The four primary central heating options in Florida are as follows:

1. Heat pump

This is by far the most common as the vast majority of new construction homes that don't offer the availability of gas are required by code to use a heat pump. (Click for more information about how a heat pump works). The best way to determine if your existing system is a heat pump is to go to your thermostat. Look for controls that are labeled "em heat" (this signifies emergency heat), or "supplemental heat". If there are red or blue light diodes or any of the previous indicators then you have a heat pump.

Another sure-fire way to determine if you have a heat pump is to set the thermostat to heat, turn the temperature control up to 85 degrees or so, wait about 2 minutes and walk outside. If the outdoor unit is operating, then you have a heat pump.

2. Electric heat

This indicates that your home is heated by an electric heating element located within the system. This is the simplest, although least efficient method for heating. This type is used primarily in extreme southern climates such as Miami. An electric heating system is the least expensive option in terms of initial installed cost but will cost more to operate on a seasonal basis than either a heat pump or gas heat.

*Hint - Even if you have electric heat now, we suggest a heat pump for annual average savings of about $200.00 in heating mode. The heat pump will cost only slightly more to purchase but is significantly more efficient in heating mode. The additional cost will pay itself back in just a year or so.

3. Gas/oil heat

If you pay a monthly bill to a gas provider you may have a gas heating furnace. Even if you pay a monthly gas bill however, it may be for water heating and cooking only. The sure way to make a determination is to stand in front of the indoor furnace unit and look for a 4 " (or so) metal flue (where the flue gases are exhausted to a cap on the roof).

This (always) round pipe will be centered on the top of the front of the furnace and take an upward (sometimes angled) path where it will penetrate the ceiling. Generally, in warmer southern climates the flue pipes will be metal, but higher efficiency furnaces (such as those used in cooler climates) may have a 2-3 inch, white PVC flue but these are rare in Florida.