HVAC Considerations Every Florida Builder Should Plan for in New Homes

Many large Florida homes are equipped with two air conditioning systems. This setup allows for better cooling, especially in multi-story or high-square-footage properties. But while having dual systems provides added comfort and redundancy, it also means double the responsibility when it comes to maintenance . Unfortunately, some homeowners make the mistake of skipping routine service on one or both systems, often assuming that if one is working well, it can “cover” the other. The truth is, neglecting maintenance on a two-system home can cost far more in the long run than the price of regular service. Increased Energy Bills When coils are dirty, filters are clogged, or refrigerant levels are off, each system works harder to cool your home. In a two-system home, inefficiency compounds. If one unit is neglected and overworked, the other system often picks up the slack, causing both to consume more energy. Result: Higher electric bills month after month, especially during Florida’s long cooling season. Uneven Comfort Throughout the Home One advantage of two systems is the ability to balance comfort across multiple floors or zones. But if one system isn’t properly maintained, temperature control becomes inconsistent. Bedrooms may feel too warm while living areas are overcooled, forcing homeowners to constantly adjust thermostats and straining both units further. Higher Risk of Breakdowns Small, inexpensive issues caught during routine service — like worn capacitors, clogged drain lines, or dirty coils — can cause major failures if ignored. Real-World Example: A homeowner in Clearwater, FL skipped servicing their secondary upstairs unit for two years. When summer hit, that unit failed under heavy demand, forcing the downstairs system to overwork. The end result: two service calls and a costly compressor replacement that could have been prevented with routine maintenance. Shortened System Lifespan Well-maintained AC systems in Florida can last 12–15 years. Without maintenance, lifespans often drop to under 10 years. On a two-system home, replacing both units early can mean tens of thousands of dollars in unplanned expenses. Preventive maintenance is far less costly than premature replacements. Loss of Warranty Protection Many manufacturers require documented maintenance to keep warranties valid. Skipping service can void coverage, leaving homeowners responsible for expensive parts and labor that would otherwise have been covered.

For businesses across Florida, hurricanes and tropical storms are more than just an inconvenience, they can threaten safety, disrupt operations, and damage critical equipment. One often-overlooked asset at risk during hurricane season is the commercial HVAC system. Commercial units are a major investment, and without proper preparation, high winds, flooding, and power surges can cause costly damage. The good news is that proactive planning helps protect your system and ensures your business can recover quickly after a storm. Here are the steps every business owner in Pinellas County should take to prepare their commercial HVAC system for hurricane season. 1. Schedule a Pre-Storm Inspection Before hurricane season begins, have your system inspected by a licensed HVAC contractor. A professional inspection will: Check electrical components for wear that could worsen in a storm Ensure units are properly anchored to their pads Verify drainage lines are clear to prevent flooding-related damage Identify vulnerable parts that should be repaired or replaced ahead of time A tune-up not only improves efficiency but also ensures your system is storm-ready. 2. Anchor and Protect Outdoor Units Commercial HVAC systems are often installed on rooftops or exterior pads, leaving them fully exposed to high winds. Units should be secured with hurricane-rated straps or brackets. For rooftop units, confirm the roof and mounting structures are reinforced to handle both wind and heavy rain. Best Practice: Install protective cages or barriers to shield equipment from flying debris without restricting airflow. 3. Shut Down Safely Before the Storm Running your HVAC system during a hurricane increases the risk of electrical damage if flooding or power surges occur. Before the storm arrives: Turn off the system at the breaker Power down thermostats Ensure backup generators are tested and ready for post-storm operation This step prevents damage to sensitive electrical components and helps the system restart safely once conditions stabilize. 4. Protect Against Power Surges Lightning strikes and sudden outages are common during hurricanes. A surge protector or power management device can save thousands of dollars in repairs by protecting compressors, circuit boards, and controls from electrical damage. 5. Plan for Flood Risks If your commercial HVAC system is at ground level, flooding can pose a serious threat. Options to reduce risk include: Elevating equipment on raised platforms Installing water diversion barriers around the unit Ensuring nearby drainage systems are clear before storms hit 6. Schedule a Post-Storm Inspection Even if your system looks fine, hidden damage can prevent safe operation. After a storm passes, have an HVAC professional inspect for: Water intrusion inside electrical panels Damage to coils or refrigerant lines Shifts in rooftop or pad-mounted equipment Clogged coils from storm debris Never restart your system until it has been cleared by a licensed technician. Real-World Example in Pinellas County A commercial property in St. Petersburg, FL took proactive steps before a hurricane by anchoring their rooftop units and installing surge protection. While nearby businesses reported major system failures, their HVAC systems survived the storm with minimal downtime, allowing them to reopen faster and avoid expensive emergency replacements. Preparing your commercial HVAC system for hurricane season is about more than protecting equipment, it’s about protecting your business. By scheduling inspections, securing units, planning for safe shutdowns, and protecting against surges and floods, you can save thousands of dollars and recover quickly after storms. At Williams Air Solutions , we partner with Pinellas County businesses to ensure HVAC systems are storm-ready and built to last. Call Williams Air Solutions at (727) 353-0090 today to schedule your pre-storm commercial HVAC inspection.