Seasonal Tips

From roughly May through September, systems in our area run nearly continuously. That means airflow and moisture management carry the day. Keep filters fresh, keep the outdoor coil clean, and expect longer cycles — a system that runs for extended stretches while holding temperature and humidity is behaving correctly, not struggling.

Where homeowners lose ground is thermostat strategy. Deep setbacks during the workday force the system to remove both heat and a large moisture load on recovery, which in high dew points can take hours. A modest setback of two to three degrees usually produces better comfort and similar savings.

Watch for the early warning signs that a mid-August failure is coming: ice on the line set, water around the air handler, longer recovery than last year, or a breaker that trips on the hottest afternoons.

Storm prep for HVAC comes down to three things: protecting the equipment, protecting the electronics, and knowing when not to run the system. Before a storm, clear loose debris from around the condenser, document the equipment with photos for insurance, and know where your disconnect is. Do not cover a running unit.

When an outage is expected, shut the system down at the thermostat and at the breaker rather than letting it cycle through brownouts and surges — voltage instability during restoration damages more compressors and control boards than wind does.

After the storm, look for standing water at the condenser, debris in the coil, and any sign that water reached electrical components. If the unit was submerged even briefly, have it inspected before energizing. And once power returns, wait several minutes before restarting so pressures equalize.

October through April is when the sneaky problems show up. Mild, damp weather means the AC barely runs, so indoor humidity climbs even though the temperature is comfortable — the classic Louisiana clammy house. This is when whole-home dehumidification and duct sealing prove their value.

Then a front arrives and heating equipment that has been idle for months is asked to perform. Change the filter, run the heat for a short test before you need it, verify carbon monoxide alarms if you have gas appliances, and protect exposed plumbing and condensate lines during hard freezes.

Our seasonal articles line up with this calendar — spring tune-ups, summer efficiency, storm readiness, and cold-snap checklists written for the way weather actually behaves in Southeast Louisiana.