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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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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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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Understanding When to Get Professional Duct Cleaning

September 10, 2024

If you want to keep your house comfortable and healthy, you need to keep up with necessary maintenance for its HVAC system. Professional duct cleaning is an often overlooked part of this upkeep. Over time, air ducts can accumulate debris such as dust, grime, mold, and other contaminants, which can diminish the effectiveness of your system. Understanding how often you should get your air ducts cleaned is a key part of making your home safe and comfortable. Why Is Professional Duct Cleaning Important? The air ducts in your home are like the lungs of an

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How Variable-Speed Motors Improve HVAC Efficiency

August 12, 2024

Homeowners frequently look for ways to improve their HVAC systems to create more pleasant living spaces. One of the best solutions comes in the form of an HVAC system that uses a variable-speed motor. The advantages of variable-speed motors over conventional single-speed motors are numerous, including higher efficiency, better interior comfort, and cleaner air, among other things. Comparing Single-Speed and Variable-Speed Motors Because their operating speed is consistent, single-speed motors can meet any heating or cooling needs with almost no adjustment. However, running the system at full capacity may result in inefficiencies. On the other hand,

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How Humidity Levels Impact Your HVAC Efficiency

July 17, 2024

When relative humidity is high, it becomes more difficult for air conditioners to chill indoor environments. When this happens, energy consumption may rise due to the additional effort required by air conditioners to dehumidify the air. This increased burden may even cause the system to become overloaded and less efficient. When homeowners and HVAC technicians are aware of this effect, they can choose air conditioners that are capable of dehumidifying as well as controlling the temperature. Assessing Your Home Cooling Needs in Humid Climates To maximize comfort and efficiency, there are several important factors to consider

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Why Duct Cleaning Is Essential for Allergy Sufferers

June 10, 2024

Do you or someone in your Drexel Hill, PA home suffer from annoying allergy symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, or coughing? If so, you’re one of the 50 million people in the United States who suffer from allergies. Allergy symptoms can be caused by several things, including pollution, pollen, foods, animals, and more. In your home, contaminants such as dust particles, pet dander, volatile organic compounds, and mold spores may be to blame for your symptoms. There are several ways that you can tackle this issue, such as having your ducts professionally cleaned.

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