Blog | Greater Air & Heating

The Importance of Bi-Yearly HVAC Tune-Ups: A Louisiana Homeowner’s Guide

As Louisianans, we know all too well the importance of a reliable HVAC system. With our scorching summers and surprisingly chilly winters, our heating and cooling units work hard to keep us comfortable year-round. That’s why regular maintenance, including spring and fall tune-ups, is crucial. Not only does it help your system run efficiently, but it can also extend its lifespan, prevent costly breakdowns, and even improve your home’s air quality. Let’s dive into why these bi-yearly check-ups are so important.=

Spring Tune-Up: Gearing Up for the Heat

As the weather warms up, your AC unit becomes your best friend. A spring tune-up ensures it’s ready to tackle the Louisiana heat. Here’s what you can expect during a typical spring tune-up:

Thorough Inspection: Your technician will inspect all major components, including the compressor, condenser, evaporator, and refrigerant levels.
Cleaning: They’ll clean the condenser and evaporator coils, as well as the drain lines, to remove any debris that could hinder performance.
Calibration and Testing: Your thermostat will be calibrated to ensure accurate temperature readings, and all electrical connections and safety features will be checked.
Filter Replacement: A clean air filter is key for good air quality and system efficiency, so yours will be checked and replaced if necessary.
Lubrication and Adjustments: Moving parts will be lubricated, and any necessary adjustments will be made to ensure smooth operation.

Fall Tune-Up: Preparing for the Chill

While our winters might not be as harsh as those up north, a fall tune-up is still essential for your heating system. Here’s what’s typically included:

Heating System Inspection: Your technician will inspect your furnace, heat pump, or boiler for any signs of wear and tear.
Cleaning and Maintenance: They’ll clean the burners, heat exchanger, and blower assembly to ensure optimal performance.
Filter Check and Replacement: Just like in the spring, your air filter will be checked and replaced if needed.
Thermostat and Electrical Checks: Your thermostat will be calibrated, and all electrical connections will be inspected and tightened.
Lubrication and Safety Checks: Moving parts will be lubricated, and all safety features will be tested to ensure your system is operating safely.
Ventilation and Ductwork Inspection: Vents, flues, and ductwork will be checked for any blockages or leaks that could impact efficiency.

The Benefits of Regular Maintenance

Investing in bi-yearly tune-ups offers numerous benefits:

Improved Efficiency: A well-maintained system runs more efficiently, which can lower your energy bills.
Extended Lifespan: Regular maintenance can help your HVAC system last longer, saving you money in the long run.
Improved Comfort: A properly functioning system ensures consistent temperatures and better indoor air quality.
Reduced Risk of Breakdowns: By addressing potential issues early on, you can avoid unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs.

Remember, your HVAC system is a significant investment. By scheduling regular tune-ups with one of our qualified technicians, you can protect that investment and enjoy a comfortable, energy-efficient home all year round. Don’t wait until a problem arises – be proactive and schedule your bi-yearly maintenance today!

Yearly Maintenance? Is it necessary?

Before I met my husband, I had NO clue about HVAC. I didn’t even know what it stood for! I took for granted that my heating and cooling system would just do it’s job. But if something did go wrong, I would simply call the landlord and he would fix it.

This is why I can relate so well to many of our customers. Of course, most of them know more about their HVAC systems then I did as a single woman, but there are still so many things that I have learned from my husband, Preston, that I really feel like our customers will appreciate learning as well!

One of those things is how very important it is to get your HVAC system maintenance at least once a year! Actually, we encourage our customers to get their systems maintenance TWICE a year; once in the spring and again in the fall.

“Why is this important?” you may ask. Well, your HVAC system works hard during the summer and winter months. The spring and fall are kinds of like rest periods, and just like our bodies need a physical check-up once in a while to ensure we are healthy, our HVAC systems need tuned-up also!

Tune-ups lengthen the life of your HVAC system, saving you money on your utility bill as well as helping to avoid costly repairs.

This is why we offer our customers a special VIP Maintenance Plan! As a VIP Member, our customers get a spring and fall tune-up as well as other great benefits that save them money throughout the year!

So we will soon be entering into the fall season! It will be time to schedule your tune-up, and while you’re at it, ask me about the details of the VIP Maintenance Plan! You can reach me directly at (318) 709-5984!

Talk to you soon!

Liz

Does the UV Light really work???

I was skeptical when Preston came home talking about how wonderful this UV light was and how it was going to be just what we needed. He and our daughter both suffer from allergies and, usually, the spring season brings multiple sinus infections along with the yellow pollen that covers everything in sight! The UV light and Whole House Humidifier is supposed to detox the air in your home, getting rid of odors, germs, mold and allergies. He was really excited about this new product, not only for our home but also for our customers.

So despite my skepticism, I went ahead and agreed to put one in our house and see how it worked. After all, we needed to be informed on how well it worked so we could share it with others.

We installed the Whole House Humidifier with the Blue Tube Germicidal Light in the fall. It was just the right time to test it out, because our heater always lets out this weird musty smell when we turn it on, like the coil is wet. (I guess it’s from the awful humidity that we have down here in Louisiana… I don’t know.)

Anyway, Preston put it in and I actually forgot about it, but one day it hit me! I hadn’t smelled that musty odor in a while! In fact, there were several other odors that we were no longer smelling, or at least that didn’t last long.

For instance, you know when you fry bacon, and it smells the house up for a few days? Well, it didn’t last a day! And also, when our house cleaners come they use this wonderful smelling cleaner that would always last like two days! Would you believe that that smell is hardly noticeable now that we have the UV light in? (That one was a bit disappointing, but impressive nonetheless.)

Another really awesome thing is that neither Preston nor our daughter has had ONE sinus infection this year! Here it is, the middle of May, and they haven’t been to the doctor one time! Usually, we are doing antibiotics and cough medicine constantly this time of year. It really has been a blessing for us!

Needless to say, I’m a believer now! APCO has done well with this product, and we definitely recommend it to all of our customers, but especially those who suffer from allergies. It will make a great big difference and you will not regret it! Trust me!

Covid 19

Here at Greater Air & Heating we are committed to the safety of both your family and our technicians. Our team has completed thorough training and is prepped and ready to ensure that your heating and air conditioning needs are taken care of.

Here are some of the things you can expect from our technicians when they show up at your home.

Upon arriving, instead of a handshake, we can greet you any way you choose – foot bump, elbow bump, wave, wink, courtesy, salute, etc. 😊
Wearing booties on their shoes
Limit exposure to 6 – 8 feet
Our team is working on securing masks, just let us know if you want us to wear one
Our team takes their Temperature at the start of every workday
And of course, we will provide excellent indoor air quality, heating and air conditioning solutions

We also ask that you let us know if you or anyone in your home has had a fever or been sick, so we may take the proper precautions.

Our goal is to ensure your safety, health, comfort and energy efficiency. Speaking of cleaner air, you may also want to consider high efficiency filters to help to purify the air you breathe. They reduce the amounts of allergens, dust and even bacteria in the air. We offer a variety of filters as well as air purification systems, humidifiers and dehumidifiers that can help you breathe better helping you feel better overall! If you are interested in learning more about our indoor air quality solutions to help defend and protect your family, please let us know. Now’s the time to:

Make sure your home feels like the best place to Staycation
Tune-up your systems to ensure top performance
Improve the quality of the air in your home
Manage the humidity levels in your home

Let’s make your home a comfort zone. Let us help you create your perfect indoor environment. Give us a call today to discuss how we can make your and your family’s life better.

Please ask our technicians about our Indoor Air Quality packages, special promotions, and financing options. As we are an HVAC company, we know there are many benefits to upgrading your air conditioning and heating equipment. Not only can replacing an aging heating and cooling system (including furnaces, air conditioners and ductless splits) help you save money each month, but it can also help your mental health and well-being. Older units tend to not reach and hold the desired temperature. Not only can this negatively add to existing health problems (stiff joints, allergies, colds, flu), but can also make you cold and miserable or hot and grumpy. Plus, you may end up paying for multiple repairs when you could replace your equipment, upgrade your air and reap the benefits of a brand-new system.

Along with updated heating and cooling equipment, humidifiers and dehumidifiers are also beneficial when it comes to comfort as well as clean air.

Let’s make your home the perfect place for your “staycation”. Live, laugh and be comfortable!

You ARE a VIP!!

All of our customers are very important to us. My husband, Preston, has a very generous heart and he truly cares about people. This is one of the things that makes him so well liked and trusted in our community. Anyone who meets him, knows he is genuine and honest.

Because of this, he is always looking for ways to help our customers save money. One of the ways we can do that is by offering our VIP Maintenance Plan. It is a simple yearly membership that gives our customers discounts and helps to maintain the health of their HVAC systems, which in turn, saves them money.

So our VIP Maintenance Plan offers the following benefits:

$29 service calls (as opposed to $69) during regular business hours.
Half-priced service calls after-hours and on holidays.
20% off parts and repairs (including Freon).
Two free tune-ups a year (Spring and Fall), valued at $79 each.
Regular Service Call – $39.00
After-hours Service Call – $49.50
20% off parts and repairs, including Freon
$100 off duct cleanings and UV lights
Two tune-ups a year (spring and fall)

All of this for only $130 a year!

I don’t know about you, but I think this is a pretty amazing deal! Not only are our customers saving money on our services, but they also save money on their utility bill throughout the year, because a well-maintained HVAC system doesn’t work as hard and uses less energy.

If you would like to take advantage of our VIP Maintenance Plan, give me a call!! I would be so happy to help you sign up for it! My number is (318) 709-5984.

Talk to you soon!

Liz

Get Ready for Summer!!!

It’s that time of year again!! Even though the weather is still a little frigid, it will not be long and we will be experiencing that sweltering heat that Louisiana is so famous for.

Oh, I can just feel that humidity now! Can’t you? During the summertime, my kids and I do not go outside much unless we are playing in the water! LOTS of water activity here!!! Why? Because it’s just TOO HOT!!

So if we are not playing in the water, we are inside enjoying the nice comfortable AC! But the LAST thing I want to happen is for my AC to go out in the middle of July! Oh no no no no! Not with an active preschooler and a helpless infant in my care.

That’s why I am very serious about having our AC checked and maintained in the springtime, BEFORE the heat hits. That way, if there is anything wrong, it can be addressed NOW before we are melting away in puddles of sweat!

Here at Greater Air & Heating, we also seriously encourage our customers (and everyone else) to get your AC Tuned-up in the Spring, NOW! Because I know that you also do not want to be unexpected without Air Conditioning when the temps are in the 100’s!

Our experienced team will clean and inspect your AC unit to ensure it is ready to handle the high temperatures. This will ease your mind and save you money, because a maintenance AC system doesn’t have to work so hard, and your utility bill will reap the benefits!

Give us a call today at (318) 709-5984 and schedule your Spring Tune-up!! Also, ask us about how to save money all year long by becoming a VIP member!

Category: Blog