★★★★★
They worked on my AC and were very helpful and friendly. Definitely recommend them!!
The University area surrounding USF is a unique market where student rental properties, faculty-owned homes, and established family neighborhoods all share the same zip codes. Rental property owners face AC replacement decisions driven by tenant retention and energy efficiency rather than personal comfort preferences.
Licensed HVAC technicians delivering expert AC replacement in University and the Tampa Bay area for over a decade.
Licensed (CAC1819196), Bonded & Insured.Whether it’s a small leak or a major AC repair, our team provides clear, upfront pricing to University homeowners.
AC problems can’t wait , that’s why we answer 24/7, and same-day service is often available for University residents.
Since 2017, Home Therapist Cooling, Heating, and Plumbing has been keeping University homes comfortable year-round. Whether you live near University of South Florida, MOSI (Museum of Science and Industry), University Mall, USF Botanical Gardens, or out by Yuengling Center, our licensed technicians (license CAC1819196) provide same-day ac replacement with upfront pricing with FREE diagnosis. We have completed more than 12,000 jobs across Tampa Bay since 2020, earned 1,300+ five-star reviews, and our trucks carry parts for most major brands, including Carrier, Trane, Lennox and Rheem. University weather pushes home systems hard, and when yours stops working, we get there fast and fix it right the first time.
★★★★★AC installI was in need of air conditioning for my detached garage. My AI search for the most trustworthy mini-split AC installer led me to Home Therapist; my expectations were exceeded. Scheduling a…
★★★★★AC installExcellent service from Richard! He was professional, courteous, and very knowledgeable. He fixed my A/C problem quickly and explained everything clearly. I highly recommend Richard for anyone needing A/C service. had a…
★★★★★AC installThey have been amazing from the quote to the installation. They were able to accommodate us last minute. Made all the updates needed and in less than 5hrs we had a new…
★★★★★Had a great experience with Home Therapist. They worked with me to stay within a budget, they communicated great, and they got the job done when they said they would. Will use…
★★★★★Archer was super nice and was very helpful in explaining the process. No gimmicks and pure professionalism. They were super responsive and it was easy to get a hold of them to…
★★★★★PlumbingLester is a great plumber. He is friendly, professional, and his work is outstanding. The plumbing lines were placed perfectly in the garage and the area was left clean and neat. Certainly…
★★★★★Excellent service, quick response, and I already have air conditioning!
★★★★★I love the communication this company has and they work with your schedule. The tech is knowledgeable and does a great job. I highly recommend AC Therapist.
★★★★★Water heaterI had a great experience with Home Therapist Cooling, Heating, and Plumbing. We were getting our house ready to sell and the home inspection identified several plumbing issues that needed to be…
The area’s housing stock dates primarily from the 1970s through the 1990s, built during the university’s expansion era, and many of these homes still have R-22 systems. Properties near MOSI and the University Mall corridor are often on their second or third system, and the previous replacements were frequently budget installations that prioritized speed over quality. Near the USF campus and along Fletcher Avenue, rental properties and owner-occupied homes from the 1970s and 1980s are replacing aging R-22 systems that can no longer be maintained economically. In the neighborhoods around University Mall and south toward Fowler Avenue, homes from the 1990s are entering their first replacement cycle as original equipment reaches the 25 to 30 year mark.

We specialize in providing top-of-the-line cooling solutions for your home or business. From Air Conditioning installation and maintenance to repair and replacement, we offer a comprehensive range of services to ensure your air conditioning system runs smoothly all year round.

We specialize in providing reliable, energy-efficient heating solutions for Tampa Bay homes. Whether you’re dealing with an emergency breakdown or planning a full system upgrade, Home Therapist is here with expert installation, repair, and maintenance services.

We help Tampa Bay homeowners improve indoor air quality, lower energy bills, and extend HVAC system life with professional ductwork and air treatment services. From duct sealing to air purification, we do it all.

Explore our full range of plumbing services by category. From leak detection and repiping to fixture installations and water heater solutions , we’ve got Tampa Bay’s HVAC needs covered.
Your AC Replacement specialist arrives on time, ready for a job done right.
Relax and enjoy the comfort of your home!
University area AC replacement serves two distinct customer profiles: rental property investors who need reliable, cost-effective equipment and owner-occupants who want comfort and efficiency in their personal homes. We perform a Manual J load calculation on every replacement regardless of property type, because properly sized equipment benefits both tenants and homeowners through lower utility bills and better comfort. TECO serves the entire University area, and the efficiency gains from upgrading old R-22 systems to modern 16 SEER R-410A equipment are substantial.
Last updated: April 2026
Pricing updated April 2026. All AC replacement prices include equipment removal, new installation, labor, and warranty; permit fees are billed separately. Free in-home estimates. Financing available.
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Value Tier (Goodman, standard efficiency) | $7,141 – $10,132 |
| Premium Tier (Goodman, high efficiency) | $9,027 – $12,384 |
| Elite Tier (Goodman GZV6S or Daikin DH6VS, side-discharge inverter) | $13,999 – $19,931 |
| Thermostat Upgrade (add-on) | Included; smart upgrades quoted |
| Ductwork Replacement (if needed, per drop) | $639 – $859 |
The University Square area and Skipper Rd corridor (ZIP 33612) sit just north of USF and east of I-275, making it one of the closest service zones to our Linebaugh Ave base, and our technicians come via Nebraska Ave. The 1960s-80s university-area homes and rental properties here have been through multiple owner and tenant cycles, often with deferred maintenance on HVAC systems that are now well past their service life. We perform FREE ACCA Manual J calculations and install Goodman Value or Premium systems ($7,141 to $12,384) or Elite side-discharge inverter units (Goodman GZV6S or Daikin Fit DH6VS, $13,999 to $19,931) for owner-occupied and landlord replacement needs. Our fast response is a genuine advantage for University area landlords managing tenant comfort.
Call (813) 343-2212 for Your FREE University Estimate
Licensed CAC1819196 (HVAC) | CFC1431159 (Plumbing) | 1,300+ Five-Star Reviews
University area systems that have been through multiple tenant cycles without tune-ups are at elevated failure risk in peak summer months. The June-August period when temperatures peak is exactly when tenant complaints escalate and emergency replacement scheduling is tightest. Proactive replacement -- before a failure -- gives landlords the ability to schedule on their timeline rather than the tenant's emergency. Owner-occupants benefit from locking in R-454B compliance and current TECO rebates before summer peak.
Want a University area AC replacement quote? Call (813) 343-2212 for a FREE in-home estimate.
University Square and Skipper Rd neighborhoods were built primarily between 1960 and 1985 to support the growing USF campus. These concrete block and frame homes typically run 1,000-1,800 sq ft with central air added via interior soffits or attic ducts in the 1970s-90s. Ductwork from that era is frequently undersized, unsealed, or kinked from decades of access. We include a ductwork assessment in every FREE estimate and price duct repairs separately so you can make an informed decision.
1960s-85 University area ductwork often undersized or deteriorated: assessment included at estimate
A significant portion of University Square properties are rental homes and multi-unit buildings where HVAC maintenance has been deferred through multiple tenant cycles. Systems that have missed annual tune-ups accumulate refrigerant deficiencies, dirty coils, and worn components that accelerate failure. When a system in deferred-maintenance condition fails, replacement is often more economical than repair. We provide an honest assessment during the FREE estimate visit.
Deferred-maintenance rental properties: replacement vs repair assessment provided at every estimate
University area is served by TECO (Tampa Electric). For owner-occupied properties, a TECO rebate of up to $550 on a qualifying Daikin Fit Elite and lower monthly energy bills provide a compelling long-term case against the higher upfront cost. For landlords replacing a failed system, Goodman Value's lower installed price and 10-year parts warranty on registered equipment deliver reliable tenant-ready cooling at the value price point.
TECO rebates favor Daikin Fit for owner-occupied; Goodman Value or Premium preferred for landlord replacements
Real Google reviews from Tampa Bay homeowners. Source: Home Therapist verified Google Business Profile (1,300+ five-star reviews aggregate).
★★★★★
They worked on my AC and were very helpful and friendly. Definitely recommend them!!
Muluken Damessa · Verified Google Review
★★★★★
AC therapist are the best in this area. They explain everything that they find and what they recommend
Roberto Hernandez · Verified Google Review
All projects include a FREE in-home estimate, FREE diagnosis on existing equipment, and the warranty for your system: a 10-year parts warranty on registered Goodman equipment with 1-year (Value) or 5-year (Premium) labor, or 12-year parts, unit replacement and labor coverage on registered Daikin Fit Elite equipment.
$7,141 to $12,384
$13,999 to $19,931
Financing available with $0 down for qualifying applicants. Estimates and diagnostics are FREE on every AC replacement consultation across the University area.
No diagnostic fee. Manual J included. A2L refrigerant standard. Open 24 hours, 7 days a week
Call (813) 343-2212 Schedule Online
Licensed CAC1819196 (HVAC) | CFC1431159 (Plumbing) | Serving University area since 2017
A standard equipment swap in the University area with a Goodman Value or Premium system runs $7,141 to $12,384. Most homes are 1,200 to 1,800 square feet and need 2.5 to 3.5 ton systems, with typical projects running $7,141 to $19,931 depending on the equipment tier and ductwork. Rental property owners who maintain multiple units should ask about our multi-property scheduling that can reduce per-unit costs. R-22 to R-410A transitions add the cost of new refrigerant lines. Homes with original 1970s ductwork that needs sealing or replacement should plan for additional investment. The practical home sizes and accessible equipment locations in this area help keep replacement costs moderate.
A: The clearest signs are frequent breakdowns, rising TECO bills, uneven cooling, and a system older than 12 to 15 years. In University, where concrete block, frame townhomes from the 1960s to 2010s put heavy demand on AC systems, most units are 15-30 years old and nearing end of life. probably runs on R-22 refrigerant which is no longer manufactured and very expensive to recharge. If your repair costs have passed the $5,000 rule (age times repair cost), replacement saves money in the long run. Our technicians will inspect your current system and give you an honest recommendation.
A: Sizing is based on square footage, insulation, window count, ductwork condition, and layout. The rough guide is 1 ton per 500 square feet in Florida, but that changes depending on your home. In University, where concrete block, frame townhomes from the 1960s to 2010s often have older insulation and single-pane windows, an undersized unit runs nonstop and an oversized unit short-cycles and creates humidity problems. We perform a Manual J load calculation to get the right size for your University home.
A: Most AC replacements in University are completed in one day, typically 6 to 10 hours. Concrete block, frame townhomes from the 1960s to 2010s usually have straightforward access to the air handler and condenser pad. If we need to modify ductwork, add a new return, or relocate equipment, it can take a second day. We schedule work to minimize disruption and always clean up before we leave.
A: We install Goodman as our Value and Premium tier and Daikin as our Elite tier. Both are well-suited for University’s heat, humidity, and inland heat and dust. Goodman delivers excellent reliability at a competitive price point, while Daikin provides top-tier efficiency that pays for itself through lower TECO bills. We help University homeowners choose the right match for their budget, home size, and cooling needs.
A: Yes, significantly. Upgrading from a 10 SEER unit to a 16 SEER2 system can reduce cooling costs by 30 to 40 percent. For a typical University home on TECO, that means lower cooling bills. Older concrete block homes and newer frame townhomes from the 1960s to 2010s with older, inefficient systems see the biggest impact. With Florida AC running 8 to 10 months a year, the efficiency upgrade pays for itself within 5 to 7 years.
A: Yes, we offer flexible financing options for University homeowners including 0 percent interest for qualified buyers, low monthly payments, and terms up to 72 months. We work with multiple lenders to find an option that fits your budget. No one in University should have to suffer through a Florida summer because of upfront costs. Call (813) 343-2212 to discuss your options.
A: AC replacement means removing your existing system and putting in a new one. Installation can refer to a brand-new system in new construction or an addition where no system existed. In University, most of our work is replacement since homes from the 1960s to 2010s already have ductwork and infrastructure in place. Replacement is typically faster and less expensive because we use the existing connections and pad.
A: Yes, AC replacements in University require a Hillsborough County building permit and inspection. We handle all permitting paperwork as part of the job. Our HVAC license (CAC1819196) is current and in good standing with the state of Florida. Skipping the permit can void your manufacturer warranty and create issues when you sell your home.
A: ENERGY STAR suggests considering replacement once an air conditioner is more than 10 years old; a properly installed and maintained system in Florida can run longer. University’s heat, humidity, and inland heat and dust are hard on equipment, so regular maintenance is key. Our Home Therapy Club includes two tune-ups per year, priority scheduling, and member discounts. University homeowners in University Square, Terrace Park, Bruce B. Downs corridor and across Hillsborough County trust us to keep their new systems running as long as possible.
A: Yes. We cover ZIP 33612 including University Square, Skipper Rd, and Temple Terrace-adjacent neighborhoods near USF. Our technicians come in via Nebraska Ave.
A: For landlords replacing a failed unit for tenant occupancy, a Goodman Value or Premium system is the go-to value. For owner-occupants planning to stay in the home 5+ years, the Daikin Fit Elite's TECO rebate and lower monthly operating costs usually make up the price difference within 5-7 years.
A: A2L refrigerants (R-32 or R-454B, depending on the brand) replace R-410A in all 2026 new AC installs. All systems installed in the University area use an A2L refrigerant (R-32 or R-454B, depending on the brand). Performance is equivalent to R-410A.
A: Yes. The estimate and Manual J are FREE.
A: Most University area replacements complete in 6 to 10 hours. We aim to finish in a single day.
Same-day ac replacement across Tampa Bay
Richard co-owns Home Therapist Cooling, Heating, and Plumbing and holds the FL Class B Air Conditioning Contractor license (CAC1819196) since 2017. The company holds licenses CAC1819196 (FL Class B AC Contractor, Richard Morales) and CFC1431159 (FL Plumbing Contractor, Alex Morales), serving Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties with a four-technician field team and 1,300+ customer reviews averaging 4.8 stars.
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