Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) provide an efficient way to heat and cool your home, making them a two-in-one system for whole-home comfort all year round. If you’ve been considering electrifying parts of your home, an ASHP may be a good opportunity for you to significantly reduce your home’s carbon emissions and increase your comfort.
An Introduction to ASHPs
ASHPs are often described as air conditioners (ACs) that run in two ways, changing the temperature of the air, also called conditioning, and distributing it at the set temperature, whether it’s warmer or colder.
There are multiple types of ASHPs available, including ducted or ductless systems, cold climate options, and more. The exact system you choose for your home will depend on factors like your current heating and cooling system, the fuel you use for heating, and your goals for the upgrade.
In Minnesota, most homes using an ASHP also require backup heating systems for colder temperatures. If you’re installing an ASHP, you may choose a dual fuel system that uses natural gas for your backup heating system or an all-electric system that uses an electric backup heating system. For more information on secondary heating, visit our heating and cooling guide.
With available financial incentives and rebates, low-cost financing, and special heating rates, there has never been a better time to install an ASHP.
Heat Pump Basics and Benefits
The Minnesota Air Source Heat Pump Collaborative is a local partnership between several organizations interested in introducing more people to ASHP technology as a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to heat and cool their homes. Electrify Everything Minnesota is proud to share these tools and resources.
Whether you’re dipping your toe into the language of ASHPs or ready to find a trusted contractor, the Collaborative is your one-stop shop for professional guidance, incentive information, and answers to your ASHP questions.
Get Started with the MN ASHP Collaborative
An estimated 70% of a typical Minnesota home’s energy use goes toward heating. By transitioning to a high-efficiency heating system like an ASHP, you can reduce your home’s carbon emissions and increase its efficiency. Not only will that increase energy savings, but it will likely make your home more comfortable, too. When paired with the financial incentives for installing an ASHP, these benefits make ASHPs a strong decision for many people. For more information on ASHPs, visit the Minnesota Air Source Heat Pump Collaborative website.