Cooling Your Home’s Special Spaces

ductless_additions_renovationsNothing makes your home seem more exciting and new than a renovation, especially when that renovation provides you with your own, special space. More than ever, people are enjoying hanging out around the house, and creating perfect areas in their homes for just that purpose. Whether you’ve added a “she-shed” outside your home, converted a garage into the quintessential “man-cave,” or added a home theater room in your finished basement, you’ll want it to be the perfect place to unwind.

When you create a new space for relaxation and enjoyment, of course you’ll want to make sure everything reflects your personal style. From the flooring, to the furniture, to the décor, your space is about you. Your she-shed might be chock-full of art supplies and crafting materials. Or, your man-cave might have comfortable recliners and games. Home theater? Maybe you’ve spent time visiting local antique shops for the perfect vintage movie posters. But… if your space isn’t comfortable, it’s hard to enjoy it.

Controlling the comfort in your renovated spaces is important.

If you’ve converted an area of your home, built an addition, or installed an outbuilding on your property, you may not be able to give that space access to your home’s existing ductwork. You should know, though, that you don’t have to rely on noisy window AC or clunky space heaters in order to keep your special space cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Ductless heating and cooling is a great option.

When you choose to have your home comfort company install a ductless unit in your man-cave, she-shed, home theater or any other renovated or added space, you’ll be able to enjoy the area year-round, in complete comfort. What’s more, ductless systems are extremely efficient, quiet, and mount on the wall or in the ceiling of your space – providing you non-obtrusive comfort. And, because ductless systems don’t require complicated construction or additional ductwork, it can be installed quickly, with little mess.

T.F. O’Brien can help you get the ductless you need.

At T.F. O’Brien, we’ve been installing quality ductless systems for years – and we can help you get one, too. Our expert installers will have your ductless unit up and running promptly, so you can sit back and relax, or craft, or watch that box-office smash, in complete comfort. We know you worked hard to create your very own special space, and we want you to enjoy it – no matter what the weather outside might be.

Are you ready to get complete comfort control for your renovated or added space? Just give us a call at 516.488.1800, and we’ll be happy to help you. Prefer to contact us online? Click here to complete our short form, and a representative will reach out to you.

What Is Ductless Cooling, Anyway?

ductless_acChances are, you’ve heard of ductless cooling. After all, it’s become a very popular choice for home cooling over the past few years. But you may have a few questions. You might wonder if it would work in your home, if it works with your existing systems, or maybe even how it works in the first place. At T.F. O’Brien, we’ve been offering ductless cooling for several years, and are experts in ductless application and installation. We can answer your questions, and can help you get the cooling you need to stay comfortable all summer long.

First, let’s talk about what, exactly, ductless cooling is. The explanation is pretty much in the name itself. Ductless cooling is just that – a cooling system that doesn’t require air ducts to operate. Unlike a central air conditioning system, ductless units operate independently of each other. So you can have a singular ductless unit installed in your home, or units installed throughout, creating cooling zones.

How are ductless systems installed?

Ductless systems are mounted on the ceiling or on a wall, and require nothing more than a small hole drilled in the ceiling or wall to connect the indoor unit to the outdoor unit. That’s it – no need to install additional ductwork, which saves on construction mess and costs. Ductless systems provide a more effective, and much more efficient, alternative to window air conditioning, and are extremely quiet. And, you can count on quality – brands like Daikin, for instance, offer durability combined with attractive styling.

Here’s a step-by-step description of how ductless cooling is installed in your home:

  • A hole is drilled in the ceiling or wall to connect indoor and outdoor units
  • The condensing unit is installed outside, with unit connection facing the house
  • Refrigerant lines, electrical wiring, and defrost wiring are run through the hole, connecting the indoor an and outdoor units
  • The indoor unit is installed either high on an interior wall or in the ceiling
  • All electrical connections are completed
  • The system is charged with refrigerant and tested to ensure it’s operating according to manufacturer specifications

How do I know if ductless is right for my home?

If you need air conditioning for a single space, and currently rely on window AC to stay cool in that area, then ductless is a great option for you. This includes spaces that you’ve added or renovated that don’t have access to your home’s current duct system, like new additions, finished basements, or converted garages or attics.

If you currently have baseboard heat, or another type of electric heating system, in your home, it’s also probably a good candidate for ductless cooling. It can be very costly to add a duct system to a home that doesn’t already have one. Not to mention, there are ductless configurations available that can cool your space in the summer, and heat it in the winter. So if it’s time to replace your baseboard or radiant heating system, ductless cooling and heating could be the perfect option for you.

Additionally, ductless cooling can help balance out spaces in your home, so your current system can operate more efficiently. Ductless can supplement your existing cooling system by providing support for problem areas, especially if you have a larger home. The best thing to do if you’d like to learn more about ductless and whether or not it’s right for your home is to contact T.F. O’Brien.

At T.F. O’Brien, we’re ready to help you with your home cooling needs.

You can count on the professionals at T.F. O’Brien to help you get the best system for your home. We have extensive experience with the installation, maintenance and repair of all types of air conditioning systems, including ductless cooling. Call us today at 516.488.1800, and we’ll be happy to help you. Prefer to contact us online? Click here to complete our short form, and a representative will reach out to you.

Efficiency Standards for HVAC Equipment: Are They Going Up Soon?

In an effort to reduce energy consumption, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) worked with a group of utility and HVAC industry experts in 2009 to improve efficiency standards for HVAC equipment. The increased efficiency ratings were to go into place in 2013, but a court order delayed their implementation because the new increased efficiency standards for gas furnaces and boilers would cause financial harm to some homeowners. Continue reading “Efficiency Standards for HVAC Equipment: Are They Going Up Soon?”

Gas or Oil Heating: Which Is Best for Your Long Island Home?

gas heating oil heatingWhen choosing between gas or oil heating, it’s important to consider both the advantages and disadvantages that come along with each method. During the fall and winter, most Long Island residents seek cost effective, energy efficient heating to keep their home cozy and warm. From the furnace’s efficiency rating—also known as an annual fuel utilization rating, or AFUE for short—to the monthly cost of fuel, you’ll want to calculate these and other additional factors into your final decision.  Continue reading “Gas or Oil Heating: Which Is Best for Your Long Island Home?”

Your Heat Pump’s Thermostat: What You Need to Know for Winter Programming

There’s no question that you want to stay warm and comfortable in your home, but that doesn’t mean you have to waste electricity to do so. Many homeowners don’t realize that they’re not effectively using their heat pump’s thermostat. Let’s explore the simple ways you can reduce your energy consumption. Continue reading “Your Heat Pump’s Thermostat: What You Need to Know for Winter Programming”

Forced Air Furnaces: How Do They Do What They Do?

Forced air furnaces are a popular way to keep our homes warm. Between efficient use and effectiveness at heating an entire house, these heating systems have become wildly popular across the country. So, how does a forced air system work? Continue reading “Forced Air Furnaces: How Do They Do What They Do?”

Does Winter Heat Loss Make Your Furnace Work Too Hard?

The last thing you want to do in the winter is overwork the furnace in your Long Island home. Keeping your furnace operating smoothly will go a long way toward preventing breakdowns and discomfort during cold weather. You can keep your furnace from working too hard by preventing heat loss.  Continue reading “Does Winter Heat Loss Make Your Furnace Work Too Hard?”

AFUE Ratings — What Those Numbers Actually Mean

Most homes in the United States are heated by a furnace or a boiler. Boilers use water to distribute heat into the house, while furnaces heat the air directly. Both furnaces and boilers use fuel to operate at varying rates of efficiency. AFUE ratings clue homeowners in to what that efficiency is.  Continue reading “AFUE Ratings — What Those Numbers Actually Mean”

Ignoring Routine Air Filter Replacement Can Have Serious Consequences

air filter replacementWhen was the last time you changed your air filter? If you’re like most homeowners, it’s been months, or maybe even years. While most people replace the filter when their home comfort system stops working efficiently, neglecting regular air filter replacement can cause plenty of problems — from higher energy bills to more allergens and lower air quality. Continue reading “Ignoring Routine Air Filter Replacement Can Have Serious Consequences”

Maintain an Energy-Efficient Home Over the Holidays With These 3 Tips

To ensure an energy-efficient home throughout the holidays, it’s vital to be mindful of energy consumption and other wasteful practices. Consider these tips to prevent energy waste through year’s end. Continue reading “Maintain an Energy-Efficient Home Over the Holidays With These 3 Tips”