St. Petersburg, FL Heat Pump Leasing & Installation
In this guide
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
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
With a Comfort Plan subscription, installation and maintenance are fully covered, no surprise bills, no weekend DIY.
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
St. Petersburg, FL Heat Pump Load Calculator
Use this calculator to estimate your home’s heating and cooling needs based on St. Petersburg’s ACCA-standard design conditions: 72°F indoor, 95°F outdoor for cooling, and 33°F for heating. For a precise Manual J load calculation and personalized quote, connect with Palmetto’s team. 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
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.
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Cash |
Loan |
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|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Cash
Loan
Local Incentives
Heat Pump Financing in St. Petersburg
While Florida's state-level HOMES and HEAR rebate programs have not yet launched in 2026, St. Petersburg homeowners can still benefit from the federal IRA tax credit of up to $2,000 for qualifying heat pump installations. Palmetto's Comfort Plan lease offers $0 upfront cost as an alternative to purchasing a heat pump outright, allowing homeowners to access efficient heating and cooling without the initial investment while they monitor for future state rebate program launches.
Federal IRA Tax Credit
Up to $2,000The Inflation Reduction Act provides a federal tax credit of up to $2,000 for qualifying heat pump installations through 2032.
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. Florida's state rebate programs (HOMES and HEAR) are expected to launch in the future but are not currently active.
04
Climate Zones
St. Petersburg falls in IECC Climate Zone 10, where winters are mild—rarely dipping below 33°F—and summers are hot and humid, with temperatures reaching 95°F. This climate profile means your heat pump will work harder cooling than heating, which directly influences the size and efficiency rating you'll need. At Palmetto, we factor in St. Petersburg's unique conditions to recommend systems built for your reality. Explore other climate zones below, or enter your ZIP code to confirm yours.
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
St. Petersburg Electricity Prices
Understanding electricity costs in St. Petersburg is essential when considering your home's heating and cooling options—especially as rates continue to fluctuate.
Florida's electricity rates have climbed significantly in recent years, jumping from 11.9 cents per kWh in 2021 to 14.1 cents in 2024. While rates dipped slightly from their 2023 peak, they remain 18% higher than just three years ago.
Heat pumps offer a practical solution to rising energy 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 for your St. Petersburg home.
As electricity rates continue their upward trajectory, the efficiency advantage of heat pumps becomes increasingly valuable. Over the lifespan of your system, this efficiency translates to substantial savings—turning today's investment into years of lower monthly energy bills.
Price of Energy: Florida vs National Average
St. Petersburg Area Utility Providers
St. Petersburg residents are served by three main utility providers: Duke Energy, FPL, and TECO. According to 2023 data, their electricity rates ranged from 15.0¢ to 18.1¢ per kWh—all hovering near the national average of 16.0¢.
Duke Energy's rates sit slightly above both state and national averages, while FPL and TECO fall closer to Florida's 2023 average of 15.20¢ per kWh. These variations reflect differences in infrastructure investments, fuel sources, and service territories across the region.
With electricity rates in this range, efficiency matters. Heat pumps use significantly less energy than traditional heating and cooling systems, meaning lower monthly bills regardless of your provider. Even modest rate differences add up when your system runs more efficiently year-round.
St. Petersburg Utilities Electricity Rates
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
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.
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. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, heat pumps make excellent sense in St. Petersburg. The city's mild winters (with design temperatures around 33°F) and hot summers (reaching 95°F) create ideal conditions for heat pump efficiency. These systems excel in moderate climates, providing both heating and cooling while using significantly less energy than traditional HVAC systems at Florida's current 14.2¢ per kWh electricity rate.
St. Petersburg homeowners can access heat pump technology through flexible options that fit different needs. Palmetto's Comfort Plan offers $0 upfront with maintenance included, while direct purchase may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act. Both paths deliver year-round comfort and lower energy bills in St. Petersburg's Climate Zone 10 conditions.
Heat pumps are exceptionally efficient in St. Petersburg's Climate Zone 10, where mild winters (design temp: 33°F) and warm summers (design temp: 95°F) create ideal operating conditions. Modern heat pumps can deliver 2-3 times more heating or cooling energy than the electricity they consume, making them far more cost-effective than traditional systems at Florida's 14.2¢ per kWh electricity rate.
St. Petersburg's subtropical climate means your heat pump rarely faces the extreme cold that reduces efficiency in northern regions. This year-round performance advantage translates to lower energy bills and consistent comfort. Palmetto makes installation accessible through our Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost and included maintenance, or direct purchase options that may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits.
The choice between leasing and buying a heat pump in St. Petersburg 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 if you prefer predictable monthly costs. Buying outright means you own the equipment and may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act.
Consider St. Petersburg's climate when deciding—with cooling needs dominating most of the year and electricity at 14.2¢ per kWh, a heat pump will run frequently. If you want worry-free maintenance as your system works year-round, leasing offers peace of mind. If you plan to stay in your home long-term and want to maximize available incentives, purchasing may provide better value over time.
Heat pump costs in St. Petersburg typically range from $5,000 to $15,000 for a complete installation, depending on your home's size, existing ductwork, and the system's efficiency rating. St. Petersburg's mild Climate Zone 10 conditions (with winter lows around 33°F) mean you can often use a more affordable standard heat pump rather than specialized cold-climate models.
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. With Florida's electricity rate at 14.2¢ per kWh, an efficient heat pump can significantly reduce your energy bills year-round.
In St. Petersburg's mild climate, heat pumps are financially advantageous because they use significantly less electricity than traditional heating and cooling systems. With Florida's electricity rate at 14.2¢ per kWh, most homeowners see substantial savings on their energy bills, often 30-50% compared to older HVAC systems.
Palmetto makes heat pumps accessible through two financial options: a Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost and predictable monthly payments including all maintenance, or direct purchase where you own the equipment and may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits. Either way, the long-term energy savings typically offset the investment within a few years.
In St. Petersburg, licensed HVAC contractors install heat pumps, including specialized providers like Palmetto who focus on home energy solutions. Professional installation is essential in Climate Zone 10, where systems must efficiently handle both cooling demands up to 95°F and occasional heating down to 33°F.
Palmetto offers St. Petersburg homeowners two installation 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 familiar with Florida's unique climate requirements.
HVAC is an umbrella term that stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning—it describes any system that controls your home's temperature and air quality. A heat pump is actually a type of HVAC system that both heats and cools your home by transferring heat rather than generating it, making it highly efficient in St. Petersburg's mild winter climate.
Unlike traditional HVAC systems that use separate furnaces and air conditioners, a heat pump handles both jobs in one unit. In Climate Zone 10 where St. Petersburg sits, with winter lows around 33°F and summer highs near 95°F, heat pumps work efficiently year-round while typically using less electricity at Florida's current rate of 14.2¢ per kWh compared to conventional heating systems.