AC Repair in New Orleans, LA For Shotguns, Camelbacks and Slab Ranches
Most New Orleans houses were built long before central air. Aircendro repairs the systems added since, from camelback attics Uptown to slab ranches in New Orleans East. You get a written price first.
- Licensed and insured
- EPA 608 certified
- All major brands
- Written price first
Old houses, newer equipment
Much of New Orleans’ housing predates air conditioning by decades. Shotgun houses, Creole cottages and center-hall homes were built for cross breezes. They have tall ceilings, raised floors and very little attic space.
Central air was added to most of them later. Ducts often run through the crawl space under the floor. Air handlers end up in closets, camelback attics or tight crawl spaces. Those spaces stay damp, so drain pans rust and duct insulation breaks down.
Neighborhoods built after World War II are different again. Gentilly, Lakeview and New Orleans East have more slab homes with ducts in the attic. Many were rebuilt after the 2005 levee failures, and systems installed then are now near the end of their life.
Where we work across the city
Bywater, Marigny and Tremé
Shotguns and Creole cottages on piers. Air handlers often sit in closets with short return paths. We check that the return is big enough before we blame the equipment.
Center-hall homes and camelbacks
Large historic houses, often with two systems. The upstairs unit in a camelback works hardest. Undersized returns and long duct runs are the usual reason the back rooms stay warm.
Lakeview and Gentilly
Slab and raised homes rebuilt after the levee failures. Many outdoor units were set on raised stands. We check the stand, the line set and the wiring to the disconnect, not just the unit.
New Orleans East and Algiers
Slab ranches from the 1960s to the 1980s with attic ducts, plus newer builds. Algiers sits across the river, and we serve it the same way as the East Bank.
New Orleans AC failures and what causes them
Rusted pans and wet ducts under the house
Crawl spaces under raised homes stay damp all summer. Drain pans rust through and duct insulation soaks up moisture. We replace the pan, fix the drain and rewrap the damaged runs.
Dead systems after outages and surges
Hurricane Ida cut power to the entire city in 2021, and summer storms still knock it out. The surge when power returns can kill a control board or capacitor. A surge protector at the disconnect costs little and prevents a repeat.
Condensers boxed in by fences
Narrow lots leave little room around the outdoor unit. Hot air recirculates, pressures climb and the compressor runs hot. Moving the unit a few feet can fix more than any part.
Float switches shutting the system off
Attic and closet air handlers rely on a backup pan and float switch. When the main drain clogs, that switch stops the system before water reaches the ceiling. We clear the drain and confirm the switch works.
Systems from the post-Katrina rebuild
Equipment installed between 2006 and 2008 is now close to 20 years old. At that age, a failed compressor or coil usually tips the decision toward replacement.
R-22 systems
Some older homes still run R-22. It is no longer produced in the U.S., but reclaimed R-22 can still be used, at a high price. We compare that cost to a new system before you decide.
New Orleans house types and their AC quirks
| House type | Where you find it | Common AC issue |
|---|---|---|
| Shotgun and double shotgun | Bywater, Marigny, Tremé, Mid-City | Air handler in a closet with a short or undersized return |
| Camelback | Uptown, Irish Channel, Bywater | Upstairs rooms run hot while the attic unit works hardest |
| Creole cottage | French Quarter, Marigny | No attic or crawl space room for new ducts |
| Center-hall and raised villa | Garden District, Uptown | Long duct runs, often two or three systems |
| Slab ranch | Gentilly, Lakeview, New Orleans East | Attic ducts sitting in summer heat |
Not sure what you have? Tell us the street and roughly when the house was built when you call. We plan the visit around it.
Working on historic homes without damaging them
In the French Quarter, exterior changes go through the Vieux Carré Commission. A new condenser that can be seen from the street may need its approval. Other historic districts across the city fall under the Historic District Landmarks Commission.
When ducts cannot be added without cutting into original plaster or trim, a ductless mini-split is often the better choice. It needs only a small opening for each indoor head. The outdoor unit can usually sit in a rear courtyard or side yard.
A full replacement in New Orleans needs a city mechanical permit. Only a contractor with a City of New Orleans mechanical license can pull it. Ask any contractor you hire to show you that permit before work starts.
More ways we help in Orleans Parish
New Orleans AC repair questions
How much does AC repair cost in New Orleans?
It depends on the part. A capacitor usually stays under $300, and most everyday repairs land in the $150 to $650 range. Compressor or coil work starts near $800 and often passes $1,500. We write the price down before any work begins.
Can you put central air in a shotgun house?
Often, yes. Ducts can usually run under the floor or through a small attic, with the air handler in a closet. If that would mean cutting into original walls, a ductless mini-split is usually less invasive.
Do I need approval to put a condenser in the French Quarter?
A unit that can be seen from the street may need Vieux Carré Commission approval. Placing it in a rear courtyard or out of view usually keeps things simple. Check with the commission before any visible change.
My AC died after a power outage. What happened?
The surge when power comes back can damage the capacitor, contactor or control board. During an outage, turn the system off at the thermostat. Wait a few minutes after power returns before turning it back on.
Are there rebates for a new AC in New Orleans?
Entergy New Orleans runs the Energy Smart program, which has offered rebates on qualifying ENERGY STAR systems and discounts on tune-ups. Offers change from year to year and can run out. We check what is open before you pick equipment.
Do you serve Algiers and New Orleans East?
Yes. We cover all of Orleans Parish, including Algiers on the West Bank and New Orleans East. Scheduling, rates and the written-quote process are the same everywhere.
Is it worth fixing an R-22 system?
For a small electrical repair, usually yes. For a leak, it is harder to justify. R-22 is no longer produced in the U.S., so a recharge relies on costly reclaimed refrigerant. We give you both numbers so you can decide.
Book New Orleans AC repair today
Call between 7am and 9pm, any day of the week. Give us your neighborhood and what the system is doing. We will confirm an arrival window and put the price in writing.
Also close by: Metairie, Slidell AC repair and Baton Rouge. See the full service area list.