Florida homeowner advised to install two AC units, but technician spots system issues

The technician questioned both the installation and the ongoing maintenance.

A Florida homeowner was told that two air-conditioning systems were necessary to keep the house comfortable. But when another technician took a closer look, they reported problems with the existing setup, including restricted return airflow and an outdoor coil that had apparently not been cleaned in four years.

What happened

The homeowner said indoor temperatures were holding at 74 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, even though outdoor temperatures were in the mid-80s. In a Reddit post in r/HVAC, the technician identified the equipment as a 2022 4-ton system in Southwest Florida.

The technician estimated that the system’s only 16-by-20-inch return grille could move about 600 cubic feet per minute of airflow. The unit itself was installed in an upstairs closet.

The service company told the homeowner that the builder should have installed two systems. But according to the technician, that same company had serviced the existing setup for four years without cleaning the coils.

For homeowners exploring their options, Palmetto says newer, more efficient HVAC systems and heat pumps can help lower energy bills. Its Comfort Plan network connects homeowners with vetted installers and energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions.

Some commenters challenged parts of the post. One asked, “You showed us the indoor coil and it’s clean as a whistle. Is the outdoor coil filthy?”

The technician said the indoor-coil photo was included to show that there was no growth, not to suggest it was dirty. “It was the condensing coil that was trashed,” the technician explained.

Even with the reported problems, the technician said the system had never shut down.

What can homeowners do?

Before agreeing to a recommendation for a second air-conditioning system, homeowners can ask whether the return grille is properly sized for the equipment. They can also ask whether routine service includes cleaning the outdoor coil.

In this case, the technician raised concerns about both the installation and the maintenance history, not just the size of the unit.

When replacement makes sense, upgrading heating and cooling equipment can be one of the most effective ways to reduce utility costs and guard against higher energy prices. For homeowners who are not ready for upfront spending, Palmetto’s Comfort Plan includes $0-down options that can cut heating and cooling costs by up to 50%. The plans also include 12 years of free maintenance.

Homeowners can also pair solar panels with electric appliances, including efficient HVAC systems, to further reduce utility bills. EasyHome helps compare solar options and find the right system and installer for a home and budget.

“So to all ya’ll slinging boxes, make sure the friggin application is suitable. If you’re installers; if you see some s*** that ain’t gonna fly, don’t set the customer up for failure. Tell your boss or whoever else,” the original poster concluded.

More related stories

Dirty AC coils and disputed repair recommendations have led other homeowners to question their service as well.

• A new homeowner looking into unusually high energy use found years of buildup clogging AC condensers.
• In Texas, a homeowner with a 27-year-old air conditioner faced a repair-or-replace decision.
• One homeowner who skipped a 15-minute HVAC task discovered a supposedly new unit was badly clogged.
• HVAC professionals urged a homeowner to question how refrigerant was measured after an AC diagnosis.
• Technicians also questioned a $6,000 coil repair estimate, raising the possibility of an R-410A upsell.