AC Installation & Replacement in Houma, LA

Restore Your Home’s Comfort With Expert AC Installation

When the humidity rises and the temperature spikes, a failing air conditioner turns your home from a sanctuary into a sauna. In the intense climate of Houma, LA, relying on an inefficient or broken cooling system is not an option for safety or comfort. Martin's Heating & Air Conditioning provides immediate, professional installation services to restore your indoor environment to the cool, crisp state you expect. Contact us today to schedule your installation assessment or call to discuss available financing options.

We understand that losing air conditioning often happens at the worst possible time. Our process is designed to minimize downtime and maximize the longevity of your new investment. Whether your current unit has completely seized up or is simply costing you a fortune in energy bills without providing relief, our team delivers a seamless transition to a modern, high-efficiency system.

• Same-day installation options are available to ensure you get immediate relief from the sweltering heat.
• Experienced technicians handle the entire project, ensuring high-quality workmanship and strict adherence to safety protocols.
• 24/7 availability ensures that you can initiate the replacement process whenever a breakdown occurs.

All installations are fully licensed, compliant with Terrebonne Parish codes, and come with a comprehensive service warranty for your peace of mind.

What You Get Today With a Professional Install

Choosing a professional installation means purchasing more than just a metal box; you are securing the operational health of your home’s climate control for the next decade. When you book a service today, the scope goes far beyond simply dropping a new unit onto a concrete pad. We provide a turnkey solution that addresses every variable affecting your home's temperature and air quality.

The immediate deliverable is a fully functioning, energy-efficient cooling system, but the service includes several critical technical steps. We begin with the safe removal and disposal of your old unit, strictly adhering to EPA regulations regarding refrigerant handling. This ensures that hazardous chemicals are not released into the environment and that the workspace remains safe for your family.

Following removal, we prepare the site for the new equipment. This includes inspecting the existing slab or mounting brackets to ensure they are level and structurally sound—a critical step in our region where ground shifting can occur. We also evaluate the electrical connections to ensure your breaker panel and wiring can support the amperage requirements of modern, high-efficiency equipment.

The installation package includes:

• System Sizing Verification: We confirm the cooling load requirements of your specific floor plan.
• Ductwork Connection: We seal and secure the connection between the new air handler and your existing duct system to prevent air loss.
• Thermostat Integration: We install or calibrate your thermostat to communicate correctly with the new unit, including smart home configurations.
• Debris Removal: We haul away the old unit and all packaging materials, leaving your property clean.

How Installation Works

Our installation process is a rigorous, step-by-step operation designed to eliminate errors and ensure peak performance from day one. We do not skip steps or cut corners. A systematic approach ensures that the manufacturer’s specifications are met, which is a requirement for keeping your warranty valid.

Site Assessment and Load Calculation:

First, technicians perform a detailed assessment of your home. This involves more than just looking at the old unit’s model number. We look at window placement, insulation levels, and square footage to perform a manual load calculation. In humid areas like ours, oversizing a unit is just as bad as undersizing it. An oversized unit will cool the air too quickly and shut off before it has removed the humidity, leading to a clammy, uncomfortable indoor environment. We ensure the unit is perfectly sized to balance temperature control with dehumidification.

Preparation and Safety Setup:

Next, we prepare the work area to protect your home. Drop cloths are placed in traffic areas, and safety breakers are turned off. We recover any remaining refrigerant from the old system using specialized recovery tanks. Once the lines are clear, we disconnect the electrical wiring and the copper refrigerant lines. The old condenser (outdoor unit) and evaporator coil (indoor unit) are carefully removed.

Equipment Installation and Brazing:

Then, the new equipment is positioned. The outdoor condenser is set on a composite pad to dampen vibration and elevate it above potential standing water. The indoor air handler is secured in your attic, closet, or utility room. We connect the refrigerant lines using high-temperature brazing techniques. To prevent oxidation inside the copper lines during this process, we flow nitrogen through the system. This technical detail is often skipped by budget installers, but it is essential to prevent future compressor failure.

Vacuum and Charging:

After brazing, we pull a deep vacuum on the system. This removes all moisture and non-condensable gases from the lines. Moisture inside an AC system is fatal to the compressor and can form acid that eats away at the coils. Once the vacuum holds, confirming there are no leaks, we release the factory refrigerant charge and fine-tune it based on the specific length of your line set and the outdoor temperature.

Final Testing and Calibration:

Finally, we power on the system and test every mode of operation. We measure the temperature drop across the evaporator coil to ensure it meets factory specs. We check static pressure in the ducts to verify airflow. We also walk you through the operation of your new thermostat and provide maintenance tips before we consider the job complete.

When Replacement Beats Repair

Homeowners often struggle with the decision of whether to repair an aging unit or invest in a new one. While repairs can be a quick fix, there is a mathematical tipping point where throwing money at an old system becomes financially irresponsible. We help you look at the long-term data to make an informed decision.

Consider replacement if the cost of the repair equals 50% or more of the value of a new system. If your current AC is out of warranty and requires a major component like a compressor or a condenser coil, the investment is rarely worth it. The money spent on such a repair would serve you better as a down payment on a new unit with a fresh 10-year warranty — check our hvac promotions.

Energy efficiency is another major factor. Older units, specifically those over 10 to 12 years old, likely operate at a much lower SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) than modern standards require. In a climate where the AC runs for the majority of the year, the difference between a 10 SEER unit and a modern 15+ SEER unit can result in substantial monthly savings. By upgrading, the system essentially pays you back over time through lower utility bills.

Refrigerant type is the final critical indicator. If your old system utilizes R-22 (Freon), it is obsolete. The production and import of R-22 have been banned, making availability scarce and prices exorbitant. If an R-22 system develops a leak, you are better off replacing the entire system with one that uses R-410A or newer refrigerants, rather than paying premium prices to patch a dying technology.

• Frequent Breakdowns: If you are calling for service more than once a year, the unit has reached the end of its reliability.
• Uneven Cooling: If some rooms are freezing while others are hot, the compressor or blower motor is likely failing.
• Rising Energy Bills: A steady increase in power usage without a change in rates indicates the system is working harder to produce the same amount of cooling.
• Excessive Noise: Grinding, squealing, or banging sounds usually point to severe mechanical wear that is expensive to rectify.

Local Factors: Humidity, Permits, and Codes

Installing an air conditioner in Houma requires specific attention to regional challenges that generic installers might overlook. The local climate is defined by extreme humidity and the potential for severe weather, both of which dictate how a system must be configured. Martin's Heating & Air Conditioning ensures every installation is tailored to withstand these specific local conditions.

Humidity Control:

The primary job of an AC in our region is dehumidification. If the air is cool but wet, you will not feel comfortable, and your home becomes a breeding ground for mold and mildew. We prioritize systems with two-stage or variable-speed compressors. These units can run at lower speeds for longer periods, which is the most effective way to pull moisture out of the air without overcooling the space. This is vastly superior to single-stage units that blast cold air and shut off too quickly.

Hurricane and Storm Prep:

Local codes and common sense dictate that outdoor units must be secure. During hurricane season, high winds can turn an unsecured condenser into a projectile or tip it over, rupturing the refrigerant lines. We use hurricane-rated tie-downs and heavy-duty anchors to secure the unit to the concrete pad or stand. Additionally, because localized flooding is a concern, we assess the elevation of the outdoor unit and can install it on pump-ups or stands to keep it above expected water levels.

Permitting and Inspections:

Terrebonne Parish requires specific mechanical permits for HVAC replacements. This process ensures that the installation meets safety standards regarding electrical connections and gas lines (if you have a furnace). We handle the administrative burden of pulling these permits and scheduling any necessary county inspections. This protects you from fines and ensures that your homeowner's insurance will cover the system in the event of a claim.

Electrical Infrastructure:

Many older homes in the area may have outdated electrical panels. Modern AC units are more efficient but may have different amperage requirements or require dedicated circuits that meet current National Electrical Code (NEC) standards. We verify your electrical capacity before installation to prevent tripping breakers or fire hazards.

Understanding SEER2 and Energy Efficiency

Recent changes in Department of Energy regulations have introduced SEER2, a new testing standard that more accurately reflects real-world conditions. For homeowners in the South, paying attention to these ratings is crucial. A higher SEER2 rating indicates a more efficient unit, which translates to lower electricity costs.

However, efficiency relies heavily on the "system" concept. Putting a high-efficiency AC unit on leaky, uninsulated ductwork is like putting a race car engine in a vehicle with flat tires. You will not get the performance you paid for. During our installation process, we inspect the accessible ductwork. If we find significant leaks, crushed ducts, or poor insulation, we will recommend repairs or modifications. This ensures that the cool air produced by your new unit actually reaches your living spaces rather than leaking into your attic or crawlspace.

• Variable Speed Technology: We often recommend variable-speed air handlers for our climate. These fans adjust their speed based on the cooling demand, providing better air mixing and more consistent temperatures throughout the house.
• Smart Thermostats: Modern installations are best paired with smart thermostats. These devices allow you to control the temperature remotely and can learn your schedule to reduce energy usage when you are away, further increasing the ROI of your new system.

Why Professional Installation Matters

The most important day in the life of your air conditioner is the day it is installed. Industry studies suggest that a significant percentage of HVAC equipment fails prematurely due to improper installation techniques. Sizing errors, poor brazing, and incorrect refrigerant charging can reduce a unit's efficiency by up to 30% and shorten its lifespan by years.

By choosing a professional service, you ensure that the equipment is installed exactly according to the manufacturer's engineering specifications. This is the only way to guarantee that the warranty remains valid. Manufacturers can and do deny warranty claims if they determine the failure was caused by bad installation practices.

We invest in continuous training for our technicians. They are certified to handle refrigerants safely and are trained on the latest equipment from major brands. This technical expertise allows us to troubleshoot complex installation scenarios that might stump a handyman or a general contractor. We test the static pressure, measure the superheat and subcooling, and verify the airflow before we leave your driveway.

We also respect your property. Installation involves heavy equipment, foot traffic, and potential mess. We utilize drop cloths, wear shoe covers, and clean up the workspace thoroughly. We aim to leave your home cooler and cleaner than we found it.

Beat the Heat—Upgrade Your AC Today!

Investing in a new air conditioning system is a significant decision for any homeowner. It affects your budget, your comfort, and your home’s value. Don’t risk this investment on unproven installers or quick fixes. Trust the team at Martin's Heating & Air Conditioning to deliver a flawless installation that stands up to the Louisiana heat.

Secure your comfort and protect your home today. Contact us now to request your estimate and start the installation process.