The Truth About $49 AC Tune-Ups
Why Some Maintenance Specials Are a Great Deal… and Others Aren’t An AC University Homeowner Guide Every spring and summer, they start showing up. “$49 AC Tune-Up!” “$29 Precision Tune-Up!” “Complete Air Conditioner Inspection – Limited Time!” At first glance, they seem like a fantastic deal. Who wouldn’t want to have their air conditioner professionally […]
Repair or Replace? Why There’s No Magic Formula
The Truth About Those “Rules” You See Online An AC University Homeowner Guide If you’ve spent any time researching air conditioner repairs online, you’ve probably come across one of these gems: “Multiply the age of your system by the repair cost. If it’s over 5,000, replace it.” Or maybe… “Never spend more than $1,000 per […]
What Happened to My Local AC Company? How Private Equity bought up local contractors
Why So Many Family-Owned HVAC Businesses Have Disappeared An AC University Homeowner Guide If you’ve lived in the same Florida town for a while, you’ve probably noticed something. The HVAC company your parents used… The one your neighbor always recommended… Or the company whose owner used to answer the phone himself… …is suddenly different. The […]
15 Questions Every Homeowner Should Ask Before Hiring an HVAC Company
The Questions That Separate Great Contractors from the Rest An AC University Homeowner Guide Buying a new air conditioner can feel overwhelming. Most homeowners only replace an HVAC system once or twice in their lifetime, so it’s hard to know what questions to ask—or even what matters. Should you choose the company with the lowest […]
Do I Really Need a Permit for a New Air Conditioner?
Why Florida Requires HVAC Permits and Why You Should Care An AC University Homeowner Guide If you’ve gotten estimates to replace your air conditioner, you’ve probably heard something like this: “We’ll take care of the permit.” Or maybe you’ve heard the opposite. “If we skip the permit, I can save you a few hundred bucks.” […]
Why Is One HVAC Estimate So Much Cheaper Than Another?
What Florida Homeowners Should Know Before Choosing the Lowest Bid An AC University Homeowner Guide “But They’re Both Replacing the Same A/C.” You get three estimates to replace your air conditioner. One is $8,000. One is $10,000. One is $14,000. Same size system. Same house. Maybe even similar efficiency ratings. So… What the heck? Is […]
What Does “Licensed and Insured” Really Mean?
Understanding One of the Most Misunderstood Phrases in the HVAC Industry An AC University Homeowner Guide Introduction If you’ve searched online for an HVAC company, you’ve probably seen the phrase “Licensed and Insured.” It’s printed on service trucks, company websites, business cards, advertisements, uniforms, and invoices. In fact, it’s become so common that most homeowners […]
How to Verify an HVAC Contractor’s License in Florida
A Homeowner’s Step-by-Step Guide An AC University Homeowner Guide Introduction You’ve gathered estimates, compared prices, read reviews, and narrowed your choices down to a few HVAC companies. One contractor is several thousand dollars cheaper than the others. Another has been in business for years. A third promises they can “skip the permit” and save you […]
Florida HVAC Licensing Explained
Why Hiring a Licensed HVAC Contractor Matters More Than You Think An AC University Homeowner Guide Introduction When your air conditioner stops working in the middle of a Florida summer, your first priority is usually getting it running again as quickly as possible. You search online, ask neighbors for recommendations, or call the first company […]
Why Does My AC Capacitor Cost $300?
Hint: You’re Not Just Buying a Capacitor. One of the most common questions we hear is: “How can a capacitor cost $300 when I can buy one online for $25?” It’s a fair question. The truth is… The capacitor doesn’t cost $300. The licensed professional who knows how to diagnose, replace, and warranty that capacitor […]