Expert New AC Installation in Pinellas Park, Sized Right for Your Home

What size AC does my Pinellas Park home need?

The right size comes from a Manual J load calculation, not square footage alone. A rule of thumb in Florida is roughly 1 ton per 500–600 square feet, which suggests 2.5 to 3 tons for a 1,500 sq ft home. But your real number depends on:

• Insulation in the attic and walls.
• Window size, direction and glass type.
• How many people live in the home.
• Duct condition and location.
• Shade from trees and neighbouring buildings.
• Whether the home is concrete block, frame or a manufactured home.

Why oversizing is a problem here. An oversized AC cools the air quickly and shuts off before it has removed much moisture. In Pinellas Park, where average relative humidity is around 75% (NOAA Tampa normals), that leaves a house that's cold but clammy, with a higher risk of mould. An undersized system runs constantly and still can't keep up on 94°F afternoons. Getting the size right is the single most important part of a new AC installation.

What we measure on the estimate visit. We walk through the home, note window sizes and orientation, check attic insulation depth, inspect the existing ductwork and air handler location, and look at the electrical panel. In older Pinellas Park block homes we often find ducts that were sized for a much smaller system decades ago, or returns that are too small for the airflow a modern system needs. Fixing those problems is part of sizing correctly, because the best equipment in the world can't perform through undersized or leaking ducts. You'll get the load calculation results with your estimate.

What SEER2 rating should I choose in Florida?

Florida is in the Department of Energy's Southeast region. Since January 1, 2023, new split-system ACs here must be at least 14.3 SEER2 (under 45,000 Btu/h) or 13.8 SEER2 (45,000 Btu/h and above). New heat pumps must be at least 14.3 SEER2 and 7.5 HSPF2.

For most Pinellas Park homes, we recommend at least 15.2 SEER2 so you qualify for Duke's rebate. Whether a higher tier is worth it depends on your budget, how long you'll stay and how much you run the system. We'll show you the price difference so you can decide.

Refrigerant note. New residential systems are now built with lower-GWP refrigerants such as R-454B and R-32. Under an EPA rule effective July 27, 2026, R-410A equipment manufactured or imported before January 1, 2025 may still be installed until that stock runs out. Either way, we'll tell you which refrigerant your new system uses and what that means for future service.

Source: DOE 2023 Central AC & Heat Pump Standards FAQ; Duke Energy Florida HVAC rebate page; NAHB and ACHR News on EPA's 2026 rule.

What happens on installation day?

1. Protect the home. Drop cloths and floor protection along the work path.
2. Remove the old system. We recover refrigerant to EPA rules and haul away the old equipment.
3. Set the new equipment. Outdoor condenser on a level pad and new air handler or coil indoors, matched as an AHRI-rated system.
4. Connect lines and drains. New or flushed refrigerant lines, a properly sloped condensate drain with a float switch, and electrical connections.
5. Evacuate and charge. We pull a deep vacuum, then charge to the manufacturer's specification.
6. Commission and test. Temperatures, pressures, airflow and drainage, plus thermostat setup.
7. Walk you through it. How to run the system, which filter to buy and how often to change it.
8. Permit inspection. We coordinate the City of Pinellas Park inspection.

Do I need a permit for AC installation in Pinellas Park?

Yes. The City of Pinellas Park requires a permit for a new system and for replacing a condenser, air handler or heat strips. The contractor files the A/C Changeout Application, listing equipment make and model, AHRI reference number and tonnage, and a city inspector signs off the finished installation.

The city calculates the fee from the job's value: a base fee for the first $1,000 of job value plus a set amount per additional $1,000, plus small state surcharges. Because the total depends on the price of your job, ask the city's Building Development division for the current schedule on 727-369-5647, or let us include it in your price. We file the permit and handle the inspection for you.

Which AC brands do we install?

We install all major AC brands. Rather than pushing one manufacturer, we choose equipment by size, efficiency, warranty and local parts availability. Every system comes with the manufacturer warranty on equipment; ask about our workmanship guarantee. We'll also explain what the manufacturer requires to keep that warranty valid, such as product registration and regular maintenance, so nothing catches you out later.

Is there a Duke Energy rebate on a new system?

Yes, if you meet the requirements. Duke Energy Florida offers $300 for a new AC of 15.2 SEER2 or higher replacing an existing AC, and up to $1,000 when you replace strip heat with a qualifying heat pump. Duke's rules include a free Home Energy Check, a licensed and insured contractor, and replacing the outdoor unit and air handler together. We're a Duke Energy approved contractor and walk you through the paperwork. See the full table on our replacement page.

Can I finance a new AC with GoodLeap?

Yes. GoodLeap offers home-improvement loans through participating contractors, and we're one of them. GoodLeap lists fixed-rate terms of 5 to 15 years, subject to credit approval. We'll show a monthly payment next to the cash price so you can decide which works better.

How long does air conditioner installation take?

A straightforward replacement of a matched condenser and air handler in the same locations is often a one-day job. Expect longer if we're moving equipment, replacing ductwork, adding a new circuit or converting from strip heat to a heat pump. We'll give you a realistic timeline when we quote, and the city inspection is scheduled after installation.

What does a new AC unit cost in Pinellas Park?

Typical market estimates, not quotes, from 2026 Tampa Bay price guides:

Sources: hometriva.com (2026); itstampasbest.com HVAC cost guide (Aug 2026). Your price depends on size, efficiency, ductwork and electrical needs. Subtract any Duke rebate. Estimates for new systems are free; see our AC cost guide for more.

Need advice on ducts first? See duct repair. Thinking of a mini split instead? See ductless.

Get your free estimate: (727) 761-8873.