What Kind of HVAC System Is Usually Installed in Florida?

When you think about Florida, you may picture sunny skies, beaches, and warm weather year-round. But with that tropical heat and humidity comes the need for a reliable HVAC system to keep homes cool and comfortable while ensuring energy bills stay in check. Let’s explore what kind of HVAC system is usually installed in Florida and what factors influence those choices.

Florida’s Climate: A Unique Challenge for HVAC Systems

Florida’s climate is what makes air conditioning a non-negotiable in most homes. The state is known for its hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly reaching into the 90s and even higher. The high humidity levels often push the heat index even further, making it feel even hotter. 

Even during the “cooler” months, temperatures can still hover around the 70s, with high humidity levels lingering year-round. Because of this, air conditioning systems need to be efficient, reliable, and capable of removing excess moisture from the air to prevent mold and mildew buildup as well as health issues.

While Florida’s winters are relatively mild compared to northern states, they can still dip into the 50s and 60s and even lower in the northern parts of the state including Tallahassee and Jacksonville. For those chilly days, homeowners still need a form of heating to stay comfortable. While heating is not the primary focus of HVAC systems in Florida, it’s still an important factor to consider when choosing the right system.

What Are the Most Popular HVAC Systems in Florida?

There are a few different HVAC options in Florida, each offering unique benefits depending on your home’s size, budget, and specific needs. The best HVAC systems for Florida include:

1. Central Air Conditioners

Central air conditioning systems are by far the most common HVAC system in Florida. They are ideal for large homes and spaces that require consistent cooling across several rooms. A central AC system works by using refrigerant to absorb heat from the indoor air, then circulating the cool air through ducts in your home and releasing the heat outside to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Why It’s Popular in Florida:

• Efficiency: Central AC systems are energy efficient and provide even cooling throughout the house. With Florida’s often scorching temperatures, maintaining a consistent and comfortable temperature is key.
• Dehumidification: Central air systems also help with dehumidification, which is critical in Florida’s humid climate. This helps prevent mold growth and improves indoor air quality.
• Cost-Effective: Though the initial installation can be more expensive than other HVAC options, central AC systems generally provide a good balance of efficiency and comfort, making them a long-term investment. Properly maintained central AC systems can last about 10-15 years in Florida.
• Heat Strips: Heat strips can be added to air conditioning systems in Florida, especially for homes that need supplemental heat during the cooler winter months. While Florida’s winters are mild, heat strips provide an extra layer of warmth without needing a full-fledged heating system.

2. Ductless Mini-Split Systems

Ductless mini-split systems are becoming increasingly popular in Florida, especially in homes without existing ductwork or those that are smaller or have multiple zones requiring separate temperature control.

Why It’s Popular in Florida:

• Zoning: Mini-split systems allow for zoned cooling, meaning different areas of the house can be cooled to separate temperatures. This is perfect for Florida homes with multiple stories or rooms that are used differently, such as guest rooms or offices, that don’t always require the same level of cooling as other areas of the house.
• Easy Installation: Because there’s no ductwork involved, mini-splits are easier and quicker to install than central AC systems, making them a great option for home renovations or additions.
• Energy Efficient: Mini-splits are highly efficient because they provide zoned cooling and heating, allowing you to control the temperature in individual rooms without wasting energy on unoccupied spaces.

3. Heat Pumps

While Florida rarely experiences extreme cold, a heat pump is an excellent option for year-round comfort. Florida heat pumps provide both cooling in the summer and heating in the winter, making them a versatile HVAC solution.

Why It’s Popular in Florida:

• Energy Efficient: Heat pumps are one of the most energy-efficient systems on the market because they don’t generate heat; they simply move it from one place to another. This makes them a good choice for Florida homes, where winters are mild but cooling is essential year-round.
• No Need for Separate Heating: Since most Florida homes don’t need a dedicated heating system, a heat pump provides both heating and cooling in one system, eliminating the need for a separate furnace.
• Great for Mild Winters: While Florida winters aren’t harsh, having the ability to heat your home efficiently when temperatures dip below 60°F is an important benefit. Heat pumps can easily handle temperatures in this range, but for those rare cold snaps, many Florida heat pumps are equipped with auxiliary heat strips. These heat strips provide extra warmth when the outdoor temperature is too low for the heat pump to operate effectively.

4. Packaged HVAC Systems

Packaged HVAC systems are ideal for Florida homes with limited space or those without attic or crawl space access. These all-in-one systems combine heating and cooling components into a single outdoor unit, saving both space and installation costs.

Why It’s Popular in Florida:

• Space-Saving Design: Packaged systems are compact, making them a great choice for homes with limited space, such as smaller homes or mobile homes.
• Multiple Options: The most common types for Florida homes are packaged air conditioners and packaged heat pumps. Packaged heat pumps offer both cooling and heating, making them perfect for Florida’s mild winters, while packaged air conditioners can use electric heat strips to provide cooling on chilly nights.

5. Window Air Conditioners

Although not as common as central AC or mini-split systems, window air conditioners are still found in some Florida homes, particularly in smaller apartments, rentals, or homes with only one or two rooms to cool.

Why It’s Popular in Florida:

• Low Initial Cost: Window AC units are relatively cheap to install compared to full HVAC systems, making them ideal for homeowners on a budget.
• Portability: For renters or seasonal residents, window ACs can be removed and relocated, offering flexibility.

Should I Install a Gas Furnace?

In Florida, a gas furnace is usually unnecessary for most homeowners due to the state’s mild winters. With limited heating needs, electric heat strips or heat pumps are typically sufficient. While gas furnaces are efficient in colder climates, they’re often overkill in Florida, providing more heating power than is needed.

Additionally, the installation and energy costs associated with a gas furnace may not offer the best return on investment. For the few chilly days each year, a heat pump or electric heat strips can keep your home comfortable without the added expense and maintenance of a gas furnace.