Tag: hvac system

An Air Conditioner and a Dehumidifier: Does Your Home Need Both?

Posted on by kerry

air conditioner and dehumidifier, Long Island, New YorkHot and humid weather describes a good deal of the climatic conditions in Long Island, making an air conditioner and dehumidifier important components for many homes. While an air conditioner does remove humidity, it’s more a side effect of the conditioning process.

If any of these conditions exist in your home, you may benefit from having both of these appliances:

  • Humidity levels over 60 percent
  • Areas where it feels clammy
  • Musty smell in some or all of the rooms
  • Wooden windows, doors or drawers that swell periodically
  • Mold and mildew
  • Family members with airborne allergies or asthma

Humidity promotes the growth of mold and mildew, which thrive in an environment where the humidity is over 60 percent. Mold is inherently dangerous, and the most common airborne allergen is dust mite waste. If you’re not sure if the humidity levels exceed 60 percent, you can measure them with an inexpensive hygrometer that you can move from space to space to see if your levels are high.

If the humidity stays over 60 percent after cooling your home to a comfortable temperature, the combination of an air conditioner and dehumidifier could increase your comfort, health and your home environment.

Depending on the severity of the humidity in your home, you can use portable dehumidifiers, notably in the basement. But if the problem is widespread, a central dehumidification system could serve you well. These systems pull the air through the ductwork and blow it over a chilled coil, removing the water vapor and returning drier air through the ducts.

It could be more energy efficient for you to use a central system if you find yourself turning down the thermostat for the air conditioner to reduce indoor humidity levels. You can also use the dehumidifier in lieu of the air conditioner when cooling isn’t needed, but humidity removal is, like in the spring and fall.

If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of an air conditioner and dehumidifier, contact T.F. O’Brien Cooling & Heating. We’ve been providing HVAC services for Long Island homeowners since 1934.

Image via Shutterstock.com

Replacing Your Split Air Conditioning System: Skimp Now and Risk Paying Later

Posted on by kerry

split air conditioning system, Long Island, New YorkIt’s well known that “you get what you pay for” is more than a cliché. Quality costs, and when it comes to a purchase as large and complex as your split air conditioning system, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and a quality installation. Continue reading “Replacing Your Split Air Conditioning System: Skimp Now and Risk Paying Later” →

Call on T.F. O’Brien, and Count on Courteous, Expert Service

Posted on by kerry

t.f. o'brien, Long Island, New YorkTeam Work and a Dedication to Quality Service is Our Mission

There are very few businesses around today that were around in 1934. T.F O’Brien Cooling & Heating has stood the test of time, and the HVAC customers of Long Island have been the beneficiaries of that longevity. Continue reading “Call on T.F. O’Brien, and Count on Courteous, Expert Service” →

SEER Ratings: So What Are They Exactly?

Posted on by kerry

seer ratings, Long Island, New YorkUnderstanding What a Seer Rating Means Will Help in Choosing a System

If you’ve been in the market for a new cooling system in recent years, you’ve probably seen references to a unit’s seasonal energy efficiency ratio, or SEER. Understanding more about this efficiency can help you cool your house as effectively as possible. Continue reading “SEER Ratings: So What Are They Exactly?” →

Your Air Conditioner Installation: Getting the Right Contractor for the Job

Posted on by kerry

air conditioner installation contractor, Long Island, New YorkA Professional AC Contract Will Ensure Quality Installation of Your New System

Installing an air conditioner can be difficult to do on your own. That’s why it’s best to hire an air conditioner installation contractor for the job. Continue reading “Your Air Conditioner Installation: Getting the Right Contractor for the Job” →

Modulating Furnaces: Green, Eco-Friendly, Efficient and Comfortable

Posted on by kerry

modulating furnaces boost efficiency, Long Island, New YorkEnergy Efficient Furnaces That Vary Energy Use Based on Typical Usage

Unlike standard furnaces that start and stop, leaving drastic temperature changes in your home, a modulating furnace operates constantly to monitor the temperature in your home. Continue reading “Modulating Furnaces: Green, Eco-Friendly, Efficient and Comfortable” →

Take Advantage of Residential Energy Tax Credits for HVAC Purchases

Posted on by kerry

residential energy tax credits, Long Island, New YorkFind Out If You Can Get Money for Energy Upgrades

There is good news for consumers who have been hesitant to upgrade their heating and cooling systems. The federal government has reinstated the 25C residential energy tax credits for taxpayers for qualifying equipment. Continue reading “Take Advantage of Residential Energy Tax Credits for HVAC Purchases” →

Heat Pump in High Gear? Don’t Let It Freeze Up

Posted on by kerry

Heat Pump Long IslandKeep Ice and Snow Away From Your Heat Pump

Cold, snow and ice is an expected part of your life in the Long Island area during the winter. If your heating system includes an outdoor heat pump, you can expect ice or frost to form occasionally on the system coils. However, if your heat pump should become completely covered by ice, immediate attention is required.

Heat pumps are equipped with a defrost cycle which will engage to rid the coils of small amounts of ice or frost. The defrost cycle will typically run for two to 10 minutes before returning to normal heating mode. When this switch occurs, you’ll typically hear a whooshing sound and see a small water vapor cloud rise from the outdoor unit.

If your heat pump is not properly defrosting, there are several possible causes. A typical homeowner can address some of these, while others will require a trained service technician.

Heat pump troubleshooting techniques

  • Make sure the area under and  around the outdoor unit is not blocked. Clear away leaves or snow drifts.
  • Check to determine if the unit has sunk into the ground. This could keep melted ice or snow from draining away from the unit.
  • Ice buildup can be caused by a leaking gutter or misdirected drain spout. Fix or replace the gutter and direct all drain spouts away from the unit.
  • Freezing rain and/or ice storms can encase the entire unit. Turn off the unit and use a garden hose to remove the ice.  Never use an ice pick or other sharp object to chip off the ice; coils are easily damaged.

 

Other possible reasons for ice building up on your heat pump

  • The unit requires refrigerant charge.
  • Defrost system relay, control, timer, sensor and/or thermostat isn’t functioning and needs replacement.
  • The reversing valve is sticking or there’s a bad valve solenoid coil.
  • The outdoor fan motor needs to be replaced.

These last items require a skilled and knowledgeable service technician.

For more information or to schedule repair of your heat pump, contact the experts at T.F. O’Brien Cooling & Heating. We proudly serve homeowners in 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

What Can Home Air Cleaners Do for Your Long Island Home?

Posted on by kerry

Home Air Cleaner Long IslandIndoor air pollution poses a serious health problem  when left unaddressed.  Health problems associated with indoor air pollution include irritation to eyes, nose and throat, as well as fatigue, dizziness and headaches. Incorporating air cleaners in your house can significantly reduce the chances of these problems.

The first thing to do to improve the  poor air quality in your home is to eliminate the source. Many types of indoor air pollutants exist that are easily removed with an air cleaner. Tobacco smoke, radon gas and various vapors from cooking, heating appliances and even building materials such as paint and varnish are just a few of the culprits. Once the source pollutant is removed, incorporating indoor air cleaners can remove the remaining particles from your home, which greatly increase the quality of your indoor air.

Many types of air cleaners exist,  but choosing one depends on your particular problem. It could be as simple and inexpensive as replacing your heating and cooling system’s air filter with a high-quality filter.

For superior indoor air quality, consider a stand-alone air filtration system, such as an ozone generator, electrostatic precipitator or ionizer. The method you choose to clean your indoor air will depend on the type of pollutant causing the problem. After you identify and remove the source, you can then choose the appropriate type of air cleaners needed to clean the air.

Hiring a professional is the most effective way to  eliminate your indoor air pollution problem. Because they’re highly trained and  possess the proper equipment and measuring devices, they can quickly track down and address indoor air pollution problems accordingly. Whether you do-it-yourself or hire a professional, reducing the pollution inside of your home will reduce the chance you suffer from the short and long-term illnesses associated with indoor air pollution.

For more expert advice about what air cleaners can do for your Long Island home, contact T. F. O’Brien Cooling & Heating. We’ve been serving the Long Island area since 1934.

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