Fort Myers braces for triple-digit heat as AC systems face first major test

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK)—With feels-like temperatures climbing toward triple digits this weekend, air conditioning in Southwest Florida is shifting from comfort to necessity.

A fan and shade only provide limited relief in downtown Fort Myers when temperatures rise. The real relief comes from air conditioning, which residents say they rely on heavily.

"We definitely rely on the air conditioning," Kevin O'Neal said. "It's a top priority."

For O'Neal, losing AC wouldn't just be uncomfortable.

"It would make it miserable, most definitely," O'Neal said.

The Weather Authority forecasts temperatures to rise until Mother's Day. This marks the first real test for AC companies as service calls increase.

"Especially when we get into May, we start to get more calls," Jean Swafford, co-owner of Big Air Heat and AC, said. "And definitely it has been, it has been a lot more calls recently."

Swafford says now is the time to find out if your AC is ready—not after it fails. She recommends scheduling maintenance and cleaning coils to ensure maximum efficiency and longevity.

Felicia, a Fort Myers resident, described stepping outside as unbearable.

"I felt that gush of heat and the sun bearing down, and it was unbearable," Felicia said.

She emphasized the importance of AC in Florida living.

"It's a necessity of Florida," Felicia said. "It's a requirement to live."

AC experts say this is the time to check your system before the real summer heat settles in. On a day like this, a broken AC can go from an inconvenience to a problem in a hurry.