Energy Efficiency Tips for HVAC Systems in the Gulf Coast’s Hot Climate

Shawn Folks • April 2, 2025

For most of the year, staying cool along the Gulf Coast isn’t just about comfort—it’s a necessity. With long summers, high humidity, and sweltering temperatures, your HVAC system works harder and longer than in many other parts of the country. The result? Higher energy bills and a greater risk of wear and tear.


How to Keep Your HVAC System Running Efficiently

Running your AC all day doesn’t have to drain your wallet. By making a few key adjustments to your system and home, you can lower your energy costs, improve efficiency, and ensure your HVAC unit lasts longer. Here’s how:


1. Use Your Thermostat Wisely

Many homeowners set their thermostats too low, forcing the HVAC system to overwork itself. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F when you’re home and raising it when you’re away. If that sounds too warm, using ceiling fans can help circulate cool air more effectively.


Upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat can also make a huge difference. These devices automatically adjust temperatures based on your schedule, preventing unnecessary cooling and reducing energy waste.


2. Keep Your Filters Clean & Your Ducts Clear

A clogged air filter forces your HVAC system to work harder to push air through, significantly reducing efficiency and increasing energy consumption. Over time, dust, dirt, and other airborne contaminants can build up, not only in your filters, but also inside your ductwork, leading to poor indoor air quality and additional strain on your system. Check your filter monthly, replace it at least every three months, and schedule routine duct cleaning for your HVAC system.


3. Seal and Insulate Your Home

Cool air can escape through gaps in windows, doors, and ductwork, making your system work overtime. Sealing leaks and adding insulation can prevent energy loss and keep your home cooler with less effort.


4. Reduce Humidity Indoors

Since humidity makes your home feel hotter, reducing indoor moisture levels allows your HVAC system to cool more effectively. Using a dehumidifier, running exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms, and keeping vents unblocked can help maintain an ideal indoor air quality environment.


5. Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance

Just like a car, your HVAC system needs routine checkups to perform its best. Professional HVAC maintenance includes cleaning coils, checking refrigerant levels, and ensuring all parts are working properly. This prevents costly breakdowns and keeps your unit running efficiently year-round.


When to Consider an HVAC Upgrade

If your system is over 10-15 years old, even the best maintenance may not be enough to keep it energy efficient. Newer models are designed with higher SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings, meaning they provide better cooling while using less energy.


While an upgrade is an investment, many states and utility companies offer rebates and incentives for energy-efficient HVAC systems. If you’re noticing frequent repairs or higher energy bills, it may be time to explore a more efficient replacement.


Use Regular HVAC Maintenance to Save Energy

Keeping your commercial HVAC system energy-efficient in the South’s extreme heat and humidity isn’t just about saving money—it’s about keeping your business running smoothly and ensuring a comfortable environment for yourself, employees, customers, and tenants.


Guarantee Restoration Services' HVAC maintenance services help businesses lower their energy costs and extend the life of their cooling systems. Our expert team offers robust preventative maintenance programs, system tune-ups, and emergency HVAC restoration services. If your energy bills are rising, your system is struggling to keep up, or you’re simply looking for a reliable partner to maintain your HVAC equipment, Guarantee Restoration is here to help.


Schedule an HVAC efficiency consultation today and let Guarantee Restoration help you save money, reduce downtime, and keep your business cool year-round.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Information: Zack Klein Director of Marketing and Business Development 225-753-8682 Zack@247GRS.com Guarantee Restoration Services Launches National Sales Team to Expand Strategic Partnerships Across the Country BATON ROUGE, La. – June 16, 2026 – Guarantee Restoration Services (GRS), a leading full-service restoration contractor serving the Gulf Coast since 1974, is proud to announce the implementation of its new National Sales Team. This strategic initiative marks an exciting step forward in the company’s continued growth and commitment to serving clients and partners on a broader scale. The newly established team will be led by Barrett Dick, Director of National Sales, alongside Zack Klein, Director of Business Development and Marketing. Together, they have played a pivotal role in growing GRS relationships across multiple industries throughout the Gulf Coast and beyond for over a decade. The team also includes newly hired account executives, David Stern and Chad Catalano. “Over the years, we have seen our partnerships and opportunities continue to grow beyond our traditional footprint,” said Zack Klein, Director of Business Development and Marketing at Guarantee Restoration Services. “Creating a dedicated National Sales Team allows us to strengthen those relationships, support our partners on a larger scale, and continue expanding the reach of the GRS brand, while staying true to the service and responsiveness we are known for.” Dick, who will celebrate 10 years with GRS next month, brings extensive industry knowledge and leadership experience to the role. He holds multiple Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) credentials, including Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT), Applied Structural Drying (ASD), Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT), and Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician (FSRT). After graduating from Louisiana State University, Barrett began his professional career with Marucci Sports before joining Guarantee Restoration Services in July 2016. Just weeks into his time with the company, the historic Great Flood of 2016 impacted Southeastern Louisiana, providing him with firsthand experience managing large-scale losses and coordinating restoration efforts for major school districts and commercial clients. Since then, he has helped cultivate business development efforts throughout Louisiana and nationally, working closely with partners in hospitality, education, government, healthcare, and other commercial sectors. “Our focus has always been relationship-driven,” said Dick. “We want our clients and partners to know they have a team they can rely on before, during, and after a disaster. This National Sales Team is another way we are investing in those relationships and positioning Guarantee to better serve organizations wherever they need us.” As part of the expansion, GRS hired David Stern as a National Sales Account Executive. Stern brings more than a decade of high-level sales and relationship management experience from the professional sports industry. Prior to joining our team, he served with the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans organization, where he consistently ranked among the organization’s top sales representatives and generated more than $38 million in multiyear contracts throughout his career. “David’s experience of building relationships, managing high-profile partnerships, and delivering exceptional client service makes him a tremendous addition to our team,” added Klein. “His background and skillset align perfectly with the direction we are heading as a company.” The National Sales Team also includes Chad Catalano, who joined Guarantee Restoration Services in January 2026. Catalano brings nearly two decades of restoration industry experience, with a strong background in sales leadership, project coordination, and relationship development throughout the Southeast and Gulf South regions. Prior to joining GRS, Catalano served as National Sales Manager for ServiceMaster DSI and spent more than 16 years with US Restoration as a Sales and Project Coordinator. Throughout his career, he has built long-standing partnerships while helping clients navigate complex restoration and recovery projects. In addition to his restoration industry experience, Catalano also spent several years as a successful high school baseball coach in the New Orleans area, earning multiple district championships and Coach of the Year honors. His leadership, communication skills, and client-focused approach make him a valuable addition to the growing national team. Guarantee Restoration Services continues to serve clients across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama with six locations in Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and New Orleans, Louisiana; Gulfport and Jackson, Mississippi; and Mobile, Alabama. With the implementation of its National Sales Team, GRS is further expanding its ability to support partners across the country through large-loss response, catastrophe recovery, and national account relationships. The company specializes in water, fire, mold, storm, and biohazard restoration, as well as reconstruction and pre-loss planning services. For more information about Guarantee Restoration Services, visit www.GuaranteeRestoration.com or call 1-800-349-HELP (4357).
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