Should You Repair or Replace Your Furnace? Here’s How to Decide

December 13, 2025

Drexel Hill can get downright cold in the winter, with January temperatures dropping into the 20s. A properly running furnace is a must for your comfort and safety. Choosing between repairing and replacing your current one is a big decision, especially considering a new unit costs thousands of dollars. Keeping certain factors in mind can help you make an informed decision for your home, needs, and budget. Consider the Age of the Furnace Furnaces generally last 15 to 20 years. However, their lifespan depends on several factors, including the quality of the initial installation, your usage, and how

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When Is It Time to Replace Your Furnace?

November 20, 2025

Your furnace works hard every winter, and like any appliance, it will eventually reach a point where repairs no longer make sense. You can try to stretch an aging furnace for one more season, but waiting too long can lead to higher energy bills, more frequent breakdowns, and real safety concerns. Knowing the right moment to replace your furnace will help you save money, improve comfort, and avoid an unexpected mid-winter emergency. How Long Does a Furnace Usually Last? Most furnaces last 15 to 20 years, depending on furnace installation quality, maintenance, and usage. Gas furnaces tend to

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Spotting and Solving Common Heat Pump Problems

October 16, 2025

A heat pump keeps your home cozy in winter and refreshingly cool in summer. When it malfunctions, it can disrupt your daily routine. Learn how to pinpoint common glitches and decide when it’s time for professional help. Detecting Strange Sounds and Smells A common sign of heat pump problems is the presence of odd noises or unfamiliar smells. A rattling or clanking sound can hint at a loose fan blade or a motor bearing that’s wearing out. If you catch a faint chemical odor near the outdoor unit, refrigerant may be escaping through a tiny

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Is a Tankless Water Heater Worth the Investment?

September 16, 2025

Tankless water heaters have been creating quite a buzz in recent years. Some people see them as an efficient and eco-friendly upgrade, while others might be confused about their value. This article explains the pros and cons of tankless water heaters and everything else you need to know to make an informed decision about purchasing one. Understanding Tankless Water Heaters Tankless water heaters are also known as demand-type or instantaneous water heaters. They are designed to provide hot water only when needed, unlike conventional water heaters that store hot water in a tank, constantly heating it

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How to Choose the Right Ductless AC System for Your Home

August 5, 2025

When it comes to adding air conditioning to your home, a traditional central air conditioning system can’t work without adequate ducting. This is where investing in a ductless AC unit can be the ideal choice. Below, we’ll discuss the key things you’ll want to consider when purchasing a new ductless AC system for your home. Understand Your Cooling Needs One of the most important considerations is your home’s actual cooling needs. You can typically determine this by understanding your total square footage, ceiling height, sunlight exposure, and so forth. Each particular room in your home will

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How Homeowners Can Address AC Compressor Problems

July 3, 2025

The compressor is the heart of your air conditioner, providing the pressure needed to allow the refrigerant to transfer heat out of your house. A failing compressor is a major problem, so you want to be able to troubleshoot it as soon as possible. Here is a look at how homeowners can address compressor issues. What the Compressor Should Operate Like It is important to understand what the baseline for normal AC operation is. An AC compressor should have a steady hum during operation. It might be a little noisy when winding up or down, but

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Why Ductless AC Systems Are Perfect for Older Homes

June 5, 2025

Older homes have warmth, character, and craftsmanship that newer construction cannot replicate. When it comes to cooling, these homes present extensive challenges in structure and layout. Many of these homes come from a time before air conditioning became standard. Retrofitting ductwork can mean extensive renovations, damaged walls, and lost architectural detail. O'Brien Heating & Air Conditioning in Drexel Hill, PA, specializes in offering tailored solutions to help our customers stay cool. Ductless mini-splits allow you to cool your home without compromising what makes it unique. These systems deliver reliable comfort with minimal disruption, no ductwork, and a level of customization not

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How to Spot and Prevent Refrigerant Leaks in Your AC

May 2, 2025

A reliable air conditioner keeps your home cool and lowers humidity levels for greater comfort. When refrigerant leaks occur, air conditioners struggle to cool air effectively and can suffer lasting damage. Recognizing the signs of refrigerant leaks early and scheduling professional repairs will protect your system. O'Brien Heating & Air Conditioning in Drexel Hill, PA, can protect your system with timely repairs to prevent severe damage. The Importance of Refrigerant in Your Air Conditioner Refrigerant plays a crucial role in the cooling process. It absorbs heat from inside your home and releases it outside. The process also removes excess moisture

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How to Maintain Your New Air Conditioner After Installation

April 2, 2025

Installing a new air conditioner is one of the best investments you could ever make for your home. It not only improves your comfort and health but also enhances energy efficiency and long-term cost savings. If you want to keep your new system running at its peak throughout its lifespan, proper care and maintenance are essential. We’ll share some proven practices to ensure its longevity and efficiency. Clean or Change the Air Filters Regularly Air filters are arguably the most important component of an air conditioner. Their primary function is to trap airborne particles, but this

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4 Ways New AC Units Save You Money

March 1, 2025

One of the best ways to save money is to upgrade your old air conditioning unit. When summers are hot like they tend to be in Drexel Hill, PA, having a cooling system that does not cost a lot is essential. New models are energy efficient, and since they have newer parts, they are less likely to require maintenance in the near future. Let’s explore four ways installing a new AC unit helps you save money. 1. Consumes Less Energy When an AC unit consumes less energy, it is a more efficient system overall. You can

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