Pinellas Park, FL · Air conditioning contractor
Your Pinellas Park AC Questions, Answered by Local Pros
Here are straight answers to the questions Pinellas Park homeowners ask us most, about AC repair, costs, rebates, permits, maintenance, air quality and storms. If your question isn't here, call Pinellas Cooling & Heating at (727) 761-8873. Our phone is answered 24/7.
AC repair
Licensed techs who find the real cause.
AC repair questions
Why is my AC running but not cooling?
The usual causes are a weak capacitor or burnt contactor at the outdoor unit, a refrigerant leak, or a dirty filter or coil restricting airflow. Check the filter and make sure the thermostat is set to COOL. If it still isn't cooling, turn the system off to protect the compressor and call us for AC repair.
Why is water leaking from my air handler?
Almost always a clogged condensate drain line or a cracked drain pan. Algae grows fast in our humidity and blocks the line. Turn the system off, mop up, and check whether the float switch has tripped. If water keeps backing up, we'll clear the line and check its slope.
Why is there ice on my AC lines?
Ice usually means too little airflow, from a dirty filter, closed vents or a failing blower, or low refrigerant from a leak. Turn the system off and let the ice melt on its own; never chip at it. Then replace the filter. If ice returns, the system needs a technician.
Why does my AC keep tripping the breaker?
A compressor or motor drawing too much current, a failing capacitor or a shorted wire are the common causes, often after a storm surge. Reset the breaker once. If it trips again, leave it off and call us, because repeated resets can damage the compressor or create an electrical hazard.
Do you repair all AC brands?
Yes. We repair and install all major AC brands, including split systems, heat pumps, packaged units, mini splits and air handlers. If a repair needs a brand-specific part, we'll tell you before ordering it.
Should I repair or replace my old AC?
Use the 5,000 rule: multiply the system's age by the repair cost. Over 5,000, a replacement usually makes more sense. A $1,200 repair on a 12-year-old system scores 14,400. We'll show you both prices so you can decide. See AC replacement.
Pricing
Price explained before any work starts.
AC cost and financing questions
How much is a service call?
Our diagnostic fee is $125, and it's credited toward the repair if you go ahead with it. We explain what we found and the repair price before any work starts. For comparison, Tampa Bay market estimates for diagnostic visits range from about $79 to $189.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes, for new systems and replacement quotes. We'll size your home, inspect the ducts and equipment location, and explain options and prices at no charge. Repair visits carry our $125 diagnostic fee, which is credited toward the repair if you go ahead.
How much does AC repair cost in Pinellas Park?
Typical market estimates run from about $150–$400 for a capacitor to $1,300–$2,800 for a compressor, based on 2026 Tampa Bay price guides. These aren't quotes; your price depends on the system and what we find.
How much does a new AC cost?
A 3-ton central AC system typically runs $6,500–$10,500 installed in Tampa Bay, and 4–5 ton high-efficiency systems run $10,000–$16,000, according to 2026 market guides. These are estimates, not quotes. Subtract any Duke Energy rebate, and ask us for a free replacement quote.
Can I finance a new AC?
Yes, through GoodLeap. GoodLeap offers home-improvement loans through participating contractors like us, with fixed-rate terms of 5 to 15 years and loans up to $55,000, subject to credit approval. We'll show you the monthly payment next to the cash price so you can compare them.
Do you charge more after hours?
After-hours rates are explained before work starts. Ask about current pricing when you call and we'll tell you on the phone. Our phone is answered 24/7, including weekends and holidays, so you can always reach a person to discuss the problem and the cost.
Duke Energy rebates
Save up to $1,000 on qualifying systems.
New system, permit and rebate questions
What size AC does my home need?
Only a Manual J load calculation gives the right answer. A Florida rule of thumb is about 1 ton per 500–600 square feet, but insulation, windows, ducts and shade all matter. Oversizing is a real problem here, because an oversized system leaves the house cold and clammy.
What SEER2 rating do I need in Florida?
New split ACs in Florida must be at least 14.3 SEER2 under 45,000 Btu/h, or 13.8 SEER2 for larger systems (DOE). Duke Energy's $300 AC rebate needs 15.2 SEER2. Heat pumps need 14.3 SEER2 and 7.5 HSPF2 at minimum. See AC installation.
Do I need a permit to replace my AC in Pinellas Park?
Yes. The city requires a permit to replace a condenser, air handler or heat strips. The fee is based on job value: a base fee for the first $1,000 plus an amount per additional $1,000, plus state surcharges. Call 727-369-5647 for the schedule. We file it for you.
What Duke Energy rebates are available?
Duke Energy Florida offers $300 for a 15.2 SEER2 AC replacing an AC, $500 for heat pump to heat pump, and $600 or $1,000 for replacing strip heat with a qualifying heat pump. Conditions include a Home Energy Check and replacing the condenser and air handler together.
Is there still a federal tax credit for a new AC?
No, for new installs. Under the 2025 tax law, the IRS says the 25C energy-efficiency credit isn't allowed for equipment placed in service after December 31, 2025. Duke Energy rebates are still available if you meet their requirements, and GoodLeap financing can spread the cost.
Can I still buy an R-410A system?
Possibly. EPA's 2026 rule allows R-410A split systems manufactured or imported before January 1, 2025 to be installed until that stock runs out. Most new systems now use R-454B or R-32. Your existing R-410A system can still be serviced. Ask us to compare options.
Need AC help in Pinellas Park? Phone answered 24/7 · price explained before any work starts
Maintenance
Prevent the midsummer breakdown.
Maintenance, ducts and air quality questions
How often should I service my AC in Florida?
Twice a year: once in spring before the heat, and again in late summer or autumn. With around 94 days a year at or above 90°F and constant humidity, Pinellas Park systems run far more hours than most. See AC maintenance for our tune-up checklist.
How often should I change my AC filter?
Check it monthly and change it every 1 to 3 months, more often with pets, allergies or nearby construction. Use the size printed on the old filter. A MERV 8–11 pleated filter suits most homes; higher ratings can restrict airflow in systems not designed for them.
Should my AC fan be set to ON or AUTO?
AUTO. Florida Solar Energy Center studies found that running the fan constantly blows moisture from the wet coil back into the house, raising indoor humidity. One study measured about 50% humidity on AUTO versus 60–65% with the fan on. See thermostats.
What humidity should my house be?
The EPA recommends keeping indoor humidity below 60%, ideally 30–50%, to help prevent mould. If your home stays above 60% with the AC working normally, the system may be oversized or ducts may be leaking. A whole-house dehumidifier can help; see indoor air quality.
Do you offer duct cleaning?
We don't offer duct cleaning; we focus on duct repair and indoor air quality. That means testing and sealing leaky ducts, replacing damaged ductwork, and installing whole-house dehumidifiers, UV lights and media filters. See duct repair and indoor air quality.
Does Duke Energy help pay for duct repair?
Yes. Through Duke's duct test and repair program, Duke pays up to $50 toward the test and up to $400 per system toward repairs when leakage meets its threshold. Only Duke-approved contractors can do the work, and we're one. Duke says customers pay about $400–$600 on average.
Service area
Local to Pinellas Park, FL.
Company and service area questions
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. At Pinellas Cooling & Heating, we're a licensed and insured Florida air conditioning contractor. You can check any Florida contractor's licence on MyFloridaLicense.com, and we're happy to confirm our details when you call. We've served Pinellas Park homes for 10 years. See about us.
What areas do you serve?
Every address in the City of Pinellas Park, in ZIP codes 33781 and 33782, including the Park Blvd corridor, Bonnie Bay, the Mainlands and the Gateway area. Some unincorporated pockets have Pinellas Park addresses; call to confirm. See our neighbourhoods page.
Do you work on mobile or manufactured homes?
No. We focus on single-family homes, villas and townhomes in Pinellas Park.
What warranty do you offer?
New equipment comes with the manufacturer warranty on equipment. Ask about our workmanship guarantee when you call or at your free estimate. We'll explain what the manufacturer requires to keep the warranty valid, such as product registration and regular professional maintenance.
Are you a Duke Energy approved contractor?
Yes. That lets us perform Duke's duct test and repair program, and we're familiar with Duke's HVAC rebate requirements, from the Home Energy Check to matched equipment, and we help with the paperwork.
Fast help
Phone answered 24/7.
Storm, outage and hurricane questions
Why won't my AC turn on after a power outage?
Check for a tripped breaker at the panel and the outdoor disconnect, and give the compressor a few minutes' delay. To reset, set the thermostat to OFF, switch off the AC breakers for about 30 minutes, then turn them back on. If it still won't start, call us.
Should I turn my AC off during a hurricane?
Yes. Turn it off at the thermostat and breaker before the storm arrives, so surges and flickering power can't damage it. Clear loose items from around the outdoor unit, and don't cover it with a tarp. Afterwards, don't restart it if the unit was flooded or damaged.
Can a power surge damage my AC?
Yes. Lightning and grid surges can burn out capacitors, contactors and control boards. NOAA normals show about 20 thunderstorm days a month in July and August in the Tampa area. If your AC won't start after a storm, try one reset, then call us. See emergency AC repair.
Is your phone really answered 24/7?
Yes. Call (727) 761-8873 any hour, any day, including nights, weekends and holidays, and a person will answer. After-hours rates are explained before work starts. If anyone at home is vulnerable to heat, tell us when you call so we understand how urgent it is.
Still have a question? Call (727) 761-8873 or email [email protected].
Need AC help in Pinellas Park?
Licensed, local, and the price explained before any work starts.