FAQs

You Have Questions, We Have Answers

What damages an AC System?

Improper maintenance can lead to damage to your AC system as well as irregular filter changes.

How do I know my AC is broken?

If the system is no longer producing cold air, it is a likely sign that something may be broken on your AC system.

If my thermostat is working but my AC won’t turn on, what should I do?

Your best option would be to call a qualified AC professional to diagnose the issue with your system.

When should I replace my AC?

Typically, with lack of maintenance and the high demand the high Florida temperatures put on your air conditioning system, the typical lifespan of an air conditioning system is around 7-12 years.

Why is my AC freezing up?

A freezing AC system points to signs like a dirty filter, dirty or clogged air handler coil, dirty condenser coil, a system low on refrigerant, air handler or condenser motor failure, or compressor failure.

Why is my AC leaking condensation?

Air handlers will usually leak condensation if the drain lines are clogged, or in the worst-case scenario, the condensation pan inside the air handler is cracked.

How do I change an air filter?

Locate the return filter grill inside the house, open it, and replace it with the same size and type of filter, make sure the arrows are pointing towards the opening, promoting airflow across the indoor unit. Sometimes the filter will instead be located at the base of the indoor unit and not inside the home. Remove the filter tray, slide out the old filter, and replace it with the same size and type of filter, making sure the arrows are facing in the direction of the indoor unit. Occasionally, in larger homes, there may be multiple filters to replace throughout the house.

When should I change an air filter?

A good rule of thumb for changing your filter is at least 1 time a month. If you have multiple pets in the home, you may want to consider changing it more frequently.

What size AC is the best?

The general rule of thumb is 1 ton of air conditioning per 500 square feet. It is best to have your new system sized by a qualified professional to ensure optimal system performance.

How many years will my AC last?

With proper care and maintenance, your AC system can last anywhere from 10-15 years after a new installation.

Is scheduled maintenance necessary?

Yes, it is important to schedule maintenance at least two times per year. Proper maintenance can prevent dirty or clogged coils, clogged drain lines, and a host of other issues that could lead to costly repairs, inefficient cooling, and system breakdown.

What does your company do for maintenance service packages?

We offer Ordine’s Residential Family Maintenance Plan for $160 per year. It covers two free tune-ups, not including freon, full system diagnosis and recommendations for repairs on your system to prevent any future issues, priority service response times, and a 20% discount on parts.

What is the most common AC issue?

The most common issue we see is clogged condensation lines, causing systems to shut down on the safety switch. Regular system maintenance can prevent bacteria from building up in drain lines, keeping your system running no matter the time of year.

Is a higher BTU better?

In air conditioning, bigger is not always better. Systems are sized based on square footage. The correctly sized system will cool the home while pulling out humidity at the same time, keeping you comfortable all year round.

Do the calls go to a call center or automated reply, or do I speak with a professional?

No, calls do not go to a call center. One of our family members is standing by 24/7 to take your call and assist you immediately.

How much does an AC cost to run?

Older or improperly maintained systems may cost more to run due to the increased need to cool the house. Issues with old or improperly-sealed ductwork may also be a culprit in high energy bills and inadequate cooling time.

What is the difference between an AC and a Heat Pump?

“AC” would refer to a straight cool system where the primary function is air conditioning only. Heat is only provided by an auxiliary electric strip heater, which costs more to run if heat is required. In a heat pump system, both heat and air conditioning are provided by the system using a valve at the outdoor condenser, which either tells the system to either cool or heat the freon, leading to more efficient heating through the home at a much faster rate. Auxiliary heating is only utilized to defrost the system should the outdoor temperature drop below a certain temperature.

What is a good SEER rating?

In Florida, new regulations were put in place to require a minimum of 14.7 SEER, meeting the new SEER 2 requirement for all newly installed systems.

Does indoor humidity matter?

Indoor humidity does indeed matter. If the system is cooling but not pulling the humidity out of the home, it may indicate a problem with your system. It would be best to reach out to a qualified professional to further diagnose your issue.

Do you offer financing?

We do offer financing on new installations, with multiple options through our lending partner. We strive to make purchasing a new system as worry-free as possible.

How do I know if my AC is under warranty? I just moved in. Do warranties transfer to new owners?

Florida recently changed the law where air conditioner warranties stay with the property where it was installed. We work with all major distributors and can inquire regarding the status of your system’s warranty with some basic system information in just one quick phone call.

How often do ACs break and why?

With proper maintenance, your AC system should run with no issues. However, that's not to say that unforeseen issues may not arise from time to time. There is no typical timeframe for when parts may fail on a system.

Why sanitize my ducts?

Duct sanitization can promote indoor air quality throughout the home, killing and preventing the build-up of dirt and indoor allergens.

My house has a musty/stale smell. What can I do to change that?

One way to remove the musty smell would be through duct sanitization. Another way would be to install a whole-house UV system or air purification system, which cleans the air in the house while the system runs.

How can I lower my energy bills?

Aside from replacing your system, proper maintenance is of key importance. Ensuring blinds and windows are closed will prevent radiant heat from entering the home during system run time. Another way would be to make sure your ducts are intact and properly sealed to prevent leaks. Proper insulation through the attic space and energy-efficient windows are always a plus when trying to keep the house cool and comfy during the hot Florida summer.

How can I make my AC last longer?

Proper maintenance and regular filter changes will keep your system running at peak performance all year round.

What can be done to remove allergens in my home?

Installation of a whole-house air purification system will kill and stop the spread of indoor allergens.

Can I adjust my thermostat to save money?

Leaving your thermostat set to a particular temperature can decrease system run time and maintain a set temperature in the home, cutting down on system run time.

What brands do you recommend?

We highly recommend Allied Air, a subsidiary of Lennox Industries. They carry systems that run the gamut of efficiency and SEER rating at a consumer-friendly price point, while providing a name and warranty you can trust. Their commitment to standing behind their product is second to none.

Do you answer for emergency service even at 1am?

Yes. A member of the team is available 24/7 to take your call no matter the time of day. There’s no pesky call center or automated answering service here. We are always available to take your call.

How long have you been doing this?

Our team is made up of three generations of professionals with over 30 years of experience. The entire family is employed – husband, wife, and kids!

What areas do you serve?

We are proud to serve Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsboro, and Hernando counties.

Do you give prices over the phone?

At this time of your call, you will be quoted the price for a service call depending on the time of day. The technician dispatched to your call will provide you with any additional pricing at the time of service. For estimates, you will be quoted a price for replacement at the time of your appointment, and estimates are always free.

You have a lot of great reviews. What makes you stand out?

Our commitment to our customers and the way we stand behind our work sets us apart. No matter the time of day, we are always available, and no job is too big or too small. We stand behind what we say: “We’re not comfortable in our home, until you’re comfortable in yours.”

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