HVAC questions
Costs, hours, financing, refrigerants, humidity and the problems Florida systems run into most. If your question isn’t here, call and ask.
Before you call
These answers come from the same approach used on every job: measure first, explain what the readings mean, and quote in writing before any work starts. For your specific system, a measured visit beats any general answer.
Straight answers
The residential diagnostic fee is $129, waived if you go ahead with a recommended repair over $250. Commercial diagnostics are $149, waived on repairs over $300, and you get a written quote before any work starts.
Monday through Saturday, 8 AM to 8 PM. You can call (904) 467-1100, book online or request a callback.
Eight Northeast Florida counties: Duval, Clay, St. Johns, Nassau, Baker, Bradford, Putnam and Flagler. The shop is on Jacksonville’s Westside.
Yes, for system replacements, through Synchrony, GreenSky or Wisetack, or you can use your own credit union’s home-improvement loan. The lender sets approval, rates and terms.
Yes. Military members, first responders and seniors get 10% off residential service. Mention it when you book.
It depends on the system’s age, its refrigerant type, its overall condition and the repair cost compared with replacement. Gee measures the system, shows you the readings and puts the options in a written quote so you can decide.
It varies widely with maintenance, installation quality and exposure to salt air. Many central systems in Florida last somewhere around 10 to 15 years, and heavy year-round use is a big reason they don’t last longer.
In Florida, twice a year is a good rule: once before the heavy cooling season and once in the fall. Systems here run most of the year and pull a lot of water out of the air.
Your AC cools the air and removes moisture at the same time. An oversized system or one with airflow problems can cool the house without drying it, leaving it clammy, so many sources recommend keeping indoor humidity below about 60%.
U.S. production and import of R-22 ended in 2020, so only recovered, recycled or existing supply is available. Recharging an R-22 system after a leak can be expensive, which often tips the repair-or-replace decision.
R-410A was the standard for many years. Under EPA rules, new residential systems are moving to lower-impact refrigerants such as R-454B and R-32.
Yes. Heat pumps handle mild winters well, and on colder mornings the backup heat strips help carry the load.
That is usually the defrost cycle, which clears frost off the outdoor coil. If the unit stays iced over, call for service.
The usual causes are low airflow, such as a dirty filter, closed vents or a blower problem, or a low refrigerant charge. Turn cooling off and let it thaw without chipping the ice, and call if it freezes again.
Most often the condensate drain line is clogged with algae or sludge, which Florida humidity encourages. Many systems have a float switch that shuts the AC off when the drain backs up, so clearing the line is the fix.
Check it monthly. Common 1-inch filters often need changing every one to three months, sooner with pets, pollen season or remodeling dust.
It lets you set schedules and adjust the temperature from your phone. It has to be compatible with your equipment, including heat pumps and heat strips, and some models need a common (C) wire.
Rooms without ductwork, such as additions, garages, sunrooms and converted spaces. Each indoor head can be controlled on its own.
Yes: walk-in coolers and freezers, reach-ins, prep tables and ice machines. The commercial diagnostic is $149, waived on repairs over $300.
Yes. Langston’s handles tenant calls, make-ready turnovers and per-unit HVAC inspection forms, and is a member of the First Coast Apartment Association.
Yes. You get a condition report with equipment age, refrigerant type and measured readings, and Langston’s is a JAXREIA member.
Yes. Langston’s holds Florida Certified Mechanical Contractor license CMC1251311 and is licensed and insured. You can look up any Florida contractor license through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
Federal rules require technicians who work with refrigerant in HVAC and refrigeration equipment to hold EPA Section 608 certification. Universal certification covers all equipment types.
Call (904) 467-1100, book online through the website, or use the callback form on the contact page. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 8 AM to 8 PM.
Langston’s Heating & Air Conditioning · Licensed CMC1251311 · Mon–Sat 8 AM–8 PM
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