How to Prep Your HVAC System for Panama City’s Hot, Humid Summers

When summertime rolls in, the heat isn’t your only concern—the humidity can make your home feel even more uncomfortable. Your HVAC system isn’t just keeping things cool; it’s also battling high moisture levels, allergens, and energy loss. If your system isn’t ready for the challenge, you could end up feeling uncomfortable and paying high utility bills.

At Pat Green Heating & Cooling, we specialize in high-efficiency HVAC and custom designed duct systems tailored for Florida homes—especially energy-efficient homes like ICF construction and spray-foam insulated. Whether your AC is brand new or has a few seasons under its belt, these tips will help make sure it performs at its best when you need it most.

1. Schedule a Preventive Maintenance Visit

This is one of the most important steps you can take. A professional tune-up in late spring or early summer helps catch problems before your system is working overtime.

During a tune-up, our team will:

• Check refrigerant levels and look for leaks
• Inspect and tighten electrical connections
• Clean the condenser and evaporator coils
• Lubricate moving parts
• Test airflow and temperature differentials
• Calibrate your thermostat

Regular maintenance can extend your system’s life, improve efficiency, and help prevent unexpected breakdowns in the middle of a heatwave.

2. Replace or Clean Your Air Filter

This may seem like a small task, but it makes a huge difference in performance. A dirty or clogged air filter can:

• Reduce airflow
• Force your system to work harder
• Lead to poor indoor air quality
• Cause your system to freeze up

We recommend changing your air filter every 30–60 days in the summer—especially if you have pets or allergies. If your system uses high-efficiency filters or a media cabinet, follow manufacturer guidelines for replacement.

3. Inspect Ductwork for Leaks or Blockages

In Florida homes, duct leakage is a major issue. In fact, the Department of Energy estimates that 20%–30% of conditioned air is lost through leaky ducts. That’s air you’ve already paid to cool—escaping into your attic or crawlspace.

Signs of duct issues include:

• Uneven temperatures between rooms

• High energy bills with no clear explanation

• Musty smells or signs of mold near vents

• Weak airflow

Our team uses performance testing tools to check for static pressure, airflow, and hidden leaks in your duct system. We design and seal ducts to meet Florida Building Code standards—and beyond.

4. Clear the Area Around Your Outdoor Unit

Your outdoor condenser needs plenty of airflow to work efficiently. If it’s blocked by shrubs, weeds, or debris, it can overheat and reduce cooling power.

What to do:

• Clear a 2- to 3-foot area around the unit
• Remove leaves, dirt, and debris from the fins
• Check for signs of rust, damage, or unusual noise

We also recommend gently rinsing the coil with a hose (with the power off) or having a professional clean the coils during your seasonal tune-up.

5. Optimize Your Thermostat Settings

The right thermostat settings can make a big difference in comfort and cost. In our humid climate, “set it and forget it” doesn’t always work—especially if you have older thermostats or single-stage AC units.

Tips:

• Keep your thermostat on “Auto” rather than “On” to allow moisture to drain properly
• Set temps between 75°F and 78°F for comfort and efficiency
• Use a smart or programmable thermostat to reduce cooling needs when you’re away
• Avoid placing the thermostat in direct sunlight or near heat-producing appliances

If you’re interested in upgrading, we install smart thermostats that can help you monitor humidity levels, control temperature remotely, and reduce cooling costs.

6. Control Indoor Humidity

In Panama City, cooling your home is only half the battle—humidity control is just as important. Too much moisture in the air can:

• Make your home feel warmer than it is
• Encourage mold and mildew growth
• Lead to musty odors and condensation
• Trigger asthma or allergy symptoms

Solutions may include:

• Installing a whole-home dehumidifier
• Upgrading to a variable-speed air conditioner
• Improving airflow and duct layout
• Sealing your ductwork and air leaks

Not sure what’s right for your home? Our performance evaluations are designed to pinpoint exactly where humidity is sneaking in—and how to fix it.

7. Get a Home Performance Evaluation

Sometimes the HVAC system isn’t the real issue—it’s the way the home is built or sealed. That’s especially true in older homes, homes with poor insulation, or even newer homes where builders cut corners on duct design.

A home performance check can uncover:

• Air leakage through walls, windows, or attic
• Insufficient insulation
• Imbalanced duct systems
• Oversized or undersized HVAC equipment

At Pat Green Heating & Cooling, we specialize in performance-based HVAC design and duct solutions. We don’t just swap out systems—we design them the right way from the start to make sure everything works together as it should.

Bonus Tip: Ask About ICF HVAC Design (If You’re Building New)

If you’re building an ICF (Insulated Concrete Form) home—or even just improving energy efficiency—your HVAC needs are different. These airtight, insulated homes require precision design and duct planning to stay cool and balanced year-round.

Most contractors treat ICF homes like standard construction—but that’s a big mistake. Our team specializes in HVAC systems built for high-performance structures, including ICF.

Don’t Wait for the Heat to Hit

When the heat index climbs, your HVAC system will be under serious pressure. Taking a few proactive steps now can mean lower bills, better comfort, and fewer emergency calls later.

Need help getting your system ready? Contact Pat Green Heating & Cooling today to schedule a seasonal tune-up, duct performance check, or full home evaluation. We’re your local HVAC experts in Panama City, Lynn Haven, Panama City Beach and surrounding areas—and we’re here to help you stay cool all summer long.