The government is paying you to upgrade your HVAC equipment. However, despite these tax incentives, there is a lot of misinformation regarding certain eco-friendly updates.
The scoop
A homeowner reached out to Reddit's r/heatpumps forum for advice after multiple HVAC contractors claimed a heat pump would not be able to handle Chicago winters. Redditors in the forum immediately disputed the claims,
"They don't believe heat pumps can work in cold climates and they are wrong," wrote one user. "You need to seek out companies that specialize in heat pumps."
When chosen correctly and installed properly, heat pumps can work in cold climates. According to Consumer Reports, air-source heat pumps have the capability to function as a home's main heating system even in cold climates. Trusted HVAC brands like Mitsubishi offer a wide range of heat pump options that can work for any home — including highly cost-effective mini-split systems that allow homeowners to maximize savings and comfort by targeting specific rooms and zones.
The main feature to look for in a cold-climate heat pump is a variable-speed compressor, powered by an inverter. This type of compressor works best in extreme weather, so it can handle the coldest of winters and the hottest of summers.
If you live in a cold climate, consider installing a heat pump that has a certification mark from Energy Star designating a cold-climate heat pump. This indicates that the heat pump is suitable for a certain level of low-temperature performance and efficiency, per Consumer Reports.
You can also review NEEP, a database that lists heat pump models that perform well in cold weather. According to Consumer Reports, the heat pumps in this database are ideal for the Northeast and Midwest, as they can effectively heat homes at five degrees Fahrenheit.
How it's working
When it comes to energy efficiency, heat pumps outperform traditional HVAC systems. In fact, modern heat pumps can reduce your electricity consumption for heating by 75%, per reports by the U.S. Department of Energy.
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Under the Inflation Reduction Act, you can qualify for major tax credits and rebates after making eco-friendly updates to your home. American households may be eligible for up to $10,000 to install an energy-efficient heat pump — but these incentives expire at the end of 2025, so the time to act is now. Mitsubishi offers tools and resources to help you explore pricing and incentives in your area by connecting with trusted local installers for free quotes.
To achieve maximum energy savings, you can pair a heat pump with rooftop solar panels to bring your heating and cooling bills close to $0. If you're ready to explore your solar options, platforms like EnergySage can help you save up to $10,000 on installation by making it easy to find and compare competitive quotes from vetted installers in your area.
What people are saying
Redditors continued to discuss the benefits of switching to a heat pump even in colder climates.
"I live in Massachusetts and I replaced my propane furnace with a Mitsubishi ducted heat pump earlier this year," wrote one user. "It works great."
"Amazing how they work so good once you cross the Canadian border," commented another Redditor.
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