The Lakewood Ranch Homeowner’s Survival Guide: 5 Critical Systems to Monitor This Year

Welcome to Sarasota! Here in the Sunshine State, our home's cooling and heating system—the thing that keeps us comfortable when the humidity spikes—is truly essential. But because this technology is complex, it's easy to fall prey to misinformation. From what's happening with the cooling fluid to why your outdoor unit is frosty, we've heard all the myths! We're here to clear the air (literally!) and give you the facts you need to keep your system running smoothly and efficiently. 1. Myth: You need to "top off" the cooling fluid every year. The Truth: Your system does not "use up" the refrigerant (the fluid that cools your home) like a car uses gasoline. It operates in a closed loop, circulating to absorb heat from inside and release it outside. If your system is low on this fluid, it means you have a leak . Adding fluid without fixing the leak is just an expensive, temporary fix. The fluid will continue to escape, and running the system while low can cause severe damage to the critical components, leading to a much more costly repair. If levels are low, get the system repaired! 2. Myth: Frost on your outdoor heat pump in the winter means it’s broken. The Truth: If you have a heat pump—a system that uses refrigerant and electricity to both heat and cool—a light dusting of frost is usually normal when the temperatures drop. The unit has a defrost cycle to manage this. However, if your outdoor unit is encased in a thick layer of ice, which we typically never have in Southwest Florida! A heavily iced unit will struggle to pull heat from the cold air and may switch to using your backup emergency heat . That emergency heat often uses much more electricity, which can send your power bills soaring. 3. Myth: Water draining outside means you have a system leak. The Truth: Don't panic when you see water trickling from a pipe (often near your outside unit)! In fact, it’s a good sign. That water is the result of your system removing humidity from your home’s air as it cools. This moisture, called condensate, is collected and safely drained outside. If you didn't see water coming from the pipe on a hot, humid day, it could mean the drain is clogged, and the water might be backing up inside your home, potentially causing damage. 4. Myth: Thick, expensive filters are always the best choice. The Truth: While those heavy-duty, tightly woven "allergy" filters might seem superior, they can actually choke your system . The denser material restricts airflow, forcing your unit to work much harder to pull air through and push it into your home.  This extra strain can decrease efficiency, increase energy costs, and even lead to premature system failure. We recommend using good quality, pleated filters with wider pleats that allow sufficient airflow to keep your unit happy. 5. Myth: Filters are primarily for cleaning the air you breathe. The Truth: The main job of the air filter is to protect your system itself! It catches dust, dirt, and debris to keep them from clogging up the sensitive internal components like the coils, blower motor, and fan. A clean system runs better and is less likely to break down. Clean air for your family is a great side benefit, but the filter's primary duty is system protection. 6. Myth: Setting the thermostat extremely low/high will cool/heat your home faster. The Truth: Turning your thermostat down to 65°F won't cool your home any faster than setting it to your desired 75°F. Your system puts out air at a fixed temperature, regardless of the setting. The only difference is how long the unit will run. Setting it lower than you need just means the system has to run longer before it shuts off, ultimately wasting energy. Set your thermostat to the temperature you want, and trust the unit to get there as quickly as it can. 7. Myth: The large unit outside is the entire heating and cooling system. The Truth: That outdoor unit is only half the story! It's the condenser/compressor part that sheds heat. The other crucial half is inside your home . This indoor component includes the air handler and the evaporator coil, which is where the refrigerant actually absorbs the heat from your home's air. Both the indoor and outdoor parts must work perfectly together to keep you comfortable. 8. Myth: Systems are designed to last a full 20 years. The Truth: While some older systems may have hit the 20-year mark, the common lifespan for modern units is typically 10 to 12 years, especially here in Sarasota & Lakewood Ranch . Over time, wear and tear will cause the efficiency to drop, and components will begin to fail. The best way to maximize your system's life and keep it efficient for as long as possible is to stick to a consistent, professional maintenance schedule. 9. Myth: The brand name is the most important factor when buying a new unit. The Truth: While reliable manufacturers exist, don't get hung up solely on the name on the box. In our region, the most crucial factor is the quality of the contractor and the installation . A properly sized and meticulously installed system will outperform a high-end unit that was installed poorly every single time. Look for a contractor who sells multiple different units and takes the time to size and select the perfect fit for your specific Sarasota home. Did you believe any of these myths? You're certainly not alone! The world of home comfort can be tricky, but knowing the facts can save you money and keep your system running optimally. What other heating and cooling questions have you heard floating around the Suncoast?