Licensed HVAC professionals serving West Palm Beach since 1988.
South Florida's year-round cooling season means your air conditioner runs for 10 or more months out of every year, and with West Palm Beach accumulating over 2,700 cooling degree days annually, a broken system is a genuine health and comfort emergency.
Hopkins Air Conditioning has been diagnosing and repairing AC systems across Palm Beach County since 1988, with licensed, certified technicians. Whether your system stopped cooling overnight or has been struggling for weeks, we are ready to help.
When your AC fails in the middle of a Palm Beach County summer, you need a company that responds quickly, diagnoses accurately, and communicates honestly. Our technicians arrive with fully stocked service vehicles, carry the tools needed to identify the most common failures on the first visit, and walk you through every finding before any repair work begins. We service all makes and models, carry the refrigerant and components needed for same-day repairs on the most common failures, and provide a written estimate before we touch anything.
Manuel M. of West Palm Beach had us out in December 2025 for a clogged drain line:
Eduan was extremely professional and fixed my clogged drain line. Also gave me some great tips to keep my unit clean! They are running a great service deal right now. Highly recommend Hopkins.
When the same type of issue comes up with your system, our technicians document every step and leave you with the knowledge to keep things running between visits.
Our diagnostic and repair process follows a structured approach so nothing is overlooked.
Step 1: System intake and symptom review. Our technician reviews the age of the system, maintenance history, and the specific symptoms you have noticed, including any unusual sounds, odors, or changes in airflow, before touching any equipment.
Step 2: Refrigerant pressure testing with a manifold gauge set. We connect a manifold gauge set to the service ports to measure high-side and low-side pressures. Low suction pressure or abnormal discharge pressure indicates a refrigerant leak, overcharge, or restriction, all of which prevent effective heat transfer. If pressures indicate a leak, we follow up with an electronic refrigerant leak detector.
Step 3: Electrical component testing with a multimeter. A multimeter measures voltage, amperage, and resistance at the capacitor, contactor, blower motor, and compressor terminals. A capacitor reading outside its rated microfarad tolerance or a contactor drawing excess amperage are common failures that are invisible to visual inspection.
Step 4: Temperature differential measurement. Using a calibrated thermometer, we measure return and supply air temperatures. A properly functioning system should produce a differential of 14 to 22 degrees. A narrower split points to refrigerant issues, restricted airflow, or a dirty evaporator coil.
Step 5: Evaporator and condenser coil inspection. Dirty evaporator coils can cause the coil to freeze over and block airflow. Dirty condenser coils prevent heat rejection outdoors, forcing the compressor to work harder. We inspect both and clean them when fouling is present.
Step 6: Condensate drain inspection and clearing. A clogged drain line that backs up into the air handler can trigger the safety float switch and can cause water damage in homes where the air handler is in a closet or attic. We clear the drain and confirm water flows freely.
Before our technician leaves, we confirm that the repair has restored the proper operating condition. We verify the supply and return temperature differential is within the 14 to 22 degree range, confirm refrigerant pressures match manufacturer specifications, test electrical draw at the compressor and fan motor against nameplate ratings, and confirm condensate is draining freely. You receive a written service record documenting all measurements, components inspected, parts replaced, and post-repair readings.
Ken L. of West Palm Beach added after a March 2026 diagnosis and repair visit:
Gazi was a very knowledgeable, professional and pleasant service person. He understood the situation and was able to do the needed diagnosis. We have always been happy with Hopkins AC, their protocols of informing us when they are coming with a picture of the representative. Always efficient. We recommend them highly.
In Florida, handling refrigerants requires EPA Section 608 certification, and purchasing refrigerant without the appropriate credentials is prohibited under federal law. A misdiagnosed refrigerant leak that is topped off rather than fixed will continue to lose charge until the compressor overheats and fails. Compressor replacement is the most expensive repair on a central AC system, often costing as much as half the price of a new unit.
When your system cannot maintain indoor humidity below 60%, conditions become favorable for mold growth within 24 to 48 hours. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency identifies moisture control as the key to mold prevention. Delaying repair in South Florida carries real health consequences, particularly for households with children, elderly residents, or anyone with respiratory conditions.
If your system is more than 12 to 15 years old and requires a major repair, we will present a side-by-side comparison of repair cost versus replacement cost. We also offer AC installation and replacement if the numbers favor a new system, and financing options are available for qualifying equipment.
Hopkins Air Conditioning has been serving West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County since 1988. Our technicians hold NATE certification, our company is certified by the National Comfort Institute for performance-based diagnostics, and we are a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer with a BBB A+ rating. We charge fair, upfront prices and do not use commission-based sales tactics.
Check our current specials for money-saving offers, and visit our financing options if you need flexible payment options.
Jennifer H. of West Palm Beach called in October 2025 after her 22-year-old system stopped working:
Miguel and Hopkins were Exceptional. If I could give 10 stars, I would. Miguel is clearly an expert and what a great guy. Hopkins came to my home quickly and communicated in clear terms. They were able to fix my 22-year-old unit.
If your air conditioner is not cooling, making unusual noises, cycling frequently, or producing high energy bills without explanation, our team is ready to help. We serve homeowners throughout West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and across Palm Beach County.
Request service online, and a NATE-certified technician will be dispatched to your home.
Some of the frequently asked questions we receive about air conditioning service in West Palm Beach are:
We offer same-day service throughout West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County, subject to technician availability. Calling early in the day increases the likelihood of a same-day appointment. For systems that have failed completely and involve vulnerable household members, ask about priority scheduling when you contact us.
Repair costs vary depending on the failed component, refrigerant type, and whether parts need to be ordered. We provide a written estimate after diagnosing your system, so you know the cost before work begins.
Minor repairs such as capacitor replacement, refrigerant recharge, or drain line clearing do not typically require a permit. Major component replacements may require a permit depending on scope. Our licensed contractors will advise you when one is needed.
The decision depends on system age, repair cost relative to remaining useful life, and efficiency compared to modern SEER2 standards. A system older than 12 to 15 years facing a repair costing more than one-third of a replacement price is often better replaced. We present both options clearly. Our AC installation and replacement service page has additional information.
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