Florida's heat and humidity demand more from your air conditioner than almost anywhere else in the country. Southwest Florida adds salt air corrosion on top of that. Here's what actually matters when choosing a central AC unit for a Florida home.
What to Look for in a Florida AC Unit
SEER2 Rating: Florida requires a minimum 15 SEER2 for new installations. We recommend 16–18 SEER2 for most SW Florida homes — the energy savings pay back within 4–6 years.
Buy the same name-brand AC system the pros install — shipped factory-direct to your door. No middleman, 5-star rated, and financing available.
Two-Stage or Variable Speed Compressor: Florida's long cooling seasons make variable-speed compressors worth it. They run longer at lower capacity, removing more humidity — the real comfort issue in Florida, not just temperature.
Corrosion Protection: Within 5 miles of the coast, look for units with coated coils. Salt air eats standard aluminum coils in 3–5 years.
Top Picks for Florida Homes
| Unit | SEER2 | Best For | Factory-Direct Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goodman 16 SEER2 Central AC | 16 | Budget-conscious homeowners | $1,100–$1,400 |
| Goodman 18 SEER2 Two-Stage | 18 | Humidity control priority | $1,500–$1,900 |
| Goodman 20 SEER2 Variable | 20 | Max efficiency, coastal homes | $2,000–$2,600 |
Sizing for SW Florida
Florida homes need roughly 400–600 sq ft per ton of cooling capacity due to higher heat load and humidity. A 2,000 sq ft Naples home typically needs a 4–5 ton unit. Don't let a contractor downsize to save on equipment — it will run constantly and leave you uncomfortable.
How to Save 40–60% on Your Florida AC
Buy the equipment factory-direct through Furnace Direct and hire a local licensed installer for labor only. Florida requires licensed HVAC contractors for all installations, but there's no rule against supplying your own equipment. Typical labor-only quotes in SW Florida: $800–$1,500 for a standard swap.
Shop factory-direct AC units at Furnace Direct — shipped fast to Naples, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and all SW Florida.
Get your AC replaced.
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