How can we help?

A heat pump is a type of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system that uses a small amount of energy to move heat from one location to another. In the summer, heat pumps cool your home by extracting cool air from outside and drawing it inside. In the winter, they do the opposite. Since heat pumps provide heating AND cooling, they are a versatile and efficient option that can replace your furnace and air conditioner. 

Pretty cool, but how do they work? Heat pumps use refrigerant to absorb heat/cold from the air or ground outside and transfer it inside, where it is released to cool/warm the building. Heat pumps are about three times more energy-efficient than traditional HVAC systems because they use electricity to transfer existing heat from the outside air, rather than burning fossil fuels to generate it.

Yes! Modern cold-climate heat pumps are designed to keep your home warm even in the harshest winters. They pull heat from the outside air and transfer it indoors efficiently — even below freezing.

Most homes don’t need backup heat, but for very large or drafty homes, a small electric heat kit can provide extra warmth during extreme cold.

Plus, with Elephant Energy, you get peace of mind: we guarantee your heat pump system will keep your home at a comfortable 68°F for 10 years. If it can’t meet that standard between -5°F and 95°F, we’ll repair, upgrade, or replace it at no extra cost.

A heat pump water heater is a type of water heater that uses a heat pump to heat water, rather than using electricity or gas. Heat pump water heaters work by using a refrigerant to absorb heat from the air or ground outside and transfer it to the water inside the tank. This allows the heat pump to provide hot water more efficiently than traditional water heaters, as it uses a small amount of electricity to move heat rather than generating it directly. Heat pump water heaters are often more energy-efficient than traditional water heaters and can save homeowners money on their energy bills. They are also considered to be more environmentally friendly, as they emit fewer greenhouse gasses than gas-powered water heaters. To learn more, check out our guide on what is a heat pump water heater.

Home electrification can potentially have a positive impact on a home's value, as it can make the home more efficient, sustainable, and desirable to potential buyers. Electric systems, such as heat pumps and electric appliances, are often more efficient and require less maintenance than their gas counterparts. Additionally, the trend towards electrification and renewable energy is growing, and homes with electric systems may be seen as more modern and forward-thinking. One study showed that residences with an air source heat pump enjoy between a 4-7% (or $10,000-$17,000) price premium on average.3

While our utilities pride themselves on providing power during all types of weather, it’s a fact of life that sometimes the power does go out. For better or worse, a heat pump is just like a gas-powered furnace or boiler. All require electricity to operate (this surprises many homeowners, but your furnace and boiler also require electricity to provide heat!). If you live in an area that is prone to frequent power outages, going “off the grid” with solar and battery storage might be a compelling option for you.

Heat pump energy use depends on factors like outdoor temperatures, your home’s insulation and air sealing, and your comfort preferences.

When we size your system, our team looks at how your previous heating system performed and how much energy your home has historically used. From there, we estimate what that demand will translate to in electricity when switching to a heat pump—so your system is designed for your home, not an average one.

As an example, during an extreme cold weather test at -13°F, a 4-ton heat pump in a 3,500-square-foot home used about 135 kWh over 24 hours while running continuously. In milder weather, energy use — and costs — are significantly lower.

Your home’s ability to hold heat also makes a big difference. Better insulation and air sealing reduce how hard your system has to work, improving comfort and lowering energy use year-round.

About as loud as a modern refrigerator—typically 40-50 dB. If noise is a concern (like with a basement living room nearby), we can discuss placement options or soundproofing measures.

We’re your local heat pump and home comfort experts. Our team brings deep building science know-how and proven best practices to make electrifying your home simple, practical, and stress-free.

We specialize in installing heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, and efficiency upgrades like insulation and air sealing. We also install humidifiers, induction stoves, and EV chargers when they make sense for your home.

Everything we do is focused on better comfort, healthier air, and a smaller carbon footprint. And we’re with you the whole way — including handling rebates and financing so there’s less to figure out on your own.

We are currently serving Colorado, Massachusetts, and Los Angeles.

We use a combination of our in-house experts and trusted local installers to deliver your project.

Your project is designed and managed by our internal team of engineers, building scientists, and customer happiness experts. We partner with a network of highly vetted local contractors to complete the installation, so you get the benefit of experienced, on-the-ground installers backed by a dedicated team that knows your home inside and out.

We manage everything from the initial home assessment through installation and post-install support—so you always have one team, one plan, and one point of contact.

Project costs can vary based on factors like home size, layout, electrical setup, equipment selected, and your location. The good news: there are often thousands of dollars in local, state, and federal rebates and incentives available, and some homeowners are able to cover nearly the entire cost of their project through incentives alone.

To get a clearer picture for your specific home, we recommend using our cost calculator, which provides a personalized estimate and highlights the rebates and incentives you may qualify for.

The duration of your project depends on the size of the installation. Heat pump installations generally take 2 days, while Heat Pump Water Heaters, EV Chargers, and Induction Stoves can be completed in a single day.

While the actual installation is quick, we recommend scheduling your project ASAP, as equipment ordering and project scheduling typically takes 1 month, or more during the busy season.

Payment Schedule

Your project payment follows a simple two-part process:

First Invoice: 50% down payment of the total project cost (minus any applicable upfront rebates) due upon contract signing

Second Invoice: Remaining balance due upon substantial completion (when your equipment is installed and operational).

Payment Options

- ACH bank transfer via a secure online third-party processing platform (Stripe)

- Check

- Credit Card (3% processing fee applies)

Financing Options

We offer multiple financing solutions to make your heat pump and electrification upgrades affordable. Regardless of which option you choose, our team handles all paperwork, optimizes available rebates, and supports you throughout the process.

For Colorado Homeowners

We've partnered with premier financing providers to give you flexible options:

RENU Financing

- Starting at 7.74% APR

- 1% processing fee

- $0 down payment required

- Loan terms up to 180 months

- Financing up to $75,000

- Eligible improvements include heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, induction stoves, EV charging stations, efficiency upgrades, and ventilation systems

Synchrony Financing (For Mitsubishi Products)

- 0% APR for 18 months

- $0 down payment

- One-time activation fee of $69

- Available exclusively for Mitsubishi heat pump residential installations

- Get pre-approved in minutes

For Massachusetts Homeowners

- Massachusetts Heat Loan Program

- Interest rates as low as 0%

- Financing up to $25,000 for heat pumps

- State-sponsored program administered by the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources

- Designed specifically for energy-efficient home improvements

Our Home Comfort Advisors can help you determine which financing option best suits your needs and guide you through the application process.

To learn more about specific financing programs, visit:

- RENU Financing

- Synchrony Financing

- Massachusetts Heat Loan Program

We only work with contractors who deliver the highest quality standards in the industry. We have built a strong network of local contractors who we work seamlessly with to get your project done as fast as possible. Once we know your unique project needs, we select the contractor who we believe is the best fit for you.

Available rebates depend on your location, home type, and income eligibility.

In many markets, incentives may include:

• State and utility rebates for heat pumps and heat pump water heaters
• Additional incentives for electrical upgrades and weatherization
• Income-based programs that can significantly reduce — or nearly cover — the full project cost

Rebate programs change often, which is why we track them closely and factor them into your project from day one.

No—we take care of that for you.

Our team stays on top of local, state, and federal rebate programs and identifies the incentives you qualify for. We handle the paperwork, submissions, and coordination, so you don’t have to spend hours researching programs or filling out forms.

Nope! We apply eligible rebates and incentives directly to your project upfront, reducing your out-of-pocket cost from the start. If a rebate does require reimbursement after installation, we’ll walk you through exactly what to expect and help manage the process so there are no surprises.

Yes. Many local, state, and federal programs offer enhanced rebates or deeper incentives for homeowners who meet income qualifications. These programs can significantly reduce — and sometimes nearly eliminate — out-of-pocket costs for heat pumps, electrification upgrades, weatherization, and more.

We help you determine which income-based incentives you qualify for and handle the application process from start to finish.

Yes — incentive programs often have funding limits, application deadlines, and changing eligibility rules. Because of this, available rebates can increase, decrease, or close entirely from year to year.

We stay up to date on changing programs and build your project around incentives while they’re available.

Often, yes. Many homeowners can stack incentives between state, utility, and income-qualified programs, maximizing savings. The specific combinations depend on your location and home situation.

We handle the stacking rules and paperwork so you get every dollar available to you.

In many areas, yes — upgrades that enable electrification (like panel upgrades or additional breakers) are often eligible for incentives, especially when tied to heat pump or EV charger installations.

We make sure to include all eligible components in your rebate submissions.

Mini-split systems:
Mini-split heat pumps use washable filters inside the indoor units. These should be checked monthly and typically cleaned every 1–3 months, depending on usage, pets, and indoor air quality. Clean filters help maintain airflow, efficiency, and comfort.

Ducted (air handler) systems:
Ducted heat pump systems use replaceable filters, usually located in the air handler or return grille.

• Standard 1-inch filters: Replace every 1–3 months, depending on usage and whether you have pets.
• 4-inch media filters: These can last up to 6 months in homes with lighter use and no pets.

No matter the system type, clean filters = better airflow, lower energy use, and a longer-lasting system.

For the correct filter type and size for your home, check your Elephant User Guide or reach out to our team—we’re happy to help you find the right fit.

Never cover the condenser! If you must cover it for practical reasons (like nearby construction or painting), turn off the HVAC system and ensure it can't accidentally restart while covered. Remove the cover immediately when work is done. Heat pumps work by exchanging heat—they can't function without airflow through the heat exchanger.

Sounds like a defrost cycle! These cycles last 5-10 minutes and vary in frequency based on outdoor temperature and moisture. They're necessary to melt ice buildup on the heat exchanger coil for maximum airflow and heat exchange.

Keep your outdoor unit clear of ice and debris, ensure filters are clean, and set your thermostat to a consistent temperature. Avoid drastic temperature adjustments during extreme cold. Heat pumps struggle to raise temperature during extreme weather, especially with lower nighttime settings.

You can set up schedules on your thermostat or make manual changes, but we don't recommend double-digit setbacks. During mild temperatures, setbacks are less problematic. Heat pumps operate more efficiently with gradual changes, so avoid frequent drastic adjustments.

Here's why: furnaces create heat by burning fuel, delivering 120°F+ air. Heat pumps move heat, resulting in 90-110°F air at registers. Lower output temperatures mean longer times to reach setpoints, especially with different night/day temperatures. Below 30°F, keep night/day setpoints within 1-3 degrees. Below 20°F, maintain consistent temperatures day and night.

Please don't! Heat pump condensers need adequate airflow to function efficiently. Any obstruction reduces performance and can damage the unit. Enclosures or fencing must allow unrestricted airflow or comply with installation manual spacing requirements. Also consider technician access for service calls.

Totally normal during defrost cycles! To minimize buildup, ensure proper drainage and keep the area clear of snow and debris. If ice creates hazardous conditions (like on walkways), we might need a drain pan, deicing agent, or unit relocation.

That's completely normal — and expected. Furnaces burn fuel to produce very hot air (140–160°F) in short, powerful bursts. Heat pumps work differently: they move heat from outside air into your home, circulating steadier, warmer air around 95–100°F. The result is more even, consistent comfort throughout your home — just without the hot blasts you may be used to. Longer run times are normal and a sign your system is working efficiently.

Longer run times are by design, not a sign of a problem. Your heat pump is sized just right for your home and adjusts its output to match demand. Rather than short, energy-intensive bursts, it runs at a lower, steady speed — the way a car gets better mileage on the highway than in stop-and-go traffic. This is how it delivers whole-home comfort most efficiently.

Yes. Heat pumps typically deliver air between 95–100°F, compared to a furnace's 140–160°F. It may feel less dramatic coming out of the vent, but over time it heats your space more evenly and with less wasted energy. If it feels like cool air is coming from the vents, check that the system is in heating mode and that your thermostat is set correctly. If you're still concerned, contact us.

We recommend:

• Heating mode: 67–70°F
• Cooling mode: 73–76°F
• Fan: Auto

These ranges allow your heat pump to operate at peak efficiency while keeping your home comfortable. If conditioned air isn't reaching all areas of your home, try increasing the fan to the lowest speed that meets your needs.

It means picking a comfortable target temperature and leaving it there — or within 2–3 degrees — rather than making frequent or large adjustments. Heat pumps are designed for consistent, steady operation. Frequent large changes force the system to work harder, use more energy, and take longer to reach your desired temperature. The simpler your thermostat routine, the better your system performs.

With a heat pump, probably not — and it may cost you more. When your system has to recover from a large setback, it runs hard for an extended period to catch up, which can offset any savings from the overnight reduction. Keeping a consistent temperature is typically the most energy-efficient approach with a heat pump.