Heat pumps provide many benefits for Tampa homes. They maintain a comfortable temperature and modulate humidity more efficiently than standard heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment.
Advanced features such as variable-speed compressors and smart thermostats enhance energy efficiency. During the mild Florida winters, they provide efficient heating, often reaching 300% efficiency compared to electric resistance heating systems.
What Is a Heat Pump and How Does It Work?
Heat pumps use the principles of refrigeration by transferring heat from one place to another instead of using energy to heat and cool. During the summer, heat pumps absorb indoor heat and release it outside.
In the winter, reversing the flow of refrigerant absorbs heat energy from outside and releases it into the living space, creating year-round comfort without having to maintain a furnace and an air conditioner.
Heat pumps consist of an outdoor unit and an indoor air handler. The outdoor unit houses a coil that functions as a condenser in cooling mode and as an evaporator in heating mode.
To facilitate heat exchange, a fan blows air over the coils. An expansion valve regulates the flow of refrigerant. The indoor air handler includes a coil that functions as an evaporator in cooling mode and a condenser in heating mode.
To cool, the compressor pumps liquid refrigerant to the expansion valve, which routes it to the coils. There, it becomes a gas and absorbs heat. As it cycles through the system, fans blow air over the coils, where the refrigerant gathers heat and releases it outdoors.
Cool air is blown through the ducts into the living space. The refrigerant returns to a liquid in the compressor and the cycle begins anew.
In heating mode, the cycle is reversed, releasing heat indoors. Although outdoor winter temperatures are cool, the refrigerant absorbs heat because it is cooler than the air.
Air-source heat pumps gather heat energy from the air. Geothermal heat pumps gather heat energy from the earth through pipes buried underground.
Air-source systems are the most common type used in Florida homes and the easiest to install. Geothermal systems are more energy-efficient but have higher installation costs.
Are Heat Pumps Good for Florida’s Climate?
Heat pumps are ideal for Florida’s mild winters and warm, humid summers. They operate with greater efficiencies than standard HVAC systems.
Many Tampa households rely on electric furnaces or heat strips during the winter, an expensive way to keep warm. In contrast, heat pumps are highly energy-efficient because they do not use fuel to generate heat.
They add convenience because they heat and cool in one system. You can easily switch from air conditioning to heating and back by toggling the reversing valve.
Should I Get a Ductless Mini-Split or Central Heat Pump?
Heat pumps come as traditional central ducted systems and as ductless mini-split systems that heat and cool individual rooms or zones. Ductless systems work well in older homes that do not have ductwork, for add-ons and for rooms that are difficult to heat and cool, such as sunrooms and kitchens.
You can use them to air condition spaces that are difficult to connect to an existing ducted system, such as garages, attics and detached spaces.
Pros and cons of ducted systems include:
- Work well for homes that already have a ducted system
- A new duct installation can be expensive
- The same temperature applies to all rooms connected to ducts
- Closing off a room can affect air balance and comfort
- Leaking ducts lose conditioned air, which affects efficiency
Pros and cons of ductless mini-split systems include:
- Simple installation, usually one day
- One compressor can power several air handlers
- No loss of conditioned air through ducts
- Better energy efficiency
- Precise temperature control for each room without affecting comfort in other spaces
- Better indoor air quality because air is not transferred between rooms
- Flexibility in placement of air handlers
How Much Do Heat Pumps Cost in Florida?
Several factors affect the cost of heat pumps, including the system size, heating and cooling capacity, local climate and efficiency rating. Installation rates vary because HVAC contractors set their own labor rates. At Tampa One Hour Air Conditioning and Heating, we offer up-front pricing, comprehensive warranties on our installations and guarantee our work.
Central heat pumps cost between $3,000 and $15,000 depending on the brand, size and efficiency rating. If you have a compatible duct system in your home, you only pay for the equipment and its installation. Duct installation can add up to $9,000 to the cost depending on the size of your home, materials, labor costs and complexity of the design.
As of January 2025, Carrier’s heat pumps with SEER ratings up to 15 cost $2,500 to $5,000. Models with SEER ratings up to 17 cost $3,500 to $6,500. Models with SEER ratings up to 23 cost $4,000 to $8,000. Lennox and Trane, two reputable competitors, have comparable pricing for similar models. Installation costs in Tampa average $1,665 to $2,780.
Federal, state, and local rebates and tax credits can offset the price of a new system. Tampa Electric offers rebates between $40 and $550 depending on the SEER rating. Florida Public Utilities offers a similar rebate. You can check with your service provider to find out about additional rebates.
Are There Rebates or Tax Credits for Heat Pumps in Florida?
The Inflation Reduction Act allows a federal tax credit 30% of the cost of installing a qualifying air-source heat pump through the 2025 tax year with a maximum credit of $2,000. These credits can be combined with other energy-saving incentives for a total of $3,200 tax credits for the year. The IRS site details the requirements, restrictions and how to apply. You must submit form 5695 with your tax return.
You can claim up to 30% of qualifying costs for geothermal heat pump installations through the 2025 tax year. Equipment must be installed by 31 December 2025. There is no cap on the amount of credit for geothermal installations. In addition, the DSIRE program lists other energy efficiency incentives for the state.
The experienced technicians at Tampa One Hour Air Conditioning and Heating can help you select equipment that qualifies for tax credits and rebates. If you are considering a new heat pump installation, call today for a consultation.
How to Choose the Right Heat Pump for Your Florida Home
Experts recommend hiring an experienced, licensed HVAC contractor who works with state-of-the-art technology and including new refrigerants and uses industry standards to ensure installations are properly done. Poor installations can lead to more repairs, lower energy efficiency and reduced equipment lifespan.
The technicians at Tampa One Hour Air Conditioning can help you select the right heat pump for your home. We work with all brands and models of heat pumps and accessories.
We use industry standards to calculate load. We speak with you about your energy efficiency requirements, indoor comfort needs and what types of accessories you prefer, such as smart thermostats and zoned controls.
Higher SEER2 ratings can yield significant savings on energy costs over the life of your system. However, equipment with higher efficiency ratings costs more. We can evaluate costs, savings and other factors to help you select equipment that will best suit your needs.
Final Take: Why Tampa, FL Homeowners Should Switch to Heat Pumps
Heat pumps offer many advantages to Tampa homeowners. Equipment options include ducted air-source and geothermal systems or ductless mini-splits. Mini-splits can serve as a stand-alone system or be used to augment an existing ducted system.
Switching from a standard central HVAC system to a heat pump offers Tampa homeowners many advantages:
- Improved comfort
- Lower energy bills
- Convenience of maintaining one system instead of two
- Rebates and tax credits to offset the cost
- Quiet operation
Tampa One Hour Air Conditioning and Heating offers new heat pump installations, heat pump repairs and seasonal maintenance. We strive for 100% customer satisfaction and back our work with the guarantee that we are always on time or you don’t pay a dime.
For more information about the advantages and convenience of a new heat pump installation, call Tampa One Hour Air Conditioning and Heating today to schedule a consultation.
FAQs: Heat Pumps in Florida
Do heat pumps work in high humidity?
Yes. Heat pumps are more effective than standard air conditioners at removing humidity. Variable-speed technology helps heat pumps maintain a consistent temperature and humidity levels. Some models feature a dry mode that removes moisture from the air.
Can a heat pump handle Tampa’s summer heat?
Don’t believe the myths. Heat pumps excel at handling summer heat and humidity. A properly sized and installed system provides exceptional indoor comfort throughout the year.
What’s the lifespan of a heat pump in Florida?
A well-maintained, properly sized heat pump can last up to 20 years. The average lifespan of a heat pump is comparable to a standard central HVAC system, usually between 10 to 15 years.
How often should a heat pump be serviced?
Experts recommend servicing a heat pump at least once each year. Homeowners should clean or change filters every three months and keep the outside unit free of debris.
Can I replace my AC with a heat pump?
Yes. Existing ducts can be used with the new heat pump if they are the proper size.