Nathan Healy
Certified by Nathan Healy
Updated: February 2026
Quality home solutions since 2011
Palmetto serves thousands of customers across 25 states with an over 85% approval rating

01

Benefits of Palmetto Heat Pumps

Say goodbye to clunky old systems and surprise repairs. Palmetto Comfort Plan gives you a brand-new heat pump, installation, and full support, all wrapped into one subscription.

Year round comfort

Year Round Comfort

A high-efficiency heat pump keeps your home cool in summer, warm in winter, and your energy use in check all year long.

Forget the maintenance

Forget the maintenance

With a Comfort Plan subscription, installation and maintenance are fully covered, no surprise bills, no weekend DIY.

Rewards for renewing

Rewards for renewing

Stick with us and earn credits toward your next system upgrade. It’s our way of saying thanks for building a cleaner, comfier future with us.

02

Ocala, FL Heat Pump Load Calculator

Our calculator estimates your home’s heating and cooling needs using Ocala’s ACCA-standard design conditions: 33°F for heating, 95°F for cooling, and 72°F indoors. For a precise Manual J load calculation tailored to your specific home, connect with Palmetto’s team for a personalized assessment and quote. Get in touch with our team for an official quote.

Step 1 of 3

Home location & size

Your home’s location and size directly impact heating needs.

Step 2 of 3

Home attributes

Step 3 of 3

Additional details

Description of what this means for context.

Estimated Heating Needs

Your home’s location falls within the a climate zone with the average extreme winter falling between 10° – 15° F.

Home Details

Get Started

Recommended equipment capacity

60,000 BTU

5 Tons

Calculated Cooling Mode

102,000 BTU

8.5 Tons

03

Buy it or finance it. Your comfort, your call

There's no wrong way to get cozy. Here's how the options stack up, so you can choose what works best for you.

Cash

Loan

Payment schedule $0 upfront, then monthly subscription Full price upfront $0 upfront, then monthly payment
Term length 10 or 12 years None Variable
End of term options Flexible with 25% renewal term credits to new system No credits to new system No credits to new system
Maintenance included
Eligible for incentives
Payment schedule $0 upfront, then monthly subscription
Term length 10 or 12 years
End of term options Flexible with 25% renewal term credits to new system
Maintenance included
Eligible for incentives

Cash

Payment schedule Full price upfront
Term length None
End of term options No credits to new system
Maintenance included
Eligible for incentives

Loan

Payment schedule $0 upfront, then monthly payment
Term length Variable
End of term options No credits to new system
Maintenance included
Eligible for incentives

Local Incentives

Heat Pump Financing in Ocala

While Florida's state-level HOMES and HEEHRA rebate programs have not yet launched as of 2026, homeowners in Ocala can still benefit from the federal Inflation Reduction Act tax credit of up to $2,000 for qualifying heat pump installations. Palmetto's Comfort Plan lease offers an alternative path to heat pump savings with $0 upfront cost and no need to wait for rebate programs, allowing you to start saving on energy bills immediately while enjoying a modern, efficient heating and cooling system.

Federal IRA Tax Credit

Up to $2,000

The Inflation Reduction Act provides a federal tax credit of up to $2,000 for qualifying heat pump installations through 2032.

Eligibility: Available to homeowners who purchase and install a qualifying heat pump system. Claimed on your annual federal tax return.

Learn more →

Palmetto Comfort Plan: $0 Upfront Heat Pump Leasing

Even without local rebates, Palmetto's Comfort Plan makes upgrading easy. You get a high-efficiency heat pump installed with $0 upfront cost, predictable monthly payments, and all maintenance and repairs included for the life of the plan.

Incentive information is based on publicly available data as of 2026 and may change. Contact program administrators to verify current availability and eligibility requirements.

04

Climate Zones

Ocala falls within IECC Climate Zone 10, which means mild winters with design temperatures around 33°F and hot, humid summers reaching 95°F. This climate profile makes heat pumps an ideal fit—they handle cooling demands efficiently while providing backup heating during cooler months. At Palmetto, we factor in Ocala's specific zone requirements to recommend properly sized systems that keep you comfortable year-round. Explore other zones below or enter your ZIP code to confirm yours.

US Climate Zone Map
Your location

Climate Zone 1

Climate zone 1 is not typically seen within the United States outside of Alaska. It represents the coldest climates on the planet.

Climate Zone 1A

Avg. extreme winters: -60° to -55° F

Climate Zone 1B

Avg. extreme winters: -55° to -50° F

05

Ocala Electricity Prices

Understanding your electricity costs is essential when choosing a heating and cooling system for your Ocala home.

Florida's electricity rates jumped from 11.9 cents per kWh in 2021 to 15.2 cents in 2023—a 28% increase in just two years. While rates dipped slightly to 14.1 cents in 2024, the upward trend impacts every homeowner's monthly budget.

Heat pumps offer a practical response to rising electricity costs. Because they're 2-3 times more efficient than traditional HVAC systems, they use significantly less electricity to deliver the same heating and cooling comfort your family needs.

As electricity rates continue fluctuating, a heat pump's efficiency becomes increasingly valuable. The less electricity you need per degree of comfort, the more insulated you are from future rate increases—protecting your budget for years to come.

Price of Energy: Florida vs National Average

10¢
20¢
30¢
13.7¢
11.9¢
15.0¢
13.9¢
16.0¢
15.2¢
16.5¢
14.1¢
2021
2022
2023
2024
US Average
Florida

Ocala Area Utility Providers

Ocala residents have access to five utility providers with varying electricity rates. According to 2023 data, costs range from 12.3¢ to 18.1¢ per kWh—spanning both below and above the national average of 16.0¢.

Duke Energy's rates sit higher than state and national averages, while cooperatives like Withlacoochee River Electric, Clay Electric, and Sumter Electric offer below-average rates. FPL falls near Florida's 15.20¢ average. These variations reflect differences in infrastructure, fuel sources, and service areas.

Regardless of your provider's rates, heat pumps offer a smart approach to managing electricity costs. Their exceptional efficiency means they use significantly less energy than traditional heating and cooling systems—helping reduce your total energy spending even in higher-rate areas.

Ocala Utilities Electricity Rates

Duke Energy
18.10¢
+13%
FPL
15.00¢
-6%
Clay Electric
12.50¢
-22%
Sumter Electric
13.00¢
-19%
Withlacoochee River Electric
12.30¢
-23%
FL Average
15.20¢
-5%
US Average
16.0¢
06

Palmetto Reviews

Ready to start saving with a heat pump?

Speak with a Palmetto heating & cooling expert to find out exactly how much you can save.

Get a Free Quote
Palmetto mobile app
07

Let our smart tools do the heavy lifting.

Get personalized tips, usage insights, project tracking, and that daily satisfaction of making your energy work smarter with the Palmetto mobile app.

  • Rewards for smarter energy usage
  • Energy insights & Dashboard
  • Personalized Savings Tools
  • Whole Home Energy Management
  • Support Whenever You Need It
Download the App
08

Repair versus replace

When a heat pump is in need of repair it is worth considering whether a replacement would be a better investment. While each case is unique, we generally recommend investing in a new unit when repairs exceed $5,000.

$5,000
Recommended repair threshold

A heat pump's lifetime is impacted by a number of factors including environment, use and the quality of the unit. It's important to choose the right unit for your climate zone and home's unique attributes.

When you are in need of repair, we recommend choosing a service provider that is an expert in the heat pump brand you have installed, and checking online reviews to ensure you are investing in the right level of service.

Potential repair Cost range Description
Capacitor Replacement $150 - $400 Common issue when unit struggles to start or makes a humming noise. Capacitors store the electrical energy needed to start the compressor and fan motors.
Refrigerant Recharge $250 - $750 Needed when the system loses cooling or heating efficiency due to low refrigerant levels. Includes leak detection, repair of minor leaks, and recharging the system to the manufacturer-specified level.
Reversing Valve Replacement $450 - $900 Required when the unit cannot switch between heating and cooling modes. The reversing valve directs refrigerant flow and is unique to heat pump systems.
Compressor Replacement $1,500 - $3,000 Major repair needed when the unit fails to heat or cool entirely. The compressor is the heart of the system, circulating refrigerant between the indoor and outdoor coils.
Evaporator/Condenser Coil Replacement $1,200 - $2,800 Replacement needed when coils develop leaks or corrosion that cannot be economically repaired. Coil damage reduces heat transfer efficiency and can cause refrigerant loss.
Control Board Replacement $500 - $1,200 Required when the system has electrical failures or erratic behavior. The control board manages all system operations including defrost cycles, fan speeds, and compressor staging.
Full System Replacement $4,500 - $8,000+ When repairs exceed the value of the unit or multiple major components fail simultaneously. Includes removal of the old system and installation of a new heat pump with updated refrigerant lines and electrical connections.

Ready to start saving with a heat pump?

Speak with a Palmetto heating & cooling expert to find out exactly how much you can save.

Get a Free Quote
09

Frequently Asked Questions

Heat pumps are an excellent choice for Ocala's climate. With mild winters (rarely dropping below 33°F) and hot summers reaching 95°F, heat pumps efficiently handle both heating and cooling needs year-round. They use significantly less energy than traditional systems, which matters when Florida's electricity costs average 14.2¢ per kWh.

Palmetto makes heat pump installation accessible through two options: our Comfort Plan with $0 upfront and all maintenance included, or direct purchase with potential federal tax credits up to $2,000. Both approaches help Ocala homeowners reduce energy costs while staying comfortable through every season without the complexity of maintaining separate heating and cooling systems.

Heat pumps are highly efficient in Ocala's climate. Located in Climate Zone 10, Ocala experiences mild winters with design temperatures around 33°F and warm summers reaching 95°F. This temperature range is ideal for heat pump operation, as they maintain peak efficiency without struggling in extreme cold, delivering 2-3 times more heating or cooling energy than the electricity they consume.

With Florida's electricity rate at 14.2¢ per kWh, efficient heat pumps can significantly reduce your energy bills compared to traditional HVAC systems. Palmetto offers two pathways to heat pump installation: our Comfort Plan with $0 upfront and all maintenance included, or direct purchase with potential federal tax credits up to $2,000 under the Inflation Reduction Act.

The choice between leasing and buying a heat pump in Ocala depends on your financial priorities and homeownership plans. Leasing through Palmetto's Comfort Plan requires $0 upfront and includes all maintenance and repairs, making it ideal for predictable budgeting. Buying outright means you own the equipment and may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act.

In Ocala's Climate Zone 10, where your heat pump will run year-round with Florida's 14.2¢ per kWh electricity rates, both options deliver energy savings. Leasing eliminates maintenance worries and surprise repair costs, while buying maximizes long-term value if you plan to stay in your home and want to capture available incentives. Consider your budget, how long you'll own your home, and whether you prefer convenience or ownership.

In Ocala, heat pump installation typically costs between $5,000 and $15,000 depending on your home's size, existing ductwork, and the system's efficiency rating. Climate Zone 10's mild winters (design temp: 33°F) make heat pumps particularly cost-effective here, as they'll primarily handle cooling in Florida's 95°F summer heat while efficiently providing occasional heating.

Palmetto offers two payment options to fit your budget: a Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost and predictable monthly payments that include all maintenance and repairs, or direct purchase where you own the equipment outright and may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act plus local rebates.

In Ocala's climate, heat pumps are typically worth it financially due to their efficiency in both heating and cooling. With Florida's electricity rate at 14.2¢ per kWh and mild winters (design heating temperature of 33°F), heat pumps can reduce energy costs by 30-50% compared to traditional systems, offering substantial long-term savings.

Palmetto makes heat pumps more accessible with two options: a Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost and predictable monthly payments including all maintenance, or direct purchase where you may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act. Both paths can deliver positive returns through lower utility bills over time.

In Ocala, licensed HVAC contractors install heat pumps, including national companies like Palmetto and local heating and cooling specialists. Professional installation is essential to ensure your system operates efficiently in Florida's Climate Zone 10, where temperatures range from 33°F in winter to 95°F in summer.

Palmetto offers heat pump installation in Ocala through two options: a Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost and included maintenance, or direct purchase where you own the equipment and may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits. Both options include professional installation by certified technicians who understand Florida's climate requirements.

HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning—it's an umbrella term for all systems that heat and cool your home. A heat pump is actually a specific type of HVAC system that both heats and cools by transferring heat rather than generating it, making it highly efficient in Ocala's mild winters where temperatures rarely drop below 33°F.

Unlike traditional HVAC systems that use separate furnaces and air conditioners, a heat pump handles both jobs in one unit. In Florida's Climate Zone 10, this efficiency translates to lower energy costs at 14.2¢ per kWh. Palmetto makes upgrading simple with a Comfort Plan requiring $0 upfront, or direct purchase options that may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits.