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

How Commercial AC Revolutionized Movie-Going

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

Air Conditioned Theaters Makes Summer Movie Going Popular

Today, we almost take commercial air conditioning for granted. Trips to the mall, the supermarket or the movie theater in the summer provide a reprieve from the hot temperatures. We’re used to most businesses keeping indoor temperatures cool for their customers. And, we sure know when they don’t, or when their AC is on the fritz! You may be surprised to learn that air conditioning in commercial spaces is nothing new. As a matter of fact, commercial air conditioning has been in use for nearly 100 years.

When Willis Carrier first developed air conditioning, it wasn’t for the comfort of people. It was actually invented to help commercial clients keep stable temps during the manufacturing process. According to an article in The Economist, Carrier’s first installation of his air conditioning system was in a print shop in Brooklyn. There, AC was used to prevent paper shrinkage due to humidity, which led to misprinting. But in 1925, Carrier found a way to use commercial air conditioning to keep consumers comfortable – and help the movie industry enjoy better profits.

Carrier offered a cool solution to moviegoers – AC in the theater.

The Eyewitness to History website noted that Willis Carrier saw that theaters lost business during the summer months. As a result, he asked Paramount Pictures to install his commercial air conditioning system in the Rivoli Theater. The theater was being built in Times Square in NYC. It was tested on customers during the theater’s grand opening on Memorial Day, 1925. Moviegoers loved enjoying the film in cool comfort. Having AC installed in the Rivoli Theater made it a great success.

Over the next five years, Carrier went on to install commercial air conditioning systems in 300 movie theaters across the nation. As a result, summer months, which once had created a loss for the film industry, were now the most lucrative time of the year. As time went on, more and more commercial spaces installed air conditioning. Factory workers and office workers alike were found to be more productive when their spaces were cooled with air conditioning. In fact, a 1957 survey showed 90 percent of companies citing “cooled air” as most important to increased productivity.

Getting commercial air conditioning today is as easy as calling T.F. O’Brien.

Of course, there have been many advancements to commercial air conditioning since Willis Carrier installed his first system in 1902. Changing technologies mean modern air conditioning is much more efficient and better for the environment, and is easier to regulate. When you choose T.F. O’Brien help you get commercial air conditioning for your building, you’re choosing a company that’s been around almost as long as AC itself. For more than 80 years, we’ve been helping people get the cool comfort they need – both in their businesses and their homes.

When you need commercial air conditioning for your space, give us a call 516-488-1800, and we will be more than happy to help you.

 

No Ductwork? No Problem. Ductless & High Velocity AC Offer You Options.

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

If you live in an older home, a home with a radiant heating system, or have added on to your home, you might be concerned that you don’t have the ductwork needed to support an air conditioning system. While it’s true that a central AC system requires ductwork in order to effectively cool your home, you might be surprised to learn that nowadays, you have other options. Ductless and high velocity air conditioning is made to cool your home without the need for extensive, large ductwork. You’ll be able to enjoy a cooler indoor climate with minimal construction and mess.

What are ductless air conditioning systems?

Ductless air conditioning systems are high efficiency cooling and heating systems that help keep spaces with no ductwork as comfortable as those with. Ductless air conditioning systems are generally used in a single space, but there are multi-unit options available as well. Ductless air conditioning can be used not only in spaces that have no ductwork, but they are also a great option for balancing out hot and cold spots in your home or office, increasing the energy efficiency in surrounding spaces, or providing precise temperature control in areas where climate control is essential.

For more information,
Call or click here:
516.488.1800

Ductless air conditioning systems mount directly to the wall or ceiling and blend well with virtually any décor. Window air conditioning units can be unattractive and block your view – with ductless air conditioning, which are non-obtrusive and quiet, the only thing you’ll likely notice is the improved comfort level in the room. What’s more, T.F. O’Brien provides expert installation, so we can install the unit in your Long Island home or business in just a few hours, with no patching, painting or additional ductwork required.

What is high velocity AC?

If you live in an older, multi-story home that lacks ductwork, and are in need of improved home cooling, then why not think about a high velocity air conditioner? This is the ideal system for adding air conditioning to homes where larger ductwork may be impossible or impractical. High velocity air conditioning helps to ensure a dehumidified, cooler environment, and provide complete and thorough air circulation.

High velocity air conditioning systems use a type of indoor equipment known as an air handler, outdoor equipment, a line set of pipes that connect the indoor and outdoor units, and small-diameter ductwork which transfers the cooled air throughout your home. A standard thermostat controls the system, which discharges the cooled air at targeted locations throughout your home.

How can I get ductless or high velocity for my home?

If you think ductless or high velocity air conditioning sounds like a great option for your Long Island home or business and would like to find out more, T.F. O’Brien is ready to assist you. T.F. O’Brien proudly serves all of Long Island, including Nassau County, Suffolk County, and Brooklyn. Simply call us at 516.488.1800, and we’ll tell you about the different options for air conditioning and help you find the solution most suited to your needs.

Is AC Repair Needed for Your New Hyde Park Home… Or Is It Time to Replace?

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

Making the Decision About Repairs or Replacement for Your AC?

The steamy summer months have arrived in New York. Chances are, you’ve already turned on the air conditioning. Have you noticed that your home simply isn’t as cool as it ought to be? Then, you might be considering AC repair for your New Hyde Park home. Nothing is worse than expecting the good old AC to kick on, only to discover that it’s working poorly – or not at all.

But how do you know if you should repair the air conditioning system in your New Hyde Park home, or replace it with a new one? The folks at ENERGY STAR have provided consumers with a few scenarios in which replacement may be more ideal than AC repair. You might want to give T.F. O’Brien a call if:

The AC in your New Hyde Park home is more than 10 years old.

The older your system is, the more likely it will need AC repair. Not to mention, older systems are far less energy-efficient than their modern counterparts. You could be spending a lot more on your utility bills than you need to.

This isn’t your first rodeo calling us for AC repair.

We’re always happy to see you; really, we are. But we also know the cost of AC repairs can add up. We don’t want you spending more than you should on fixes to a system that’s going to keep failing. We can help you find a new air conditioning system for your home that fits your needs – and your budget.

The humidity levels in your home are outrageous.

No matter how good your air conditioning system is, the hottest, most humid days are still going to produce some moisture in your home. But, if you have AC, you should be able to enjoy drier indoor air even when it’s muggy outside. If you’ve noticed the AC system in your home isn’t doing as good of a job as it used to at keeping moisture at bay, there’s likely a problem.

Your energy bills are through the roof.

If the AC system in your New Hyde Park home is performing poorly, you’ll probably be noticeably less comfortable. Some rooms may feel warmer than others, you might have noticed that your system is noisy, and there might even be excess dust in your home. If you notice all of these factors, and your energy bills have gotten ridiculously high, then it’s a surefire sign your AC system is not up to snuff.

We get that nobody wants to think about replacing their air conditioning system. It’s an expensive venture. You as a consumer need to weigh the pros and cons of the situation. If you’re not comfortable in your home, if your energy bills are high, and if you’re spending a lot on repairs, are you really saving that much money? A new system will offer you efficiency, so you can save more on your bills. It will keep you cooler without running as much. And, depending on the types of repairs needed, your replacement will likely be the less expensive choice in the long run.

Of course, if you do decide AC repairs are the way to go for your New Hyde Park home, T.F. O’Brien can help. We’ll never suggest a replacement to you unless we think it’s necessary. What’s more, we’ll make all repairs promptly and effectively, so you’ll be able to enjoy cool comfort in no time. Just give us a call at 516.488.1800 and we will be happy to assist you.

The Heat is On! Get Some Relief from T.F. O’Brien!

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

Frustrated woman in front of a fan.Warmer Days are Here, Make Sure You Stay Cool!

June is here, and that means the weather is heating up outside. Here at T.F. O’Brien, we’re moving into our busiest time of the year! If your air conditioning system isn’t working as well as you’d like, it might need some repairs. Don’t wait until it breaks down completely to call. Chances are, if you call us to come look at your system when it first acts up, you’ll prevent small repairs from becoming larger – and much more expensive – ones.

Or, maybe your system is old and inefficient. If that’s the case, it probably is time to consider replacement. You’ll probably be surprised to learn that replacing your AC equipment can help you save significantly on your utility bills, too. We can explain how, and talk to you about the right system for your home, whether it is central air or a ductless system.

T.F. O’Brien is ready to help you with your air conditioning needs, both residential and commercial.

At T.F. O’Brien, we want you to know you shouldn’t wait to give us a call if you think you need air conditioning repair. And, if you own a business, you should know T.F. O’Brien is equipped to help you with your commercial air conditioning needs, too. Also, learn some important ways air conditioning can help you chill out this summer – it isn’t just for keeping cool.

We hope you have a great June! Thanks for choosing us to help you beat the heat!

Thanks for reading!

Kerry

Don’t Wait When You Need AC Repair for Your Suffolk County Home

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

Learn About Common AC Service Work We Provide

You expect the air conditioning system in your Suffolk County home to run like a top, and we don’t blame you. Chances are, you’ve invested a lot in your system and it goes without saying you expect it to perform well. But even the best systems sometimes need some work. The important thing is, when you need AC repair for your Suffolk County home, don’t wait around for it. The longer you wait to get repairs, the more likely small, common problems with your system will become large ones.

Waiting on AC repairs in your Suffolk County home can cause more headaches than you might believe. For instance, if a leaky refrigerant line is repaired right away, and refrigerant is properly recharged, you’ll be enjoying cool comfort again in no time. But – if you wait to make that repair, you could be looking at compressor failure. You should know that replacing the compressor in your system can be a costly venture. That’s especially true if your air conditioning system is out of warranty or it’s an older system. Many times, people choose to replace their system if compressor failure is a problem.

Luckily, refrigerant leaks don’t have to turn into an AC repair nightmare.

If you get proper preventive maintenance each year, your technician will catch refrigerant leaks before they become a huge problem. They’ll fix the leak and add the proper amount of refrigerant. This will allow you a far cheaper AC repair for your Suffolk County home than a complete compressor replacement.

Another common place where people wait with their air conditioning systems is the filter. People think they can let their filter go an entire summer without cleaning it or replacing it. This is generally not advisable, as filter changes on frequently used air conditioning systems should take place on a monthly basis. When filters are allowed to be dirty, dirt and debris will start to build up in your AC system. And, it’s much harder for your air conditioner to run when the filter is clogged, leading to motor and fan burnouts. Again, AC repairs of this nature can get costly. It is definitely much less expensive to change out your filter as soon as it gets dirty.

You can count on T.F. O’Brien when you need AC repair for your Suffolk County home.

T.F. O’Brien provides air conditioning repair to all kinds of air conditioning systems, and we pride ourselves on prompt service, so you will only be without air conditioning for a short time. We’ll always look out for your best interest and provide exceptional air conditioning repairs of the highest quality to ensure expected comfort and safety. we use advanced diagnostic equipment, instruments and tools so that we are able to evaluate your air conditioning system quickly and thoroughly, which helps to save you time and money. And, our technicians receive the proper training needed so that they understand air conditioning systems inside and out.

When you need an air conditioning contractor for your Long Island, NY home, T.F. O’Brien is ready to assist you. Simply call us at 516.488.1800 and one of our friendly representatives will be more than happy to help you.

Commercial AC: How Your Company Benefits by Choosing T.F. O’Brien

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

If You Own A Business or Facility, We Can Help With Your HVAC Needs

When you need air conditioning services for your company, it can be hard to choose an HVAC dealer. The same professional who services your residence might not have the qualifications to help with your business. Commercial AC is different than home air conditioning, so you want the best company for the job. You’ll be glad to know that T.F. O’Brien offers the best of both worlds. Not only are we trusted providers of residential air conditioning services, but we’re also known for our commercial AC work as well.

Businesses and organizations have special needs when it comes to cooling and heating. If your business or organization needs commercial HVAC services, trust the experts at T.F. O’Brien to help. Since 1934, our family has been helping commercial customers stay comfortable and minimize downtime. We want to help your business or organization as well. We take into account the needs of our commercial AC customers in order to provide them with the best products and services available.

Of course, it’s easy enough for us to say we’re a great choice for your commercial AC needs. But how can you know for sure you’re making the right decision by choosing us?  An article at Buildings.com discussed what facility managers should look for when looking for an HVAC contractor. Here are a few of their suggestions, and how T.F. O’Brien stacks up.

Professional Affiliations

The article suggests that your commercial AC contractor of choice should have professional affiliations that speak to their quality and reputation. It says a good place to look first is the Air Conditioning Contractors of America, or ACCA. Because of the high standards ACCA holds its members to, commercial clients can trust that ACCA members are in good standing. T.F. O’Brien is a proud member of ACCA.

Angie’s List

The article points readers toward Angie’s List as well. Angie’s List is a platform for reviews and information regarding the commercial AC contractor. T.F. O’Brien is a member of Angie’s List, with more than 180 A-rated reviews from customers. In fact, we are past winners of the Angie’s List Super Service Award.

Better Business Bureau

The Better Business Bureau is one of the most trusted sources of information about companies out there. Accredited members must adhere to rigorous standards placed on them by the organization. There is complete transparency to the consumer when it comes to reviews, both negative and positive. T.F. O’Brien is proud to be an accredited member of the BBB, and to have an A+ rating with them.

As you can see, at T.F. O’Brien we constantly strive toward perfection. Our quality affiliations with organizations like ACCA, Angie’s List and the BBB are all ways we work to show professionalism and dedication to quality Our commercial AC installation and repair team is comprised of highly skilled HVAC technicians who have been trained to provide expert commercial air conditioning diagnostics. They’re qualified to make whatever commercial air conditioning repairs might be needed at your business. And, they’ll help you find the best and most efficient commercial air conditioning system available – all within your budget.

When you need commercial air conditioning installation or repair for your Long Island business or organization, count on T.F. O’Brien Cooling & Heating. Just give us a call at 516.488.1800 or fill out the convenient contact form below, and we’ll be more than happy to assist you.

Chill Out With Air Conditioning for Your Suffolk County Home

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

Give Yourself the Gift of Cool Air This Summer

 

Things are about to heat up, especially if you don’t have air conditioning for your Suffolk County home. The summer months here can get downright balmy. Without AC you’re likely to feel hot, sticky and uncomfortable. But, does air conditioning really provide benefits for people suffering from the heat? Here are a few ways air conditioning can help you chill out when Mother Nature turns up the temperatures.

Air conditioners remove humidity.

ASHRAE states that air conditioning was initially conceived for humidity control. Modern air conditioning systems help to dehumidify the air. What’s more, some of the cutting edge systems on the market today can act as effectively as a dehumidifier – which is great for those super sweltering days.

Some people with breathing disorders benefit from AC.

Johns Hopkins says that for some people with breathing disorders, such as asthma, AC can be of great benefit. They indicate that central air conditioning is ideal, as long as filters are changed regularly. Air conditioning helps to cut down on the humidity and the allergens that can trigger respiratory illnesses. Therefore, if you or a loved one suffer from respiratory concerns, air conditioning for your Suffolk County home could be helpful.

People tend to sleep better in air conditioned rooms.

Well, at least in cooler rooms – which can be difficult to achieve when outdoor temperatures are at the melting point. In a Huffington Post article by Dr. Christopher Winter, he cites that research has shown optimal sleep temperatures to be between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit. When temperatures go above 75 degrees Fahrenheit, you’ll likely start tossing, turning and sleeping poorly.

Air conditioning is good for the very young – and the elderly.

The very young – infants and small toddlers – as well as the elderly have a harder time in the heat. That’s because their bodies don’t process changes in temperature as well. Small children and the elderly are often most at risk for dehydration, too. The best way they can play it safe is to stay in an air conditioned area during extreme heat. So, if you have an infant or elderly family member in your Suffolk County home, air conditioning could be an important choice.

Air conditioning increases productivity.

A Careerbuilder survey showed that office productivity increases when temperatures range from 68 to 71 degrees Fahrenheit – temperatures that can best be achieved by air conditioning during hot summer months. If you don’t already have air conditioning in your Suffolk County office, why not consider installing it – and enjoy an increase in productivity from your employees!

When you choose T.F. O’Brien to help, we can assist you with any and all of your air conditioning needs. We’re a full-service AC contractor, offering everything from installation of high-efficiency air conditioning systems and space-targeted ductless, to maintenance and tune-up services, to system repair. We think you’ll love the benefits air conditioning offers for your Suffolk County home, and we want to help you and your family stay comfortable. Just give us a call at 516-488-1800 and we’ll help you get the right AC for your Suffolk home.

This May, We Can Help You Get Ready for Summer

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

Longer Days Mean Warmer Days on Long Island

May is one of the most beautiful times of the year here on Long Island. The days are warmer and longer, the trees have blossomed and the flowers are in bloom. It’s a time of transition between spring and summer, and that means many people are preparing their homes for the summer season to come.
Part of that preparation should include making sure your air conditioning system is ready for action. If you haven’t called us yet to get your annual maintenance scheduled, make sure you do soon. Once the summer heat hits, we get busy with installation and repair, and that means we might have to get to your maintenance later than you’d like. So call 516-488-1800 to schedule now, before the rush!

May is a great time to think about new air conditioning, too.

Some of you might have a space in your home that has no ductwork. You might think that means you can’t enjoy air conditioned comfort in that area, but that’s not the case. Learn how our ductless solutions that can make any area in your home climate controlled, all year long by clicking here. And, we always tell you why you should consider AC for your home – here are a few reasons why you might not want to consider it.
We hope you have a wonderful May!
 
Thanks for reading! 
 
Kerry O’Brien

5 Reasons NOT to Get AC for Your Suffolk Home

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

The summer heat will be here before we know it, and that means many people will be turning up the AC in their Suffolk homes. But for some, hearing about all the great benefits that air conditioning has to offer gets to be too much year after year. For those people, they’d like to learn more about why they shouldn’t think about installing AC in their home. So, we’ve decided to share with you why you might not want to consider new air conditioning any time soon.

Here are five reasons NOT to get AC for your Suffolk home.

  • You’re a big fan of humidity. Mildew, schmildew. Damp walls, sticky furniture, and feeling like you’re living in a tropical rainforest… these are a few of your favorite things. The dehumidifying properties of air conditioning, on the other hand, cramp your style.
  • You enjoy being hot and sticky. While most people would prefer mild, dry indoor temperatures, you’re all about sweating it out. Why visit a sauna when your own home can be one? An air conditioner is only going to make the indoor temperatures bearable and welcoming to friends and family – and nobody wants that.
  • You sneeze at the thought of keeping allergens at bay. Yeah, yeah… we all know that air conditioning is recommended if you’re an allergy sufferer. But even though you realize AC can keep airborne pollen from trees, grasses and weeds from entering your Suffolk home, you prefer an itchy, sneezy, runny nose.
  • You like hearing your family complain. While most people enjoy a peaceful haven, you like it when everyone is whining about the heat. If you’re at your happiest when the kids are grumpy, your spouse is petulant and the even the cat hisses at you, AC in your Suffolk home is definitely not the right choice for you.

Of course, at T.F. O’Brien we know most people don’t really want to experience any of the above. If you’re in that category, then you might want to give us a call if the heat has become a little more than you can bear. We can install a variety of different types of air conditioning systems that suit the AC needs of your Suffolk home. You can count on us to provide you with professional, quality AC installation, as well as any other air conditioning service you may need. Just give us a call at 516-488-1800 and we’ll help you get the right AC for your Suffolk home.