HVAC Contractors in Winter Park, FL

Questions to ask before you hire

1. Will you perform a Manual J load calculation, or are you sizing this system off square footage and a rule of thumb?
2. Are you pulling a mechanical permit, and what inspections are required on the install?
3. What is the parts warranty, what is the compressor warranty, and what is your labor warranty — in writing, in years?
4. Is the install crew your employees or subcontracted, and does your insurance cover them on my property?
5. Will you also evaluate and seal the ductwork, or is that a separate quote? (In most Florida attics, duct leakage is the #1 efficiency loss.)

Frequently asked questions

How long does an AC system last in Central Florida?

Central Florida's runtime is roughly twice the national average, so residential AC systems here typically last 10–14 years rather than the 15–20 commonly quoted nationally. Annual maintenance (coil cleaning, refrigerant check, drain line flush) is the single biggest factor in pushing toward the higher end of that range.

Should I repair my old AC or replace it?

A common rule of thumb: if the repair cost times the age of the system exceeds the replacement cost, replace it. In Florida the calculation is also affected by R-22 refrigerant phase-out (older systems) and the efficiency jump from old single-stage to current variable-speed equipment, which can cut summer power bills 20–35%.

What does SEER2 mean and how high should I go?

SEER2 is the updated DOE efficiency rating that replaced SEER in 2023; it's measured under more realistic duct and static-pressure conditions. The federal minimum for the Southeast is 14.3 SEER2. For most Florida homes the cost-effective sweet spot is 15–17 SEER2 — above that, the payback period stretches beyond the system's expected life.

Are there utility rebates for new AC systems in Winter Park?

Yes — depending on your electric utility (Duke Energy, OUC, or KUA serve different parts of the Orlando metro including Winter Park), rebates exist for high-efficiency heat pumps, duct sealing, and smart thermostats. Ask any HVAC contractor for the current rebate forms; reputable installers handle the paperwork as part of the install.