Air Conditioning & Insulation Defects in New Florida Homes
At Kagan Law, we assist Florida homeowners who find that their newly constructed home does not cool as expected. In a state characterized by high heat and humidity, a well-designed and properly installed HVAC system — along with sufficient insulation — is essential for comfort, health, and energy efficiency. Unfortunately, many new construction homes exhibit serious construction defects related to air conditioning and insulation, making them uncomfortable and costly to maintain.
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Common Cooling-Related Construction Defects
We often encounter cases where homeowners move into a newly built home only to discover that the air conditioning runs continuously while rooms remain warm and humid. The most common causes of these construction defects include:
1. Improper AC Location
• AC air handlers or condensers installed in poorly ventilated or overheated areas (such as unconditioned attics or under direct sun exposure) diminish cooling efficiency.
• Poorly placed ductwork leading to long runs, excessive bends, and air loss before it reaches the rooms.
• Supply and return vents positioned ineffectively, resulting in uneven cooling.
2. Undersized or Oversized Units
• Undersized units struggle to manage Florida’s heat load, particularly during the summer months.
• Oversized units short-cycle, causing uneven temperatures, high humidity, and increased wear on components.
• Both issues frequently arise from builders neglecting to perform Manual J load calculations, the industry standard for determining the appropriate system size.
3. Poor or Missing Insulation
• Builders occasionally install inadequate attic insulation or neglect to insulate specific areas entirely.
• Gaps in wall insulation, especially around windows and doors, permit hot, humid air to infiltrate the home.
• In some instances, no insulation is installed at all in certain sections — a clear violation of Florida Building Code.
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The Consequences for Homeowners
When AC and insulation defects go unaddressed, homeowners can face:
• Excessive energy bills from overworked HVAC systems.
• Persistent humidity, which fosters mold growth and damages furniture and finishes.
• Uneven cooling, leaving some rooms uncomfortably hot.
• Reduced lifespan of HVAC equipment due to continuous strain.
• Health issues stemming from poor indoor air quality.
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How Kagan Law Helps
Our Florida construction defect attorneys understand how to identify and demonstrate AC and insulation-related defects in new homes. We collaborate with licensed HVAC contractors, mechanical engineers, and building inspectors to:
1. Measure airflow, temperature differentials, and insulation levels.
2. Compare AC system capacity to Florida Building Code and Manual J requirements.
3. Identify code violations and builder negligence.
4. Utilize Florida’s Chapter 558 Notice of Claim process to demand repairs, equipment replacement, and reimbursement for excess energy costs and related damages.
We strive to ensure that builders deliver the properly functioning, energy-efficient home you paid for — not one that leaves you sweating through Florida’s summers.
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Your Rights Under Florida Law
If you have purchased a new construction home in Florida and your AC fails to keep the home cool — whether due to improper sizing, poor installation, or lack of insulation — you may be entitled to repairs and compensation. These issues are often covered under your builder’s warranty and can be addressed through legal guidance if the builder refuses to resolve them.
Contact Kagan Law today to learn how we can help you rectify cooling problems and hold the builder accountable for failing to meet Florida’s construction standards.
