Lowering Summer Energy Bills in New Orleans

Cooling is typically the largest energy use in a Gulf Coast home during summer, given the long, humid cooling season here. Some of that energy use is simply the cost of staying comfortable; the rest is waste from a dirty filter, leaky ducts, poor insulation, or an aging system. Here is how to tell the difference.

1. Change Your Air Filter Regularly

A dirty filter restricts airflow and forces the system to work harder, which can increase energy use. In Louisiana's humid climate with high pollen counts, filters often clog faster than in drier areas. Check a standard 1-inch pleated filter monthly during summer and replace as needed; a 4-inch media filter is typically checked less often.

A clogged filter can also contribute to an AC freezing up, which can shut the system down entirely.

2. Set Your Thermostat Strategically

Setting the thermostat very low does not cool a home faster — it just makes the system run longer, and in humid conditions it raises the risk of coil icing.

A workable approach: pick a moderate setting the system can hold steadily during peak heat, and use a modest setback while away rather than turning the system off entirely. A programmable or smart thermostat can automate this and often reduces runtime, though the amount depends on the home.

3. Schedule a Professional AC Tune-Up

A well-maintained system tends to run more efficiently. A tune-up typically includes checking refrigerant charge, cleaning the evaporator coil, testing electrical components, and verifying proper airflow — all of which can affect energy use. Our maintenance plan includes two seasonal tune-ups a year. Read more in our AC maintenance guide.

4. Have Your Ductwork Checked

Duct leakage is a common hidden source of wasted cooling in Louisiana homes, especially where ducts run through a hot attic. Signs of duct problems include:

• Rooms that never cool down (especially upstairs or far from the air handler)
• Dusty supply vents
• AC runs constantly but the house stays warm
• Higher-than-expected energy use with no obvious cause

Our duct repair and sealing services can address leaks once identified, and a duct camera inspection can pinpoint where air is being lost.

5. Consider Attic Insulation

Attic temperatures can run very high in Louisiana summers, and heat radiating from an under-insulated attic makes the AC work harder. Federal guidance sets a recommended insulation range for this climate zone — check current guidance before assuming a specific level applies to your home. If you can see the tops of the attic floor joists, insulation is likely below what's typically recommended. Our attic insulation services include blown-in insulation and air sealing.

6. Keep Your Outdoor Unit Clean and Clear

The outdoor condenser needs clear airflow to release heat efficiently. Grass clippings, nests, and yard debris commonly block airflow in this region.

• Keep clearance around the outdoor unit
• Rinse the coils gently with a garden hose occasionally
• Trim back landscaping regularly
• Clear grass clippings after mowing

7. Consider an Efficiency Upgrade When Replacement Is Due

If a system is old and near the end of its service life, a more efficient replacement can lower consumption, though the amount depends on the home, ductwork, and installation quality. Federal and utility efficiency programs change over time — check the current program terms before assuming a system qualifies for any incentive. Explore our AC installation and system replacement options; financing is available with approved credit.

8. Use Ceiling Fans to Supplement Cooling

Ceiling fans cool people, not spaces, through airflow across the skin. Running a fan can let you raise the thermostat slightly without feeling warmer. Make sure fans spin counterclockwise in summer, and turn them off when you leave the room.

9. Seal Air Leaks Around Windows and Doors

Older homes can lose conditioned air through gaps around windows and doors, worn weather stripping, and unsealed penetrations in the attic floor. Weather stripping and caulking are low-cost fixes that can help.

10. Have Ducts Cleaned When Needed

Dust and debris inside ductwork can restrict airflow. If ducts haven't been cleaned in a long time, a professional duct cleaning can help airflow and system performance.