Like most states, Florida has explicit regulations for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in homes. While these may seem like hurdles you have to overcome, they’re actually consumer protections. These are how states, counties, and cities ensure that HVAC manufacturers and contractors don’t take advantage of laypeople. Let’s explore what you should know about the key regulations in planning for your installation.
The Florida Building Code
The Florida Building Code (FBC) includes all state HVAC regulations for residential installations. The FBC includes both a Mechanical Code and an Energy Conservation Code. The FBC requires a building permit for all major HVAC installations. It also requires an appropriate HVAC contractor license to be able to install the equipment. There is an owner-builder exception. You can pull a permit if installing the equipment in a home you live in as your primary residence. Even with such a permit, you must adhere to all FBC regulations and complete a local code-compliance inspection. Often, this process will end up costing you more in the end.
County and City Regulations
Counties and cities can also have their own regulations. They can’t contradict the FBC, but they can add to it. An employee of the county or city carries out code-compliance inspections. They’ll ensure that you adhere to any city and county regulations in addition to the statewide requirements. Sarasota County, for instance, has flood zone elevation installation requirements based on FEMA standards, and they’re very strict in this regard.
Homeowner Association Regulations
Homeowner associations (HOAs) govern 45% of Florida homes, according to South Florida Agent magazine. HOAs can introduce HVAC requirements that are above and beyond any FBC or local regulations. Many HOAs, for instance, have rules for where you can install an AC or heat pump’s outdoor condenser unit. These types of regulations are both legal and enforceable.
Energy Efficiency Standards
The Department of Energy (DOE) establishes energy-efficiency standards for the United States. It organizes the country into three broad climate zones: North, Southwest, and Southeast. The State of Florida adheres to all DOE standards for the Southeast zone. The three most important energy-efficiency ratings to understand are:
- Annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE)
- Seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER2)
- Heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF2)
In all three cases, the higher the rating, the greater the efficiency. The industry uses SEER2 to measure the cooling performance of air conditioners and heat pumps over a full summer. It uses HSPF2 to measure the heating performance of heat pumps over a full winter. AFUE measures the efficiency of forced-air furnaces.
The latest DOE regulations, as of this writing, went into effect on Jan. 1, 2023. Regulations vary based on system size. That said, most ACs and heat pumps must have a SEER2 rating of 14.3 or higher. Most heat pumps must have a 7.5 HSPF2 rating or higher. Furnaces must have an AFUE rating of 80 or higher.
Florida is very strict with HVAC retailers. Some states allow them to move existing stock that no longer meets the DOE standards. Florida does not. If you were to purchase substandard equipment in another state, it would not pass inspection in Florida.
Refrigerant Phase-Outs
ACs and heat pumps use a refrigeration process to move heat from one space to another. This requires refrigerant, the manufacturing and disposal of which is bad for the environment. The federal government has been phasing refrigerants out as eco-friendlier options become available. Once a phase-out deadline arrives, you cannot purchase or install a heat pump or air conditioner that uses that material. If you currently have a system that does, you can continue using it as long as you like. Still, prices will increase as the supply shrinks, which can make repairs even more expensive.
Heating Restrictions
Florida households that have electric furnaces, also called resistive heating, can continue to use them. As of 2023, you can no longer purchase or install electric furnaces in most counties. If you want a furnace, it must burn natural gas, liquid propane, or another approved fuel. The reason for this is to encourage the use of electric heat pumps, which are much more efficient than electric furnaces.
Special Requirements for Mobile Homes
The HUD code includes special laws for mobile homes in the state. They require ACs and heat pumps listed specifically for mobile homes. These systems can operate at a higher static air pressure than the typical central HVAC system in a site-built home. Likewise, all fuel-fired furnaces must have sealed combustion chambers.
HVAC Installations in Southwest Florida
Arctic Air Home Services is a local, trusted HVAC company in Sarasota, FL. We have over a decade of experience navigating the FBC and local HOA requirements. Our installers provide custom cooling and heating solutions, including both ducted and ductless configurations. On-site installation consultations are available at no charge and without obligation. During an appointment, we can explore energy incentives and financing on approved credit.
To schedule your consultation, call our team at Arctic Air Home Services today, or contact us online.
