A heating upgrade may not sound flashy, but it can be one of the most effective ways to lower utility bills and protect yourself from rising energy prices.
In Colorado's Summit County, heat pumps are drawing renewed attention as a cold-weather solution that could also help the region avoid building a new gas pipeline, according to Summit Daily.
What's happening?
In Summit's high-altitude climate, heat pumps are still worth a close look. The technology works by moving heat from the air outside into the home instead of producing heat directly the way a furnace or boiler does, which makes it a much more efficient option.
That lower energy use can translate into smaller monthly bills, particularly if the system you're replacing is old and no longer working well. A heat pump can also switch into cooling mode in summer, giving households relief during periods of wildfire smoke when leaving windows open is not ideal.
The appeal isn't limited to one mountain community. Heat pump installations across the U.S. are roughly double what they were 15 years ago, and sales in the first quarter of 2026 exceeded furnace sales by more than 30%.
In Summit County, the push is also local, with Xcel Energy offering incentives for gas customers to switch in hopes of avoiding the expense of a new natural gas pipeline.
If you are weighing your options, EnergySage can help you understand your HVAC choices and slash your energy bills with newer, efficient systems. Through its heat pump marketplace program, EnergySage can help you find efficient heating and cooling solutions for your home and connect you with trusted installers.
Why does it matter?
For many homeowners, the biggest advantage may be straightforward: A more efficient heating and cooling system can mean lower bills and less exposure to the price swings tied to gas, oil, and coal.
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If your boiler is "wheezing," replacing it with a system that delivers more while using less energy can improve both comfort and cost control.
The column also emphasized that many existing home setups can accommodate this kind of upgrade. Homes heated with boilers, furnaces, or electric baseboards can all potentially use a heat pump system designed for that space.
Switching to electric heat could become more beneficial over time because Xcel's Colorado grid was 46% renewable in 2025 and is projected to be at least 80% renewable by 2030. That means the same equipment should run on cleaner electricity as the power supply improves.
Because heat pumps provide cooling as well as heating, they can also improve everyday quality of life throughout the year — not just during the coldest months.
What can I do?
Summit County residents who want a closer look will soon have a chance to explore the technology at the Electrify Summit fair. Attendees will be able to meet heat pump owners, see a heat pump display, and check out solar installers, battery demos, induction cooking, EVs, e-bikes, and charger installers on Friday, August 14, from 3 to 7 p.m. in the south parking lot of Colorado Mountain College's Breckenridge campus.
You can also use EnergySage again to compare efficient HVAC options before making a purchase. If you are not ready to pay upfront, Palmetto offers a $0-down HVAC leasing program that can lower your energy costs by up to 50%. Palmetto's HVAC leases start as low as $99/month and include 12 years of free maintenance.
At a lower price point, Merino makes single-room ultra-efficient HVACs for targeted heating and cooling that can be installed in under an hour. And if you want to push your utility costs down even further, you can pair solar panels with electric appliances such as efficient HVACs. EnergySage can help you find the best solar system and installer for your home and budget, saving you up to $10,000 on installations.
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