Florida – the land of sunshine, beaches, and…brutal humidity. While most folks associate air conditioning with escaping the summer heat, here in the Sunshine State, it’s a year-round necessity. But Florida’s unique climate throws some curveballs at our trusty HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems. In fact, HVAC can account for more than 40% of a Floridian’s total utility bill. Let’s dive into some fun facts that highlight the quirks of keeping cool in Florida.
Fact #1: Sunshine Makes Us Work Twice As Hard
Our sunshine isn’t just for tans; it’s a hidden heat source. Traditional HVAC systems battle the heat outside, but that relentless sunshine can also radiate heat into your home, making the system work double-time. That’s why some Floridians do other things around the house to keep cool – despite having AC. From blackout curtains and ceiling fans to icy treats and extended pool time, keeping cool is both strategic and fun!
Fact #2: Humidity is Our Kryptonite
Florida’s humidity levels are no joke. Did you know that the average humidity level is 70% in the Jupiter area? While an air conditioner cools air, it also removes moisture. But with so much moisture in the air, Florida’s HVAC systems constantly battle to remove it and keep us comfortable. Because of the high humidity, we might need dehumidifiers as our BFFs. Because traditional HVAC systems prioritize cooling, they might not always handle humidity perfectly. That’s where dehumidifiers come in as our summer BFFs. They work by pulling excess moisture from the air, making the cooler air feel even more refreshing.
Fact #3: Salt Air Can Be Corrosive
Living near the coast is a perk, but the salty air can wreak havoc on HVAC components. The salt can cause metal components to rust and deteriorate faster, and can also damage coils and reduce efficiency. This leads to more frequent repairs or replacements, higher energy bills and a shortened lifespan for your entire system. Enjoy the beach, but take steps to protect your HVAC investment!
Fact #4: The Heat Influenced Our Architecture
Florida’s brutal heat heavily influenced the development of the iconic Florida Cracker architectural style. This style of house was born in the 1800’s and thrived between the 1840s and 1920s. It emerged from the needs of early Florida and Georgia settlers. Facing a harsh climate without the luxury of air conditioning, they built this ingenious vernacular style for practicality and affordability. The design itself became a testament to combating the heat and humidity.
Fact #5: AC Didn’t Make Its Way Into Florida Homes Until the 1940’s
According to Gary Mormino’s book, Land of Sunshine, State of Dreams, Floridians had their own ways to keep cool before air conditioning made its way into homes in the 40s. Some of those ways were by simply closing windows and depending on ceiling fans for relief. Hard to believe that Florida homes were once without AC, huh? What’s even harder to believe is that once given the option to have AC, some people still opted out. People who lived in Florida prior to AC thoroughly enjoyed the heat and humidity. Not only that, but the cost of window AC units was so high back then. It wasn’t until the 1950s-1960s that air conditioning became more affordable, and more people began purchasing them.
Fact #6: It Was Once Thought That Cooling Could Fight Disease
Driven by the belief that cooling could combat illness and improve comfort, a Florida doctor, John Gorrie, tackled a challenge in the 1840s. He initially used a cumbersome system, transporting massive ice blocks from the north to cool hospital rooms. Recognizing the impracticality, Gorrie then envisioned a machine to create ice using horsepower, wind power, or steam. Though his main investor’s death prevented his invention from reaching the market in 1851, Gorrie’s groundbreaking concept laid the foundation for future advancements.
Contact Complete Comfort For All Your Unique HVAC Needs in Jupiter, FL and the Surrounding Areas
So there you have it! Keeping cool in Florida is a unique challenge, but we’ve got the technology and know-how to stay comfortable. Not to mention, the history of air conditioning in Florida is interesting to say the least. And hey, at least we can enjoy some sunshine while our trusty HVAC systems battle the heat! Contact your friends at Complete Comfort for all your HVAC needs in Jupiter, FL and the surrounding areas.
