Replacing your AC is one of the biggest investments you will make in your home, and the wrong installer can lock you into years of high energy bills and rooms that never feel quite comfortable. In a climate like Port St. Lucie, where the system works almost year round, the installer’s choices on day one quietly decide how much you pay and how your home feels for the next decade.
Many homeowners and small business owners in our area gather two or three quotes and notice how different they can look. One contractor talks mostly about brand and price. Another recommends a larger system “just to be safe.” Very few explain how they came up with those recommendations. The right questions help you see past the sales talk and understand who is focused on long term performance, not just closing a sale.
At GMS Heating & Cooling, we have been installing and servicing AC systems in Port St. Lucie, Palm City, and across Martin, St. Lucie, and Palm Beach Counties since 2013. Our family-run team brings more than 50 years of HVAC experience in Florida, and our technicians are non-commissioned, so their job is to get your system designed and installed correctly the first time. In this guide, we will share the key questions for an AC installer and explain what strong answers sound like in our local climate.
Start With The Basics: Licensing, Insurance, and Local Experience
Before you dive into detailed questions, you want to confirm that any AC installer you invite into your home or business is properly qualified. In Florida, that means checking that they hold the appropriate state HVAC license and carry liability and workers’ compensation insurance. This protects you if something goes wrong on the job, and it is the minimum bar any installer should clear.
Ask directly, “Are you licensed and insured in this county, and can you provide your license number.” A confident installer will be ready with that information and will not hesitate if you want to verify it. If the answer gets vague, or they brush off the question, that is a sign to move on. A legitimate company expects customers to ask and respects those who do.
Local experience is just as important as paperwork. Port St. Lucie, Martin County, St. Lucie County, and Palm Beach County all present similar climate challenges, but building styles and code enforcement can differ from neighborhood to neighborhood. Ask, “How long have you been installing systems in this area, and what kinds of homes or buildings do you typically work on.” You are looking for someone who regularly works in our coastal environment, understands local permitting offices, and knows how common construction types handle heat and humidity.
At GMS Heating & Cooling, we are fully licensed and insured, and we have been serving Port St. Lucie and surrounding communities since 2013. Because we live and work here, we are familiar with local inspectors, common attic and duct configurations, and how our weather stresses equipment. That kind of rooted experience is the baseline you should expect from any installer you trust with your property.
Ask How They Size Your New AC, Not Just What Size They Recommend
One of the most important questions for an AC installer in Florida is, “How will you determine the right size system for my home or building.” The answer to this reveals more about their approach than almost anything else. Proper sizing affects comfort, humidity control, equipment life, and your power bill. Getting it wrong can leave you uncomfortable and paying more every month.
Some installers still use rules of thumb, like a certain number of tons per square foot, or they simply match the size of your existing unit. Those shortcuts ignore real world factors. A proper load calculation, often called a Manual J calculation, looks at your home room by room. It accounts for insulation levels, window size and direction, doors, ceiling height, how much sun each side gets, and how many people typically occupy the space. In our hot, humid climate, these details matter.
Oversizing is a common mistake in Florida. A system that is too large will cool the air quickly and then shut off, which means it does not run long enough to pull moisture out of the air. The result is a cool but clammy house that feels uncomfortable and can encourage mold growth. Short cycling like this can also wear out components faster. On the other hand, an undersized system can run almost constantly on the hottest days and still struggle to reach the set temperature, which drives up energy use and stress on the equipment.
When you ask how they size, listen for specifics. A strong answer might include visiting your home, taking measurements, asking about hot or cold rooms, and possibly using software to perform a calculation. A weak answer sounds like, “We will just put in what you have now,” or, “We always go a little bigger so you are covered.” Those responses suggest they are guessing, not designing.
Our team at GMS Heating & Cooling evaluates each property before recommending equipment. Because our technicians are non-commissioned, they have no incentive to oversell larger systems. They focus on matching capacity to your actual load so your system runs long enough to control humidity while keeping energy use as low as practical. Any installer you choose should be able to explain their process at this level, in plain language you can follow.
Dig Into Ductwork, Airflow, and Humidity Control
Your AC equipment is only one part of the comfort picture. The ductwork and airflow throughout your home or business determine how effectively that cooled air reaches each room. In Port St. Lucie and nearby coastal areas, many of the hot and stuffy room complaints we see trace back to ducts that are undersized, leaky, or poorly laid out.
Ask your installer, “Will you inspect my existing ductwork and airflow before quoting the job, and what will you check.” A thorough installer will want to see the duct layout in the attic or crawlspace, measure or at least estimate duct sizes, and look for obvious issues like crushed runs, missing insulation, or disconnected joints. They may talk about checking static pressure, which is a way of measuring how much resistance the air encounters as it moves through the system.
Airflow is as important as cooling capacity. If air cannot move freely, some rooms will never reach the set temperature, even with a brand new unit. You may also hear more noise from vents if ducts are too small or have too many sharp turns. A good installer will explain whether your existing ducts are suitable for the new system, need repairs, or should be modified. If someone says they never look at ducts and will simply hook the new unit to whatever is there, that suggests they are focused only on the equipment box, not the whole system.
Humidity control is another critical issue in Florida. Our climate puts a heavy moisture load on every home. The system must run long enough and move air correctly across the indoor coil to condense and remove that moisture. Ask, “How will this system handle humidity in my home,” and see if the installer talks about runtime, airflow, thermostat settings, and equipment features designed to improve dehumidification. Answers that ignore humidity or treat it as an afterthought are a concern in our area.
Because we regularly work on everything from small residential systems to larger commercial installations, our team at GMS Heating & Cooling is used to identifying duct and airflow issues that cause ongoing problems. We design and install systems with Florida’s humidity in mind, not just the outdoor temperature. Any installer you hire should be able to connect the dots between ducts, airflow, and humidity when you ask these questions.
Clarify What Is Included in the Quote and How Pricing Works
Once you understand an installer’s design approach, you need clarity on what you are actually buying. Two quotes that look very different on price can be very different in what they include. To compare fairly, you need to know exactly what each installer plans to do and what they are leaving out.
Start by asking, “What exactly is included in this quote.” Ask if the price covers permits, removal and disposal of the old system, new thermostat installation if needed, and any electrical work required to support the new equipment. Confirm whether new refrigerant lines are included, or if they plan to reuse existing ones, and whether they will replace or modify any ductwork. If they mention duct repairs or modifications, ask if that cost is already in the quote or will be added later.
Hidden or unclear costs often appear in areas like line set replacement, pad replacement, condensate drainage improvements, or code required upgrades that were not discussed up front. An installer who simply gives you a total number without a clear breakdown makes it hard to tell what you are getting. A transparent installer will walk you through the major components of the job and explain where extra costs might arise, for example if they find severely damaged ductwork once they access your attic.
Also ask, “Is this quote for specific models and efficiency ratings, and can you show me the model numbers.” This lets you compare not just price, but also equipment tier and expected efficiency. You can then discuss whether there are options at different efficiency levels, and how those choices might affect both upfront cost and long term operating costs in our extended cooling season.
At GMS Heating & Cooling, we provide upfront pricing with no hidden fees and free estimates for all our customers. We break down what the quote includes so you understand what you are paying for before any work begins, and we can explain available flexible financing options when that is helpful for your budget. When you talk to any installer, look for that same level of clarity and willingness to answer detailed questions about their pricing.
Understand Installation Process, Timeline, and Clean-Up
Even a well designed system can create headaches if the installation process is disorganized. You should come away from your conversations with a clear picture of what happens on installation day and how the installer will care for your home or business during the work. These questions for an AC installer help you gauge their professionalism and planning.
Ask, “How long will the installation take, and how many technicians will be on site.” For a straightforward residential replacement in our area, many jobs can be completed in a day, although more complex projects or significant duct changes can take longer. A seasoned installer will explain what timeline they expect for your specific situation and will describe any factors that could extend that timeline, such as difficult access or electrical upgrades.
Process details matter. Ask them to walk you through the steps they take, from recovering refrigerant from the old unit, to setting and connecting the new equipment, to evacuating the system and checking for leaks, to charging it correctly and testing operation. You do not need every technical detail, but you want to hear that they evacuate the refrigerant lines with a vacuum pump, verify there are no leaks, and check refrigerant charge and airflow against the manufacturer’s specifications before they leave.
Your property should be protected during the work. Ask, “How will you protect my floors and walls, and how will you clean up after the job.” Look for mention of drop cloths, shoe covers, and how they will handle debris from the old equipment. Also ask, “What time will you arrive and leave, and will you walk me through the new system before you go.” An installer who plans a final walk-through to show you how to use your thermostat, change filters, and understand basic maintenance is signaling that they care about the full experience, not just setting equipment in place.
GMS Heating & Cooling offers same-day service options and weekend appointments when scheduling allows, which gives our customers flexibility when planning installations around work and family. Our team keeps you informed about arrival times, expected duration, and any issues we encounter. You should expect that level of communication from any installer you choose, especially when your home’s comfort is offline during part of the day.
Ask About Warranties, Workmanship, and What Happens If Something Goes Wrong
Even with a careful design and quality installation, equipment can fail or issues can appear in the first months of operation. Before you sign anything, you want to understand how each installer handles problems after the job is done. Your questions here should focus on both manufacturer warranties and the installer’s own workmanship coverage.
Ask, “What is the manufacturer warranty on this equipment, and what does it cover.” Many modern systems include multi-year parts coverage, but labor coverage can be different. Then ask, “Do you provide a warranty on your workmanship, and for how long.” A reputable installer will clearly explain how long they stand behind their labor and what that means in practice if a connection leaks, a drain line clogs, or another installation-related problem turns up.
Response time matters when your home or business loses cooling in Port St. Lucie’s heat. Ask, “If I have an issue after install, who do I call, and how quickly can you typically come out.” Listen for an answer that describes a clear point of contact, typical response windows, and how they prioritize warranty or recent installation calls. Vague assurances without specifics can be a sign that you may struggle to get timely help later.
You should also ask if they will register your equipment with the manufacturer or if that is your responsibility. Some manufacturers offer longer warranty terms when systems are registered within a certain time frame. An installer who helps with this process is helping you maximize your coverage.
At GMS Heating & Cooling, we back our work with a satisfaction guarantee and maintain a strong commitment to professionalism on every project. We are available for weekend and emergency appointments when urgent needs arise, and our goal is to resolve installation-related issues quickly so your home or business returns to normal. Use these same questions with any installer to find out how they will support you after the check clears.
Talk About Maintenance Plans and Long-Term Operating Costs
Most people focus on the price of the new system, but in Florida, the cost to run that system over ten to fifteen years often dwarfs the upfront cost. Asking an AC installer about maintenance and operating costs helps you see how they think about the full life of your system, not just the installation.
Ask, “Do you offer maintenance plans, and what do they include.” A solid maintenance plan typically involves scheduled inspections and tune ups that include checking refrigerant levels, cleaning coils, verifying electrical connections, clearing condensate drains, and confirming proper airflow. These visits help keep efficiency close to factory levels, catch minor issues before they become major repairs, and can be important for keeping warranties valid.
In a climate like Port St. Lucie, where AC systems often run for much of the year, efficiency ratings like SEER2 make a real difference in monthly bills. Ask your installer to explain the efficiency rating of the systems they are recommending and how that compares to other options. You can also ask, “Can you give me a rough idea of how the operating costs might differ between this system and a higher efficiency option for a home like mine.” While no one can predict your exact bill, an experienced installer can give a reasonable comparison based on typical usage patterns in our area.
Maintenance and efficiency go together. A higher efficiency system that is not maintained can waste much of its potential savings. Ask, “How often should this system be serviced in our climate, and what happens if I skip maintenance.” A thoughtful answer will connect maintenance to reliability, comfort, and energy use, rather than treating it as an afterthought.
GMS Heating & Cooling designs customized maintenance programs that fit different budgets and use patterns. Our goal is to extend system life, maintain comfort, and help keep energy costs as low as practical for homes and businesses in Port St. Lucie and surrounding counties. When you speak with any installer, you should come away with a clear picture of how they will help you care for your system after installation day.
Use These Questions To Compare Installers and Choose With Confidence
The most valuable thing you can bring to a meeting with an AC installer is a clear list of questions and the confidence to ask them. Print or save the questions that matter most to you, from how they size the system and inspect ductwork, to what is included in the quote, to how they handle warranties and maintenance. As you talk with different companies, take notes on not only what they say, but how clearly they explain their answers.
Listen for signs that the installer welcomes your questions and can explain technical topics like load calculations, airflow, and humidity control in everyday language. Notice whether they volunteer information about potential issues, such as older ductwork or code upgrades, instead of avoiding them to keep the bid low. Watch for red flags, like sizing only by square footage, dismissing duct or humidity concerns, or refusing to clarify what is in the quote.
We encourage you to use these questions with any AC installer you consider. If you would like to see how a local, non-commissioned team answers them for your home or business, our family at GMS Heating & Cooling would be glad to visit, provide a free estimate, and walk through your options in detail. Our goal is to help you choose a system and installation approach that keeps you comfortable and confident for years to come.
Call (772) 283-6746 to schedule your AC installation estimate or ask our team your questions today.