25°F in Lakeland: Is Your Florida Home Ready for Record Freezing?

How do I protect my Florida home from freezing temperatures?

To protect a Florida home during a freeze, insulate exposed plumbing in attics and crawlspaces, set your HVAC heat pump lockout to 15°F–20°F to ensure auxiliary heat kicks in, and allow faucets furthest from your water main to drip to prevent pressure-related pipe bursts.

Lakeland and Central Florida just experienced a record-breaking cold snap, with temperatures plummeting to a bone-chilling 25°F. Consequently, many Lakeland homeowners were caught off guard by the sudden drop in temperature.

While our northern friends might find that “mild,” Florida homes simply aren’t designed for sustained sub-freezing weather. From struggling HVAC systems to burst pipes in uninsulated attics, the recent freeze exposed several functional vulnerabilities in our local housing stock.

The HVAC Struggle: Heat Pumps and Lockout Temps

Most homes in our area utilize heat pumps. These systems are incredibly efficient in the 50s and 60s, but they struggle when the mercury drops below freezing.

During this recent freeze, many homeowners found their homes wouldn’t rise above 60°F. Often, this is due to the compressor lockout temperature.

Many thermostats are factory-set to lock out the heat pump at 28°F or 30°F. If your lockout is set too high, the system relies entirely on “Heat Strips” (auxiliary heat). In many Florida homes, a 5kW heat strip is essentially an “emergency toaster” that cannot keep up with a 25°F night.

Pro-Tip: Adjusting your compressor lockout temperature to 15°F (if your manufacturer allows) to keep the compressor running longer and assist those heat strips. This is particularly prevalent on those Nest Thermostats. You will be much more comfortable. This only applies to heat pumps, not straight-cool AC’s.

Plumbing: The Attic and Outdoor Vulnerability

In Northern states, pipes are buried deep or kept within the “conditioned” envelope of the home. In Florida, it is common to find plumbing lines running through uninsulated attics or along exterior walls.

When the temperature hits 25°F, the air in your attic can drop below freezing within hours.

• Safety Standard: Ensure any “exposed” plumbing is wrapped in foam insulation.

• Functional Tip: During a “hard freeze” (below 28°F for several hours), a slow drip at the faucet helps. It’s not just about the moving water; it’s about relieving the pressure buildup that actually causes the pipe to burst.

Beyond the Attic: Protecting Your Pool and Outdoor Equipment

While we often focus on the pipes over our heads, some of the most expensive freeze damage in Central Florida happens in the backyard.

• The Pool Pump Trap: Most modern Florida pool systems have a “Freeze Protection” mode. However, if your pump is older or the sensor is failing, it may not kick on. Moving water is much harder to freeze than stagnant water. If a hard freeze is predicted, don’t rely on the automation—manually set your pump to run 24/7 until the sun comes up and the air warms.

• Outdoor Tankless Water Heaters: These are becoming standard in our area. While the units themselves often have internal heating elements, the exposed pipes underneath them do not. A simple foam wrap on these lines can save you from a $2,000 heat exchanger crack.

• Garden Hoses: It sounds simple, but leaving a hose connected to your outdoor spigot can cause the pipe inside your wall to burst. The hose traps water at the faucet; when it freezes, the pressure has nowhere to go but back into your house. Disconnect all hoses before the sun goes down.

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Frequently Asked Questions 

Should I turn off my AC/Heat Pump during a Florida freeze? No. Keep your system running on “Heat.” If your home is not reaching the desired temperature, you can manually switch your thermostat to “Emergency Heat” or “Auxiliary Heat” to force the electric heat strips to stay on, though this will increase your power bill.

Why did my pipes freeze if they are inside the house? In Florida, pipes often run through the attic or crawlspace. These areas are vented to the outside, meaning they reach freezing temperatures long before the living area of your home does.

What is a heat pump lockout? A lockout is a safety setting that tells your HVAC to stop using the outdoor compressor and switch entirely to electric heat strips once it gets too cold outside for the compressor to work efficiently.

Do I need to run my pool heater during a freeze? No. In fact, running a pool heat pump when it’s below 40°F can actually damage the unit or cause it to icing up. The goal is circulation, not temperature. Keep the pump moving the water, but leave the heater off.

How do I know if my outdoor water heater is protected? Check if the unit is plugged in. Most tankless units have built-in “freeze protection” that uses a small electric heater to keep internal components safe, but this won’t work if the power is out or the unit is unplugged. Always insulate the external plumbing connected to the unit as well.

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Protecting Your Peace of Mind This Winter

While record freezes in Lakeland are rare, they serve as a reminder that our homes are only as strong as their maintenance.

As a veteran-owned business with over two decades of housing experience, Whitt Inspections is dedicated to helping you identify these vulnerabilities before they become costly repairs. Whether it’s an aging HVAC system or uninsulated attic plumbing, a professional eye can make all the difference in keeping your home safe and functional.

Have questions about your home’s winter readiness? Contact us today at Whitt Inspections to schedule your next maintenance check-up.