★★★★★
They worked on my AC and were very helpful and friendly. Definitely recommend them!!
University is an unincorporated community in Hillsborough County near the University of South Florida, with a mix of student-oriented rental properties, established single-family homes, and newer construction. The rental market means many HVAC systems here run hard year-round without consistent maintenance, leading to premature failures.
Licensed HVAC technicians delivering expert heat pump service in University and the Tampa Bay area for over a decade.
Licensed (CAC1819196), Bonded & Insured.Whether it’s a small service call or a major job, our team provides clear, upfront pricing to University homeowners.
Home service problems can’t wait, that’s why we guarantee fast response and same-day service 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 heat pump installation and repair with upfront pricing with FREE diagnosis. We have completed over 1,100 five-star jobs across the Tampa Bay area and our trucks are stocked with parts for Carrier, Trane, Lennox, Rheem, and every major brand. University weather pushes home systems hard, and when yours stops working, we get there fast and fix it right the first time.
★★★★★HeatingMy experience went on therapy cooling and heating was excellent they came in the correct my problem and it was so fast and easy I received sister and heating
★★★★★AC repairThey are very responsive whenever we need their services. We can always count on them to be quick, professional, and affordable. We won't use any other company, and highly recommend A/C Therapist…
★★★★★PlumbingFast within hr of call. And fast service on fix also explained all he was going to do and did. Showed me the outside water meter was,shut off and how it works…
★★★★★AC repairThis ac repair company was very helpful.He was very honest and knowledgeable.They came after another company flushed my system and it stopped working completely.They are fast and very honest and informative.I give…
★★★★★They made the entire process quick and easy from start to finish. Someone was able to come out the same day, and their communication was excellent throughout the whole process. I never…
★★★★★PlumbingI had a great experience with Alejandro from Home Therapist Cooling, Heating, and Plumbing. He repaired two toilets and installed the water line to my new refrigerator after the delivery team refused…
★★★★★AC repairAmazing service from start to finish. My AC system completely stopped working, and they were able to come out the same day, which was a huge relief. The technician was professional, knowledgeable,…
★★★★★Water heaterAs an engineer/fabricator/assembler, I have high standards from my contractors. This guy Sam, he fulfilled all my requests and installation needs. He took pride of his work, and left me with a…
Homeowners and landlords alike benefit from heat pump replacement that delivers reliable performance and lower utility costs for tenants. Near USF and along Fowler Avenue, older properties are upgrading aging heat pump systems to modern equipment that stands up to the heavy use common in this area. In the residential neighborhoods along Fletcher Avenue and near Lettuce Lake Park, established homes are replacing heat pumps that have reached end of life.

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 Heat Pump Installation & Repair specialist arrives on time, ready for a job done right.
Relax and enjoy the comfort of your home!
Home Therapist installs and repairs heat pumps throughout the University area, serving homeowners, landlords, and property managers who need reliable HVAC solutions. We install Goodman at our Value and Premium tiers and Daikin at our Elite tier. Every estimate includes a load calculation, ductwork inspection, and electrical evaluation.
Last updated: April 2026
University area Tampa wraps the USF main campus and Forest Hills across ZIPs 33612 and 33620, with a dense mix of 1970s-1990s ranch homes, low-rise apartment complexes, and a heavy concentration of student rentals. Our techs see the full range of heat pump scenarios in this pocket: aging single-stage equipment in original Forest Hills ranches, builder-grade systems in 1980s apartment blocks where landlords delayed replacement, and a growing share of newer townhomes near Bruce B. Downs Boulevard with multi-zone setups. The University corridor also has older overhead-supply ductwork that often needs sealing or replacement at install time. Tampa Bay's 7,200+ annual cooling hours stress every system here, and rental-grade equipment installed on a budget tends to fail 3-5 years earlier than owner-occupied builds. FREE in-home estimates and FREE diagnostics on every visit.
Call (813) 343-2212 for Your FREE University Estimate
Licensed CAC1819196 (HVAC) | CFC1431159 (Plumbing) | 1,300+ Five-Star Reviews
Forest Hills ranches and the 1970s ranch stock around USF were originally built with 8-10 foot ceilings, jalousie or single-pane windows long-since replaced, and minimal attic insulation by today's standards. After 50 years of envelope upgrades (new windows, blown-in insulation, replaced roof decking), the original 3.5-4 ton equipment is almost always oversized for current load. We run ACCA Manual J on every University install and frequently downsize by half a ton, which fixes the short-cycling and humidity problems Forest Hills owners chronically complain about. A properly sized 2.5-3 ton heat pump dehumidifies far better than an oversized 4-ton.
ACCA Manual J load calc corrects oversizing in Forest Hills and 1970s University ranches
USF-adjacent rentals get the cheapest possible HVAC because landlords replace on failure with 14-SEER builder specials. If you're buying or have inherited a University-area rental property and want to break that 8-10 year replacement cycle, stepping up to Goodman GVXC20 Value+Premium ($5,485-$8,485) with the 10-year parts warranty changes your maintenance math entirely. For owner-occupied Forest Hills homes where you'll be there 15+ years, Daikin Fit Elite's variable-speed compressor and 12-year warranty pays back through lower TECO bills and superior humidity control during the 9-month Tampa cooling season.
Goodman for rentals, Daikin Fit for owner-occupied; both qualify for TECO rebates
AHRI mandated R-454B refrigerant replacing R-410A in new heat pump installs starting 2026. University area homes with 1980s-1990s installs may still have copper lineset originally sized for R-22, then converted to R-410A. R-454B installs require pressure-rated, flushed linesets compatible with A2L refrigerant handling. We inspect every lineset before quoting: if yours dates to a pre-1995 install, we'll line item the replacement ($385-685) rather than reusing questionable copper. Skipping this step causes refrigerant contamination and warranty voids 12-18 months later.
R-454B installs need verified linesets; 1980s-1990s University builds often require replacement
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
R-410A refrigerant pricing has roughly doubled since 2024 as AHRI's R-454B mandate phases it out. A standard 2-3 lb leak repair on a Forest Hills 12-year-old system that cost $385 in 2023 is now running $585-785, and 2027 pricing will be worse. If your University area system is 10+ years old and starting to need annual refrigerant top-offs or has experienced a compressor or reversing valve event, the repair-vs-replace math has shifted hard toward replacement. We provide both options at every FREE diagnostic with no pressure either way.
Want a University heat pump quote? Call (813) 343-2212 for a FREE in-home estimate.
All projects include FREE in-home estimate, FREE diagnosis on existing equipment, and our 1-year parts & labor warranty.
From $5,485
Up to $12,985
Financing available with $0 down for qualifying applicants. The $279 minimum labor figure applies only to APPROVED repair work on existing equipment, never to a diagnostic visit. Estimates and diagnostics are FREE on every heat pump consultation across University.
Heat pump installation in the University area ranges from $4,000 to $10,000 depending on system size, brand tier, and property condition. Standard replacements in well-maintained homes fall toward the lower end. Properties with deferred maintenance that need ductwork or electrical work push toward the upper range. Home Therapist provides free in-home estimates.
A: A heat pump and an AC both cool your home the same way, but a heat pump can reverse the process to provide heating in winter. A traditional AC uses electric heat strips for warmth, which are expensive to run. In University, where winter lows are mild, a heat pump handles heating far more efficiently because it moves heat instead of generating it. For concrete block (older), frame townhomes (newer) homes in Hillsborough County, a heat pump is the most energy-efficient option for year-round comfort.
A: Heat pump installation in University typically costs $5,500 to $12,000 depending on the size, efficiency rating, and any ductwork modifications needed. concrete block (older), frame townhomes (newer) homes from the 1960s to 2010s with existing ductwork in good condition are on the lower end. High-efficiency models cost more upfront but save significantly on your TECO bill over the system’s life. We offer financing options and provide free estimates for all University homeowners.
A: Heat pumps in Florida typically last 12 to 16 years. Because they run year-round for both cooling and heating, regular maintenance is critical. In University, where inland heat and dust adds environmental stress and systems work hard through long summers, well-maintained heat pumps outperform neglected ones by years. Our maintenance plans include two visits per year to keep your heat pump running at peak efficiency.
A: Absolutely. University’s winter temperatures rarely drop below 40 degrees, which is well within a heat pump’s optimal operating range. A heat pump is 2 to 3 times more efficient than electric heat strips at these temperatures. For concrete block (older), frame townhomes (newer) homes in University, a heat pump provides comfortable, even heating without the high TECO bills that come with strip heat. On the rare nights below 35 degrees, the backup heat strips kick in automatically.
A: We install Goodman as our Value and Premium tier and Daikin as our Elite tier. Both brands offer reliable heat pump models designed for Florida’s climate. Daikin’s inverter technology is especially efficient for University homeowners looking to maximize savings on their TECO bill. Goodman provides excellent performance at a more accessible price point. We recommend the best option based on your home and budget.
A: Heat pump sizing follows the same principles as AC sizing, roughly 1 ton per 500 square feet in Florida, adjusted for your home’s specific characteristics. In University, where concrete block (older), frame townhomes (newer) homes from the 1960s to 2010s vary in insulation quality and ductwork condition, we perform a Manual J load calculation. Proper sizing prevents short-cycling in cooling mode and ensures adequate heating output when temperatures drop.
A: Yes, we provide emergency heat pump repair in University and across Hillsborough County. Heat pumps can fail in both cooling and heating mode, and in Florida summer, a broken system is an emergency. We service University Square, Terrace Park, Bruce B. Downs corridor and surrounding areas with typical response times of 1 to 3 hours. Our trucks carry common parts so most heat pump repairs are completed in a single visit.
A: Twice a year in Florida, once before summer and once before winter. Because a heat pump handles both cooling and heating, it works year-round and needs attention in both seasons. In University, where inland heat and dust wears on outdoor components, the spring service is especially important for cleaning coils and checking refrigerant. Our Therapy Maintenance Plan covers both visits with priority scheduling for University homeowners.
A: Call us at (813) 343-2212 or book online at hometherapist.pro for a free in-home estimate. We will assess your current system, calculate the right size for your University home, and give you upfront pricing with financing options. Whether you are in University Square, Terrace Park, Bruce B. Downs corridor or anywhere in Hillsborough County, we will help you decide if a heat pump is the right investment for your home.
A: Most University area residential heat pump installations complete in one day (6-10 hours on-site). Hillsborough County permit adds 24-48 hours upfront, and final inspection happens 2-3 days post-install. Total from FREE estimate to inspector sign-off is typically 7-10 days.
A: Probably not. Forest Hills ranches built in the 1970s with original 4-ton equipment are almost always oversized after decades of insulation and window upgrades. We Manual J every University install and frequently right-size to 2.5-3 tons, which fixes short-cycling and humidity problems. The calc is FREE.
A: Yes. TECO offers $300-450 per ton on qualifying high-efficiency heat pumps, filed on your behalf at no charge. A 3-ton Daikin Fit Elite install can net you $900-1,350 in rebates. Both Goodman GVXC20 and Daikin Fit Elite lines qualify when properly registered within 30 days of install.
A: Goodman GVXC20 Value+Premium hits the rental sweet spot: 10-year parts warranty doubles the typical landlord replacement cycle, R-454B compliant, and proven reliability. The math beats a $4,200 builder special that fails at year 8. We work with landlords on multi-property pricing.
A: Diagnostics are always FREE. The $279 minimum labor applies only to APPROVED repair work on existing equipment, never to the diagnostic visit. Common University repairs: capacitor $279-389, contactor $329, refrigerant leak detection + repair $485-885, blower motor $725-1,285. Written quote before work begins.
Same-day heat pump installation and repair across Tampa Bay
★★★★★HeatingMy experience went on therapy cooling and heating was excellent they came in the correct my problem and it was so fast and easy I received sister and heating
★★★★★AC repairThey are very responsive whenever we need their services. We can always count on them to be quick, professional, and affordable. We won't use any other company, and highly recommend A/C Therapist…
★★★★★PlumbingFast within hr of call. And fast service on fix also explained all he was going to do and did. Showed me the outside water meter was,shut off and how it works…
★★★★★AC repairThis ac repair company was very helpful.He was very honest and knowledgeable.They came after another company flushed my system and it stopped working completely.They are fast and very honest and informative.I give…
★★★★★They made the entire process quick and easy from start to finish. Someone was able to come out the same day, and their communication was excellent throughout the whole process. I never…
★★★★★PlumbingI had a great experience with Alejandro from Home Therapist Cooling, Heating, and Plumbing. He repaired two toilets and installed the water line to my new refrigerator after the delivery team refused…
★★★★★AC repairAmazing service from start to finish. My AC system completely stopped working, and they were able to come out the same day, which was a huge relief. The technician was professional, knowledgeable,…
★★★★★Water heaterAs an engineer/fabricator/assembler, I have high standards from my contractors. This guy Sam, he fulfilled all my requests and installation needs. He took pride of his work, and left me with a…
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 the Tampa Bay metro with a six-technician field team and 1,378+ verified five-star reviews.
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