Frequently Asked Questions

Our service call fee is $198 for non-members. This includes a full diagnostic, static pressure testing, temperature split measurement, electrical component testing, and a written System Health Report. Comfort Club members pay just $84 per service call.

Everything. We arrive with instruments — a digital manometer, thermometers, multimeter, and gauges. We measure static pressure, airflow, temperature split, refrigerant charge, and electrical components. You get a written System Health Report with actual numbers, plus our honest assessment and Good/Better/Best repair options.

We do not add a separate emergency fee on top of the service call. Comfort Club members receive priority same-day scheduling for no-cool emergencies. Non-members are scheduled as quickly as possible, typically within 24 hours.

Most repairs range from $200–$600. Common repairs: capacitor replacement ($150–$300), contactor replacement ($150–$250), refrigerant recharge ($200–$500 depending on refrigerant type and amount), drain line clearing ($100–$200), thermostat replacement ($150–$350). All repairs are quoted upfront before we start work.

The service call fee covers the diagnostic visit and written report. If you approve a repair on the same visit, the diagnostic fee is not deducted from the repair cost — but you've already received a full System Health Report and honest options, which has real value.

Yes — for new AC installations and system replacements, we offer free in-home estimates. For service calls and repairs, the $198 diagnostic fee applies (or $84 for Comfort Club members).

We recommend two maintenance visits per year in Florida — one before summer (April/May) and one before the cooler months (October/November). Florida's heat, humidity, and year-round AC use put extra stress on your system compared to most of the country.

Every tune-up includes: static pressure measurement, temperature split check, refrigerant charge verification, coil cleaning (evaporator and condenser), drain line flush and treatment, electrical connections and capacitor check, thermostat calibration, filter inspection, humidity level measurement, and a written System Health Report.

A single maintenance visit is $150 for non-members. Comfort Club members get 2 visits per year included in their $164/year membership — that's less than $14/month for complete peace of mind.

You can change your air filter regularly (every 1–3 months) and keep the outdoor unit clear of debris. But a proper tune-up requires instruments — a digital manometer for static pressure, gauges for refrigerant charge, and a multimeter for electrical components. These aren't DIY tools. Leave the technical work to us.

The Comfort Club is our annual maintenance membership for $164/year. It includes 2 comprehensive maintenance visits, priority emergency scheduling (same-day for no-cool emergencies), service calls at $84 (vs. $198 for non-members), written System Health Reports, and direct owner access. Most members save $400+ per year.

Yes — significantly. A properly maintained system in Florida typically lasts 15+ years. Neglected systems often fail in 8–10 years. Regular maintenance catches small problems (a weakening capacitor, a clogged drain, low refrigerant) before they cause expensive failures.

The general rule: if the repair costs more than 50% of what a new system would cost, and your system is over 10 years old, replacement usually makes more financial sense. We'll always give you an honest answer — even if that means telling you a simple repair is all you need. Try our free Repair or Replace Calculator on our website.

Most AC systems in Southwest Florida last 10–15 years. Florida's heat, humidity, and salt air accelerate wear compared to cooler climates. With proper maintenance, some systems last 18–20 years. Without it, 8–10 years is common.

Not necessarily. Age alone isn't the deciding factor. We look at: current condition (measured, not guessed), repair cost vs. replacement cost, refrigerant type (R-22 systems are expensive to maintain), energy efficiency, and comfort issues like humidity. Call us for a diagnostic — we'll give you the real picture.

R-22 was phased out in 2020 and is now extremely expensive — sometimes $100+ per pound. If your R-22 system has a refrigerant leak, the repair cost often exceeds the value of keeping the system. In most cases, we recommend replacement. We'll be honest about the numbers.

We use Manual J load calculations to determine the correct system size for your specific home — square footage, insulation, windows, ceiling height, and local climate all factor in. An oversized system is just as bad as an undersized one: it short-cycles, doesn't remove humidity properly, and wears out faster. We never guess on sizing.

We primarily install Lennox systems, which offer some of the best efficiency, reliability, and warranty options available. We also work with other major brands depending on the application. Every installation comes with a 10-year parts warranty and our labor warranty.

Yes. We offer flexible financing through three lenders: Synchrony Financial (0% promotional rates available, fast approval), Ygrene Energy Fund (no credit check required, repaid through property taxes), and Wisetack (soft credit check, transparent terms). Same-day approvals are often available.

Financing is most commonly used for new system installations. For repairs, we accept all major credit cards. For larger repairs over $1,000, ask us about Wisetack — they offer financing for service work as well.

PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) financing through Ygrene allows you to finance a new AC system with no credit score required. The loan is repaid through your property tax assessment rather than a monthly bill. It's an excellent option for homeowners who want to upgrade to a high-efficiency system with no money down.

Wisetack uses a soft credit check to show you rates — no impact on your score. Synchrony and Ygrene may use a hard pull when you formally apply. Check with each lender for details. We're happy to walk you through the options before you apply.

Your AC removes humidity as a byproduct of cooling — but it wasn't designed to be a full-time dehumidifier. In Florida's summer, outdoor humidity regularly hits 80–95%. If your system is oversized, undersized, or aging, it may not be removing enough moisture. A whole-home dehumidifier is often the right solution.

The ideal range is 30–50% relative humidity (RH). Above 60% creates conditions for biological growth, dust mites, and structural damage. Below 30% causes dry skin and static electricity. We measure your home's humidity on every service call.

A UV light installed inside your air handler eliminates biological growth, bacteria, and viruses on your evaporator coil — running 24/7. It prevents the 'dirty sock' smell common in Florida homes, keeps your coil clean between service visits, and improves indoor air quality. Installation starts at $485.

We recommend duct cleaning every 3–5 years, or sooner if you have pets, recent renovations, allergy symptoms, or haven't had it done since moving in. In Florida's humidity, organic debris accumulates faster than in drier climates. We use NADCA-compliant negative pressure source removal with before-and-after photos.

The most common cause is biological growth or bacteria growing on the evaporator coil or inside the ductwork. Florida's humidity makes this a very common problem. Solutions include coil cleaning, duct cleaning, UV light installation, and ozone treatments. We diagnose the source first — we don't just mask the odor.

No — this is the #1 mistake snowbirds make. Turning your AC completely off allows indoor humidity to spike above 70%, which creates ideal conditions for biological growth in as little as 48–72 hours. Set your thermostat to 78–80°F in cooling mode to keep the system cycling and moisture under control.

Schedule a pre-departure maintenance visit, set your thermostat to 78–80°F (not OFF), replace your air filter, flush and treat your condensate drain line, verify your surge protector is in place, and consider a smart thermostat for remote monitoring. We offer a full Snowbird Guide on our website.

Yes. We offer Climate Guard (regular check-ins to verify your AC is running and humidity is controlled), Leak & Drain Defense (monthly drain line flush), and Coastal Corrosion Shield (coil coating and condenser inspection). Packages start at $39/month.

Absolutely — and we recommend it. Book your arrival-ready service call before you return and we'll have your home cool and comfortable from the moment you walk in. Comfort Club members receive priority scheduling and discounted service rates.

Yes. Tim Snider is a Florida State Certified Air Conditioning Class A Contractor, License CAC1818253. We carry full liability insurance and workers' compensation. You're protected on every job.

We serve North Port, Port Charlotte, Venice, Punta Gorda, Englewood, Rotonda West, Nokomis, Osprey, and North Venice — roughly a 40-mile radius from North Port, FL. Installations are available throughout Southwest Florida.

Most appointments are available within 24 hours. Comfort Club members receive priority scheduling and same-day service for no-cool emergencies. We do not offer 24/7 emergency service for non-members, but we respond as quickly as possible.

Yes — we serve light commercial properties including apartments, condos, and small commercial facilities. About 20% of our business is commercial. Call us to discuss your specific needs.

Yes. Tim Snider is personally accessible to customers. If you have a question about your system, a concern about a repair, or want to discuss your options, you can reach Tim directly. That's what family-owned service means.

All repairs include a 1-year parts and labor warranty. New system installations include a 10-year parts warranty and a 1-year labor warranty standard, with an upgrade to 10-year labor available on Best-tier installs.