A heat pump is a highly efficient electric system that both heats and cools your home. Instead of creating heat by burning fuel or using electric resistance (like baseboard heaters), a heat pump simply moves heat from one place to another, using electricity to transfer warmth rather than generate it.
Think of a heat pump like a car that can switch between drive and reverse. In the summer, it moves heat out of your home to keep you cool. In the winter, it works in reverse, drawing heat from the outside air (even when it’s cold) and bringing it indoors. Because it moves heat instead of making it, it can deliver three to four times more energy than it uses. That means more comfort for less energy.
Types of home heat pumps
Most homes in Colorado use air-source heat pumps (ASHPs). These systems pull heat from the outdoor air and can be either ducted, connecting to your existing central system, or ductless (also known as mini-splits).
A ducted heat pump replaces or works alongside your furnace and central AC. It uses the existing duct system within the walls of your home. A ductless system uses compact indoor units mounted on walls or ceilings. Ductless systems are perfect for homes without central ducts, spaces that have never had central air, or for adding heating and cooling to a single room or addition.
Ground-source heat pumps (GSHPs), sometimes called geothermal systems, use the stable temperature underground, rather than the air outside, to heat and cool your home. These systems are extremely efficient but are typically installed in new construction or during major renovations because they require underground piping.
Heat pumps work great in Colorado
Colorado’s sunny, dry climate is ideal for heat pumps. Modern cold-climate heat pumps are designed to handle freezing temperatures and keep working efficiently even when temps dip below zero. Plus, since many older homes in our region were built without air conditioning, a heat pump can provide both heating and cooling in one upgrade with no need for a separate AC system.
Many systems can be set up in zones, which means you can direct heating or cooling to the rooms that need it most. Ductless mini-splits make adding zoned comfort simple without major remodeling, and ducted systems can often be configured to create multiple zones as well. Heat pumps are also a great fit for smaller homes, condos or accessory dwelling units (ADUs) where space is limited.
Pros and cons at a glance
Pros:
- Year-round comfort (heating and cooling in one system)
- Highly energy efficient
- Zoned comfort great for homes with hot or cool spots
- Works with or without ducts
Cons:
- May require an electrical upgrade, especially in older homes
- Works best when your home is well-insulated and sealed
- Upfront costs can be higher than a standard AC replacement (but incentives can help)
Considerations before you upgrade
If you’re thinking about a heat pump, it’s worth looking at your home’s efficiency first. Weatherizing your home by sealing leaks, upgrading insulation or improving windows helps your new system work even better. Some older homes may also need electrical panel upgrades to support new electric heating and cooling equipment.
Heat pump systems can have higher upfront costs than a standard heating and cooling system. Incentives from Power Ahead Colorado, combined with incentives from utilities like Xcel Energy and Efficiency Works, can help lower these initial costs.
Heat pump systems can sometimes have longer lead times. If you’re considering switching from an older, traditional system, it’s a good idea to have a plan before your current system fails.
The bottom line
Heat pumps are no longer “the future” — they’re here, and they’re ready for Colorado’s climate. Whether you live in a century-old bungalow or a new build, a heat pump can deliver the comfort you want while helping you power ahead toward a cleaner, more efficient home.