Starting Your ASHP Journey Now: A Step-By-Step Guide
Whether you're exploring efficient heating and cooling options, replacing a broken system, or planning a home upgrade, this guide will help you begin your heat pump journey with confidence!
Whether you're planning ahead or facing an unexpected equipment failure, now is the ideal time to upgrade to a high-efficiency air source heat pump. Heat pumps provide both heating and cooling in one reliable system, keeping your home comfortable year-round while using significantly less energy than traditional systems. By moving heat instead of generating it, heat pumps can deliver more energy than they consume, making them one of the most efficient technologies available. With more rebates, tax credits, incentives, availability of low-cost electric rates, and low-cost financing options than ever before, heat pumps offer an affordable way to avoid costly repairs, future-proof your home, and make a smart investment in long-term comfort—no matter when you make the switch.
Step 1: Getting Started — What are Heat Pumps?
If you're new to air source heat pumps, this is the place to start. Heat pumps are a highly efficient technology that can heat and cool your home using a single system. They work by moving heat—not generating it—which makes them more energy efficient than traditional furnaces and air conditioners.
On this page, you’ll find simple explanations, diagrams, and short videos that show you how heat pumps operate in Minnesota’s climate.
Step 2: Estimate Your Costs — Use the Cost of Heat Calculator
Compare your current heating costs with what you might pay using an air source heat pump. It’s a quick way to estimate costs using your utility information, based on real Minnesota data, and check to see if heating with a heat pump could save you money!
Try the Cost of Heat Calculator
This tool helps answer questions like:
- Will switching save me money?
- How do heat pumps compare to propane, natural gas, or electric resistance?
- What’s the break-even point?
Step 3: Explore 2025 Rebates and Incentives
Don’t miss out on the options that can make your upgrade more affordable. From utility rebates to state and federal tax credits, there are several ways to lower your installation cost and even your electric rates.
Find all the ways to save on your heat pump installation.
On this page, you’ll find:
- Incentives by utility
- Low-interest financing programs
- Tax credits you may qualify for
Step 4: Choose a Verified Contractor
Choosing the right contractor is essential to getting the full benefits of a heat pump. The MN ASHP Collaborative has a Preferred Contractor Network (PCN) of experienced, vetted contractors who know how to install and service heat pumps in Minnesota homes.
Find a contractor in our Preferred Contractor Network
Browse our Heat Pump Buying Guide Resources
4 Tips for Choosing the Right Contractor
These pages will help you:
- Know what to ask during contractor bids
- Understand what a quality installation looks like
- Avoid common mistakes
Step 5: Make the Switch — and Tell Us Your Experience!
Once you've made the leap, we want to hear from you! Your story can help other Minnesotans feel confident when switching to a heat pump too.
You can also visit “You installed a Heat Pump. Now What?” page. Here, we help you get the most out of your new system, from maintenance tips to thermostat settings.
Author
Connect with a local contractor
