Kerry’s Blog

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.

Five Reasons You Should Get AC for Your Nassau Home

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

Summer. Everyone looks forward to its arrival after a long, cold winter (and mucky, rainy spring). Warm days and fun outdoor activities make everyone look forward to the season. Until, of course, the weather starts to heat up to an unbearable point and the humidity starts to set in. Then you and your family probably start to look for ways you can beat the heat in your Nassau home.

Air conditioning is one of the best ways you can stay cool during the summer, but you might not know if you want to make the investment. There are several ways a new AC installation can make a big difference when it comes to your family’s quality of life and comfort.

Here are a few of the main reasons AC can help:

You and your family will be more comfortable. Nothing is worse than dealing with a hot, sticky home all summer long. Your home should be a retreat from the outdoor heat, but without air conditioning, it can sometimes feel hotter inside than out. When you install AC in your Nassau home, your family will thank you for it once those temperatures hit the sweltering mark.

You’ll reduce your risk of heat-related illness. For infants and toddlers, the elderly and those suffering with certain illnesses, summer heat can be more than just uncomfortable – it can be deadly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses are responsible for hundreds of deaths in the U.S. each year. They also agree that air conditioning, along with proper hydration, can protect people.

Allergy and asthma sufferers may see some relief. The Mayo Clinic advocates the use of air conditioning for allergy and asthma sufferers, largely because of its air cleaning capabilities. They state, “air conditioning reduces the amount of airborne pollen from trees, grasses and weeds that finds its way indoors.” They also point to air conditioning’s ability to help reduce exposure to dust mites, which are a major allergy and asthma trigger for many.

Your home will be less humid. Everyone knows that AC in your home helps you stay cool. Part of the reason it does that is because aside from cooling the air, it also helps to remove excess humidity. And, with reduced humidity comes a reduced change for mold and mildew growth, which can occur if your home is too damp.

You’ll sleep better. The National Sleep Foundation indicates that for most people, the ideal temperature for sleeping is between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit. As you can imagine, that temperature might be difficult to achieve during the summer in the absence of air conditioning. When you have AC in your Nassau home, you and your family will rest easier – making for much more enjoyable days in the sun!

T.F. O’Brien is a full-service air conditioning contractor, serving people all throughout Nassau. When you decide it’s time for AC installation in your home, you can count on us to provide you with professional, quality air conditioner 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 Nassau home.

Getting the AC Services You Need for Your Long Island Home

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

Spring is right around the corner, and that means it’s time for AC service for your Long Island home from T.F. O’Brien. We take great pride in offering our customers the best AC maintenance available, so your system is at its most effective and efficient now and into the future. We realize we talk a lot about the importance of annual service for your air conditioning system. We want you to know we’re not just trying to sell you something you don’t need – we firmly believe that in order for your system to run its best, annual maintenance is important.

The Department of Energy agrees – their website states, “An air conditioner’s filters, coils and fins require regular maintenance for the unit to function effectively and efficiently throughout its years of service.” They go on to say that without regular checkups and maintenance, air conditioning systems will steadily decline in both performance and efficiency. But when you rely on us for the AC services you need for your Long Island home, you can count on better comfort and efficiency from your air conditioning system.

What happens during AC service for your Long Island home?

During routine AC service, your technician will check your filters, coils, fins and condensate drains, and replace filters and clean coils, fins and drains if dirty. Additionally, your technician will perform more comprehensive diagnostic checks, and fix any problems, including:

  • Check refrigerant levels
  • Test for refrigerant leaks
  • Capture any leaking refrigerant
  • Check for, and seal, any duct leakages
  • Measure airflow through evaporator coil
  • Verify the electric control sequence
  • Inspect electric terminals
  • Clean and tighten electric connections
  • Oil motors
  • Check belts for tightness/wear
  • Check thermostat accuracy

How does T.F. O’Brien help?

When you choose T.F. O’Brien for the AC services you need for your Long Island home, you can count on smooth, efficient operation from your system. In addition to annual maintenance, we’re pleased to provide a wide range of air conditioning services to meet all of your needs, including repair and new system installation. Just give us a call at 516.488.1800 to schedule maintenance or to find out how we can help with any other AC services you may need.

Hiring the Right Heating Service Contractor for Your Nassau County Home

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

When you need heating services, you want to know that the contractor you’re inviting into your home is qualified to perform the HVAC services you need, whether it’s maintenance, repair or installation. In an article on the Angie’s List website, author Paul F. P. Pogue discusses what you should look for in an HVAC contractor, and the homework you really should do before hiring someone for the heating service needs of your Nassau County home.

Here’s what to look for in a heating contractor:

  • Licensure: When you hire a heating service contractor for your Nassau County home, you’ll want to make sure they hold the appropriate licenses. You’re taking your heating system into your own hands if you choose to hire a contractor without the proper licensure. It can mean that your contractor doesn’t have the right education and experience for the job, and there’s a good chance their company isn’t properly bonded or insured.
  • Insurance: It should go without saying – anybody who does any work in your home should be insured. Why? Without the right insurance, you as a homeowner can be held liable in the case of accidental damage or injury. So before you hire someone to perform heating service in your Nassau County home, make sure they’re properly insured.
  • Quality Brands: Does the contractor install brands with a proven track record? If you’ve never heard of what they’re selling, or can’t easily find information on the brand on the Internet, then maybe they don’t. Just like you should be cautious about who is providing heating service in your Nassau County home, you should also be aware of what equipment manufacturers are considered to be the cream of the crop.
  • Testimonials: What do other customers have to say about the contractor you’re considering? Check places like Angie’s List for unbiased customer testimonials. Ask your neighbors and friends if they’ve had experience working with them. Check out the contractor’s website and see if they offer customer reviews anywhere on their website. Word-of-mouth is often a great way to connect with a contractor who will have your best interests at heart.
  • Maintenance Contracts: A great contractor knows that there’s much more to HVAC than installation of new systems. They care about their customers and want to help them keep their equipment running and in good shape for as long as possible. Check to see if the contractor you’re considering offers maintenance contracts along with their other heating services for your Nassau County home. Maintenance contracts provide you with the annual attention your system needs to run its best now and for years to come.

How can T.F. O’Brien help?

Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place for all of the above. At T.F. O’Brien, we take great pride in providing the residents of Nassau County with the heating service they need in order to stay comfortable all winter long. We’re fully licensed and insured, and we only install brands that we’d use in our own homes. Our customers will tell you, we strive to provide expert service, whether you need heating repair, maintenance or a new installation. And, we offer maintenance contracts so you can rest assured that your equipment will last and will perform effectively and efficiently. Just give us a call at 516.488.1800 to find out how we can help.

March Message from Kerry: Shamrock Savings & Preventive Maintenance

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

Happy March from T.F. O’Brien! 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!

Also, it’s never too early to get on board with your spring maintenance needs. Give us a call at 516.488.1800 to schedule your spring preventive maintenance appointment today!
Thanks for reading. Best wishes for a magical March!
Kerry