HVAC Company In Alexandria, LA

How Can I Tell If My Alexandria Home Needs A New HVAC System?

Several warning signs indicate it's time to consider replacement rather than another repair.

• Age Approaches 15 Years: Systems in our Central Louisiana climate work hard 8-9 months yearly, and after 12-15 years, they've typically reached the end of their reliable service life.
• Repairs Are Getting Frequent: If you're calling for service three or four times annually, fixing different problems, those repair costs add up fast, and replacement makes better financial sense.
• Comfort Problems Won't Stay Fixed: When repairs provide only temporary relief and hot or cold spots return quickly, your system is telling you it's worn out.
• Energy Bills Keep Climbing: An aging system losing efficiency costs more each month to provide the same cooling and heating, making those higher electric bills a hidden repair expense.
• R-22 Refrigerant Means Expensive Repairs: Older systems using phased-out R-22 refrigerant face sky-high repair costs because replacement refrigerant prices have soared dramatically.

What Size AC Unit Does My Alexandria Home Actually Need?

Proper sizing requires professional calculation, not guesswork or rules of thumb contractors might suggest.

• Load Calculations Account For Everything: Professional technicians measure insulation, windows, orientation, ceiling height, and local climate to determine your home's actual cooling needs.
• Bigger Systems Cost More & Perform Worse: Oversized units cycle on and off constantly, never properly removing humidity and wasting energy while failing to keep you comfortable.
• Ductwork Capacity Matters Too: Even a perfectly sized unit can't perform if your existing ductwork is undersized, poorly laid out, or full of leaks.
• Home Improvements Change Requirements: Major upgrades like new windows, added insulation, or room additions alter your home's heating and cooling needs significantly.
• Trust Professional Assessment: We measure carefully rather than guessing, ensuring your new system actually matches your Alexandria home's specific requirements.

Why Does My House Feel Humid Even With AC Running in Alexandria?

Louisiana humidity is challenging, but excessive indoor moisture indicates system problems you can fix.

• Short Cycling Prevents Proper Dehumidification: Systems that run briefly then shut off never remove moisture effectively because dehumidification takes time during each cooling cycle.
• Thermostat Fan Setting Creates Problems: Running your fan on "On" instead of "Auto" recirculates moisture back into your home between cooling cycles, increasing indoor humidity.
• Oversized Systems Can't Dehumidify: Too-large AC units cool your home quickly but shut off before removing adequate moisture from the air, leaving you feeling clammy.
• Duct Leaks Pull In Humid Air: Leaky ductwork in your attic or crawlspace pulls in humid outdoor air and distributes it throughout your home despite your AC's best efforts.
• Whole-Home Dehumidifiers Help Stubborn Cases: For persistent humidity problems after addressing other issues, a dedicated dehumidifier works alongside your AC, maintaining comfortable moisture levels.

What Maintenance Can I Do Myself For My Alexandria HVAC System?

Some tasks homeowners can handle, while others require professional technicians and proper tools.

• Monthly Filter Changes During Peak Season: Check and replace disposable filters monthly when your system runs daily, or clean reusable filters according to manufacturer directions.
• Keep Outdoor Unit Clear: Remove leaves, grass clippings, and debris from around your condenser unit, maintaining at least two feet of clearance on all sides.
• Check Drain Line Occasionally: Pour a cup of bleach or vinegar down your condensate drain line quarterly to prevent algae buildup and clogs.
• Monitor System Performance: Pay attention to unusual noises, reduced airflow, or comfort changes so you can call for service before small problems become expensive repairs.
• Leave Technical Work To Professionals: Refrigerant levels, electrical connections, and internal components require proper tools, training, and licensing to service safely and correctly.

Trust Smith AC For Alexandria HVAC Solutions That Last

Whether you're catching a show at the Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center or enjoying a day at the Louisiana History Museum, we're here keeping your home comfortable. Give us a call at 337-363-1866 today.