Author: T.F. O'Brien Cooling & Heating

Five Ways to Keep Your Cool During The Dog Days

Posted on by T.F. O'Brien Cooling & Heating

GettyImagesAugust is here, and that means the dog days of summer have arrived on Long Island. This time of year, Mother Nature turns up the heat, and that can make for an uncomfortable situation for many. Extreme heat not only can make you feel miserable – it can also make you sick. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are a number of factors that can affect the body’s ability to cool down when the temperatures soar, with senior citizens, small children, and those with medical concerns being among those at highest risk.

It’s important to take the necessary measures to keep cool in high temperatures, so you’re able to prevent heat-related illness from happening to you. Of course, keep strenuous activity to a minimum, limit your time outdoors, and make sure to wear natural fabrics and sunscreen. All of these measures will help avoid a possible life-threatening situation. But there are a few other steps you can take that can help you stay healthy when the weather is at its hottest.

The CDC offers some suggestions to help you stay healthy during a heat event.

The good news is, there are many measures you can take to stay safe when it’s hot and humid outside. Here are five suggestions from the CDC that not only help you stay cool – but also stay safe.

  1. Drink more water than you usually would. Keep the fluids flowing – don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Conversely, avoid alcohol, as it can contribute to dehydration. Plain water is best.
  2. Don’t use your stove or oven. It will only add to the heat that’s already in your home. Besides, it gives you a great excuse to order a pizza!
  3. Check on friends or neighbors – especially those who are older or are in ill health. Heat events can be especially difficult for them.
  4. Don’t rely on a fan to stay cool. Fans are great to help keep air circulating throughout your home, but they won’t cool the air.
  5. Stay in air conditioning as much as possible. The CDC indicates, “air conditioning is the number one way to protect yourself against heat-related illness or death.” If you don’t have air conditioning in your home, consider staying with family or friends who do, or seek an air-conditioned shelter in your area.

If you need help with your air conditioning, T.F. O’Brien can assist you.

At T.F. O’Brien, we can help with any air conditioning need you might have. We have extensive experience with the installation, maintenance and repair of all types of air conditioning systems, including ductless cooling and central air conditioning. 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.

Cooling Your Home’s Special Spaces

Posted on by T.F. O'Brien Cooling & Heating

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?

Posted on by T.F. O'Brien Cooling & Heating

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.

AC Then & Now: How Air Conditioning Has Changed

Posted on by T.F. O'Brien Cooling & Heating

GettyImagesInstalling home air conditioning is nothing new. In fact, the first private home to have air conditioning installed was built in 1914. At first, it was a luxury only easily afforded by the wealthy. It wasn’t until 1945, when a less expensive, compact window air conditioner was developed, that more people had access to home cooling. But in the years that followed this invention, leaps and bounds in air conditioning technology were made, and soon, central air became more accessible to the general public.

Air conditioning installation in new home builds became much more common, and by the late 1960s, most of the new homes built had central air conditioning. According to the Department of Energy, today, nearly 100 million homes in America, or 87 percent of households, have air conditioning. With so many Americans relying on cooling – and the detrimental effects that refrigerants in the past could have on the environment – many manufacturers took the responsibility to create better, more efficient, and more environmentally friendly AC.

Changes in refrigerants and efficiency make modern systems better for consumers and for the planet.

For many years, the effect of early refrigerants on the environment was not known. But as time passed, it became more and more clear that refrigerants were causing depletion of the ozone layer and were contributing to the greenhouse effect. Manufacturers sought a safer type of refrigerant, and in 1996, air conditioning systems using the refrigerant R-410A, came out on the market. This refrigerant differed from its precursor, R-22, in that it doesn’t contribute to ozone depletion, and functions at a much higher efficiency. That means air conditioning systems that use this type of refrigerant are more efficient, saving energy.

The Department of Energy explains that with new standards in place, modern air conditioning systems use about 50 percent less energy than they did in 1990. Because of this, homeowners can enjoy better comfort, all while saving energy – and, ultimately, money on their utility bills. And, many manufacturers and utility companies recognize the benefits of installing a new, more efficient system. As a result, they offer homeowners rebates and incentives for installing new, efficient, environmentally sound air conditioning.

Modern technology has helped make air conditioning more sustainable than ever.

In addition, new types of air conditioning systems were being developed with a focus on overall improved efficiency. One type of system, ductless air conditioning, was created for homes where ductwork wasn’t available. Replacing less-efficient window air conditioning, ductless systems are highly efficient and easily controlled. For homeowners, that means greater efficiency. With ductless, it’s much simpler to create a zoned system that keeps spaces cool in the summer and warm in the winter – all while increasing efficiency and comfort levels.

And, heat pumps are becoming more and more of an option for homeowners, as new technology has created heat pumps that operate in much colder temperatures than their predecessors. Because heat pumps cool (or heat) spaces by moving heated air rather than generating it, these systems are extremely efficient. The Department of Energy offers that heat pump systems can reduce energy use by 30-60 percent, in addition to controlling humidity and providing durability and reliability. And, today’s cold climate heat pumps can operate even when outdoor temperatures dip to -15 degrees Fahrenheit.

Is it time to replace your old, inefficient air conditioning? T. F. O’Brien can help.

At T.F. O’Brien, we’ve made it our priority to stay on top of modern trends and better, more sustainable technology when it comes to comfort equipment. We provide our customers with the very best, most efficient systems available on the market today. We’ll work with you to ensure that the system installed in your home not only keeps you comfortable, but helps you enjoy maximum energy efficiency as well. To schedule an appointment with us, simply call us at 516.488.1800, and one of our comfort specialists will be glad to talk with you about today’s many efficient, effective home-cooling options.

A Day In The Life – Laura’s Ride-Along

Posted on by T.F. O'Brien Cooling & Heating
Laura Hanson TFO
Laura Hanson and Nick Betka

Laura Hanson, a customer service representative at T.F. O’Brien, recently had the opportunity to tag along with a technician to learn more about what, exactly, techs do out in the field. While she had some knowledge of HVAC equipment, she wanted to know more about what it was really like for the people out there performing the work for clients. So on May 15, 2019, she spent the day on a ride-along with technician Nick Betka.

Laura had an understanding of heating equipment, since she used to own a plumbing supply company and her husband is in the field as well. Air conditioning was a bit of a different story, however. “I had no knowledge of air conditioning other than it was in my window,” Laura said, adding, “I had requested a day in the field to actually see different AC equipment and to view an actual tune-up.” Laura and Nick headed out on the job, going to both residential and commercial sites. “A special thank you to Mrs. Dorothy Gregory, Ms. Dorothy Eneo, The Brake Service Group, and Serendipi Tea for making me feel so welcome in your homes and businesses,” she said.

Laura explained that she and Nick arrived at their first call, a customer’s home, at 8 a.m. The home contained two central air conditioning systems, and the first order of business was to check the air handlers and then the compressors. Laura said she was impressed by Nick’s skills out in the field. “Nick is so knowledgeable – I now know what a contactor looks like,” she shared. The next job was a tune-up for a single zone ductless system. She learned how to clear the condensate line, clean the system and replace the filter properly. She was impressed by the cooling power of ductless, and now plans to install a system in her own home in the fall.

Overall, Laura said her day went well and she felt it was very beneficial for her to have that opportunity. “My day flew by and I felt a little more confident with each job. I have to thank my service manager, Richie Hogan, for making the day happen. I know the office was very busy that day, but he felt it was important for me and others to have a day to learn.”

Laura has been a part of the T.F. O’Brien team since 2016. She assists us with scheduling service calls, dispatching calls to technicians, assisting with accounts receivable, ongoing trainings, and public relations. She takes great pride in helping the day run smoothly both for the team and for our customers. Laura lives in Bellerose with her husband, Scott, and two of their three daughters, Brittany and Courtney. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her daughter Lauren’s two sons, grandsons Owen and Quinn.

Keep Your Home Comfortable And Efficient With Ductless

Posted on by T.F. O'Brien Cooling & Heating

More and more people are choosing ductless cooling and heating for their homes. People are finding that ductless systems are a great choice for spaces where ductwork is either impossible or impractical. Homes with radiant or baseboard heating, or converted spaces like attics, garages, finished basements and additions, can all benefit from a ductless system. Not to mention, many homeowners are seeing the real benefit of ductless cooling and heating – improved energy efficiency coupled with better comfort.

That’s because ductless systems use a heat pump system – they don’t typically burn fuel, but transfer hot air instead. By doing this, some ductless configurations are able to keep your home cool as a cucumber in the summer, while providing cozy warmth in the winter months. Even if you have a furnace and air conditioning system throughout most of your home, choosing ductless for areas that don’t have access to ductwork – like a finished basement, converted garage, or new addition – helps balance out the temperature of your home, leading to better efficiency.

How can a ductless system help lead to better overall efficiency?

People who have rooms that aren’t a part of their ductwork system usually have three choices – either close those rooms off during part of the year, rely on window AC and space heaters, or open the room up and hope their heating and AC system spreads conditioned air to those spaces. While closing the room off doesn’t necessarily cause issues with energy usage, it kind of defeats the purpose of adding that additional space to begin with.

Window AC and space heaters are both notorious for using a lot of energy, and they aren’t necessarily going to give you the greatest level of comfort for the additional energy cost. And, keeping the room open is going to either lower or raise the overall temperature of your home – making your comfort system work harder and causing energy costs to rise. The beauty of a ductless system is that it helps to balance out those cold or hot spots – leaving you with a more efficient, more comfortable home.

And, ductless cooling and heating provides a whole host of additional benefits as well.

  • No need for additional ductwork. This means you can avoid inconvenient home remodeling and the costs associated with it.
  • Comfort all year long. Depending on the configuration you choose, you can get ductless systems that provide both cooling and heating in one convenient unit.
  • Design that works with your décor. You won’t have to worry about your windows being blocked by a bulky AC unit or tripping over a space heater, because ductless systems mount on your wall or ceiling. 
  • Whisper-quiet operation. Again, window units can be very noisy and space heaters often make a buzzing noise that’s super annoying. You’ll love the peace and quiet ductless offers.
  • Remote control comfort. Generally speaking, a hand-held remote easily controls your ductless system. This means better comfort is literally at your fingertips.

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

If you’d like to learn more about the advantages of choosing a ductless to help cool your home this summer – and warm it once winter arrives – all you need to do is contact us at 516-488-1800. One of our comfort specialists will be happy to explain the benefits of a ductless system to you, and help you discover if it’s the right choice for your home.

How A Heat Pump System Can Help You Keep Your Cool This Summer

Posted on by T.F. O'Brien Cooling & Heating

Many people are exploring ways that they can keep their homes comfortable year-round, all while reducing their carbon footprint. Your home comfort systems account for a good percentage of your home’s overall energy usage. It only makes sense that when it comes time to replace your equipment, you choose a system that not only provides excellent home comfort, but also minimizes energy use. For that reason, more and more people are turning to heat pump systems for home comfort.

You may wonder what a heat pump system is. Or, you may have heard about them, but learned that they don’t work well in cooler climates. You should know, today’s heat pump systems are manufactured to operate in colder temperatures. As a result, even Long Islanders can benefit from one. To understand how a heat pump system keeps your home comfortable in all temperatures, you first need to know how they work.

How Heat Pumps Operate

While there are many different styles of heat pumps to choose from for your Long Island, NY home, most commonly people install a split system. This simply means some of the components of the heat pump are inside your home, and some are outside. Regardless of their configuration, heat pumps work by transferring hot air as opposed to burning fuel inside your home, leading to higher energy efficiency. They’re designed to provide your home with the appropriate levels of heating and cooling, at a price that works within your budget.

Here are a few of the benefits a heat pump system can provide:

  • High efficiency
  • Year round comfort (heat in the winter, cooling in the summer)
  • Dehumidification of indoor air
  • Can be used to complement a traditional furnace, improving home efficiency
  • Uses an environmentally friendly, non-ozone depleting refrigerant
  • Often, tax credits and incentives are available for heat pump systems

Choose T.F. O’Brien for your heat pump installation.

If you’d like to learn more about the advantages of choosing a heat pump to help cool your home this summer – and warm it once winter arrives – all you need to do is contact us at 516-488-1800. One of our comfort specialists will be happy to explain the benefits of a heat pump system to you, and help you discover if it’s the right choice for your home.

Choose T.F. O’Brien for AC Installation in your Long Island Home

Posted on by T.F. O'Brien Cooling & Heating

Spring is in the air, and the summer months will be here before you know it. Is your AC system up to the challenge of keeping your home cool? Is your current system more than 10 years old? Have you noticed a decline in the performance of your air conditioning over the last few years, a hike in your utility bills, an increased frequency in the need for repairs, or a combination of all of the above? Then it’s probably time for you to consider a new AC installation for your Long Island home.

At T.F. O’Brien, we know purchasing a new air conditioning system is a costly – and potentially confusing – venture. There are a lot of different systems out there, and a lot of HVAC dealers who claim they can give you the best deal on a new system. Getting quality AC installation for your Long Island home, with the right size and type of system – is important. That’s how T.F. O’Brien is different. We believe that an air conditioning system is an investment you should take as seriously as purchasing a vehicle. That’s why it’s so important to research the different types of systems – and the dealer who installs your system.

T.F. O’Brien offers quality AC installation on Long Island

When you choose to work with us, we’ll not only make sure you get the best air conditioning available, but we’ll also make sure you get the right type, too. We offer different types of cooling systems because no two homes are the same. Whether you’re replacing the central AC in your Long Island home, or you need a solution for a room – or an entire home – without ductwork, we can help. We’re pleased to offer:

  • Central AC System Installations: You can trust us to provide you with high quality, high efficiency air conditioning products, perfectly sized for the unique needs of your home. Our technicians will expertly install your new central AC system in your Long Island home, and will provide you with any additional cooling services you may need.
  • Ductless AC: Do you have an area of your home that needs cooling, but where ductwork isn’t an option? Then you could benefit from ductless air conditioning. Our ductless systems offer high efficiency cooling and targeted control, allowing you to make any area of your home more comfortable for you and your family.
  • Variable Refrigerant Volume AC: If you’re looking for an AC system that will provide energy efficient cooling, without the added expense and hassle of adding extra ductwork, you might want to consider variable refrigerant volume (VRV) air conditioning. This type of system is manufactured to minimize efficiency losses seen with conventional systems, and needs minimal or no ductwork.

Who Should I Call for AC Repair in Long Island?

Posted on by T.F. O'Brien Cooling & Heating

When the warm weather hits Long Island, you rely on your home’s AC system to keep you cool and comfortable. And the good news is, when you properly maintain your air conditioning, it’s generally pretty reliable and will last longer than a neglected system. But unfortunately, the need for repair could arise at some point – especially for systems that are more than 10 years old or haven’t gotten the annual maintenance they need. What can you do if you find yourself in need of a cooling repair?

Many homeowners are unsure of who they should call should a repair need arise. It’s easy enough to get confused – there are many home comfort companies out there, and it can be difficult to know who the best choice might be. You should know, when you call T.F. O’Brien Cooling and Heating to help, you’ll be getting the best possible AC repair for your Long Island home, from one of the most reliable names in home comfort. At T.F. O’Brien, optimal comfort for you and your family is always our goal, and we work hard to help you get your air conditioning system restored as quickly as possible.

What makes T.F. O’Brien the best choice for AC repair for my Long Island home?

When you choose T.F. O’Brien for the AC repair you need, you can count on exceptional service and proven reliability. We’ve been in the business of helping people living in the Long Island area stay comfortable for 85 years. That means we’ve worked with families spanning several generations! Our work is proven, and people have come to know us as a trusted name in home comfort. But just because we’ve been around for a while doesn’t mean we haven’t changed with the times.

  • We use advanced diagnostic tools, instruments and equipment so that we can evaluate your system quickly and thoroughly – which saves you money.
  • We’ll provide a comprehensive analysis of the AC repair needs of your Long Island home, so that we can provide a solution that will make your home as comfortable and energy efficient as possible.
  • Our technicians receive the proper training needed so they understand many different makes and models of air conditioning systems, inside and out.
  • We stay up-to-date on all the latest advancements in the home comfort industry, so we can provide you with the best possible service on your equipment.
  • We offer plans that can help you get the annual cooling maintenance you need – helping you avoid the need for repairs once the heat of the summer hits.

Call T.F. O’Brien when you need AC repairs for your Long Island residence.

We’re proud to offer our Long Island customers exceptional maintenance and repair services, including emergency service. Please contact us if you need AC repairs for your home at 516.488.1800, and we will be glad to schedule an appointment with you. Or, if you have a specific question or need help troubleshooting an issue you’re having, please feel free to ask a tech right now by clicking here.

 

 

 

What Kind of AC Service Do I Need for My Long Island Home?

Posted on by T.F. O'Brien Cooling & Heating

If you rely on air conditioning to keep your home cool in the summer, you might be thinking that once you make the investment, your system will run like a charm for years to come. Like any other type of mechanical equipment, however, your AC system requires service to keep it running properly. It’s important to make sure your system is receiving the service it needs, and the best way to do that is to choose a professional home comfort company to help. If you’re not sure what kind of AC service you might need for your Long Island home, you should give T.F. O’Brien a call.

At T.F. O’Brien Cooling & Heating, we offer a wide range of AC services for your Long Island home. Not only do we install the very best cooling systems on the market, but we also provide air conditioning maintenance and repair. We work with you to discover the best solutions to your cooling needs, and provide those services so that you and your family can enjoy cool comfort all summer long.

What types of AC services can I get from T.F. O’Brien for my Long Island residence?

Whether you need new, high-efficiency central air conditioning, ductless cooling, seasonal maintenance or emergency repair, you can trust T.F. O’Brien to assist you. Learn more about our wide range of cooling services below:

AC Installation: At T.F. O’Brien, you can count on us to provide you with the best quality and most efficient air conditioning products on the market. You can trust our skilled technicians to provide you with expert installation of your system, as well as with the AC services you need for your Long Island home after the sale.

Ductless AC: If you have an area of your home that could benefit from cooling, but where adding ductwork is either impossible or impractical, then you might want to consider ductless air conditioning for your home. We offer high-efficiency ductless systems that help you make any space more comfortable for your family.

AC Repair: In the unfortunate event that you need repair for your cooling system, you can rely on the professionals at T.F. O’Brien to help. We’ll troubleshoot your system, and make the repairs you need – whether you just need a new filter, or whether you need part replacements.

Variable Refrigerant Volume AC: Are you looking for a system that will provide energy-efficient cooling to your Long Island home? Variable refrigerant volume (VRV) air conditioning may be the right choice. This system minimize efficiency losses seen with conventional systems, and requires minimal or no ductwork.

AC Maintenance: One of the best things you can do to keep your cooling system running effectively and efficiently is by getting it the maintenance it needs. Preventive maintenance service will also help your system enjoy a longer life, and will catch any small problems before they become larger, more expensive repairs.

Call T.F. O’Brien to get the AC service you need for your Long Island home.

Getting the kind of AC service you need for your Long Island home is easy, when you call us to help you. Simply give us a call at 516.488.1800, and one of our friendly representatives will be happy to help you. Or, if you prefer, you can fill out our convenient online contact form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.