Question 1

How is the right AC size chosen for my home?

Accepted Answer

By running a Manual J load calculation: square footage, ceiling height, insulation, window area and orientation, and shading all get inputs. Sizing by rule of thumb (or by matching the old unit's tonnage) is how homes end up with oversized systems that short‑cycle and leave humidity behind. Correct sizing is the single biggest driver of comfort and equipment life.

Question 2

How long does a new central AC install take?

Accepted Answer

A same‑for‑same swap of the outdoor condenser, indoor coil, and lineset is typically a full workday. First‑time central AC in a home with existing ductwork runs one to two days. A first‑time install in a home without ducts (adding all new supply and return runs) can stretch to three or four days depending on access.

Question 3

What brands do you install?

Accepted Answer

Carrier, Trane, Lennox, Rheem, Goodman, York, American Standard, Bryant, and Amana on the central side; Mitsubishi and Fujitsu on the ductless side. We'll recommend a brand and tier that fits your budget, efficiency goals, and how long you plan to stay in the home rather than pushing whatever's on promotion.

Question 4

SEER2 rating — does higher always mean better?

Accepted Answer

Higher SEER2 means lower operating cost, but the payback depends on how many hours the system runs each summer. Above about 18 SEER2, the extra equipment cost stops paying back in a reasonable window for a Philadelphia climate zone. We show run‑hour and energy‑cost math for each tier so the efficiency choice is grounded in your actual usage, not marketing.

Question 5

Do you pull permits and handle inspections?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All HVAC installs in Philadelphia and the surrounding townships require permits and inspections. We pull the permit, meet the inspector on‑site, and provide the closed permit for your records. Skipping the permit is a common corner cut on cash jobs that comes back to bite homeowners at resale.

Question 6

What happens to my old AC equipment?

Accepted Answer

The refrigerant is recovered per EPA Section 608 rules, the copper is recycled, and the outdoor condenser and indoor coil are hauled away as part of the install — you're not left with a rusted condenser next to the new one. If a replaced furnace or air handler is part of the same project, that comes with it.

Tier	Compressor	Outdoor Noise	Warranty
Standard 14.3 SEER2 $$ Budget-focused straight swap.	Single-stage	72–76 dB	10-yr parts
High-Efficiency 17 SEER2 $$$ Balanced comfort and payback.	Two-stage	60–68 dB	10-yr parts + 10-yr labor available
Premium 20+ SEER2 $$$$ Lowest bills, quietest, best humidity control.	Variable-speed inverter	55–60 dB	12-yr parts, extended options

Central AC Installed Right The First Time

Six steps from free estimate to first cold breath

Manual J Load Calculation

Equipment Selection

Ductwork Review

L&I Permit & Inspection

Install & Commission

Homeowner Walk-Through

Factory-authorized on the equipment you actually want

Standard, High-Efficiency, or Premium?

Flexible financing on new AC systems

Up to $2,600 back on qualifying installs

New central air across Greater Philadelphia

Frequently asked questions