Tony Kelly Heat and Cooling provides detailed videos here, answering the most common questions we get from our customers throughout North Florida and Tallahassee. The answers come directly from our team of skilled technicians and even the owner, Chris Windham.
In this video, Tony Kelly HVAC owner Chris Windham explains how often homeowners should change their HVAC air filter—and why the right schedule depends less on the label and more on your home’s environment and the type of filter you use. He breaks down a simple rule of thumb for standard 1-inch filters (swap them monthly, since waiting “up to 3 months” often leads to heavy clogging and reduced efficiency), then contrasts that with higher-capacity 5-inch media filters (like Honeywell-style setups) that typically only need to be replaced about twice per year because of their thicker, denser design. For more practical ways to keep your system running efficiently between service visits, read 5 HVAC Troubleshooting Tips Every Homeowner Should Know.
In this video, Tony Kelly HVAC owner Chris Windham tackles one of the most common homeowner questions: “How long is my AC going to last?” He explains that there’s no single answer, since lifespan depends on factors like routine maintenance, filter changes, system cleanliness, and environmental conditions. While many systems experience major component failures around the 13–14 year mark, Chris notes that it’s not unusual to see well-maintained heat pumps still operating after 20 years. As long as replacement parts are available, Tony Kelly HVAC can continue repairing older systems and help homeowners make informed decisions about repairs versus replacement. For a deeper look at the warning signs that age-related issues may be approaching, read 7 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your AC.
In this video, Tony Kelly HVAC owner Chris Windham explains why proper duct design is one of the most important considerations when building a new home. He emphasizes the importance of choosing a contractor who truly understands ductwork, airflow, and how a home is actually lived in—not just how it looks on paper. Chris shares that his goal for every duct system is long-term durability and survivability, creating consistent comfort throughout the house with no hot spots, cold spots, or drafts. He also notes that Tony Kelly HVAC is always available for consultation to help homeowners get duct design right from the start. To learn more about how duct condition and airflow affect comfort and indoor air quality, visit How Air Duct Cleaning Impacts Indoor Air Quality in Florida Homes.
In this video, Tony Kelly HVAC owner Chris Windham explains why an outdoor air conditioning unit may suddenly sound louder than normal. Common causes include loss of lubrication in the fan motor, reduced lubrication within the compressor, or simply the fact that some older systems were designed to run louder by nature. Chris also points out that many newer AC systems are built to operate at much lower sound levels—often comparable to the decibel rating of a dishwasher. If unusual noise is coming from your outdoor unit or the sound level is becoming a concern, it’s a sign the system should be inspected. For additional insight into common system issues homeowners encounter, read Common HVAC Problems.
In this video, Tony Kelly HVAC owner Chris Windham answers a common comfort question: “What should my humidity be in my house?”
He explains that indoor humidity should ideally stay at 55% or less to help limit mildew and mold growth and to keep the home feeling comfortable. Chris notes that maintaining that level can be especially challenging during shoulder seasons like spring and fall, when temperatures fluctuate and the AC may not run long enough to pull out consistent moisture. For homeowners dealing with elevated humidity during those in-between months, he recommends a whole-home dehumidifier as a reliable solution for steadier, year-round comfort. For a deeper breakdown of how these systems work, visit How Whole-Home Dehumidifiers Work in Florida’s Humid Climate.
In this video, a Tony Kelly HVAC technician answers one of the most debated questions in the industry: “Should I leave my AC on all day?” He explains that during hot summer months, it’s generally best to keep the system running so it can continuously manage extreme heat, rather than shutting it off completely. However, raising the temperature while you’re away helps reduce strain, since an AC that has to “catch up” from extreme heat will often run longer and work harder to reach a comfortable level. To make this easier and more efficient, he recommends using a smart thermostat, which allows homeowners to monitor conditions and adjust settings remotely for better control and comfort. For more insight into whether constant operation makes sense, read Why You Should Not Run Your AC Fan 24/7.
In this video, Tony Kelly HVAC explains how diagnostic fees work and what homeowners can expect when scheduling a service visit. The cost depends on whether the customer is enrolled in a Tony Kelly HVAC maintenance agreement—diagnostics are $68 for members and $89 for non-members, assuming no parts or major repairs are required. The video helps set clear expectations around pricing and highlights the value of having a maintenance agreement in place before issues arise. To better understand how preventative service can reduce unexpected costs, read Benefits of Preventative HVAC Maintenance.
In this video, Tony Kelly HVAC explains why a bedroom or closed-off room can start feeling noticeably warmer when the door is shut. In many homes, closing the door reduces air circulation, which can limit how well conditioned air moves in and out of the space. The technician also notes that the issue can point to an unbalanced duct system—meaning the room may not be receiving enough supply air (or has limited return airflow) compared to the rest of the house. Tony Kelly HVAC can diagnose airflow and duct balance issues to restore more even comfort from room to room. For more homeowner-friendly troubleshooting tips related to airflow and comfort problems, visit 5 HVAC Troubleshooting Tips Every Homeowner Should Know.
In this video, Tony Kelly HVAC explains how often air conditioning coils should be cleaned and why both indoor and outdoor coils need attention over time. Standard split systems have two coils—one inside and one outside—with the indoor coil benefiting from the HVAC filter, though it can still collect pet dander and fur. The outdoor coil is fully exposed to dust, weather, and nearby debris, and can become especially dirty if a dryer vent is located close to the unit. Chris explains that indoor coils should typically be cleaned every three to four years, while outdoor coils should be cleaned annually to maintain proper airflow and efficiency. Left unaddressed, dirt buildup can lead to performance issues over time. For a broader look at how regular upkeep protects your system, read Benefits of Preventative HVAC Maintenance.
In this video, Tony Kelly HVAC owner Chris Windham demonstrates proper condenser coil cleaning and explains why outdoor coil maintenance is so important. He notes that exterior coils should be cleaned once a year—ideally in the spring—since outdoor units are constantly exposed to plants, dirt, and debris that can restrict airflow and affect the entire system’s performance. Chris walks through a simple, homeowner-safe approach using a regular garden hose (never a pressure washer), stressing the importance of turning the unit off first and gently rinsing both the inside and outside of the coil. For homeowners who prefer professional upkeep, Tony Kelly HVAC offers twice-yearly coil cleaning as part of their maintenance plan. Simply your home comfort by enrolling in our HVAC Maintenance Plan.
In this video, Tony Kelly HVAC explains how often refrigerant (often referred to as Freon) should be added to a residential air conditioning system—and why the answer is usually “never.” Chris clarifies that unlike vehicles, home HVAC systems are sealed and complex, meaning refrigerant should not need to be topped off unless maintenance or a repair is being performed. If a system is low, it typically indicates a leak, and refrigerant should only be refilled after the leak has been properly repaired. He also points out that dirt buildup is one of the biggest contributors to refrigerant leaks over time. Because of the system’s design and limited accessibility, this is never a DIY task. For related signs that something may be wrong with your system, book an AC repair service with us today.
In this video, Tony Kelly HVAC owner Chris Windham walks through one of the simplest but most important HVAC fixes homeowners can handle themselves: changing the air filter. He explains that filter location varies by system and brand, then demonstrates how to open the filter access door, remove the old filter, and install a new one with the airflow arrow facing the correct direction. Chris emphasizes that this quick task plays a major role in system efficiency, airflow, and overall performance. For guidance on how often filters should be replaced and how they impact your system, visit 5 HVAC Troubleshooting Tips Every Homeowner Should Know.
In this video, Tony Kelly HVAC walks homeowners through the step-by-step process of getting a new HVAC unit installed. It begins with a service technician visiting the home to evaluate the existing system and determine whether it can be repaired or if replacement is the better option. If the unit is no longer fixable, the technician provides a clear proposal outlining replacement options, allowing the homeowner time to review and decide. Once approved, the installation is scheduled at a time that works best for the customer, with flexible scheduling to minimize disruption. To learn more about replacement options and what installation involves, visit AC Installation in Tallahassee.
In this testimonial video, homeowner Jay Waller shares how Tony Kelly HVAC solved multiple comfort and noise issues over the years—starting with a rattling problem caused by older ceiling vents (about 18 years old). Chris Windham and the team replaced three ceiling vents and added a new sidewall vent to better balance pressure without reducing airflow, which eliminated the rattling. Jay explains he’s trusted Chris for roughly 18 years and considers Tony Kelly HVAC his contractor of choice because the team is reliable, on time, and communicates clearly—he even describes reaching out around 8 PM and having a technician out the very next day to address a blower motor issue. When a speed motor needed replacement, Tony Kelly HVAC provided options (repair vs. replacement), and Jay appreciated being able to choose the single-speed motor for a lower-cost fix that was completed quickly. Later, when a specific room had persistent AC noise, Chris assessed the airflow and equipment needs and installed a new variable-speed system along with a trunk line to balance air pressure, resulting in a noticeably quieter home and smoother system operation. For more on airflow balancing solutions that help eliminate hot spots, drafts, and pressure problems, visit HVAC Zoning System Installation.
Address:
870 Blountstown Hwy. Unit # 9
Tallahassee, FL 32303
Phone: 850-385-3774
License #: CMC1249702
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