Heating FAQ

Yes. While Tampa doesn't get true winter weather, temperatures regularly dip into the 40s — and sometimes the 30s — from December through February. A heat pump handles these temperatures efficiently without the cost of a gas furnace. Going without heat in a Tampa winter isn't comfortable, and it can cause issues with pipes in older homes.

A heat pump. Heat pumps both heat and cool, making them the ideal solution for Florida's climate — mild winters that don't demand a furnace, and long hot summers that need a powerful air conditioner. You get one system that handles both, with the best energy efficiency for Tampa's temperature range.

Annually, ideally in the fall before Tampa's brief heating season. Since your heat pump also serves as your AC, it's working year-round — which is all the more reason to have it inspected once a year. We recommend our $59 tune-up or the AC Tune-Up Club at $19.99/month for automatic annual service.

A few possible causes: (1) Defrost cycle — heat pumps temporarily blow cooler air while defrosting the outdoor coil, which is completely normal and lasts 5–15 minutes. (2) Low refrigerant — a leak can cause poor heating performance. (3) A failed reversing valve — the component that switches between heating and cooling. If it happens consistently and isn't a brief defrost cycle, call us.

15–20 years with regular maintenance. In Tampa's climate, your heat pump runs nearly year-round — which means it gets more hours of use than a system in a cooler climate. Annual maintenance significantly extends system life. Systems that aren't maintained regularly often fail before 10–12 years.

A heat pump can both heat and cool your home. An air conditioner only cools. Mechanically, they work the same way — moving refrigerant to transfer heat. The difference is a reversing valve in a heat pump that allows it to run in reverse, moving heat into your home instead of out of it. In Tampa, almost all new HVAC installations are heat pumps for this reason.

Yes, absolutely — and in Tampa's climate, a heat pump is almost always more efficient and cost-effective than a gas furnace. Gas furnaces are better suited for cold climates where temperatures regularly drop below 30°F. In Tampa, those temperatures are rare. A heat pump handles Tampa winters easily while also serving as your air conditioner in summer.

Yes. While heat pumps are the right choice for most Tampa homes, we install and service all heating systems — including gas furnaces, air handlers, and gas pack units. If you have natural gas service and specific reasons to prefer a furnace, we'll give you an honest comparison of both options.