Air and Ground Source Heat Pumps

Air Source Heat Pumps

To cool your home, the ASHP draws the heat and humidity out of the house, like a central air conditioning system. To heat your home, the heat pump draws heat from outside air and brings it inside. Electricity powers both the heating and cooling processes. It's possible that outside temperatures could exceed the heating capability of the heat pump on extremely cold days. Air source heat pumps generally cost about 20% more than a central air conditioner of a similar capacity and efficiency.

Ground Source Heat Pumps

A GSHP is connected to closed loops in the ground, usually filled with a water-based solution. Below the frost line, ground temperature is constant, so the equipment doesn't have to work as hard to transfer energy, which makes it more efficient. The installation price can be several times as much as an ASHP, but the lifetime estimate is 25 years for the equipment and 50+ years for the ground loop,* compared to 19 years for central AC or ASHP systems.

*https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/heat-and-cool/heat-pump-systems/geothermal-heat-pumps

Rebates help offset the initial cost of energy-efficient equipment.

*Rebates are also available for central air conditioners.

Glossary

QI - Quality Installation

COP - Coefficient of Performance: the heat delivered per hour divided by 3.413

EER - Energy Efficiency Ratio: a measure of overall efficiency

SEER - Seasonal Energy Efficiency: a measure of the total heat removed during the annual cooling season

• Xcel Energy residential electric customers are eligible for ASHP and GSHP rebates.
• If you have more than one qualifying ASHP or GSHP system, you may receive rebates for each system. One application form is required per system.

Rental properties are also eligible for rebates. If you are the homeowner/landlord and not listed on the account for your tenant's premise, please have your tenant complete the "Alternate Rebate Recipient" section of the rebate application and authorize payment to you. You can also call 800-859-4999 to update the ownership information for the rental property.

Estimated Cost

For an average home, a new, high-efficiency 16 SEER, 13 EER ASHP system might cost $6,000 - $8,500. GSHP equipment costs might be $10,000 - $14,000, not including the cost for the loops in the ground.  Your contractor will give you a quote specific to your home.

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Average Savings

Rebates can help you lower the cost of a more efficient system. In addition to a rebate, you will save energy and money annually by upgrading to an efficient system for an average of 19 years - the average life of an ASHP system.

An average home, with a new 16 SEER, 13 EER ASHP might save 649 kilowatt-hours per year.

GSHP savings include heating hours as well as cooling hours. Savings would be substantially more if replacing electric heat with a GSHP.

Choosing a more efficient heating and cooling system now may save you from increased costs in the future.

Information to Print

Quality Installation Information Sheet

Top Rebate-Producing Residential Trade Allies

Why do we require you to use certain contractors?

High-efficiency solutions for your home are only as efficient as the Quality Installation techniques used by your contractor. There is no state-wide licensing program in Colorado for residential contractors so NATE certification is required in order to affirm a contractor’s common, technical knowledge. Once a contractor meets the program requirements, they are added to the participating contractor list and given the rebate application.

For more information, please contact your contractor or call 800-895-4999. If you are a landlord looking to upgrade multiple properties, please contact us as we may be able to simplify your experience.