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Homeowner shares candid review after testing next-gen heat pump during frigid winter: 'I've had some time to feel it out'

"I can say we're very comfortable in my home."

"I can say we're very comfortable in my home."

Photo Credit: Facebook

Northerners know the sting of a cold snap — and the steep heating bills that follow. But what if there were a way to stay warm and save money, all while cutting down on pollution?

That's the kind of solution Iowa City's government showcased in a Facebook video titled, "Heat pumps reduce energy usage, saving you money!"

Heat Pumps reduce energy usage, saving you money!

When Candida and her family needed to get a new heating and cooling source for their home, they knew that an air-source heat pump was the way to go. This highly efficient technology that can reduce your energy usage, which in turn helps fight climate change while saving you money! Learn more at icgov.org/HeatPump.

Posted by The City of Iowa City Government on Monday, June 17, 2024

In the clip, climate action coordinator Sarah Gardner explains how modern heat pumps work. 

"The biggest advantage of a heat pump is that they're incredibly efficient," Gardner said. "I can say we're very comfortable in my home. It works very well."


Unlike traditional furnaces or AC units, a heat pump can run in both directions — removing heat from your home in the summer and pulling it in during the winter.

Iowa resident Candida Page had her heat pump installed in March 2023 to replace a gas furnace and add central AC. After a full winter of use, she gave an honest review. 

"I've had some time to feel it out," she said. Her verdict? "Great. It operated as well as our former furnace."

This kind of firsthand experience is encouraging more homeowners to make the switch. Heating and cooling make up about 43% of the average home's energy use, and high-efficiency heat pumps can lower those costs while offering both heating and cooling in one system.

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They also qualify for valuable tax credits and rebates — but many of the IRA tax incentives will expire by the end of 2025 under the Big Beautiful Bill. Some appliance rebates remain in place, so acting sooner could mean thousands in savings.

Of course, finding the right system and installer can be challenging. Fortunately, tools like Mitsubishi's heat pump finder can connect you with trained professionals who can help you upgrade affordably and efficiently.

Which of these factors would most effectively motivate you to buy a heat pump?

Lower energy bills 💰

Better temperature control 🌡️

Helping the planet 🌎

I'd never buy a heat pump 🚫

Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

And that's just the start. Installing solar panels is the ultimate home energy hack, potentially bringing energy costs down to at or near $0. EnergySage offers a free service that makes it easy to compare quotes from vetted local installers — and save up to $10,000. 

Meanwhile, upgrading your HVAC system to a heat pump could save you nearly $400 per year in energy costs, and Mitsubishi can help you find the right one for your home. Its mini-split heat pumps remain popular options for those looking to upgrade.

By making home improvements like this, we can lower bills, reduce pollution, and build a cleaner, cooler future, one household at a time. 

Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.

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