What should I look for in an AC unit?

The selection of an Air Conditioning unit for your home is one of the most important decisions you can make. Your choice will affect everything from your comfort to your property value and electric bill.

Generally, the more energy efficient the system, the higher the cost. However, this does not mean it is less cost effective to purchase a high-efficiency system Quite the contrary, in fact, as many of the higher energy efficient systems can pay

themselves off long before cheaper, less efficient systems could (if they could at all). A qualified comfort consultant can discuss your options with you and help you choose the system that is right for you.

What should I look for in an AC company?

Installing air conditioning systems is what is known as "applied equipment installation." Improper installation can result in disaster for the homeowner. It can cut the life of the equipment by half, or fail to properly cool your home.In addition, energy loss due to improper refrigerant levels can cost the customer more money to cool the home over time.

Obviously, choosing a company that has built its reputation on quality and the satisfaction of its customers is paramount. That's why Gulf Coast Air Systems is a proud member of the Florida Better Business Bureau (FBBB), The Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association (FRACCA). Our owner, Bob Cochell, also serves as chair to many committees in the state of Florida, and serves as an advisor on the refrigeration and air conditioning business to many state and local officials. He is the past President of RACCA, current chairman of FRACCA, and elected chairman of the Hillsbourough Mechanical Board. For more information about our company, please see the "about us" page.

How much does it cost for a new system?

This depends largely on the needs of the customer. And reputable air conditioning and heating company will most likely not be able to provide you with an accurate figure without first performing an estimate of your property. This is crucial. A unit that is too large can cool your home quickly, but will fail to extract the moisture from the air, resulting in a "muggy" feel. In addition, the constant short-cycling of a unit that is too large can significantly reduce the life span of your equipment. However, a unit that is too small will run all day in an attempt to cool your home, but will drive up your energy costs in the process. The estimate is an invaluable part of finding this "middle ground".

Unlike some others, Gulf Coast Air Systems provides estimates free of charge as a service to the customer. After performing the estimate, a qualified comfort consultant will be able to present a recommendation to you and offer pricing options that will fit both your needs and your budget.

How much energy can I save?

Many people are suprised to learn that the right air conditioning system can pay itself off in anywhere from 2 to 5 years. Lower efficiency systems cost less up front, but are rarely as cost efficient as a high efficiency heat pump or air conditioning system.

The energy efficiency of a system is measured by using a SEER rating (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). Generally, any system installed before 1992 is a 10 SEER unit or below.

If you are planning on staying in your home for at least the next 5 years, then an energy efficient system may be the best choice you can make. In addition to rebates from TECO, you can potentially cut your heating and cooling costs by more than half.

What does an estimate entail?

When you contact Gulf Coast Air Systems to request a free estimate, you can expect a qualified, professional, courteous comfort consultant to arrive promptly at a time agreed upon by you. After taking some measurements of your home, windows, and temperature levels (a process referred to as a "manual J"), your comfort consultant will examine your current unit and ask you some questions about your current comfort level.

After the technical side of the estimate is complete, a "good, better, best" reccomendation will be made by your comfort consultant, and all the options available will be presented to you for your consideration. During the estimate, you can feel free to voice any concerns you have about your current unit, variations in temperature from room to room, and questions about the potential energy savings you will recieve after your new unit is installed.

Does Gulf Coast charge for estimates?

In a word, no. Gulf Coast Air Systems covers the cost of travel, labor, and tools and provides estimates by qualified professionals free of charge on air conditioning replacement. There will never be any surcharges, loopholes, or fees of any kind. Free means free.

We also pledge that the estimates given by our comfort consultants will be accurate and fast. We understand that in order to have someone come to your home and evaluate your air conditioning needs, you must take an hour out of your day to do so. We are sensitive to this, and understand that your time is valuable.

If you have any questions or concernsabout your estimate, your personal comfort consultant will be available to speak to before any date or time is set.