FAQs About HVAC Installation & Maintenance in Holiday, FL

Straight answers about air conditioning, heating, and service from Ordine’s Air Conditioning and Heating, a family-owned, Florida-certified HVAC contractor (license CAC1821753) in Holiday, FL, serving Tampa Bay. Have a question we did not cover? Call 727-940-7379 Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and a real person will answer. Nights, weekends, and holidays are reserved for emergencies, when our AI-powered assistant takes your details and books the call.

Troubleshooting common AC problems

How do I know if my AC needs repair?

The clearest signs are warm air from the vents, weak airflow, the system not turning on, water around the air handler, or new rattling or grinding noises. If your AC has stopped putting out cold air, something is wrong and it is worth having it diagnosed before it gets worse. Call Ordine’s at 727-940-7379, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

My thermostat works but the AC will not turn on. What should I do?

First check that the breaker for the system has not tripped and that the thermostat is set to cool. If the unit still will not start, call a licensed technician. Several things can stop a system from starting, from a failed capacitor to a tripped safety switch, and a tech can find it safely.

Why is my AC freezing up?

A frozen AC usually comes from restricted airflow or low refrigerant. Common causes are a dirty filter, a dirty air handler or condenser coil, a failed blower or condenser motor, low refrigerant, or a failing compressor. Turn the system off to let it thaw, then call for a diagnosis.

Why is my AC leaking water?

Most indoor leaks come from a clogged condensate drain line backing up at the air handler. In worse cases the drain pan inside the air handler is cracked. Clearing the drain line usually solves it, and regular maintenance keeps it from clogging again.

What is the most common AC problem you see?

Clogged condensate drain lines. When the line backs up, the safety switch shuts the system down to prevent water damage. Routine maintenance keeps the drain line clear and stops bacteria from building up, which keeps the system running through the summer.

What damages an AC system the most?

Skipped maintenance and dirty filters. When filters and coils clog up, the system works harder, runs hotter, and parts wear out sooner. Regular tune-ups and filter changes prevent most of the breakdowns we get called for.

Filters and maintenance

How do I change my air filter?

Find the return filter grille inside the home, open it, and slide in a new filter of the same size and type with the arrows pointing toward the unit so air flows the right way. Some systems hold the filter at the base of the indoor unit instead. Larger homes often have more than one filter.

How often should I change my air filter?

At least once a month is a good rule in Florida. If you have pets or several people in the home, change it more often. A clean filter is the cheapest way to protect your system.

Is twice-a-year maintenance really necessary?

Yes. We recommend a tune-up at least twice a year. Maintenance prevents dirty coils, clogged drain lines, and the small problems that turn into costly repairs, weak cooling, and breakdowns in the middle of summer.

What does your maintenance plan include?

The Ordine’s Annual Maintenance Plan is $210 a year and includes two visits. On each visit we clean the system from top to bottom, check the freon, steam the coils, sanitize the ducts, and flush the drain line. We also place microbial tabs in the drain pan and drain line to control algae, mold, and mildew, which keeps those organisms out of the air you breathe indoors. Members get 15% off parts and labor, and first priority for emergency dispatch.

How can I make my AC last longer?

Keep up with maintenance and change the filter on schedule. A system that breathes freely and gets serviced twice a year runs cooler, uses less power, and lasts years longer than one that gets ignored.

Repair, replace, sizing and installation

Should I repair or replace my AC?

As a rule of thumb, if the system is under about 10 years old and the repair cost is reasonable, repair is usually the better value. If it is older, breaking down often, or facing a major repair like a compressor, replacement often saves more over time. We give you honest numbers both ways so you can decide.

When should I replace my AC?

In Florida’s heat, a system that gets limited maintenance usually lasts about 7 to 12 years. Frequent repairs, rising energy bills, and weak cooling are signs it is near the end. Replacing it on your terms beats an emergency failure in August.

How long does an AC system last?

With proper care and regular maintenance, a system installed new can last 10 to 15 years. Florida’s heat and humidity are hard on equipment, so maintenance makes a real difference in how long yours lasts.

What size AC do I need for my home?

A common starting point is about 1 ton of cooling per 500 square feet, but proper sizing also depends on your home’s layout, insulation, windows, and ductwork. A correctly sized system cools evenly and pulls humidity out at the same time, so it is worth having a professional size it.

Is a bigger AC always better?

No. An oversized system cools the air fast but shuts off before it removes the humidity, which leaves the home cool and clammy. The right size for your square footage runs longer, dries the air, and keeps comfort steady.

What SEER rating do I need in Florida?

Florida requires a minimum of 14.7 SEER2 on all newly installed systems. A higher SEER2 rating uses less energy to cool your home, which lowers your electric bill over the life of the system.

What is the difference between an AC and a heat pump?

A straight-cool AC only cools, and any heat comes from an electric strip heater that costs more to run. A heat pump both heats and cools using a valve at the outdoor unit, so it heats more efficiently and faster. In our climate a heat pump is often the better choice.

What happens during a new AC installation?

We remove the old equipment, check and adjust the ductwork as needed, set and connect the new system, then test it fully before we leave. Most installations take from a few hours to a full day, depending on the home and the work involved.

Do I need a permit to replace my AC in Florida?

Yes. AC changeouts in Florida require a permit and inspection. As a licensed contractor (CAC1821753), Ordine’s pulls the permit and handles the inspection as part of the job, so you do not have to.

Comfort, air quality and energy bills

Does indoor humidity matter?

Yes. A properly working system cools the air and pulls humidity out of it at the same time. If your home feels cool but damp or sticky, the system may be oversized or have a problem, and it is worth having it checked.

Why is my AC running up my energy bill?

Older or poorly maintained systems work harder to cool the same space, which costs more. Leaky or poorly insulated ductwork makes it worse by losing cooled air before it reaches the rooms. Maintenance and sealed ducts are the fastest ways to bring the bill down.

How can I lower my cooling bills?

Keep up with maintenance, change filters, and make sure your ducts are sealed and your attic is insulated. Closing blinds against direct sun and holding a steady thermostat setting also cut run time. Replacing a very old system with a high-SEER2 unit helps the most.

Why should I have my ducts sanitized?

Duct sanitizing kills and helps prevent the buildup of dirt, mold, and allergens inside the duct system, which improves the air your family breathes. It is a good step if anyone in the home has allergies or you notice musty air.

My house has a musty smell. What can I do?

A musty smell often points to moisture or buildup in the ducts or air handler. Duct sanitizing is one fix. A whole-house UV light or air purification system is another, cleaning the air each time the system runs.

What can help with allergies in my home?

A whole-house air purification or UV system installed at the air handler kills and slows the spread of indoor allergens, mold, and bacteria as the system runs, so the whole home benefits rather than one room.

Can my thermostat setting save money?

Yes. Holding a steady temperature instead of large swings reduces how long the system runs. A programmable or smart thermostat makes this easy and trims the bill without you thinking about it.

Brands, financing and warranties

What AC brands do you recommend and install?

We recommend and install Allied Air, a Lennox Industries brand, because it offers a strong range of efficiency and SEER2 options at a fair price with a warranty you can trust. We also service and repair all major brands.

Do you offer financing?

Yes. We offer financing on new installations through Wisetack, with options to fit different budgets. It lets you put in a new system now and pay over time.

How do I know if my AC is under warranty, and does it transfer to a new owner?

In Florida, the warranty stays with the property where the system was installed, so it generally carries to a new owner. We work with all major distributors and can check your system’s warranty status in a quick phone call with some basic information.

Hiring Ordine’s, service area, and light-commercial work

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes. Ordine’s is a Florida-certified HVAC contractor, license CAC1821753, and we are fully insured. Hiring a licensed contractor means the work is done to code, permitted properly, and backed by someone accountable for it.

What are your office hours?

Our office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nights, weekends, and holidays are reserved for emergencies only. If you call outside office hours, our AI-powered assistant answers, takes your details, and can book your call.

Do I reach a real person when I call?

During office hours, yes. Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., a member of the Ordine’s family answers the phone, not a call center. Outside those hours our AI-powered assistant picks up, takes your information, and books your call; if you would rather speak to someone, ask and it will put you through to a live agent. Nights, weekends, and holidays are reserved for emergencies.

Do you offer emergency service, and what does it cost after hours?

Yes, for genuine emergencies. Our office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nights, weekends, and holidays are for emergencies. For homes, an after-hours call is a $187.50 service-call fee plus any parts and labor. For commercial work the service call is $160 during office hours and $225 after hours, and restaurants are billed as commercial. Emergency calls are handled first come, first served and depend on which technicians are available, and Maintenance Plan members are dispatched first. We will tell you honestly when we can get to you rather than promise a time we cannot hold.

Do you give prices over the phone, and are estimates free?

We give your service-call price by phone, and the technician confirms any repair pricing on site before starting work. Free estimates are available during office hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for new HVAC systems, ductwork, and insulation. Service calls and diagnostic visits are not free estimates.

How much does AC repair or a new system cost?

It depends on the system, its size, and the work involved, so we do not post flat prices. Repairs are quoted up front before any work starts, new installs and replacements get a free in-home estimate, and financing is available on new systems through Wisetack.

What areas do you serve?

We serve Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Hernando counties across Tampa Bay. That includes Holiday, New Port Richey, Port Richey, Hudson, Land O’ Lakes, Trinity, Odessa, Clearwater, Palm Harbor, Tarpon Springs, Tampa, and Spring Hill, along with nearby communities.

Do you handle commercial HVAC?

We handle light-commercial HVAC: shops, offices, restaurants, and similar small spaces across Tampa Bay that run split systems, packaged units, mini-splits, or small rooftop units. Commercial refrigeration, mechanical construction, and national or multi-site projects are handled by our sister company, Ordines Mechanical Solutions Inc.

Do you install heat pumps and ductless mini-split systems?

Yes. We install and service heat pumps and ductless mini-splits along with standard central systems. A mini-split is a good fit for additions, garages, and rooms that never seem to stay comfortable.

Do you repair refrigerant leaks and recharge AC systems?

Yes. A low charge always means a leak, so we find it, repair it at the source, and recharge to the manufacturer’s spec instead of just topping off. See our refrigerant leak repair page. Commercial refrigeration and larger mechanical work are handled by our sister company, Ordines Mechanical Solutions Inc.

How long have you been in business?

Ordine’s has served Tampa Bay for over 30 years, and we are now three generations of the same family. The whole family works here, and that long track record is something we are proud of.

What makes Ordine’s different?

We answer our own phones, we stand behind our work, and no job is too small. After three generations and 30 plus years, most of our work comes from referrals and repeat customers. As we say, we are not comfortable in our home until you are comfortable in yours.