An online search can help you locate the best HVAC and AC contractors in the Miami area. Browse the list of the top-rated pros, and compare their ratings, reviews and cost estimates. Specifically, look for customer reviews with attached photos so you can see examples of the contractors’ work. 

It also doesn’t hurt to check the contractors’ qualifications and credentials. You can visit the Miami-Dade County website to look up contractors, as well as the Department of Business and Professional Regulation website.

After you’ve decided on a few HVAC contractors who seem right for your project, ask them for free estimates. Once you’ve received three or five quotes, use this information (and the research you’ve conducted) to decide which HVAC contractor is the most qualified for your project and offers a fair price. 

Miami is known for its heat and humidity, especially during its sweltering summers. It’s even warm during the winter months.

For these reasons, central air conditioning is considered essential in the city, particularly for families with very young children, elderly members or those with heat-exacerbated health conditions. Central air also removes humidity from the interior of the home, which can help prevent infestations and mold growth.

Contact Miami's best HVAC pros to get free estimates and start planning your central air installation project today.

Your air conditioner should have about 20 BTU per square foot of living space, according to Consumer Reports. However, you should also account for other factors in the room. 

If it’s a very shady space, you can take off 10% of the square footage BTU calculation. If it’s sunny, add 10%. For rooms normally occupied by two or more people, you should add 600 BTU per additional person. Finally, if the room is a kitchen, add 4,000 BTU to your calculated square footage total.

Talk to an air conditioning company or HVAC professional to find out what size you should get.

The SEER label on an air conditioner stands for seasonal energy efficiency ratio. This is a measure of the efficiency of either an air conditioning unit or a heat pump. 

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends replacing older AC units with energy-efficient models. Contact an air conditioning company or HVAC specialist for tips on how to select a new unit.

There are a number of different appliances that professionals can install for you, including:

• Washers and dryers. These machines are heavy and very sensitive to being level and balanced, and also require hookups to water, electricity and sometimes gas or propane.
• Cooking ranges. Your range may use propane or gas, which is a hookup job best left to the pros.
• Microwaves. You may want to have your microwave be an undermount or in-mounted unit, which a pro can install and make it look seamless.
• Refrigerators. These are heavy and often require a water hookup.
• And more!

Reach out to an appliance installation service, and find out if they can install your appliance. Often, it’s helpful to provide the brand and model of the appliance you’re trying to set up.

There are several perks to having a professional install your appliances, including:

• Hiring a pro saves you time and money. If it breaks down, the service person who sold and installed the machine can fulfill its warranty. However, this warranty could be void if you install it incorrectly.
• It will work reliably. Many appliances like ranges and laundry machines rely on being on level surfaces as well as having potentially dangerous hookups installed correctly. 
• You can get repair and maintenance support. If something isn’t working or you want advice, you can call up your installer and ask if they can help you troubleshoot or repair it.

Installing a new appliance costs $125, on average. However, homeowners should expect to pay within the range of $120 to $150. 

For less complex appliance installations, you may pay a low-end cost ranging between $65 and $100. On the other hand, more complex appliances like laundry machines, ranges and other items can cost between $175 and $326 to install. Ask whichever appliance installation service you hire to give you a price quote, if possible.

You can tip appliance installers if you feel their service has gone above and beyond. A standard tip is between $10 and $20. 

Reasons you might consider tipping include a very pleasant customer service demeanor, having to carry a heavy appliance up or down the stairs, working in inclement weather, taking care not to make a mess and other acts of care and consideration. You are not obligated to leave a tip — but one is always appreciated.

To find an appliance installer near you, start searching on Thumbtack. This way, you see a list of nearby pros offering services and compare based on their customer review, ratings and profile pages. You can also find customer-uploaded photos showing pictures of the pro’s work. 

Check for licensing requirements in your state, and make sure whoever you work with abides by them. Finally, contact several different pros to compare their rates.