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

When Does Your AC Need Replacement? Three Ways to Know.

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

carrier-air-conditioning

Here are Some Things to Ask Yourself About Your Current AC System

 

When summer arrives, everyone gets excited about the warm weather and the chances for outdoor fun. But people still want to be able to come inside and cool down – which is why having air conditioning that works well, and works efficiently, is so important. If your AC system hasn’t been keeping you and your family as comfortable as you’d like, you might be trying to decide if it’s time to replace your current system. Most people need some help deciding if a few simple repairs will do the trick, or whether a new installation is in order. Here are a few ways that can help you choose the best course of action.

How old is your AC system?

Air conditioning systems typically last between 10 and 15 years, with proper maintenance. If your system isn’t functioning as well as it should and it’s either at or over a decade old, it might be time to consider a new installation. You need to look at the age of the system in relation to the cost of repairs. Generally speaking, if the cost of repairs is approaching 50 percent of the value of your system, a replacement is probably in order.

How efficient is your system?

There’s no way around it – the older your air conditioning system is, the less efficient it becomes. And that means your utility bills will likely be on the rise. While replacing your system might seem like a more costly venture up front, today’s high-efficiency systems can offer you comfort at 20 to 40 percent better efficiency. That means your energy bills will decrease significantly, and that will save you money in the long run.

Do you have a refrigerant leak?

Refrigerant leaks might seem like an easy fix, but they can be the precursor to a whole host of problems. Most older systems use R-22, or Freon, which is a refrigerant that has been phased out in favor of the more environmentally friendly R-410A. As a result, Freon has become very expensive, so refilling a system that uses this kind of refrigerant can be very costly. Leaking refrigerant can be an indicator that the compressor soon will give out, too – and that can be a $2000 expense to the consumer.

If any of these are concerning you about your air conditioning system, you’re probably trying to decide between repair and replacement. At T.F. O’Brien, we can help you. We will thoroughly inspect your current system to see if a repair will cost-effectively do the trick. If not, we’ll talk to you about why and we’ll help you choose the best replacement system for your home, lifestyle and budget. Simply call us at 516.488.1800, and we’ll be happy to help you decide whether repair or replacement is right for your home.

Five Reasons You Need a Smart Thermostat for Your Summer Home

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

nest-learning-thermostatSave Energy and Worry With New Home Comfort Technology

If you have a summer home, there’s no doubt you appreciate having a place where you can get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday living. Your summer home is the place you and your family go to relax, enjoy the beach, and simply unwind. Like any other home, though, your summer home comes with a set of ownership concerns. How can you make sure all is safe and sound when you’re not there? Well, you can keep your eye on your indoor comfort levels much more easily than you may have thought, with the use of a smart thermostat.

Unlike traditional thermostats, or even modern programmable thermostats, smart thermostats can learn your home comfort habits and provide remote management, so you are able to both monitor and control your summer home’s comfort levels any time, from just about anywhere. You can log into the smart thermostat’s interface using your phone, tablet, laptop or computer, and control the temperature of your summer home at the touch of your fingertips. And that makes it easy to keep an eye on your energy usage, while you’re away and while you’re there relaxing. Here are five ways a smart thermostat can benefit your summer home:

  • Energy savings: Half of the cost of your energy bill, on average, goes to the heating and cooling of your home. If you’re heating and cooling a primary residence and a summer home, it can get costly. According to ENERGY STAR, you can save around $200 a year on energy costs just by controlling your thermostat properly. With a smart thermostat, that’s easy to do.
  • Adaptability: Because some smart thermostats “learn” what your home comfort habits are over time, you won’t be constantly running the AC or furnace while you’re not there. Some of today’s thermostats use sensors and your mobile phone’s GPS to tell whether or not anyone is home, and control the climate accordingly. Plus, you can go online and make changes as necessary at any time.
  • Energy control: Most of the smart thermostats on the market today offer you energy usage reports, so you’ll be able to keep a closer eye on the comfort control of your vacation home. Your mobile device will show you the actual amount of energy you’re using toward indoor climate control, letting you take better control over your energy usage.
  • Plan for the weekend: You won’t have to worry about walking into a sweltering summer home – or, conversely, constantly keeping your vacation house cool when no one is there. That’s because, as we’ve discussed previously, adjusting the temperature in your summer home is as easy as going online, when you have a smart thermostat. You can adjust the temperature so that it’s perfect, just in time for your arrival.
  • Good looks: It might seem superficial, but smart thermostats are made to blend in nicely with your décor and provide a modern, elegant look. Smart thermostats offer an easy-to-read digital display, backlighting and even graphic icons, so you can count on easy of use and an attractive design.

Keeping your summer home comfortable – at a cost that’s comfortable, too – is easy when you install a smart thermostat from T.F. O’Brien. Simply call us at 516.488.1800, and we’ll be happy to help you find the right smart thermostat for your summer home.

Five Reasons Why You Should Consider Ductless AC for Your Long Island Home

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

Ductless Mini-Split Systems Have a Number of Advantages

Ductless air conditioning is not a brand-new idea, but it has gained in popularity in recent years. As a result, many people have heard about it, but might not necessarily know how it works and if it’s effective. You should know as a consumer, ductless air conditioning can help you improve your indoor climate dramatically, all while reducing energy costs.

According to ENERGY STAR, ductless systems are extremely efficient, and effectively deliver conditioned air to different zones in your Long Island home.  And, most ductless systems provide not only air conditioning, but heating for your spaces as well. Want to learn more? Here are five reasons why ductless is a great choice for your home:

  • Ductless systems can save you money. When you replace the inefficient window air conditioners and electric baseboard heaters in your Long Island home with a ductless system, you can cut your home’s cooling and heating costs by 30 percent.
  • Ductless systems put the control in your hands. With a traditional system, you usually have a thermostat that controls the cooling and heating to all rooms in your home. Ductless air conditioning and heating allows you precise temperature control over each zone, usually with the touch of a button.
  • As the name suggests, there is no need for ducts. Ductless air conditioning is mounted directly on the wall or ceiling, with no need for ductwork installation. That means the duct losses of a traditional system are eliminated, so you’re more comfortable in your Long Island home – and you save money.
  • Ductless air conditioning is a trusted technology. As we said earlier, ductless air conditioning has been around for a while – more than 30 years. These systems are used worldwide and have been proven to be an effective, efficient means of home comfort.
  • Ductless systems provide cooling AND heating. While you can install strictly ductless air conditioning in your Long Island home, you should know that ductless cooling and heating – all in one unit – is also an option. So, if you relied on electric baseboard heat in the winter and window AC in the summer, a ductless system can provide a convenient, single solution.

If you think ductless 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 ductless air conditioning and help you find the solution most suited to your needs.

Tired of Needing AC Repair for Your Nassau County Home? Here’s What You Can Do

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

Routine Maintenance is the Key to Consistent Performance

More than likely, the AC system in your Nassau County home was expensive, even if you installed it more than 10 years ago. Like your vehicle, your home’s air conditioning system is an expensive machine.  Air conditioning has always been an investment in the comfort of your home and family, but if you constantly have to make AC repairs, it can seem like a nuisance. There are measures you can take, though, that can make AC repair minimal, if not a thing of the past.

As your air conditioning equipment ages, the need for repairs often becomes a consistent issue. Like any other complex machinery, the AC unit in your Nassau County home has many moving parts – and the more moving parts, the more likely something, at some point in time, will fail. Even the very best AC equipment won’t last indefinitely – but there are measures you can take to ensure your system lasts as long as possible. At T.F. O’Brien Cooling & Heating, we always recommend to our clients that they choose maintenance for the longevity and efficiency of their system. Maintenance helps prevent the need for AC repair in many ways.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, there are several ways that routine maintenance can help your AC unit remain worry-free all season long, and for years to come. For instance, maintenance usually involves changing or cleaning the filters. Dirty, clogged filters have a dramatic effect on the performance of the air conditioning system in your Nassau County home. If unattended, the dirty filters can wreak havoc with your system’s evaporator coil, reducing its heat-absorbing capacity. Worse yet, dirty filters and coils can cause your system’s compressors and fans to fail permanently – and the AC repairs needed to fix those problems can be very costly.

A minor refrigerant leak in your Nassau County AC system can also grow into a big concern if left unattended. During regular maintenance, your HVAC technician will check for any leaks in your system, make any needed repairs and add refrigerant when necessary. Without maintenance, a leak can cause your system to become undercharged – and that will lead to diminished system performance and possibly, a more expensive fix. (Not to mention, a refrigeration leak can cause some serious harm to the environment, and nobody wants to upset Mother Nature!)

Of course, if you have an older AC system in your Nassau County home that seems to be breaking down often, it may simply be the age of your system.  Properly maintained air conditioning systems last on average from 10 to 15 years, so if your AC unit is at that age, it may be time to replace. The good news is, modern air conditioning systems are much more efficient than their counterparts from even 10 years ago. They use a refrigerant that’s both environmentally sound and more efficient, too. And perhaps the best part is, although a new system will be an expense, there are many incentives available that can make the cost more palatable.

When you work with T.F. O’Brien, we’ll help you make the most of your Nassau County home’s air conditioning system so it lives its longest life. We look out for your best interests and provide exceptional air conditioning products and services of the highest quality to ensure expected comfort and safety. Our entire company is focused on you, and we strive to ensure that you enjoy your experience working with us and never have to deal with a hassle. We guarantee that you’ll be 100 percent satisfied – and you won’t pay until you are.

When you need an air conditioning contractor for your Nassau County home, we’re ready to assist you. Just give us a call at 516.488.1800.

AC in your Suffolk County Home Not Working? Troubleshoot First, Call Us Second

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

Our Experts Provide Some Easy Things You Can Do if Your AC Stops Working

Nothing is worse than turning on your air conditioning system on the first hot day of the season, only to discover that it isn’t working properly – or worse yet, isn’t working at all!  There are a few things you can do to troubleshoot your air conditioning system before you make the call to T.F. O’Brien Cooling & Heating. Angie’s List has some suggestions on what to look for when the AC system in your Suffolk County home is failing to keep you cool and comfortable.

Start with the thermostat. The thermostat is always the best place to start if your air conditioning system doesn’t seem to be operating properly. It may not be set to “cool,” or it might be set at a temperature higher than room temperature. If it is battery-operated, your batteries may be dead. If the thermostat is functioning properly, then the chances are the issue is with the unit itself.

If the thermostat is set properly, lower it by five degrees and see if your air conditioning system starts. If not, there is likely a problem with your motor or compressor – and you’ll need professional.

If your system is running but your Suffolk County home isn’t being cooled properly, your evaporator might be dirty. You can clean it yourself, or call us to help. If after you clean it and allow it to run for a couple of hours it still isn’t cooling properly, you might be dealing with an improperly sized unit or a few other factors. No air conditioning unit can keep your home super-cool when temps soar above 100 degrees, especially if you have a lot of windows that allow the sunlight to pour in.

If your unit runs but there is no cool air coming from it, or if it keeps shutting off and turning on repeatedly, double-check the thermostat. If this isn’t the issue, make sure your condenser isn’t dirty or blocked. Weeds, grasses and debris can easily block your condenser. If you clear out the weeds and the problem still isn’t fixed, you may have a faulty compressor or inadequate refrigerant in your system. T.F. O’Brien can help you with those issues.

Any time you are unsure of what to do, you should call in the professionals. The air conditioning system in your Suffolk County home is complex and expensive, and can be hazardous if you attempt to fix it without knowing how. Keeping it well maintained can help problems from starting. When you count on T.F. O’Brien Cooling & Heating to help, we’ll offer you the air conditioning maintenance you need to keep problems from occurring, and AC repair should your system need a fix.

T.F. O’Brien provides air conditioning repair to all makes and models of air conditioners, and we pride ourselves on prompt service, so you will only be without air conditioning for a short time. So when you need air conditioning repair for your Suffolk County home, T.F. O’Brien is ready to assist you. Simply call us at 516.488.1800.

May Message from Kerry

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

 

Welcome to the May Message from Kerry. Spring is in full tilt here on Long Island. As we move closer to summer weather, now is the time to think about getting our cooling systems in shape. At T.F. O’Brien, we want to schedule your air conditioning maintenance at your convenience, and we need your help to do that. Giving us a call early before the cooling season rush starts means we’ll be there when you need us – and you and your family will enjoy better home comfort. So call us today at 516-488-1800 to get your spring tune-up scheduled!

Don’t forget – you can enjoy significant savings right now when you choose to install a new Carrier® system in your home. Now through June 30, you can save up to $3150 on a new system with rebates and incentives from Carrier, T.F. O’Brien and PSE&G, as well as federal tax credits. Certain restrictions apply – call us for details.

This month, we’re thinking about all the ways we can help you keep your home cool this summer. There are so many options available nowadays, from new central air conditioning to high velocity cooling. T.F. O’Brien can help you find the solution that’s perfect for your home. Not to mention, more and more Long Islanders are installing heat pumps as a comfort solution for their home – we can help you decide if this is the right option for you.

May is the month for moms – we hope all the mothers on our customer list enjoy their special day.

We hope you have a beautiful May, and thanks for reading!

Kerry

Three Ways You Can Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

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

Keep Your Home’s Air Free of Allergens and Pollutants

 

The arrival of spring also means the arrival of allergy season for many, and for those who suffer from allergy, asthma and other respiratory conditions, breathing easy can be difficult. It’s important for everyone that the quality of the indoor air they breathe is clean, fresh and healthy. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there are three ways you can take a proactive approach to your indoor air quality so that you and your loved ones can breathe better this season: controlling the source, improving ventilation and installing air cleaning devices.

  • Source control is, basically, mitigating or removing anything that’s causing indoor air pollution in your home. That means removing any mold or mildew in living areas as well as in places like your basement, having your gas stove adjusted so emissions are decreased, and stopping activities that contribute to indoor air pollution like smoking tobacco or burning certain candles and incenses. You might also look at the type of chemicals you’re using for home cleaning, as some can cause breathing problems and allergic reactions.
  • Improved ventilation is another way you can help improve the quality of the air inside your home. Ventilation is, basically, bringing fresh air from outside into your home. Since most HVAC equipment like furnaces and air conditioners are basically designed to circulate indoor air, you’re pretty much always breathing the same air in your home, unless you have good ventilation. Opening windows is one way to get fresh air inside, but often this isn’t enough. Many people today are opting for whole house ventilation systems, which help eliminate issues like allergens, indoor pollutant and humidity by bringing fresh air into your home.
  • Air cleaners, especially whole-house systems, can be effective in the removal of certain particles in the air you breathe in your home. Air cleaners help get rid of indoor pollutants like mold, dust, dander and some bacteria. Those equipped with a HEPA filter can capture at least 90 percent of all particles sized 0.3 microns or larger in diameter. While air cleaners can effectively remove particles in your indoor air, they require upkeep, and filters need to be changed according to manufacturer specifications in order for them to continue to work properly. Air cleaners should be used in conjunction with source control and improved ventilation.

If you’re having trouble with the quality of air in your home, the best thing you can do for you and your family is contact a qualified home comfort company to help. Because they’re highly trained and use the right equipment and measuring devices, they can quickly discover your indoor air quality problems, make the right recommendations, and install the equipment you need for improved indoor air. When you call T.F. O’Brien, we can help you with your air quality concerns and more. Just give us a call at 516.488.1800, and we will be more than happy to help you get the IAQ you and your family deserve.

Four Questions to Ask When You’re Looking for an Air Conditioning Contractor

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

Find Out More About an AC Company Before Hiring Them

When you’re looking for an air conditioning contractor for your home, chances are you want someone who’s reliable, has years of experience under their belt, and who can provide you with all your air conditioning needs from soup to nuts. It’s important to work with a contractor you can trust. Air conditioning is an expensive investment, so no doubt you want someone who is looking out for your best interests, as well as the comfort of you and your family.

According to the Better Business Bureau, there are certain characteristics of a good contractor you should look for when you’re seeking someone to take care of your home’s air conditioning system. Here’s what you as a consumer should know:

How long has your company been in business locally?

You want to look for a company that’s been around for a while, because that shows they’ve gained customer loyalty and have years of experience under their belt. T.F. O’Brien has been in the comfort business since 1934 – that’s 82 years of helping people in the Long Island area with their needs.

Which manufacturer do you do installs for?

Brand recognition and reputation is important. You’ll want to work with a contractor who offers quality equipment. T.F. O’Brien is a Carrier President’s Award winner. And, we proudly install Daikin ductless air conditioning systems as well.

Can your company verify licenses, insurances and registrations?

It is very important that the air conditioning contractor you choose is fully licensed and insured, and registered to perform HVAC services in the state where they do business. When you work with a company like T.F. O’Brien, you can guarantee everything is up-to-date. We belong to trade organizations that require this from their membership, and we’re accredited with the Better Business Bureau. In fact, we have an A+ rating with them, and we’ve received the Angie’s List Super Service Award as well.

Does your company have references?

It has been said that the best advertising comes from word-of-mouth. Any good air conditioning contractor is going to have earned a lot of happy customers over the years, and most likely, they’ll be willing to share their experiences with you. At T.F. O’Brien, we post our customer comments right on our website. Please feel free to review them before making up your mind.

If you do decide to choose T.F. O’Brien for the air conditioning products and services you need for your Long Island, NY home, we think you’ll be pleased. We’re able to help you with any air conditioning need you may have, from installation of new equipment, to annual maintenance, to repair services. We offer top products so your home will be cool and comfortable, and you’ll save on your energy consumption. Just call us at 516-488-1800 and we’ll be glad to provide you with full air conditioning contracting for your home.

Shamrock Savings This March from T.F. O’Brien

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

463506495Welcome to the March Letter from Kerry. We love this time of year, because it means St. Patrick’s Day is upon us, and spring is right around the corner. It also means we’re gearing up for our annual Shamrock Savings event. What’s so special about this sale? We pull out all the stops to get our valued customers into a great new high-efficiency home comfort system, by giving them our best offer of the year!

When you choose to take advantage of our Shamrock Savings event, you won’t just be installing a top-performing system in your home. We’re also including some terrific add-ons that will make your home more comfortable and your life easier. Couple that with incredible rebates, and you’ll be enjoying the best in home comfort in no time – for less!

Click here to learn more about how you can save, and be sure to check out our Shamrock Savings commercial!

Thanks for reading. Best wishes for a magical March!

Kerry

Help Us Help You: Tips for Getting Better Service

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

A Few Things You Can Do Before We Arrive for a Heating Repair or Install

When winter weather strikes, there is a greater likelihood that our customers will need us for emergency repairs. That’s because the colder it gets, the harder heating equipment has to work – and that can lead to breakdowns. As your home comfort company, we want to help you get the best service as possible, so we’d like to share some tips on how you can help us help you.

  • Our employees’ safety is important to us. Please understand that when weather is inclement, we pull our trucks off the road.
  • Safe access to equipment is a necessity. In order for our technicians to best service your equipment, please make sure pathways in closets, basements or attics are clear so we can get to your equipment safely and easily. An added bonus – your equipment needs space to “breathe” too – by keeping it clear around it, your equipment can operate in a safer, more efficient manner.
  • Same goes for outdoor equipment. If it is outside, shovel around your equipment and make sure the area is free of debris. And, make sure driveways, sidewalks and entrances are safe for our technicians and other people.
These little things add up, and help our employees do a great job for you – ensuring the comfort and safety of you and your family all winter long!