Do You Have Any Questions?

If so, you may want to start here in our Air Conditioning FAQ page; we try our best to share as much information with our customers as we can to help them make informed decisions about their air conditioning system. If you're unable to find an answer to your question below, please feel free to contact O'Brien Service Company at (910) 799-6611.

Why Do I Need Annual AC Maintenance?

We recommend Annual AC Maintenance in order to ensure that your system is running at its top efficiency; this can help to keep your system thriving and therefore can keep you happy and cool all year long.  Even if you just bought a new system, after spending all that money, don’t you want it to last and be efficient as long as possible?  No matter the age or the make, you can benefit from having your AC system checked annually.

On a visit, our technicians will clean several parts and check the overall operation of the system.  If they find anything wrong, they can notify you, and in doing so, possibly prevent a major repair.  AC systems can be costly items; we wouldn't buy a brand new car and never change the oil, so why would we buy a brand new AC system and never have it maintained?  Not only will it help to prolong the lifespan of your system though, but a smoothly running system will also help to save you money on your energy bill.  Ultimately, you can save both money and stress by scheduling annual maintenance on your system.

What is the Life Span of a New AC System?

The lifespan of a new air conditioning system depends on many different factors.  AC systems' lifespans range greatly, but a safe approximation is about 10-15 years, depending on the following factors:

• The Age of Your System
  The year of manufacture for your system affects its longevity.  Newer systems are more energy-efficient than ones manufactured 10 years ago.  Because manufacturers build newer systems so they don’t have to work as hard, this typically allows them to last longer.
• The Brand and Model
  The brand and model also affect the lifespan of a system; for example, manufacturers build some systems to be more durable and to last longer.  Here at O'Brien, we offer Trane, Mitsubishi, and Waterfurnace, and we stand behind and believe that these are the best products available.
• The Weather and Environment
  Your location is a factor regarding the lifespan of an AC system.  In some parts of the country, you may have to run your AC system more than others.  For example, you can assume that someone living in Florida will use their AC system more months of the year than someone in New Hampshire.  Another reason your location will factor into the lifespan of your system is because of different environmental conditions.  For instance, if you live in a coastal region like Wrightsville Beach, or any other beach town in the area, your outdoor unit is going to endure extreme natural conditions from the salty air.

For all of these reasons, it is difficult to determine the lifespan of a system, which is why some systems last much longer than the average, and others don’t quite reach it. Whether you're looking for a new system that will last a long time or looking to invest in maintenance of your current system, O'Brien Service Company is here to answer your questions and get you set up with the system or service your home needs.

Will a Ductless System Work for My Home?

For some homes, a ductless system is a great option.  If you choose a ductless system, you won't need to work about any ductwork when trying to cool or heat your home. Therefore, if your home does not currently have any ductwork, a ductless system will be a great choice.

Another situation where a ductless system is a smart option is if you build an addition on your home; in this case, you may have a new room that needs a cooling system added. A ductless system can be an affordable, logical solution in this scenario.  Many consumers find ductless systems to be convenient and useful as well; one convenience is that you can individually change the temperature in one room without affecting the whole home.

There are many options when it comes to choosing a ductless system, and we’re here to answer any questions you may have.  For further information on ductless systems, you can contact our office at (910) 799-6611.

When Should I Replace My Old AC System?

Here at O'Brien Service Company, we have a few clues for you to take into account when considering replacing your current AC system.  The first is your current AC system’s age.  If your AC system is over 10 years old, your system is considered outdated.  Even if your system is running great, manufacturers make newer systems to be more energy-efficient.

That being said, the next clue to look for is high energy bills.  As mentioned before, older systems are not as efficient as new systems. This means that your older system could be costing you more money on your bills. And the final clue: is your current system constantly in need of repairs?  It is not recommended to continuously put money into repairs on an older system; instead, you can invest that money towards a newer, more energy-efficient one.

If you think it is time to replace your old AC system, give O'Brien a call; our professional staff and technicians will help you through the installation process.

Do you have any other questions that were not covered in our Air Conditioning FAQ page? Feel free to contact O'Brien Service Company at (910) 799-6611.

"Larry was great. Diagnosed problem quickly (clogged evap coil), then took immediate action to correct. He paid special attention to effectively clean the coils without damaging them. He even took the time to educate me on importance of keeping coils clean and what to look for to prevent recurrence. Outstanding job!" -Jordan P. (Hampstead 28443)