Frequently Asked HVAC Questions

For most homes, air filters should be changed every 1 to 3 months. If you have pets, allergies, or poor indoor air quality, you may need to replace filters more often. Regular air filter changes help improve airflow, increase HVAC efficiency, lower energy bills, and extend the life of your heating and cooling system.

A frozen AC unit is usually caused by restricted airflow, dirty air filters, low refrigerant levels, clogged evaporator coils, or blower motor problems. If you notice ice on your indoor or outdoor unit, turn the system off and contact an HVAC professional to prevent further damage.

If your heating and cooling system is more than 10–15 years old, requires frequent repairs, or causes high energy bills, replacing it may save money in the long run. A new energy-efficient HVAC system can improve comfort, lower utility costs, and reduce future repair expenses.

The correct AC size depends on factors such as your home’s square footage, insulation, window placement, ceiling height, and local climate. A professional HVAC load calculation ensures your system is properly sized for maximum comfort, efficiency, and performance.

You can improve HVAC efficiency by changing air filters regularly, scheduling annual maintenance, sealing air leaks, improving insulation, keeping vents clear, and installing a programmable or smart thermostat. These steps can lower energy costs and help your system last longer.

Unusual HVAC noises such as banging, rattling, squealing, buzzing, or hissing can indicate loose components, motor issues, electrical problems, refrigerant leaks, or worn-out parts. Having the system inspected early can prevent costly repairs and unexpected breakdowns.

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures how efficiently an air conditioner cools your home. Higher SEER ratings generally mean lower energy consumption and reduced utility bills. Modern high-efficiency systems often range from 14 to 20+ SEER, depending on the equipment and application.

A heat pump is an energy-efficient HVAC system that provides both heating and cooling. During summer, it removes heat from your home, and during winter, it transfers heat indoors. Heat pumps are becoming a popular choice because they offer year-round comfort and lower energy usage.

Most HVAC manufacturers recommend professional maintenance at least once per year. For optimal performance, many homeowners schedule AC maintenance in the spring and heating system maintenance in the fall. Regular service helps prevent breakdowns, improve efficiency, and extend equipment life.

A tripped HVAC breaker may be caused by an overloaded system, electrical issues, dirty coils, a failing compressor, or faulty wiring. If the breaker trips repeatedly, turn off the system and contact a licensed HVAC technician for diagnosis and repair.

For most Louisiana homes, a thermostat setting between 74°F and 76°F provides a good balance of comfort and energy savings. Maintaining indoor humidity levels between 40% and 50% can also help your home feel cooler while reducing strain on your air conditioning system.

Most homeowners find a thermostat setting between 65°F and 68°F comfortable during colder months. Lowering the temperature a few degrees and using warm clothing or blankets can help reduce heating costs while maintaining indoor comfort.

Before scheduling HVAC service, check the following:

• Make sure your thermostat is set correctly.
• Verify the thermostat batteries are working.
• Check that all HVAC circuit breakers are turned on.
• Confirm the air filter is clean and not restricting airflow.
• Ensure all supply vents are open and unobstructed.

These simple troubleshooting steps may solve the problem and help you avoid an unnecessary service call.

The cost of air conditioner repair depends on the type of repair, the age of the system, and the parts needed. Minor repairs may cost less, while major component replacements can be more expensive. The best way to determine the exact cost is to have a licensed HVAC technician inspect your system and provide an estimate. At Nolan’s A/C & Heating Repair, we provide honest recommendations and upfront pricing before any work begins.

If your air conditioner is running but not cooling, common causes include a dirty air filter, low refrigerant, frozen evaporator coils, a malfunctioning thermostat, blocked vents, or a failing compressor. A professional diagnosis can quickly identify the issue and restore your home’s comfort.

Most air conditioning systems last between 10 and 15 years with proper maintenance. Regular tune-ups, clean filters, and prompt repairs can help extend the life of your HVAC system and improve energy efficiency.

Signs of a failing AC compressor include warm air coming from vents, strange noises from the outdoor unit, difficulty starting, frequent circuit breaker trips, reduced cooling performance, or unusually high energy bills. If you notice these symptoms, it’s important to have your system inspected as soon as possible.

An HVAC system may blow warm air due to thermostat settings, low refrigerant levels, dirty air filters, frozen coils, electrical issues, or compressor problems. A professional HVAC technician can determine the cause and recommend the most cost-effective solution.

A smart thermostat can help reduce energy costs, improve comfort, and give you greater control over your home’s heating and cooling system. Many smart thermostats allow you to adjust temperatures remotely, create schedules, monitor energy usage, and optimize HVAC performance automatically.

To reduce cooling costs during Louisiana’s hot summers, change air filters regularly, schedule annual AC maintenance, keep blinds closed during peak sunlight hours, use ceiling fans, seal air leaks around doors and windows, and set your thermostat between 74°F and 76°F. These simple steps can help improve efficiency and lower monthly utility bills.

You should consider replacing your air conditioner if it is more than 10 to 15 years old, requires frequent repairs, struggles to cool your home, or causes increasing energy bills. A new high-efficiency system can provide better comfort, reliability, and long-term savings.

Yes. Nolan’s A/C & Heating Repair understands that air conditioning problems don’t always happen during normal business hours. We offer emergency HVAC repair services when available to help restore comfort and keep your family and business safe when unexpected breakdowns occur.

Nolan’s A/C & Heating Repair Serving Opelousas, Eunice, Church Point, Rayne, Branch, Richard, Duson, Mire, Scott, Breaux Bridge, Carencro, Lafayette , Sunset, Grand Coteau, and surrounding Acadiana communities.