How to Keep Your AC Running Efficiently in Louisiana’s Hot & Humid Climate
Louisiana’s sweltering summers bring intense heat and high humidity, making a reliable and efficient air conditioning system essential for home comfort. However, the combination of constant AC use and excessive moisture can put a strain on your system, leading to higher energy bills and potential breakdowns. To ensure your AC operates at peak performance, follow these expert tips from Albers Air on keeping your cooling system running efficiently in Louisiana’s challenging climate.
1. Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance
Routine maintenance is the key to maximizing AC efficiency and preventing costly repairs. Have a professional HVAC technician inspect and tune up your system at least once a year—preferably before summer begins.
Key maintenance tasks include:
Cleaning or replacing air filters
Checking refrigerant levels
Inspecting and cleaning evaporator and condenser coils
Lubricating moving parts
Ensuring proper airflow and thermostat calibration
2. Change Air Filters Frequently
Louisiana’s humid environment can lead to excess dust, mold, and allergens circulating through your home. Dirty air filters reduce airflow, making your AC work harder to cool your space. Change your filters every 1-3 months to maintain efficiency and improve indoor air quality.
3. Keep Your Outdoor Unit Clean
Your outdoor condenser unit plays a crucial role in expelling heat from your home. Dirt, leaves, and debris can block airflow and reduce efficiency. Regularly clean around the unit by:
Removing leaves and grass clippings
Trimming back vegetation at least two feet
Spraying the coils with a garden hose to remove dust buildup
4. Optimize Your Thermostat Settings
Adjusting your thermostat wisely can reduce strain on your AC and lower energy costs.
Set your thermostat to 78°F when at home and higher when away for optimal energy savings.
Use a programmable or smart thermostat to automatically adjust temperatures based on your schedule.
Avoid extreme temperature changes, as sudden shifts force your system to work harder.
5. Improve Home Insulation & Sealing
Proper insulation and air sealing prevent cool air from escaping and keep hot air out. This reduces the workload on your AC. Consider:
Sealing gaps around windows and doors
Adding insulation to your attic
Using blackout curtains or reflective window films to block sunlight
6. Use Ceiling Fans to Reduce AC Load
Ceiling fans help circulate cool air, making rooms feel cooler without lowering the thermostat. Run fans counterclockwise in the summer to create a cooling breeze, allowing you to raise the thermostat a few degrees without sacrificing comfort.
7. Address Humidity Control
Louisiana’s high humidity can make your home feel warmer and cause your AC to run longer. To help manage humidity:
Use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture
Ensure your AC’s drain line is clear and functioning
Run bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans to reduce indoor humidity
8. Upgrade to a High-Efficiency AC System
If your AC unit is 10-15 years old, it may struggle to keep up with Louisiana’s heat. Consider upgrading to a high-SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) system, which provides better cooling at a lower energy cost. Newer energy-efficient models use advanced technology to regulate temperature more effectively while consuming less power.
Keep Your AC Running Efficiently with Albers Air
By following these tips, you can improve your AC’s efficiency, reduce energy bills, and ensure a comfortable home throughout Louisiana’s hot and humid summer months. If you need professional maintenance, repairs, or a system upgrade, Albers Air is here to help.
Contact us today to schedule your AC tune-up and keep your cooling system running at peak performance all season long!