Kerry’s Blog

Deck Your Rooms with Ductless Heating

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

Mother and daughter read book on couch near Christmas treeNow that December has arrived, we’ve officially entered the season to be jolly. Unfortunately, we’ve also begun the season to be chilly! This time of year, we all want our homes to be a warm, comfortable haven – and that means we need reliable heating systems. If you have an older heating system that doesn’t keep your family as comfortable as you’d like, you may want to consider ductless heating for your home.

For more information,
Call or click here:
516.488.1800

Ductless heating isn’t a new thing, but it’s becoming much more popular in the Northeast than it used to be. That’s because modern ductless heating systems are much better at providing heat in colder climates than they used to be. Ductless heating uses heat pump technology, and advances allow today’s cold-climate heat pumps to operate effectively even in sub-zero temperatures.

Who can benefit from ductless heating?

While virtually any home is a candidate for ductless heating, those who can particularly benefit are homeowners without ductwork. Homes that use radiant or baseboard heat typically don’t have ductwork in the walls of their homes, and installing it is usually impractical or even impossible. With a ductless heating system, however, there is no need for ductwork at all!

Ductless heating is also ideal for people who have added a converted space or addition to their homes. Often, these areas don’t have access to the home’s ductwork. It can be taxing on the current heating system to deliver heat to a whole new space, especially one that isn’t a part of the HVAC system. The heating system has to work much harder, making it less efficient and effective overall. Installing ductless heating in these areas can help balance out the temperature in the home and save energy.

What are some of the other advantages of ductless heating?

One of the main advantages of ductless heating is that it also serves as air conditioning in the summer months. Most ductless systems provide both heating and AC because they use heat pump technology. Heat pumps work by transferring heat from the air using a heat exchanger, a compressor, and pipes filled with refrigerant. In the winter months, they extract heat from the outdoor air and pump it inside. In the summer, heat pumps reverse the operation, and that keeps your home cool and comfortable.

Ductless heating systems are also highly energy-efficient. They can help you save a lot of money on your energy bills, too – the Department of Energy estimates that heat pump systems, when compared to fuel-burning systems, can reduce your energy consumption by up to 40 percent.

Will it be difficult for the technician to install ductless in my home?

Another advantage of ductless heating is that these systems are usually easily installed. Generally speaking, ductless heating systems only require a small-diameter hole to connect the indoor and outdoor units. That means a lot less muss and fuss for the homeowner. Usually, your technician can install your ductless heating system within a day.

Is a ductless system intrusive to my home environment, though?

Not at all! Most homeowners agree that ductless systems are very quiet. They are usually mounted high on the wall or ceiling, so they blend well with the decor. Additionally, ductless heating systems are easy to control via remote. All most people notice is better home comfort!

Okay, ductless heating sounds good! How can I get it?

That’s the easy part! All you need to do is give T.F. O’Brien a call. We’re experts in ductless installation, maintenance, and repair. You can count on us to help you find the right ductless heating system for your home. Call us at 516.488.1800, and we will be happy to assist you.

It’s Holiday Time – Get Your Guest Rooms Ready with Ductless.

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

multigenerational family enjoys holiday mealThere’s no place like home for the holidays, and often that means that loved ones from afar come home for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Hanukkah. Having family visit during this time of year can certainly be heartwarming, but it can also get a little bit stressful, especially if you’re worried about their accommodations in your home. Fortunately, you can rest assured that the guest areas in your home will provide comfort and joy with the addition of a ductless system.

For more information,
Call or click here:
516.488.1800

Many times, our home’s guest rooms are spaces like additions, converted attics or garages, or finished basements. Making sure they’re perfectly climate-controlled for your guests is as easy as choosing ductless heating and cooling. What’s more, installing a ductless system is a gift that keeps on giving – it will make those spaces far more usable year-round, so your home’s usual residents can get more out of your living space even after the holidays are over.

Here are just a few benefits to installing ductless in your home.

As we mentioned above, ductless is a great heating and cooling solution for your added or converted spaces. Oftentimes, these areas don’t have access to the home’s central HVAC system, leaving them chilly in the winter, and hot and sticky in the summer. That can limit the use of these spaces by you and your family and can make any guests staying over for the holidays uncomfortable. But, when you install a ductless system in that area, your comfort control issues are a thing of the past!

  • Ductless heating and cooling systems are relatively easy to install. Your HVAC professional can install your unit for you without a lot of muss and fuss. That’s because there’s no need for additional ductwork. Your ductless system will operate independently of your home’s central HVAC system. You won’t have to worry about your home being a construction zone for days – most ductless installs are done in just a few hours – and you’ll be able to enjoy comfort quickly.
  • Ductless systems blend seamlessly with your room. Because they’re usually installed high on a wall or in the ceiling, a ductless unit doesn’t take up valuable real estate in your home like a floor heater or window or room air conditioner might. And, ductless systems are known for their quiet operation, so they won’t disturb sleep, listening to music, or watching TV.
  • Ductless heating and cooling units are easy to operate. Most systems can be turned on or off, up or down, with the touch of a button. Because they are easily operated via remote control, they’re able to provide targeted comfort. That way, you can rest assured that your holiday guests are as cool, or as warm, as they’d like to be.
  • A ductless system can help you save on energy, too. It seems like adding an additional heating and cooling source to your home might use more energy, but actually, the opposite is true. That’s because your home’s central HVAC system works to keep your entire home climate-controlled, regardless of whether it’s actually bringing cooled or heated air into all spaces. With the addition of a ductless system, your central heating and cooling don’t have to work as hard – and that can help save energy and make your utility bills more manageable.

T.F. O’Brien can help you get the ductless system you need, for the holidays and beyond!

If you’d like to learn more about how T.F. O’Brien can help you keep all your home’s spaces comfortable with ductless heating and cooling, simply give us a call at 516.488.1800. We’ll be more than happy to schedule a consultation with you!

Tossing & Turning? Find the Right Sleeping Temperature!

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

Woman wearing winter hat and scarf scowls and covers up in bed.Most people fully understand the benefits of a full night’s sleep – especially if they haven’t been getting one. Getting the appropriate amount of sleep is very important for many reasons, according to the Sleep Foundation. The organization indicates that we don’t catch enough z’s, we can open ourselves up to some concerns, including increased calorie consumption, decreased cognitive performance, inability to focus, impaired driving, and other health concerns.

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Call or click here:
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They also explain that while there are many factors that can lead to poor sleep, one of the largest factors is bedroom temperature. A room that is too hot or too cold can disrupt the body’s ability to both fall asleep and stay asleep, although overly warm bedrooms seem to cause more sleep disruptions than those that are a bit too chilly. While comfortable sleep temperatures vary from person to person, most doctors agree that the ideal temperature for most is around 65ºF.

How can an HVAC dealer help me find the right sleeping temperature?

While your home comfort specialist can’t necessarily determine the best sleeping temperature for their customers, they can help them achieve it once the homeowner discovers it. There are products available that can make it easier to ensure your bedroom is just right for sleep.

  • Programmable Thermostats: Once you determine your ideal sleeping temperature, a programmable thermostat can help you set it and forget it! That’s because most programmable thermostats have settings for home, away, and sleep. You can set the “sleep” time a bit in advance of your usual bedtime to ensure your room is the ideal temp, too!
  • Smart Thermostats: A step up from the programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat is easy to control via a computer, tablet, or smartphone. So, no matter where you are, you can easily use the product app to set the right temperature for sleep. And, some smart thermostats are even able to “learn” your habits, so they automatically change the temperature so that it’s just right for sleeping.
  • Ductless Cooling & Heating: What if you have one HVAC system in your home, but the people living there can’t agree on a sleeping temperature? Then ductless might be the solution for you. That’s because a ductless system can control the temperature in a specific area, making it much easier to create the ideal sleeping environment for individual sleepers!

Can T.F. O’Brien help me get these products for my home?

We can! As a trusted HVAC contractor, we’re able to install both programmable and smart thermostats in your home and explain to you how to use them. And, if you need better temperature control from room to room, we’ll be happy to show you how ductless can help. Simply give us a call at 516.488.1800 to schedule an appointment with us – and rest easy!

Preparing Your Home for the Fall Season Ahead

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

Person removes leaves collected in gutter during fallWhile the weather on Long Island stays milder a bit longer than it does for our neighbors to the north, once the fall season arrives, many of us start to think about the cooler temperatures ahead. Often, we take advantage of the sunny days we have left before winter arrives to get our home ready for the chilly weather. Making sure that your home is comfortable year-round is an important part of homeownership.

For more information,
Call or click here:
516.488.1800

Fortunately, there are some simple measures you can take to get your home ready for the changing seasons, most of which you can DIY. Below, we’re sharing a few tips that can help you prepare your home this autumn – both inside and out! Keep reading to learn more!

5 Tips to Help You Get Ready for Autumn

  1. Check your home for drafts. Drafty windows and doors mean that conditioned indoor air is escaping outside, and the outdoor air is coming in. That can defeat the purpose when it comes to heating or cooling your home and can cause you to use much more energy than you normally would. Weatherstripping is inexpensive and easy to apply.
  2. Clean out your gutters. During the summer and fall months, your home’s gutters can collect lots of organic material, like leaves, twigs, and other vegetation. Free-flowing gutters are important for helping to keep your roof safe and sound once the snow starts to fly. That’s because when it melts, clear gutters will direct it away from your home. But if they’re clogged, that melted snow won’t have anywhere to go – and that can lead to icy buildup.
  3. Take care of the lawn and other outdoor needs. Clean your summer patio furniture and put it into storage for the cooler months to come. Fix any cracks in your driveway or pathways, and make sure your garden hose is drained and disconnected. And, fertilize your lawn to help prevent the winter cold from taking its toll on it.
  4. Change batteries in your smoke alarms and CO detectors. During the month of October, the National Fire Prevention Association, or NFPA, focuses its efforts on fire safety. They encourage homeowners to thoroughly check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms during this time and to make sure fire safety equipment has fresh batteries. It’s a simple step that can make an incredible difference.
  5. Change your HVAC system’s filter. A clean filter can help ensure that your home comfort system is operating at its best and most efficient. It’s also a great time to call your HVAC contractor and get your annual heating maintenance scheduled. That way, you can rest assured that your heating system is clean and running properly, so once the snow flies you’ll have the home heating you and your family need.

Let T.F. O’Brien help you get the annual heating maintenance you need.

If you’re ready to add heating maintenance to your fall routine, T.F. O’Brien will be more than happy to help you! Our experienced technicians are able to provide comprehensive maintenance on virtually any make or model of heating system. So, even if you didn’t install your furnace, boiler, or heat pump with us, we can still help make sure it receives the maintenance it needs. Simply give us a call at 516.488.1800 and we’ll be glad to schedule an appointment with you.

Heating Maintenance is for All Types of Systems

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

technician shows man the inside of hvac systemMost people with furnaces installed in their homes know how important regular heating maintenance is. Usually, furnaces show tell-tale signs of poor maintenance earlier on than other types of heating equipment. Furnace owners know that dusty, dirty air, unpleasant odors, noisy operation, and higher than usual energy bills are pretty good indicators that maintenance is needed.

For more information,
Call or click here:
516.488.1800

But, other heating systems might not show you the signs that they need to be maintained as readily. Below, we’ll give you a breakdown of why various types of heating systems need maintenance, so you can be better prepared for the cooler weather ahead, regardless of the type of heating system you own.

Types of Heating Systems & Why You Should Maintain Them

  • Furnaces: As we mentioned above, furnaces give some pretty good indicators when they need to be maintained. The components inside your furnace can get dirty, and that gunk can make operation harder for your furnace. Add a dirty filter to the mix, and your furnace is working overtime to deliver heated air throughout your home. Maintaining your furnace helps it operate more effectively and efficiently, and enjoy a longer lifespan.
  • Heat Pumps: Your heat pump system uses the heat from the outdoor air or ground to warm your home, unlike a furnace, which relies on fuel to operate. Because a heat pump has a compressor, it’s very important to get maintenance regularly to keep the compressor in good working order. A heat pump that’s well-maintained will also use less energy – anywhere from 10 to 25 percent less.
  • Boilers: Often, during everyday operation, rust and other debris build up in your home’s boiler system. It can also be subject to leaks, dirty burners, and corrosion. This can cause diminished efficiency, and can even clog your system in some instances. Getting regular boiler maintenance can help prevent this from happening – helping your boiler work efficiently and last longer.
  • Ductless Heating: Most ductless heating systems rely on a heat pump to operate. As we mentioned above, heat pumps need regular maintenance in order to keep the compressor and other components in good working order. Usually, each ductless unit throughout your home has its own filter, so it’s a good idea to make sure that gets the proper maintenance as well. This will help your system maintain good airflow, allowing better efficiency and comfort.

Additionally, just about all equipment manufacturers require maintenance in order to keep warranties intact. Failure to get the annual maintenance needed on your heating equipment may void the warranty – which can result in having to pay out of pocket should you need repairs or component replacements.

T.F. O’Brien can help you get the maintenance you need for your home’s heating system.

Whether you rely on a furnace, boiler, heat pump, or ductless system for your home heating needs, T.F. O’Brien is ready to help you get the annual maintenance you need. Simply give us a call at 516.488.1800 to schedule your heating maintenance appointment.

Five Ways a Home Generator Can Help You Weather the Storm

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

tfobrien_home-standby-generatorThis time of year, we often see an increase in storm activity on Long Island, including, unfortunately, hurricanes. Storms can lead to power outages, sometimes lasting several days. That’s why it’s important to know that you can protect your home and family during a storm by installing a home generator. We’re sharing five reasons why having a home generator is a good idea, and how you can benefit from having one for your home.

5 Benefits of a Home Generator

For more information,
Call or click here:
516.488.1800
  1. Keeping Your Food Safe: When the power goes out, your refrigerator and freezer stop working. While this is generally not problematic if it’s only for a couple of hours, a prolonged shortage can cause issues. US Food Safety indicates that your refrigerator will only keep your food within a safe temperature range for four hours during an outage, and your freezer 24-48 hours. With a home generator, your refrigerator and freezer will keep working, saving you from the significant expense of having to discard food and beverage items.
  2. Preventing Flooding: If your basement floods during storms (or other times during the year), you likely have a sump pump to keep the water out. However, a sump pump requires electricity to operate, and won’t perform during a power outage. A backup generator can keep your sump pump operable, helping prevent basement flooding and the damage it can cause.
  3. Helping You Stay Safe: During a power outage, you can lose access to lighting, smoke alarms, and CO monitors. Having a home generator helps to ensure that those devices continue to work – keeping you from stumbling around in the dark or not having the valuable protection of your safety devices.
  4. Preserving Electronics & Appliances: While a power outage in and of itself generally will not harm your electronics and appliances, the sudden surge of electricity that flows through your home once power is restored can. If you’re not home when the storm strikes and you’re unable to shut off these items, you may not be able to keep the power surge from doing damage. A home generator can help prevent that.
  5. Providing Important Medical Access: If you have a family member that relies on home medical equipment, like oxygen, a CPAP machine, or a nebulizer, it’s vital that you consider installing a home generator. That way, you won’t have to worry that the equipment needed won’t be available to them in the instance of a power outage.

Can T.F. O’Brien help me with my home generator needs?

At T.F. O’Brien, we’re pleased to provide our customers with quality home generators that can help them through any power outage – whether it’s just for a few minutes or for a prolonged period of time. We provide automatic standby generators that back up circuits you choose during a power outage. They automatically start within seconds of detecting power loss and run on the home’s existing natural gas or LP fuel supply. You’ll be able to choose a backup option from essential circuit, managed whole-house, or complete whole-house coverage.

And, if you already own a backup generator, we can provide you with any maintenance or repair services you might need to ensure that it will be ready to perform for you when a power outage strikes. Rely on T.F. O’Brien to provide you with a quality generator solution that will help keep you and your family both comfortable and safe. Simply give us a call at (516) 488-1800 and we will be happy to help you.

The Effect of COVID-19 on the HVAC Industry

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

tfobrien_supply-chain-shortages_hvacIn March of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic brought many industries across the nation to a grinding halt. Unfortunately, the HVAC industry was not an exception. As facilities shut down, so did the production of HVAC equipment. As a result, there is currently a shortage in the number of products readily available, versus the demand. And, as more people are entrusting the air they breathe to specialty products, such as advanced filtration and other indoor air quality devices, it becomes more difficult for contractors to meet customer needs in as timely a fashion as pre-pandemic.

As HVAC contractors face shortages of supplies, as well as a decreased workforce, it is important for consumers to understand some fundamentals regarding the effect COVID-19 has had on the HVAC industry, and what it means for them. In this article, we will discuss the disruption in the supply chain, how this has impacted our company, and ultimately, how it may affect you as a valued customer.

For more information,
Call or click here:
516.488.1800

What’s causing a disruption in the supply chain?

First and foremost, it’s important to note that the production of HVAC equipment was halted for a significant period of time when the pandemic caused shut-downs at most of the manufacturing facilities that build HVAC equipment, including furnaces, air conditioners, and ductless products. By the time the manufacturing facilities could reopen, there was an unequal balance between supply and demand for HVAC equipment.

Another problem is that there are components (such as computer chips) that are used in the production of HVAC equipment, that are also in short supply. The chip shortage is on a global scale and affects many different industries aside from HVAC, including the automobile and electronics industry. As a result, the price of these products has had to increase, of course placing the burden on the contractor and the end consumer.

Finally, while most manufacturing facilities have reopened, like many other industries they are facing a shortage of workers, which has slowed the production of HVAC equipment down. Additionally, the trucking industry is also dealing with a lack of workers, causing backlogged shipping ports, and an increase in shipping times. It is, however, important to note that many HVAC distributors are doing all that they can to keep up with the demand. An article in ACHR News indicated that most distributors are “carrying well over normal levels [of product], just to make sure that they’ll have products as demand continues to rise.”

How is T.F. O’Brien handling the lack of supply?

Obviously, T.F. O’Brien has not been immune to the lack of equipment, or the reality of a decreased workforce. However, we have worked diligently to maintain great relationships with our suppliers. Because of the mutual trust and consideration we hold with them, we have been able to keep inventory on equipment and materials and minimize price increases for our customers. While there is no possible way to avoid some of the associated costs incurred, we are doing all that we can to keep these increases manageable.

Additionally, we have been working diligently to maintain, and increase, the team at T.F. O’Brien. As we mentioned above, in addition to a shortage in products across the board, there has also been a shortage in manpower. It’s been a priority for us to hire and maintain a qualified workforce so that there will be minimal downtime for our customers, and their needs will be met as promptly as possible.

Can I still rely on T.F. O’Brien to meet my needs?

At T.F. O’Brien, we are truly committed to providing our customers with the products and services they need, in as timely a fashion as possible. While the increased cost of HVAC equipment is, unfortunately, an unavoidable truth, we will, as always, continue to work to ensure that our customers are offered any rebate and incentive opportunities available. And, we will continue to employ highly skilled HVAC technicians in order to provide you with the best possible experience.

We are here to serve you and provide you with the excellent products and services you deserve, and we appreciate your patience and support as we navigate this shortage. If you have any questions regarding the equipment shortage, and how this might impact you, please feel free to contact T.F. O’Brien at (516) 488-1800. We will be happy to discuss this with you.

Dehumidification 101: Learn How to Keep Humidity at Bay in Your Home

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

TFO AUG HumidityDuring the summer months, people may notice that their homes feel damp or “muggy.” While on occasion this can be a fleeting concern, sometimes, people have ongoing problems with too much moisture in their homes. While at best overly humid air in the home can cause its residents some discomfort, unfortunately, there is a whole host of other issues that can be cause for concern.

In this article, we’ll identify some of the ways excessive humidity can have an adverse effect on your home. We’ll also give you a few practical ideas of what you can do right away to help diminish the amount of moisture in your home, and provide you with a solution to your humidity woes. Keep reading to learn more!

What are some of the issues caused by too much humidity?

Apart from feeling uncomfortable, there are many other reasons why you’ll want to keep the humidity levels in your home in check. If you’re noticing any of these concerns in your home, it’s likely that humidity is causing the problem.

  • You notice mold and mildew growth. Mold and mildew thrive in warm, humid areas. If you’ve noticed mold or mildew growth on floors, walls, or ceilings, it is most definitely a cause for concern. Not only can it cause damage to the building materials in these areas, but it can also cause health problems if left unchecked.
  • You’ve discovered peeling paint. Generally speaking, humidity is one of the major reasons why paint might peel on fixtures, furnishings, and walls around your home. That’s because the paint will not adhere properly to surfaces that are too damp. So, if you’ve discovered peeling paint, especially on surfaces that also feel damp to the touch, excess humidity is the likely cause.
  • Your house has an unpleasant odor. If you’re noticing a musty smell around your house, chances are it’s being caused by excess dampness – and unfortunately, mold or mildew growth. Overly humid environments can even help bacteria to grow in your home. Unpleasant smells are a warning sign that these unsavory pathogens are blooming somewhere in your house.
  • There are spots where wood seems discolored. If your home feels overly damp and you’re noticing discoloration on wood in your home, it may be showing signs of wood rot. It may be accompanied by shrinking, cracks, or splinters. If the wood feels soft or crumbles, there is definitely cause for concern. Wood rot can affect the structural integrity of your home.
  • You feel stuffy. Humidity can cause people to experience respiratory concerns, especially when it also has caused mold, mildew, and bacteria to grow excessively in the home. If your nose frequently feels plugged up, it may be because your home is too damp.

How can I help keep decrease the humidity level in my home?

If you’ve noticed any of the conditions above, the chances are your home is too humid. So, what measures can you take today to reduce the amount of humidity in your home? Here are a few suggestions:

  1. Turn on the air conditioning. While your AC system is not a dehumidifier, it helps reduce humidity by bringing cool air in and drawing warm, humid air out.
  2. Make sure to turn on exhaust fans. When you shower or use your stovetop, warm, damp air is produced. Your exhaust fan will help draw it out.
  3. Cooldown your showers. Of course, hot showers feel great but they can exponentially add to the humidity level in your home. On damper days, taking a cooler shower can help.
  4. Make sure any leaking pipes are fixed. While there are many reasons why you’ll want to fix leaky pipes in your home, they can contribute to excessive moisture levels.
  5. Take advantage of cool breezes. If the weather outside is muggy, keeping the windows closed is a good plan of action. But if it’s a cooler, breezy day, opening a couple of windows helps.

I’ve taken these steps and it’s still too humid. What else can I do?

So, you’ve tried the above recommendations, but nothing is helping. In this instance, it’s likely time for you to consider installing a dehumidification system in your home. A whole-home dehumidifier is an especially good choice for homes that suffer from excessive moisture. The benefit of one of these dehumidifier types is that they are installed to work in conjunction with your home’s HVAC system. And, because they have a dedicated drain, you won’t have to worry about emptying water tanks.

Another benefit to a whole-home dehumidifier is that it will help keep all areas of your house free of excessive moisture, saving you from many of the issues we mentioned previously in this article. Plus, your air conditioning system will not have to work as hard – and that means it will use less energy, saving you money on your utility bills.

Ready for a more comfortable – and less humid – home? Give T.F. O’Brien a call.

At T.F. O’Brien, your comfort is always our number one priority. You rely on us for your HVAC needs, and you can count on us to help you get your home’s moisture level under control, too. If you’d like to learn more about how we can provide you with the dehumidification system you need, simply give us a call at 516.488.1800 and we will be more than happy to assist you.

How Do I Know if My Home is Too Humid?

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

Today’s homes are built for better energy efficiency, which in and of itself is a great thing. Using less energy not only helps your wallet, but it helps the earth, too. Unfortunately, though, this means your home is more tightly sealed than an older home might be – and this can lead to some indoor air quality concerns, including too much indoor humidity.

And while this is most likely a problem you’ll deal with in the summertime, an overly humid house can be much more than just uncomfortable. Homes that are too humid can experience issues like mold and mildew growth, breakdown of building materials like plasterboard, stucco, and wood, and poor indoor air quality. Luckily, there are some telltale signs that can help you know if your indoor humidity level is an issue.

5 Signs of Too Much Humidity

  1. You notice condensation on surfaces. Your windows, pipes, and mirrors might have beads of moisture on them. If that’s the case, it’s likely that your home is too humid. Make sure you check the spaces around areas of condensation to ensure there is no moisture damage.
  2. Your air conditioning system isn’t keeping you cool. Your air conditioning system is designed to remove much of the excess humidity from your home’s air. However, in situations where there is too much moisture in the air, your AC system will have to work much harder to keep your home cool, and may simply not work as effectively.
  3. Your skin feels clammy or sticky. Nobody likes this yucky feeling, but if you’re noticing that your skin often feels this way inside your home, you likely have too much moisture in your indoor air.
  4. Walls, floors, and other surfaces may feel damp. If you notice that your walls, floors, shelving units, or furniture surfaces feel moist, it’s probably due to excessive humidity. You won’t want to wait to remedy the problem, because if left unchecked, it can cause permanent damage.
  5. There is a musty smell or mold and mildew is visible in your home. If you can smell mold or mildew, it’s likely that it’s already lurking somewhere in your home. And, if you can see it, you know it’s already there and you can be fairly certain that you have a moisture concern in your home.

What can I do if there is too much humidity in my home?

As we said above, if your home is too damp, it can cause all sorts of problems, from building issues to health concerns. Fortunately, there is something you can do about it – you can give T.F. O’Brien a call. We can help you get to the root of your humidity issues, and provide you with the products you need for better indoor air. Whether you need a whole-house dehumidifier, air conditioning repairs, or ventilation solutions, we’re ready to help you feel more comfortable. Simply give us a call at 516.488.1800. We’ll be happy to make an appointment with you and help you solve your humidity issues!

Need to Update Your AC? Find Out About 3 Common Types.

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

Now that the summer weather has arrived, most homeowners are turning on their air conditioning systems to escape the outdoor heat. If you have an older system, though, you might be thinking that you’re not as comfortable as you’d like to be. As air conditioning systems age, they can become less efficient and less effective, so you end up paying more to cool your home while experiencing diminished comfort. And, if you have to make frequent repairs to your system, the costs may seem to outweigh the benefits.

If your older system is showing more frequent symptoms of needing to be replaced, you may find yourself wondering what the best system might be for your home. It can certainly be confusing – there are many different types of air conditioning systems available today, as well as different ratings and efficiencies. In this article, we’ll focus on the three main types of AC.

Three Types of Air Conditioning Systems

When you’re considering what type of air conditioning system might be best for your home, you’ll find that there is a lot of information out there about AC systems. And that can get super-confusing! Below, we’ve broken down the three main types of air conditioning systems to give you some quick information about how they work and their benefits.

Central Air Conditioning

If you’ve had a central air conditioning system, or if your home has ductwork, central air is likely a good choice for you. Central AC systems provide cooling throughout your entire home via your system of ductwork and vary in size and configuration based on your home’s unique needs.

With a central air conditioner, there is an outdoor unit that connects to an indoor air handler, usually a blower located in the furnace. The outdoor unit sends chilled air into the home, which is then distributed through your duct system by the air handler.

Having properly sized central air conditioning is crucial because if the system is too small or too large, it won’t perform as well and may even not last as long as it should. That’s why it’s very important to choose an HVAC contractor who understands building science and knows how to accurately size the system for your home.

Heat Pump Systems

Heat pump systems are one of the most highly efficient means of cooling your home available. That’s because they absorb the heat from the indoor air and release it into the outdoor air or into the ground. Much like traditional central air conditioning, the system is comprised of an indoor and outdoor unit and uses your home’s ductwork to move the cooled air throughout your home.

Heat pumps are available in two different configurations – air source and ground source (or geothermal). Air source heat pumps transfer heat between indoor and outdoor air, whereas ground source heat pumps move the heat between the indoor air and the ground outside.

With a heat pump system, however, there is the added bonus of being able to heat your home during the cooler months as well. That’s because you can reverse the process, and the heat pump will absorb the heat from the outdoor air (even in cold temperatures) or ground and pump it into your house.

Ductless Cooling Systems

Ductless Air ConditioningDuctless systems generally rely on heat pump technology, which makes them a highly efficient way to cool your home. So, you may be wondering, why get a ductless system when you can just get a heat pump? There are many benefits to ductless that make it a great choice for any home.

First of all, ductless systems do not require ductwork to operate. This is especially beneficial for homes where adding ductwork is either impossible or impractical. They can be used to cool your entire home, or in a space in your home that may not have access to ductwork, such as an addition or converted space. And, they’re far more efficient than other types of room air conditioning, so you’ll likely save on your utility bills.

Like heat pumps, many ductless systems are able to provide heat during cooler weather as well, providing you with a flexible solution for year-round comfort for your home.

How do I know what type of system is best for my home?

At T.F. O’Brien, we believe that knowledge is important, which is why we strive to provide our customers with all the information they need to make the best decision. We’re always happy to work with you and help you choose the best and most efficient system for your home, lifestyle, and budget. If you’d like to learn more about any of these systems, feel free to contact us at 516.488.1800. We’ll be happy to make an appointment with you and help you find the perfect air conditioning system for your home.