What To Do Now?

Unless you’re a skier or enjoy ice fishing, there really isn’t a lot to look forward to during the cold months. Our first priority is always going to be to make sure ourselves, as well as our friends, family, and pets, are safe as the mercury continues to plunge. The protection of your home from the cold temps is also critical this time of year. Prevention is always the top priority – but here’s what to do when your pipes freeze in the Winter:

Why Do Pipes Freeze and What’s the Damage?

Pipes freeze because it’s cold; a no-brainer, right? Well, why is it that your neighbors are out keeping warm in their hot tub while you can’t even pour a glass of water? The answer is because it’s not the cold temps alone that cause pipes to freeze. Also, the freezing doesn’t cause the most damage – it’s the impending thawing.

Pipes can freeze up because they aren’t properly insulated. For roughly $4 per foot, you can have foam insulation installed to create a barrier between the cold and your pipes, saving you hundreds in potential damage. Failure to ‘winterize’ your home also causes pipes to freeze. Leaving a hose hooked up outside, for example, creates a pressure buildup that will actually cause a burst in the cold weather – not good. Turning your heat off when leaving for a Winter weekend is another surefire way to return home to some sort of plumbing damage.

Damage from frozen pipes can range from plumbing repairs to the complete replacement of drywall, carpet, wood floors, furniture, and more. It’s not unheard of for frozen (then thawing) pipes to cause $5,000 – $10,000 worth of damage to a property. This is why it’s important to know what to do when your pipes freeze in the Winter.

Prevention Didn’t Work – Now What?

So your home or business plumbing has frozen up – it doesn’t have to be a death sentence especially if you act promptly and properly. Sometimes the most that happens when your pipes freeze is just that you’re without water for a stretch.

The first thing you want to do when your pipes freeze is open up the hot and cold faucets. This will relieve pressure in the system and give the thawing water somewhere to go when it does begin to thaw. You always want to start thawing at the faucet and work towards the blockage. Starting to thaw in the middle of the pipes, for example, can create a steam blockage that causes a burst.

There are a number of thawing methods that can be attempted as well. It works to wrap the frozen section of pipes in a warm towel and regularly pour hot water over the top of them. On exposed areas of pipe that are frozen you can also use a hair dryer or space heater thaw the ice.

What to Do When Pipes Freeze In Winter – Call a Plumber

Sometimes the safest option is to simply call a plumber when your pipes freeze in Winter. An experienced plumber can pinpoint the blockage and perform the proper reparation methods depending on where the issue is located (even behind walls). Best of all when a plumber comes on site, it’s like a Winter pipe audit. You’ll know the problem areas (exposed pipe, poor home insulation, gaps around windows/doors, etc.) and the appropriate solution. Peace of mind is priceless, especially in the bitter cold Winter months.

If you need help from us at Bruni and Campisi click here

November 29, 2017

Article Generator Uncategorized

Owning a Back Up Generator

Should I Get A Generator for my Home?

Here in the New York and Connecticut areas, strong summer storms often result in power outages. A potent gust of wind can cause a branch to slam onto a utility line and leave your home without electricity for hours at a time.

If you’re on the fence about whether you should buy a generator for your home, there are some situations that favor owning a residential generator you might want to take into consideration. Let’s examine a few of these situations to determine whether they’re likely to affect you and your family.

Reasons To Own a Backup Generator

The team here at Bruni & Campisi thought up a few pretty sound reasons for purchasing a backup power generator, including:

Generators for Medical Equipment: If you or a member of your family relies on electric-powered medical equipment, a backup power generator is essential to ensure its continued, smooth operation.
Generators for Food Safety: If a really strong storm hits and causes extensive damage to your neighborhood, your utility power might be out for a while. Should this happen, perishable food in your refrigerator will spoil. If a few days of restaurant take-out isn’t financially feasible, you’ll want to think about getting a generator to keep your food fresh and edible as your utility company restores power.
Generators for Data Safety: If your home’s IT system relies on a constant power source to maintain the integrity of your data, you’ll want to consider investing in a power generator equipped with an automatic transfer switch that can instantly transfer power once utilities fail.
Generators for Sump Pumps: A strong summer storm that brings with it massive amounts of rain can spell trouble for your home’s basement. If your home is outfitted with a sump pump, you’ll want to invest in a generator to ensure water is being kept out of places it shouldn’t be.
Generators for Peace of Mind: You should feel comfortable in your own home. If a storm knocks out your utility power, you may have to endure unpleasant weather conditions, a disengaged security system and the challenge of navigating your rooms without the aid of light. A backup power generator can provide you and your family with a sense of normalcy as utilities are restored to your home.

Bruni & Campisi: Your New York Metropolitan Area Generator Experts

If you live in Westchester County, NY, Greenwich, CT, Stamford, CT or the surrounding areas and are interested in outfitting your home with a generator or are in need of generator repair, contact us here at Bruni & Campisi today.

We are a Better Business Bureau-accredited company that has been trusted by communities throughout the New York metropolitan area to provide outstanding craftsmanship and caring customer service for nearly 40 years. Having a generator you can rely on during storms is a smart way to protect your family and investments and maintain electric power when utilities are not available. We are happy to help provide generator services to ensure your home is ready to handle power outages.