Denver Residents Embrace Heat Pump Technology Amid Rising Energy Costs
DENVER — As winter descends on Colorado, heating bills are a hot topic among residents. For Denver’s Dan Esposito, however, monthly expenses have decreased thanks to a recent shift to heat pump technology. Heat pumps, which efficiently heat and cool homes while improving indoor air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, are gaining popularity. Esposito attributed his lower bills to energy efficiency and the transition toward an electricity-focused heating system, especially with rising gas prices on the horizon.
In 2022, after his furnace and swamp cooler malfunctioned, Esposito opted for a heat pump despite initial concerns over the cost. However, he found considerable financial relief through a rebate from the City of Denver, encouraging him to make the switch to this eco-friendly option. "It’s been amazing… We change the filter twice a year, and otherwise, it just keeps our house at the temperature we need year-round," Esposito stated.
The city’s Climate Protection Fund, established after a 2020 sales tax initiative, offers approximately $40 million annually for pollution reduction measures, including heat pump rebates. Since the program’s inception in 2023, nearly 2,000 rebates have been awarded, predominantly for residential units.
Jeff Tejral, electrification manager at the Office of Climate Action, Sustainability & Resiliency (CASR), explained that the rebates aim to offset costs when replacing gas systems with heat pumps. The city collaborates with approved contractors to facilitate this process, with systems normally costing between $5,000 and $25,000 before tax credits.
With additional state incentives available, more Coloradans are expected to follow Esposito’s lead in embracing heat pumps, aligning with a broader push towards sustainable energy solutions in Denver. With ongoing evaluations of the rebate program, city officials hope to further promote heat pumps as a viable alternative to traditional gas heating systems.