Heat pumps in the US: cooling and heating in one system

A heat pump is an air conditioner that runs in both directions: in summer it cools exactly like central AC; in winter it reverses and moves heat indoors, delivering 2 to 4 units of heat per unit of electricity. Heat pumps have outsold gas furnaces in the US every year since 2022 — the technology stopped being alternative and became the default question in any HVAC replacement.

The cold-climate objection is dated: units certified under ENERGY STAR’s cold-climate criteria maintain useful capacity at 5 °F and operate far below that, which is why Maine — hardly a mild state — has deployed them by the hundred thousand. What still matters: correct sizing against your heating load (not just cooling), a backup strategy for extreme cold in northern zones, and grabbing the money on the table — the federal 25C credit (up to $2,000), state Home Energy Rebates, and utility programs stack into serious discounts.

Frequently asked questions

What does a heat pump cost installed?

Indicative 2026 ranges: $6,000–$11,000 for a ducted air-source system replacing central AC + furnace duty, $3,000–$5,500 per zone for ductless mini-split heads. Cold-climate variable-speed equipment sits at the top of the range. Reference ranges only — quotes vary widely by market.

Do heat pumps work below freezing?

Yes. Modern inverter units hold 70–100% of rated heating capacity at 5 °F (−15 °C) depending on model, and keep operating below −10 °F. Efficiency drops as it gets colder, which is why northern installs pair them with electric resistance or the existing furnace as backup for the coldest days.

By state and by size

State rules and climates: all 50 states. Sizing: BTU by square footage. Brands: Carrier, Trane, Lennox, Goodman, Midea.

Other equipment types: Central AC · Mini-split · Window AC · Portable AC.