Homeowner guides

Short, practical notes for living with air conditioning on the Gulf Coast. They are not a substitute for a technician at the house.

• Repair

  What to Do When Your A/C Stops Working

  A few safe checks are worth making. After that, the system needs a technician, especially in the middle of a Florida afternoon.

• Maintenance

  How Often Should You Service Your A/C in Florida?

  A system that runs for most of the year needs more than a new filter and a hopeful glance at the condenser.

• Replacement

  Repair or Replace: How to Think About Your A/C

  Age, repair history, and how the house feels matter more than a single rule of thumb. An evaluation still has to happen at the equipment.

• Indoor air

  Indoor Air and Humidity in a Florida Home

  Clammy rooms and dusty returns are comfort problems. They are also a reason to look at the system, not a reason to buy a gadget first.