This is the most common question we get, and the answer is a resounding yes—if you choose the right unit. Old heat pumps struggled below 30°F, but modern Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pumps (ccASHP) are built differently. They use inverter-driven compressors and advanced refrigerants to pull heat from the air even when it is -13°F outside.

• The Bottom Line: For 95% of our winter days, a modern heat pump is more efficient than a gas furnace. For those few nights where it drops to -15°F, the system seamlessly switches to a backup heating source (like electric resistance strips or your existing gas furnace) to ensure your home never feels cold.

In Fort Collins, where electricity rates are generally stable compared to the fluctuating price of natural gas, a heat pump is a smart financial move. Because a heat pump moves heat rather than creating it by burning fuel, it can deliver 3 to 4 units of heat for every 1 unit of electricity it consumes (that’s 300-400% efficiency).

• Summer Savings: You also save in summer. High-efficiency heat pumps often replace older, loud, energy-hogging A/C units, dropping your cooling costs significantly during those July heatwaves.

A Dual Fuel (or Hybrid) system is the "best of both worlds" solution for many Northern Colorado homes. It pairs an electric heat pump with a gas furnace instead of electric backup strips.

• How it works: The heat pump handles the heating duties on mild winter days (roughly 30°F and above), which is when it is most efficient. When the temperature plunges during a deep freeze, the system automatically shuts off the heat pump and fires up the gas furnace. This maximizes efficiency while guaranteeing powerful heat during blizzards.

Likely not! In winter, your outdoor unit will occasionally go into "Defrost Mode" to melt ice off the coils. When this happens, the fan stops, and the compressor makes a shifting or whooshing sound as it reverses the refrigerant flow. You might even see a puff of steam rising from the unit. This is a normal function and ensures your system keeps running efficiently. However, if the noise is a loud grinding, screeching, or rattling, turn it off and call (970) 617-9699 immediately.

Absolutely. This is where Ductless Mini-Splits shine. These systems consist of an outdoor unit connected to one or more sleek indoor heads mounted on your walls. They are incredibly quiet, energy-efficient, and allow you to control the temperature in each room individually (zoning). They are perfect for historic homes in Old Town, garage workshops, or add-ons where extending ductwork is too expensive.