CAN A HEAT PUMP HANDLE FLORIDA’S HEAT?

Yes, a modern heat pump can cool the home sufficiently even in the middle of summer. In fact, Florida is one of the best places for a heat pump to operate. A two-stage unit will be more efficient and provide better comfort and indoor air quality than a single-stage unit.

DO I STILL NEED A FURNACE WITH A HEAT PUMP?

No, the heat pump will heat the home adequately in the winter months, with enough heating power for Florida’s mild winters.

HOW LONG DOES A TWO-STAGE SYSTEM LAST?

A two-stage heat pump typically lasts about 10 to 15 years in Florida, though it can last longer with proper HVAC maintenance . The humid, salty air—especially in coastal areas of the state—can shorten the lifespan of heat pumps compared to drier or cooler climates but the mild winters cause less heating strain on the system, helping to offset that.

DO YOU NEED A SPECIAL THERMOSTAT FOR A TWO-STAGE AIR CONDITIONER?

A two-stage heat pump requires a multi-stage thermostat capable of controlling the cooling and heating through staging logic. Most professional HVAC installation companies will recommend a smart thermostat for compatibility.

HOW IS A TWO-STAGE HEAT PUMP DIFFERENT FROM A TWO-STAGE AC UNIT?

A two-stage heat pump and a two-stage air conditioner (AC) are similar in that they have compressors that work at two different speeds for better energy efficiency but they differ in that a heat pump can heat a home as well as cool it. In cooling mode, both units work the same. In heating mode, a reversing valve allows a heat pump to reverse the refrigeration cycle/heat transfer process, removing heat from outside and transferring it indoors.