Air Conditioners
Air Conditioners | Heating and Air Conditioning | Philadelphia
From blistering Philly summers to the cityâs unpredictable winters, HEPâs Air Conditioners keeps your comfort on point with expert heating and air conditioning solutions tailored for every rowhome, brownstone, and high-rise in town. Our certified technicians arrive fast, diagnose issues accurately, and recommend energy-smart upgrades that slash utility bills without sacrificing coziness or cool.
Whether you need an emergency repair in Old City at 2 a.m. or a whole-home system overhaul in Chestnut Hill, weâre the neighbor you can count onâbacked by transparent pricing, flexible financing, and a satisfaction guarantee thatâs as solid as the Rocky Steps. Breathe easier, live better, and let HEPâs make every season in Philadelphia feel just right.
FAQs
What size air conditioner do I need for my Philadelphia home?
Proper sizing depends on your homeâs square footage, insulation, window orientation, and the humidity typical of Philadelphia summers. As a rule of thumb, you need about 20 BTU of cooling for every square foot of living space, but a professional load calculation (Manual J) is the only way to get it right. An undersized unit will run constantly and never reach the set temperature, while an oversized system will short-cycle, wasting energy and wearing components prematurely. During an in-home estimate we measure each room, check ductwork, and factor in local climate data to recommend the most efficient capacity for your property.
How often should I service my HVAC system, and what does a tune-up include?
In Philadelphiaâs four-season climate, we recommend two tune-ups per yearâone in spring for the air conditioner and one in fall for the furnace or heat pump. A standard maintenance visit includes: cleaning or replacing the air filter; checking refrigerant charge and pressures; washing the condenser coil; inspecting electrical connections, blower motor, and belts; calibrating the thermostat; testing safety controls and drain lines; and verifying overall system performance. Regular service keeps your utility bills low, prevents 80-percent of breakdowns, and protects manufacturer warranties.
Are there energy-efficient options that qualify for rebates or tax incentives in Pennsylvania?
Yes. High-SEER air conditioners, heat pumps with a SEER2 of 16+ and ENERGY STAR certified furnaces often qualify for PECO rebates ranging from $50 to $400. Under the federal Inflation Reduction Act (2023), homeowners may also claim a 30 % tax credit (up to $2,000) for qualifying heat pumps or up to $600 for advanced AC systems. We handle the paperwork, supply AHRI certificates, and guide you through state programs such as the Keystone HELP loan for low-interest financing.
How long does a typical AC installation take, and what should I expect on installation day?
Most single-family Philadelphia installations are completed in 4â8 hours. We start by protecting floors and furniture with drop cloths, recover and dispose of old refrigerant according to EPA rules, remove the existing equipment, and set the new condenser on a vibration-absorbing pad. Indoor work includes fitting the air handler or coil, reconnecting refrigerant lines with brazed joints, evacuating the system to 500 microns, and charging it with factory-specified refrigerant. Before leaving we run a full performance test, register the warranty, and show you how to operate your new thermostat.
Why is my air conditioner freezing up even when itâs hot outside?
Ice on the evaporator coil or outdoor lines usually points to restricted airflow or low refrigerant. In our humid Philadelphia summers, a dirty filter, clogged evaporator coil, or closed supply registers can drop coil temperature below 32 °F, causing condensation to freeze. Low refrigerant from a leak reduces pressure and also lowers coil temp. Shut off the system to let it thaw, replace the filter, and check that vents are open. If ice returns, schedule a service callârunning the unit while frozen can damage the compressor.
Do you offer emergency heating & cooling repairs in Philadelphia, and how soon can you arrive?
Yes. We provide 24/7 emergency service across Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery, Delaware, and Chester counties. Calls answered after hours are dispatched immediately to an on-call technician with a fully stocked truck. Average response time within city limits is 2 hours or less; during extreme heat or cold we triage calls for vulnerable customers first. All emergency repairs are quoted upfront, and most parts such as capacitors, contactors, igniters, and common blower motors are carried on-hand to restore comfort in a single visit.