Top Reasons You Should Service Your AC

Winter may have wrapped up, but it can still be quite cool at this time of year. It makes sense that you may not be thinking about preparing to power on your AC just yet. Summer temperatures will be here before we know it, though, and you’ll want to begin prepping your air conditioning system so it’s ready to go when you need it most. Read on to learn some of our top tips for caring for your AC as summer approaches.

Benefits of air conditioner maintenance

• Make the most of your AC’s lifespan: Thorough AC maintenance is the best way to ensure a minor problem that could have easily been fixed by a professional doesn’t spell the end for your air conditioner this summer.
• Increase your energy-efficiency to save on utility bills: Just like your car, your home cooling system needs regular maintenance to perform at its best. A tune-up ensures that your system will run at peak efficiency so that you’ll lower your electric bills. In fact, a system that’s running efficiently can save you as much as 30% on your cooling costs.
• Prevent breakdowns: A new, high-efficiency air conditioning system could cut your annual cooling costs in half—and eliminate the expense and frustration of breakdowns—while keeping your home more comfortable, no matter how high the mercury soars.

Rucci makes AC maintenance and upgrades a breeze

Whether you’re looking for a routine AC tune-up, or are ready for an equipment upgrade to help you save big, you can trust Rucci this spring to help you:

• Explore alternatives to duct installation: Installing ducts in some homes—especially older ones—isn’t always practical or cost-effective. But that doesn’t mean that your family can’t be cool and comfortable all summer long. Today’s simple ductless air conditioning options make it possible to install a quiet, efficient air conditioning system in your home even if it doesn’t have ductwork.
• Save big with top brands: We install a full range of air conditioning systems for residential and commercial customers. While we always recommend air conditioning systems made by top manufacturers, we are experts at installing and repairing all types of models. Among the brands we install are the Amana central air conditioning system and Fujitsu mini-split ductless air conditioners.
• Financing to fit your budget: Ask us for a free estimate. You may even qualify for generous financing. Improve your home with trustworthy fixed-rate monthly payment financing . Rucci is an approved contractor of the National Energy Improvement Fund and we offer our customers fair and affordable monthly payment options.

Rucci has your comfort covered, so schedule your maintenance now

It’s never too early to get on your favorite technician’s schedule for this spring! You’ll thank “springtime you,” so reach out to us to make your appointment today! Rucci has long been recognized as one of the top air conditioning contractors in Staten Island, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Bayonne and Jersey City.

If you’re looking for a reliable HVAC company, please contact us to become a customer, and we’ll show you our smart solutions for staying comfortable—and for saving money on energy all year round.

Protect your pipes from the cold

The coldest month of the year is now in full swing, and those frigid temperatures sometimes bring unwanted surprises in the form of frozen pipes! How can you avoid such a mess? By making sure your plumbing is in good working order. Fortunately, Rucci plumbing experts can help protect your pipes and keep your home safe and comfortable while getting the necessary work completed quickly and correctly. Read on to learn more about how we can help you preserve and protect your pipes, along with all your plumbing.

Avoid frozen pipes this winter – and next!

Don’t close out the season with a frozen or burst pipe disaster. Make sure your pipes are secure with the following tips:

• Prepare for heating season even if it’s almost over. If you haven’t yet, be sure to turn off the water supply to the outside valves, disconnect them and drain any water from your pipes to avoid freezing. Consider upgrading to frost-free spigots.
• Mind the valves. Traditional shut-off valves contain washers that tend to wear out easily, making it hard to completely stop the flow of water. This can be addressed by replacing older valves with new ball valves.
• Keep up with maintenance and repairs. Address smaller issues like leaks, clogs or slow drains, before the freezing temps exacerbate existing problems.
• Upgrade pipe insulation. Proper insulation keeps pipes from freezing and bursting, damaging your home. Our professional insulators know how to shore up your pipes and keep them cozy all winter.
• Prevention in a pinch. When a cold snap takes hold, you can protect your pipes temporarily by keeping your cabinet and basement doors open, cranking the temp on the thermostat up a degree or two, and opening all your vent registers to allow your warm air to circulate as much as possible throughout your home.
• Stay prepared for emergencies. Do you know where to find your water main shutoff in case an emergency arises?
• Replace older model appliances. Outdated appliances typically have pipes that are less protected from freezing. Rucci’s expert plumbers can look at the pipes going to and from your dishwasher, icemaker, garbage disposal, faucet, toilet, sump pump, water heater, washer and dryer, bathroom fixtures etc., to determine what their freezing potential may be, and whether a repair or upgrade could help.

Turn to Rucci to protect your pipes from freezing

Winter isn’t over yet, and we’re on your side to help make sure your pipes don’t freeze. Finding an affordable plumbing repair and plumbing service in Staten Island, Brooklyn, Manhattan and parts of New Jersey can be a challenge, but you don’t have to settle for subpar “budget” plumbing work. The affordable plumbing professionals at Rucci prioritize quality work without ever cutting corners with harsh drain cleaners that can damage your pipes and make them more likely to freeze.

No matter what plumbing issue you are facing, you’ll want a certified master plumber in your corner. At Rucci, we have decades of experience fixing common plumbing issues, as well as tackling the most complex jobs. Whether you’re remodeling your New York or New Jersey home or need a simple repair or drain cleaning—or anything in between—Rucci is here for you. Contact us to become a customer or get a free estimate on your next plumbing project.

Easily improve your indoor air quality

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) can impact your family’s health and comfort? According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the damaging health effects from indoor air pollutants may be evident soon after exposure, or even years later. The good news is that there’s something you can do about it: controlling common pollutants indoors can reduce your risk of indoor air–related health concerns.

That’s why we provide our customers with top brand indoor air quality equipment, including HEPA filter air purifiers and more. Read on to learn more about how airborne contaminants can cause trouble for you in your Staten Island home and how Rucci can help you combat the harmful effects.

Indoor air quality (IAQ) equipment protects your family

Indoor air pollutants are problematic all year, but during winter, when people spend more time indoors, germs and contaminants can be especially virulent. That’s because today’s tightly sealed homes make it virtually impossible for air to circulate in and out of the home, which means that mold spores, dust, germs, and other airborne allergens and contaminants become trapped inside.

This creates an unhealthy environment—especially for people with respiratory ailments such as asthma. Fortunately, Rucci offers smart solutions for improving your indoor air and taking control of your family’s health with state-of-the-art indoor air quality (IAQ) equipment expertly installed by Rucci Oil.

A wide range of indoor air quality options

Rucci Oil proudly serves our customers all over Staten Island, Brooklyn, Manhattan, the Bronx, and parts of New Jersey with the highest quality air cleaners and purifiers, including:

Whole-house air filtration systems

High-efficiency particulate arresting (HEPA) filters are super-efficient filters that remove up to 99.97% of the particles passing through them. A whole-house HEPA filter will rid your home’s air of particulate contaminants like mold, pet dander, pollen, viruses, and more that measure 0.3 microns or larger and can cause allergies, asthma, and even more serious infections.

Your HEPA filtration system can do more than protect your family’s health. It can also protect the health of your HVAC equipment by reducing static and dust and increasing the equipment’s efficiency, preventing premature breakdowns.

Ultra-violet (UV) air purifier

Even if you install one of the most advanced air cleaners on the market, disease-causing organisms such as germs and bacteria may still compromise the quality of your home’s air. An ultraviolet (UV) light air-treatment system is an effective solution because it continually treats the air passing through your system and “washes” the airflow with ultraviolet (UV) light. UV light is deadly to mold, bacteria, and other organisms that can build up on cooling coils. UV germicidal lights can help if you or your family or household members suffer from:

• respiratory allergies and asthma
• frequent colds and flu
• headaches
• symptoms including runny nose; itchy, watery eyes; sore throat; and fatigue.

Whole-house humidifiers

Not only is dry air uncomfortable, but it is also unhealthy. A whole-house humidifier automatically and precisely delivers the ideal amount of moisture into your heated indoor air. This reduces or eliminates problems caused by too-dry air, including dry skin and eyes, lots of static electricity, exacerbated allergy symptoms, and the circulation of germs and contaminants in your home. The ideal amount of humidity in a home also lowers utility costs by lessening the strain on your heating and cooling equipment.

Trust Rucci to keep you breathing easy, all year long

Choosing air quality equipment can be overwhelming, but we are here for you every step of the way, whether you choose a HEPA filter air purifier or another indoor air quality device. Our service technicians are trained, experienced professionals with a commitment to high-quality work and excellent customer service.

Contact us today to learn more about your options in indoor air quality products. We will gladly provide you with guidance about what product is best for you and your home. Helping your family breathe easy in your home is a top priority for all of us at Rucci Oil.

Saving on plumbing costs without cutting corners

Finding an affordable plumbing repair and plumbing service in Staten Island, Brooklyn, Manhattan and parts of New Jersey can be a challenge. After all, plumbing can be complex and requires very specialized training. You don’t want just anybody going to town on your pipes!

Some plumbing jobs can be DIY, but there isn’t always time to tackle that plumbing project on your own, and emergency plumbing repairs may be beyond your experience.

The best of both worlds: affordable & experienced plumbers

Fortunately, Rucci’s plumbing professionals can handle all sorts of projects and problems around your home. They have the skills, the training and the experience to get your plumbing service done right. By hiring experienced professionals who love their jobs, we can avoid the costs of training newbies or inexperienced contractors – and pass the savings on to you. Plus, we’re always upfront about our pricing and what’s included in a project.

Factors that influence plumbing costs

It’s difficult to cite plumbing costs without discussing the factors that go into making up your plumbing repair or installation bill. That’s because plumbing projects can range from pretty straightforward, like a drain clog or faucet issue, to more complex, like a major leak, very low water pressure, or the need to replace a long section of pipe. When assessing costs, you’ll need to consider:

• Complexity. How difficult will the job be, and will it require a lot of specialized experience and training?
• Urgency. Emergencies can cause damage quickly, and on-call services can be pricier.
• Accessibility. Are the pipes easy-to-reach?
• Compatibility. Are the pipes and fixtures up-to-date with modern plumbing?
• Compliance. What permits may be required for the plumbing work you need?

Depending on the above factors, a plumbing project in New York or New Jersey can run, on average, anywhere from $150 to $1200 to start.

A variety of services to meet your plumbing needs

Rucci offers emergency and same-day service. Here are some of the jobs we can do for you at your home or business:

• Full-service plumbing repairs and alterations
• Sewer and drain cleaning
• High-efficiency hydronic heating system installations
• Water heater installations
• Sump pump repairs and installations
• Back-up emergency generator repairs and installations
• Video camera inspections of your plumbing system. We’re also a National Grid Value Plus Installer.
• For our commercial clients, we can handle mandated New York City boiler inspections.

Here’s how NOT to cut costs

The plumbing professionals at Rucci believe in quality work, not in cutting corners like some competitors. Don’t try to save money by going with a plumber who cites low rates but then ends up costing you more by:

• Using dangerous or abrasive drain cleaners containing harmful chemicals, which can severely damage your pipes and plumbing systems over time, resulting in more plumbing repairs needed – and more costs to you.
• Doing quick but sloppy work, leading to the need for additional work and repeat repair visits. We respect that your time and property are valuable, and that’s why we will do our work efficiently, to prevent inconveniences to you and to head off repeat visits.
• Hiding fees and added costs. You need your plumbing service to be upfront and transparent about project pricing.
• Working carelessly, just to get the job over and done with. We will treat your property as if it were our own!

Rucci is the affordable plumbing and repair service you can trust

No matter what plumbing issue you are facing, you’ll want a certified master plumber on your side. At Rucci, we have decades of experience fixing common plumbing issues, as well as tackling the most complex jobs. Contact us to become a customer or get a free estimate on your next plumbing project.

Is industrial heating oil right for your business?

The term industrial heating oil is often used interchangeably with commercial heating oil, but either way, the focus is on what heating oil can do to help your business succeed. Whether you’re a small business or a large facility, if you’re in Staten Island, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Bronx, or the Jersey City area, Bayonne, or Newark, Rucci Oil can meet your fuel delivery requirements. Read on to learn more about what industrial heating oil can do for your business, and how Rucci can make it possible.

Industrial heating oil FAQs

• What is industrial heating oil made from? Modern commercial heating oil is more efficient and clean-burning than old-fashioned heating oil, because it is a combination of ultra-low-sulfur heating fuel and biodiesel, known as Bioheat® fuel. This is the industry’s official name for a fuel that consists of a blend of ultra-low-sulfur heating oil and renewable biodiesel that’s made from organic and recycled products, including soybean oil, inedible corn oil, canola, tallow, fats and algae.
• How can industrial heating oil help my business thrive? Industrial heating oil is efficient, and that means helping your business save on heating costs. Modern heating oil offers efficiency ratings as high as 95%!
• What is heating oil’s competitive edge? Heating oil’s efficiency rating holds its own against competitor fuels. Plus, with industrial heating oil, there’s never a need to cut back on warmth or comfort to protect your business’s bottom line.
• How has industrial heating oil evolved in recent years? At one time, industrial heating oil had a bad rap for being “dirty,” but that’s no longer the case. Modern commercial heating oil is an American-made fuel. And it’s considered a renewable energy resource because the natural oils and fats that make up its blended components are in abundant supply. It can even incorporate recycled cooking oils from restaurants. This makes it increasingly eco-friendly and greener than ever.

What sets Rucci apart as an industrial heating oil provider?

• Accessibility: We are located just a few minutes away from the fuel terminal, which gives us easy access to a virtually unlimited supply of commercial heating oil.
• Reliability: Our customers never have to worry about running low on fuel.
• Versatility: Besides No. 2 home heating oil, we deliver No. 4 heating oil, as well as diesel fuel for fleet fueling.
• Leadership: As part of our commitment to fuel efficiency and energy conservation, we were one of the first companies in our area to voluntarily deliver Bioheat® fuel, before it was mandated in New York City.

Commercial boiler and oil tank inspections you can trust

In addition to our reliable commercial fuel delivery services, we also offer boiler and tank inspections, to help our industrial customers stay up-to-date on requirements set forth by their city.

• Commercial boiler inspections: New York City requires that all commercial properties file a boiler inspection each year, and we offer our valued commercial customers this inspection service free of charge! You only pay the city’s fee of $30 per boiler. If any violations are found, we’re qualified to correct them. Plus, we will handle all the necessary paperwork and make sure your equipment is up to code.
• Commercial oil tank inspections: We also inspect tanks over 1,100 gallons, as regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The DEC requires that this inspection be done every five years.

Industrial heating oil service you can depend on

Count on Rucci to deliver the product you need, when and where you need reliable commercial fuel service. We have nearly 100 years of experience in putting our customers first. That’s why our loyal commercial heating oil customers depend on our professional, courteous service and our expertise with all types of oil heating equipment.

Reach out to become a customer today.

10 Facts You About Biofuel that Might Surprise You

If you’ve lived through a few Staten Island winters, you know that heating oil is the smartest way to heat your home. It’s because heating oil has a higher BTU output per gallon. That means it will warm up your home faster than other types of fuels. What you may not know is that when you get a heating oil delivery from Rucci, we’re filling your tank with Bioheat fuel, a biofuel blend that burns as cleanly—or cleaner—than other fuels.

So what is Biofuel?

Bioheat® fuel is a blend of ultra-low sulfur heating oil (ULSHO) and biofuels. Biofuels are made from renewable resources such as animal fats, recycled restaurant oils, and plant oils such as soybean. When ULSHO is mixed with biofuels, it creates a cleaner-burning heating fuel that emits up to 80% less sulfur dioxide as well as 20% less carbon dioxide than traditional heating oils. Fewer greenhouse gases mean cleaner air and a more sustainable future for everyone!

What’s So Great About Bioheat?

1. You don’t have to replace, alter, or add to your home’s heating system to use Bioheat fuel. It works like traditional heating oil to heat your home while reducing your carbon footprint.
2. Because Bioheat fuel burns cleaner, your equipment runs more efficiently. That helps you keep heating costs down.
3. Clean-burning biofuel also leaves fewer deposits in your heating system, which reduces wear on parts and saves you costs on repairs.
4. It’s better for the environment than electric heating. That’s because more than 90% of the coal used in the U.S. today goes toward electricity production.
5. Bioheat is getting even greener: The heating oil industry is working towards making B50 Bioheat fuel, which is made with 50% biofuels, the standard by 2030. It’s part of the efforts the industry is taking to reach its goal of being carbon neutral by 2050.
6. Rucci Oil was one of the first companies in the area to voluntarily deliver Bioheat—even before it was mandated in New York City.
7. When you heat your home with Bioheat fuel, you qualify for New York State’s clean fuel tax credit, a 20¢-per-gallon credit on your state income taxes.
8. The production of biofuels supports 62,000 jobs in the United States.
9. Biofuel is domestically produced using raw materials and by-products that would otherwise be wasted. 
10. Bioheat fuel is a great value: The per-gallon price is comparable to regular heating oil, but it burns more efficiently, which lowers your overall cost.

The Bottom Line When You Need Heating Oil Delivery

When you’re looking for a heating oil provider for your home or business, you want a company that puts customers first. That inherently means offering fair, transparent pricing, but it also means offering true reliability, with products and services designed to make your life easier.

That’s why customers on Staten Island, in Brooklyn, and New Jersey trust Rucci for clean-burning, energy- and cost-efficient biofuel.  Become a customer today and experience the difference we can make for your home or business!

Why wait to upgrade your furnace when you can save now?

As much as we’d like them to, furnaces don’t last forever – especially older models that are a decade or more past their prime. But if your heater needs to be replaced, can you get away with waiting until next year? Moreover – should you? Read on to learn more about how you’ll know when the right time is to get your Staten Island furnace replaced.

Putting off furnace replacement costs more in the end

The number one reason folks cite for wanting to put off replacing their furnace is, of course, the cost. After all, upgrading your heater is an investment. The truth is, though, that keeping your old, outdated heater around longer could just end up costing you more money. Newer model furnaces are so much more efficient and can save you lots of money on your energy bills. Switching to a new, highly efficient heating system could reduce your annual heating costs by 30% or more.

Enjoy the comfort you deserve – starting now!

Many of today’s furnaces, such as those made by Amana, use variable-speed fans and heating elements to provide superior, economic comfort—no matter how mild or cold the weather is outside. Furnaces today are more efficient than ever and are designed to operate quietly while still distributing warmth evenly throughout your home. There’s no reason to wait to enjoy comfort year-round.

Technicians can devote more time and attention in the fall

If you know you’ll need your furnace replaced soon, it makes sense to do it now, rather than wait until January. Being aware that your heating system needs to be upgraded is actually a big benefit. Ideally, if you get on your expert technician’s schedule now, you won’t have to risk a breakdown in the dead of winter when everyone else’s heaters are breaking, too.

Comfort & convenience are on your side this fall

Our goal is always to help you avoid a breakdown, and that’s why we suggest moving forward with your furnace replacement as soon as possible if you think you’ll need one in the coming months. But, if worse comes to worst, it’s better to be without a working furnace in early fall than in mid-winter. Should you need to order a part or get on your expert technician’s busy schedule, at least you won’t have to worry about keeping your family safe and warm or bearing the extra cost of a rush installation.

Rucci helps you get comfortable, and save money all year

The bottom line: Jumpstart your savings and comfort by taking care of updating your furnace sooner rather than later. If you have an older boiler or furnace, we encourage you to contact the experts at Rucci Oil about how a new, high-efficiency model will help you save on energy costs, make your home more comfortable, help protect the environment, and more. We will also help determine which boiler or furnace model best suits your home, your family, and your bank account.

Set your AC up now, for success next season

Summer may be wrapping up, but the heat is still going strong! It makes sense that you may not be thinking about preparing to power down your AC just yet. Fall temperatures will be here before we know it, though, and you’ll want to begin prepping your air conditioner to weather the winter and be raring to go for next summer. Read on to learn some of our top tips for caring for your AC as summer comes to a close.

Top 5 tips to ready your AC for hibernation

You remember the old adage – don’t leave for tomorrow what can be done today! The cliché doesn’t always hold true, but it’s good advice when you’re considering “winterizing” your AC as summer winds down.

• Change your air filters: Initially, it may not seem like a big deal. Who cares if the air filter is dirty or clean when it isn’t even in use? Can’t you just change it when next summer rolls around? Sure, you could – but then that dirty, obstructed filter has a pathway to your ductwork for months on end. If you have central air, your heater likely shares the same HVAC ductwork as your AC, and some of that air passes through regardless of whether you are heating or cooling your home. Protect your system from getting gunky by putting a clean filter in now.

  We have partnered with a great company that makes it convenient to purchase and change your air filters. New Filters Plus is an e-commerce company with convenient online ordering and delivery of one-inch, two-inch, and four-inch pleated replacement air filters. Order your replacement HVAC filters today, use the promo code RUCCI and get one FREE filter with your order.

• Give your home a good dusting: End-of-summer or early-fall cleaning can be just as important as their more famous – or infamous? -cousin, spring cleaning! That’s because, during the period when folks use their AC less, they also open their windows more, letting in outside pollutants and allergens. When you decide you’re done opening windows for the year, be sure to dust and wipe down your windowsills, in particular, so you aren’t circulating old pollen, mold spores, dust, germs, and other airborne allergens and contaminants throughout your home all winter.
• Clean your AC condenser: This is a simple task that too often gets neglected because it sounds intimidating. All you need to do is brush the unit off with a broom, and sweep away any twigs, grass or other debris, then follow up by spraying the condenser with the hose to loosen and wash away collected dirt from the fan, grates, and other components.
• Inspect your AC unit: You don’t have to be an expert to look your system over for anything that seems loose, rusted, missing or in disrepair. If something stands out to you, it’s worth having it assessed for possible repair when you won’t be sweltering without your AC running.
• Schedule your maintenance appointment now: It’s never too early to get on your favorite technician’s schedule for next spring! You’ll thank “springtime you.” Contact us today! Rucci has long been recognized as one of the top air conditioning contractors in Staten Island, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Bayonne, and Jersey City.

Rucci has your comfort covered, whatever the season

Whatever comfort or fuel needs you have for your home or business, Rucci is ready to help. Service is what it’s all about—and what we’ve been about since our founding.

If you’re looking for a reliable heating oil and HVAC company, please contact us to become a customer, and we’ll show you our smart solutions for staying comfortable—and for saving money on energy all year round.

A price-capped budget plan is a smart idea this year!

The price of heating oil and other fuels has increased in recent months, and we know that type of unpredictability can wreak havoc on a budget. That’s why we offer options to protect our budget-conscious customers. Read on to learn more about how we can help keep fuel costs manageable.

EZ Pay takes the guesswork away

Heating oil prices may sometimes be unpredictable, but our monthly payment plan takes the guesswork out of your heating oil bills. You can spread out your winter fuel payments by enrolling in our budget plan, which we call EZ Pay. Enrolling in EZ Pay, at absolutely no cost, helps make your heating oil payments more predictable!

Here’s how EZ Pay works: We review your fuel use over the past few winters and calculate a monthly payment amount. Then, from July through May, you have 11 equal, predictable payments, which means no unexpectedly high heating bills.

Price protection gives you price certainty

Tired of the price spikes in Staten Island, Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan, and New Jersey—including Newark, Bayonne, Jersey City, Rahway, Woodbridge, and Linden? Our Price Protection program looks out for you:

• Before the heating season starts, you agree to pay a set per-gallon price for your home heating oil, and you’ll never pay above that cap.
• You’re protected and don’t have to worry about paying more, even when the market price of oil is higher than your price cap.
• The great part of this is that if heating oil prices drop below the cap, your price will go down too! This is known as downside protection. In other words, you’ll be protected both from rising costs, as well as losing out on more optimal pricing if costs fall significantly.

The takeaway here is that with the Price Protection program, you’re protected from skyrocketing prices – without being stuck with a mediocre rate if prices end up falling. It’s the best of both worlds, and there’s no risk to you, so contact us today!

Rucci has smart solutions – no matter the ups & downs

With our history of serving customers for nearly 100 years, we have learned that every customer’s financial circumstances and budgeting needs are unique. No matter where the price of home heating oil goes, our customers need some way to make their prices more predictable. Some companies make this process complicated; we don’t.

If you would like to learn more about our EZ Pay and Price Protection programs, we look forward to hearing from you and hope you’ll join the Rucci family of satisfied customers!