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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What Is an HVAC Damper?

June 20, 2022

An HVAC damper is a component of a heating and cooling system that controls airflow. Having control over the airflow in your home allows you to control the temperature in your rooms to a greater degree than simply adjusting your thermostat. While you can set your thermostat to maintain a temperature of, for example, 72 degrees Fahrenheit throughout your home, your HVAC dampers can be adjusted to suit your preferences in various rooms. Your HVAC dampers offer a more precise way to control airflow. If you work from home during summer, for instance, you’d probably prefer

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Reasons to Hire a Licensed HVAC Contractor

March 17, 2022

There are many services that a licensed HVAC contractor can provide. They can install and test heating and air conditioning units. They can perform routine system checkups and repairs. HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, which means that helping you maintain good climate control inside your home or business is their area of expertise. This is a complex field that requires training and accreditation. You don’t want just anyone tinkering with your comfort system. There are several reasons that you should hire a licensed HVAC professional for your heating and AC needs. Safety It

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Solutions to Fix Uneven Heating in Your Home

February 14, 2022

If you notice that some rooms of your home are much warmer or colder than others during the winter, there are a number of different factors that may be responsible for your uneven heating. Having uneven heating in your home can be incredibly frustrating, but it is also an extremely common issue. Fortunately, there are a number of steps you can take to determine the cause of the problem and how best to fix the issue. Have Your Ductwork Inspected and Sealed Damaged or leaking ductwork is one of the biggest culprits behind many uneven heating

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A Guide to Preventing Carbon Monoxide Leaks From Your Furnace

January 10, 2022

The majority of furnaces are powered by burning gas, which they use to create the heat that keeps your home warm. Unfortunately, with a gas-burning appliance, there’s always the danger of a carbon monoxide leak occurring. Carbon monoxide is an extremely dangerous gas. If it’s breathed in for an extended period of time, it becomes a serious health hazard that can sometimes even be deadly. It’s always wise to keep a working carbon monoxide detector in your home in case of an emergency. However, if you know the safety measures to take, you can greatly lower the likelihood that you

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4 Ways to Tell It’s Time to Replace Your Ducts

October 20, 2021

Having air ducts that are in good condition and functioning properly is very important to the overall well-being of your household. These ducts are essential year-round because both your heating and air conditioning system relies on them to circulate air and keep your climate comfortable. Just like most of the appliances you own, your ventilation system needs to be regularly maintained, occasionally repaired, and sometimes even replaced. There are certain factors you can use to determine whether or not it’s time for you to invest in new ductwork. 1. Ineffective Heating

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Why Do Air Conditioners Freeze Up?

May 15, 2021

The warm and muggy summer weather in Drexel Hill, PA, will have you turning to your air conditioner for relief. Air conditioners use a chemical refrigerant to transfer heat out of your home. The refrigerant cycles through the air conditioner’s outdoor unit and indoor unit. When the refrigerant enters your home, it’s very cold. However, it’s not frozen. If you notice frost or ice buildup anywhere on your air conditioning system, this is a cause for concern. Read on to learn about five reasons why air conditioners freeze and some tips on what you should do if you see frost

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Should I Turn Off My Gas Furnace in the Summer?

April 19, 2021

Once the warm weather works its way into Drexel Hill, it is easy to forget about your furnace. Sure, you may set the thermostat to air conditioning, but does that really turn off your furnace? Does it really matter if you do more than flipping the thermostat setting? What It Means To Turn Off Your Furnace When it comes to turning off your furnace, most people just think about the thermostat. Depending on the type of furnace you have, that may in fact be the only element to turning it off for the season.

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What To Do With Your Gas Furnace During A Power Outage

March 17, 2021

Popular with many homeowners in Drexel Hill, gas furnaces provide reliable and inexpensive heat to help get you through those long Pennsylvania winters. While your furnace operates most of the time without a second thought, what happens when you lose power to your home and your furnace suddenly can’t operate? To help you protect your furnace to ensure it’s ready to get back to work when the power comes back on, here are a few guidelines that O'Brien Heating & Air Conditioning recommends you follow. How a Gas Furnace Works Although a gas furnace uses natural gas or propane as

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What Are The Different Types of Furnaces?

February 11, 2021

Furnaces are commonly used due to their quiet operation, energy efficiency, and durability. They are compatible with other units or can be used alone. Furnaces create warm air, and their ductwork may participate in cooling your home as well. They come in various sizes, but you can consult us at O'Brien Heating & Air Conditioning to get the right fit. Furnaces fall under two categories based on speed and fuel use. Here are the different types of furnaces. Furnaces Based on Fuel Type There are a few different fuel types that your furnace can run on. Here are

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