The summer is coming to an end yet your air conditioner is still put to work? You have doubts as to whether your heating will perform when a cold front comes in from Lake Pontchartrain? And it seems your energy bill is high come what may.

Then you have come to the right place. We are Integrity Heating & Air, an HVAC firm of local make and operation out of River Ridge. We are not a franchise from out of state but your neighbors, serving Southeast Louisiana and the greater New Orleans region. Give us a ring at (504) 420-7884 whenever you like.

There is nothing quite like a fall in this part of Louisiana. One week the humidity and 88 degree weather has you down, the next you are putting on a light jacket. Your system is expected to cope with both, on occasion in a day. So we put together some tips to have you prepared.

Let the System Rest

Since April your AC has been at it. With the fall it can finally take a break, which is as good a time as any to put a stop to minor issues before they become major ones.

A couple of easy practices will do the trick. For these cooler months we suggest:

• Put in a new air filter and make a habit of it every month or two
• Do away with the leaves and other detritus around the outdoor unit
• When the system is on, be on the lookout for weak airflow from the vents or any odd rattling and grinding
• See if there are unexplained spikes on your bill that have no basis in your usage
• Leave a few feet of room on all sides of the outdoor unit

Should something not seem right, a phone call now is far more economical than an emergency one in December.

Put the Heat to the Test

We see it year in and year out: the homeowner puts off turning on the heat until the first night it is truly cold, only to discover it is not working. Then they are left shivering along with the rest of them.

Make it a point to run the system for a while on a fall afternoon. A burning smell is common at first, just the dust on the elements. But if it does not start, or you do not get any warm air, or the odor lingers, you have your answer to call in a pro. An early test means you can arrange for repairs without having to wait your turn when the freeze sets in.

Thermostats and Ducts Deserve a Look In

Often the trouble is not with the large unit outside. It could be a thermostat that is not reading right or ductwork that is letting your conditioned air into the attic.

Some things to consider this fall:

• A programmable thermostat is a good way to deal with the temperature changes
• If certain rooms are always too hot or too cold, have the ducts looked at
• It is worth inquiring about a duct and vent cleaning if it has been a few years
• Think about indoor air quality; with the house closed up the dust and allergens have nowhere to go

For repair or replacement of thermostats, cleaning of ducts and vents and the like, we are here to help. Not sure what is called for? Our team can put your mind at ease.

Call on Us

You can do some things on your own, but for a sizeable repair or a new system you want a licensed technician. We will give you a free second opinion, no hard feelings. The information is straight and you can make the call for your business or family.

Our reach extends to residential and commercial clients in New Orleans and Metairie as well as Kenner, Slidell, Covington, Mandeville, Laplace, Gretna and throughout Southeast Louisiana. We are on hand 24/7 for emergencies or to put something on the schedule for same day. When you put in a call it is a member of our local staff who answers, not a call center.

We are holders of Louisiana contractor License #CL.79840 and for bigger projects have 0% interest financing from Synchrony and Wells Fargo.

Integrity Heating & Air is here so fall does not put your comfort in jeopardy. For a checkup or a second opinion on a quote, (504) 420-7884.

New Orleans Proud. Comfort You Can Feel. Integrity You Can Trust.