A dirty air filter limits the airflow into your HVAC system’s air handler, adding unnecessary strain on the air handler fan motor. Avoiding this unnecessary strain keeps your HVAC system running smoothly and efficiently, and saves on the cost of energy required to work the fan motor harder. An overworked fan motor may eventually burn out, causing your system to overheat and fail. Ensuring you have a clean air filter will help you avoid the expensive maintenance costs required to return your system to proper working order.

Of course, the purpose of your air filter is also to preserve air quality by sifting harmful particles out of your home’s air. However, if the filter gets clogged with this material, some of it likely will blow past the filter and into your home’s air. These particles can aggravate asthma and allergies. Changing your air filter as needed will help preserve your family’s health.

At a minimum, you should change your air filter every three months, but you should check it every month and change it if it looks dirty. It’s also important to get the right type of filter. Check the filter’s MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) to make sure it’s efficient enough to remove the smallest particles while not restricting air flow in your system. A minimum of MERV 8 is usually recommended for residential use.

Changing your air filter is a crucial step that you can easily carry out on your own. For more complex issues with your HVAC system, don’t hesitate to contact Tim’s Air Conditioning & Refrigeration. We serve homeowners throughout southern Louisiana.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about air filters and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Tim’s A/C & Refrigeration services New Iberia, Broussard and Lafayette in Southern Louisiana. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!     

Duct returns typically fall into one of two categories: central or multiple-room return systems. With a multiple-room return system, ductwork returns air from each room that receives conditioned air, except usually the bathroom and kitchen). This system easily balances the air pressure in your home, operates quietly and works well even when doors are closed. However, multiple-room design and installation costs are generally higher than central return designs, and your air handler may consume more electricity to compensate for increased duct friction.

A central return system is cheaper to install but has its own drawbacks. In this system, large return grilles are centrally located on each story of the building. Air flows back from each room through open doorways, or through transfer grilles and jumper ducts that allow air movement if doors are shut.

Central return systems work well at keeping installation and design costs down but may be noisier than a multiple-room return system. However, installing transfer grilles through a wall instead of over door frames, where sounds might resonate, can cut down on noise. An alternative to transfer grilles are jumper ducts which are routed through the ceiling.

Whichever duct returns you decide on, you’ll want the option that is right for your home and budget. Contact Tim’s AC and Refrigeration. We’re proud to put our HVAC expertise to work for customers in Broussard, New Iberia, Lafayette and all of southern Louisiana. Our experienced technicians can calculate the size, shape and air handling requirements for a return system that will keep your home comfortable for years to come.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about duct returns and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Tim’s A/C & Refrigeration services New Iberia, Broussard and Lafayette in Southern Louisiana. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!     

1. Installation: Hard-wired detectors, which use a household current, have a solid-state sensor that clears and re-samples for carbon monoxide, or CO, on a regular basis. This sensor cycling uses more power than other CO alarms, so installation requires hard wiring or an existing outlet close by. Detectors powered by batteries operate using a passive sensor which reacts to prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide. Since they are not reading and displaying the level continuously, these units consume less power. Installation is less difficult than hard-wired units, and you have greater flexibility when it comes to location.
2. Maintenance: Hard-wired units need no maintenance over their lifetime of five to 10 years. Many hard-wired models come with a back-up battery, so they keep working in the event of a power outage at your home. Battery units, as you my have guessed, require batteries to be replaced every two to three years. You must test both types of units often, however, as a safety precaution.
3. Monitoring: Household-current-powered models monitor the level of carbon monoxide constantly and display a read-out updated every few minutes. If and when the alarm goes off, it will eventually shut inself off once the situation is corrected and CO concentration returns to a safe level. Battery-powered models only trigger when and if the CO level and exposure time are reached or exceeded. They set off an audible and visible alarm, but often won’t display the exact CO level. Once the alarm is triggered, it may not shut off, even if CO levels drop below danger levels. Re-setting may require removing the sensor temporarily. Newer units are required to have a silence button.

Questions about carbon monoxide detectors? Talk to the experts at Tim’s Air Conditioning & Refrigeration. We can answer any questions you may have about detectors or your HVAC system in general.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about carbon monoxide detectors and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Tim’s A/C & Refrigeration services New Iberia, Broussard and Lafayette in Southern Louisiana. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!     

1. Do they have an active state-sanctioned license? Hiring an HVAC contractor starts with making a list of five or more potential local HVAC contractors. Eliminate any contractors who do not have an active and complaint-free license after checking with the Louisiana State Licensing Board of Contractors.
2. What do their references say about them? Request at least three references from the contractors in the running and get in touch with them. Ask about their satisfaction with the job, the ease of working with the professionals, and other related questions.
3. Are they covered by insurance? Be sure that any HVAC contractor you choose has a certificate of general liability insurance
4. What’s the estimate, as well as expected payment schedule? An estimate will require the contractor to visit your home to complete the written estimate. Be clear about the amount expected as a down payment, as well as the amount due upon completion. A reputable contractor will put this in writing.
5. Will the contractor put the contract in writing? Written contracts should state clear start and stop dates for the work and a detailed description of what will be done. Be sure to complete the four previous steps and read the contract well before signing.

When hiring an HVAC contractor in Southern Louisiana, contact Tim’s AC & Refrigeration for an estimate. We can answer any questions you may have about your HVAC system and what improvements are needed.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about HVAC contractors and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Tim’s A/C & Refrigeration services New Iberia, Broussard and Lafayette in Southern Louisiana. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!     

Preventative Maintenance image via Shutterstock

You can have big leaks in your ductwork without even realizing it, since the ducts are hidden within your attic. Leaky ducts can cause major energy waste as conditioned air is lost through them. Your cooling/heating system must then work harder to produce more conditioned air in an effort to keep your home comfortable.

Duct sealing is the best, most cost-effective way to fight back against the high cost of energy. As the Energy Star program points out, you can save up to 20 percent on your heating and cooling bills by sealing duct leaks. With this significant monthly savings, duct sealing pays for itself quickly. The three basic steps in duct sealing are:

1. Air leaks should be sealed with duct mastic sealant or metallic tape. Duct tape is not adequate; it quickly dries out and doesn’t last long.
2. Air supply and return vents and registers must be properly sealed where they connect with the floors, walls and ceiling throughout the house.
3. Once work is completed, your HVAC professional should test the duct system to be sure all leaks have been addressed and that energy loss has been reduced to an absolute minimum.

Air-sealed ducts should also be insulated against energy loss with proper insulation, especially ducts located outside the conditioned space in your home.

Besides lowering your energy bills, taking these steps will also increase your home comfort and improve indoor air quality. Air sealing also helps keep your home and family safe from back drafts and gas leaks that can be caused or worsened by unsealed, leaking ducts.

Questions about duct sealing? Talk to the experts at Tim’s Air Conditioning & Refrigeration. We’d be happy to schedule a duct inspection to locate any problems, then seal ducts against future leaks.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about duct sealing and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Tim’s A/C & Refrigeration services New Iberia, Broussard and Lafayette in Southern Louisiana. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!     

1. Initial design: In new construction, wherever possible, ducts should be placed in the conditioned space of the house. Ducts can be concealed in a drop-ceiling or under the floor in an insulated chase not used for wiring or other purposes.
2. Air flow calculation: The duct layout should be carefully planned, using precise calculations to provide the proper amount of air flow to each room according to industry standards. Calculations take into account room sizes, home construction, layout, number of residents and other key facts. Air supply and return conduits must be balanced (in the initial design phase – or as a retrofit) to provide proper air circulation.
3. Air sealing: After locating any leaks in a thorough inspection of the entire duct system, your local HVAC contractor should seal your duct work. The duct system should be tested to make sure energy loss has been reduced to a minimum.
4. Insulation: Duct insulation is also necessary to further limit heat loss through the duct system. Sections of ductwork outside the conditioned space need more insulation.
5. Retrofitting: For airflow problems in specific rooms of the house, check that you have enough room insulation and energy-efficient windows. Fix drafts or air leaks with weatherstripping or caulk. If the problem is not corrected, supply ducts may need to be added or widened.

If you have questions about ductwork or would like a duct inspection, contact the professionals at Tim’s Air Conditioning & Refrigeration. We offer complete HVAC services for all major brands. Visit our website for more information or just give us a call.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about ductwork and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Tim’s A/C & Refrigeration services New Iberia, Broussard and Lafayette in Southern Louisiana. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!     

Luckily, there are ways to increase heat-pump performance, increase your home comfort and save even more money on monthly operating costs. Schedule regular preventive maintenance visits from your local HVAC expert to focus on these three performance factors:

1. Air flow. Ideally, your HVAC technician should adjust your heat-pump to somewhere in the range of 400 to 500 cfm (cubic feet per minute) of air flow for each ton of equipment capacity. Falling below 350 cfm per ton will inhibit the performance of the heat pump, compromise your comfort, and cost you money in higher utility bills. Air circulation can be improved and maintained by keeping the evaporator coil clean and adjusting/increasing fan speed settings as needed. In many cases, duct work may be required.
2. Ducts. Your home’s duct system can be a big source of energy waste. This energy loss can be due to leaks that develop over time, poor duct insulation or bad initial duct design. Regular maintenance and inspections can catch any air leaks before they become a big problem and locate any areas with damaged or inadequate insulation. Sections of the duct system can also be retrofitted to help save energy and improve heat pump performance.
3. Refrigerant pressure. Once air flow is corrected, the refrigerant charge must be checked and adjusted if outside manufacturer specs. Split-system heat-pumps are especially vulnerable to pressure problems, since they’re charged during installation rather than pre-charged by the manufacturer.

Bring your questions about heat-pump performance to the experts at Tim’s Air Conditioning & Refrigeration. We’re happy to offer professional advice to help with all your home comfort product needs. Whether you need installation services, repairs or maintenance, or just information, visit our website to learn more or just give us a call.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about heat-pump performance and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Tim’s A/C & Refrigeration services New Iberia, Broussard and Lafayette in Southern Louisiana. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!     

Kitchen

• Fix leaky faucets to conserve water.
• Don’t run your dishwasher until you have a full load of dishes to wash.
• Choose an efficient refrigerator. Avoid side-by-side models and freezers with a built-in ice maker.
• Use small appliances like a microwave oven whenever possible; they use less energy than your oven and stove.

Bathroom

• Take short showers and consider a low-flow showerhead.
• Install an efficient and properly-sized vent fan. Run it for 15 minutes after showering, but avoid wasting energy by overusing it.
• Don’t dispose of anything out of the ordinary by flushing it down the toilet. These items can cause septic problems, and extra flushing wastes water.

Bedroom and living room

• Unplug appliances, electronics and chargers when not in use. These devices eat up power just by being plugged in, even if they’re not turned on.
• Use ceiling fans to boost your heating and cooling systems.
• Replace incandescent light bulbs with efficient fluorescent bulbs, and always turn off the lights when you leave the room. (This is a good idea in other rooms as well.)
• Make sure your HVAC registers are open and not blocked by furniture.

Attic

• Make sure your attic is well insulated. Of course, your whole house should have insulation, but your attic is the most important room since heat rises.
• Ensure proper attic ventilation to avoid ice dams and extend the life of your shingles.

Other ways to promote energy savings:

• Keep your furnace, air conditioner and other HVAC equipment serviced and maintained, and make sure they always have clean filters.
• Insulate your water heater, and set the thermostat no higher than 120 degrees.
• If you have a washer and dryer, never run anything less than a full load. Wash with cold water and let clothes dry outside on a clothesline when weather allows.

For more information on how to boost your energy savings in southern Louisiana, contact Tim’s Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Inc.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about energy savings and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Tim’s A/C & Refrigeration services New Iberia, Broussard and Lafayette in Southern Louisiana. Visit our website to see our special offersand get started today!    

In many buildings, heat rises from downstairs to upstairs, making the upstairs rooms warmer than those downstairs. Depending on the home’s design, different rooms also get different amounts of added heat from sunlight and varying amounts of insulation. These building variations make temperatures inconsistent throughout the house.

A zoning system eliminates problems with inconsistent heating by providing multiple thermostats throughout the house. This type of system allows for maximum comfort control, because you can individually control the temperatures of different rooms.

Zoning systems are especially beneficial for homes with certain structural features that cause uneven heating, including:

• Multiple-level homes
• Homes where some rooms have more windows than others
• Homes with vaulted ceilings
• Homes with a loft
• Houses that have one room that is much larger than the others, such as a home theater, great room or very large living room.

Zoning systems are also great if you like to keep some rooms warmer than others or if different family members prefer different indoor temperatures in their own rooms.

In addition to providing great comfort control, zoned heating systems also help you save money on your electric bill. With a zoned heating system, you don’t have to pay to heat or air condition rooms you don’t use. For example, you can turn off the heat or air conditioning in a spare bedroom and turn it back on only when you have guests. A zoned system might cost some money to install, but it could potentially make up for the installation cost in long-term energy savings.

For help installing a zoned heating and cooling system in the southern Louisiana area, contact the friendly experts at Tim’s Air Conditioning and Refrigeration.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about zoning systems and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Tim’s A/C & Refrigeration services New Iberia, Broussard and Lafayette in Southern Louisiana. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!     

• Understanding your programmable thermostat is one of the first things you need to do. Did you know that if you’re manually adjusting your programmable thermostat more than once or twice a week, you’re actually wasting energy? The point of a programmable thermostat is to set temperatures for different times of the day and these temperatures are supposed to make your space comfortable. If you are at home some days and not others, get a thermostat which has settings for every day of the week.
• If the house is empty during weekdays, select a programmable thermostat that has exclusive settings for weekends only (5+2 models), making your home’s temperature more constant from day-to-day.
• To reduce inefficiency, make sure that your air filters are cleaned or replaced regularly. Many programmable thermostats alert you when you need to change air filters or when the system isn’t working properly.

If you’re living in Southern Louisiana and you’re not sure if a programmable thermostat would help you or which model might work best for your home, don’t hesitate to contact the professionals at Tim’s Air Conditioning & Refrigeration. We service homes throughout New Iberia, Lafayette and Broussard. We’re here to help!

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about programmable thermostats and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Tim’s A/C & Refrigeration services New Iberia, Broussard and Lafayette in Southern Louisiana. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!