Upgrade your heating and cooling with a heat pump

The best way to heat your home in the winter and cool your home in the summer is with a heat pump. Heat pumps are more energy efficient than other heating and cooling systems like gas furnaces, oil heat, and central air.

Why do it?

Homes with heat pumps use less energy and save money on their utility bills.

When?

When your current HVAC unit is nearing end of life (usually about 15 years).

Who is this for?

Whole-home heat pump systems for homeowners; portable and window units for renters.

Read more about heat pumps

Weatherization

Weatherizing your home can save you hundreds on your energy bills by reducing the amount of energy needed to keep your home comfortable. Weatherization projects include air sealing, insulation, and upgrades to doors and windows.

Upfront Costs

$5,000 (for a single mini-split)–$30,000 (for a whole-home system in a large home)

Average Lifespan

10-20 years

Features

Both heats and cools your home

AVERAGE ANNUAL EMISSIONS REDUCTION

2.8 tons

Difficulty

Hard, hire an HVAC contractor

Energy Savings

Heat pumps are ~3x more efficient than most fossil-fuel heating systems

Our Takeaway

Homeowners switching from inefficient HVAC systems that run on fuel oil, propane, or traditional electric resistance (like baseboard heat or electric furnaces) can save around $898 per year.

Rebates and Credits

Federal

​

Create a personalized plan to see more incentives

To view a personalized list of federal, state, utility, and local incentives, you need to create an electrification plan

Start an electrification plan

Already have an account? Log in

Find an HVAC contractor

Try our contractor network directory

We've curated a list of contractor networks that provide the talent you're looking for. Check it out!

Contractor network directory

Contractor map

Going all-electric can be tricky. Our free planner makes it easier.

Get your personalized electrification plan — designed for your unique home, lifestyle, and priorities. Understand your costs, maximize your savings, and get started!

Try our planner today
My electrification plan

Learn more about heat pumps

The pros and cons of heat pumps

Heat pumps are ultra-efficient heating and cooling machines.  An all-in-one HVAC system has a higher upfront cost, but with rebates to help you save money, they’re more affordable than you think.

Written by: Rewiring America

How do heat pumps work?

Written by: Rewiring America

Heating and cooling without ductwork? Meet the mini-split

Written by: Rewiring America

Central air, window units, or mini-splits: which is right for you?

Written by: Rewiring America

How heat pumps compare to electric furnaces and baseboard heating

Written by: Rewiring America

Guide: Here's how much money heat pumps save

Written by: Rewiring America

Guide: Here's how much heat pumps cost to install

Written by: Rewiring America

Guide: Here's why correctly sizing your heat pump matters

Written by: Rewiring America

The best AC is actually a heat pump

Written by: Rewiring America

Why heat pumps are best for reducing pollution

Written by: Rewiring America

What is a SEER rating?

Written by: Rewiring America

Project guide

Find an HVAC contractor

Electrify your home with the help of a trusted, qualified contractor

Download our contractor guide for tips on how to find contractors, evaluate quotes, and advice on saving money right now with rebates and incentives.

Get the HVAC contractor guide!

FAQs

Do heat pumps work in cold climates?

Yes. A heat pump can keep your home warm even when the temperature dips down as low as -20° Fahrenheit. In fact, heat pumps heat roughly half the homes in Norway, Finland, and Sweden, and more than 115,000 heat pumps have been installed in Maine, one of the coldest U.S. states. Learn more about how heat pumps work in cold climates here.

Do I need to weatherize my home before installing a heat pump?

It’s a good idea, especially if you live in a cold climate! Working with a contractor to insulate your home before upgrading to a heat pump will ensure that your HVAC system will work more efficiently to maintain a comfortable temperature. Weatherization can also save you hundreds of dollars a year by reducing energy waste.

Does a heat pump require pre-existing ductwork?

No. For homeowners with smaller homes, or for those with a need to heat and cool individual spaces within larger homes, mini-split or ductless heat pumps allow you to regulate the temperatures in individual rooms. Mini-split systems are perfect for retrofitting homes with non-ducted heating systems, like hot water radiators, electric resistance baseboard heaters, or space heaters.

Other Projects

Electrify your home with Rewiring America's free heat pump clothes dryer guide. Save money on installation, contractors, and your utility bills.

Clothes dryer electric

Want a clothes dryer that is more efficient and gentler on your clothes?

Read more about Clothes dryer electric
Electrify your home with Rewiring America's free induction stove and electric cooking guide. Save money on installation, contractors, and your utility bills.

Cook electric

Want a stove that’s both better and healthier?

Read more about Cook electric
Electrify your home with Rewiring America's free electric vehicle guide. Find the right EV for you, plus tips on battery storage and tax credits.

Drive electric

Want a car or truck that’s better, faster, and cleaner?

Read more about Drive electric
Electrify your yard care with Rewiring America’s guide to electric mowing and yard care tools. Reduce harmful emissions, noise, and costs

Electric lawn care

Electric mowers help tenters do healthier lawn care

Read more about Electric lawn care
Electrify your home with Rewiring America's free electrical panel guide. Save money on pre-wiring, installation, and your utility bills.

Electric panel

Want to wire your home for electrification?

Read more about Electric panel
Want to make your home more energy efficient? Start with a home energy audit! Identify issues, unlock rebates, and get useful info for future upgrades. Perfect for homeowners and renters can ask their landlord for one too.

Energy audits

Get ready to go electric with a whole-home energy audit

Read more about Energy audits
Electrify your home with Rewiring America's free heat pump guide. Save money on installation, contractors, and your utility bills.

Heat and cool electric

Want an A/C and furnace that’s better and more efficient?

Read more about Heat and cool electric
Electrify your home with Rewiring America's free solar panel guide. Save money on installation, contractors, and your utility bills.

Solar electric

Want to power your home with limitless solar energy?

Read more about Solar electric
Electrify your home with Rewiring America's free heat pump water heater guide. Save money on installation, contractors, and your utility bills.

Water heat electric

Want a water heater that is 3x more efficient?

Read more about Water heat electric

Rewiring America is focused on making American households the center of a clean, resilient energy future. Learn more about our tax-exempt status.

Subscribe to receive Rewiring America's latest updates

By sharing your email, you agree to receive updates from Rewiring America. We'll store and protect your data in accordance with our privacy policy. 
  • RewiringAmerica.org·
  • About us·
  • Careers·
  • Terms of Use·
  • Privacy Policy·
  • Accessibility

Give feedback