What AC services do you offer in Sarasota, FL?

We provide a full range of air conditioning services in Sarasota, including AC installation, replacement, repair, and maintenance.

How do I know if my air conditioner needs to be replaced?

If your AC is over 10–15 years old, needs frequent repairs, or isn’t cooling your home like it used to, it may be time to consider a replacement.

How quickly can I get AC repair service in Sarasota?

We aim for fast scheduling and clear communication—plus upfront pricing on every repair visit.

Do you service all types and brands of air conditioners?

Yes—we service all major AC brands and system types, so you can count on expert care no matter what system you have.

How often should I schedule air conditioner maintenance?

We recommend annual AC maintenance, ideally in the spring, to keep your system running efficiently and extend its lifespan.

How to Prepare Your Generator for Storm Season in Florida

Florida homeowners know that a generator is a key part of getting through storm season. Keeping your equipment in working condition is critical, though. Fortunately, you can take a handful of steps to prepare your generator for storm season in Florida.

Pre-Season Inspection

Our electricians check generators before every storm season. They begin the process with visual inspections, looking for signs of damage, corrosion, and wear. We also test the various electrical connections that allow your generator to detect a loss of power and send energy to the electrical panel. It is also a good idea to inspect the panel and any connected subpanels, verifying that the breakers are in good shape.

Engine Maintenance

This is also the right time to perform engine maintenance on the generator. Inspecting the sparkplug and replacing it if necessary ensures proper operation and efficiency. Cleaning or replacing the air filter keeps the airflow into the engine clean. An oil change is also a good idea, although you need to be sure that you're using the right grade of oil for your generator in this region's climate.

If your generator uses a battery for electric start mode, this is the time to test that it's still holding the right voltage. If the battery isn't fully charging anymore, you will want to replace it before storm season begins rolling.

Electrical Load Testing

Generators use multiple electrical systems to ensure safe interaction with your home's electrical system and the grid. We can confirm that the generator's output load isn't running too high or low, protecting your investment in your home. The transfer switch needs to be in good condition, too, ensuring that the generator properly comes on when the power goes out and turns off when the grid is restored. Similarly, you will want to check the breakers to make sure they still work and carry sufficient load for the job.

This is also an excellent time to check the electrical wiring from the generator to your panel and even to the rest of your house. If electrical repairs are necessary, our electricians can make sure the wiring is ready to go.

Weather Protection

You will want to be sure that your generator has sufficient weather protection. Many people enclose their generator's main outdoor components with a chain link fence or other system to prevent debris from potentially hitting it. This may go as far as caging the generator, providing protection from debris that might fly in from above.

If there is existing protection, visually confirm that it's still in good shape. Also, you may want to look into eliminating nearby features like bushes and trees that could become debris sources during a storm.

Many homeowners place their generator on cement blocks or a concrete slab. This is a good time to visually confirm that the supporting structure under the generator is still in good shape.

Fuel Supply Check

If your system uses natural gas, it is important to check the integrity of the lines. Likewise, you will want to be confident that the shutoff valve still works properly.

Many Florida homeowners use systems that require propane. Foremost, you need to confirm that the fuel tank is still in good condition, including inspecting the interior of the tank. If you have a fuel tank, you will also want to make sure your fuel supplier tops it off before storm season fires up.

Spare Parts

It never hurts to have extra spare parts around for your generator. A few basic things like spare sparkplugs, oil, filters, and fuses can go a long way toward keeping your generator running. Even if you're not inclined to work on a generator, having spare parts on hand during or after a storm can also make it easier for our electricians to repair the system if something happens.

Hoffman Electrical is a trusted name in Tampa, FL and the surrounding communities. We offer same-day service on most projects, and our electricians always provide upfront pricing. We even have financing available upon credit approval for installation projects. Our electricians are available for a wide range of electrical work in addition to setting up generators. We perform installations and repairs of everything from lights to surge protection. Our business is a proud Generac dealer, too.

To work with a local expert from Tampa to ensure your generator is ready for the season, contact Hoffman today.

Protect Your Power: Generator Readiness Tips for Florida Storm Season

Florida is well known for its beautiful weather and sandy beaches. However, there are times when storms and heavy rains interfere with the normal function of the local power grid. Having a generator to keep your home powered during storm season is part of being a responsible homeowner.

Just like any major appliance, this power-producing system must have regular tune-ups to keep it running efficiently. Now is the perfect time to focus on generator readiness for Florida's hurricane season.

Checking and Changing the Oil

Generators with an internal combustion engine need their oil checked and changed regularly. When the oil is dirty or low, you'll need to perform a full oil change. Most large generators can run about 100 to 200 hours before they need fresh oil. Smaller gasoline models require an oil change every 50 to 100 hours.

Solar and wind generators are the only ones that don't need oil changes because they don't have combustion engines. We’ll point out the oil drain plug location during your generator installation in Tampa.

Inspect and Replace the Air Filter

The air filter on a generator has the specific job of trapping dirt and blocking debris. Just like an HVAC filter, this component will clog as it collects dust and particles.

When this happens, the engine will work much harder to pull in enough air. This not only increases fuel consumption but also risks damage from overheating and premature wear. A fresh filter will ensure the engine has sufficient air flow, even during bad storms.

Test the Battery and Charging System

Your generator needs a strong, powerful battery for startup. As time goes by, the terminals are likely to corrode, become loose, and produce a weak charge. Testing the battery with a voltmeter every few months is a great way to prepare your system for storm season. You'll know whether it's time for a repair or replacement. If you find the onboard charging system isn't working correctly, you'll need to have it repaired or replaced.

Run the Generator to Ensure Proper Operation

Sending your generator through a test run is the best way to see how it's performing. Start it up and let it run for about 15 to 20 minutes. Take note of any odd noises, smoke coming from the exhaust, or unusual vibrations. All these issues are clear warning signs to schedule a repair right away.

The goal is to have the generator running at peak performance before the next Florida hurricane or power outage strikes. Don't ignore small problems. They'll quickly turn into costly fixes that you could otherwise avoid with maintenance.

Fresh Fuel and Stabilizer

While it's wise to keep extra fuel on hand to stay prepared, you must store and use it correctly. Florida's heat can make it difficult to keep your gas clean and usable. It can break down in the container over time. If you put it in the generator, it can clog the carburetor. Adding a stabilizer to the fuel is a great way to maintain fuel quality.

Examine and Replace Spark Plugs if Needed

Spark plugs play a huge role in how well a generator performs. A single worn-out plug will affect its combustion and efficiency. Carbon buildup around the electrode can prevent proper sparking, leading to misfires. You should inspect the plugs every season and change them when they show signs of wear or damage. This step is vital to making sure the generator has smooth ignition power.

Clear Debris and Ensure Proper Ventilation

Do your best to keep all leaves, branches, and other storm clutter away from the generator. Any type of restricted ventilation can turn into overheating problems. Intake and exhaust are the most important parts to ensure proper airflow.

Review the Transfer Switch for Safe Connection

The transfer switch is what eliminates dangerous back-feeding into the power grid. We can show you how to test your transfer switch to make sure it can handle the load you plan to run.

If your generator doesn’t already have one, we'll install the switch for you. We’ll also connect it directly to your home’s breaker panels for safe and reliable power distribution.

Schedule Professional Maintenance Before Storm Season

Professional maintenance for your generator ensures every component works correctly. As we test load capacity and replace worn-out components, overall performance will greatly improve. Booking generator installation in Florida right before storm season gives you a reliable way to stay prepared.

Hoffman Electrical & AC is here to meet all your generator installation, repair, and maintenance needs. We're your go-to provider of premium electrical support. Call Hoffman Electrical & AC to learn more about standby generator prep for storm season in Tampa, FL.

Can I Shower During a Power Outage?

Sudden power outages are a considerable pain for any homeowner in Tampa or the surrounding areas. They tend to rob us of a lot of our daily comforts, and can even drastically impact simple day to day tasks! But does an outage rob you of showering as well, or can you just go about your business in this regard? Follow along with the experts at Hoffman Electrical & A/C today while we discuss the topic.

Schedule Backup Power Consultation

866-238-3243

What’s the Problem?

Your power’s the thing that’s off, so why worry about the shower, right? Well the question is one regarding exactly how you get your water. Most homes rely on either a hot water heater, an electrical well pump, or a tankless heater system or boiler. See the problem? All of these require electricity to function.

There are a few exceptions, which we’ll get to in a moment, but most systems need electrical power in order to operate. Now with that said not all hope is lost for your hot shower dreams. Let's go over the possible scenarios here:

Tankless water heaters. If you use a tankless system, you’re a bit out of luck in this very specific scenario. Tankless systems have no reservoir and rely on electricity (both electric-based and gas tankless systems need electricity) to keep up, so no power means no hot water. Enjoy your cold shower, maybe?
Electric hot water heaters. A traditional electric system with the tank will have some hot water to work with. Trouble is you don’t know how much exactly, and you may need it for other things. If a hot shower is your top priority then go for it, just do it soon before the tank cools.
Gas hot water heaters. This one is a little bit harder to give you a definitive answer. Old tank gas systems use an independant pilot and ignition, which means they do somewhat fine without power. However most modern systems use incorporated electrical components, so if yours is newer the odds are against you. You can certainly test it out as it is safe to do so, but be prepared for sudden cold water.

Prevent Power Outage Disruptions

866-238-3243

But Is It Safe?

Worried because a storm is what knocked out your electricity? There’s actually very little to worry about in that regard! The whole struck by lightning in a shower thing is kind of a tall tale. The only real danger is the lack of light, and for that we recommend a battery-powered lantern for safety. Avoid candles or gas lamps, since they can fall over and start a fire.

For Showers Any Time, Choose a Generator!

Want to ensure you can shower no matter what, as well as keep the lights on, the furnace running, and your fridge in proper order? If so, it’s time to get a generator for your home. Standby generators are a modest investment that can pay you back considerably in convenience and cost. There are a lot of options available, too, so you can choose the investment that suits your specific needs best.

Power outages shouldn’t interrupt your comfort or safety.
A standby generator can keep your water heater, lighting, HVAC system, and essential appliances running during outages caused by storms or grid failures.

Schedule Generator Installation

866-238-3243

Why You Need a Generator During a Hurricane

Over the past few years tropical storms and major weather have become much more common, and have put many Tampa area homeowners on guard. Which is very good—caution and preparation are the keys to a safe home, and at Hoffman Electrical & A/C we like to do all we can to help our clients be ready for anything.

Last month we touched on the basics of hurricane and flooding safety, covering both electrical safety and a bit on overall preparedness. Today we’d like to go a step further with one specific point from that post: how a home generator can help you stay safe and comfortable.

Interested in learning more about whole-home generator systems, or ready to equip your home with a top-class Generac generator? Contact Hoffman Electrical & A/C online today!

Why Backup Power Is So Important

There’s convenience, of course. Keeping your lights on, HVAC systems running, and television in working order are all great benefits to being equipped with a generator system. But in the end the true and vital benefits are those based in both safety, and in cost prevention.

Generators add considerable safety benefits to an equipped home. Lights on means no slipping or falling, and being able to react with accuracy in a time of crisis. Keeping food from spoiling is important, too, both in a cost perspective and a practical one. And televisions and radios in working order help you to keep tuned-in to crucial details of the current situation.

But the bottom line is this: you never know how long you’ll have to go without power.

Outages in Tampa and St. Petersburg can be as brief as a couple of hours, but they’re similarly likely to be out for days, weeks, or even more if local power supply has been damaged severely. During this time life must go on, and that means cooking, cleaning, being comfortable, and being capable of performing simple daily tasks, all of which require electrical power.

Whole-Home Generators Are Ideal for the Gulf Coast Area

A portable generator is a really decent idea, and can help you keep a vital part of your home working under poor conditions. But a whole-home generator system is 10 steps better. Whole-home systems can power lights, HVAC, kitchens, even more—helping you stay plugged up and distress-free even in the worst weather. And around here (especially in recent years), that means a lot.

The Benefits of a Whole-Home Generator

With a new whole-home standby generator you can expect a lot of benefits:

Instant access to electrical power. A whole-home system is linked to your home and set up to operate either completely automatically and instantly, or at the mere flick of a switch. No time wasted and no stress, just quick access.
Safe power. Standby generators burn clean fuel and operate without you having to manually hook up and power them, saving you the risks of dealing with dangerous electricity in the middle of a major storm.
Functional longevity. Power going to be out for a couple of hours? Days? More? Doesn’t matter! As long as the system stays fueled, you stay in electrical access for as long as you need it.

Install a Home Standby Generator with Hoffman Electrical & A/C

Whether you want power restored automatically (without power loss delay) or you have a portable generator that you would like to use with a manual transfer switch, Hoffman Electrical & A/C can provide you with the generator and transfer switch wiring that you need. It doesn’t matter what sort of generator issue you are having, give us a call if you live in the Clearwater area. Whether you want to install a new generator or repair and maintain an older one, Hoffman Electrical & A/C can help.

Contact us today to schedule your home standby generator service from Hoffman Electrical & A/C! We have been servicing the Tampa area since 1989!

Electrical Safety During Hurricane Season

With our foot firmly in the door of hurricane season in Florida, it’s wise to turn to some prevention and safety in order to prepare your home for potential risks. Our electrical systems stand exposed to (and stand to potentially cause) tons of damage in hurricane weather, and you need to be as equipped as possible in order to stay safe. That’s why the team at Hoffman Electrical & A/C has prepared a quick and easy safety guide for your use!

Need help preparing your home for electrical complications brought on by hurricanes or extreme weather? Contact us today to learn more!

Hurricane Electrical Safety

Because the dynamic changes a bit according to the situation at hand, it is best to look at your preparation and proceedings in three parts: before, during, and after.

How You Can Plan to Stay Safe

There are a few things you can do to beef up your home safety, as well as reduce the risks of power or function loss in lesser storms or thunderstorms:

Secure a backup power source that is sufficient to power critical appliances or functions in the event of an outage. A portable generator is good enough for one thing (HVAC, cooking, etc), but a whole-home generator system is more effective, and can power much more.
Have professionals trim away any tree branches that are intruding on or hovering over power lines in your area. A downed tree causes plenty enough damage without taking a line with it and causing fires.
Maintain a fully equipped medical kit, keep non-perishable foods in an easy to access sheltered area in your home, and ensure you have a clean water supply bottled and ready.
Look into getting whole-home surge protection in order to reduce and mitigate the risks of power surges that come with lightning strikes.

What to do When a Hurricane Is Imminent

Once the weather has been declared, there are some vitally important things that must get done before the storm hits in earnest. Be certain to:

For major storms unplug all appliances in order to prevent surges or damage caused by lightning strikes or water intrusion. Simply switching them off isn’t enough, since the connection to your electrical supply is still maintained in that case, and surges or fires are still completely possible.
In addition to unplugging, disengage your breakers at the main shutoff.
For extremely dangerous weather ensure you switch to flashlights in lieu of electrical lighting, which ideally is currently shut off for your safety. Never use candles, which can easily be toppled and cause a fire.

After the Storm

The best thing you can do after is a storm is stay where you are as long as the area remains safe! Venturing out can lead you to downed power lines or exposed live wires, which can result in electrical shock or electrocution.

Avoid standing water, which could potentially be electrified if poles or lines are down!
Do not restore power in your home until you have been notified that it is safe to do so from your utility provider. Doing so early could be dangerous.
Once power is restored safely turn on appliances gradually to reduce the risk of overloading.
If damage occurred to any of your electrical systems contact your preferred electrician immediately.

Stay Safe with Electrical Services from Hoffman Electrical & A/C

Hoffman Electrical & A/C is a family owned and operated business serving the Tampa and Brandon, Florida communities since 1989. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff of electricians install, repair, and perform regular maintenance check-ups in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. When you need an electrician in your home, let our family help yours! We provide a variety of in-home electrical services, including installations, repair, and routine maintenance. Not only do we offer high-quality installs, we’ll also make sure your equipment continues to work efficiently and safely.

For electrical services in Tampa, Brandon, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, or their surrounding areas, contact us online or call us at (866) 238-3243 today!

What to Do During a Power Outage in Florida

To Tampa residents, power outages are nothing new. We’ve dealt with all kinds of crazy storms and annoying weather in our time here, and it can be quite flustering if you’re not sure how to handle things. But if you’re prepared and know what to do, an outage can become little more than brief annoyance. Find out what to do during an outage with the help of the experts at Hoffman Electrical & A/C!

Considering a generator installation for your Florida home or business? Contact the team at Hoffman Electrical & A/C today!

What to Do During a Power Outage: Safety Tips

The first and foremost thing of importance is, of course, safety! Outages come with some pretty big potential dangers, and being ready with the proper knowledge and equipment can keep you and your loved ones safe. When an outage occurs, be sure to do these:

Use a flashlight for navigation. Emergency candles have been a thing for a long, long time. But the fact is that modern flashlights are a better light source, and far safer. In an outage, the chance for accidents is high and the mishandling of an emergency candle could start a fire in your home. They aren’t very effective as a light source, anyway. Stick with a trusty flashlight!
Shut off major tools and appliances. When power is restored, there is a slight risk of your appliances misbehaving a bit, which can result in overloads that can kill your power all over again or damage the appliances. Large equipment like stoves, refrigerators, and HVAC systems should be unplugged or shut off at the panel if possible. Sensitive tools like computers are also at a very high risk and should be prioritized to avoid frying them.
Avoid moving around too much. Don’t expose yourself to unnecessary risks in the dark. Once you’ve secured any supplies you might need and cut power to the possibly dangerous appliances in your home, go to a predetermined safe place and stick there.
Use a radio or portable television to keep up with news. If the outage is due to storms or dangerous events, keep up to date with news to keep track of progress on the event and to catch any evacuation notices or civil instructions.

Preparing for Power Outages: Generators

Keeping a stock of good flashlights and preserved food is always a good idea, but if you want to take things a step further and really prep your home, nothing beats a standby generator. A reliable generator supplies your home with the power it needs to remain functional or nearly fully functional in a time of emergency or even during a simple grid outage.

This is indispensable for Florida home and commercial business owners, as it allows us to essentially go on with our lives in the face of an outage, or can help us stay safe in the face of an emergency. The worst thing about an outage is its unpredictability and a generator works around the problem flawlessly.

Home Standby Generator Services from Hoffman Electrical & A/C

Contact us today to schedule your home standby generator service from Hoffman Electrical & A/C! We have been servicing the Tampa area since 1989!

Hurricane Preparation: Home Standby Generators

As a Florida resident, you should know summer and early fall mark hurricane season. These storms can reach wind speeds exceeding 155 miles per hour and create storm surges that flood properties in coastal areas. Hurricanes cause catastrophic damage to anything in their path.

If such a storm hit your neighborhood tomorrow, would you be ready? If you’re not sure, consider this checklist to see if you’re prepared for a hurricane.

Build an emergency supply kit
Create a family communication plan
Learn hurricane evacuation routes in your community
Learn the elevation of your property and whether it’s prone to flooding during hurricanes
Keep trees and shrubs well-trimmed to make them more wind resistant
Install storm shutters on all windows
Install straps to fasten your roof securely to the frame structure
Install an emergency standby generator

How a Standby Generator Helps Homeowners Prepare for a Hurricane

If you’re not in an evacuation zone during a hurricane, you may choose to stay in your home. However, if the power goes out, you could be left in the dark. With a standby generator, you are well prepared to ride out the storm.

What do Generators Power?

You may not realize the extent of your dependence on electricity until the power goes out. Only then does it occur to you that dozens of household devices require electricity to function. The most important things to power during a hurricane include:

Lights
Heating and air conditioning systems
Kitchen appliances
Sump pumps
Hot water heaters
Refrigerators and freezers
Home security systems
Computers and TVs

Benefits of Installing a Standby Generator

You may hesitate to purchase a standby generator, thinking perhaps you don’t really need one. However, if a devastating storm ever knocks out the power for hours, days or even weeks, you’ll quickly realize how important electricity is in your daily life. The benefits of having a standby generator include the following:

Enjoy ample lighting at night
Maintain a comfortable indoor temperature
Cook a hot meal for your family
Prevent a flooded basement by keeping the sump pump working
Take a hot shower
Keep refrigerated and frozen food from spoiling
Remain safe behind your home security system
Pass the time with TV and computer games

Standby Generator Installation in Tampa & St. Petersburg, FL

Hoffman Electrical & A/C provides different types and sizes of standby generators to match your budget and meet your needs. Like you, our business is also susceptible to the damaging elements of a hurricane. Our home offices are in both Tampa and St. Petersburg, FL, so we know how important a home standby generator is to riding out a storm.

Our electricians are industry certified and trained to install Generac standby generators. Generac is one of the best generator manufacturers available on the market, so you can rest assured you and your family can enjoy the comfort of your home through the scariest of hurricanes.

To learn more about finding the right generator for you, please contact us today!

**Follow television and radio updates for evacuation information if you are in the direct path of a hurricane when it hits landfall.