Long Island summers are no joke, especially when the humidity kicks in and the mercury climbs past 90 degrees. Your air conditioner becomes your best friend, but during extreme heat, even the most dependable systems can feel the strain. The good news? A few smart habits can help your AC stay efficient, effective, and ready, no matter how hot it gets outside.
This month, we’re sharing some tips with you that can help your air conditioning system run smoothly during hot weather, so you won’t sweat it out while you wait for repairs. And, we’ll tell you how T.F. O’Brien can help you keep your cool by ensuring your system can manage the heat. Keep reading to learn more!
8 Tips to Keep Your AC Running Smoothly This Summer
- Set It and Forget It (Smartly): Keep your thermostat around 75–78°F when you’re home and bump it up a few degrees when you’re out. Lower isn’t always better; it just makes your system work harder for longer.
- Cool Early, Not Just Often: Start cooling your home in the morning before the sun hits its peak. It’s easier (and more energy-efficient) to maintain a cool space than to cool down a hot one.
- Clean Filters = Cool Air: Dirty filters are one of the top reasons AC systems underperform. Check them every few weeks during peak season and clean or replace them as needed. The bonus? Clean filters can also improve indoor air quality.
- Shut Out the Sun: Close blinds or curtains during the day, especially on south- and west-facing windows. Blackout curtains or reflective film can also make a noticeable difference.
- Seal the Leaks: Drafty windows and doors let cool air escape. A quick weekend project with weather stripping or caulk can help your AC work less and keep the cool air inside, which can help you save money on your utility bills, too.
- Time Your Household Chores: Appliances like ovens, dryers, and even dishwashers generate heat. Run them in the evening or early morning to avoid adding extra warmth to your home or consider hanging your clothes on the line and cooking outdoors on the grill.
- Use Fans to Circulate, Not Cool: Ceiling and box fans help move cool air around, making rooms feel more comfortable. Just remember to turn them off when you leave the room, since their purpose is to cool people, not spaces.
- Book a Summer Tune-Up: This is the number one thing you can do for your air conditioning system! A professional check-up can catch small issues before they become big problems. T.F. O’Brien’s expert technicians are here to help keep your system running smoothly all season long.
Count on T.F. O’Brien to help you stay cool this summer.
At T.F. O’Brien, we’ve been serving Long Island families for over 85 years. Whether you need air conditioning maintenance or a full system upgrade, we’re here to help you stay comfortable. And remember, when you enroll in our energy saver plan (ESP), you’ll get priority service and discounted fees, along with the peace of mind of annual maintenance! Call us today and we’ll be more than happy to tell you more about ESP and its many benefits!
Spring is a beautiful season, but for allergy sufferers, it can be a nightmare. Pollen, mold, and other airborne irritants can trigger sneezing, congestion, and watery eyes, making it hard to enjoy the warmer weather. And while you might think allergens are just an outdoor problem, they often find their way inside your home, affecting your indoor air quality (IAQ).
As the temperatures rise on Long Island, your air conditioning system becomes the unsung hero of your home, keeping you and your family cool and comfortable. But like any essential piece of equipment, it requires regular maintenance to perform at its best. Here’s why air conditioning maintenance is so important—and how TF O’Brien’s Energy Saver Plan (ESP) can make all the difference.
When it comes to caring for our loved ones, we often think of providing nutritious meals, ensuring safety, and fostering a happy home environment. However, one crucial aspect that often is overlooked is the quality of the air we breathe inside our homes. Poor indoor air quality can significantly impact not only our home environment but also our health and overall well-being.
January has arrived on Long Island, and that means chillier temperatures have returned as well. During this time of year, homeowners rely on their heating system to help them stay toasty, even when the outdoor temperature is at its coldest. Unfortunately, heating systems sometimes need repair services in order to keep your family comfortable.
As the cold weather sets in, having a reliable heating system becomes essential for maintaining a comfortable and cozy home. However, like any other mechanical system, your heater can experience issues that require prompt attention. Understanding the importance of timely heating repair can help you avoid discomfort and ensure your home remains warm and inviting throughout winter.
Summer storms on Long Island can be severe. We often experience thunderstorms, high winds, and even hurricanes during the late summer and early fall months. These weather events can cause power outages, which can sometimes last for hours or even days. For this reason, many homeowners on Long Island are choosing to install standby generators in their homes.
School’s out for the summer, and that means the kids will be hanging out at home more often than usual. During the summer months, there’s sure to be a lot of outdoor play, but there are a variety of weather conditions that can drive the kids indoors, like rainy days and heat waves. That’s why it’s important to make sure your home has good indoor air quality.
Have you been considering updating the water heater in your home? If your home’s current water heater is more than 10 years old, has needed a lot of repairs, or is sapping energy, it may be time to think about a replacement. Depending on the hot water demands of your family and lifestyle, 
Now that we have returned to warmer weather on Long Island, it’s likely that you’re relying on your home’s air conditioning system to keep you nice and cool. But maybe it doesn’t seem to be working as well as it should this year. You might not be feeling cool enough, or you might be noticing an increase in your utility bills.