What's involved
How a ac replacement & ductwork job goes
Load calculation
The right size comes from your home's square footage, windows, insulation and orientation, not from the old unit's label.
Equipment selection
New systems use the newer refrigerants R-454B or R-32. These can't be mixed into an old R-410A system, so mismatched old and new parts are a red flag.
Ductwork check
Leaky or undersized ducts can waste a large share of what you pay to cool. Sealing or replacing them is often part of a good job.
Installation and inspection
Pad or stand, electrical disconnect, drain line and permit inspection, then a startup check of airflow and refrigerant charge.
South Florida specifics
What's different here
The things a contractor from out of the area can miss.
- Humidity control matters as much as temperature here. An oversized system cools fast but leaves the house clammy.
- Older homes often have ducts in a hot attic with failing insulation. Replacing the unit without checking ducts leaves money on the table.
- Insurers look at AC age on 4-point inspections for older homes, so an old system can come up at renewal.
Before you hire
What I make sure is in your estimate
When I connect you with a contractor, these are the items I check so nothing gets added halfway through the job.
- A load calculation, not just matching the old size
- Brand, model and efficiency rating in writing
- Refrigerant type and matched indoor and outdoor units
- Duct inspection or sealing included
- Permit, inspection and disposal of the old unit
- Labor warranty, not just the manufacturer's
Questions
AC Replacement & Ductwork: common questions
Can I still get an R-410A system?
Manufacturing of new R-410A residential systems ended in 2025, and new systems use R-454B or R-32. Some leftover inventory may still be around, but most homeowners now get a newer-refrigerant system. Ask what your contractor is installing and why.
Is a bigger AC better in Miami?
No. An oversized unit turns on and off quickly and doesn't remove enough humidity, so the house feels damp. A proper load calculation gets the size right.
Does my AC affect my insurance?
For older homes, AC age and condition are part of the 4-point inspection that many insurers require, so an aging system can come up at renewal.
Related
Often done together
Areas served
Every city in Miami-Dade and Broward.
Wherever your home is in South Florida, I'll connect you with a licensed contractor who already works in your area.
Miami-Dade County
- Aventura
- Bal Harbour
- Bay Harbor Islands
- Biscayne Park
- Coral Gables
- Cutler Bay
- Doral
- El Portal
- Florida City
- Golden Beach
- Hialeah
- Hialeah Gardens
- Homestead
- Indian Creek
- Key Biscayne
- Medley
- Miami
- Miami Beach
- Miami Gardens
- Miami Lakes
- Miami Shores
- Miami Springs
- North Bay Village
- North Miami
- North Miami Beach
- Opa-locka
- Palmetto Bay
- Pinecrest
- South Miami
- Sunny Isles Beach
- Surfside
- Sweetwater
- Virginia Gardens
- West Miami
- Kendall
- Westchester
- Brickell
- Coconut Grove
- Unincorporated Miami-Dade
Broward County
- Coconut Creek
- Cooper City
- Coral Springs
- Dania Beach
- Davie
- Deerfield Beach
- Fort Lauderdale
- Hallandale Beach
- Hillsboro Beach
- Hollywood
- Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
- Lauderdale Lakes
- Lauderhill
- Lazy Lake
- Lighthouse Point
- Margate
- Miramar
- North Lauderdale
- Oakland Park
- Parkland
- Pembroke Park
- Pembroke Pines
- Plantation
- Pompano Beach
- Sea Ranch Lakes
- Southwest Ranches
- Sunrise
- Tamarac
- West Park
- Weston
- Wilton Manors
- Unincorporated Broward
Get connected
Tell me about your ac replacement & ductwork project.
I'll call or text you back, usually the same day, and connect you with the right licensed contractor.