Monroe & Vicinity, Louisiana Heating, Venting and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Monroe & Vicinity Heating, Venting and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems should be inspected regularly, not just when the house is being sold. Whether central air conditioning or window room air conditioners are used, these systems can use a lot of electrical power. These tips will help prolong the life of your HVAC systems and save money on energy bills.

During the summer, shut off humidifiers

Several people with central humidifiers enter the cooling season forgetting to turn off the humidifier for the summer. A central air conditioner will not cool or dehumidify properly if the humidifier is running.

Examine your air filters

It is the single, most essential thing you can do for your central heating/air conditioning system.

We suggest checking filters monthly. If you've a disposable type filter, (these generally have a cardboard edge), and it is dirty, just replace it. If you've a permanent type filter, it is very easy to clean. Check to be sure that your vents are blowing air out at normal rate.

Keep shrubs away from outdoor unit

Several people, builders, and landscapers in Monroe & Vicinity like to disguise the outdoor unit behind shrubs or fences. There are some benefits to this, which we will explain below. It can however, become a negative if not maintained or accomplished accurately. The outdoor unit is a heat transfer device - a fan pulls the outside air through the refrigerant coils and discharges it up through the top (on most units). If the outdoor unit is congested by a fence or shrubs, impeding the air flow, it will not work properly. Thereby lowering efficiency, reducing the life span, and possibly causing damage. Keep an 18" to 36" air space on all sides of unit. Prune back as required. When planting, allow room for long-term growth, five and ten years. Keep a 3-4 foot air space above the unit. Prune back tree branches. If building a fence, make sure it can be removed with ease. The unit needs to be serviced regularly. If any major repairs are needed, the HVAC professional may need access to all sides on the unit.

Landscaping in close proximity to the outdoor unit

Ideal shrubs for planting around the outdoor unit are: yews, upright junipers, arborvitaes.

Use landscape rocks one foot around unit and use weed killer on rocks to kill off weeds. Do Not Use weed whacker near unit.

Cover air conditioners during the fall and winter months

Covering the unit during these months in Monroe & Vicinity will help shield the coil and fan blades. Be sure to remember to remove it prior to turning it back on.

Install a fan in the attic

Set the attic fan at 90 to100 degrees to keep attic cool and help remove heat before it moves into dwelling.

Guidelines for conserving energy

Use caulking and weather-stripping to stop a lot of the heated air from escaping.

Change single-thickness windows with thermal-type double thickness windows.

Put in storm windows and doors to provide supplementary insurance against heat loss.

Put in window insulation kits that use double-sided tape, clear plastic and a hair dryer.

Upgrade older equipment with higher efficiency furnaces, central air conditioners and heat pumps.

Make sure that your heating and/or cooling equipment is properly sized for your home. Operating a unit that is too small or too large is very inefficient. Your heating and air conditioning expert can determine the best size unit for your home.

Examine your heating system ensure that it is running efficiently. Have your dealer inspect the system before the winter months.

If you replace your central air conditioner, make sure that the contractor replaces the indoor coil and the outside condensing unit. Otherwise, your system will not perform at its promised efficiency.

Install electric ceiling fans to boost the efficiency of room air conditioners in the summer and to circulate warm air away from the ceiling in the winter.

Help lower your energy requirements by wearing appropriate clothing in your residence; lightweight clothing in the summer and warmer clothing in the winter.

Review the efficiency ratings mandated by the Dept. of Energy when you are in the market for new equipment so you can ensure you're getting high-efficiency equipment. Ratings will be prominently displayed on the yellow tag and are required by law to be located on every new unit sold.

Upgrade your systems

If your heating and air conditioning system is over ten to twelve years old, consider replacement. Units that are new are much more economical. They also come with improved warranties so there are no expensive repair bills to worry about.