Questions and answers
Short answers to common questions. Service pages go into more depth.
About the service
Are you an air conditioning company?
No. AC Repair Ocala is a referral service. We don't send technicians or do repairs. We connect you with an independent local heating and cooling contractor, which diagnoses the system, gives you its price and does the work. See the referral disclosure.
Does it cost anything to call?
No. The call and the connection are free to you. The contractor you are connected with may pay us for the referral. Whatever you agree with them for the work is between you and that company.
Do I have to hire the contractor?
No. You hear what is wrong and what the contractor charges, and you decide. Getting a second quote for a big job is reasonable.
I rent my home. Who should I call?
Your landlord or property manager. The AC usually belongs to the owner, and your lease normally says who arranges repairs. This line is for homeowners arranging work on their own homes.
Which areas does this cover?
Ocala and nearby Marion County communities, including Belleview, Silver Springs Shores and Dunnellon. If you are nearby but not listed, call and ask.
About your system
My AC runs all afternoon and the house is still warm. Is it broken?
Not necessarily. On very hot, humid afternoons many systems run nonstop and the house drifts a couple of degrees above the setting. If it keeps getting warmer into the evening, the air from the vents isn't cool, or it never shuts off at night, have it checked.
Is it normal for water to drip outside from a pipe?
Yes. That pipe is the condensate drain, and dripping while the AC runs is what it is supposed to do. A dry pipe on a humid day with the AC running can mean a blockage.
What is Emergency Heat?
It turns off the heat pump and heats with the electric backup strips only. It works, but it uses much more electricity. Use it only while you wait for a repair.
How often should I change the filter?
It depends on the filter and the house. Many homes need a change every one to three months; homes with pets or lots of dust may need it more often. Check it monthly in summer.
Why do my ceiling vents drip water?
Cold air leaving the vent meets warm, humid air and water condenses, often because of air leaks into the attic around the vent, missing insulation, or very high indoor humidity. Have it checked before the ceiling is damaged.
What indoor humidity should I aim for?
The EPA suggests keeping indoor relative humidity below 60 percent, ideally somewhere between 30 and 50 percent, to limit mold growth. If your home stays damper than that with the AC running, mention it to the contractor.
About costs and contractors
How do I check an AC contractor's licence in Florida?
Florida licenses air-conditioning contractors through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Ask for the licence number and look it up at myfloridalicense.com. Technicians who handle refrigerant also need EPA Section 608 certification.
How long should a central AC last in Florida?
Many last somewhere around 10 to 15 years here, less if they ran hard and were not maintained, sometimes more with care. Age alone isn't a reason to replace; the condition, repair costs and refrigerant are.
Can I get financing?
Some contractors offer financing through third-party lenders. Ask the contractor you speak with. Read the terms before you sign.
Do I need a permit to replace my AC?
Replacing a system usually needs a permit from the local building department (the City of Ocala or Marion County, depending on where you live). The installing contractor normally pulls it.
AC not keeping up?
Talk to a local AC contractor
When you call, say what the system is doing and where the house is. You are connected with an independent heating and cooling contractor that works in your part of Marion County.