Author: kerry

Boosting Your Indoor Air Quality, From Basement to Bedroom

Posted on by kerry

indoor air quality, Long Island, New YorkEach Room of Your Home Presents Different Air Quality Problems

 

As a homeowner, it’s your responsibility to ensure that the indoor air quality is clean and safe for all the occupants in the house. The different rooms attract a variety of pathogens that reduce the overall indoor air quality. Knowing what the contaminants in each room are allows you to address them and the risks they pose. Continue reading “Boosting Your Indoor Air Quality, From Basement to Bedroom” →

Your Air Conditioner Replacement: Should You Really Put It off Any Longer?

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air conditioner replacement, Long Island, New York

It’s easy to put off an air conditioner replacement because it’s an expensive undertaking and a fairly complicated process. But putting the replacement off too long will raise your electric bills and could leave you uncomfortable when the weather turns warm.  Continue reading “Your Air Conditioner Replacement: Should You Really Put It off Any Longer?” →

Your Airtight Home Needs a Ventilating System, and Here’s Why

Posted on by kerry

ventilating system, Long Island, New YorkHow Air Moves Through Your Home Helps Determine Comfort

Nowadays, efficient home are known to be airtight. Most all of the heating and cooling remains where it’s needed and intended, while saving hundreds of dollars on your electric bill throughout the year. However, if you’re lucky enough to have an airtight Long Island home, you may not realize you could benefit from a proper ventilating system to refresh the air you are breathing. Continue reading “Your Airtight Home Needs a Ventilating System, and Here’s Why” →

Your Springtime Heat Pump Maintenance

Posted on by kerry

heat pump maintenance, Long Island, New YorkWhat You Can Do to Help Your Heat Pump Meet the Demands of Summer Weather

When spring rolls around, it’s a good time for homeowners to take on necessary heat pump maintenance. If you haven’t done it before, or if you need a refresher, here are some step-by-step tips to get you on the right path.

DIY heat pump maintenance

  • Start by hosing off the outside of the unit. Washing the unit with water removes the grime, debris and dead leaves that can get caught in the unit. Make sure that you wait until the weather has warmed up completely and you’re certain you won’t have to use your heat again until the fall. This task helps ensure that the heat pump will continue to run efficiently without dirt buildup.
  • Check your filters and replace or clean them as necessary. You may have disposable glass fiber filters that you can simply discard, or you might have plastic fiber or aluminum mesh filters that require washing and can be reinserted. If you’re not sure, check with your HVAC technician, who can show you how to best take care of your heat pump’s filter needs.
  • Most of the time, your heat pump maintenance won’t include lubrication, but you do need to make sure that dust is periodically removed from the motor. You can use air pressure like a vacuum in reverse mode or an air compressor to clean the dust off of the motor.
  • Make sure that you have your unit inspected by a professional periodically. This is one of the steps  that many forget, and if your heat pump is warrantied, it’s one of the easiest tasks that if not done routinely, can void the manufacturer’s warranty. Professional preventive maintenance can catch issues before they turn into costlier problems.

For more information on heat pump maintenance, or to schedule an appointment, contact the experts at T.F. O’Brien Cooling & Heating. We’re proud to serve homeowners throughout the Long Island area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Image via Shutterstock.com

Tend to Your Air Conditioner Maintenance Now, Before Long Island Heats Up

Posted on by kerry

air conditioner maintenance, Long Island, New YorkLonger Days Means It’s Time to Get Ready for Summer

The ideal time for air conditioner maintenance is in the spring, so your system is functioning at its highest level of efficiency before the summer heat arrives. Continue reading “Tend to Your Air Conditioner Maintenance Now, Before Long Island Heats Up” →

Cutting Your Home Energy Bills Down to Size: Strategic Steps You Can Take Right Now

Posted on by kerry

home energy bills, Long Island, New YorkTrimming Your Energy Consumption Will Save You Money

When it comes to managing your household, every penny counts, especially with energy bills. Continue reading “Cutting Your Home Energy Bills Down to Size: Strategic Steps You Can Take Right Now” →

What ACCA Membership Means When You Call T.F. O’Brien

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acca membership, Long Island, New YorkOur Participation in Professional Organizations Helps Us Stay on Top of Trends in HVAC

When your home comfort system isn’t working properly, it can be very stressful. You may be concerned about the cost to repair it, as well as how to find a qualified and trusted company to make the repairs. No matter the issue, from preventive maintenance to a cracked heat exchanger , hire an HVAC company that has an Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) membership. With that, you know your system is in good hands. Continue reading “What ACCA Membership Means When You Call T.F. O’Brien” →

Year-Round Energy-Saving Best Practices for Efficiency

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home energy-saving best practices, Long Island, New YorkThere are Some Simple Ways to Keep Your Energy Bills Down

If you’ve resolved to adopt some energy-saving best practices, it may help to think of saving energy like making choices on a grocery shopping trip. Continue reading “Year-Round Energy-Saving Best Practices for Efficiency” →

Air Cleaners to the Rescue When You’re Sickened by Your Home’s Air

Posted on by kerry

air cleaners, Long Island, New YorkChoose an Air Cleaner That Works for You and Your Family

Air cleaners come in many varieties. They’re especially useful for people with allergies, asthma, or other medical conditions. The market’s filled with different kinds of air filters and cleaners, making it difficult for the average homeowner to figure out what’s best for their home. Continue reading “Air Cleaners to the Rescue When You’re Sickened by Your Home’s Air” →