1. Why HVAC Maintenance in Florida Is Non-Negotiable

In Florida, your A/C doesn’t get a break — not in July, and not in January. Many homes run cooling systems nearly year-round, and that means regular wear and tear. If you don’t stay on top of maintenance, you risk:

• Frozen coils
• Clogged drain lines
• Low refrigerant
• Short cycling
• Mold or algae buildup in the system

For new movers who’ve never needed more than an annual furnace check, this can come as a surprise. In Florida, HVAC maintenance is quarterly, at a minimum.

2. What Is an HVAC Service Plan?

An HVAC service plan is a preventive maintenance agreement with a local HVAC company. Typically, this includes:

• Two or more service visits per year
• Drain line cleaning
• Filter checks or replacements
• Coil inspections
• Discounts on repairs and diagnostics

Some companies also include priority scheduling during peak season, which is a big deal when it’s 95° and your unit quits.

3. What Does It Cost?

Basic Maintenance Plan: $30–$60/month
Premium Plans (with parts/labor discounts): $60–$150/month

Many companies also offer annual flat rates that are discounted if paid up front.

Don’t confuse a service plan with a home warranty. Home warranties may not cover what you think — and they almost never include preventive maintenance.

4. Why Your HVAC Company Won’t Install That Amazon Part You Found

Yes, the capacitor you found online is cheaper than the one quoted during your repair. But reputable HVAC companies will not use customer-supplied parts, and here’s why:

• Liability: They can’t warranty the part or the work if something goes wrong.
• Compatibility: Not all parts are universal, and improper sizing can damage your system.
• Quality control: HVAC companies source parts they know are reliable and certified.

Bottom line: Finding a part cheaper online doesn’t make the repair itself cheaper. You’re paying for diagnostics, installation, warranty, and EXPERTISE— not just hardware. Yes, those years of training and school, and on-the-job troubleshooting matter. Cheaper parts often come with less experienced techs, which can lead to longer repair times, unnecessary fixes, added labor costs, or even needing to hire a second company to finish the job right.

5. The Drain Line: A Hidden Problem That Can Wreck Your System

Your HVAC unit creates condensation as it cools the air. That moisture travels through a drain line to the outside of your house. If that drain gets clogged (which happens fast in Florida’s heat), your system can:

• Back up and shut down
• Leak into ceilings or walls
• Grow mold or algae
• Trip a float switch and stop cooling completely

A good maintenance plan includes drain line cleaning every visit. Never assume this is optional — it’s critical.

6. Leave Your Windows Closed While the A/C Is On

Many Northeasterners are used to spring air and open windows. In Florida, this can wreck your HVAC system and cause:

• Frozen coils
• Excessive humidity and condensation
• Mold or mildew in the ductwork

When humid air enters your home, your system works overtime to remove moisture — not just cool the air. Open windows create a constant flood of new humidity.

Tip: Always keep windows and sliding doors shut when the A/C is running.

7. Setting the Thermostat to 60 °F won’t Cool Your Home Faster

You walk into a hot house, it’s 84°, and you crank the thermostat to 60°. Unfortunately, this doesn’t make your home cool faster — it only makes the system run longer than necessary.

Why? HVAC systems cool at the same rate no matter the thermostat setting. Setting it too low can cause:

• Frozen coils
• Overworked compressors
• Higher energy bills

Tip: Set your temperature between 72°–75° and let it cycle naturally.

8. Questions to Ask When Choosing an HVAC Company

• Are you licensed and insured in Florida?
• Do you offer quarterly maintenance plans?
• What’s included in the plan (drain cleaning, filters)?
• Do you offer emergency or priority scheduling?
• What is your labor warranty on repairs?
• Do you use employees or subcontractors?

9. What If You Rent?

Check your lease — in many Florida rental homes, the tenant is responsible for A/C filter replacement and system upkeep. If the system fails due to clogged filters or neglect, you may be liable for the repair.

Tip: Ask your landlord if a service plan already exists. If not, consider signing up for your own with a trusted local company.