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Assessment & quote
We measure, calculate the load, review your ducts and electrical, and give you a clear, itemized estimate.
AC Installation · Fort Lauderdale
New AC system installation, without the guesswork.
Replacing a central air system is a decision you live with for 12 to 15 years. O'Brien sizes it on the numbers, installs it clean, tests the result, and walks you through everything before we leave — so your new system runs quiet, cools evenly, and controls South Florida humidity from day one.
30-minute callback during business hours
When replacement makes sense
The honest math on repair vs. replace.
Not every breakdown means you need a new system. But there is a point where pouring money into an aging unit stops making sense — typically when a system is past 12 years old, uses phased-out refrigerant, needs a major component like a compressor, or has started failing every season. Rising power bills are often the quiet signal that an old, low-efficiency unit is costing you more than a replacement would.
We will tell you the truth either way. If a repair is the smarter call, we will say so. When replacement is genuinely the better long-term decision, we lay out the options in plain language so you can choose with confidence.
Sizing & efficiency
Sized on the numbers. Matched to your runtime.
The two decisions that make or break a Florida install: getting the size right, and choosing the efficiency that actually pays back.
Load calculation
We size on square footage, insulation, windows, and sun exposure — not a guess off the old unit's tag.
Humidity control
A correctly sized system runs long enough to pull moisture out of the air. Oversized units leave you cold and clammy.
SEER2 guidance
Because Florida runs year-round, higher efficiency pays back faster here. We explain the trade-off honestly.
Ductwork check
A great unit on bad ducts still underperforms. We assess airflow and flag what needs attention.
What to expect
Install day, start to finish.
A clean, predictable process so there are no surprises in your home.
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Protect & remove
We cover floors and walkways, recover refrigerant responsibly, and remove the old equipment.
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Install & connect
New unit set, lines and electrical connected, drain line run correctly, thermostat configured.
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Test & walkthrough
We verify the system cools to spec, check airflow and humidity, clean the site, and show you how everything works.
Why O'Brien
One accountable crew, from quote to walkthrough.
An AC install is only as good as the people doing it. O'Brien is owner-led, with more than 20 years serving South Florida and field crews trained around preparation and clean work. The person who quotes your job is accountable for how it finishes — no handoffs to a subcontractor you never met.
We are financing-agnostic: we will give you the right system and a straight estimate, and you choose how you want to pay for it. After the install, our maintenance plans keep that new system running at peak efficiency through every Florida summer.
Get your quote
Explore
More from O'Brien
Other services and the South Florida communities we cover.
Repair
AC repair & diagnostics
Fast, honest no-cool repair when the system quits before its time.
AC repairMaintenance
Protect your new system
Tune-ups that keep a fresh install efficient and under warranty.
AC maintenanceConstruction
Renovations & additions
Planning a remodel or addition? We coordinate HVAC and the build together.
ConstructionGood to know
AC installation questions, answered
Straight answers on cost, sizing, SEER, and timeline.
How much does a new AC system cost in South Florida?
It depends on your home's size, your ductwork, and the system's efficiency. As a general guide, a new central AC system in South Florida typically runs from about $6,500 to $14,000 installed. We size yours correctly and give you a clear, itemized estimate before any work.
What size AC do I need for my home?
Sizing is based on a load calculation, not a rule of thumb. We look at your square footage, insulation, windows, ceiling height, and sun exposure. An oversized unit short cycles and leaves the air humid; an undersized one never keeps up. We size for comfort and humidity control, not just temperature.
What SEER rating should I choose in Florida?
Because Florida systems run nearly year-round, a higher SEER2 rating pays back faster here than in cooler climates. We walk you through the trade-off between upfront cost and monthly energy savings so you pick the efficiency that fits your budget and runtime, not the most expensive box on the truck.
How long does an AC installation take?
A straightforward changeout is usually a single day. Jobs that involve new ductwork, electrical changes, or a different system location can take longer. We give you a realistic timeline before we start and keep you updated if anything changes.
Do you remove and dispose of my old system?
Yes. We remove the old equipment, recover the refrigerant responsibly, protect your floors and walls during the swap, and leave the site clean. The walkthrough at the end covers your new thermostat and what to expect.
Ready to help
Get a straight quote on a new system.
We will assess your home, size it on the numbers, and explain every line. Call or text and we will return your call within 30 minutes during business hours.
Business Hours
Mon–Fri, 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Service Area
Fort Lauderdale, Broward & Palm Beach
30-Min Callback
Guaranteed during business hours