Introduction
At Gold Star Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we live by a simple motto: "On Our Way To Save The Day."
We strive every day to provide the kind of service that earns us customers for life. But we also know that we aren't the only high-quality service provider in Nassau and Suffolk County.
Homeowners often ask us, “If you guys were booked, who else would you trust?”
It’s an honest question, and because we believe in transparency, we want to give you an honest answer. To help you in your research, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most reputable, established companies serving our area.
3 Questions to Ask Any Contractor You Call
Before you scroll down to the list of companies, we want to arm you with the right questions. Regardless of who you hire, you deserve transparency. Ask these three questions to ensure you aren't hit with surprise fees or limited options:
1. "Do you charge overtime fees for evening or weekend service?"
- Why ask this:
Many companies operate 8 AM – 5 PM and charge "Emergency Rates" (often 1.5x or 2x) for evenings and weekends.
2. "Will you provide repair options, or just a replacement quote?"
- Why ask this: Some business models incentivize technicians to sell new systems rather than fix old ones. Ensure they are willing to offer a Repair or Rebuild option if it makes sense for your budget.
3. "Is the price guaranteed upfront, or do you bill by the hour?"
- Why ask this: "Time and Material" billing leaves you writing a blank check. Look for Flat-Rate Pricing so you know the exact penny cost before work begins.
The Top Providers on Long Island (Alphabetical Order)
(Note: These are objective descriptions focusing on each company's primary business model and strengths.)
1. Apple Air Conditioning & Heating
Apple Air is a well-known name in Nassau County that has grown significantly in recent years. They maintain a bright, recognizable fleet and have a strong presence in the residential market.
- Primary Focus: Residential HVAC installations and service.
- Best Fit For: Homeowners looking for a large-scale provider with significant resources and strong brand recognition.
2. NH Ross
NH Ross has a long history in Suffolk County and operates as a multi-trade service provider. They offer a comprehensive range of services including plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical.
- Primary Focus: A "one-stop-shop" for multiple home systems.
- Best Fit For: Homeowners who prefer the convenience of having a single company handle their electrical, plumbing, and HVAC needs simultaneously.
3. T.F. O'Brien Cooling & Heating
T.F. O'Brien is a staple of the North Shore and has been serving Long Island for over 90 years. They are a multi-generational family business with a strong reputation for technical expertise.
- Primary Focus: High-end residential HVAC and family-style service.
- Best Fit For: Homeowners who value a company with a near-century-long legacy and a traditional, family-business approach.
4. Tragar Home Services
Tragar is a pillar of the Long Island community with deep roots in the energy sector. While they built their reputation on oil delivery, they have successfully expanded into a full-service HVAC and plumbing provider capable of handling modern heating transitions.
- Primary Focus: Complete home energy solutions, including oil-to-gas conversions and fuel delivery.
- Best Fit For: Homeowners who want a company that understands the full evolution of Long Island heating, from traditional oil systems to modern conversions.
5. Universe Home Services
One of the largest home service companies on the island, Universe is known for its massive fleet and extensive coverage. They have shifted focus to become a powerhouse in core home services (Plumbing, Heating, and Electrical).
- Primary Focus: Large-scale residential service capacity.
- Best Fit For: Customers who want a provider with massive capacity and availability across multiple trades.
6. Varsity Home Service
Varsity is highly regarded for its professionalism and long-standing reputation. They are known for utilizing structured customer service protocols and maintaining a very polished image.
- Primary Focus: High-quality residential plumbing and HVAC service.
- Best Fit For: Homeowners who prioritize a highly structured customer service experience and a company with a long local legacy.
So, Where Does Gold Star Fit In?
Now that you know the landscape, you might be wondering: What makes Gold Star distinct?
We Are 'On Our Way To Save The Day' (7 AM – 7 PM)
While many companies operate on traditional 8-5 schedules with overtime rates for after-hours work, Gold Star was built for the modern homeowner's schedule.
- Our Fit: We are the perfect fit for busy professionals and families who need evening or weekend appointments without the penalty fees.
- The Promise: We operate 7 AM to 7 PM, 7 Days a Week, with No Overtime Charges. When you need us, we really are on our way to save the day.
We Believe There is a "Right Time" and a "Wrong Time" to Replace
Some business models incentivize technicians to push for a replacement on every call. At Gold Star, we believe recommendations should be based on facts, not sales targets.
- The Criteria: We look at the complete picture: the system's age, condition, manufacturer guidelines, and warranty status, as well as market conditions and parts availability.
- The Customer's Choice: Ultimately, the decision belongs to you based on your intent for the home. Whether you want to patch it for now or invest in a long-term solution, we support your choice.
- The Process: Using our Gold Star Diagnostic Protocol, we present three clear paths: Repair, Rebuild, or Replace. You choose the solution that fits your life.
What Our Neighbors Say About Gold Star
Don't just take our word for it. Here is what real Long Island homeowners are saying about the Gold Star difference:
"Explained My Options in Plain English"
"Tye did a thorough diagnostic of my AC system... He explained everything he was seeing in plain English and what my options were. There was clear pride in his work at every turn and I heartily recommend him for any job. 10/10!"
— Ian L.
"Quick Response & Great Troubleshooting"
"They were quick to respond and actually had someone come to my house within a couple of hours. William was great. Did a great job, fixed the problem, and cleaned everything up afterwards."
— Dexter T.
"Polite, Knowledgeable, & Clean"
"Dealt with Mr. Rodriguez - was very polite and knowledgeable. He took the time to explain my problem and the options I had. Completed the work today... he and his partner were very neat and cleaned up after they were done!"
— Alfred M.
Conclusion
There are several good contractors on Long Island, and the companies listed above have earned their reputations.
However, if you are looking for a locally owned expert who respects your schedule with 7 AM – 7 PM service, guarantees No Overtime Charges, and empowers you with clear Repair, Rebuild, or Replace options, we hope you’ll give Gold Star a call.
Ready for a different kind of service experience? Schedule your $179 Diagnostic Visit (waived with any repair) today.