The Pros and Cons of Smart Thermostats

March 7, 2024

When you’ve invested in a home, updates and maintenance are some of the most important priorities to consider. If you’d like to maintain an updated home that holds its property value, consider looking at systems and products like the smart thermostat. Before you invest, consider some of the pros and cons of this product. Pros of Smart Thermostats 1. Energy Mindfulness Smart thermostats optimize energy usage, providing one of the most needle-moving advantages. These devices adjust the temperature settings according to your heating and cooling preferences, which they learn over time. By

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The Importance of Air Quality in Homes and How HVAC Systems Help

February 15, 2024

When you contact O'Brien Heating & Air Conditioning, you’ll enjoy breathing in fresh, clean air with the help of our HVAC systems. Good indoor air quality is one of the keys to avoiding health and breathing problems. Like many other individuals, you probably spend a lot of your time in the confines of your home. From sleeping to dining to entertaining family and friends, your home is your sanctuary. That is why ensuring that your home’s air quality is as free from pollutants as possible is critical. Let O'Brien Heating & Air Conditioning help you find the most suitable HVAC system to contribute to healthier air quality in

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Understanding the Importance of SEER Ratings in HVAC Units

January 3, 2024

When the time comes to upgrade your HVAC system, one of the terms homeowners will encounter is the system’s SEER rating. SEER is an acronym that stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, developed in 2008 by the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI). The SEER rating is the ratio of an air conditioner or heat pump over a cooling season divided by the energy it uses in watt-hours. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE] updated SEER calculations in 2023 to accommodate new product regulations. The new SEER2 standards include the total heat removed from the conditioned

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How Do Furnace Inspections Help Prevent Major Repairs?

November 15, 2023

Furnace inspections are often overlooked, at least until the cold weather arrives. Yet, having your furnace inspected can help prevent a breakdown of your heating system. Here is how furnace inspections help prevent major repairs and provide other important benefits. Furnace Inspections Help Prevent Repairs Annual furnace inspections provide a way to check your heating system for leaks, damages, or debris buildup. These common furnace issues can lead to more costly repairs in the future. A leaking or damaged furnace can be dangerous and lead to major repairs. Furnace inspections include carbon monoxide tests to make

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Is HVAC Duct Cleaning Necessary?

October 19, 2023

Like many homeowners, you are probably wondering if HVAC duct cleaning really makes a difference. There is a surprising difference of opinion on this subject. As Drexel Hill, PA area HVAC professionals, we feel passionately about the benefits of periodic duct cleaning and want to clear up the confusion. With hot, humid summers and snowy, cold winters in this region, your HVAC system is probably running year-round. This means that the air is recirculating inside the home along with fresh air being introduced into the system constantly. There are plenty of particulates circulating through your ducts.

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Start Your Heating Season with a Furnace Tune-Up

September 13, 2023

Winter is on its way, and that means it will be time to run your furnace soon. Before the heating season begins, schedule a furnace tune-up. Heating maintenance in Drexel Hill and the surrounding areas will pay off throughout the winter. You’ll be glad that you scheduled a cleaning and inspection before firing up your furnace for the year. Improve Furnace Performance During a chilly Pennsylvania winter, a well-working furnace is essential. You want a unit that is clean and efficient. A tune-up can help you achieve that goal. Your furnace technician will

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8 Signs My AC Needs to Be Repaired

May 9, 2023

Air conditioning difficulties come at the most inopportune times. A faulty or old air conditioning system is often pushed beyond its capabilities on a hot, humid day. Keeping your AC unit in good working condition is important for your family’s comfort and health. You can avoid costly AC repair services by identifying small problems early. Therefore, you should learn what signs indicate your air conditioning unit needs repair. Blowing Warm Air Check the thermostat when warm air blows from your home’s vents. Make sure it is on cooling mode and set lower than your home’s current

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HVAC Changes in 2023: What You Should Know

January 20, 2023

HVAC equipment and safety standards are changing constantly. With even more changes ahead for 2023, you need to know what is required of you and your system to remain in compliance with industry standards. The Importance of HVAC Knowledge As a homeowner, you need to know about your HVAC system for several reasons. Understanding how your system works can help you troubleshoot and fix minor issues that may arise. Committing to a regular maintenance and cleaning schedule can improve your system’s efficiency and longevity, potentially saving you money on energy and repair costs.

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How Does a Heat Pump Switch From Heating To Cooling?

November 16, 2022

How a Heat Pump Switches Between Heating and Cooling A heat pump can be a very effective system since it can be used to both heat and cool your home. The name “heat pump” sometimes confuses people at first, but it is a good name when you think about it. That’s because this unit transfers heat between two areas. In the summer, it transfers heat from your home to the outdoors, and in the winter, it does the opposite. A heat pump can’t automatically switch between heating and cooling, but it doesn’t take long

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Is a Heat Pump a Better Choice Than a Furnace?

October 20, 2022

When it gets cold in Pennsylvania, it’s important to have a reliable source of heat. Most people also want to be mindful of energy usage during the winter since utility bills have the potential to skyrocket. Whether you’re building a new home or are in an older home and are considering having your existing heating unit replaced, you may be wondering whether you should get a furnace or a heat pump. Both types of heaters can keep you warm and comfortable, but heat pumps are known to be more efficient. Plus, they can cool and warm your home, so they’re

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