Pinellas Park, FL · Air conditioning contractor
New AC Installation in Pinellas Park
AC installation in Pinellas Park starts with a Manual J load calculation, so the system fits your home rather than the old unit's label. AC Pinellas Park installs all major brands, pulls the City of Pinellas Park changeout permit, helps you claim the Duke Energy rebate and offers GoodLeap financing. Free estimate: (727) 761-8873.
Updated
What size AC does my Pinellas Park home need?
The right size comes from a Manual J load calculation: the square footage, plus insulation, windows, which way the home faces, shade, ducts and how many people live there. Copying the size of the old unit is how a lot of Pinellas Park homes end up with the wrong system.
| Home size (sq ft) | Common range (tons) |
|---|---|
| 900–1,200 | 1.5–2 |
| 1,200–1,600 | 2–2.5 |
| 1,600–2,000 | 2.5–3 |
| 2,000–2,500 | 3–4 |
Treat the table as a starting point only. An oversized system cools the house fast and shuts off before it has removed the moisture, leaving it cold and clammy. That's a bigger problem here than in drier states. An undersized one runs all afternoon in August and never catches up. Getting the size right is the cheapest efficiency upgrade there is.
What is SEER2 and the Florida minimum?
SEER2 is the efficiency rating used since 2023; it's tested under conditions closer to a real home than the old SEER number. Florida is in the federal Southeast region, where new split-system central ACs must meet at least 14.3 SEER2 below 45,000 BTU/h (roughly under 3.75 tons) and 13.8 SEER2 at that size and above.
| Efficiency | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| 14.3 SEER2 | Legal minimum for most homes; lowest upfront price |
| 15.2 SEER2 | Qualifies for Duke's $300 AC rebate; noticeably lower bills than an old 10–13 SEER unit |
| 16+ SEER2, variable speed | Best humidity control and quiet running; highest upfront cost |
For most Pinellas Park homes, the jump from the minimum to 15.2 SEER2 pays back fastest, because the Duke rebate covers part of the difference. New systems now use lower-impact refrigerants such as R-454B in place of R-410A, which we explain on our replacement page.
How it works
How does AC service with us work?
- Call or bookTell us what's happening. We confirm a visit window for your Pinellas Park address.
- DiagnoseA licensed tech finds the real cause and explains it in plain words.
- Written priceYou approve the price before any work starts. No surprises.
- Fix & testWe repair or install, test cooling and leave your home clean.
Do I need a permit for AC installation in Pinellas Park?
Yes. The City of Pinellas Park requires a permit to replace a condenser, an air handler or heating elements. The contractor files the city's A/C Changeout Application, which lists the make, model and AHRI reference number of the new equipment and of anything staying in place, plus the tonnage and the job value. The city checks that indoor and outdoor units are a compatible match (Florida Building Code R101.4.2) and an inspector signs off the finished work.
The city's residential fee schedule (revised Oct 2023) prices mechanical permits at $0.05 per square foot of work area with a $75 minimum, plus a plan-review fee and a small technology fee. We pull the permit and include it in your written price. City A/C Changeout Application · city fee schedule.
Which brands do we install?
We install all major AC brands and repair and maintain most makes and models. Brand matters less than correct sizing, a matched indoor and outdoor unit, clean refrigerant work and good ductwork, so we recommend equipment from your home's load calculation rather than pushing one label.
Duke Energy rebates
Is there a Duke Energy rebate on new systems?
Pinellas Park is served by Duke Energy Florida, not FPL, so the rebates that matter here are Duke's Home Energy Improvement rebates. These are the current amounts on Duke's own program pages:
| Project (single-family home) | Duke rebate | Minimum efficiency |
|---|---|---|
| New AC replacing an AC | $300 | 15.2 SEER2 (16 SEER) |
| Heat pump replacing a heat pump | $500 | 15.2 SEER2 and 7.5 HSPF2 |
| Heat pump replacing electric strip heat | $600 | 15.2 SEER2 and 7.5 HSPF2 |
| Heat pump replacing electric strip heat | $1,000 | 16 SEER2 and 7.5 HSPF2 |
| Duct test / duct repair | up to $50 / up to $400 | Through a Duke-approved contractor |
The main rules: you need a free Duke Home Energy Check in the 24 months before the install (or within 12 months after an emergency replacement), the home must use electricity for heating and cooling, the job must be permitted and done by a licensed, insured contractor, and the condenser and air handler must be replaced together. We're a Duke Energy approved contractor, and we walk you through the Home Energy Check and the paperwork. Program terms change, so we confirm them with you before you buy. Duke's HVAC rebate page · rebate requirements.
Can I finance a new AC?
Yes. We offer financing through GoodLeap, a home-improvement lender that works through participating contractors like us. You apply with our help, see your options, and choose fixed monthly payments if you're approved. Rates and terms depend on the lender's approval, so we don't quote them on this site. Financing can be paired with a Duke Energy rebate on a qualifying system.
How long does AC installation take?
A like-for-like replacement of the condenser and air handler in the same spots usually takes one day. Expect longer if we're moving the air handler, replacing the line set, adding returns, fixing ductwork or upgrading electrical. After the install, the city inspection is booked separately. On the day we:
- Protect floors and the air handler closet, and recover refrigerant from the old system
- Set the new pad, condenser and air handler, and flush or replace the line set
- Install a new drain line with a float switch and pull a vacuum before releasing refrigerant
- Start up, check charge, airflow and temperature drop, and set the thermostat
- Walk you through the system, filter size and warranty registration
Do you serve every Pinellas Park zip code (33781 & 33782)?
We serve all of Pinellas Park, ZIP codes 33781 and 33782: City Hall, Park Station and the Park Blvd corridor in 33781; the Mainlands, Gateway Centre and the Skyview area in 33782; plus Bonnie Bay, the city's manufactured-home communities, and homes along US-19, 49th St N, 66th St N and Belcher Rd. See the neighbourhoods we cover.
FAQ
Pinellas Park AC Installation FAQs
How long does AC installation take?
A straight swap usually takes one day. New ductwork, a new air handler location or electrical upgrades can add a day. The city inspection is booked afterwards.
Do I need a permit in Pinellas Park?
Yes. Installing or replacing a condenser, air handler or heating elements needs a City of Pinellas Park permit and inspection. We file the A/C Changeout Application for you.
What size AC does my home need?
A Manual J load calculation decides it. Many Pinellas Park homes of 1,200–2,000 sq ft end up between 2 and 3 tons, but insulation, windows and ducts can change that.
What SEER2 do I need for the Duke rebate?
Duke's $300 AC rebate needs 15.2 SEER2 (16 SEER). Heat pump rebates need 15.2 or 16 SEER2 and 7.5 HSPF2, depending on the rebate level.
What warranty comes with a new AC?
New equipment carries the manufacturer's warranty, and registering it on time often matters, so we handle the registration for you. Ask us about our workmanship guarantee; whatever applies to your job is written on your quote.
Related services
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