Are you finding yourself sneezing more often? Does the humidity in your Lafayette home leave you feeling stuffy and uncomfortable? In Acadiana, we know the challenges of maintaining a comfortable and healthy indoor environment. That’s why understanding the importance of an air quality test is crucial for every homeowner. At Lee’s AC, we’re dedicated to ensuring your home’s air is clean and safe.

Why Indoor Air Quality Matters in Lafayette

Lafayette’s unique climate brings its own set of challenges. The high humidity levels, combined with seasonal pollen and allergens, can significantly impact your indoor air quality. Mold growth is a common concern, and these factors can lead to a range of health issues. Poor indoor air quality can trigger allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems. You might also experience headaches, fatigue, and general discomfort. So, what are the symptoms of poor air quality in a house? Watch out for frequent sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, and a general feeling of stuffiness.

The Air Quality Test: What It Is and Why It’s Worth It

An air quality test involves a comprehensive assessment of your home’s indoor environment. Our technicians will analyze particulate matter, detect mold and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and monitor humidity and carbon monoxide levels. 

You might be wondering, is indoor air quality testing worth it? Absolutely! In Lafayette, where humidity can be a constant battle, a professional test provides peace of mind, improved health, and a more comfortable living space. Unlike DIY kits, our professional testing ensures accurate analysis and expert recommendations tailored to our local climate. Lee’s AC’s NATE-certified technicians ensure that the job is done right.

How Can I Test the Air Quality in My House?

Many homeowners wonder, how can I test the air quality in my house? While DIY air quality monitors are available, they often lack the precision and comprehensiveness of professional testing. A professional air quality test from Lee’s AC offers accurate analysis, detailed reporting, and expert recommendations specific to your home and our humid climate.

How Much Does an Air Quality Test Cost?

Understanding the cost is important. You might be asking, how much does an air quality test cost? In Lafayette, the cost can vary depending on the size of your home and the specific tests required. Generally, you can expect to invest a reasonable amount for the peace of mind and health benefits it provides. At Lee’s AC, we offer transparent pricing and can provide a detailed estimate during a free consultation.

How to Fix Poor Air Quality in Your Lafayette Home

Once you’ve identified air quality issues, it’s time to take action. How to fix poor air quality in the house? Here are some effective solutions:

• Regular HVAC Maintenance: Especially crucial in Lafayette’s humidity, regular maintenance ensures your system runs efficiently.
• Air Duct Cleaning: Removes accumulated dust, allergens, and mold.
• Air Purifier Installation: Traps airborne particles and improves overall air quality.
• Dehumidifier Installation: Essential for controlling humidity levels and preventing mold growth.
• UV Germicidal Light Installation: Kills mold and bacteria on your AC coils.
• Proper Ventilation: Ensures fresh air circulation throughout your home.

Lee’s AC can help with all these services, ensuring your home is a healthy haven.

Lee’s AC: Your IAQ Partner in Lafayette

At Lee’s AC, we’re committed to providing top-notch indoor air quality services to our Lafayette community. Our NATE-certified technicians are experienced in identifying and resolving IAQ issues, ensuring your home is comfortable and healthy. Don’t wait to breathe easier.

Investing in an air quality test is an investment in your family’s health and well-being. In Lafayette, where humidity and allergens can be a concern, a professional test from Lee’s AC is the best way to ensure a healthy indoor environment. Contact us today and breathe easy!

Have you ever felt a little too chilly in the fall? Or that your heating isn’t reaching every room? This may be a sign that you need to clean your furnace. With the air beginning to cool it’s important to check if your furnace is ready for the winter months. A clean furnace is essential for a warm and healthy home. Making sure it’s clean can ensure furnace efficiency, lower risks of repairs, and prevention of irritating existing health issues. 

This guide will walk you through the importance of furnace cleaning, what’s involved in the process, and how you can keep your furnace running smoothly all season long.

What’s Involved in Furnace Cleaning? 

Because it is such a large appliance, furnace cleaning is a multi-step process that is best completed through the service of a professional. There are steps, like changing the filter, which could be completed individually, but for your safety the most efficient option is to acquire the services of professionals. Technicians can assess your furnace’s condition to identify any potential issues, and skillfully restore it to its proper state.  

Steps in the cleaning process can include: 

• Turn Off the Power: Before any cleaning can begin it’s crucial to make sure the furnace is turned off, and the fuel supply is cut off. 
• Dusting and Vacuuming: The furnace surface, chambers, and flame sensor can be cleaned through dusting and vacuuming. In addition to this, the blower can be removed and cleaned carefully. Cleaning these areas ensures proper airflow throughout the ventilation system. 
• Filter Replacement: As you clean each section of the furnace, it’s important to remember to replace the air filter. Replacing the air filter prevents restricted airflow and improves furnace efficiency.
• Lubrication: It’s important to lubricate the furnace’s fan motor to reduce friction and wear.
• Testing and Adjustments: Technicians test the furnace to ensure its operating correctly and tehy will make any necessary adjustments. This can include testing safety controls, such as the limit switch and the gas pressure regulator.
• Activate the Burners: After your furnace has been cleaned, you’re all set to turn on the burners and enjoy the warmth.  

Why Is Cleaning Your Furnace So Important?  

Your furnace works hard all winter to keep your family comfortable. Over time, dust, dirt, and debris accumulate in the system. This buildup can lead to a variety of problems. 

• Poor Air Quality: As the buildup spreads throughout your heating system and blows into your rooms, dust and allergens can begin to circulate. This can aggravate allergies and respiratory problems like asthma. Cleaning your furnace not only protects your health, but keeps your rooms fresh, rather than stuffy. 

• Reduced Efficiency: When your furnace is dirty, heat can be blocked from getting to various areas, which triggers your furnace to start working overtime. This can lead to inefficient heating and  higher energy bills. 
• Increased Risk of Breakdowns: In addition to reduced efficiency, buildup within your furnace can cause further malfunctions and create the risk of overheating. This can lead to expensive repairs. 
• Safety Hazards: In extreme cases, a neglected furnace can pose a fire risk. Your home is your safe place, and the risk of a fire due to a dirty furnace is completely preventable. 
• Furnace Replacement: As you inspect your furnace, there is the possibility of finding significant damage that would require a furnace replacement. It’s safer to replace rather than go through the winter with a dysfunctional furnace.

Regular furnace cleaning helps prevent issues in heating quality, and ensures your system operates at peak performance. Cleanings can also operate as safety measures from potential fires or other electrical issues.

How Often Should I Clean My Furnace? 

Ideally, you should have your furnace professionally cleaned once a year, preferably before the heating season (October through March). However, factors like pets, allergies, and the age of your furnace might require  more frequent cleanings.

Can I Clean My Furnace Myself?

As discussed earlier, you can certainly replace your furnace filter regularly, but a thorough furnace cleaning requires specialized knowledge and tools. It’s recommended to hire a qualified HVAC technician for this task. Attempting to clean your furnace yourself could lead to damage or even injury.

Lee’s Air Conditioning Company: Your Partner in Furnace Cleaning

When selecting an HVAC company for furnace cleaning it’s important to choose a company with a proven track record and certified technicians. At Lee’s we provide quick services to guarantee your appliances are working at their full functionality. 

Don’t wait until your furnace breaks down in the middle of winter. Schedule a professional furnace cleaning today and enjoy a warm, comfortable, and healthy home all season long!

That damp, unpleasant odor lingering in your house – the dreaded “musty smell” – can be more than just an annoyance. It often signals underlying problems that need attention. If you’re in Lafayette, Louisiana, the combination of humidity and frequent rain can make your home particularly susceptible to this issue. Fortunately, Lee’s AC is here to help you understand the causes and provide effective solutions.

What Causes That Musty Smell in Your House?

• Mold and Mildew: The most common culprits are mold and mildew, fungi that thrive in damp environments. Leaky pipes, roof leaks, high humidity, or poor ventilation can all create the perfect conditions for these unwelcome guests.
• Dampness and Humidity: Even without visible mold, lingering dampness in areas like basements, crawl spaces, or bathrooms can create a musty odor.
• HVAC Issues: Your HVAC system can contribute to the problem if it’s not properly maintained. Dirty filters, clogged condensate drains, or mold growth within the system can circulate musty air throughout your home.
• Dust: Accumulated dust, especially in hidden areas like behind furniture, under appliances, or in your A/C vents can also create a musty smell. Regular cleaning and dusting can help prevent this.

Specific scenarios that can worsen the issue:

• Musty smell after rain: Rainwater can seep into your home, increasing humidity and triggering mold growth, leading to a more pronounced musty smell.
• Musty smell that comes and goes: This could indicate intermittent moisture issues, like a leaky pipe that only drips occasionally, or seasonal changes in humidity.
• Musty smell from AC: This often signals mold or mildew growth within the HVAC system itself, particularly on the evaporator coils or in the ductwork. It’s especially noticeable when the AC is running. A strange and musty smell from your AC may also be due to dust buildup.

How to Get Rid of Musty Smells in Your House

Tackling a musty smell involves a two-pronged approach: addressing the source and eliminating the odor itself.

Address the Source:

• Identify and fix leaks: Thoroughly inspect your home for any signs of water intrusion, including leaky pipes, roof leaks, or cracks in your foundation.
• Reduce humidity: Use dehumidifiers in damp areas, ensure proper ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens, and consider having your crawl space encapsulated to prevent moisture buildup.
• Have your HVAC system inspected: Call Lee’s AC for a professional inspection and cleaning. We’ll check for mold growth, clean your coils and drains, and ensure your system isn’t contributing to the problem.

Eliminate the Odor:

• Deep clean: Wash all fabrics, steam clean carpets and upholstery, and wipe down hard surfaces.
• Air out your house: Open windows and doors whenever possible to increase air circulation.
• Use odor absorbers: Place bowls of baking soda, activated charcoal, or white vinegar in affected areas.
• Consider an air purifier: An air purifier with a HEPA filter can help remove mold spores and other airborne contaminants.

Lee’s AC: Your Partner in Fighting Musty Smells

At Lee’s AC, we understand the challenges of maintaining a fresh and healthy home in Lafayette’s climate. Our team of experienced technicians can help you identify and address the source of musty smells, whether it’s related to your HVAC system or other moisture issues in your home. We offer comprehensive services, including:

• HVAC inspection and cleaning: We’ll thoroughly clean your system, removing any mold or mildew and ensuring it’s running efficiently.
• Duct cleaning: If necessary, we can professionally clean your ductwork to remove any hidden mold or contaminants.
• Air filter changing: Your air filters collect dust and need to be changed every 6 months, or however often the manufacturer suggests. The experts at Lee’s can help you pick the right size filter and change them our to keep your air fresh at home.
• Indoor air quality solutions: We offer a range of products and services to improve your home’s air quality, including air purifiers and dehumidifiers.

Don’t let a musty smell linger in your home. Contact Lee’s AC today for a free consultation and let us help you create a fresh and healthy living environment.

Remember, a proactive approach is key to preventing musty smells. Regular maintenance of your HVAC system and addressing any moisture issues promptly will go a long way in keeping your home smelling fresh and clean.

As hurricane season approaches, it’s crucial to ensure that you and your home are adequately prepared to weather the storm. From stocking up on supplies to securing your property, there are numerous steps you can take to minimize risk and stay safe. In this guide, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive hurricane preparation checklist, with a special focus on HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) tips to protect your home’s essential systems.

Hurricane Preparation Checklist:

Stay Informed:

First and foremost, if there is a potential for inclement weather, it’s important to stay up to date. Monitor weather updates from reliable sources such as the National Hurricane Center (NHC), local news channels, or weather apps. Stay aware of evacuation orders and alerts issued for your area.

Here are some helpful resources in the Lafayette area that can help you stay informed during hurricane season:

• Lafayette City-Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness: The Lafayette Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness provides valuable information and resources on hurricane preparedness specific to Lafayette Parish. They offer updates on evacuation routes, shelter locations, and emergency contacts during hurricanes.
• Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office: The Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office often shares important updates and safety tips related to hurricanes through their website and social media channels. They may provide guidance on evacuation orders, curfews, and other safety measures.
• Local News Outlets: Stay tuned to local news outlets such as KATC, The Daily Advertiser, and KLFY for up-to-date information on hurricane forecasts, evacuation orders, and preparedness tips. These outlets often provide valuable resources and coverage specific to Lafayette and the surrounding areas.

Create a Hurricane Kit:

Prepare an emergency kit with essential supplies including non-perishable food, water, flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, and important documents.

Secure Your Home:

Once you’re aware that there is a possibility of a hurricane, it’s important to take some protective measures around your home. Even if a hurricane doesn’t hit Lafayette, heavy rainfall and intense winds are likely.

Trim trees and shrubs around your property to minimize potential damage from falling branches. Reinforce windows with storm shutters or plywood. Anchor outdoor furniture and objects that could become projectiles in high winds.

Develop an Evacuation Plan:

Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes and shelters in your area. Plan where you will go and what you will take with you in case of evacuation.

Protect Important Items:

Safeguard valuables by storing them in waterproof containers or moving them to a higher elevation. You can also consider packing away any essentials, valuable possessions, and keepsakes in your vehicle should you need to bring them along in the event of an evacuation.

Consider protecting your HVAC system by covering outdoor units and elevating them on platforms to prevent flood damage.

HVAC Tips for Hurricane Preparation:

Shut Off Power:

Turn off the power to your HVAC system at the circuit breaker before the hurricane or inclement weather arrives to prevent damage from power surges.

Secure Outdoor Unit:

Anchor your outdoor HVAC unit to the ground or a concrete slab to prevent it from being blown away by strong winds.

Cover and Elevate:

Cover your outdoor HVAC unit with a tarp or specialized cover to protect it from debris and water.

Elevate the unit on platforms or sturdy blocks to minimize the risk of flooding damage.

Install Surge Protection:

Consider installing surge protectors for your HVAC system to safeguard it against power surges caused by lightning or electrical grid disturbances during the storm.

Know Who to Call:

Should you experience damage to your unit due to hurricane or including weather, you’ll want to know who to call as you begin to restore your home back to normal. Lee’s AC is a trusted HVAC provider in the community of Lafayette, and we can work with you to finance any new units and get your home back to a comfortable condition.

Stay Safe, Lafayette! Lee’s AC is Here to Support You.

Hurricanes pose significant risks to both life and property, but with careful preparation, you can mitigate these risks and ensure your safety. By following the comprehensive hurricane preparation checklist outlined above, including the specialized HVAC tips, you can protect your home and essential systems from the damaging effects of severe weather. Remember to stay informed, stay safe, and be proactive in your hurricane preparedness efforts.

Should you need AC repairs or replacements after experiencing inclement weather, Lee’s AC can guide you toward the most affordable and comfortable solution for you and your home. Even if your unit is still operational, it can be beneficial to seek AC maintenance services after a storm, as your system could get flooded with debris or or have parts that are moved out of place. No matter your post-hurricane HVAC needs, Lee’s AC is prepared to show you kindness and compassion and help you find the most cost-effective solution.

Heat pumps are versatile HVAC systems that provide both heating and cooling for residential and commercial spaces. In this article, we’ll explore two primary types of heat pump and address common symptoms and troubleshooting steps for when your heat pump won’t turn on. 

Whether you’re experiencing constant running, mode switching issues, or short cycling, we’ll help you diagnose and resolve the problem.

Types of Heat Pumps

Heat pumps work both as a heating and air conditioning system which makes them very versatile and a great investment for homeowners in the mild climate of Lafayette. There are two main types of heat pumps – air source and ground source heat pumps.

As the name implies, air source heat pumps work by taking heat from the outdoor air and transferring it indoors during the winter to warm your home. Then, in the summer, they do the opposite, taking heat from inside and pushing it outdoors to cool your home. They’re like two-for-one deals, acting as both heaters and air conditioners. They’re pretty easy to install and more budget-friendly, which makes them a popular choice for many households.

Now, ground source heat pumps, also called geothermal heat pumps, tap into the steady temperature underground to keep your home comfy all year round. It involves burying pipes underground to circulate fluid that absorbs heat from the ground in winter and releases it in summer. They might cost a bit more upfront and require some digging, but they’re super efficient and can help you save big in the long haul. 

Which Kind of Heat Pump is Common in Louisiana?

In Lafayette, Louisiana, air source heat pumps are generally more popular due to their affordability and ease of installation. The region’s mild climate makes air source heat pumps effective for providing both heating and cooling throughout the year, leveraging the temperature differences between outdoor and indoor air. Additionally, the relatively flat terrain and soil conditions in Lafayette might make ground source heat pump installations more challenging and costly. Therefore, many homeowners in Lafayette opt for air source heat pumps as a practical and cost-effective solution for their heating and cooling needs.

How to Troubleshoot Why Your Heat Pump Won’t Turn On

First and foremost, it’s helpful to address the symptoms you’re experiencing with your heat pump in order to narrow down the reasons it won’t turn on. Whether your unit is short cycling, constantly running, or not turning on at all will influence which troubleshooting methods you’ll want to use.

• Constantly running
• Not running
• Not switching modes
• Short cycling

Heat Pump Constantly Running:

• Dirty or clogged air filters restricting airflow, causing the system to work harder.
• Refrigerant leaks leading to insufficient cooling or heating capacity, causing the system to run continuously to try to reach the set temperature.
• Improper thermostat settings, such as setting the temperature too high or low, resulting in the heat pump running non-stop to meet the desired temperature.
• Undersized heat pump unable to effectively heat or cool the space, causing it to run continuously to maintain comfort levels.

Heat Pump Not Running:

• Power supply issues, such as tripped circuit breakers, blown fuses, or a disconnected power source preventing the heat pump from receiving electricity.
• Faulty thermostat not sending the signal to the heat pump to turn on.
• Defective capacitor or relay preventing the compressor or fan from starting.
• Motor or compressor failure, causing the heat pump not to initiate its operation.

Heat Pump Not Switching Modes:

• Thermostat issues, such as a malfunctioning mode selector or incorrect settings, preventing the heat pump from switching between heating and cooling modes.
• Reversing valve malfunction, which is responsible for changing the flow direction of refrigerant to switch between heating and cooling modes.
• Electrical or wiring problems disrupting the signal between the thermostat and the heat pump, preventing mode changes.

Heat Pump Short Cycling:

• Improperly sized heat pump cycling on and off frequently due to quickly reaching temperature set points.
• Restricted airflow caused by dirty or blocked air filters, ductwork issues, or obstructions around the outdoor unit, leading to overheating and frequent cycling.
• Refrigerant leaks or low refrigerant levels causing the system to cycle frequently as it struggles to maintain proper pressure and temperature levels.
• Faulty thermostat or sensor misreading indoor temperature, resulting in frequent cycling as it tries to maintain the set temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I reset my heat pump?

If your heat pump does not have a reset button, locate the power switch or breaker for the unit. Turn it off and wait for two to three minutes before turning it back on. This action will allow the system to reset and may resolve minor issues.

What would cause a heat pump not to kick on?

Several factors could prevent a heat pump from kicking on, including a tripped circuit breaker, a blown fuse, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a fault in the heat pump’s components such as the compressor or fan motor.

What is the most common problem with heat pumps?

One of the most common problems with heat pumps is improper airflow, often caused by dirty air filters, obstructed ducts, or blocked outdoor units. This issue can lead to reduced efficiency, inadequate heating or cooling, and increased wear on the system components.

How long do you cut off electricity to reset the heat pump?

When resetting a heat pump by cutting off electricity, it’s typically recommended to leave it off for at least 30 seconds to ensure a complete reset of the system.

If an electric heat pump won’t turn on, but the thermostat and power to the house/unit are both working, what could be the problem?

If an electric heat pump won’t turn on despite the thermostat and power to the house/unit working, potential issues could include a faulty relay, capacitor, or compressor, as well as wiring problems or sensor malfunctions.

Heat pump cooling but not heating, reversing valve is good.

If your heat pump is cooling but not heating, and the reversing valve is confirmed to be functioning properly, it could indicate issues such as low refrigerant levels, a malfunctioning compressor, or a faulty thermostat.

Need an Extra Hand? Call Lee’s in Lafayette!

These are a great starting point to help you understand why your heat pump won’t turn on, but of course, this list is not an end all be all. Heat pump issues can be 

If you’ve tried to make the fixes yourself and your heat pump still isn’t heating adequately, it’s time to enlist the expertise of Lee’s AC. Our experienced technicians will perform a comprehensive inspection to diagnose the issue accurately and recommend the necessary repairs or replacements.

At Lee’s AC of Lafayette, we understand the importance of a functioning heat pump for your comfort and well-being. Don’t delay — contact us today for reliable solutions and exceptional service. Let us help you stay warm and comfortable throughout the winter season.