At NOCO, we’re proud to offer a wide range of services to homeowners, businesses, and communities across Western and Central New York. From heating and cooling to propane delivery, energy solutions, HVAC installations, and sustainability initiatives, our team is here to support your comfort, efficiency, and peace of mind. Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions below and get the information you need to move forward with confidence.
About NOCO
Do you offer financing?
Yes! Almost any plan you can think of; we offer an affordable payment for any budget.
Do you offer same-day service?
Yes. We are available on nights, holidays, and weekends for all of your at-home needs.
How long have you been in business?
NOCO has been proudly serving Western and Upstate New York since 1933. What began as a small, family-run fueling business has grown into a third-generation, locally owned energy company committed to supporting homes and businesses across the region. Our long history reflects our dedication to reliable service, customer care, and evolving with the needs of our communities.
Isn't NOCO a gas station?
No longer! While NOCO once operated 43 branded gas stations—along with supplying fuel to 32 additional non-branded locations—we have since shifted our focus entirely to residential, commercial, and industrial energy services. In 2019, we sold our remaining branded stations, with just one legacy location still operating in Cherry Creek, NY. Today, our commitment is centered on delivering dependable propane, heating oil, HVAC, and energy solutions to the communities we serve.
Are you locally owned and operated?
Yes. We are a third-generation family-owned, headquartered in Tonawanda, NY.
HVAC
How long does HVAC repair usually take?
The timeline for HVAC repair depends on the type and severity of the issue, but most common repairs—like thermostat replacements, clogged filters, or electrical faults—can be completed in one visit. At NOCO, our experienced technicians arrive fully prepared to diagnose and resolve the problem quickly and safely. If parts need to be ordered or more extensive work is required, we'll provide a clear timeline and keep you informed throughout the process. Whether it's the dead of winter or peak summer heat, we understand how important fast HVAC repair is in Western and Central New York.
Need HVAC repair near you? Contact NOCO today to schedule fast, reliable service in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and surrounding areas.
What kind of HVAC systems does NOCO service?
NOCO services a wide range of residential HVAC systems to keep your home comfortable year-round. Our certified technicians are trained to handle everything from traditional furnaces and central air conditioning units to high-efficiency boilers, heat pumps, geothermal systems, and air purification equipment. Whether your system runs on natural gas, propane, or another fuel source, we bring decades of experience and personalized care to every service call.
If you're searching for trusted HVAC service near you in Western or Central New York, NOCO has you covered. Reach out to NOCO to schedule an appointment or learn more about the systems we service.
How often should I schedule HVAC system maintenance?
Most HVAC systems should be serviced twice a year—once before the cooling season and once before the heating season. Regular maintenance helps prevent breakdowns, extends the life of your equipment, and keeps your home running efficiently all year long.
To make upkeep simple and affordable, NOCO offers the Premier Comfort Plan, which includes two maintenance visits per year, priority service, deep discounts on repairs, and exclusive access to home energy savings. With this plan, you'll avoid surprise breakdowns, stay ahead of costly repairs, and enjoy peace of mind knowing your home comfort system is in expert hands.
Stay comfortable and save money with NOCO's Premier Comfort Plan. Contact our team to learn more or enroll today and get the year-round support your HVAC system needs.
How often should I change my filter?
Standard store-bought filters should be checked every 30 days; however, many are designed to perform well for up to 90 days.
Do I really need annual maintenance on my system?
Yes. Annual maintenance is not only recommended by all manufacturers for safety and reliability—most require it to maintain any current warranties.
Are smart thermostats really worth it?
Yes, they can be. Utilizing a smart thermostat can help you save energy and allow you to see valuable insights on your energy usage, allowing you to trim those pesky utility bills.
My system doesn't seem to heat or cool my home very well. Can I just install a bigger system?
In many cases, the answer is no. We find that in most cases a system is underperforming due to factors such as lack of maintenance, ductwork issues, or a malfunction or improper setup. In some cases, a system may be too small. However, this should be evaluated by a qualified technician. Simply installing a larger or incorrectly sized system in your home may cause additional problems and expenses.
Propane and Heating Oil
What is propane?
Propane is a clean-burning, energy-efficient fuel used for heating, cooking, hot water, generators, fireplaces, and more. It is stored as a liquid and vaporizes into a gas when released.
What should I do if I smell gas?
- Leave the area immediately
- Avoid using electrical switches or open flames
- Shut off the propane supply valve if safe to do so
- Call your propane provider or 911 from a safe distance
How do I check my tank level?
Most propane tanks have a built-in gauge under the lid. A reading of 80% is considered full because tanks must allow 20% room for gas expansion. This excludes underground tanks that are acceptable to fill to 90%.
How long does a propane tank last?
Above-ground tanks typically last 20–30 years, that being said, they will need maintenance such as painting or cleaning. While underground tanks can last 20–40 years, depending on soil conditions and corrosion protection.
How do I maintain my underground tank?
Maintaining your underground tank is simple, a cathodic protection test should be scheduled a minimum of 3 years to regularly check on the state of your installed anode bags that are protecting your tank.
If I am on Will Call, when should I order a delivery?
Typically, you want to place your order around 30% to ensure enough warning for NOCO to get you on the schedule.
Will my propane appliances still work during a power outage?
Yes......and no! If it is a unit that does not require electricity to operate, then yes, you can. For example, a wall-hanging space heater does not require electricity. But your regular whole-home furnace will not be usable during a power outage.
Do you offer emergency or after-hours delivery?
Yes. If you run out of fuel or need immediate service, we offer emergency delivery/service options to get you up and running again.
Does NOCO offer remote monitoring?
Yes! We can install tank monitors on everything from 120-gallon propane tanks to 5000 gallon fuel tanks!
Can I move my own propane/fuel tank?
If you own the storage tank, you are within your rights to move it. If it is a propane tank, it will need to be leak checked before service can restart. It is always advised to let a NOCO professional assist in moving your tank if needed!
Generators
How big of a generator should I get?
We look at your home's current electrical service and home's current loads to determine the proper size generator for installation.
Is there anything I need to do to run the system?
Our generator systems are fully automatic, giving you the peace of mind when the power goes out when you're not home.
What fuel do these generators run on?
Our units run on either Natural Gas or Propane.
What's the average lifespan of a generator?
Potentially 20 years with proper maintenance and service.
Should our generator be maintained regularly?
Yes, you should have yearly maintenance done to your unit every year by a certified technician.
Geothermal
Do I keep my old furnace and AC unit, and have it converted to geothermal, or does it all get replaced?
When installing a geothermal heating and cooling system, your existing furnace or boiler is replaced with the highest efficiency water-to-air (furnace) or water-to-water (boiler) heat pump on the market. Along with the heat pump, a flow center and underground heat exchanger are installed to move FREE solar energy to and from your home. The same heat pump handles heating AND cooling, so your existing outdoor condenser is also removed.
How does geothermal work?
Geothermal heating and cooling is an electric based technology using a ground source heat pump that moves FREE solar energy from the earth to a home or business, heating the building during the winter and in reverse moves energy, in the form of heat, from the building during the summer which cools the building and stores the energy, for the next heating season, using the earth as a battery. The energy moved to and from the earth is achieved using pipes in the ground with a water-antifreeze mixture in the ground loop (aka heat exchanger, horizontal loop field, or vertical bore hole).
How long is the payback period?
The payback period depends on factors that include your existing fuel source (heating oil, propane, natural gas, electric resistance) and if you already need to replace your heating and cooling system. We have seen payback periods that are instantaneous to over 10 years. NOCO's goal is to help you save money with lower monthly energy bills while also enjoying the many benefits of geothermal heating and cooling that include lower maintenance, safer combustion-free heating, longer-lasting equipment, and environmentally friendly emission-free operation.
Contact our team to learn more.
