As a family living in a charming Victorian-era, two-story home in Denver's Baker neighborhood, we've cherished the character and history of our 1890s house. While the floor plan has remained largely untouched since its construction, we benefit from some modern upgrades, including a central heating and cooling system. However, our HVAC system adventure began in earnest last spring when we switched from heating to cooling and realized something wasn't quite right. Throughout this article, I will walk you through what we learned and how we decided if the benefits of a heat pump were right for us.

The Wake-Up Call

Until last spring we never thought much about our heating and cooling system. It functioned well enough if not efficiently since we purchased our 1,400 square foot house in 2017. Our monthly bills seemed to increase annually, topping $400 in some of the hottest months. We admittedly hadn't been diligent about seasonal maintenance, but we also attributed the increased billing to higher energy costs through our provider, Xcel Energy. It was only when we noticed the air conditioning blowing ambient air that we delved into the world of HVAC troubleshooting.

After some online research, we discovered that we should have been regularly cleaning our condenser, which we hadn't done. So, armed with newfound knowledge, I thoroughly cleaned the condenser and turned the system back on, expecting cool relief. To my dismay, there was no change in the air temperature! At this point, we decided it was time to call in the professionals.

The first contractor, who had installed the original HVAC system, inspected the problem. It turned out that our condenser was a whopping 22 years old, and the motor had surrendered to its age. They performed a quick fix to get us back online but strongly recommended replacing the condenser due to its expired warranty. However, the price tag they quoted for this like-for-like replacement was a jaw-dropping $10,000.

Eye-Opening Conversations

Sticker shock doesn't even begin to describe our reaction. Fortunately, our neighbors, who had recently upgraded their entire HVAC system for considerably less, pointed us in the right direction. They had worked with Comfort Pros, a local HVAC company, and recommended we give them a call. It was during our consultation with Comfort Pros that we learned about the enticing incentives to upgrade to a heat pump system.

Unlike the previous contractor, Comfort Pros didn't just focus on the aging condenser. They took a holistic approach and informed us that our furnace, which was a decade old, had also surpassed its warranty. This revelation led us to consider not just replacing the condenser but upgrading the entire system if the price was reasonable.

The Heat Pump Proposition

It was at this point that we were introduced to the concept of heat pumps. A heat pump is a highly efficient HVAC system that can both heat and cool your home by transferring heat between the indoors and outdoors. The magic of heat pumps lies in their ability to extract heat from the outside air (even in cold weather) and pump it indoors for heating and to reverse the process for cooling. Ground source heat pumps work similarly, transferring heat to or from the ground, but are considerably more costly due to the more intensive installation process. Air source heat pumps are the standard bearer for most residential upgrades.

Here's why an air source heat pump is the best choice for residences like ours:

1. Energy Efficiency: Heat pumps are renowned for their energy efficiency. They provide both heating and cooling, making them versatile year-round. Unlike traditional HVAC systems that generate heat, heat pumps simply move it, consuming significantly less energy.

2. Environmental Benefits: Heat pumps have a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional heating systems, making them more environmentally friendly. This fact particularly aligned with our desire to reduce our environmental impact.

3. Rebates and Incentives: Perhaps the most compelling reason for us to consider a heat pump was the many incentives available, in Denver in particular. Comfort Pros provided us with multiple quotes, including one for the most energy-efficient heat pump. The heat pump installation required an upgrade not just to the condenser, but also to the furnace and evaporator coils, which would need to communicate to one another to trigger the furnace as a backup to the heat pump. While the initial cost was higher (around $19,000) than the alternatives, with this setup we were eligible for substantial rebates: $1,500 each from the installer, the city of Denver, and Xcel Energy. Additionally, federal and state tax rebates will further reduce our out-of-pocket expenses, bringing the total cost closer to $11,000. When considering how much more we were getting compared to the original contractor’s base bid, this decision was a no-brainer.

The Decision-Making Process

Deciding to upgrade our HVAC system to a heat pump wasn't a snap decision. We considered several factors:

1. Cost: The cost was a significant consideration, but with the available rebates and long-term energy savings, it became a manageable investment.

2. Energy Efficiency: We were drawn to the idea of reducing our energy consumption and environmental impact.

3. Comfort: Heat pumps offer consistent temperature control and the ability to both heat and cool, making our home more comfortable year-round.

4. Noise: While it’s not silent, the new heat pump is considerably quieter than our previous air conditioning condenser. This has been an added perk for when we’re spending time in our backyard.

5. Future-Proofing: With our existing furnace and condenser nearing the end of their lifespans, we wanted a system that would last for years to come. Moreover, having one primary system for heating and cooling is more attractive when considering yearly maintenance.

The result has exceeded our expectations. Our home is now consistently comfortable, and we're pleased with our reduced energy bills, which are already lower when compared to the same billing period from previous years.

Who Should Consider a Heat Pump Upgrade?

If you're a homeowner who, like us, finds yourself in a similar situation with an aging HVAC system, it's worth exploring the benefits of a heat pump upgrade. In our case, it was an aging condenser for our air conditioning, but an upcoming furnace upgrade could just as easily trigger considering a heat pump replacement. It's a sensible choice for those who prioritize energy efficiency, want to reduce their carbon footprint, and are looking for a long-term, cost-effective solution for heating and cooling.

In conclusion, our journey from an aging HVAC system to an energy-efficient heat pump has been a rewarding experience. We encourage anyone in a similar position to explore their options and consider the long-term benefits of upgrading to a heat pump system. With the right incentives and a commitment to sustainability, it's a decision that can transform not only your home's comfort but also your environmental impact.