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FAQ
AC questions, answered
Straight answers about repairs, emergencies, tune-ups, new systems, refrigerants and humidity in Tampa.
- Repairs and emergencies
- Maintenance and new systems
- Ducts and humidity
AC out? Call (813) 489-6854, 24/7
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FAQ
Getting started
Should I repair or replace my AC?
Multiply the system's age by the repair quote. Well under $5,000, repair it. Over $5,000, a new system is usually the better buy. The repair-or-replace calculator works it out for you.
Can someone come out today?
Call for the soonest opening. When the AC is out completely, emergency service is available 24/7.
Do you pull permits for new systems?
Yes. Replacing a central AC in Florida requires a permit, and the licensed contractor pulls it.
How often should my AC be serviced?
At least once a year in Tampa, ideally before summer. Because systems here run most of the year, some homeowners book twice.
Is the contractor licensed?
Yes. AC work is performed by The Comfort Authority, a Florida certified air conditioning contractor, license CAC1818057.
FAQ
Repairs & emergencies
Why is my AC running but not cooling?
The usual suspects are a clogged filter, a dirty outdoor coil, a failed capacitor or low refrigerant from a leak. Check the filter first. If that's not it, call.
Why is water leaking from my AC?
Almost always a clogged condensate drain line. Many systems have a float switch that shuts the AC off when the line backs up, which is why the AC may also stop cooling.
Is it normal for the AC to run all afternoon in summer?
Long run times on the hottest afternoons can be normal. If it runs nonstop and the house never reaches the set temperature, something's wrong: a dirty filter or coil, a refrigerant leak or leaky ducts.
How much does an AC repair cost?
It depends on the part. Clearing a drain line or replacing a capacitor is a small bill. A compressor or coil on an older system can cost enough that a replacement makes more sense. You get the price before work starts.
Is a broken AC an emergency?
In a Tampa summer it can be, especially with older adults, babies, pets or anyone with a health condition in the house. If the house is heating up fast, call for emergency service.
What should I do while I wait?
Close blinds on the sunny side, run ceiling fans, stay hydrated, and move anyone vulnerable to a cooler place. If you smelled burning, leave the system off at the thermostat and the breaker.
Can I reset my AC myself?
If the breaker tripped, reset it once. If it trips again, leave it off. If water backed up and the float switch shut the system off, it'll need the drain line cleared before it runs again.
FAQ
Maintenance
How often should an AC be serviced in Tampa?
At least once a year, ideally in spring before the heavy cooling months. Systems here run most of the year, so some homeowners book a second visit in the fall.
What can I do myself?
Check the filter every month in summer and change it when it looks gray, and keep plants and debris a couple of feet away from the outdoor unit. Leave refrigerant and electrical work to a licensed technician.
Is there a maintenance plan?
Yes. Ask about a maintenance plan when you call. It puts your tune-ups on a schedule so they don't get skipped.
FAQ
New systems & heat pumps
How long does an AC replacement take?
Most straightforward replacements are done in a day. Ductwork changes or moving the equipment can add time.
What size AC do I need?
A load calculation answers that, based on the house's size, insulation, windows and sun. Rules of thumb based on square footage alone often get it wrong.
Can I replace just the outdoor unit?
Usually not. Outdoor and indoor units are rated as a matched set, and systems on the new refrigerants don't work with older indoor coils. A replacement usually means both.
Why do AC quotes vary so much?
Different equipment tiers, different sizes, and whether ductwork, the permit and the extras are included. Line quotes up model number to model number.
Is a higher SEER2 rating worth it?
It depends on how long you'll stay and how hard the system runs. In Tampa, where the AC runs most of the year, efficiency pays back faster than in milder places, but the top tiers don't always pay for themselves.
Is the cheapest quote a bad sign?
Not always. Check that it includes a load calculation, a matched indoor unit, the permit and a labor warranty. That's where cheap quotes usually cut.
How long does an AC last in Tampa?
Many last 10 to 15 years here. Year-round use and salt air near the coast can shorten that, and regular maintenance stretches it. ENERGY STAR suggests considering a replacement once a system is more than 10 years old.
My AC needs refrigerant every year. Is that normal?
No. Refrigerant runs in a sealed loop and doesn't get used up. Needing more means there's a leak, and topping it off without fixing the leak just puts off the problem.
Is a heat pump worth it in Tampa?
For most homes, yes. Tampa's mild winters are where heat pumps work best, and the cooling side works just like a regular AC.
What does emergency heat mean on my thermostat?
It turns on the backup electric heat strips. It's meant for when the heat pump itself isn't working, and it costs more to run.
Why is my heat pump blowing cool air in winter?
It may be in a defrost cycle, which is normal for a few minutes. If it keeps happening, the reversing valve or a sensor may need a look.
Do I have to replace my R-410A system?
No. Existing R-410A systems can keep running and be repaired. The rules apply to newly made equipment.
Can a new outdoor unit work with my old indoor coil?
Generally not if the new unit uses R-454B or R-32. Outdoor and indoor units are rated as a matched set, so a replacement usually means both.
Is SEER2 the same as SEER?
No. SEER2 uses a tougher test, so the numbers run lower and aren't directly comparable with old SEER ratings.
FAQ
Ducts, humidity & air quality
How do I know if my ducts are the problem?
Rooms that never get as cool as the rest of the house, dusty vents, a whistling sound or high bills with a healthy AC all point to the ducts.
Should ducts be replaced with a new AC?
Not always. If they're sealed, insulated and the right size, they can stay. If they're leaking or crushed, fixing them lets the new system perform as rated.
Do I need my ducts cleaned?
Not on a schedule. The EPA says routine duct cleaning isn't usually needed, but it makes sense if there's visible mold, pests or heavy debris in the ducts.
Why does my house feel clammy even when it's cool?
Usually an oversized AC that shuts off before it removes much moisture, or the fan set to on instead of auto, which puts moisture from the coil back into the air.
What humidity should my house be?
The EPA recommends keeping indoor humidity below 60 percent, ideally between 30 and 50, to help prevent mold.
Do I need a whole-home dehumidifier?
If the AC is sized right and the house still runs above 60 percent, a whole-home dehumidifier can help, especially in homes that sit closed up for long stretches.
AC giving you trouble?
Call (813) 489-6854 any time, or send the form for service or a quote on a new system.