Central Florida is known for its beautiful beaches and sunshine, but it also brings challenging weather conditions that can significantly impact your air conditioning system. From extreme heat and high humidity to frequent thunderstorms, the weather plays a huge role in how hard your AC has to work to keep your home comfortable. In this blog, we’ll explore how the weather in Central Florida affects air conditioning systems and offer tips to keep your AC in top shape year-round.
1. High Heat and Extended Cooling Seasons
Central Florida’s warm climate means that air conditioning systems are used almost year-round. During the summer months, temperatures regularly reach the mid-90s, which causes air conditioners to work harder and run longer cycles. The longer your AC runs, the more wear and tear it experiences, leading to increased energy consumption and a higher chance of breakdowns.
How Heat Affects Your AC:
- Increased Energy Consumption: Your AC system consumes more energy to cool your home in extreme heat. The hotter it is outside, the more heat your system has to remove from your home’s air.
- Overheating: With constant operation, the components of your AC, especially the compressor, may overheat. Over time, this can result in costly repairs or even require replacement.
To combat high temperatures, it’s crucial to perform regular maintenance. Replacing air filters monthly, cleaning the condenser coils, and ensuring your thermostat is programmed to optimal settings can help your system run more efficiently. Consider investing in an energy-efficient system like the Daikin Fit, which can better handle Florida’s heat.
2. High Humidity Levels
In addition to the heat, Florida’s humidity can be particularly challenging for air conditioning systems. Humidity makes the air feel warmer, which leads to your AC running longer to reach the desired temperature. Additionally, air conditioners don’t just cool the air; they also remove moisture, which can put extra strain on the system in a humid environment like Central Florida.
Effects of Humidity on Your AC:
- Longer Cooling Cycles: Your system needs more time to remove moisture from the air, leading to longer cooling cycles.
- Clogged Drains: Excess moisture can cause condensate drain lines to clog or back up, leading to potential water damage or system failure.
- Mold Growth: High humidity can lead to mold growth within your AC system, affecting indoor air quality and causing health problems.
Invest in a system with a dehumidification feature to improve performance. Regularly check and clean the condensate drain line to prevent blockages. If indoor humidity remains a problem, consider adding a whole-home dehumidifier to your HVAC system to reduce moisture levels effectively.
3. Frequent Thunderstorms and Power Surges
Florida is the lightning capital of the U.S., and thunderstorms are common, especially during the summer. These storms can cause power surges that may damage your AC’s electrical components. Lightning strikes or sudden power outages can cause your air conditioner to malfunction or stop working altogether, leading to costly repairs.
Impact of Power Surges:
- Electrical Damage: Sudden power surges can damage your AC’s compressor, circuit boards, and other electrical components, requiring expensive repairs or replacements.
- System Reset: After a power surge, your system may need to be reset manually or professionally repaired.
To protect your air conditioning system, install a surge protector designed for HVAC units. Surge protectors can prevent electrical damage from thunderstorms, ensuring your system isn’t affected by power spikes. You might also consider installing a backup generator, which can help keep your home cool during extended power outages.
4. Hurricane Season and Outdoor Units
Central Florida’s hurricane season, which runs from June to November, can pose a significant threat to outdoor air conditioning units. Strong winds, heavy rain, and flying debris can cause physical damage to the unit, obstruct airflow, or even dislodge components.
Effects of Hurricanes on Your AC:
- Physical Damage: Outdoor units are exposed to debris and strong winds during storms, potentially damaging the fan, coils, or housing.
- Flooding: Heavy rains and floods can cause water to pool around or inside the unit, leading to electrical damage or rust.
To prepare for hurricane season, secure your outdoor unit with a hurricane strap or cover it with a protective shield. Clear the area around the unit of any loose objects that could become projectiles in strong winds. After a hurricane, have a professional inspect your system to ensure it’s in good working order before using it again.
5. Salt Air and Coastal Corrosion
If you live near the coast in places like Winter Haven or Lakeland, the salty air can be particularly corrosive to outdoor air conditioning units. The salt in the air can corrode metal components, such as the condenser coils, leading to reduced efficiency and a shorter lifespan for your AC system.
Effects of Salt Air:
- Corrosion of Components: Coastal air speeds up the corrosion process, leading to more frequent repairs or early system failure.
- Reduced Efficiency: Corroded components make the system work harder, resulting in lower energy efficiency and higher utility bills.
Regular maintenance is critical for homes near the coast. Schedule professional cleanings of the outdoor unit to remove salt buildup and prevent corrosion. Consider investing in a system designed for coastal areas, which uses corrosion-resistant materials to withstand salt air exposure.
Keep Your AC Running Smoothly in Central Florida
Whether you live in Auburndale, Lakeland, Winter Haven, or Davenport, your air conditioner faces challenges unique to Central Florida’s weather. With high temperatures, frequent storms, and humidity, it’s crucial to keep your AC well-maintained to avoid expensive breakdowns and ensure it operates efficiently year-round.
At Freedom Air Conditioning, we specialize in maintaining and repairing AC systems to withstand Florida’s tough climate. Our technicians are trained to diagnose and fix issues caused by extreme heat, humidity, and storm damage. We offer a range of services, including routine maintenance, repairs, and installations of high-efficiency systems like the Daikin Fit.
If you’re experiencing issues with your air conditioner, don’t wait! Contact us today at (863) 229-7058 or visit our website at myfreedomair.net for expert AC services in Central Florida. Keep your home cool and comfortable, no matter what the weather throws your way.
