FAQ

General & Company Info

Who is Hopkins Air Conditioning and what areas do you serve?

We are a full-service HVAC company providing installation, repair, and maintenance services. We serve Palm Beach County, including surrounding neighborhoods and towns like West Palm Beach, Boa Raton, Wellington, Jupiter, Del Ray Beach, Port St. Lucie, and much more.

Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?

Yes. Hopkins Air Conditioning is fully licensed and insured to perform heating, ventilation, and air conditioning work. We carry liability and workers’ compensation insurance to protect both you and our team. Our License number is #CAC045866.

Do you offer emergency HVAC service?

Yes. HVAC emergencies don’t wait for business hours, we provide 24/7 emergency repair services so you can restore comfort fast.

What brands of equipment do you work with or recommend?

We install, repair, and service most major HVAC brands. We also recommend systems based on energy efficiency, reliability, and compatibility with your home or business.

Do you provide free estimates or quotes?

Absolutely. We offer free, no-pressure estimates for new installations or replacement systems. We’ll evaluate your space and suggest solutions that balance cost, comfort, and efficiency.

Maintenance, Repair & Service

How often should I have my HVAC system serviced?

Once per year is a minimum best practice but we recommend two seasonal tune-ups/maintenance visits each year (especially with Heat Pumps):

Pre-summer (spring tune-up) for cooling systems
Pre-winter (fall inspection) for heaters or heat pumps

Regular service helps catch small issues before they become big breakdowns.

What does a standard HVAC “tune-up” include?

A tune-up typically includes:

Checking refrigerant levels
Cleaning coils (evaporator & condenser)
Inspecting electrical connections and safety components
Lubricating moving parts
Verifying thermostat operation
Checking airflow and filters
Inspecting ductwork for leaks or damage

How do I know whether to repair or replace my HVAC system?

Consider replacement when:

It’s 8-10 years old (depending on model/type)
It needs frequent, costly repairs
Its efficiency (SEER / AFUE) is much lower than modern units
Your energy bills are rising even after repairs

We’ll help you run the numbers, so you make an informed choice.

Why is my HVAC system not cooling / heating properly?

Common causes include:

Clogged or dirty filters
Refrigerant leaks or low levels
Faulty thermostats or inaccurate calibration
Blocked or leaking ductwork
Malfunctioning blower motors or fans
Dirty condenser or evaporator coils

If simple fixes don’t help, call a technician to diagnose.

How long does an HVAC repair usually take?

That depends on the problem’s complexity and parts availability. Many repairs—like replacing capacitors, motors, or thermostats—can be done in 1–3 hours. More extensive issues or major component failures may require longer or multiple visits.

New Installation & Upgrades

Which HVAC type is best: a heat pump, central air conditioner, or ductless mini-split?

Heat pumps provide both heating and cooling and are energy efficient for moderate climates.
Central air conditioners paired with a furnace (or boiler) provide cooling; heating is handled separately.
Ductless (mini-split) systems allow room-by-room control without ductwork.

Which is “best” depends on your climate, home insulation, duct layout, and budget. We’ll evaluate your space to recommend the ideal solution.

Can I upgrade just the indoor or outdoor unit rather than the whole system?

In some cases yes, if the new unit is compatible with the existing counterpart. But mismatched components can reduce efficiency and shorten lifespan. We generally recommend replacing matched systems to ensure reliability and performance.

How do I choose the right size HVAC system?

Sizing depends on the home’s square footage, insulation, window load, orientation, and climate. Oversized or undersized systems both perform poorly. We use Manual J load calculations and industry best practices to recommend correct sizing.

Energy Efficiency & Costs

How can I improve energy efficiency and lower utility bills?

Some strategies include:

Upgrading to a higher SEER / AFUE rated system
Installing a programmable or smart thermostat
Ensuring your ductwork is sealed and well insulated
Regular filter changes and preventative maintenance
Using ceiling fans and shading during summer
Improving home insulation and sealing air leaks

What is SEER, AFUE, HSPF, and why do they matter?

SEER = Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (cooling efficiency)
AFUE = Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (heating via furnace or boiler)
HSPF = Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (heat pump heating efficiency)

Higher numbers indicate better efficiency, which often results in lower energy bills.

Do you offer financing or payment plans?

Yes — we offer flexible financing options with approved credit. Ask us for details when getting your quote.

Are there rebates or tax incentives for new HVAC systems?

Often, yes. Depending on local utility programs and federal/state tax credits, you may be eligible for rebates or incentives for installing high-efficiency equipment. We can help you identify available offers.

Ductwork, Indoor Air Quality, and Controls

Do you inspect or repair ductwork?

Yes. Duct issues (leaks, blockages, poor design) reduce comfort and efficiency. We can test, seal, repair, or even redesign your duct system as needed.

How often should air filters be changed?

Generally every 1–3 months, depending on filter type, household pets, and air quality. High-efficiency or pleated filters may last longer; but dirty filters reduce performance and must be changed promptly.

Do you offer air purifiers, UV lights, or humidifiers / dehumidifiers?

Yes. We provide indoor air quality (IAQ) solutions such as UV germicidal lights, whole-house air purifiers, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and UV filters. We can help you choose based on your home’s needs

Can a smart thermostat improve my comfort and savings?

Absolutely. Smart thermostats learn usage patterns, adjust temperatures automatically, and let you control settings remotely. They help reduce wasted energy while maintaining comfort.

Troubleshooting & Common Concerns

Why is my indoor system freezing up (ice on evaporator coil)?

Possible causes include:

Low refrigerant levels (leak)
Poor airflow (dirty filter, blocked duct)
Faulty blower motor
Dirty evaporator coil
Incorrect thermostat settings

Turn off the system and call a technician to diagnose and thaw.

What causes strange noises (buzzing, banging, hissing) from my HVAC?

Noises can stem from:

Loose parts or panels
Fan blades hitting something
Refrigerant issues (hissing)
Compressor or motor failing
Debris in the unit

Don’t ignore odd sounds — they often precede bigger problems.

What does it mean if my system is short cycling (on/off too frequently)?

Short cycling usually means the system is oversized, or one of its components (thermostat, refrigerant, airflow) is malfunctioning. This reduces efficiency and increases wear; we can diagnose and fix the cause.

Why is one room warmer or cooler than others?

Common causes include:

Poor duct design or leaks
Blocked vents or registers
Insulation differences
Imbalanced airflow
Incorrect thermostat placement

We can test airflow and balance the system.

Before You Call / Prep Questions

What information should I have ready when I call for HVAC service?

Helpful details include:

The make, model, and age of your current system
Symptoms you’re noticing (no cooling, odd noises, high bills)
Recent maintenance or repairs
Any warranties or prior work

This helps us give you a faster, more accurate answer.

Are there maintenance agreements or service plans?

Yes — we offer maintenance plans that include priority service, discounts, seasonal tune-ups, and system checkups. These help your system last longer and reduce unexpected breakdowns.

We Install Carrier Products and Service All Makes and Models

5403 N Haverhill Rd. #231

West Palm Beach

33407

(561) 656-4255

Monday - Friday:
8am - 5pm

Emergency Service Available

Services

Air Conditioning Heating Indoor Air Quality Ductwork

Hopkins Air

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