Air Conditioning FAQ

Every 1–3 months depending on filter type and your home's conditions. If you have pets, allergies, or run your AC heavily (which most Tampa homes do), replace it monthly. A clogged filter restricts airflow, forces your system to work harder, and can cause the evaporator coil to freeze.

12–15 years for most systems in Tampa, compared to 15–20 years in cooler climates. The reason: Tampa's year-round heat means your AC runs 9–10 months a year at near-maximum load. That's roughly 2–3x more run hours than an AC system in the Midwest or Northeast.

The three most common causes are: low refrigerant (usually from a slow leak), dirty evaporator coils restricting heat transfer, or a failing compressor. Low refrigerant is the most common culprit in Tampa — heat accelerates micro-leaks in refrigerant lines. Call us for a diagnostic.

Most repairs run $150–$600. A service call/diagnostic starts at $89 and applies toward the repair cost. Common repairs: capacitor replacement ($150–$300), refrigerant recharge ($200–$450), contactor replacement ($150–$275). We always give you a written quote before starting any work.

A common rule of thumb: if your unit is 10+ years old and the repair costs more than 50% of what a new system would cost, replacement usually makes more financial sense. A new system also means better efficiency (lower bills) and a manufacturer warranty. We give you an honest comparison either way.

SEER2 stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2 — it measures how efficiently an AC system cools your home over a season. Higher SEER2 ratings mean lower operating costs. Florida and the Southeast now require a minimum SEER2 of 14.3 for new residential AC installations. Many modern systems reach SEER2 20+.

Most residential AC replacements are completed in 4–8 hours. You'll have your new system running the same day. Larger homes, more complex installs, or cases where ductwork modifications are needed may take longer. We'll give you a realistic timeframe before we start.

A frozen AC coil is almost always caused by one of two things: restricted airflow (dirty filter, blocked vents, dirty coil) or low refrigerant. If you see ice on your system, turn it off immediately and let it thaw completely — running a frozen AC can damage the compressor. Once thawed, check your filter. If the problem returns, call us.

Yes. We offer 0% interest financing options for qualified customers. A new AC system is a significant investment, and we don't want cost to stand between you and a comfortable home. Visit our financing page at /financing or ask about options when you call.

All major brands — Carrier, Trane, Lennox, Goodman, Rheem, Daikin, American Standard, York, and more. We're a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer, which means we have factory-level training and access to genuine Carrier parts. But our technicians are trained to service any brand.