Local air conditioning companies see spike in demand as summer temperatures rise

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — High temperatures are hitting Baton Rouge. Local air conditioning companies are working hard to keep homes cool and systems running smoothly.

Matthew Rick, the general manager at One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning, said the recent heat wave has caused a spike in service calls.

“We’re seeing between two hundred to four hundred calls a day,” Rick said.

And when those systems fail, Rick said it often comes down to one simple issue: neglect.

“In my opinion, the most common cause of failure is lack of maintenance,” he said. “Your car gives you warning signs, you can hear it, feel it. But your AC unit is often tucked away in an attic or outside, so issues can go unnoticed until it’s too late.”

Technicians advise homeowners to be proactive. Replace air filters every month in the summer. Keep outdoor units clear of leaves and debris. Also, schedule professional inspections, especially before the peak season.

“Cleaning and servicing the unit is helpful,” Rick added, “but doing a full inspection is even more critical. Some parts might appear to be working when they’re actually in the process of failing.”

One red flag homeowners can watch for is ice buildup on copper tubes outside the unit.

“If you see ice on the lines—that’s a clear indication you have a problem,” Rick said.

Another tip to remember is changing the batteries in your thermostat and connected systems. Weak batteries can disrupt communication with your AC unit and cause unexpected shutdowns.

Rick states that the biggest mistake people make is waiting until the system stops functioning.

“You should be checking your unit at least once a month,” he said.

For more tips on staying cool and caring for your AC, check your local HVAC provider’s website. You can also schedule a maintenance check to avoid system problems.

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