If you’ve been hearing a lot about heat pumps lately and wondering why, you’re not alone. Heat pumps are having a moment – and for good reason. They’re one of the most efficient, comfortable and versatile ways to heat and cool a home, and right now they’re also more affordable than ever.
Despite the name, heat pumps both heat and cool. Instead of burning fuel to create heat (like a furnace), a heat pump works more like a refrigerator in reverse. In winter, it pulls heat from the outdoor air and moves it inside. In summer, it reverses direction, acting like an air conditioner, moving heat out of your home.
Because they move heat rather than generate it, heat pumps are incredibly efficient. For every unit of electricity they use, they deliver two to four units of heat. That efficiency can translate into significant savings on energy bills – especially for households currently heating with propane, which is common here and often expensive and unpredictable in price.
Yes, cold-climate heat pumps are designed to operate efficiently even at very low temperatures. These systems are now widely available and perform well through our winters.
Heat pumps are gaining popularity for several reasons:
- They save money through high efficiency.
- They provide both heating and cooling, eliminating the need for a furnace and AC.
- They’re quiet and comfortable, delivering steady, even heat.
- They improve indoor air quality by eliminating combustion inside the home.
- They support electrification and resiliency, helping us rely more on local, increasingly clean electricity.
I recently installed a ducted heat pump in my own home, replacing an older furnace. The first thing I noticed was how quiet it is, along with the consistent comfort. I was also able to use La Plata Electric Association’s on-bill financing, which allowed me to spread the cost over time. I’m relieved knowing we can now cool our home even when wildfire smoke makes it hard to open windows.
Heat pumps aren’t one-size-fits-all. Ducted systems can replace existing furnaces, while mini-split heat pumps work well for homes without ductwork or for additions and specific rooms. And for renters, window heat pumps are a game changer. These units fit into a window, provide both heating and cooling, and use far less energy than space heaters or window AC units – no permanent upgrades required and it can make the next move with you.
As I shared in my last column, Colorado’s new Home Electrification and Appliance and Rebates – HEAR – program offers rebates of up to $8,000 for heat pumps for households under 150% of Area Median Income, when installed by one of the program’s approved contractors. Utility and other rebates can also be used to lower the price further. Add the financing options too and this is a fantastic opportunity to make the switch affordably.
Heat pumps are getting a lot of attention – and in this case, they are well deserved. As your Regional Energy Coach with 4CORE, I’m here to help.
Erika Brown is regional energy coach for 4CORE. Reach her at erika@fourcore.org.
