Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing FAQs for Central FL Homeowners

While the internet can be an invaluable source of endless information, it takes expert skill and years of experience to correctly perform HVAC system repairs. Our team strongly advises against attempting DIY AC repairs. Attempting such work without the proper experience can increase your risk for injury, fire hazards, and irreparable system damage.

There are many factors that go into determining whether you need a repair or an AC replacement. If your air conditioner is over 10 years old, has needed frequent repairs, or needs a repair that is 50% or more than the cost of a replacement, it is more cost-effective to replace your unit. Our HVAC technicians can inspect your AC unit and provide you with a thorough assessment to help you make an informed decision.

One of the most important AC maintenance tasks you can do is to replace your air filters. These should be replaced typically every one to three months to ensure they aren’t dirty and straining your AC. You can also periodically clean the outdoor unit.

With Florida’s intense heat, it can be dangerous to go long without air conditioning. Call us for emergency repairs if your AC isn’t working and temperatures are 90 degrees and above.

Loud or strange noises from your air conditioner can be caused by a number of issues, such as a worn-out fan belt or a failing compressor. If you’re hearing odd noises, call our team, and we can inspect your unit to determine the cause.

On average, air conditioners last between 10 and 15 years. Because Florida is so hot, many homeowners here have to frequently run their units, which can cause significant wear and tear. However, keeping up with regular preventative AC maintenance can help prolong your unit’s lifespan.

It is recommended to replace your AC filter every one to three months. This depends on factors such as unit usage, indoor air quality, and the type of filter, so check the suggested replacement frequency from the filter manufacturer. You should also replace filters more often if you suffer from allergies or respiratory conditions or if you have noticed worsening air quality.

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, and it measures the efficiency of an air conditioner system. A higher SEER rating indicates greater energy efficiency, which can lead to lower energy costs in the long run.

While both options will help you achieve optimal indoor comfort in your Central Florida home, a heat pump can provide long-term money and energy savings. Air-source, gas-fired, and mini-split heat pumps are all cost-effective options that families can choose to enhance their energy efficiency without the installation expense that a geothermal heat pump would cost. Read our blog comparing heat pumps and air conditioners to make the right choice for your comfort.

Because heat pumps are frequently used for both heating and cooling in Florida, we recommend scheduling a tune-up at least twice a year. This ensures that your heat pump is ready to go all year round.

Heat pumps typically last around 15 years, so if yours is any older than that, you should start planning for a replacement. Other reasons to replace your heat pump include frequent or expensive repair needs or upgrading to a new model for better energy efficiency.

A furnace heats air using fuel or electricity, providing warmth during the cold season. A heat pump transfers heat between indoor and outdoor air, providing heating and cooling functions that make it versatile for year-round climate control.

Yes, in most cases, heat pumps can utilize existing ductwork for heating and cooling distribution throughout your home. A professional assessment can confirm your existing ductwork is compatible to ensure optimal heat pump performance or if you’ll need a duct change-out.

Modern heat pumps are designed to work efficiently in various climates. However, their effectiveness can vary depending on the model and severity of outdoor temperatures. To determine if a heat pump is an ideal solution for your home, consult with your trusted HVAC company.

Yes! Annual heating and air conditioning maintenance are essential to keeping your manufacturer warranty active. Otherwise, you run the risk of voiding it all together. Not only that, but annual system maintenance also improves your indoor air quality, home comfort, system performance, and HVAC equipment longevity.

With the Central Florida climate growing colder each year, more families are seeking heating solutions to maintain their home comfort all year round. Our team recommends installing either a heat pump or a furnace in your home to ensure your comfort needs are met throughout the year.

Installing a smart thermostat in your Orlando-area home can be a great way to achieve ongoing savings on energy expenses. These units help optimize your home comfort so you only heat and cool living spaces while you are present in the home. This helps cut down your energy usage, leading to significant savings on your heating and air conditioning costs.

Worsening allergy symptoms, musty odors, excessive dust, and respiratory issues among household members are signs that your indoor air quality is compromised. If you are worried about poor air quality, consider having your HVAC company perform indoor air quality testing for your home.

There’s a lot that goes into selecting the right HVAC system for your home. This includes factors like square footage, local climate, energy-efficiency ratings, and your budget when selecting an HVAC system. We can help ensure you have the ideal HVAC set up for your home.

Inconsistent water temperature, strange noises, rusty water, and the age of your system (typically over 10 years) can all indicate that your water heater is failing and may need replacement. Read our blog on how long water heaters last to learn more.

Foul odors from your drain often point to organic matter buildup, sewer line issues, or a dry P-trap, which allows sewer gases to enter your home. A plumbing expert can diagnose and resolve the issue to restore a fresh smell to your drains.

A running toilet can waste about 200 gallons of water per day, which translates to around 6,000 gallons per month if left unrepaired. By replacing the flapper valve, checking the fill valve, or inspecting for leaks in the toilet tank, you can put a stop to water wastage and prevent unnecessary costs on your water bill.

High water bills may result from visible or hidden leaks, inefficient appliances, or changes in water usage habits. If your water bill has gone up significantly without a corresponding increase in usage, call a plumber to get to the root of the problem.

Sewer line issues can impact the comfort, health, and functionality of your home. Check for multiple drain backups, foul odors near drains, patches of unusually lush grass or sinkholes in your yard, and sewage backups into your home’s plumbing fixtures.