The Very First Labor Day Celebration

August 29th, 2014

Labor Day as a federal holiday, held on the first Monday of September, has been with us now for 120 years. President Grover Cleveland signed the law that made Labor Day a national holiday in 1894. Ever since then, the three-day weekend has provided people in the U.S. with the opportunity for vacations, time with their families, shopping trips, and a general celebration of the conclusion of summer and the beginning of fall.

However, there were twelve years of Labor Day observations in the U.S. before it became an official holiday. The first Labor Day celebration took place in 1882 in New York City on September 5. According to the accounts from the time, it had a rough start and almost didn’t happen.

The main event planned for that first Labor Day was a parade along Broadway that was to start at City Hall. However, the parade ran into a bit of a snag early on. The marchers started to line up for the procession around 9 a.m., with a police escort to make sure the event went peacefully. However, the problem of the day wasn’t rowdy members of the parade—it was that nobody had remembered to bring a band!

With people ready to march, but no music to march to, it started to look like no parade would happen at all, and the first Labor Day would have ended up a failure. But just in time, Matthew Maguire of the Central Labor Union—one of the two men who first proposed the celebration—ran across the City Hall lawn to the Grand Marshal of the parade, William McCabe, to inform him that 200 men from the Jeweler’s Union of Newark were crossing the ferry to Manhattan… and they had a band!

At 10 a.m., only an hour late, the band from Newark walked down Broadway playing a number from a popular Gilbert and Sullivan opera. They passed McCabe and the other 700 marchers, who then fell in line behind them. Soon, the spectators joined in, and an estimated 10,000 to 20,000 people marched through Lower Manhattan.

According to the New York Times, “The windows and roofs and even the lamp posts and awning frames were occupied by persons anxious to get a good view of the first parade in New York of workingmen of all trades united in one organization.”

The parade concluded two hours later when the marchers reached Reservoir Park. But the party was only getting started. Until 9 p.m., some 25,000 people celebrated with picnics and speeches and beer kegs. It was an enormous success, and all thanks to the speedy arrival of jewelers carrying band instruments.

If those musicians from Newark hadn’t shown up, perhaps we wouldn’t have the holiday opportunity that we now have every year. However you celebrate your Labor Day, our family at A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning wishes your family a happy end of summer.

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How Do Thermostats Help with Energy Efficiency?

August 22nd, 2014

Your air conditioner is one of the most important conveniences in your home, but the cost to keep it running in the summer is sometimes surprising. During the summer, cooling costs rise, and it may seem as if the only way to reduce your bills is by shutting off your system entirely. While you could replace your AC with one that is more efficient, this is an unnecessary expense if your air conditioner has not reached its expected lifespan. So what can you do?

A new thermostat may be the best way for you to enjoy a more efficient air conditioner today, without the hassle of replacement. Here are some of the options available in Metairie for new thermostats that can increase the efficiency of your air conditioning system and keep you and your family more comfortable.

Digital Thermostats

Manual thermostats contain dials that may be difficult to set properly. Many homeowners end up setting the thermostat lower than is necessary in order to compensate for the lack of accuracy. However, even a few degrees of difference can increase your bills significantly. A digital thermostat has a clearer display for both precision cooling and efficiency.

Programmable Thermostats

Many digital thermostats are also programmable. When you leave the house, you may feel as though you should keep your air conditioner switched on so that you are greeted with cool air when you return. With a programmable thermostat, you can save money by programming the system to turn on 30 minutes before your arrival instead.

Smart Thermostats

One of the newest innovations in heating and air conditioning technology is the smart thermostat. Smart thermostats have many different features, including the ability to control your air conditioner from a distance. Adjust the temperature from your computer at home. Or, when you’re away from the home, use a mobile device to control your system and receive updates.

A new thermostat can increase the efficiency of your air conditioning unit well before it’s time for air conditioning replacement. The technicians at A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning offer installation on new thermostats for your air conditioning system in Metairie. Call us today!

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Some Repairs Your AC May Need for the End of Summer

August 15th, 2014

By the middle of August, your air conditioner has most likely been running full-time for the past several months. You may have noticed some slight changes in its performance, which is natural, given the amount of work it’s done. It is easy to push off repairs until next year, but it is better for both you and your air conditioner to take care of repairs now. A-Professional Heating and Air Conditioning is available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day to help you with any repairs you may need.

End-of-Summer Repairs

It’s common for certain types of problems to develop when your air conditioner has been running full-time over the summer months. Here are some examples:

  • Refrigerant leaks – refrigerant leaks can develop in various places in your system, including the coils. Typical signs of low refrigerant levels are: a decrease in cooling power, no cool air at all and/or icing on your evaporator coils. Low refrigerant is a problem that doesn’t go away and usually gets worse over time, so it’s important to have leaks inspected and repaired.
  • Worn components – frayed wires, worn fan belts and loose motor mounts are small issues that can turn into big problems if not addressed. Faulty wiring can lead to uneven voltage disbursement; worn fan belts can slow or stop the turning of a fan, and loose motor mounts can bang around and potentially cause damage to other parts of your system.
  • Compressor issues – the compressor operates under a high level of pressure in order to pressurize the refrigerant. It has its own motor so, after running all summer, you can encounter issues with the motor. There are also two valves at either end of the compressor, and if either valve should malfunction, the operation of the compressor can be compromised.

Don’t Wait to Schedule Repair Work

It is tempting to wait until next year to fix any problems that may be developing, especially if your air conditioner appears operate well. Many times, though, small, ignored issues can become big problems. Put yourself and your AC ahead by scheduling air conditioning repair services in Mandeville with A-Professional Heating and Air Conditioning. Call us today!

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3 Reasons to Install a Heat Pump

August 8th, 2014

It’s the dog days of summer: temperatures in the 90s, coupled with Louisiana humidity. This is the time of year when you count on your air conditioner, but if your system is over 10 years old, requires costly repairs, or is losing efficiency, it may be time to consider replacing your air conditioner in Covington.

There are a lot of choices when it comes to installing a new air conditioning system, and one you may want to consider is a heat pump. Heat pump technology isn’t new, but it is quickly becoming a popular choice among homeowners because of its benefits. A-Professional Heating and Air Conditioning specializes in heat pump installation, repair and replacement, so we know very well how a heat pump can benefit you and your home.

What Is a Heat Pump?

A heat pump is a device that transfers heat from one location to another. When cooling, the heat pump moves the warm air from your home to the outside, and when heating, the heat pumps pulls in the heat energy surrounding it, and moves it into your home. Heat pumps use a small amount of electricity to work, but nothing compared to electric heat or the electricity needed for a fossil fuel-based system.

What Are the Benefits of a Heat Pump?

Heat pumps have become popular for a few good reasons:

  1. You get both heating and cooling from a heat pump – heat pumps are a 2-in-1 device thanks to a component called a reversal switch. By simply turning the switch, your system will either cool or heat as needed.
  1. Save on energy bills – heat pumps use a very small amount of electricity to operate and no fossil fuels whatsoever. If you’ve been paying for natural gas or oil to heat your home, or expend a great deal of money on electricity to run your AC during the summer, you may see some great savings from installing a heat pump.
  1. Longevity – the average lifespan of a heat pump is 20 years, while the average lifespan of an air conditioning system is 10-12 years. An 8-10 year difference in lifespan can be a huge cost savings for your household.

Heat pumps can be a great choice for your air conditioning. Call A-Professional Heating and Air Conditioning today and schedule air conditioning service in Covington with one of our experts to see if a heat pump is a good fit for your home.

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What is ENERGY STAR and Why is it Important for my Air Conditioning?

July 30th, 2014

You may have noticed the ENERGY STAR label printed on many products purchased for your home. Not every system gets this distinctive mark, however, so you may not be sure whether it is necessary to look for when purchasing a new air conditioning system. Finding an ENERGY STAR qualified system can help you save money and protect the environment, so we’ve put together a guide to this government-backed certification.

ENERGY STAR Qualified Products Help Protect the Environment

The ENERGY STAR label lets you know that you’ve chosen a system that is efficient enough to receive the approval of the US Environmental Protection Agency. In order to receive this distinguished label, air conditioners must meet a series of conditions including significantly low energy consumption. This helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants released into the air by home appliances, so ensuring that this label is present on your AC lets you know you’ve done something to benefit the earth.

ENERGY STAR Products Can Save You Money without Reduced Performance

ENERGY STAR air conditioners help you save a lot of money every month on your energy bills since many are over 15% more efficient than conventional models. And even though it seems as though an AC that costs less to run would not have the same features of other systems, ENERGY STAR labeled air conditioners must offer the performance and cooling power that customers want to earn the approval of the EPA.

ENERGY STAR Products Still Require Maintenance

Some people may think that installing an energy-efficient product is enough to maintain efficiency throughout the life of the system. However, any air conditioner needs maintenance to restore efficiency and keep costs low. If you choose an ENERGY STAR qualified product, you should continue to clean the air filter and schedule maintenance once a year.

Check the EnergyGuide label attached to all air conditioning systems in the U.S. to determine whether an air conditioner will save you money every month and help the environment. For air conditioning services in Hammond, call A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning today!

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What Are the Benefits of Zone Control Systems?

July 21st, 2014

What is “zone control”? It is a way of setting up the heating, air conditioning, and ventilation system in a home or business to divide the building into multiple “zones” that receive heating and cooling independent of each other. Without zone control, central air conditioning in a home will cool down the entire home when the air comes on. With zone control, only rooms that need cooling will receive it. Zone controls can be part of initial installation of an HVAC system, or specialists can retro-fit an existing system for zoning.

There are a number of important benefits that you will receive from installing a zone control system. To find out more about the zoning services we offer at A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning, call us and speak to our specialists. They will give you the important details about how they can set up a zone control system for your home.

Reasons to Look Into Zone Control

  • Energy savings: Because you no longer have to cool down every single room in a house connected to the ventilation system when the AC kicks on, you only need to cool down the rooms that need it. As a result, you will conserve energy and save money on your utility bills. This is especially beneficial if you have a guest room that is frequently empty.
  • Personal temperature control: If you are used to arguments in your home between people with differing comfort needs (“This house is always too cold!” “No, it’s always too warm!”) then zone control is one of the answers. The different zones in a house have their own thermostats, so people can adjust the temperature in their area to suit their personal comfort level without affecting the rest of the home.
  • Temperatures to fit each room’s purpose: Your whole house doesn’t need the same level of cooling all the time. Some rooms benefit from warmer temperatures, such as rooms with few windows on the ground floor, or an infant’s room. Other rooms need cooler temperatures, like the kitchen, or a home gym, or a room where wine is stored. Zone control lets you adjust all the rooms so they are cooled “just right.”

When you contact A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning for zone control installation service in Hammond, LA, you’ll also have a company to handle whatever repairs you may need for the new system, as well as regular maintenance. We can help with your whole HVAC system, and our technicians are ready around the clock with 24-hour emergency service.

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When Is the Right Time for Air Conditioning Maintenance?

July 16th, 2014

Air conditioning maintenance is key for keeping your system running efficiently. Typically, the best times of year to schedule maintenance is during the spring and fall. But this doesn’t mean you can only schedule maintenance during these times; the fact is, if you haven’t done maintenance for a long period of time, it is better to schedule maintenance sooner rather than later.

What Are the Benefits of Maintenance?

Routine maintenance has several important benefits for your air conditioning system:

  • Extends the life of your system – maintenance helps all the parts and components of your air conditioner run optimally. When your system is strained or running inefficiently, this can contribute to premature aging and early wear-and-tear.
  • Helps lower repair costs – the thorough inspection your system gets during a maintenance appointment means small and developing problems are caught and repaired before they can blossom into big ones that can be costly.
  • Helps lower energy bills – when your AC operates at its best, it also operates efficiently. An efficient system uses less energy, which, in turn, can lower your energy bills.
  • Better indoor air quality – a cleaner air conditioner delivers cleaner air throughout your home.

What Happens During a Maintenance Appointment?

A-Professional offers annual and bi-annual maintenance plans. During every appointment, the following occurs:

  • Monitor refrigerant pressure
  • Test starter capabilities
  • Test safety controls
  • Clean or replace standard air filters
  • Measure for correct air flow
  • Tighten electrical connections
  • Measure volts & amps
  • Inspect all duct work
  • Lubricate all moving parts
  • Adjust thermostat calibration
  • Clean evaporator coil if accessible
  • Flush drain lines
  • Measure temperature difference
  • Clean outside unit

Is It Time for a Maintenance Appointment?

We may be past spring, but that doesn’t mean you can’t schedule maintenance for your air conditioning system in Hammond, LA. In fact, if you’ve been seeing signs of inefficiency, or suspect you may have a developing issue with your AC, there’s no better time than the present to call us. Call A-Professional Heating and Air Conditioning today!

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Potential Problems with Your Outdoor Air Conditioning Unit

July 8th, 2014

Most home air conditioners are “split” systems, which means that they consist of an indoor and outdoor unit. The indoor unit contains the evaporator coil that removes the heat from your house, and the blower fan to distribute the cooled air. The outdoor unit is often known as the condensers, and it contains the condenser coil, a fan, and the compressor.

The outdoor unit is built sturdy to withstand weather conditions, but sometimes it can suffer from repair needs that will require you call for work from Hammond, LA air conditioning professionals. You can trust to the technicians at A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning, and they are available to help you 24 hours a day.

Some Issues You May Experience With the Condenser

  • Damage to the fan: The fan inside the condenser is responsible for drawing air across the refrigerant coil and causing it to release its heat to the outdoors. The fan also vents that heat out of the top of the condenser. Debris can sometimes enter the condenser and cause damage to the fan, leading to bent blades or a broken fan belt, and this will hamper the proper cooling operation of the system and could cause serious mechanical damage inside the condenser. Call for repairs as soon as you hear odd noises from the outdoor cabinet.
  • Compressor “seizing”: The compressor it the most important component in an AC: if it fails, there is no air conditioning—period. The compressor works in the fashion of a piston motor, and dust and dirt along the moving parts or a loss of lubrication can cause the compressor to become “tight,” and eventually seize up and stop working. This might even lead to compressor burnout, which is one of the most expensive repairs for an air conditioner possible. At the first side of the compressor encountering difficulties, call for professional repairs.
  • Leaking refrigerant: Refrigerant runs through the whole AC system, but leaks along the line are most likely to occur in the condenser, where the line connects to the compressor. Loss of refrigerant will cause the AC to lose its conditioning power, and the change in pressure throughout the cooling system will cause severe damage and lead to the compressor overheating. At the first sign of refrigerant loss (hissing sounds, ice on the evaporator coil, a drop in cooling), bring in trained technicians.

At A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning, we take pride in how we deliver the quality service that customers would expect from a large company, but with the personal attention of a small business. Whatever issues you may encounter with your air conditioning system, you can trust our experienced and friendly staff to solve the troubles. Call A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning for professional Hammond air conditioning service.

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Leading the Way with Independence Days!

July 3rd, 2014

The term “Fourth of July” is the popular name for the U.S. federal holiday officially known as Independence Day. It isn’t surprising that we would come up with a different name from the official one, since “Independence Day” is one of the most common holiday names across the globe. Most of the nations in existence today won their independence from another power, whether through wars, treaties, or long transitions.

What might surprise many people is how old U.S. Independence Day actually is compared to the similar holidays of other nations. Although the U.S. is still considered a young nation, it was one of the first to make a full break for its colonial master with a new constitution. Most countries that celebrate a national Independence Day are commemorating events that occurred in the second half of the 20th century, when many older empires at last relinquished control over their colonies.

How substantial is the difference in time for the U.S.A. and the rest of the world? U.S. Independence Day celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1776, making our country unusual in that almost no existing nations celebrate an independence event from the eighteenth century.

In terms of age, there is only a tiny handful current countries that celebrate an independence day that occurred earlier than the United States. Switzerland celebrates its independence from the Holy Roman Empire of the Germans in 1291 with “Swiss National Day,” held every August 1—although this only gained status as a national holiday in 1994. Sweden Celebrates “National Day of Sweden” to commemorate events in 1523 and the election of King Gustav I during the War of Liberation against Christian II of Denmark and Norway. Romania comes almost a hundred years after U.S. Independence, with its 1877 freedom from Turkish rule.

The most recent Independence Days to come into existence are for Montenegro, which gained independence from Serbia in 2006 and celebrates the day on May 21, and South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011 and celebrates the day only a day after the U.S., on July 5.

Does anyone else celebrate a literal “Fourth of July,” an Independence Day that also falls on the fourth day of the seventh month? Yes: Abkhazia, a small Central Asian country that declared its independence from the Republic of Georgia in 1999 (although not all countries recognize it). Coming a day (like South Sudan) on July 5 is the independence of the small Atlantic island nation of Cape Verde, which became free from Portugal through signed agreement in 1975.

Everyone at A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning hopes you and your family enjoy a vibrant Independence Day/Fourth of July this year!

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3 Causes of Strange Noises with Your Air Conditioning

June 26th, 2014

When you hear a sound coming from your AC, never ignore it – it most likely signals the development of a problem with your air conditioning system in Hammond. There are a lot of different reasons why and how your air conditioner can start making strange noises, but there are a few types of repairs that are fairly easy to identify simply by listening:

  • Hissing – a hissing sound can be indicative of two possible things: a refrigerant leak inside the air conditioning system or a leak coming from the compressor. Both will need to be repaired, preferably by a trained professional, as both these types of repairs typically get worse over time and may cause damage to your system.
  • Clunking or banging – a clunking or banging noise can indicate that something has come loose somewhere in the system, and many times this can be the fan or components of the fan, such as a fan blade. It’s important to repair a loose component quickly as it can cause damage to other parts of your air conditioner, particularly if it is hitting something during operation.
  • Screeching/Screaming sound – a screeching or screaming sound can be a big warning sign that the pressure inside your compressor is too high. This can be a dangerous situation, and requires that you turn off your air conditioner immediately and have it checked by a trained professional.

Normal Noises

There are normal operational noises that your air conditioner will make, so it’s good to know what these sounds are:

  • Whirring – as your AC begins a new cycle, you may hear it whirr; this is most likely from the fan beginning to spin and is not an issue.
  • Popping sound – every now and then you may hear a popping sound come through your air ducts; this is probably the metalwork in the ducts either expanding or contracting from the temperature
  • Thump at shut-off – when your air conditioner cycles down, it may create a small thumping noise; this is normal with many systems. If, however, you hear a number of thumps or consistent thumping, it may be time for a specialist to take a look.

Is Your AC Making Strange Noises? Give Us a Call

As the owner of your air conditioning system, you know what sounds normal and what doesn’t, and unfortunately, most strange noises coming from your air conditioner usually mean there’s a problem that needs to be fixed. Don’t ignore an abnormal noise coming from your AC, even if it still seems to be working fine. As soon as you start to hear something “off” with your air conditioning, call A-Professional Heating and Air Conditioning and schedule air conditioning service in Hammond with one of our experts to take a look.

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