Straight answers about AC repair costs, equipment sizing, maintenance, and commercial HVAC in Sarasota and surrounding areas.
Most AC repairs in Sarasota run between $150 and $650 depending on the issue. Capacitor replacement typically runs $150–$300, contactor replacement $150–$250, refrigerant recharge $75–$150 per pound, and blower motor replacement $300–$600. Compressor replacement is the most expensive common repair at $1,200–$2,500. We provide a free estimate before any work begins — you know the price before we start.
A full AC system installation in Sarasota typically runs $4,500–$10,500 installed depending on system size (tonnage) and efficiency rating (SEER2). A 2-ton system runs $4,500–$6,500, a 3-ton $5,000–$7,500, a 4-ton $6,000–$9,000, and a 5-ton $7,000–$10,500. Higher SEER2 systems cost more upfront but reduce monthly utility bills. We provide free estimates and explain the payback math on efficiency upgrades.
A standard AC maintenance tune-up in Sarasota runs $89–$149 per system. This includes coil cleaning, refrigerant check, drain line flush, filter replacement, electrical inspection, and a written report. If we find something that needs repair, we quote it separately before doing anything. No surprise charges.
Contact us to discuss payment options for larger installations. We provide free estimates with full pricing so you can plan accordingly. For commercial projects, we can discuss payment structures that work for the scope of the job.
AC sizing in Florida requires a Manual J load calculation — not just square footage. Florida's humidity, sun exposure, insulation quality, window area and orientation, ceiling height, and occupancy all factor in. An oversized unit short-cycles and leaves humidity in the air even when it reaches temperature setpoint. An undersized unit runs constantly and never keeps up on the hottest afternoons. We perform proper load calculations on every installation — not square footage guesses.
We install equipment from major manufacturers including Carrier, Trane, Lennox, Daikin, Mitsubishi, and others depending on the application and availability. We'll recommend the right brand and model for your specific situation and explain the differences between options. We're not locked into one brand or distributor, which means we can recommend what's actually best for your home.
The general rule: if the repair cost exceeds 30% of replacement cost and the system is over 10 years old, replacement usually makes more financial sense. Other strong replacement indicators: compressor failure, R-22 refrigerant (no longer manufactured, now very expensive to service), repeated failures in the same cooling season, or a system that can't maintain comfort during peak summer heat despite repairs. We'll tell you honestly which situation you're in — we don't push replacements when a repair is the right call.
SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2) measures AC efficiency — higher numbers mean less electricity used per unit of cooling. In Florida, where the AC runs 10–12 months per year, efficiency matters more than in most states. The minimum for new installations is 15 SEER2. A 18–20 SEER2 system costs more upfront but can save $200–$500 per year on a typical Florida home's electric bill. We'll show you the payback calculation on any efficiency upgrade so you can make an informed decision.
Twice yearly is ideal in Florida — once in spring before peak cooling season (March–April) and once in fall before any heating use (October). Annual service is the minimum. Florida's year-round cooling means your system accumulates operating hours at roughly twice the rate of the same equipment in a northern climate. The most common AC emergency scenario we see: a system that hasn't been serviced in 2–3 years fails on the hottest Saturday of summer. Annual maintenance prevents that.
Our maintenance visits include: evaporator and condenser coil inspection and cleaning, refrigerant pressure check, drain line flush with cleaning solution, air filter replacement (standard 1" filter included), blower motor and fan blade inspection, electrical connection tightening and amperage draw check on key components, capacitor and contactor condition assessment, thermostat calibration check, airflow measurement, and a written report with findings and recommendations.
Yes — some maintenance is appropriate for homeowners. Changing the air filter monthly during heavy use is the single highest-impact thing a homeowner can do; a clogged filter restricts airflow and makes everything work harder. Keeping the area around the outdoor condenser clear of vegetation and debris helps airflow and prevents coil damage. Pouring a cup of diluted bleach down the condensate drain line monthly can slow algae growth. Anything involving electrical components, refrigerant handling, or opening the system requires a licensed technician.
Yes. We handle commercial HVAC for restaurants, bars, motels, medical facilities, and office buildings throughout Sarasota and surrounding areas. Commercial systems require different equipment specifications, maintenance schedules, and response protocols than residential — we understand both sides and bring the right approach to each. Commercial clients get the same flat-rate pricing transparency as residential.
We've worked in restaurant kitchens, bars, and motels across the Sarasota area. Restaurant work includes exhaust and makeup air system design and installation, commercial rooftop units, and kitchen HVAC designed for grease-laden high-heat environments. Bar work involves high-occupancy load calculations and equipment selected for late-hour continuous operation. Motel work includes PTAC service and replacement, mini-split systems for individual room control, and lobby and corridor HVAC. We're currently active in bidding commercial work at the medical facility level, including a veterans hospital project in the area.
We prioritize commercial AC failures the same way we prioritize residential emergencies during Florida summer — with urgency. A restaurant or bar that loses AC on a busy night has real revenue and compliance stakes. Call us immediately. We dispatch as fast as our schedule allows and carry common commercial parts on our trucks. If we can't fix it same-day, we'll tell you that honestly and give you a realistic timeline.
Yes, same-day service is available for most AC repair calls across Sarasota, Bradenton, Siesta Key, and surrounding areas. We carry common parts — capacitors, contactors, motors, refrigerant — on our service trucks so most repairs are completed in a single visit without waiting for parts. Call us as early in the day as possible to maximize same-day availability, especially during summer peak season when demand is highest.
We service Sarasota, Bradenton, Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Venice, Nokomis, Lakewood Ranch, Parrish, Ellenton, Palmetto, and Myakka City. We cover the full Sarasota-Bradenton metro area including rural areas like Myakka City that some companies won't drive to. If you're in a surrounding area not listed, call us — we often accommodate areas beyond this list.
Close blinds and curtains on sun-facing windows — south and west exposures are worst in afternoon Florida sun. Stay on the lowest floor; heat rises significantly in multi-story homes. Use ceiling fans if available — they don't cool air but increase evaporative cooling from skin. Avoid using the oven, stove, dryer, or other heat-generating appliances. Close off rooms you're not using and concentrate people in one cooler area. Check your breaker panel for a tripped breaker — if you find one, flip it fully off then back on once. If it immediately trips again, leave it off and let us know when you call.
Still have a question? Call us directly — we're happy to talk through your situation before you commit to anything.
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