The push for electrification and emission reduction keeps growing and heat pumps for heating and cooling are on the top of the list along with electric vehicles. Researchers, inventors, and manufacturers keep innovating, fueled by consumer demand and piles of government money to feed it. So the list of innovative heat pump designs and buying incentives is constantly growing.

Here are some things that have come, or are coming, to the market for 2024.

Cold Climate Heat Pumps Come of Age

One of the main reasons people in places like Colorado have been reluctant to embrace heat pumps for whole-house heating is their performance in subzero temperatures. While there is plenty of anecdotal evidence that they work, too few tests are done our frigid extremes.

But that’s changed with more and more manufacturers coming out with heat pumps that will do the job. And the US Department of Energy is offering a $63 million incentive for domestic manufacturing of heat pumps, a boost that’s likely to result in even more innovation.

Today, many heat pumps can heat a home effectively (and efficiently) at temperatures below minus10°F. As evidence, countries Norway, Finland, and Sweden have the highest heat pump adoption rates in Europe, and homeowners in some of the coldest states in the US are installing heat pumps at faster rates than even the Scandinavian countries.

They’re getting more efficient at low temperatures—and greener, too.

While heat pumps are famously efficient in terms of energy use, developments in refrigerants such as propane (yes, heat pumps use refrigerants to heat your home. Click here to learn how) are allowing a move away from ozone depleting chemicals like CFCs.

Buying a Cold Climate Heat Pump

Replacing a whole home HVAC system can run into several thousand dollars, so it’s not a decision to take lightly. If your current system needs replacement, it’s an unavoidable expense, but you may want to change to a heat pump for other reasons such as lowering energy costs or helping the environment. Either way, you should do your research before making such a significant investment.

Fortunately, while it’s rare to hear a government say they’re here to help you and it’s actually true, this is a rare case where it is. Federal, state and local governments and utilities offer considerable rebates and incentives for converting to energy-efficient appliances, including heat pumps.

For lower-income households (under 80% of the area’s median income), Federal Electrification Rebates cover 100% of heat pump costs up to $8,000. For moderate-income households (between 80% and 150% of area median income), Federal Electrification Rebates cover 50% of heat pump costs up to $8,000. This often makes buying and installing a heat pump system less expensive than going with traditional gas-fired heating systems.

In addition, local governments and utilities often offer rate discounts and other incentives to encourage electrification. For more information on the programs available in Colorado, see this article on the Allstar Electrical Services website.

Let Allstar Help You Get the Best Bang for Your Buck

Going electric can be complicated and expensive. Your electrical service may need upgrading along with extra wiring to support the added loads. If not done carefully, it can cost more than money—it can pose serious risks to both your property and the precious things it houses.

If you’re considering investing in heat pumps, adding an EV charging station, or switching to electric appliances, let Allstar Electrical Services help you assess the costs and benefits of such a move.

Give us a call at 303.399.7420 or visit our website. We’re top-rated by the Better Business Bureau and a preferred contractor by Angi’s Home Advisor.

The pros at Allstar Electrical Services look forward to serving your total electrical needs in 2024 and for many years to come.