Best Hvac in Orlando, FL — 26 Vetted Contractors

Most single-family homes see $5,000 to $9,000 for a standard 3-ton split system, and $7,000 to $12,000 for a high-efficiency heat pump. Older homes needing ductwork replacement alongside the new unit should budget an extra $1,500 to $5,000. Get at least two quotes that specify tonnage, SEER2 rating, and whether a Manual J load calculation was performed — prices vary more by contractor overhead than by equipment quality in this market.

Yes. Full system replacements and ductwork work require a mechanical permit and inspection, either through the City of Orlando Permitting Services if you're within city limits or the Orange County Building Safety Division if you're in unincorporated Orange County. Like-for-like part repairs (capacitors, motors) generally don't require a permit. Skipping a required permit can complicate insurance claims and home resale.

Search their name or license number at myfloridalicense.com, the Florida DBPR's public lookup tool. It shows whether their CAC (statewide) or Registered (local) certification is active and flags any disciplinary actions. Always do this before signing a contract — verbal claims of licensing aren't enough given how often unlicensed operators work storm cleanup and AC repair in Central Florida.

This is common in Orlando homes with leaky or under-insulated attic ductwork. Central Florida's relative humidity regularly exceeds 70%, and any gap in duct sealing pulls humid attic air into the system, condensing on cool surfaces. A contractor should pressure-test your ducts and check insulation R-value rather than just cleaning the mold — cleaning without fixing the leak is a temporary patch.

It depends on square footage, insulation, window orientation, and shade — not just a rule of thumb per square foot. Ask any contractor quoting a replacement to run a Manual J load calculation (ACCA standard) rather than matching your old unit's tonnage, since undersized systems struggle with humidity control and oversized systems short-cycle without properly dehumidifying, both common complaints in newer Lake Nona and Horizon West builds.

Yes — both Duke Energy and Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) offer rebate programs for qualifying high-efficiency AC systems, heat pumps, and smart thermostats, though the amounts and eligible equipment change periodically. Confirm current rebate terms directly with your utility provider and ask your contractor to file the required paperwork at time of install, since retroactive claims are often not accepted.

Twice a year is standard here, once before peak summer load (spring) and once heading into the milder fall/winter stretch, given that Orlando systems run far more hours annually than in most U.S. markets. Regular filter changes (monthly during peak season) and condensate line clearing matter more here than in drier climates, since clogged lines are a leading cause of water damage and mold calls.

Confirm it's properly strapped or anchored, and if you're in a flood-prone area, ask about elevating it on a composite pad above expected flood depth — a lesson many Orlando homeowners learned the hard way after Hurricane Ian's flooding in 2022. A whole-system surge protector is also worth installing given Central Florida's high lightning-strike frequency, per NOAA storm data.