HVAC laws change from time to time, and there were recently some changes that affect us here in Florida. While you don’t have to worry about knowing or understanding all of these laws when it comes time for an HVAC replacement, it’s a good idea to be knowledgeable about the subject.
You can keep reading to learn more about the new Florida HVAC laws and how they impact the installation of new units moving forward. If you have questions or you’re ready to invest in a new HVAC system for your home, you can give our team a call to schedule your appointment.
Understanding New Florida HVAC Laws
New legislation was passed at the end of 2023 that impacts the installation of new heating equipment in residences. R501.7.2 states that when it comes to electric space heating, “electric resistance will not be the primary space heating system type used for complete central equipment replacements in Climate Zone 2.”
Most of Florida is in climate zone 2 with the exception of the southern-most counties:
- Broward
- Collier
- Hendry
- Lee
- Miami-Dade
- Monroe
- Palm Beach
All other counties in Florida must abide by the new laws for heating upgrades. What does this mean? Electric furnaces that convert electricity into heat can no longer be installed as a main source of heat. Alternatives include gas furnaces and heat pumps. However, gas furnaces are usually reserved for colder climates because they are much more powerful.
Alternatives to Electric Resistance Heating
Here in Florida, heat pumps are the best solution for whole-home heating. An electric furnace takes much longer to heat up and warm your home. It may use more energy and increase your energy costs more than is necessary in our milder climate.
A heat pump doesn’t have to create heat at all, like a gas or electric furnace. Instead, it transfers heat energy from outside your home using refrigerant. Plus, a heat pump is a whole-house heating and cooling solution since it also operates as an air conditioner.
Considering New HVAC Installation
If it’s time to upgrade your home HVAC system and you have questions about new Florida laws, give our team a call. We can answer your questions and help you select the right heating solution to fit your family’s expectations.
When it comes to selecting a heat pump, you have a few different options. First, you need to choose between a more traditional forced-air system that attaches to ductwork or a ductless model. Then you have to consider the efficiency ratings of each model.
Each heat pump has a SEER2 rating for cooling efficiency and an HSPF2 rating for heating efficiency. You want to give more weight to the SEER2 rating being high since we face hot summers and milder winters. Cooling capacity is the priority with a heat pump over heating capacity. Selecting a high-efficiency model can go a long way toward saving money on your monthly energy costs.
Contact the Mechanical Air Conditioning team for your central heating and air conditioning needs.
