Who Do I Hire to Fix an AC that is not Cooling?
The right trade for this job, what it typically costs in Florida, and how to describe the work so quotes come back accurate.
Short answer: hire a licensed AC repair tech. Before you call, check the filter and the breaker. If both are fine, a tech needs to read pressures — that is not a guess you can make from the thermostat.
Why this is the right trade
HVAC work requires a state CAC license or a county mechanical license. Refrigerant handling also requires EPA 608 certification.
Getting the trade right on the first call saves you a wasted service fee and, more often, a second week of waiting.
What it usually costs
| What it costs | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic visit | $79 – $150 |
| Capacitor or contactor replacement | $150 – $400 |
| Refrigerant leak repair and recharge | $450 – $1,600 |
| Full system replacement | $6,000 – $13,000 |
How to describe the job so quotes are accurate
- Take three photos: wide, close, and the model or label plate if there is one.
- Say when the problem started and whether it is getting worse.
- Note anything you already tried, so nobody bills you to repeat it.
- Mention access: gate codes, stairs, elevator reservations, or pets.
Ready for real quotes?
Post your project free and compare quotes from verified local pros.
Post a projectSigns you called the right pro
- They ask about air coming out cool but never reaching the thermostat setting.
- They ask about water around the air handler or a wet ceiling under it.
- They ask about system that short-cycles on and off every few minutes.
Red flags
- a recommendation to replace the whole system before anyone has measured refrigerant pressures
- a quote that does not list the tonnage, SEER2 rating, and model numbers
Most repairs are same-day. A full changeout is one to two days including permit and inspection.
Ready to compare real numbers? Post your project on QOTA and get quotes from verified Florida pros — no lead fees, no call storms, and payments held safely until the work is done.