HVAC
Best Air Conditioner Brands for Florida: The Ultimate 2026 Guide
On this page
- Best AC brands for Florida homes
- How to choose the best air conditioner
- What to know about Florida building codes and AC replacement
Find the best HVAC pros in your area.
The Modernize Mission
We help homeowners make confident decisions through our reliable, up-to-date, and unbiased information and average project costs. All of our content is thoroughly reviewed and fact-checked by our team of home improvement experts. Learn more about how we maintain these values.
Top Air Conditioner Brands for Florida
Florida’s climate can be challenging, with hot summers and high humidity levels. Selecting the right air conditioner for your Florida home is crucial not only for comfort but also for energy efficiency and long-term savings.
One of the most important choices you’ll make is the air conditioner brand you select. We have reviewed the best air conditioner brands previously. However, in this article we’re looking at several brands that stand out. We’re think they’re a good fit for Florida’s climate due to their reliability, efficiency, and advanced technology.
| Brand | Recommended Model | Max SEER Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carrier | Carrier Infinity | Up to 24 SEER2 | High efficiency, humid climates |
| Trane | Trane TruComfort | Up to 17 SEER | Durability, high temperatures |
| Lennox | Lennox SL28XCV | Up to 28 SEER | Maximum efficiency, smart home integration |
| Goodman | Goodman GSXV9 | Up to 22.5 SEER | Affordability, durability |
Carrier
Carrier offers high SEER models that are particularly effective in hot, humid climates. The brand is also known for its durability and efficiency.
For Florida, we recommend looking into the Carrier Infinity system. The unit has a SEER rating of up to 24 SEER2. You could also look at the Carrier Performance system, which has a SEER rating of up to 16.5 SEER2. Check out our Carrier Infinity 26 review.
Read our full Carrier air conditioner review.
Trane
Renowned for building some of the toughest and most efficient air conditioners, Trane units are often equipped with features that handle high temperatures and humidity.
For Florida, we recommend looking into the Trane TruComfort system, which has a SEER rating of up to 17. The Trane XR Series is a more budget-friendly option that still has SEER ratings up to 16.
Modernize’s Trane XR14 air conditioner review may be a good next step in your research. It covers the unit’s excellent durability and longevity as well as cost info.
You can read our full Trane air conditioners review here.
Lennox
Lennox provides some of the highest SEER ratings available, with models that integrate seamlessly with smart home systems for optimal energy management.
For a Florida home, we recommend checking out the Dave Lennox Signature Collection, which has impressive SEER ratings of up to 28.
Modernize evaluated a standout option in this series in our Lennox SL28XCV air conditioner review.
If you want to learn about what this brand offers, check out Modernize’s Lennox air conditioners review.
Goodman
Known for offering durability at a more affordable price, Goodman air conditioners are a popular choice among Florida homeowners.
We recommend looking into the Goodman GSXV9 model, which has a SEER rating of up to 22.5. Modernize also has a comprehensive review of Goodman air conditioners.
Tips for Choosing the Best Air Conditioner for a Florida Home
When selecting an air conditioning system for your Florida home, several factors need to be considered. You’ll want to ensure you choose a system that offers the best performance, efficiency, and value for money. Besides the brand, here’s what else you should evaluate.
Select an AC Unit With the Right Energy Efficiency For Florida
Opt for an air conditioner with a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating. The unit will operate more efficiently, which is crucial in a state like Florida where air conditioners run almost year-round.
The minimum required SEER rating for an air conditioning system in Florida is 15, but units with a SEER rating of 16 or higher offer the best efficiency and long-term savings.
Get the Right Size Air Conditioning Unit
For a home in Florida, which experiences high temperatures and humidity, you typically need a slightly more powerful air conditioner compared to cooler climates. The standard estimation often used is around 20 BTU per square foot of living space. For example, a 1,500 square foot home in Florida would require an air conditioner with a capacity of about 30,000 BTU. For a 3,000 square foot home in Florida, you would need a 60,000 BTU unit or larger.
Hiring a professional to perform a detailed load calculation will help you ensure the unit is the perfect size for your home. You can also use our air conditioning size calculator.
Know the Best Type of Air Conditioner For Your Home
When selecting an air conditioning system for a home in Florida, it’s important to consider the type that best suits the home’s layout, location, and specific cooling needs.
Larger, multi-story homes often benefit from central air conditioning, while heat pumps work better for smaller, single-story homes.
In North Florida, the cooler temperatures make heat pumps a practical choice for efficient heating and cooling. South Florida’s tropical climate requires air conditioners with advanced moisture control to manage high humidity levels, making central air conditioning a more practical choice.
Pick the Features Your AC Needs
Look for models with features such as variable-speed motors, smart thermostat compatibility, and moisture control. These can enhance comfort by providing a consistent indoor temperature, efficient operation, and managing high humidity, a common issue in Florida homes.
Make Sure Your AC Unit Is Durable
Given Florida’s salty air, especially in coastal areas, choosing a system with corrosion-resistant components is crucial. Some models are specifically designed with enhanced protection against corrosion and UV damage.
Best Types of Air Conditioners for Florida Climates
Want to make sure the AC system you have is actually the best choice for your home? Below, you can explore the best types of air conditioning systems for Florida based on where you live, your home size and layout, and energy-efficiency goals.
Central AC is the most popular choice in Florida for whole-house cooling. These units are effective at maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the home and can be coupled with a furnace or heat pump for year-round comfort.
Let’s look at an example of a Florida home where a central AC unit would be the best choice. A 3,000-square-foot, two-story home in Miami, Florida, with several bedrooms and ductwork already in place from a previous HVAC system would be a great candidate for central AC. Why? Well, a central air conditioning system efficiently cools multiple rooms or zones simultaneously. The existing ductwork makes it easier and more cost-effective to install a central system.
We have an article about how much it costs to replace a central air conditioner in Miami that can help get you started on estimating pricing for your own home.
Heat pumps are an excellent choice for Florida’s mild winters and hot summers as they offer both heating and cooling. They work most efficiently in areas where the temperature rarely drops below freezing.
Now let’s look at an example of a Florida home where a heat pump would be the best choice. Say you have a single-story, 1,500-square-foot home located in the cooler northern region near Tallahassee. A heat pump would be effective here due to its dual functionality of heating and cooling, which offers year-round comfort and energy savings without the need for separate heating and cooling systems.
Ductless mini-split air conditioning systems are ideal for Florida homes without existing ductwork, additions, or rooms that need individual temperature control. These systems offer the advantage of zoned cooling and heating without the need for extensive duct installation.
There are only a few types of Florida homes where a ductless mini-split system would be the best choice. For example, let’s say you have a 1,200 square foot historic, renovated bungalow in Tampa, with original architecture and no existing ductwork. A ductless mini-split system is perfect because it offers a flexible, scalable solution for cooling and heating distinct zones in the home independently, without the need for extensive and costly duct installation.
Portable AC units are good options for small spaces or when individual cooling of rooms is needed. These units can be moved from room to room and are easy to install.
An example of a Florida home where a portable air conditioner would be the best choice is a detached 600-square-foot guest house or “mother-in-law” suite located in the backyard of a larger primary residence. This space might lack the ductwork necessary for central air conditioning and may not justify the installation of a more permanent system like a ductless mini-split unit.
Florida Building Code Requirements for Air Conditioning Units
In Florida, the building code requirements for air conditioners are designed to ensure that HVAC systems are energy efficient and suitable for the state’s climate conditions. These regulations are detailed in the Florida Building Code, particularly in the Energy Conservation section, and are updated regularly to incorporate the latest standards.
Key points from the Florida Building Code regarding air conditioners include:
Energy Efficiency
Air conditioners must meet minimum efficiency ratings. These ratings are part of the broader energy conservation goals set by the state. They’ll be updated as technology advances.
As of January 2023, the minimum SEER rating for new air conditioning systems installed in Florida increased to 15 for central air conditioners and heat pumps. This change is part of a broader update to energy efficiency standards that also introduces a new testing methodology called SEER2.
For single-packaged AC units, like portable AC units, the minimum SEER rating required is 14. These requirements are aligned with the southeastern regional standards set by the U.S. Department of Energy. This ensures that all new air conditioning systems installed in Florida are energy efficient.
System Sizing and Design
Proper sizing and design of air conditioning systems are critical. The Code specifies that HVAC systems must be correctly sized to match the cooling and heating loads of the building to optimize energy use and performance. Your local professional air conditioner installer can advise you on the correct unit size for your home.
Installation Requirements
The Code mandates that all systems be installed according to manufacturer instructions. They also need to be in compliance with state regulations, ensuring they operate efficiently and safely.
Ventilation and Air Distribution
There are specific requirements for ventilation and air distribution to maintain indoor air quality and comfort. This includes guidelines on duct sealing and energy recovery ventilation systems in some cases.
Maintenance and Inspections
Maintenance guidelines ensure long-term efficiency and safety. These include providing clear and accessible maintenance information on the equipment.
Working with a professional Florida air conditioning installer ensures your HVAC installation adheres to local codes. Your professional can also help you decide on the best type of AC system based on your needs.
The Bottom Line
When choosing the best air conditioner system for your Florida home, consider the specific needs of your region, your home’s layout, and the features that will provide the most comfort and efficiency. With the right system, you can enjoy a cool, comfortable home environment year-round while managing energy costs effectively.
Modernize can help you find HVAC professionals in Florida. You can search our directory to find HVAC installers near you.
You can also click/tap below and answer a few questions about your project. You’ll be automatically connected with up to four pros for free quotes.
Related Guides
Modernize Customer Portal Select your product below to sign in.
Modernize Bathroom Remodel Rating Methodology
How We Rate Bathroom Remodel Products and Companies We use two different sets of criteria depending on what we’re rating. For products and brands (like bathtubs, showerheads, and steam shower systems), we focus on how well they perform their core function, how durably they’re built, how much they cost relative to what you get, and how easy they are…