Cold Snap Coming? How Central Florida Homeowners Can Prepare Fast

Spend enough time in Central Florida and you’ll hear the same thing from longtime residents: “We don’t really get cold here.” And for most of the year, that’s true. But it’s also a mindset that leaves a lot of homeowners unprepared when a genuine cold snap rolls through in November, December, or January.

Lake County, in particular, runs colder than most people expect. Inland from the coast and surrounded by lakes that moderate temperature but don’t insulate the way the ocean does, Eustis, Tavares, Mount Dora, and Leesburg regularly see temperatures several degrees colder than Orlando or the coastal cities. Below-freezing overnight lows happen more than once most winters.

Here’s how to prepare fast when a cold snap is forecast.

Switch Your HVAC to Heating Mode and Test It Now

Don’t wait until the cold front arrives to discover your heat pump isn’t working. As soon as a cold snap is forecast, switch your system to heating mode and run it for 15–20 minutes. Make sure warm air is actually coming from the vents. If the system is blowing cold air or not responding, call for service while you still have lead time. HVAC contractors get slammed when the first cold snap hits.

If you haven’t used your heating system since last winter, a musty or burning smell when it first runs is normal (dust burning off the heat strips). It should clear within a few minutes. If it doesn’t, turn the system off and call a technician.

Heat Pumps and Cold Weather: What to Know

Most Central Florida homes use heat pumps rather than furnaces. Heat pumps work well in our mild winters, but they become less efficient as outdoor temperatures drop below about 40°F. Most systems include electric backup heat strips that activate automatically when the heat pump alone can’t keep up.

Key tips for heat pump operation during a cold snap:

• Keep the thermostat set at a consistent temperature. Dramatic setbacks and recoveries stress the system.
• Do not switch to “Emergency Heat” mode unless the heat pump is damaged. Running only the backup strips is significantly more expensive.
• If you see frost on the outdoor unit, this is normal. The defrost cycle will clear it. Heavy ice buildup that doesn’t clear is a problem. Turn the system off and call a pro.

Protect Your Pipes

Even in Florida, a hard freeze can burst pipes, especially in older homes with pipes in exterior walls, under sinks near outside walls, or in garages. When overnight lows are forecast below 32°F:

• Let cold water drip slowly from faucets connected to vulnerable pipes
• Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls to allow warm interior air to circulate
• Disconnect and drain garden hoses
• Turn off and drain your irrigation system

Pipe insulation foam from a hardware store is cheap and can be installed in minutes around exposed outdoor pipes.

Don’t Forget the Pets and Plants

This sounds simple, but a quick cold snap can sneak up on you. Bring in any sensitive tropical plants before nightfall when temps are forecast to drop below 40°F. If you have outdoor pets, make sure they have access to warm shelter or bring them indoors.

After the Cold Snap

Once temperatures return to normal, usually within a day or two in Central Florida, do a quick inspection. Run all your faucets to check for any pipe damage. Walk around your outdoor HVAC unit and look for ice damage or debris. If your heating system behaved oddly during the cold snap, schedule a service call while things are calm.

Corman & Sons is ready for whatever Central Florida’s winters bring. If your heating system needs inspection, service, or repair, give us a call. We’ve been keeping local homes comfortable through every season since 1995.