James Barras

Owner of Professional Heating & Air | HVAC Contractor and Louisiana Mechanical License Holder

Professional Overview

James Barras is the owner of Professional Heating & Air and has more than 20 years of HVAC experience. His background includes field work, formal HVAC education, apprenticeship training, federal facility experience, and 15 years building Professional Heating & Air. He leads the Hammond-based company with a focus on developing its people, improving service quality, and creating a positive workplace. His goal is continuous improvement that produces strong system service, a better customer experience, and long-term value for homeowners.

Quick Facts

Name: James Barras
Title: Owner of Professional Heating & Air
Experience: More than 20 years in HVAC; 15 years with Professional Heating & Air
Location and service areas: Hammond, Louisiana and Mandeville, Louisiana
Areas of focus: HVAC service, technician development, continuous company improvement, and delivering an exceptional experience for team members and customers

Experience & Leadership

James Barras began his HVAC career through an apprenticeship program after deciding to pursue a skilled trade that offered both technical challenges and the opportunity to eventually build a business. Over more than two decades in the industry, his experience has included working for two HVAC companies and serving as an HVAC technician for the federal government at a research building in New Orleans.

After gaining field experience and completing an HVAC degree through Delgado, James returned to Louisiana’s Northshore and started his own HVAC business from a garage in Ponchatoula. Over the following 15 years, he developed the business into Professional Heating & Air, serving customers in the Hammond and Mandeville areas.

As the owner of Professional Heating & Air, James focuses on improving how the business operates, developing the people within it, and creating a workplace where employees can succeed in a positive environment. The company’s stated mission is to empower its people to produce exceptional results through an elite company.

His leadership philosophy shapes both the company’s internal culture and its approach to customer service. He emphasizes continuous improvement, professionalism, strong team performance, and providing the best experience possible for employees and customers.

Technical Expertise

  • HVAC systems and service
  • Louisiana mechanical contracting
  • HVAC technician field experience
  • Apprenticeship-based HVAC trade training
  • HVAC work in a federal research-building environment
  • HVAC company operations and service delivery
  • HVAC workforce development and technician growth
  • Customer experience within an HVAC service business

Licenses & Certifications

  • Louisiana State Mechanical License: #57241
  • HVAC Degree: Delgado, New Orleans

Editorial Standards & Disclosures

Content attributed to James Barras draws on his real-world HVAC experience and professional industry knowledge. His author content is created with accuracy and homeowner clarity in mind, is subject to editorial oversight, and may be updated periodically as industry practices or company information change.
Editorial Policy

Last Updated

September 9, 2026

Latest Posts:

Common Signs that You Need Air Conditioning Repair

October 2nd, 2017 | Written By | Reviewed By Ronnie Roundtree

air-conditioning-repairWith high temperatures slowly abating and Louisiana coming out from under a devastating hurricane season, now is the time to take a close look at your air conditioner and determine if it needs any repairs. Even in situations where your home was spared the ravages of the weather, most air conditioners have been running for months on end without any sign of respite. That can take its toll and the sooner you address any problems the system may have, the better off you’ll be.

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Timely Air Conditioning Service Can Make a Big Difference

September 18th, 2017 | Written By | Reviewed By Ronnie Roundtree

air-conditioning-repairMost people in Louisiana are still assessing the damage caused by the unprecedented weather we’ve experienced in recent weeks. That comes on top of the arrival of autumn, which usually signals a time to get your air conditioner serviced. Proper servicing is all the more important this year: it keeps your air conditioner functioning, which is vital to maintaining your home’s comfort level and the health of your family members. The sooner you can schedule timely air conditioning service, the better off your home will be.

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Labor Day Means It’s Time to Check Your Heater

September 4th, 2017 | Written By | Reviewed By Ronnie Roundtree

heating-maintenance-sessionLabor Day represents the unofficial end of summer, and while that doesn’t mean we’re ready to turn off our air conditioners just yet, it does mean that you’ll need your heating system before too much longer. We recommend heating maintenance sessions every fall to help that process out. Scheduling a session now helps your system get ready for another winter of use, as well as heading off potential trouble.

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How to Lower Your AC Costs

August 21st, 2017 | Written By | Reviewed By Ronnie Roundtree

air-conditioning-efficiencySummer heat is a way of life in our part of the world, which is why your home’s air conditioning system is so important. Without it, your home would be supremely uncomfortable and the heat might even pose a health hazard to sensitive family members. Running the air conditioning this time of year is as necessary as keeping the lights on and the plumbing working, and you’re going to need to pay higher monthly bills for the increased use of the system almost by default.  But just because you’re paying more every summer doesn’t mean you should pay more than is necessary.  few easy steps can help your air conditioner do its job much more efficiently and cut down on those high costs. Some steps you can take yourself, while others require the services of a trained technician.

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Dehumidifiers Benefit Air Conditioners and Your Home in General

August 7th, 2017 | Written By | Reviewed By Ronnie Roundtree

happy-family-dehumidifierHigh humidity levels are as much or a problem during our Louisiana summers as high temperatures. Muggy air can feel like a wall when you step out of your home, and cause a lot of problems if it takes place inside your home. A good air conditioner can address high humidity levels, but only crudely at best, and in the process can take on a lot more stress and strain than it should. Whole-house dehumidifiers, which area specifically build to handle muggy air, are usually a much better option than simply leaning on your AC.

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The Advantages of Commercial Rooftop ACs

July 24th, 2017 | Written By | Reviewed By Ronnie Roundtree

commercial-air-conditioningCommercial spaces need air conditioners just as much as residential spaces do. Indeed, they often have greater need for it since most of us spend our days in commercial spaces instead of our homes. In addition to cooling a larger space, commercial air conditioners have specific needs that they must meet – such as keeping computer systems and other important components from getting too hot – and they must perform without fail day in and day out. Otherwise, your entire business could come screeching to a halt.

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The Advantages of Ductless Mini-Split Systems

July 10th, 2017 | Written By | Reviewed By Ronnie Roundtree

ductless-mini-splitSummers are too hot and humid in our part of the world to go without proper air conditioning in your home, and while most homes are accustomed to traditional centralized air conditioning systems, they’re not the only type of system out there. Ductless mini-split systems provide a viable alternative for homes that can support a centralized system, or homes whose older centralized system just isn’t doing the job. What are ductless mini-split systems and what kind of advantages do they provide? Read on for the answers.

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How to Tell When You Need a New AC

June 26th, 2017 | Written By | Reviewed By Ronnie Roundtree

ac-repair-or-replaceHere in Springfield, LA, summer has arrived, and now is the time to determine whether your air conditioner can go the distance for another summer, or whether you need to call in a replacement session to get a new one installed. Now is the time to do it, because the summer has just gotten started. Replacing the system now means you can enjoy the increased efficiency and improved performance all summer long, as well as all but eliminating the chances of a breakdown this summer.

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Beware of Low Airflow in Your AC

June 12th, 2017 | Written By | Reviewed By Ronnie Roundtree

air-conditioning-repairAir conditioners get put to the test every summer, and this year looks to be no different. Temperatures are already high and will probably remain so well into September and October. If a problem arises in your air conditioning system, you need to get it treated immediately before it affects your system’s ability to function.

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UV Air Purifiers Stop Germs and Mold

May 29th, 2017 | Written By | Reviewed By Ronnie Roundtree

UV-air-purifierLiving in Louisiana means dealing with high humidity as well as high temperatures, and that can lead to all kinds of unwelcome additions to you home. Germs, viruses, mold spores and bacteria seem to be everywhere during the humid summer months, and it can be a chore keeping them from gaining a foothold. Luckily, there’s an excellent means to keep those biological contaminants at bay: UV air purifiers to stop germs and mold.

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