Most people know that insulation benefits homeowners in the winter by keeping out the cold, but it also benefits your home during warmer months by sealing in cool air and keeping the heat out. If you’re unsure if your home is adequately insulated, check to make sure that it meets the needs of our climate. Continue reading “Enjoy Insulation Benefits in All Seasons on Long Island”
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Buying a New Air Conditioner: The Basics
When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s likely that you’ll run across terms and concepts you’re unfamiliar with. This guide can clarify some of the mysteries of these major appliances, simplifying and demystifying the process for you. Continue reading “Buying a New Air Conditioner: The Basics”
Call on T.F. O’Brien, and Count on Courteous, Expert Service
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”
Your Air Conditioner Replacement: Should You Really Put It off Any Longer?
It’s easy to put off an air conditioner replacement because it’s an expensive undertaking and a fairly complicated process. But putting the replacement off too long will raise your electric bills and could leave you uncomfortable when the weather turns warm. Continue reading “Your Air Conditioner Replacement: Should You Really Put It off Any Longer?”
Your Springtime Heat Pump Maintenance
When spring rolls around, it’s a good time for homeowners to take on necessary heat pump maintenance. If you haven’t done it before, or if you need a refresher, here are some step-by-step tips to get you on the right path.
DIY heat pump maintenance
- Start by hosing off the outside of the unit. Washing the unit with water removes the grime, debris and dead leaves that can get caught in the unit. Make sure that you wait until the weather has warmed up completely and you’re certain you won’t have to use your heat again until the fall. This task helps ensure that the heat pump will continue to run efficiently without dirt buildup.
- Check your filters and replace or clean them as necessary. You may have disposable glass fiber filters that you can simply discard, or you might have plastic fiber or aluminum mesh filters that require washing and can be reinserted. If you’re not sure, check with your HVAC technician, who can show you how to best take care of your heat pump’s filter needs.
- Most of the time, your heat pump maintenance won’t include lubrication, but you do need to make sure that dust is periodically removed from the motor. You can use air pressure like a vacuum in reverse mode or an air compressor to clean the dust off of the motor.
- Make sure that you have your unit inspected by a professional periodically. This is one of the steps that many forget, and if your heat pump is warrantied, it’s one of the easiest tasks that if not done routinely, can void the manufacturer’s warranty. Professional preventive maintenance can catch issues before they turn into costlier problems.
For more information on heat pump maintenance, or to schedule an appointment, contact the experts at T.F. O’Brien Cooling & Heating. We’re proud to serve homeowners throughout 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.
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Year-Round Energy-Saving Best Practices for Efficiency
If you’ve resolved to adopt some energy-saving best practices, it may help to think of saving energy like making choices on a grocery shopping trip. Continue reading “Year-Round Energy-Saving Best Practices for Efficiency”
Your Gas-Fired Furnace Might Be Ready for a Retrofit
Your old gas-fired furnace could be costing you a good deal of money because of its relative inefficiency compared to newer models. If you want to increase your energy efficiency and save some money, you have two options for that old furnace: Repair or replace it. Continue reading “Your Gas-Fired Furnace Might Be Ready for a Retrofit”
Don’t Let Ice Dams Wreak Havoc On Your Roof
The last thing Long Island homeowners need to contend with is another catastrophe triggered by the weather. So if continuing winter weather has kept you on edge, it may help to remember that you can take a proactive stance with regard to ice dams. In fact, you can absolutely prevent an ice dam from wreaking havoc on your roof, as well as your home and wallet. Continue reading “Don’t Let Ice Dams Wreak Havoc On Your Roof”
When You Detect A Hazardous Gas Leak
There are certain steps that you should take to avoid a hazardous gas leak and remain safe in your house. Natural gas is extremely combustible. If a gas line, connection or household appliance begins to leak, you could find yourself in serious danger. Continue reading “When You Detect A Hazardous Gas Leak”
3 Steps That Help You Prepare For An Annual Furnace Service Appointment
Before the winter hits the Long Island area, it’s a good idea to schedule an annual service appointment for your furnace. Here are three simple steps you can follow to help the service call go smoothly, which will save you time and maybe even a bit of money:
Continue reading “3 Steps That Help You Prepare For An Annual Furnace Service Appointment”