When the Heat Is On, AC Systems in Central Florida Get Put to the Test 

There’s hot, and then there’s Florida hot. Summers here are a humid, sweltering marathon of 90+ degree days and relentless sunshine. And while we love the beach weather, all that heat takes a serious toll on air conditioners across Central Florida. At ServiceOne, we see it every day: systems working overtime, energy bills climbing, and frustrated homeowners left sweating it out while waiting for emergency repairs. 

But why do so many AC systems fail right when we need them most? The truth is, the summer heat magnifies every weak point in your cooling system—and many of the most common problems can be avoided with the right maintenance and a fast response when things go wrong. 

Dirt, Dust, and the Sneaky Efficiency Killers 

It doesn’t sound like a catastrophe, but dirt is one of the most common and destructive forces your AC faces. Clogged evaporator and condenser coils—thanks to Florida’s pollen-heavy air and frequent landscaping debris—reduce your system’s ability to remove heat. Add in a dirty air filter, and suddenly your AC has to work twice as hard to deliver half the comfort. 

According to the EPA, replacing a dirty filter can lower energy consumption by 5–15%, which translates into real dollars during peak cooling season. Ignoring filter changes and coil cleaning not only hurts your comfort but also slowly wears down your entire system. 

Leaking Refrigerant: A Hidden Hazard 

When refrigerant levels are low, your air conditioner will run constantly without effectively cooling your home. Many homeowners think they can just “top it off,” but refrigerant doesn’t evaporate—it leaks. And that’s both a performance problem and a potential health risk. Most refrigerants are toxic chemicals that require EPA-certified technicians to handle safely. Trying to fix a leak yourself isn’t just risky—it’s illegal. 

To complicate things further, 2025 marked a major industry shift in refrigerant standards. R-410A is being phased down in favor of newer, lower-global-warming-potential alternatives like R-32 and R-454B. That means recharging your AC isn’t as simple as it used to be—and using the wrong refrigerant can damage your system permanently. 

If your AC isn’t cooling properly or seems to be constantly running, it’s time to call in a ServiceOne technician, who can identify leaks, seal them, and recharge your system with the correct refrigerant—safely and in compliance with today’s standards. 

The Compressor Conundrum 

Your AC compressor is like the heart of your system, and when summer hits full force, it’s under enormous pressure. Long cooling cycles, poor airflow, or electrical surges can all cause the compressor to overheat or seize up. And once that happens, repairs can be costly—especially on older systems. 

What’s worse is that many of these issues start small: an aging capacitor, a dirty coil, or a misbehaving thermostat. That’s why routine service from ServiceOne’s experienced HVAC pros can make the difference between a minor repair and a major replacement. 

Frozen Coils in the Middle of a Heatwave? 

It seems counterintuitive, but yes—your air conditioner can freeze up during a Florida summer. When refrigerant levels drop or airflow becomes restricted due to dirty filters or blocked vents, the evaporator coil gets too cold and ices over. The ice blocks the coil from absorbing heat, so your system keeps running without actually cooling anything. 

It’s a problem we see frequently, and it can quickly escalate to water damage or total system failure. If you spot signs like frost on the lines or water pooling near your indoor unit, don’t wait. A ServiceOne tech can pinpoint the cause, whether it’s a leak, dirty coil, or failing blower motor, and get things back on track before your home turns into a sauna. 

Thermostat Troubles Can Mimic Major Malfunctions 

Believe it or not, some of the most frustrating AC issues are caused by a $150 thermostat. Faulty or misconfigured thermostats can cause short cycling, run your system non-stop, or fail to keep your home at the right temperature—especially if they haven’t been calibrated for Florida’s climate. 

Smart thermostats are a great upgrade, especially if you’re trying to reduce energy use, and they can save homeowners up to 10% annually on cooling. But even the smartest device is only as good as its installation and programming. If your home isn’t staying comfortable, a ServiceOne expert can test your thermostat’s accuracy and recommend energy-efficient solutions that suit your home’s layout and lifestyle. 

High Humidity Means High Risk for Drain Line Clogs 

In Central Florida’s subtropical climate, your AC doesn’t just cool your air—it removes an astonishing amount of moisture from it. That condensation drains out through a narrow PVC line, which is a perfect breeding ground for algae, mold, and debris. 

When it clogs, the water has nowhere to go, and that means leaks—sometimes into ceilings, floors, or electrical systems. It’s a slow-moving disaster we catch often during our tune-ups. ServiceOne technicians are trained to flush, treat, and inspect condensate lines to keep water flowing where it should. 

Power Surges and the Great Capacitor Crisis 

Our area is notorious for summer storms and sudden lightning strikes, which often wreak havoc on AC electrical components. Capacitors—small but mighty parts that start and regulate your system’s motors—are especially vulnerable. When they fail, your compressor or fan may refuse to start, leaving you with a dead system on the hottest day of the year. 

Surge protection and seasonal inspections go a long way here. Our ServiceOne team knows exactly what to look for—and how to prevent small electrical issues from becoming system-killing failures. 

The ServiceOne Solution 

The good news? Every one of these problems can be caught early—or prevented altogether—with regular maintenance. At ServiceOne, our technicians are highly trained to diagnose, fix, and prevent these exact issues. Whether it's sealing refrigerant leaks, clearing drain lines, cleaning coils, or checking electrical systems, we handle it all with precision and professionalism. 

In fact, regular maintenance can reduce unexpected breakdowns by up to 95%, and cut energy costs by 20–30%, according to multiple industry studies. 

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Hot to Handle 

If your system is acting up—or hasn’t been serviced in the past year—now is the time to schedule a check-up. Florida heat waits for no one, but with ServiceOne on your side, you can stay cool, comfortable, and confident all summer long. 

Call us at (407) 499-8333 or schedule service online today. Let us handle the heat, so you don’t have to.