Open 24 hours

Why consider heating replacement in Lithia, FL

Many Lithia homes rely on heat pumps for year-round climate control. Age, declining efficiency, frequent repairs, uneven comfort, or frequent defrost cycles are typical triggers for replacement. Upgrading to a modern system:

Improves comfort during cool nights and occasional cold fronts
Lowers energy consumption by using more efficient compressors and controls
Reduces breakdown risk during peak seasons in either heating or cooling
Integrates better with smart thermostats and zoning for humidity control

Common heating issues in Lithia homes

Reduced heating capacity during brief cold snaps despite otherwise mild winters
Short cycling and frequent compressor starts caused by improper sizing or failing components
Poor humidity control and inconsistent temperatures due to old systems or duct leaks
Corrosion and coil performance loss in older outdoor units exposed to high humidity
Higher energy use and frequent repairs as equipment ages beyond recommended service life

Assessment and proper sizing

A professional replacement begins with a thorough assessment of your existing equipment, ductwork, insulation, and house orientation. Key steps include:

Visual inspection of the indoor and outdoor units, thermostats, and controls
Duct inspection for leaks, insulation, and airflow restrictions
Manual J load calculation to determine correct heating and cooling capacity
Review of attic and wall insulation, window performance, and ventilation needs

Correct sizing is critical. Oversized units short cycle and wear out faster; undersized units struggle in cold weather. In Lithia, many homes benefit from properly sized heat pumps with supplemental heating only as needed.

Recommended energy-efficient options

Energy-efficient selections typically focus on modern heat pumps designed for both heating and cooling:

High-efficiency heat pumps with improved HSPF and SEER ratings or inverter-driven compressors for variable speed operation
Cold-climate or enhanced low-ambient heat pump models for better performance during rare cold snaps
ENERGY STAR certified units to meet federal efficiency standards
Variable-speed air handlers and ECM blowers to improve comfort and reduce energy use
Zoned systems and smart thermostats for tailored temperature control and humidity management
Ductless mini-splits for additions, garages, or rooms without ductwork

These technologies reduce energy use, improve comfort, and often increase the useful life of the system when properly installed.

Step-by-step replacement process

A typical heating replacement project includes the following stages:

Pre-install assessment and load calculation to confirm best equipment and sizing
Equipment selection, matching indoor and outdoor components and controls
Permitting and scheduling per local building codes in Hillsborough County
Removal of the old unit with safe recovery of refrigerant in compliance with EPA rules
Preparation of the installation area, including ductwork repairs, pad or mounting adjustments, and electrical upgrades if required
Installation of the new indoor and outdoor units, refrigerant lines, and controls
System charging and air balancing, including thermostat configuration and zoning setup
Commissioning and performance testing to verify airflow, pressures, and temperatures
Final inspection and handoff documentation including operating instructions and warranty registration guidance

Each step is designed to minimize disruption while ensuring the new system operates as intended.

Removal and disposal of old units

Proper disposal follows environmental and local regulations:

Refrigerant recovery and documentation performed by certified technicians
Recycling of metal components and proper disposal of nonrecyclable materials
Removal of old electrical and gas connections in compliance with code
Cleaning and sealing ductwork openings after the old unit is removed

This approach protects your home and the environment, and prevents fines from improper refrigerant handling.

Financing and rebate options

Homeowners replacing heating systems in Lithia may explore several financing and incentive options:

Personal or home improvement loans and energy-efficiency financing programs through lenders
Manufacturer financing plans that accompany new equipment purchases
Utility rebates from regional electric providers for installing high-efficiency heat pumps or performing duct sealing
Federal and state energy tax credits or incentives that sometimes apply to qualifying heat pump installations
Local or state energy efficiency programs that offer rebates or low-interest financing for upgrades

Eligibility and availability vary, so review current program guidelines and documentation when planning a replacement.

Warranty information and service coverage

Modern systems typically include two types of warranty protection:

Manufacturer warranties covering parts and specific components such as compressors; common lengths vary by component and manufacturer
Labor or installation warranties provided by the installing contractor to protect against installation-related issues for a defined period

When reviewing options, confirm what is covered, any requirements for routine maintenance to keep warranties valid, and how warranty claims are handled.

Expected timeline

Typical timelines for a heating replacement in Lithia:

Initial assessment and proposal: a few days to one week depending on scheduling
Permit processing and equipment ordering: one to two weeks in normal conditions
Actual installation: one to three days for most heat pump systems, longer if ductwork or electrical upgrades are needed
Final testing and inspection: within a few days after installation

Complex jobs or custom ductwork can extend timelines. Planning ahead avoids winter delays and ensures system readiness.

Benefits of upgrading and maintenance tips

Replacing an aging heating system yields tangible benefits:

Improved year-round comfort with better temperature and humidity control
Lower energy use and stable operating costs through higher efficiency
Fewer emergency repairs and longer overall system life
Better indoor air quality when paired with proper filtration and duct cleaning

Maintenance tips to protect your investment:

Change filters regularly and schedule annual professional tune-ups
Keep outdoor units clear of debris and vegetation
Seal and insulate ducts, especially in unconditioned spaces
Use programmable or smart thermostats to reduce unnecessary runtime

Upgrading when a system is near the end of its service life often delivers better value than repeated repairs.

Replacing your home heating system in Lithia, FL is an opportunity to improve comfort, reliability, and efficiency tailored to local climate conditions. A methodical assessment, correct sizing, modern energy-efficient equipment, proper installation, and ongoing maintenance together ensure the new system performs well for years.

Customer Testimonials

Here’s what some of our satisfied customers have to say about their experience with us:

Brian and his team are great! They are honest and fair. They explained everything well so you can understand what’s going on with your system. They don’t try to sell you something you do not need.
We have used them for several years now and have the service contract which I recommend! It’s a very reasonable price for the work they do in to keep your system running top notch.
I highly recommend Brian and his company if you need a unit replaced or just have your AC unit maintained and taken care of

Jack Jensen

Good company. Great employees from the office to the field. The work was done in one day. They took care of all the paper work and cleaned up afterwards. They worked around our schedule to get the job done. People came in on a holiday to do the work. Very professional and did the job right the first time. Definitely having them do all my AC work.

Jean-Paul B.

Excellent service & communication! Response time was fantastic & Brian the owner was a big help from start to finish. I had just been released from the hospital & he was very efficient & listened to our needs with concern & responded professionally. We will be using First Response for our future needs & tell family & friends. Thanks again Brian!!

David B.

First Response Heating & Cooling really does go above and beyond to help the customer feel valued and respected during a difficult time. With outrageous electric bills, it is essential to have someone like First Response ensuring that you get exactly what you need to maximize efficiency. I highly recommend FIRST RESPONSE HEATING & COOLING for all your air conditioning needs. Thank you Matt.

Winslow H.

Another 5 star service from First Response. Cleaning up the mess of another company that did a sloppy install of an ac unit and air handler. The install team entertained my curiosity with the equipment install by explaining in a way I would understand. Their desire for a clean and proper install was shown through their attention to detail of the small things of the install such as not over spraying spray foam insulation, going above code to ensure cleanliness and functionality, and cleaning up the area better than when they arrived.

Rob P.

Matt is utterly amazing! We had an A/C outage on a Sunday afternoon and he was out within the hour. Took the time to explain everything and fixed the problem. We will continue to use First Response for all our A/C needs.

melissa R.

Well First Response came out again today to replace my entire AC system. Matt and Bryan gave me a great deal on a premium set up to keep my house cool and safe from germs for years to come! Set things up on a Friday and they were out bright and early Monday to get the new system in place. Took about half a day, but now my house has a 'smart' system that uses UV lights to kill germs and the unit itself is bigger yet .ore efficient than the 10 years old system I replaced. Super happy with these guys and will definitely recommend them for any AC job big or small!

Brandon P.

The AC techs arrived with our new unit. They were replaced the unit, added a cover on the back as requested. The guys were GREAT. Thank you so much! I highly recommend First Response Heating and Cooling to anyone who may need a new AC or repair.

Teresa B.

This place is amazing! We just bought this home. Our AC must have been a zombie because it was ancient and had NEVER been serviced. They had to use nitrogen to clean the system out. SO GROSS!! They replaced everything and weren't pushy at all. They gave us our options and let us decide what to do. Plus they did it quickly. We absolutely love our new AC unit! It's so quiet and works so well. The whole house smells better. The new unit even has a new concrete slab and they took the old one away. We highly recommend this company!!

Trish P.

Brian Chapman was one of 4 AC companies I had check out my AC. He made sure I knew everything about what was needed. No pressure. I felt save with my decision. He is replacing my unit in a day . Friends also had him and happy with his work

Sandy M.

Leave a Review

View All Reviews

Contrasting fire and ice with red-orange flames and blue snowflakes

Service Areas

Our team is dedicated to providing top-notch services tailored to meet your needs. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional results and ensuring customer satisfaction.