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How to choose an AC company in Tampa

A new AC is one of the bigger checks a homeowner writes. These are the checks to run, the questions to ask and the red flags to walk away from.

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  • Check the license
  • Ask five questions
  • Know the red flags

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The basics

Start with the license

Florida requires air conditioning contractors to be licensed. State-certified AC contractors have license numbers starting with CAC, and certified mechanical contractors start with CMC. Locally registered ones start with RA or RM. Look up any company at myfloridalicense.com before you sign.

Technicians who handle refrigerant also need EPA Section 608 certification. Ask for proof of insurance too.

Check any AC contractor's license

Florida requires air conditioning contractors to be licensed by the state. You can look up any AC company, including ours, at myfloridalicense.com. Our AC work is performed under Florida certified air conditioning contractor CAC1818057.

Questions to ask

Five questions worth asking every AC company

  • Will you do a load calculation?A Manual J load calculation sizes the system to your house. Copying the old unit's size repeats any old mistake.
  • What's the AHRI-matched rating?Ask for the AHRI certificate number for the exact outdoor and indoor combination. It confirms the SEER2 rating you're paying for.
  • Is the permit included?Replacing a central AC in Florida requires a permit. It should be in the price.
  • What's the labor warranty?Manufacturer warranties cover parts. Ask who covers labor, and for how long.
  • Who registers the warranty?Many brands require registration for the full parts warranty. Ask who does it, and when.

Red flags

Walk away if you see these

  • A new system pitched before a diagnosis.A good technician finds the problem first.
  • Refrigerant top-offs without a leak search.Refrigerant doesn't get used up. Needing more means there's a leak.
  • Sizing by square footage alone.Without a load calculation, it's a guess.
  • No permit, or a discount to skip it.Unpermitted installs can cause trouble with insurance, inspections and resale.
  • Today-only pricing.A fair price is still fair tomorrow.

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