AC replacement & installation · Orlando & Central Florida
AC replacement in Orlando, sized right and installed by experienced techs.
A free in-home estimate, a system matched to your house, and an install crew that has done this since 1987. Call (407) 290-9517. Book a free in-home estimate
Signs it’s time to replace
A repair fixes a part. These are the signs the whole system is at the end of its run.
- 12 to 15 years old, or more Florida systems run almost all year, so they age faster than the national average. How long HVAC systems last
- Runs on R-22 R-22 is an older refrigerant that is no longer made. Every recharge costs more than the last.
- Repeated repairs The third repair in two summers usually costs more than it is worth.
- Humid or uneven rooms A system that cools but never dries the air, or leaves rooms warm, is often the wrong size for the house.
- Bills climbing while comfort drops Older compressors lose capacity. You pay for more runtime and get less cooling for it.
- A loud outdoor unit Rattling and grinding from the condenser are the sound of a compressor or fan near the end.
Repair or replace?
Where your system lands on these four lines usually decides it.
| Lean toward repair | Lean toward replacement | |
|---|---|---|
| Age | Under 10 years | 12 to 15 years or more |
| Refrigerant | R-410A | R-22 (no longer made) |
| Repair history | First failure | Third repair in two summers |
| Comfort | Cools and dries the house | Humid, uneven rooms, long run times |
How a replacement goes, from estimate to cold air
- Free in-home estimate We measure the house and look at the ducts, the airflow and the attic. A Manual J load calculation, the industry method for sizing, tells us the capacity you need. Bigger is not better: an oversized unit short-cycles and leaves humidity behind.
- Options and the installed price Two or three systems that fit, each with the full installed price. Financing is available on all system replacements, and instant rebates are available on select systems.
- Permit and scheduling A replacement needs a permit. We handle the paperwork and the inspection and book a day that works for you.
- Install day Most replacements take one day. We protect the floors, remove the old equipment, set the new unit, pressure-test and vacuum the lines, start it up and walk you through the thermostat.
- Paperwork You get the permit sign-off, the equipment paperwork and the warranty details for your records.
Why A-1 Heat & Air
Since 1987
A-1 Heat & Air has served the Orlando area since 1987. Same name, same number.
A real person answers
We offer 24/7 service. During office hours you talk to someone at our office; after hours a live answering service picks up. No chatbot, no AI booking.
Experienced techs
The company is licensed and insured, and the person who shows up has done this many times before.
Daikin dealer
We install and service Daikin systems, and we work on the equipment you already have.
Daikin inverter systems
Daikin’s inverter systems, including the compact Daikin Fit, adjust their output to the load instead of switching on and off. That steadier run helps with Florida humidity.
What SEER2 means, without the sales pitch
SEER2 is the efficiency rating on new systems, measured under the test standard that took effect in 2023. A higher SEER2 system can lower cooling costs; the actual savings depend on your home, your thermostat habits and your ducts. In Florida, the right size and good humidity control matter as much as the number. ENERGY STAR on central air conditioners
What drives the cost of a new system
The in-home estimate is free, and the number we give you is the installed price. These are the things that move it.
Capacity
The tonnage the load calculation calls for. More capacity costs more, and too much capacity costs comfort.
Efficiency and type
Single-stage, two-stage or inverter. Straight-cool with strip heat, or a heat pump.
Air handler location and ducts
A closet or attic air handler, and ducts that need sealing or replacing before the new system can breathe.
Electrical and code items
A new disconnect, a float switch, a pad or a stand, and whatever the current code asks for.
Financing is available on all system replacements. Ask about it when you call or book the estimate.
Financing and instant rebates
A new system is a large purchase. Here is how we help with the cost.
Financing on every replacement
Financing is available on all system replacements. Ask about it at your free in-home estimate.
Instant rebates on select systems
Instant rebates are available on select systems. Ask which ones qualify when you get your options.
The installed price first
You see the full installed price before you decide anything.
Related services
- AC repair: Not sure it is time? Start with a diagnostic visit.
- Ductwork: A new system attached to leaky ducts never performs like it should.
- HVAC maintenance: Keep the new system running the way it did on day one.
We replace and install air conditioners across Greater Orlando: Orlando, Winter Park, Windermere, Oviedo, Altamonte Springs, Longwood, Lake Mary and nearby. See the full service area
Questions we hear a lot
How long does an AC replacement take?
Most residential replacements take one day. A job that also replaces the ductwork or moves the air handler can run into a second day. We tell you the plan at the estimate, and we leave the house with cold air running before we go.
What size air conditioner do I need?
The size a load calculation says you need, not the size the old one was. A Manual J calculation accounts for your square footage, insulation, windows, ductwork and the Florida climate. An oversized system cools fast but shuts off before it dries the air, which is why some homes feel clammy.
How much does AC replacement cost in Orlando?
It depends on capacity, efficiency, system type, the air handler location and the condition of your ducts and electrical. We do not quote a replacement over the phone. The in-home estimate is free, and the number you get is the installed price, with financing available if you want it.
Is the in-home estimate really free?
Yes, for new systems and replacements. We come out, measure, run the load calculation and give you options and prices at no charge. Repair visits are different: they carry a diagnostic fee, because the tech is there to find and fix a fault, not to quote a new system.
Do you install heat pumps?
Yes. A heat pump is an air conditioner that can run in reverse to heat the house, which suits Central Florida winters well. We install both heat pumps and straight-cool systems with electric strip heat, and we will tell you which one fits your house and budget.
From the blog
Book a free in-home estimate
Tell us about the house and the system you have now. We measure, run the numbers and give you the installed price, with no obligation. Call (407) 290-9517.