New Furnaces Meet Higher Energy StandardsAs another Long Island winter approaches, considering an upgrade to an energy-efficient furnace makes sense. New high-efficiency furnaces with Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings of at least 90 percent really shine in these cold winters. Continue reading “A Buyer’s Guide To Energy-Efficient Furnaces”
When cooler weather arrives, homeowners need to be ready for it. Though many homeowners know the basic tips of sealing their windows and checking their home’s insulation to improve furnace and whole-house efficiency, there are other tricks to keeping your home comfortable and lowering energy costs. Did you know that by utilizing your ceiling fans in conjunction with your furnace, you can enjoy a cozier winter at a lower cost? Continue reading “A Ceiling Fan Can Be Your Furnace’s Best Friend”
Proper Attic Ventilation is Helpful Year RoundYour attic may be out of sight and out of mind, but the conditions there greatly affect your home’s overall health. And an attic fan is particularly essential to improving your home’s health. Continue reading “Why An Attic Fan Is Essential To Your Home’s Health”
A Ceiling Fan Can Help Your Home’s Circulation
Some things in life just seem to go together: a tea bag and water, a hammer and nails and an A/C and ceiling fans. When you put the last two into action inside of your home, you can reach peak energy efficiency. Continue reading “Your A/C And Ceiling Fans: The Efficiency’s Better When You Use Them Together”
Keeping Your Home’s Air Cool Requires a Combination of FactorsDuring Long Island’s summer months, the importance of a well-functioning air conditioner goes without saying. Understanding how optimal airflow and refrigerant charge boost A/C efficiency can help you learn the value of scheduled home air conditioner maintenance at least once a year. Continue reading “Home Air Conditioner Maintenance: How Airflow And Refrigerant Can Boost Performance”
So how can you muffle a noisy air conditioner? First, know your limitations. If you feel out of your element meddling with an air conditioner (and many homeowners do), call the experts at T.F. O’Brien Cooling & Heating. We’ll clean your compressor and blades to ensure they function at peak efficiency.
Just remember that while cleaning will help matters, the noise may continue, especially if your unit is more than 10 years old. In this case, you may wish to consider building a fence around the unit. Installed at least 3 feet from the unit and made with boards that allow proper airflow, a fence made with sound-proofing materials may muffle a good deal of the noise coming from your A/C.
Another remedy? A sound blanket, which can be carefully placed on the inside of the air conditioner or heat pump and wrapped around the compressor. Sound blankets do not impair airflow; in fact, they actually insulate the compressor and help the unit maintain a more consistent temperature, thereby prolonging the life span of the compressor’s bearings. Further, sound blankets can reduce the noise coming from your air conditioner by 30 to 50 percent. They also prevent condensate from forming on the compressor on humid days. Learn more about air conditioning repairs.
T.F. O’Brien Cooling & Heating has more than 85+ years experience in bringing peace and quiet to the greater Long Island area–and we can do the same for you and your noisy air conditioner with just a phone call.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Simply give us a call at 516.488.1800, and we will be happy to help.
What Makes My Air Conditioner Produce Cold Air?
Air conditioning basics rely on simple facts usually learned during first-year chemistry. In order to produce cooling, an air conditioner must convert a chemical from its gaseous state into a liquid state, and vice versa. Continue reading “Air Conditioning Basics: A Guide To Your Unit’s Inner Workings”
Your air conditioner’s filter is important for enhancing home comfort and indoor air quality, and for the efficiency of your system. Continue reading “Your Air Conditioner’s Filter: Making Sense Of The MERV Numbers”
Can a Ductless Mini-Split Be the Home Comfort Solution for You?Extending ductwork isn’t always a pleasant option for add-on spaces like a retrofitted attic or basement or for areas in your home that are difficult to heat and cool. For a practical and aesthetically pleasing solution, explore the versatile design and installation that ductless mini splits offer. Continue reading “The Ductless Mini Split: An Elegant Solution For Your Cooling Challenge”
Your Duct System is an Important Part of Your AC System
Your home’s duct system is the lifeline of your heating and cooling systems. Without it, even the best furnace or air conditioner won’t keep you warm during the often frigid Long Island winters or cool during the languid summers. Continue reading “It Pays To Have A Well Designed Duct System In Your Home”
