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

Tampa, FL Heat Pump Load Calculator

Use our calculator below to estimate your home’s heating and cooling needs based on Tampa’s ACCA-standard design conditions: 72°F indoor, 95°F outdoor for cooling, and 33°F for heating. This square-footage method provides a helpful starting point. 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

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

Tampa, FL Heat Pump Rebates & Incentives

Local and federal incentive programs can significantly reduce the cost of a new heat pump system. Here are the programs available to Tampa homeowners.

Tampa Electric Heating and Cooling

Varies by system efficiency

Tampa Electric offers rebates for replacing old, inefficient air conditioning systems with new, energy-efficient systems that meet program standards. Available to all residential customers in Tampa Electric's service area.

Eligibility: Must be a Tampa Electric residential customer. System must meet minimum SEER (16.00) or SEER2 (15.20) ratings. Application must be submitted within 90 days of installation.

Learn more →

Florida Public Utilities Heat Pump Rebate

$250 - $500

Florida Public Utilities offers rebates for installing new high-efficiency heat pump or air conditioning systems. Customers can reapply after 5 years.

Eligibility: Must be a homeowner with residence in FPU's electric service area. Heat pump must have AHRI rating with minimum 15.0 SEER. Installation must meet all required codes and standards.

Learn more →

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 →

Tampa homeowners have access to utility-based heat pump rebates from Tampa Electric and Florida Public Utilities, offering $250-$500 in savings. Combined with the federal IRA tax credit of up to $2,000, homeowners can significantly reduce their heat pump installation costs. Palmetto's Comfort Plan lease offers an alternative path to heat pump savings with $0 upfront cost and professional installation, allowing you to benefit from energy efficiency improvements immediately.

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

Tampa sits in IECC Climate Zone 10, which means mild winters with design temperatures around 33°F and hot, humid summers reaching 95°F. This climate profile heavily favors cooling over heating—which is exactly what heat pumps excel at. Understanding your zone helps us right-size your system for Tampa's specific conditions, ensuring comfort year-round without overspending. Explore other climate 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

Tampa Electricity Prices

Understanding Tampa's electricity costs helps you make smarter decisions about your home's heating and cooling system—and potentially save thousands over time.

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, they remain significantly higher than earlier years.

Heat pumps offer a practical solution to rising energy costs. Because they're 2-3 times more efficient than traditional HVAC systems, they use less electricity to deliver the same heating and cooling—meaning lower bills even as rates fluctuate.

As electricity prices continue their upward trend, efficiency becomes increasingly valuable. A heat pump's superior efficiency means you'll save more money each year, turning what might seem like a significant upfront investment into long-term financial protection.

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

Tampa Area Utility Providers

Tampa residents are served by four main utility providers with varying electricity rates. Based on 2023 data, Duke Energy charged 18.1¢ per kWh, TECO 16.6¢, FPL 15.0¢, and WREC 12.3¢—compared to the national average of 16.0¢.

These rate differences reflect each utility's infrastructure costs, fuel sources, and service territories. Duke Energy's rates run slightly above the national average, while WREC offers Tampa's lowest rates. TECO and FPL fall near or below both state and national benchmarks.

Understanding your electricity costs matters when considering heating and cooling upgrades. Heat pumps use electricity more efficiently than traditional systems, often reducing total energy spending even in higher-rate areas—making them a smart choice regardless of your Tampa utility provider.

Tampa Utilities Electricity Rates

Duke Energy
18.10¢
+13%
FPL
15.00¢
-6%
TECO
16.60¢
+4%
WREC
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

Yes, heat pumps make excellent sense in Tampa. Located in Climate Zone 10 with mild winters (design heating temperature of 33°F) and hot summers (design cooling temperature of 95°F), Tampa's climate is ideal for heat pump efficiency. Heat pumps both cool and heat your home using significantly less electricity than traditional systems, which matters when Florida's electricity rates average 14.2¢ per kWh.

Tampa homeowners can access heat pump technology through Palmetto's Comfort Plan with zero upfront costs and included maintenance, or through direct purchase to capture federal tax credits up to $2,000 under the Inflation Reduction Act. Since Tampa requires far more cooling than heating throughout the year, a heat pump operates in its most efficient mode most of the time, maximizing your energy savings.

Heat pumps are exceptionally efficient in Tampa's climate. Located in Climate Zone 10, Tampa experiences mild winters with design temperatures around 33°F and hot summers reaching 95°F. This means heat pumps operate in their optimal range year-round, delivering 2-4 times more heating or cooling energy than the electricity they consume, making them far more efficient than traditional HVAC systems.

With Florida's current electricity rate of 14.2¢ per kWh, efficient heat pumps can significantly reduce your energy bills compared to older heating and cooling equipment. Palmetto makes upgrading accessible through two options: our Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost and all maintenance included, or direct purchase where you may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act.

The choice between leasing and buying a heat pump in Tampa depends on your financial priorities and homeownership plans. Buying outright means you own the equipment and may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act, plus local rebates. Leasing through a Comfort Plan requires $0 upfront and includes all maintenance, repairs, and warranty coverage in your predictable monthly payment.

Tampa's hot, humid climate means your heat pump will run frequently for cooling, making reliability crucial. If you prefer avoiding surprise repair costs and don't want to manage maintenance yourself, leasing offers peace of mind. If you have the upfront capital and want to maximize long-term savings through tax incentives, purchasing may be the better fit for your situation.

Heat pump costs in Tampa typically range from $5,000 to $15,000 for a complete system installation, depending on your home's size, existing ductwork, and the unit's efficiency rating. Tampa's Climate Zone 10 conditions—with mild winters and hot summers—make heat pumps particularly cost-effective, as they'll work efficiently year-round without extreme temperature demands.

Palmetto offers two flexible 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 heating and cooling costs compared to traditional systems.

Yes, heat pumps are financially worthwhile for most Tampa homeowners. Heat pumps typically use 50% less electricity for heating compared to traditional systems, and with Florida's electricity rate at 14.2¢ per kWh, these savings add up significantly over time. They also provide efficient cooling year-round, which matters in Tampa's warm climate.

Palmetto makes heat pumps accessible through two options: a Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost and all maintenance included, or direct purchase with potential federal tax credits up to $2,000. The right choice depends on your budget and preferences, but both options deliver long-term energy savings that typically offset the investment within several years.

Heat pumps in Tampa are installed by licensed HVAC contractors who specialize in heating and cooling systems. These professionals assess your home's specific needs in Climate Zone 10, where summer temperatures reach 95°F, and ensure proper sizing and installation for optimal efficiency in Florida's humid subtropical climate.

Palmetto offers heat pump installation in Tampa through qualified local contractors, with two flexible 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 approaches ensure professional installation tailored to Tampa's unique climate demands.

A heat pump is actually a type of HVAC system. HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning—it's an umbrella term for any equipment that controls your home's temperature and air quality. Heat pumps are unique because they provide both heating and cooling in one efficient unit, unlike traditional HVAC systems that often require separate furnaces and air conditioners.

In Tampa's Climate Zone 10, where temperatures range from 33°F in winter to 95°F in summer, heat pumps work year-round by transferring heat rather than generating it. This makes them more energy-efficient than conventional systems, which matters when Florida's electricity costs average 14.2¢ per kWh. Whether you choose Palmetto's Comfort Plan with zero upfront costs or direct purchase with potential tax credits up to $2,000, you're getting a complete heating and cooling solution.