A homeowner recently took to Reddit to share their experience with aggressive backlash after getting a home heat pump installed. The instance highlights often contentious battles over energy-efficient actions — and how public misinformation can influence how people think of common-sense progress.

The scoop

The Reddit user, who lives in the U.K., wrote that they received unexpected negative reactions after installing a heat pump in their home. The homeowner said they experienced a range of backlash in response to the tech, from snide comments on the cost and effectiveness of heat pumps to death threats on social media.

The homeowner asked fellow Reddit users why this could be, expressing confusion over the "weird, aggressive comments." These extreme reactions are indeed confounding, especially given all the proven benefits of heat pumps for homes and the environment.

How it's helping

Heat pumps are a more energy-efficient alternative for heating and cooling than traditional HVAC or boiler systems. Instead of producing warm or cold air, heat pumps collect it from the air, water, or ground outside your home and concentrate it for use inside, according to the Department of Energy.

Heat pumps are less polluting, more energy-efficient, safer, and more economical than other heating and cooling options. According to Carbon Switch, heat pumps can save homeowners between $100 and $1,000 annually on energy bills, depending on home location and size.

Trusted HVAC brands like Mitsubishi offer a range of heat pump options that can meet the needs of any home — including cost-effective mini-split systems that maximize savings and comfort by allowing homeowners to target specific rooms or zones.

"Mine has halved my electricity bill and the house is actually warm all the time," one commenter wrote in response to the homeowner's post.

What everyone's saying

Commenters on the post were sympathetic to the homeowner's confusion, offering possible explanations for the unexpected behavior. Many highlighted how ongoing disdain for progressive politics influences how people view environmental protection.

"Some people feel guilty about others acting with more of a social and environmental conscience than them and lash out in response," one commenter wrote. "Those going vegetarian, vegan, or merely trying to go a few days of the week without meat also infuriate some for the same reason."

"We're in a weird age where almost everything signals a political stance," another commenter added. "People aren't responding to the heat pump — even though they're discussing it at a surface level — but are responding to the encroachment of the 'enemy.'"

What is stopping you from upgrading to a heat pump system? The cost of installation 💵 I live in a cold area 🥶 I don't know enough about it 🤷 I already have one 😎 Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

While aggressive comments are inexcusable, it's understandable that some may critique the cost of heat pumps, as average systems can cost upward of $20,000 to purchase and install.

To help ease some of the cost burden, the U.S. government is offering to cover 30% of heat pump purchase and installation for eligible homeowners. Those incentives expire at the end of 2025, so the time to act is now.

Mitsubishi's free tool makes it easy to compare system costs and incentives by getting free quotes from trusted local installers. To save even more on your energy bills, you can consider pairing a heat pump with rooftop solar panels, which can bring your energy costs down close to $0.

If you're ready to make a solar investment, EnergySage can help you save up to $10,000 on installation for rooftop panels by aggregating competitive quotes from installers in your area.

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