Its getting hot out there in New Orleans.  And unfortunately, sometimes an air conditioner needs to be replaced.  The average lifecycle of a conventional air conditioner is about fifteen years.  Air conditioning systems can be expensive to repair. The good news is that air conditioning systems have evolved substantially over time. Today’s air conditioners are more efficient and environmentally friendly and many options are available.  Its important for your family’s health and your personal finances that the company you utilize to work on your air conditioning systems has highly qualified, trained technicians.

Fifteen years ago, standard air conditioning units were about 8 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio).  In lay terms, SEER can be compared to miles per gallon (MPG) when driving your vehicle.  Today the minimum standard for an air conditioning unit is 14 SEER in Louisiana. ( Geothermal units can be up to the equivalent of 55 SEER. ) Electricity prices have also risen in the past two decades which means that the ownership of an older air conditioning unit has become a financial liability, to the point that after the average family’s mortgage, utility bills are the next most significant expense.  Not to mention that older equip sometimes requires more expensive repairs.   The typical household that installs a new unit can expect to use 40% less energy, resulting in significant savings on utility bills.

Another more valuable option, is to install a geothermal air conditioning system. Geothermal units extract or reject heat from the ground (this is the source of energy).  Geothermal systems are highly efficient and results in reduced carbon emissions on the planet.  While running, geothermal units can also provide free domestic hot water and better dehumidification for one’s home.  Geothermal units also have two other major benefits:  there is a 30% federal tax credit for installation and geothermal systems generally last twice as long as conventional units.   The typical cost savings on utility bills with a geothermal system are 40-60%. (Compared with conventional high efficiency units). With geothermal units there is no outdoor equipment (so there is nothing to be vandalized or stolen).  Geothermal units are also quieter than other systems (noise is often considered a pollutant as well).

The replacement of the air distribution system (Ducts) is not usually necessary.  However, any time a new system is installed, the duct system should be updated to meet new efficiency standard.  It is highly recommended that a duct sealing procedure is performed when you have a new air conditioning system installed.  Updated duct systems have the added benefits of reducing indoor air pollution and health problems and providing substantial energy savings.

Raul Mena, has been servicing and replacing air conditioning and heating systems in New Orleans for more than three decades.  Mena pioneered geothermal air conditioning in the New Orleans region,  and has completed many significant significant projects including a major Geothermal installation in the recently refurbished, Spanish Stables condominiums.    

When Mena AC and Heating technicians go to a home or business we do a complete evaluation of the the air conditioning system and make a set of recommendations based on improving efficiency and health.  

Because we understand that investing in  a new HVAC system can be significant, Mena AC and Heating offers flexible payment options (as low as $125 per month).