Heat Pumps Vs. AC Systems Featured Image

Should You Choose a Heat Pump or Air Conditioner for Your Colorado Home?

June 12, 2025|Mike Conrad

Colorado’s hot, dry summers, dramatic temperature swings, and high elevation all present unique challenges for cooling your home. Fortunately, both modern heat pumps and air conditioners are well-equipped to handle Colorado’s climate. The best fit for your home depends on several factors, including your budget, comfort priorities, and your home’s altitude, size, age, and existing HVAC setup.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how heat pumps and AC units work, the pros and cons of each, and what Colorado homeowners should consider when choosing between a heat pump and a traditional AC unit. By the end, you’ll have the information you need to choose a cooling system to keep your home comfortable, no matter what Colorado throws your way.

How Do Heat Pumps & AC Systems Work?

Heat pumps and traditional air conditioners use the same cooling process. Both rely on refrigerants and run on electricity to keep your home comfortable during Colorado’s hot summer months.

Here’s a simplified look at how the cooling cycle works:

An indoor unit pulls heat from your home and moves it to an outdoor unit.
The outdoor unit uses a refrigerant to cool the air before sending it back inside.
The indoor unit redistributes the cooled air into the home.

What’s the Difference Between a Heat Pump and an Air Conditioner?

The primary difference between AC units and heat pumps becomes clear in winter, as only one of them provides heating.

AC Units
AC units are one part of a traditional HVAC system. When your home needs heat, the AC shuts off and transfers the work to the other part of the system, usually the furnace. That means you'll need two different systems to handle heating and cooling throughout the year.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps, on the other hand, are a single system that provides heat and cooling. When it’s cold outside, the system reverses its cooling process, collecting heat from the outdoor air (yes, even in winter!) and distributing it throughout your home.

Heat Pumps vs. Air Conditioners at a Glance

	Heat Pump	Air Conditioner
Energy Source	Electricity	Electricity
Overall Efficiency	SEER Ratings from 13.4 to 30+ HSPF ratings up to 13.5	SEER ratings range from 13.4 to 30+
Maintenance	Regular maintenance, coil cleanings, and monitoring refrigerant levels are necessary. However, maintenance is essential during the heating season.	Regular maintenance, coil cleanings, and monitoring refrigerant levels are necessary.
Benefits	Heats and cools for year-round comfort Eco-friendly Lower operating costs More even temperatures Better humidity control Pairs well with solar panels Can be ducted or ductless	Excellent cooling only Lower upfront costs Longer lifespan Can be ducted or ductless
Lifespan	Lasts 12-15 years on average.	Lasts 15-20 years on average.
Overall Cost	Higher initial cost due to dual functionality (cooling and heating).	Generally, lower initial cost.

Which Is Better: An Air Conditioner or a Heat Pump?

Each type of system offers unique benefits, and the answer depends on your priorities, budget, current setup, and heating and cooling habits. Read the benefits of each below.

Benefits of Traditional AC Systems

Budget-Friendly Installation
If your home is already equipped with a traditional system, it’s typically cheaper to replace your current AC unit than to install a new heat pump system.
Isolated Repairs
If your cooling system needs service, you can repair or replace just the AC unit, rather than the entire system, saving you money on maintenance and breakdowns.
Designed for All Climates
A traditional dual-system HVAC system switches between AC and heating units depending on the weather, with each system engineered for its specific purpose, to deliver consistent comfort even in extreme temperatures.
Longevity
Because the workload is shared between two units, AC systems often experience less wear and tear and can last longer than heat pumps that run year-round.
Energy Savings
Modern high-efficiency air conditioning systems can help reduce your monthly energy bills without compromising comfort.

Benefits of Heat Pumps

One System, Total Comfort
Heat pumps offer year-round comfort, providing heating & cooling in one system.
Environmentally-Friendly
Heat pumps operate on electricity for both heating and cooling (while traditional HVAC systems use natural gas or oil for heating), reducing your carbon footprint.
Energy-Efficient
Since heat pumps work by moving heat rather than generating it, the process is significantly more energy-efficient, resulting in lower energy bills during the winter.
Versatile & Adaptable
Heat pumps automatically switch between heating and cooling modes, allowing your home to maintain its ideal temperature without needing to switch between units.
Qualifies for Rebates & Tax Credits
Homeowners in Highlands Ranch and the Denver Metro can take advantage of Xcel Energy rebates and federal tax credits to help offset the higher price tag of heat pumps.

Can a Heat Pump Keep Up With Colorado Winters?

Thanks to significant advances in technology, today’s heat pumps can now provide reliable warmth in cold-weather climates. Some models are rated to work in temperatures as low as -20℉, making them a strong heating solution for Colorado homeowners.

You can also add optional equipment to boost performance during extreme cold:

Back-up Furnace
A backup furnace kicks in only during freezing temperatures, helping to maintain comfort while minimizing natural gas use.
Mini-Split System
Mini-splits provide an additional layer of protection against cold weather. Single-zone models are ideal for keeping specific rooms warmer when the temperature drops.

What Should Colorado Homeowners Consider When Purchasing a New Unit?

There are several factors to consider before investing in a new system. Think about:

Up-front Cost & Current Setup
Heat pumps are typically more expensive to install than an AC unit because they’re an all-in-one system, so you pay upfront for both heating and cooling.Also, keep in mind that if you already have a traditional HVAC system, switching to a heat pump may cost more upfront because it’ll require additional equipment and a more complex installation.
Maintenance Costs
Plan for maintenance costs. Because heat pumps operate year-round, you’ll need to be extra diligent in maintaining them to increase their lifespan.Traditional AC units still require planned maintenance to prevent costly breakdowns, but because they’re only used part of the year, wear and tear is not year-round.
Environmental Factors
If environmentally conscious heating and cooling is a priority, a heat pump might be an excellent option for you.
Available Rebates & Tax Credits
L&M is happy to help homeowners in Westminster and the Denver Metro take advantage of Xcel Energy’s rebates and federal tax credits for energy-efficient heat pump system installation. If you’re leaning towards a heat pump, this could be a great way to offset the cost.
Elevation
While most systems can be installed in the Front Range, certain systems cannot be installed at elevations higher than 6,561 feet above sea level.
Additional Systems You May Need
Factor in the price of any additional systems you might want to purchase, such as single-zone heat pumps.

The Bottom Line

With new technology and proper maintenance, either system is equipped to handle Colorado’s climate.

To determine what’s best for your home, assess your current setup, research the installation process and costs associated with each system, and decide which one best fits your budget and needs. Don’t forget to plan for maintenance, repairs, and replacements down the road!

Contact L&M today to discuss our trusted recommendations and financing options. Our experienced technicians are eager to help you make an informed decision about which system is best for you. We’ll discuss your needs and priorities, your current system, and cooling habits to recommend the system that best suits your home.