[pianogal]

Here in Orlando in the 80's we had several cold spells where the temps were in the 20's and even dipped into the teens. Also, some people want to keep their home at 72 no matter what. So, I guess you have it if you need it. I never really thought about it. It's not really an option here as I have never seen a newer home without heat - it comes as part of the HVAC system. I'm not sure why they would need it in South Florida, though.

[nomoresnow]

The house we bought in N. Ft. Myers doesn't have a furnace persay, but the a/c unit doubles as a heating system. It does get chilly enough at night some times of year ( like now) to warrant it. My girlfriend who lives there already uses it fairly often in the "winter".

[pianogal]

Originally Posted by nomoresnow

The house we bought in N. Ft. Myers doesn't have a furnace persay, but the a/c unit doubles as a heating system. It does get chilly enough at night some times of year ( like now) to warrant it. My girlfriend who lives there already uses it fairly often in the "winter".

Yes, in Florida we have HVAC systems, which is basically your air conditioner with a heating element that can be used for cool weather. In SC, my parents also have an HVAC system - BUT they live nearer the coast and when it gets really cold it won't keep the house too warm. I don't remember exactly, but I think it only keeps the house about 30 degrees warmer than the outside temp. That's why people in colder climates use oil or gas furnaces. My mom and dad finally invested in gas logs for their fireplace and use that to supplement the electric heat when it gets really cold.

The older homes we've had in Florida had oil heat, but all the newer homes have HVAC systems.

[Ben Around]

Originally Posted by Jammie

Why do people in central and south Florida have furnaces put in their houses? It almost seems like a waste of $$. I don't mean this in a critical way, I'm seriously asking why.

Jammie--When I lived in Miami as a teenager, our (nonairconditioned) house did have a propane heater built into the wall in the living room. There would be a few days in December or January every winter when the temp would go down to high 40s/low 50s. Doesn't sound like much, but our house was concrete block with no insulation, the jalousie windows didn't seal out the cold, and the terrazzo floors were like ice. My dad would fire the thing up first thing in the morning and we'd bundle up in our robes and gather round the heater trying to thaw out. I've never been that cold in a house up north!

[pianogal]

Doesn't sound like much, but our house was concrete block with no insulation, the jalousie windows didn't seal out the cold, and the terrazzo floors were like ice. My dad would fire the thing up first thing in the morning and we'd bundle up in our robes and gather round the heater trying to thaw out. I've never been that cold in a house up north![/quote]

That's so true. The house we lived in when we were in grad school in Tampa was an old Florida style house with jalousie windows, concrete block and no insulation. I had forgotten they built them that way!!

[JSGOOFN]

That looks so good - I am in the area where the -2 is! We all know the weather is great, but what about the people and all that property crime!!! Look at the most recent post to the forum for Miami and it talks about a guy getting his house broken into for the FOURTH time! What a shame that the "immigrants" are bringing their lawless culture with them to ruin it for all law-abiding AMERICANS. I saw it time and time again when working for the PD in Ft Lauderdale. Have nots taking from the Haves, no matter how protected they are. No wonder Florida passed that law where you can use deadly force when an uninvited person crosses the threshold of your property. Sounds like the Old West has arrived in the New South Florida! Be careful out there!

[shedav]

Looking4warm..so have you learned anything about Boca Raton?..and for the rest of ya I dont even turn on my a/c in the summer even if it is 90+degrees outside and high humidity until inside is at least 85( usually around midday but then around 9pm I turn it off because I usually start getting cold..It has to be 85 or hotter for me to start feeling the heat 80 is comfortable..but then we all have different chemistry.

[elfyum]

Originally Posted by shedav

Looking4warm..so have you learned anything about Boca Raton?..and for the rest of ya I dont even turn on my a/c in the summer even if it is 90+degrees outside and high humidity until inside is at least 85( usually around midday but then around 9pm I turn it off because I usually start getting cold..It has to be 85 or hotter for me to start feeling the heat 80 is comfortable..but then we all have different chemistry.

OMG!!!! Shedav! I've FOUND you!!! My long lost cousin!
Where have you been? Where are you from? Where are you now?

Boca? Did someone ask about Boca? Boca's nice!

By the way, it's 50 degrees with a feels like of 48!
That's it! We're moving to SOFL!!! Anyone have any suggestions on where?
(heehee I love doing that! Whenever it's cold I tell people I'm moving to FL...Always freaks 'em out! )

[shedav]

Elfyum I am currently in WV and it is cold, snowy. I have my furnace on 70, but of course that is cold for me so I still have to wear heavy socks, long johns and a sweater (as we speak)LOL. I think it is because heat from the furnace isnt like heat from the sun. If I am in 70 outside I am comfortable (I cant wear shorts because I would feel cold) but pants and a shirt would do but 70 by the furnace welll..... just doesnt feel like 70. I feel ya! I would think 50 is cold too!! especially when our internal heaters are set for 80. LOL Glad to met ya!!! Cuz

[FSU2016]

Originally Posted by elfyum

WHY??? WHY???
Take a look at this & you won't EVER have to ask again!!!!!!
Oh - & don't neglect to check out the time stamp...
The more I think about it, the more I like it...IT IS GOOD!!!!!!!! (Slightly altered King Crimson quote...)

I know this is old.
But, as a native, this is every reason I can't wait to move away. I long for seasons! We never get the memo! LOL I Will miss hurricane season though... I know it has been a while, but I do love a good storm!!