CALL US 850-385-3774
Is your heat pump blowing cool air when the heat is on, switching to AUX heat more than usual, or running up your electric bill? Tony Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning repairs, maintains, and installs heat pumps for homeowners in Tallahassee and nearby North Florida communities. We start with a careful diagnosis, so you know what is actually wrong before any parts are replaced.
Family-owned and operated since 2000
Licensed Florida Mechanical Contractor — License #CMC1249702
Free estimates on heat pump installation and replacement
Led by Chris Windham, a NATE-certified technician and State of Florida Mechanical Contractor.
Call to Book a Service Today
A heat pump heats and cools your home with the same equipment. In summer, it moves heat out of your house. In cooler months, it pulls heat from the outdoor air and brings it inside. Because it moves heat instead of burning fuel, the air from your vents feels warm rather than hot, which surprises many homeowners who are used to a furnace.
Some cold-weather behavior is completely normal, like a brief defrost cycle on a chilly morning. Other changes, like constant cool air or heavy ice on the outdoor unit, point to a problem that needs repair.
We provide heat pump repair throughout Tallahassee and nearby communities, including Bradfordville, Woodville, and Midway. Homeowners farther out can also find our heat pump services in Monticello and heat pump installation in Crawfordville.
This is one of the most common concerns we hear from homeowners. Often, the system is in defrost mode, which is normal and temporary. Cool air that lasts a long time or happens frequently can point to a thermostat setting, a defrost control problem, low refrigerant, or restricted airflow.
AUX heat means the electric heat strips are helping the heat pump. That is expected on the coldest mornings, but when it runs often, energy bills rise quickly. Thermostat settings, sudden temperature drops, and system problems can all cause the heat strips to run more than necessary.
Light frost on a cold morning can be normal. Thick ice that does not clear, reduced airflow, or repeated shutdowns are not. These usually point to a defrost problem, a refrigerant issue, or restricted airflow.
Constant operation can be caused by duct leaks, poor airflow, dirty air filters, refrigerant leaks, or a system that was not sized correctly for the home.
Short cycling adds wear to the compressor and makes temperatures uneven. Common causes include thermostat problems, airflow restrictions, refrigerant issues, and oversized equipment.
A brief whoosh during defrost is normal. Grinding, rattling, buzzing, or loud clicking usually points to a motor, fan, capacitor, or electrical problem that should be checked.
Call us promptly if:
Your system produces no heat or no cooling at all
The breaker trips again after you reset it once
You notice a burning smell, smoke, or electrical buzzing (turn the system off first)
Thick ice stays on the outdoor unit after a defrost cycle
Schedule a visit soon if:
AUX heat is running more than usual
Your electric bill is rising without a clear reason
Some rooms are noticeably warmer or cooler than others
The system short cycles or seems to run constantly
Quick checks before you call: Confirm the thermostat is set to heat, replace a visibly dirty air filter, and check whether the breaker has tripped. Avoid opening equipment panels, handling refrigerant components, or repeatedly resetting a breaker.
When a heat pump is not working properly, guessing leads to repeat breakdowns. Our repair service focuses on finding the actual cause of the problem before we recommend next steps.
Thermostat operation and staging
Blower, capacitor, and compressor performance
Refrigerant levels and potential refrigerant leaks
Defrost controls and outdoor unit operation
Air handler condition and airflow balance
Ductwork issues affecting comfort
Electrical components tied to malfunctions and shutdowns
1. Diagnosis. We test the system, find the cause of the problem, and explain what we found in plain terms.
2. Repair. We walk you through your options and pricing, and with your approval, complete the repair.
3. Follow-up. We confirm heating, cooling, and defrost operation, then share any maintenance recommendations that can help prevent the problem from returning.
We work on Lennox, York, and Trane heat pump systems and provide dedicated Trane heat pump repair for brand-specific heating, cooling, and control problems. Routine AC and heat pump maintenance helps catch small issues early and keeps your system running efficiently year-round.
Not every heat pump problem requires replacement. When it does, proper installation matters just as much as the equipment itself.
Every installation starts with a free estimate. We look at your home’s size, ductwork, insulation, airflow, and comfort concerns, then recommend a properly sized system that fits your energy-efficiency goals and budget.
We help homeowners understand:
When replacement makes more sense than ongoing repairs
The expected lifespan of your existing system
How ductwork and airflow affect performance
The difference between central and ductless heat pumps
What is included with professional installation
For additions, garages, or rooms without ductwork, a ductless mini-split heat pump may be a better fit than extending your central system. A new heat pump should improve comfort, reduce energy use, and run quietly.
Heat pumps are an efficient way to heat a home in North Florida’s mild winters, but certain conditions can push utility bills up, especially during the short cold snaps common around Tallahassee.
Factors that affect your bill include frequent AUX or emergency heat operation, large thermostat setbacks that trigger the heat strips during recovery, restricted airflow or dirty air filters, and older systems running below today’s efficiency standards. We help homeowners understand how their system actually uses energy and which adjustments can improve efficiency without sacrificing comfort.
If your backup heat strips are missing, undersized, or not working, our heat strip installation service can restore dependable backup heat for the coldest mornings.
“Where do I start? … he found the issue and it was far from replacing it and took care of it fast and made me the happiest ever. I’ve now hired them for scheduled maintaining and he … makes this company a trustworthy and reliable company. Forever grateful.”
“They always do a great job! Able to come the same day (thankfully), and I appreciate how they even offered to clean up after. Thank you Trey and Steven!”
“From the very first phone call, Tony Kelly was exceptionally professional and ready to help. … Having an HVAC system replaced is a very stressful prospect. … The quality of workmanship was top notch and I highly recommend giving this company a chance to earn your business!”
Heat pump pricing depends on system size, efficiency rating, equipment type, ductwork condition, electrical requirements, and installation complexity. Ductless systems have a different cost structure than central air-source heat pumps. To learn more about what drives the price of a new system, read our guide to heat pump replacement costs in Tallahassee.
We provide free estimates for heat pump installation and replacement. For repairs, we diagnose the problem first and explain your options before any work begins.
For larger repairs and replacements, financing options are available through the Synchrony HOME Credit Card, including promotional financing on qualifying purchases.* Some systems may also qualify for utility rebates, federal tax incentives, or manufacturer promotions; eligibility depends on the equipment and program requirements.
*Terms and conditions apply.
Short, sudden cold snaps. Quick temperature drops can send the system into AUX heat. We check thermostat settings and staging so backup heat runs only when it is needed.
High humidity. A heat pump that is oversized or has poor airflow may cool the house without removing enough moisture. We check sizing and airflow, and can talk through dehumidification options.
Year-round use. Heat pumps here run for most of the year, which adds wear. Regular maintenance helps catch worn parts before they cause a breakdown.
Older homes and ductwork. Leaky or undersized ducts make even a new heat pump struggle. We evaluate ductwork and airflow as part of every diagnosis.
Whether your heat pump needs a repair, a tune-up, or you are weighing a replacement, we will give you a clear explanation and straightforward options, with no pressure to decide on the spot.
Call (850) 385-3774 or contact our team online to schedule service with an HVAC technician who knows heat pumps and North Florida homes.
Address:
870 Blountstown Hwy. Unit # 9
Tallahassee, FL 32303
Phone: 850-385-3774
License #: CMC1249702
Open Monday Through Friday
8:00 am to 8:00 pm
