After you get an AC replacement estimate, read the written scope line by line, confirm how long the price is good, and ask about warranty terms before you sign. Once you approve it, the contractor orders equipment, pulls the permit, schedules your install day, and arranges the final inspection. Two quotes that look alike on paper often differ in what they include, so the scope matters more than the total.
What should an AC replacement estimate include?
A free estimate is only useful if it is written down and specific. A total with a brand name is not enough to compare. Ask for a scope that lists each item below.
| Item | What it should say |
|---|---|
| Outdoor unit | Brand, model number, size, and efficiency rating |
| Indoor unit | Air handler or furnace and coil, with model numbers that match the outdoor unit |
| System type | Single-stage, two-stage, or variable capacity, and whether it is a straight AC or a heat pump |
| Ductwork | Reuse, repair, seal, or replace, and which sections |
| Refrigerant lines | Reuse and flush, or replace |
| Thermostat | Included or not, and which model |
| Pad, stand, and tie-downs | New pad or stand, and anchoring for the outdoor unit |
| Drain and safety parts | Drain line, float switch, drain pan |
| Permit and inspection | Who pulls it and whether the fee is included |
| Haul-away | Removal of old equipment and proper refrigerant recovery |
If a line is missing, ask about it before you sign. Missing lines are where extra charges show up later.
You can check that the indoor and outdoor model numbers on a quote are a certified match in the AHRI Directory of Certified Product Performance. For an overview of the systems Great Dane installs, see the AC replacement and installation page.
The takeaway: A quote you can compare lists every item in the table, with model numbers, in writing.
How long is an AC replacement quote good for?
Every quote has a shelf life. Equipment prices change, and manufacturers adjust pricing during the year. Refrigerant changes in the industry have also moved some prices.
Get the expiration date in writing
Ask the contractor how many days the price is valid. Ask that the date be written on the quote. If you plan to wait for a second opinion, tell them. A fair company will tell you plainly whether the number holds.
Ask what could change the price after work starts
Ask whether the price could change after the install starts. A common reason is damaged ductwork or a rusted platform found once the old unit is out. Ask how that would be handled. Ask whether you would approve any change in writing first.
The takeaway: Know the date your price expires and how mid-job changes get approved before you sign.
Why do two similar AC replacement quotes come in at different prices?
Homeowners often say the recommended systems looked about the same on paper. The difference usually comes from scope, not the box itself. These are the common drivers:
- System type. A single-stage unit runs at one speed. A two-stage or variable capacity system runs longer at lower output. That can give better comfort and humidity control in a Jacksonville summer, which matters if your house feels sticky at 74 degrees. It also costs more.
- Ductwork. One quote may reuse ducts. Another may replace them. Ask each company to show you why.
- Line set. Replacing refrigerant lines adds labor and material.
- Indoor location. An air handler in a hot attic or a tight closet takes more time than one in a garage.
- Coastal and storm extras. Homes near the water in Ponte Vedra or St. Augustine deal with salt air. Some quotes include coated coils or a raised stand. Anchoring the outdoor unit for wind is part of the job in Florida.
- Sizing method. A load calculation looks at your home’s insulation, windows, and sun exposure. A quote that matches the old tonnage without checking may be smaller or larger than you need.
- Permit, thermostat, and haul-away. Some quotes include these. Some list them separately.
How to compare them
Put the quotes side by side using the table above. Fill in each line for each company. The gap usually becomes clear.
If ductwork is a problem, or you only need to cool part of the house, read about ductless mini-split systems before you decide.
The takeaway: Price gaps between similar quotes almost always trace back to differences in scope, so compare line by line.
What should you ask before you sign an AC replacement quote?
Bring these questions to the contractor. Get the answers in writing where you can.
- What are the terms on the replacement warranty? Ask what the manufacturer covers and what the installer covers. Parts and labor are often separate.
- Does the equipment need to be registered? Some manufacturer warranties require registration within a set time after install. Ask who does it.
- Are there maintenance requirements? Some warranties expect regular service. Ask what records you need to keep, and whether a maintenance plan covers them.
- Who does the work? Ask whether the crew is the company’s own or a subcontractor.
- Is the contractor licensed? In Florida you can look up an HVAC license number with the state through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation license search.
- Can I buy the equipment myself and pay for labor? Many licensed contractors will not install customer-supplied equipment. Warranty and liability are the usual reasons. Ask directly.
- What happens if something is found during the install? Ask how changes get approved.
A clear answer to each question is a good sign. A rush to sign today is not.
The takeaway: Warranty terms, registration, licensing, and change approvals should all be settled before you sign.
Is a second opinion on an AC replacement worth it?
For a full replacement, a second opinion is reasonable. It is a large purchase, and a snap decision in a hot house is easy to regret.
Set up a fair comparison
Check whether the visit is free before you book. Many companies offer a free estimate for replacement. Give each company the same information about your home and how it performs. Ask each one to explain why they chose the size and system type they did.
Ask whether a repair can buy you time
If your AC cannot keep up and the house sits near 80 degrees, ask whether an AC repair could hold you over while you compare. Sometimes the problem is a single part. Sometimes the system is near the end. A good technician will tell you which.
Before you call, check the current HVAC specials and coupons.
The takeaway: A second written quote on a full replacement is reasonable, as long as both companies get the same information.
How do scheduling and permits work after you approve the quote?
Once you approve the quote, the steps usually go in this order:
- You sign the written scope.
- The contractor orders the equipment.
- The contractor applies for the mechanical permit with the building department that covers your address. That may be the City of Jacksonville or the county, depending on where you live in Duval, Clay, or St. Johns County.
- You get an install date.
- After install, an inspector checks the work. Someone may need to be home or give access.
Check HOA rules early
If you live in an HOA community, check the rules before install day. Some HOAs have rules on where an outdoor unit sits or how it is screened. Ask your contractor whether the new unit is a different size than the old one.
Plan around the season
Timing depends on equipment availability and the season. Summer is the busiest time in Northeast Florida. If your system still runs, scheduling earlier gives you more options.
The takeaway: After you sign, expect equipment ordering, a permit, an install date, and a final inspection, in that order.
What happens on AC installation day?
A straightforward changeout is often finished in a day. Larger jobs with ductwork or line set replacement can take longer. A typical install day includes:
- The crew arrives and walks through the plan with you.
- Floors and walkways get covered.
- Refrigerant is recovered from the old system.
- The old indoor and outdoor units are removed.
- The new pad or stand is set and the outdoor unit is anchored.
- The new air handler or furnace and coil go in.
- Refrigerant lines are connected, pressure tested, and vacuumed.
- The drain line and safety switch are connected.
- The thermostat is installed and set up.
- The system is started, checked, and adjusted.
- The crew cleans up and hauls away the old equipment.
Before the crew leaves
Ask them to show you the thermostat, the filter location, and the filter size. Keep the paperwork with model and serial numbers. You will need it for warranty claims.
The takeaway: Most simple changeouts take a day, and you should leave with the filter size and the model and serial numbers in hand.
What to expect when you hire Great Dane Heating & Air
Great Dane Heating & Air is a family-owned company in Jacksonville. The Florida license number is CAC036942. The company handles AC repair, installation and replacement, heat pumps, heating and furnace repair, ductwork, indoor air quality, mini splits, thermostats, and maintenance plans.
Great Dane serves Jacksonville, Orange Park, Fleming Island, Ponte Vedra, and St. Augustine. Estimates are free. When you ask for one, you can ask for the same written scope described in the table above, so you can compare it line by line.
If you have a quote from another company and want a second look, you can request a free estimate from Great Dane.
What should you do next?
Get every quote in writing, with the scope, the expiration date, and the warranty terms spelled out. Compare quotes line by line, not by the total. Once you sign, plan for a permit, an install day, and an inspection. Keep your paperwork, because the warranty depends on it.
Have an AC replacement quote and want a second look, or need a first one? Contact Great Dane Heating & Air for a free estimate in Jacksonville, Orange Park, Fleming Island, Ponte Vedra, or St. Augustine.
Frequently asked questions
Can I replace just the outdoor AC unit and keep my old indoor coil?
It is sometimes possible, but it is often not recommended. The indoor coil and outdoor unit are designed and rated to work as a pair, and an older coil may not match a newer outdoor unit or its refrigerant. A mismatch can affect efficiency, comfort, and warranty coverage. Ask the contractor to explain in writing why they would or would not keep the old coil.
What does a matched system mean on an AC quote?
A matched system is an outdoor unit and indoor coil or air handler that have been tested and rated together. The efficiency rating on your quote only applies to that tested combination. You can look up the exact pairing in the AHRI Directory at https://www.ahridirectory.org/.
What efficiency rating should I look for on a new AC in Florida?
New central air systems are rated in SEER2. Federal minimums vary by region, and the Southeast, including Florida, has a higher minimum for central air conditioners than northern states. Higher ratings usually cost more upfront and use less electricity, which adds up in a long Jacksonville cooling season. The U.S. Department of Energy explains efficiency ratings at https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/central-air-conditioning.
Should I switch to a heat pump when I replace my AC?
In Northeast Florida, many homes use a heat pump because winters are mild and the same system handles cooling and heating. If you currently have an AC with a gas furnace or electric heat strips, ask the contractor to quote both options so you can compare. See Great Dane’s heat pump service page at https://greatdaneair.com/heat-pump-services-jacksonville/ for more on how they work.
Can I keep running my old AC while I wait for the install date?
Usually yes, if it runs safely. Change the filter and keep the outdoor unit clear of plants and debris. If it is making new grinding or screeching noises, freezing up, or tripping the breaker, turn it off and tell the contractor.
What happens if the AC permit inspection fails?
The inspector notes what needs to be corrected. The contractor makes the fix and schedules a re-inspection. Ask before you sign whether corrections and re-inspections are covered in the quoted price.
Will a new AC system fix high humidity in my house?
It can help, especially if the old system was oversized or failing, but it is not guaranteed. Duct leaks, an oversized new unit, or air leaks in the house can still leave rooms damp. Ask the contractor how the system they recommend handles humidity, and whether a variable capacity unit or a dehumidifier makes sense for your home.
