Why a heat pump makes sense for most Orlando homes
- One system for heating and cooling. No separate furnace. One maintenance schedule.
- 2 to 3 times more efficient than electric resistance heat in Florida's winters.
- Up to $2,000 in IRA 25C federal tax credits through 2032 for qualifying systems.
- FPL, Duke Energy, and OUC all offer rebates that stack with the federal credit.
- Orlando's winters rarely fall below 40 degrees. Heat pumps stay in their optimal range here, unlike in northern markets.
Heat pump not working? Here's what we look for.
Common problems we diagnose and fix.
- Not heating or cooling: Refrigerant leak, failed reversing valve, or compressor issue.
- Continuous icing on the outdoor unit: Defrost control failure or low refrigerant.
- Grinding or squealing: Mechanical failure that gets worse the longer you wait.
- Short cycling: Rapid on/off signals refrigerant problems, thermostat issues, or an oversized system.
- Energy bills climbing: A heat pump losing refrigerant or with a failing capacitor works harder and costs more.
Repair or replace your heat pump. The honest math.
Heat pumps in Florida last 10 to 15 years. Here's how we think about it.
- Under 8 years old, single repair under $800: Repair wins almost every time.
- 8 to 12 years old: Compare repair cost to 50% of a new system. If the repair is more than that, replacement is usually the better investment, especially with IRA credits and utility rebates available.
- Over 12 years old with SEER below 15: A new 16-plus SEER2 heat pump typically pays back in energy savings within 5 years.