A new AC system in Florida has to do more than cool the house on day one. It has to handle 10 months of cooling load, manage humidity without short-cycling, pass a permit inspection, mount to current hurricane wind-load specs, and meet 2026 refrigerant and SEER2 rules that did not exist two years ago. Installations that skip those steps cost homeowners twice — once in the wrong-sized system, again when the warranty falls through or the inspector flags the work.
TLS Energy Savers installs AC the right way. Manual J load calculation before the quote. Permit pulled by a Florida-licensed contractor. Hurricane-code mounting on every condenser. AHRI-matched equipment from every major manufacturer. Duke Energy and FPL rebate paperwork filed for you, not handed to you. Free in-home estimate, no pressure, no obligation.
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Most of the country uses an AC for three or four months. Florida uses it for ten. That single difference changes everything about how a system should be sized, installed, and inspected.
Right-sized to your actual home — humidity, insulation, glazing, leakage — not square-foot guessing that leaves rooms clammy.
Florida Statute 489 compliant. Unpermitted installs void warranties and complicate home sales — we file and walk the inspection.
7th Edition Florida Building Code, 120–185 mph by county: rated pad, stainless straps, ground anchoring.
R-454B or R-32 equipment, AHRI-matched, hitting the efficiency minimums that apply to every new system.
Coastal corrosion shortens coil life — material and placement choices are made at install, not after.
Our AC installation process is a proven eight-step sequence — from Manual J sizing to final inspection — that we follow on every job across Southwest Florida. The order matters: the steps competitors skip are the ones that decide whether your system runs efficiently for 12 years or limps along for 7.
We start with a free in-home evaluation. A licensed TLS technician runs an ACCA Manual J load calculation — measuring your insulation R-values, window glazing and orientation, ceiling height, air leakage, and shading — to find the exact cooling load and tonnage your home needs in BTUs, not your old unit's nameplate. We inspect your existing ductwork while we're there. Expect 60–90 minutes on site, with no obligation.
You pick the brand. As a multi-brand installer, we match your new condenser, air handler, and evaporator coil as an AHRI certified system — mismatched equipment loses efficiency and can void warranties. We walk you through SEER2 tiers, refrigerant options (R-454B or R-32), and whether an AC or heat pump best fits your home and your rebate stack.
We hand you an itemized written estimate with rebate eligibility shown line-item — Duke Energy, FPL, and the federal Section 25C tax credit — plus Wisetack financing options if you want to spread payments. The quote is valid 30 days, with no hidden fees and no last-minute changes.
Florida Statute 489 requires a licensed contractor to pull the mechanical permit, so we file it with your local building department, document the hurricane wind-load specs for your county, schedule the inspection, and walk the inspector through the install. You sign nothing at the permit office.
We disconnect your old condenser and air handler, recover the refrigerant per EPA 608 standards with a certified technician, and haul the old equipment away at no charge. We inspect the concrete pad and replace it if it's cracked, undersized, or out of code before the new system goes down.
On install day, we set your new condenser on a rated pad with stainless-steel hurricane straps, install the air handler and evaporator coil, replace or nitrogen-purge and flush the lineset, update the electrical disconnect and breaker, and slope the drain line with a float switch. We run a C-wire for smart-thermostat compatibility, protect your floors, and clean up before we leave. Most installs are completed within our 3–4 day window.
We pull a triple-evacuation vacuum to remove moisture and non-condensables from the lineset, weigh in the refrigerant to manufacturer spec, and verify sub-cooling, superheat, static pressure, and airflow. This is the step cheap installs skip — and the one that decides whether your system actually delivers its rated SEER2 efficiency.
We demonstrate system operation, program your thermostat, and register the manufacturer warranty in your name on the spot. We submit your Duke Energy and FPL rebate paperwork on your behalf, and we schedule a 30-day follow-up call before we leave.
Free in-home estimate, Manual J load calculation, written quote — no pressure, no obligation.
Six things separate us from the contractors competing for your AC installation in Southwest Florida — family-owned since 2015, Florida-licensed, multi-brand installers trusted by 50,000+ homes across Tampa, Sarasota, Fort Myers, and the Gulf Coast.
Most installers are locked into one or two manufacturer partnerships, so their "recommendation" is whichever brand pays the highest commission. We install every major AC brand sold in Florida, so we recommend the system that fits your home, your budget, your warranty preference, and your rebate stack — never a partner contract.
We hold Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation License #CAC1822364, with full liability insurance, workers' comp, and bonding on every install. We pull the mechanical permit on every job and walk it through inspection ourselves — never your problem.
When we send someone to install your AC, you know exactly who you're dealing with. Our 30+ technicians are W-2 employees — never subcontracted — every one background-screened, EPA 608 certified for refrigerant handling, and trained on the new R-454B and R-32 refrigerants.
We started as a small family operation in 2015. Today we're 30+ technicians across 6 office locations — but still family-owned, still locally accountable, and still showing up the way a neighbor would. We don't answer to corporate dispatch in another state.
More than 50,000 Florida homes have trusted us with their cooling, insulation, or both. Our insulation background is a quiet advantage on every install — we check your attic R-value and duct condition before we size your AC, because an oversized system fed by an under-insulated attic costs you twice.
Our six offices — Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Bradenton, Punta Gorda, and Fort Myers — mean a TLS installer is rarely more than 30 minutes from your home. Compare that to national chains routing every call through a central dispatcher in another state.
We complete most AC installations within 3 to 4 days, from the day you approve our written quote to the day your new system passes its final county inspection. We treat installation as a complete project — we run a Manual J load calculation, pull the permit, install your AHRI-matched system, and walk it through inspection — so every system we put in is permitted, code-compliant, and protected by a registered warranty from day one.
How long we take depends on the scope of your job, not just the equipment you choose. When we replace a system and reuse your existing ductwork in good condition, we install fastest — usually inside our 3-to-4-day window. When we add new ductwork, upgrade your electrical panel, or work around a tight attic or closet, we plan for a little more time, because each of those tasks carries its own labor, materials, and sometimes a separate electrical permit.
Here is how the most common factors shape the timeline on a Southwest Florida home we install in:
We move every installation through four phases across those 3 to 4 days. Each phase protects the next — the permit clears the work, the install earns the inspection, and the inspection locks in your warranty and rebates.
We move fast where it counts. We schedule most free in-home estimates within 24 to 48 hours of your call, and once you approve our written quote, we typically book your installation within one to three business days. If your AC has failed completely in peak summer, ask us about emergency dispatch when you call (833) 857-7283 — we do everything we can to get your home cool again quickly. On install day, we just ask that you keep clear access to your air handler, the outdoor condenser pad, the thermostat, and the electrical panel, and that pets stay in a quiet room. If we don't believe we can finish your installation in the expected window, we tell you before you sign — no surprises.
Every written quote we hand you includes the work below — no surprise line items, no "we forgot to mention that" add-ons. This is the standard we install to on every AC installation across Southwest Florida.
We size every system with an ACCA Manual J load calculation, measuring your home's heat gain from insulation R-values, window glazing and orientation, ceiling height, air leakage, and shading to find the exact cooling load in BTUs. Right-sizing prevents short-cycling and the cold-but-clammy rooms that come from an oversized AC — and it's the only way your new system delivers its rated SEER2 efficiency. We never set tonnage by square footage or your old unit's nameplate.
We match your new condenser, air handler, and evaporator coil as a system verified in the AHRI (Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute) certified-match database. Mismatched equipment can lose 5–15% efficiency and void the manufacturer warranty, so we confirm the certified pairing before install and file the AHRI certificate in your records, where it also protects your rebate eligibility.
We mount every condenser to the 7th Edition Florida Building Code, which requires AC equipment to withstand wind loads of 120 to 185 mph depending on your county. That means a rated concrete pad, stainless-steel hurricane tie-down straps, and ground anchoring per manufacturer spec — the difference between an install that passes inspection and one that tears loose in a storm.
Florida Statute 489 requires a licensed HVAC contractor to pull the mechanical permit on any AC installation, so we file it with your local building department under license #CAC1822364, schedule the inspection, and walk the inspector through the work. You handle none of it — and you never risk the voided warranty or stalled home sale that an unpermitted install creates.
We disconnect your old AC, recover its refrigerant per EPA 608 standards with a certified technician, and haul the equipment away at no extra charge — no disposal fee and no old unit left sitting in your yard. We also inspect the existing concrete pad and replace it if it's cracked, undersized, or out of code before the new condenser goes down.
Even if you keep your current thermostat today, we run a C-wire and smart-thermostat-compatible low-voltage wiring at install. That future-proofs your system for a Nest, Ecobee, Honeywell, or Sensi upgrade without a second service call to fish a new wire through the wall later.
Manufacturer warranties often run up to 10 years on parts — but only when the system is registered inside the manufacturer's window. We register your warranty on your behalf at install, so you never lose coverage to a missed paperwork deadline. Exact parts-and-labor terms are confirmed in your written quote, and extended labor-coverage options are available.
We're an authorized contractor for Duke Energy and a Participating Independent Contractor for Florida Power & Light, so when your install qualifies we file the rebate paperwork directly — you don't fill out forms or chase the utility for status. We also flag federal Section 25C tax-credit eligibility and stack incentives where they apply. See available Duke + FPL rebates.
Most Florida AC companies will tell you that you "might qualify for rebates." We do more than mention them — we're an authorized contractor for both Duke Energy and Florida Power & Light (FPL), which means we handle every step of the rebate paperwork ourselves. No application forms for you to fill out, and no follow-up calls to chase.
Here's what's available on a qualifying installation across Southwest Florida:
Each program has its own rules, and that's exactly where we earn our keep. FPL rebates require an active FPL residential account, a matched high-efficiency A/C or heat pump (indoor + outdoor), installation by an FPL Participating Independent Contractor, and no rebate on the same system within the last two years. Duke Energy rebates require a licensed, insured contractor, installation to Duke standards, a Home Energy Check completed within the last 24 months, and equipment that meets Duke's SEER thresholds.
The process is the part that matters. During your free in-home estimate, we confirm exactly which rebates your address and equipment qualify for and break each one out as a line item on your written quote — not a vague promise. After we complete your installation, we file the paperwork for you and hand you copies of every submission for your records. Because rebate amounts and eligibility can change, we re-verify the current programs on every job. See our rebates and incentives page for current program details.
January 1, 2026 was a real shift in the air conditioning business. If you're installing a new system this year, you're buying in a different market than you were two years ago — new efficiency rules, a new refrigerant, and higher equipment prices. Here's exactly what changed, what it means for your install, and how we guide you through every part of it.
Every new central air conditioner installed in Florida now has to meet a SEER2 minimum efficiency rating. SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2) is the U.S. Department of Energy's updated standard that measures cooling output against energy use under more realistic conditions than the old SEER metric it replaced.
Florida sits in the DOE's Southern region, which carries the strictest residential minimums in the country. New split-system air conditioners under 45,000 BTU must meet SEER2 14.3 or higher, and larger systems must meet SEER2 13.8. An installer quoting a system below these numbers is quoting equipment that cannot legally pass a Florida inspection.
Rebate and tax-credit programs raise the bar further — many Duke Energy and FPL tiers, plus the federal Section 25C tax credit, require SEER2 15.2 or higher to qualify. We recommend equipment that clears both the code minimum and your rebate-qualifying threshold in one decision, so you never miss an incentive you were eligible for.
R-410A refrigerant is finished for new AC equipment. Beginning January 1, 2026, manufacturers stopped producing new air conditioners and heat pumps charged with R-410A, and only limited existing inventory remained available briefly afterward.
Two low-GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerants replaced it: R-454B and R-32. Both are classified A2L — mildly flammable — so they require updated leak detection, line-set practices, tools, and certified handling. Every TLS technician is EPA 608 certified and trained specifically on R-454B and R-32 safety procedures, so your install meets the new handling standards from day one.
Both refrigerants cool exactly as well as R-410A — you won't notice any performance difference in your home. And your existing R-410A system isn't obsolete: it can still be legally serviced, repaired, and recharged for years to come. Only brand-new installations are affected by the switch.
New AC equipment costs roughly 10–20% more in 2026 than it did in 2024, and four forces pushed prices up at the same time.
First, the refrigerant transition forced manufacturers to redesign condensers, coils, and safety systems around A2L refrigerants — a costly engineering reset passed down the supply chain. Second, the SEER2 efficiency jump made higher-tier equipment the standard rather than the upgrade. Third, post-pandemic supply-chain costs settled higher than pre-2020 levels. Fourth, tariffs on imported components and finished units added to the landed cost.
The upside is real: higher-efficiency systems carry a larger upfront premium, but they often recover it faster on your monthly power bill across Florida's ten-month cooling season — and stacked incentives can erase much of the increase entirely.
Federal Section 25C tax credits, Duke Energy rebates, and FPL rebates often offset the 2026 price increase entirely when they're stacked correctly. The catch is paperwork — every program has its own eligibility rules, equipment requirements, and contractor requirements, and a single missed detail can disqualify an otherwise eligible system. During your free in-home estimate, we verify exactly what you qualify for, show the dollar amounts line-item on your written quote, and recommend the equipment tier that maximizes your rebate stack without pushing you into more system than your home needs. See available Duke + FPL rebates.
Florida AC installation cost varies more than most homeowners expect — a straight equipment-only swap costs far less than a full system with new ductwork and a panel upgrade. We keep it simple: every quote is itemized, every rebate is shown line-item, and the price on your written estimate is the price you pay.
Every estimate is free with no obligation. A licensed technician runs the Manual J load calculation, walks your home, and hands you a written quote on the spot. No visit fee, and no pressure to sign that day.
We work with Wisetack to offer financing on qualifying installs, including 0% APR options for borrowers who qualify. Pre-qualification takes about 60 seconds and uses a soft credit pull only — no impact to your credit score.
Duke and FPL rebates plus eligible federal tax credits, stacked correctly, offset a meaningful share of your install cost. Combined with financing, the monthly cost of a new high-efficiency system is sometimes less than the energy savings on the bill it replaces.
Every TLS install ships with Manual J sizing, a Florida-licensed contractor on the permit, hurricane-code mounting, AHRI-matched equipment, and Duke + FPL rebate paperwork filed for you. Free in-home estimate, no pressure.
We install AC from six office locations across Southwest Florida, covering Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, and Lee counties, plus parts of Polk and DeSoto — 100+ cities across seven counties in total. Local technicians who already know your county's permit and wind-load rules get the install right the first time.
If your address sits outside the cities listed above, call us — our service-area boundaries shift as we open new dispatch routes, and there's a good chance we cover you. Call (833) 857-7283 to confirm we install in your area.
As a true multi-brand installer, we install and service every major air conditioning brand sold in Florida — over 30 manufacturers. We're not locked into one partnership, so we recommend what fits your home, budget, and rebate stack, not a quota.
All product names, logos, and brands are the property of their respective owners. TLS Energy Savers is an independent installer and is not affiliated with or endorsed by these manufacturers unless explicitly stated.
Straight answers to what Florida homeowners ask us most before installing a new AC.
Most Florida AC installations take 3 to 4 days, from the day you approve your written quote to the day the system passes its final county inspection. A standard equipment swap with existing ductwork installs fastest; new ductwork, an electrical panel upgrade, or difficult attic access can add a day or two. Permit approval typically takes 1–3 business days, and the inspection follows 24–48 hours after the install.
AC installation cost varies with system tonnage, SEER2 tier, refrigerant type, ductwork condition, electrical service, and access. Most Southwest Florida homes need a 2.5–4 ton system. Duke Energy and FPL rebates, plus eligible federal tax credits, offset a meaningful share of the upfront cost. Every TLS quote is itemized, with each rebate shown line-item — the price on the written estimate is the price you pay.
Florida homes typically need more cooling capacity per square foot than cooler climates because of humidity and the long cooling season. A rough rule is one ton per 400–500 square feet, but proper sizing requires a Manual J load calculation that measures insulation, windows, ceiling height, orientation, and air leakage. We run Manual J on every install quote so your system is sized to your actual home, not a guess.
Yes. Florida Statute 489 requires a licensed HVAC contractor to pull a mechanical permit for any AC installation, removal, or replacement. Unpermitted installs can void manufacturer warranties and complicate home sales. We file the permit and walk it through inspection on every job — our license is #CAC1822364.
In Florida's DOE Southern region, new split-system air conditioners under 45,000 BTU must meet SEER2 14.3 or higher, and larger systems require SEER2 13.8 minimum. Many Duke Energy and FPL rebate programs and the federal Section 25C tax credit require SEER2 15.2 or higher to qualify. We size equipment that meets both the code minimum and your rebate threshold.
R-454B is a low-GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerant that replaced R-410A in new AC equipment starting January 2026. Along with R-32, it's now the standard refrigerant for new central AC systems. R-454B cools as well as R-410A but requires updated tools and certified handling — every TLS technician is trained on R-454B and R-32.
No. Manufacturers stopped producing R-410A equipment, so all new installs must use R-454B or R-32. Your existing R-410A system can still be serviced and recharged for years to come — only new equipment is affected by the change.
Use the 30% rule: if the repair quote exceeds 30% of replacement cost, especially on a system 10+ years old, replacement usually makes more financial sense. Other replacement triggers include R-22 refrigerant, multiple major repairs in 24 months, a SEER rating under 13, or recurring humidity problems. We give you an honest comparison before you decide.
Florida AC systems typically last 10–15 years — shorter than the 15–20 year national average due to the 10-month cooling season and humidity. Coastal homes with salt-air exposure often see 7–12 years from faster coil corrosion. Regular twice-yearly maintenance can extend lifespan by 3–5 years.
Yes. We install every major AC brand sold in Florida and aren't locked into a single-manufacturer partnership. We recommend what fits your budget, warranty preference, and rebate eligibility — not what we have on a partner contract.
Yes. We're an authorized contractor for Duke Energy and a Participating Independent Contractor for Florida Power & Light. We verify your eligibility during the estimate, show dollar amounts line-item on your quote, and file the paperwork on your behalf after install — you don't chase the utility for status updates.
Manufacturer warranties on new AC equipment often run up to 10 years on parts when registered within the manufacturer's window — and we register on your behalf at install. Exact parts-and-labor terms vary by equipment and brand and are confirmed in your written quote. Extended labor-coverage options are available.
Yes. TLS holds Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation License #CAC1822364, with full liability insurance and workers' compensation. Every technician is background-checked, EPA 608 certified for refrigerant handling, and trained on R-454B and R-32. We're also EPA Lead Safe Certified and BBB Accredited with an A+ rating.
Yes. We work with Wisetack for financing on qualifying installs, including 0% APR options for borrowers who qualify. Pre-qualification takes about 60 seconds with a soft credit pull only — no impact to your credit score. Ask your estimator for current terms.
We schedule most free in-home estimates within 24–48 hours of your call. Once you approve the quote, we typically book the installation within 1–3 business days and complete it inside the 3–4 day window. If your AC has failed completely in peak summer, ask us about emergency dispatch when you call (833) 857-7283.
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