Louisiana Heating, Venting and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Louisiana 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.

Turn off humidifiers during the summer

A lot of people with central humidifiers enter the cooling season forgetting to shut down the humidifier for the summer. A central air conditioner will not cool or dehumidify appropriately if the humidifier is running.

Inspect your air filters

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

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

Keep shrubs away from outdoor unit

Several people, builders, and landscapers in Louisiana are fond of hiding the outdoor unit behind shrubs or fences. There are some benefits to this, which we will explain below. But it can become a negative if not maintained or accomplished properly. 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 the majority of units). If the outdoor unit is intruded upon by a fence or shrubs, restricting the air-flow, it will not work properly. Thus diminishing 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, 5 & 10 years. Keep a 3 to 4 foot air space above the unit. Prune back tree branches. If building a fence, make sure it can be easily removed. The unit needs to be serviced regularly. If all major repairs need to be made, the service professional may need access to all sides on the unit.

Landscaping in the vicinity of the outdoor unit

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

Use landscape rocks 1 foot around unit and use weed killer on rocks to kill off weeds. Do Not Use weed whacker near unit.

Cover AC units during the fall and winter

Covering the unit during these months in Louisiana will help protect the coil and fan blades. Just remember to take it off prior to turning it back on.

Put in an attic fan

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

How to conserve energy

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

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

Install 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 accurately sized for your home. Operating a unit that is too small or too large is very inefficient. Your heating and air conditioning contractor can determine the optimum size unit for your home.

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

If you replace your central air conditioner, make sure that the contractor replaces the indoor coil as well as 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 the residence; lightweight clothing in the summer and warmer clothing in the winter.

Check the efficiency ratings mandated by the Dept. of Energy when you search for new equipment so you can make sure you're getting high-efficiency equipment. Ratings will be prominently displayed on the yellow tag and are required by law to be on each new unit sold.

Upgrade your systems

If your heating and air conditioning system is over 10-12 years old, consider replacement. Newer units are much more efficient. They also come with improved warranties so there are no expensive repair bills to worry about.