Your No-Nonsense Guide to Easy, Affordable AC & Home Upgrades
Why read this?
Because if you’re a Florida homeowner looking for a smart way to finance an AC replacement, new roof, or energy-efficient upgrades without touching your credit or savings, the PACE program might be your new best friend. Here’s everything you need to know—minus the fluff.
What Is the Florida PACE Program?
Let’s start with the basics. PACE stands for Property Assessed Clean Energy. It’s a state-approved financing program that allows homeowners in Florida to fund home improvements through their property taxes, not their credit cards.
And the best part? It’s not based on your credit score. Yep—read that again.
How Does It Work?
With PACE, the cost of qualifying upgrades (like an air conditioning system, roof, windows, or insulation) is repaid through your annual property tax bill. Here’s the gist:
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You apply through a certified PACE provider (like Home Run Financing, FortiFi and Renew Financial). You can choose from a list of contractors vetted and registered for Florida PACE program, like CoolNow™
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You get approved based on your home’s equity, not your credit score.
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Once approved, the project is installed.
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You repay over time via your property tax bill.
It’s that simple—and that powerful.
What Can Be Financed Through Florida PACE Program?
More than just air conditioners. Here’s what’s commonly eligible in Florida:
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Impact-resistant windows & doors
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Roofing systems
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Solar panels
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Water heaters
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Energy-efficient insulation
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Storm protection improvements
Basically, if it makes your home more energy-efficient or storm-resilient, chances are it qualifies.
Is It Really Better Than Traditional HVAC Financing?
Let’s break it down. Most people assume that HVAC financing always means going through a bank or getting hit with a hard credit check. PACE flips that script.
Here’s how PACE compares to traditional AC financing options in Florida:
| Feature | Traditional Loan | PACE Program |
|---|---|---|
| Based on Credit Score | ✅ Required | ❌ Not required |
| Affects Credit Score | ✅ Yes | ❌ No hard check |
| Upfront Payment Required | ✅ Sometimes | ❌ Never |
| Approval Speed | 🕒 Slow | ⚡ Fast |
| Tax-Deductible | ❌ Rarely | ✅ Often |
| Transferable on Home Sale | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (in many cases) |
So yeah, PACE isn’t just a financing option—it’s often the smartest one.
Who Qualifies for Florida PACE Program?
Not everyone, but if you own your home in Florida, there’s a good chance you’re eligible.
Minimum Requirements:
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You own a home in a participating Florida county
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You have sufficient equity in your property
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You’re up to date on your mortgage & property taxes
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Your project is on the approved improvement list
Check if your zip code qualifies 👉 Check Eligibility Here
⚠️ Things to Know Before You Apply
Like anything that sounds awesome, there are a few things you should be aware of:
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It’s a property lien – it sticks to your house, not to you
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May affect resale – some buyers or lenders want it paid off before a sale/refinance
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Payment shows up on tax bill – so your escrow may need adjusting
We’re not here to sugarcoat anything. We’re here to give it to you straight so you can make a smart, informed decision.
Is PACE Right for You?
It’s ideal if you:
✔️ Have home equity
✔️ Want to avoid credit checks
✔️ Don’t want to front thousands for an AC
✔️ Want predictable, fixed payments
It’s probably not ideal if:
❌ You plan to move soon
❌ You’re not comfortable with tax-based repayments
Still unsure? 👉 Talk to our team
We’ll walk you through it—without pressure.
Using PACE to Finance Your New AC? Smart Move
If you’ve been Googling “Can I finance an AC unit with bad credit?” or “What credit score do I need to finance a new HVAC system?”—now you know the answer: With PACE, you don’t.
PACE financing lets you beat the heat without breaking the bank, without sweating credit inquiries, and without putting off your comfort another year.
At CoolNow™, we’re all about cutting the nonsense and keeping it real.
If you’re a Florida homeowner exploring your options for AC replacement financing, HVAC upgrades, or just trying to understand the Florida PACE Program—this guide was made for you.
👉 Want to learn more about your options?
Apply for financing or book a consultation and we’ll help you decide what’s best for you.
No pressure. No jargon. Just cold air, fast.