Cold Front in Fort Myers and Your Heat Is Not Working? Here Is What You Need to Know

Florida does not get cold often, but when a cold front rolls through Fort Myers, it always catches people by surprise. The first thing most homeowners do is switch their thermostat from cool to heat. The second thing many people discover is that their heat is not working.

Big Air Heat and AC provides same day heat repair throughout Fort Myers and Lee County. Florida homes do not have furnaces. Instead they rely on heat pumps, electric heat strips, or a combination of both. When one of these stops working, your home can feel chilly fast.

Here is what you need to know and when to call for service.

Florida Homes Do Not Use Furnaces

Unlike northern homes, most houses in Fort Myers heat in two ways.

1. Electric heat strips

These are electric heating elements in your air handler. When you turn your thermostat to heat, the strips warm the air as it passes over them.Common issues include:

• Burned out heat strip elements

• Failed sequencers

• Faulty relays

• Thermostat not calling for heat

• Electrical problems

• Safety limits tripping

Heat strips can usually be repaired same day once we identify which component failed.

2. Heat pumps

A heat pump is just your AC system running in reverse. Instead of removing heat from your home, it brings heat inside.Common heat pump heating problems include:

• Reversing valve not switching

• Low refrigerant

• Defrost board issues

• Outdoor unit stuck in defrost

• Compressor problems

Even though Florida does not rely heavily on heat pumps, we service and repair them regularly during winter.

Common Signs Your Heat Is Not Working

If you switched your thermostat to heat and something feels off, you may notice:

• Air blowing but not warming up

• Burning smell that does not go away after a few minutes

• Heat coming on for a moment then shutting off

• Outdoor heat pump running loudly

• Thermostat saying heat is on but vent air is cold

• No air movement at all

• Breaker tripping when heat is turned on

If you are feeling cold indoors, chances are something needs attention.

A Burning Smell Is Normal for a Few Minutes

Heat strips collect dust when they sit unused most of the year. When the strips first turn on, the dust burns off and creates a warm, dusty smell. This usually lasts a minute or two.

If the smell continues longer than that or smells electrical, turn off the system and call us right away.

Why Heat Fails During Florida Cold Fronts

Because we use heat so rarely, many people do not realize their heat strips or heat pump have problems until the first cold night.

A few common causes include:

• Heat strip elements burned out during the summer

• Worn components from long AC run time

• Thermostat wiring problems

• Heat pump stuck in AC mode

• Defrost control or sensor issues

• Electrical parts weakened from summer heat

Most issues are quick to diagnose and repair.

$99 Heat Repair Diagnostic

Big Air Heat and AC charges a simple ninety nine dollar diagnostic fee. During your visit, our licensed technician will:

• Test your thermostat and heat settings

• Check heat strip elements and sequencers

• Check heat pump operation and reversing components

• Inspect electrical safeties

• Look for tripped limits or breakers

• Test airflow and duct temperature rise

• Take photos so you clearly understand the issue

• Explain everything in simple terms

• Provide upfront repair pricing

If you have never used your heat before or it has been sitting for years, we can get it running safely.

Serving Fort Myers and All of Lee County During Cold Weather

If your heat stops working during a cold snap, we can reach you quickly anywhere in:

Fort Myers

Cape Coral

Lehigh Acres

Estero

Bonita

San Carlos Park

North Fort Myers

Gateway

Alva

Buckingham

Iona

Three Oaks

And nearby communities

We know cold fronts hit fast, and we do our best to offer same day service.

Why Homeowners Choose Big Air Heat and AC

• Honest repairs with zero upselling

• Technicians not paid on commission

• We take photos of everything

• Licensed and insured CAC1823419

• Experience with heat strips and heat pumps

• Friendly service and clear communication

• Free estimates for system replacements

When your home gets chilly, you want a company you can trust.

Need Heat Repair in Fort Myers

If your heat is not working, do not wait through a cold night. Big Air Heat and AC can help.

Call or text (239) 738 1344 for fast, reliable heat repair anywhere in Fort Myers and Lee County.