Question 1

Why does my Louisiana AC short-cycle on humid days even when the thermostat reads cool?

Accepted Answer

River-corridor humidity pushes latent cooling demand above what older systems were sized for — the unit meets temperature but not moisture, so it kicks off before the air actually feels comfortable. During a diagnostic we measure supply/return temperature split and recommend either a properly-sized replacement, a whole-home dehumidifier, or a variable-speed blower that runs long enough to wring moisture out of the air.

Question 2

How much of my summer energy bill is humidity vs. temperature?

Accepted Answer

On a humid Southeast Louisiana afternoon, latent load (moisture removal) is typically 30–50% of total cooling energy. Pulling water out of 90°F air at 80% relative humidity is real work — the thermostat shows you 72°F but the system paid a real kWh bill to do the invisible half.

Question 3

Why is the second floor always 3–4 degrees warmer than downstairs?

Accepted Answer

Stack effect plus an undersized return-air run are the usual culprits. Pre-2000 homes across the river corridor frequently have returns sized for last-century blower capacity. We measure return-side static pressure and recommend either duct modification, an additional return, or — for two-story layouts — a zoning system with dampers.

Question 4

Do I need a permit to replace my AC in Jefferson Parish or East Baton Rouge Parish?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for full system replacements and any new ductwork. We handle the permit pull and know the local inspector expectations — what counts as a straight replacement versus a scope change, and which municipalities require a variance for outdoor-unit placement.

Question 5

Are heat pumps worth it for Southeast Louisiana homes?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Louisiana winters are mild — design temps rarely drop below 30°F — which is the sweet spot for modern heat pumps. A properly-sized inverter heat pump handles heating more efficiently than gas or electric resistance while doubling as your AC in summer. The economics flip once you factor in the dual-use efficiency.

Question 6

My gas furnace is older than I am — should I replace it with a heat pump?

Accepted Answer

Often yes, but it depends on your ductwork. Heat pumps move larger volumes of lower-temperature air, so the supply runs and registers need to be quiet and reasonably sized. If your ducts are tight and your home is well-insulated, the retrofit is straightforward. If ducts are marginal, we recommend addressing the duct side first rather than swapping equipment into a leaky system.

Question 7

Will a heat pump still heat my home on a 25°F night?

Accepted Answer

Modern cold-climate inverter heat pumps maintain rated capacity well below 20°F. In a Louisiana winter we almost never see sustained temperatures that low, so this is rarely the deciding factor. If you have a backup heat strip or dual-fuel with a gas furnace, you have redundancy for the rare hard freeze — but it should run only a handful of nights a year.

Question 8

How do I know whether to repair or replace my heating system?

Accepted Answer

We apply a 50%-of-replacement-cost rule of thumb — if the repair is more than half the cost of a new system, replacement is usually the better financial call. We also factor in age (anything past 15 years is on borrowed time), refrigerant type (R-22 systems are increasingly expensive to charge), and whether the ductwork and blower are still in good shape.

Question 9

Why does my Louisiana electric bill double in the summer?

Accepted Answer

Three things stack up: latent humidity load (your AC is also acting as a dehumidifier), duct leakage in hot attics (commonly 20–30% of cooled air lost before it reaches the room), and longer run-times on a system that may be oversized and short-cycling. A dirty filter makes every one of these worse.

Question 10

How can I tell if my ducts are leaking?

Accepted Answer

Three quick tells: rooms far from the air handler feel noticeably warmer, attic supply boots feel hot or cold to the touch in summer, and run-time stays long even after a filter change. A proper diagnostic uses a duct-blaster test or thermal camera — both are part of our free efficiency checkup.

Question 11

Will a smart thermostat actually lower my Louisiana bill?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but only if you actually use the schedule. Bumping the setpoint up 4–6°F while you are at work saves 8–15% on cooling energy in our climate. The trap is buying it and never programming it — at that point it is just an expensive manual thermostat.

Question 12

What does Steady Flow check during a free AC efficiency checkup?

Accepted Answer

Filter condition, supply-air temperature split, return-side static pressure, visible duct leakage at boots and seams, refrigerant charge (subcooling and superheat), coil cleanliness, condensate drain, and thermostat operation. It takes about 30 minutes and you leave with a written list of what is costing you money — no quote, no pressure, just the numbers.

Question 13

How often should I change my air filter in Louisiana?

Accepted Answer

Every 30–60 days during cooling season, sometimes monthly if you have pets, nearby construction, or run the system fan continuously. A clogged filter chokes airflow, raises run-time, and over time can damage the compressor. Cheap filter, expensive consequence.

Question 14

Do I really need annual AC maintenance in a mild climate?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Louisiana humidity is harder on equipment than temperature alone. Moisture promotes mold inside ductwork, corrodes coils faster than dry climates see, and stresses capacitors and contactors year-round. Annual maintenance catches small issues before they become the no-cool weekend call. Skipping it is the most expensive decision a Louisiana homeowner makes on HVAC.

Question 15

Why are failed capacitors the number one no-cool call in Southeast Louisiana?

Accepted Answer

Coastal humidity combined with high ambient temperatures shortens electrolytic-capacitor life by 30–50% versus inland homes. We see bulging or leaking capacitors on units that should have years of run-time left. Annual maintenance catches them before the failure — typically a $150–$250 part swap if done proactively, versus an emergency diagnostic fee when the system quits on a July Saturday.

Question 16

How long should a residential AC system last in Louisiana?

Accepted Answer

15–20 years is realistic with annual maintenance. Coastal humidity and our long cooling seasons pull the low end of that range — a neglected system may give you 10–12 years before major component failure. The single biggest lever is annual service plus filter discipline; the second is keeping the outdoor coil clean and shaded where possible.

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Cooling & Humidity

Heating & Heat Pumps

Billing & Efficiency

Maintenance & Repairs

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