Preparing Your HVAC System for Summer

Shawn Folks • June 8, 2022

Summer is here! Is your HVAC system ready? As we near the hottest months of the year along the Gulf Coast, it’s important to make sure your HVAC system is up to the task of keeping your home or business cool through it all.

 

A little bit of preparation goes a long way in preventing potential HVAC system damage or an outage. Steps you can take include:

 

  • Check Your AC Filter

This is one of the easiest tasks you can do to ensure a properly functioning HVAC system. Over time, AC filters become dirty and clogged. This restricts air flow, puts unnecessary strain on your system and ultimately reduces the cooling power of your unit. How often you need to change the AC filter depends on the model (some require monthly, every 3 - 6 months or even just annually), but checking just before and the beginning of summer will help make sure your HVAC system is ready for what’s ahead.

  • Clear the Area Around the Outside AC Unit

Make sure the outdoor area near your AC unit is clear of things like overgrown shrubbery, leaves, branches and other debris. It’s a good idea to clear a space of about two feet around all sides of your AC unit.

  • Look for Dirty Vents Inside

Clogged or dirty vents can affect the efficiency and cooling power of your HVAC system during the summer. Look around your home or business to see if you notice any vents that are visibly dusty, dirty or clogged. Cleaning HVAC vents properly and ensuring that they are fully open will help your system run as intended.

  • Make Other Changes Inside

You can maximize the cooling power of your HVAC system through simple changes inside your home like installing sun-blocking shades and keeping blinds closed during the hottest parts of the day. Ceiling fans and standing fans also boost air flow and can help cool your home or business more efficiently.

  • Schedule a Tune-Up

Perhaps the best way to ensure your HVAC system is ready for summer is by scheduling a tune-up with a professional HVAC company. They will be able to look at all components of your HVAC system and ensure things are working as they should. They’ll also be able to spot any small repairs needed which could help save you money – and sweat – in the future.

 

HVAC Preparation Professionals

 

Our team at Guarantee Restoration Services is here to not only help you recover from problems like mold or water damage, but also to help you prevent these issues from occurring in the first place. A well-maintained HVAC system is one of the key components in safeguarding your home or business from future disaster. Want to make sure you are fully protected no matter what nature or circumstance throws at you? Give our team a call to learn more about how we can assist you with your HVAC system.

The Dangers of Hidden Water Damage in Commercial Properties

By Adrianne Hungerford • June 3, 2026
Hidden moisture can damage commercial buildings long before it's visible. Learn the risks, warning signs, and importance of professional mitigation.

Why Pre-Loss Planning Matters for Lafayette Properties on the Gulf Coast

By Jeremy Cryer • May 27, 2026
On the Gulf Coast, preparation isn’t optional. It’s simply a part of doing business. From hurricane season to heavy rain events and everything in between, properties in Lafayette face a different level of risk than most. And when something does happen, the difference between a smooth recovery and a stressful situation often comes down to one thing: having a plan in place with the right team. Why Pre-Loss Planning Looks Different in Lafayette Pre-loss planning looks a little different here because the risks are different. It’s not just about knowing where your shutoffs are or having a list of contacts. It’s about understanding how quickly a storm can shift, how water can move through a property, and how to respond when multiple buildings or locations are impacted at once. That kind of preparation requires more than a template. It requires local knowledge. At Guarantee Restoration Services, our Lafayette team builds pre-loss plans with that in mind. We take into account the specific challenges that come with properties in Acadiana, including wind-driven rain, tornado threats, and the potential for widespread damage across an entire area. That allows us to create a plan that is realistic, not just theoretical. The Importance of Having a Clear Path Forward “We’ve seen how quickly things can escalate during a storm event. Having a pre-loss plan in place gives our clients a clear path forward instead of trying to figure it out in the middle of the chaos,” said Craig Rose, Mitigation Manager at our Lafayette Branch. That “clear path forward” is what makes the biggest difference. When a storm hits, response times are everything, but so is access. Roads can be blocked, power can be out, and communication can be limited. A strong pre-loss plan accounts for those variables and ensures that response efforts can begin as soon as it is safe to do so. Protecting Operations, Employees, and Tenants It also helps property teams stay focused on what matters most. Instead of trying to coordinate vendors, track down information, or make high-pressure decisions, they can follow a plan that has already been built around their property and their priorities. From a business standpoint, that level of preparation protects more than just the building. It protects operations, tenants, employees, and timelines. Building Trust Before Disaster Strikes “Pre-loss planning is about building trust before there’s ever a problem. Our clients know who to call, what to expect, and how we’re going to support them when something happens,” said Paige Hebert, Business Development Representative in Lafayette. That trust and familiarity matter, especially in a region where large-scale events can impact entire communities at once. You are not just calling a company, you are calling a team that already understands your property, your risks, and your expectations. Be Realistic. Be Ready. Pre-loss planning on the Gulf Coast is not about over-preparing. It is about being realistic and ready. Because when the next storm comes through Lafayette, it is not a matter of if you will need a plan—it is a matter of how well that plan works when it is put to the test. Call us today to schedule your Pre-Loss Planning meeting where 24/7 is not just a number… it’s a GUARANTEE!

How to Respond to Property Damage in the First 24 Hours

By Shawn Folks • May 20, 2026
When a disaster strikes and a loss happens, the clock starts immediately. The first 24 hours after a storm event or a fire loss are the most critical for any property. It is at this time that major decisions need to be made, the damage is either controlled or spreads, and the path to recovery is determined. These decisions are often rushed, unclear, and reactive without a plan in place. This is where having a pre-loss plan makes a measurable and meaningful difference. A pre-loss plan creates a clear starting point for you and your team instead of scrambling to figure out who to call, what steps to take, or how to protect the property. It removes reactive hesitation and replaces it with action to recover. Everyone involved knows their role and understands the process, allowing them to move quickly without second guessing. Speed matters in restoration. Water continues to spread; materials continue to deteriorate, and secondary damage, like mold, can begin in as little as 24 to 48 hours. The faster a response is initiated, the more damage can be contained. Pre-loss planning allows that response to begin immediately, not hours or days later. Other than fast action, it also brings clarity during a very chaotic and challenging moment. Property managers, facility teams, and business owners are not left out in the dark trying to make high-pressure decisions on the spot. Instead, they are following a plan that has already been thoroughly thought through, discussed, and tailored to their specific property’s needs. Communication can become fragmented without a plan. Another advantage to pre-loss planning is coordination. There are several moving parts including emergency services, restoration teams, and insurance carriers. Having a plan streamlines communication ensuring that everyone involved is aligned from the start. At Guarantee Restoration Services, pre-loss planning is designed to support the exact moment the dust settles. It’s not just about preparing documents to sign ahead of time; it’s about setting up our partners and clients to respond with confidence when it matters the most. From established points of contact to documented site conditions and response protocols, everything is built to protect time, reduce damage, and maintain control.  Many people think preparation is about preventing the worst from happening. Rather, it is about being ready when it happens. Because when those first 24 hours hit, you do not want to be figuring things out. You want to be executing a well-formulated, personalized plan for recovery. Call us today...where 24/7 isn’t just a number, it’s a GUARANTEE!
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