Tag: long island new york

Airflow Issues? Maybe Your Air Returns are Lacking.

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

Having an Effective Air Return Reduces HVAC Stress

If it seems that some of the rooms in your home are comfortable while others are too cool, too warm or stuffy, it could be your air returns.   Most homeowners don’t really think about the air ducts; as long as your HVAC system seems to be functioning, all is OK.   In reality, it could be that inadequate return air ducting is the reason your home isn’t quite as comfortable as you would like.

For the air in your home to feel consistent and comfortable in every room, it is necessary that stale air is drawn out of the room so that heated supply air can enter the room.   This is why it is desirable that air returns are placed in all major rooms, such as the living room, bedrooms and kitchen.

When return air ducts are located only in one or two rooms, the newly heated air coming in to your home has to force through the air in all of the rooms, making your HVAC system work harder.   This also means an inconsistency in temperatures throughout your home.

We know that you don’t give these details much thought; we simply want you to be aware that air returns are essential to your family’s comfort, and to your HVAC system working as efficiently as possible.

If your home is lacking in return air ducts, consider having more installed.   Avoid placing furniture over air returns, or blocking them with wall coverings or other items if located in the wall.   Also, consider having a professional check your return air ducts for air leaks and proper air flow.   You will save on energy costs, and your family will remain comfortable no matter what room they are in.

T.F. O’Brien services the Long Island, New York area.   We strive to educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).   You can find more information about air returns and other HVAC topics by downloading our free  Home Comfort Resource guide.

Condensate Pumps are a Good Choice for High Efficiency Furnaces

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

When we talk about furnaces, which is apt to happen this time of year, you hear the word “coefficiency” a lot.  The value of having and maintaining  high efficiency  furnaces is clear; they function longer and cost less.

However, even the highest  efficiency furnace  comes with the same potential issue  many heating and cooling mechanisms  have: how to manage  the excess water that results from  normal furnace operation. As water continues to rise and  fill the pan, it doesn’t take long to realize this could really cause problems for the furnace, and  the home.

A few  options:

  • Purchase a high efficiency furnace with a built-in condensate pump
  • Continue using tubes and hoses to drain excess water
  • Purchase and install a condensate pump

Purchasing a new furnace can be  costly and unnecessary if excess water is your sole concern. Getting rid of the tubes and hoses is always a good idea, of course.

For more information,
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516.488.1800

So, that leaves us with installing a condensate pump as the better option. Condensate pumps are used to effectively direct and remove excess water from  high efficiency furnaces (as well as humidifiers and A/C units). The pump takes the place of hoses that can and do rupture, and  seamlessly transfers water to the appropriate drainage pipe.

The decision is yours to make, but the professionals at  T.F. O’Brien are happy to offer expert advice or answer questions. Ensuring  proper water drainage  for high efficiency furnaces is good for your furnace, and good for your home.

T.F. O’Brien services the Long Island, New York area.

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

Air Filters: Change Regularly and Save Money

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

Performing the appropriate regular maintenance on air filters is vital to saving money and conserving energy. All of your heating, cooling, and ventilating (HVAC) systems need to have clean and functional air filters in order to run efficiently.

Your programmable thermostat  might have an indicator that lets you know when it is time to change filters. Pay attention to this alert and take care of it promptly. If left unchecked, a dirty filter can block the air that is supposed to be coming though the ducts, heater, or air conditioner. You can save energy by making sure this does not happen.

Dust and dirt can easily build up in your HVAC systems if the air filters are soiled or damaged. Cleaning and changing them regularly can help you to save thousands of dollars on avoidable repairs.

Energy and money can be saved by regular HVAC system maintenance. Your monthly utility bills can be lowered if you tune-up your equipment and keep the filters working at maximum capacity. Dirty air conditioners, dusty ducts and clogged heating vents waste energy and increase usage costs. It is not enough that these systems are operational, but they must work efficiently in order to save energy, and therefore save you money.

Your contractor should show you where the air filters for your system are located, and how to clean and replace them. During the winter and summer months when your heating and cooling systems are used the most, check the filters on a monthly basis to ensure the most cost effective and environmentally friendly usage. And, don’t hesitate to contact us if you need help!

T.F. O’Brien services the Long Island, New York area.

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

Whole House Air Cleaners Improve Air Quality

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

So how do whole house air cleaners improve air quality through out your home?

Have you ever noticed all of the particles that are floating around in the air when you see the sun rays beaming through a window? These are many of the impurities and dust particles that are airborne throughout your home. And, this only represents one percent of the impurities that you and your family are breathing in on a daily basis. The other 99% cannot be seen and have no detectable odor.

Poor indoor air quality can lead many respiratory problems and is very harmful to people with asthmatic conditions. Headaches, nausea, and irritable eyes are also signs of poor air quality in the home.

Whole house air cleaners improve air quality by having the air that circulates through out your home pass through filters that remove the dust mites and allergens from the air. Most of these whole house air cleaners are attached to your home’s central air conditioning / heating system, even though there are some portable devices available as well.

This means that every time that you run your central air or heat, the air will first pass through the latest in state of the art filters that will remove all of the harmful contaminants from every room in your home making your indoor air   a lot healthier and safer to breathe.

Whole house air cleaners improve air quality for you and your family. It will definitely improve your quality of   life at home by making sure that you are providing the best   air within your home that you possibly can. And there is no greater comfort that knowing that you are doing what’s best for your family and helping to clean up the environment as well.

T.F. O’Brien services the Long Island, New York area.

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