These HVAC FAQs answer the air conditioning and heating questions that come up constantly for Central Florida homeowners, from strange noises and warm air to repair costs and whether it is time to replace an aging system. Air & Aero Heating and Cooling has served Lake Mary and the greater Orlando area since 1999, and this page answers the questions our technicians hear most often. Browse by category below for the answer you need.
AC and HVAC Costs
How much does AC repair cost?
Residential AC repairs typically range from $150 to $900 depending on the type of repair and labor required. Simple repairs like capacitor replacement or drain cleaning are on the lower end, while compressor or coil issues cost more. Air & Aero always provides a written quote before any work begins.
What is the most common AC repair in Florida?
Capacitor replacement is by far the most common AC repair in Central Florida. The region’s extreme heat degrades capacitor materials faster than in cooler climates, making failed capacitors the most frequent repair, especially during summer.
Does Air & Aero offer free estimates?
Yes. Air & Aero provides free estimates and a firm written quote before any repair or installation work begins, so there are no surprises on the final invoice.
What affects the cost of a repair?
The failure type, refrigerant addition, ease of access to the unit, and whether it is a single component failure or an entire system failure all contribute to the cost.
Does financing exist for HVAC installation or major repairs?
Yes. For larger repair jobs and installation, Air & Aero provides financing options. Ask your technician about current financing options when they come out to quote your project.
Signs You Need Repair
How do I know if my AC needs repair?
Some of the most frequent warning signs include:
- Warm or lukewarm air coming from the vents
- Weak airflow
- Short cycling, meaning the unit turns on and off every few minutes
- Unusual noises like banging, grinding, or hissing
- Water pooling around the indoor unit
- Unexplained increases in your electric bill
- Musty or burning smells from the vents
If you notice any of these signs, call for service before it becomes a bigger problem.
Why is my AC blowing warm air?
Warm air usually means a leak in the refrigerant, a compressor problem, a dirty condenser coil, or a thermostat issue. A complete system diagnosis will determine the exact cause with the technician’s help.
Why does my AC keep turning on and off?
This is known as short cycling, and is often caused by a refrigerant issue, oversized unit, dirty air filter, or a malfunctioning thermostat. Short cycling increases the wear on the compressor and should be addressed as soon as possible.
Why is water leaking from my air conditioner?
Water pooling near the indoor unit is usually caused by a clogged condensate drain line. Drain line clogs are particularly frequent in Florida, where the humidity can cause them to become clogged, and should be cleaned before they create water damage.
Why is my AC making a strange noise?
Banging or clanking noises may indicate a loose or damaged component within the compressor. Grinding usually indicates that the motor bearing is worn out. Hissing can mean the refrigerant is leaking. Any noise that is new and unusual should be inspected.
Repair vs Replacement
Should I repair or replace my AC?
In general, if your system is less than 10 years old, the repair does not cost more than 50% of the cost of a new system, and can be done on a single component such as a fan motor or capacitor, then repairing the system is usually the best way to go. If your system is 12 to 15 years old or older, your compressor has malfunctioned, or the cost of repairing is more than half the price of a new unit, your air conditioning unit will probably be best suited for replacement. See our full breakdown of how long AC systems typically last in Florida for more detail.
Is there a simple rule for deciding between repair and replacement?
A good rule of thumb is to take the repair cost and multiply it by the age of the system in years. If the number comes back higher than $5,000, it is typically a better long term investment to replace it.
Is it worth repairing an older AC in Florida’s heat?
It depends on the age, condition, and cost of repair. When the cost of repairing the unit is more than half the cost of replacement, or if the unit is 10 to 12 years old and has repeated problems, replacement is generally the best investment considering the impact Florida’s climate has on older systems.
Maintenance and Tune-Ups
How often should I have my AC serviced?
Your Central Florida system should be professionally maintained at least once a year, preferably in the spring, prior to the start of your heating and cooling season. Learn more about our AC and HVAC maintenance services. Scheduled maintenance helps prevent major problems that can be costly.
What does an AC tune-up include?
A complete tune-up involves cleaning coils and checking the amount of refrigerant, inspecting ductwork, testing the thermostat, and tightening electrical connections to ensure the system runs safely and efficiently.
Can I do any AC maintenance myself?
Simple tasks, such as regular replacement of the air filter and keeping the outdoor unit clear of debris and vegetation, can be done by homeowners. Never attempt to handle refrigerant or do any work inside the refrigeration system unless you are a licensed technician.
How often should I change my air filter?
Most standard filters should be replaced every 1 to 3 months, and more frequently during peak heat or for households with pets. A clogged filter can cause the system to run longer and more frequently, reducing airflow and forcing the system to work harder.
Installation and New Systems
How long does a new AC installation take?
Installation is usually completed in one full day, but may take longer for larger units or if ductwork modifications are required. See our HVAC installation services for what is included.
What size AC unit do I need?
Square footage alone does not determine the right size. Insulation, layout, and how much sunlight hits your home all factor in. A unit that is too large will cycle too often and waste energy, while a unit that is too small will not keep up with Florida’s heat. Air & Aero conducts a full load calculation before recommending a system size.
What brands does Air & Aero install?
Air & Aero installs Trane systems, which are reliable and efficient in Florida’s climate. Ask your technician about the latest models available during your consultation.
Does a new AC system come with a warranty?
Yes. New installations are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty on parts, and Air & Aero also backs its installation workmanship. Ask your technician about the specific warranty on your system.
Energy Efficiency and Sizing
What is a SEER rating and why does it matter?
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, a measure of an air conditioner’s cooling efficiency over a season. The higher the SEER rating, the less energy the system uses and the lower your energy bills will be, which matters most in Florida where AC systems run most of the year. See our guide on what SEER rating you need for a Florida home for specifics.
Why is my electric bill so high in the summer?
A sudden spike can mean the system is working harder than normal due to dirty filters, low refrigerant, efficiency loss from aging, or duct leaks. A diagnostic visit can identify the exact cause.
Are older AC systems less efficient?
Yes. Systems over 10 to 12 years old are typically far less efficient than current models. R-410A refrigerant systems are also being phased out under EPA regulations in favor of newer, more efficient refrigerants, which is worth factoring into a repair versus replace decision.
Emergency and Same-Day Service
Does Air & Aero offer 24/7 emergency AC repair?
Yes. Air & Aero offers a 24/7 emergency line for AC systems that go down unexpectedly. Regular, non-emergency appointments are scheduled Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM to 3 PM.
Do you offer same-day AC repair?
Yes. Same-day service is standard at Air & Aero, not a premium add-on. Technicians stock the most common repair parts on their trucks, so most repairs are completed on the first visit.
What should I do if my AC stops working in a heat emergency?
Call Air & Aero’s 24/7 emergency line right away. While you wait, check that the thermostat has working batteries and that the breaker for the AC has not tripped, since these simple issues are sometimes the actual cause.
Working With Air & Aero
Is Air & Aero licensed and insured?
Yes. Air & Aero Heating and Cooling holds Florida Certified Air Conditioning Contractor license CAC1819539 and is fully insured. You can verify the license at myfloridalicense.com.
Are Air & Aero technicians certified?
Yes. Air & Aero’s technicians are NATE certified, meaning they have passed industry standard testing on HVAC installation and service knowledge.
What areas does Air & Aero serve?
Air & Aero provides AC and HVAC service across Seminole, Orange, Volusia, and parts of Brevard County, including Lake Mary, Orlando, Sanford, Longwood, Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, Winter Springs, Oviedo, Winter Park, Maitland, Apopka, Deltona, DeBary, DeLand, Heathrow, Geneva, Chuluota, and Titusville.
Does Air & Aero work on commercial HVAC systems?
Yes. Air & Aero services both residential and commercial HVAC systems across Central Florida.
How many reviews does Air & Aero have?
Air & Aero has a 5.0 star rating from 243 Google reviews from Central Florida customers.
How long has Air & Aero been in business?
Air & Aero Heating and Cooling has served Central Florida since 1999.
Ready to get your AC or HVAC system taken care of? Contact us today or call (407) 710-7168 to schedule service with Air & Aero in Lake Mary.