Make Better Decisions About Home Heating
Independent heat pump guides covering costs, rebates, energy bills and repairs.
Built on primary sources
Figures come from DOE, ENERGY STAR, EPA, IRS and AHRI first.
Sources in every guide
Each guide links the sources it relies on, so you can check them.
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Popular Guides
Heat Pump Pros and Cons: What Owners Say After a Full Winter
What heat pump owners in four large surveys and a two-winter DOE field test say about bills, comfort, defrost, backup heat and repairs.
Heat Pump Not Heating: 12 Causes and Fixes
Work through the 12 most common reasons a heat pump stops heating, from thermostat and filter checks you can do yourself to defrost, refrigerant and repair costs.
Heat Pump Frozen or Iced Up: How Defrost Works
Why heat pumps frost over, how the defrost cycle works, how to tell normal frost from a frozen unit, and how to thaw it safely.
Emergency Heat vs Auxiliary Heat on a Heat Pump
What aux heat and emergency heat do on a heat pump thermostat, when to use emergency heat, what it costs to run and when aux heat is a warning sign.
Browse by Topic
Heat Pumps
How they work, cold-climate models, dual-fuel, sizing and refrigerants.
Costs
Installed prices by size and state, running costs and financing.
Rebates
HEEHR, state and utility programs, and what you can still claim after the tax credit ended.
Energy Bills
Real running costs, efficiency ratings, time-of-use rates and solar.
Troubleshooting
Error codes, strange noises, ice, leaks and routine maintenance.
Featured guide
Heat Pump Fan: Auto or On? What Each Setting Costs and Does
Heat pump fan auto or on? See what each setting costs per month, when On or Circulate helps and why Auto suits most homes.
Read the guide
Latest Articles
October 25, 2026
How to Defrost a Frozen Heat Pump: What to Do Now and What Never to Do
Troubleshooting
October 24, 2026
Heat Pump Fan: Auto or On? What Each Setting Costs and Does
Heat Pumps
October 23, 2026
Heat Pump Keeps Tripping the Breaker: Causes and When to Stop Resetting It
Troubleshooting
October 22, 2026
What Size Heat Pump for a 1,500 Sq Ft House? Tons, Btu and Cost
Heat Pumps
October 21, 2026
Heat Pump with Oil Furnace Backup: Costs, Settings and Is It Worth It
Heat Pumps
October 20, 2026
Heat Pump Steam in Winter: Is It Normal? Steam vs Smoke
Troubleshooting
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a heat pump?
A heat pump moves heat instead of burning fuel to make it. In winter it pulls heat from the outdoor air (or the ground) and moves it inside. In summer it runs in reverse and cools your home like an air conditioner.
Do heat pumps work in cold climates?
Yes. Modern cold-climate air-source heat pumps keep heating well below freezing, and many are rated to around -15°F (-26°C). Output and efficiency drop as it gets colder, so choosing the right model and sizing it correctly matter most.
Is a mini-split a heat pump?
Most mini-splits are heat pumps. The difference is delivery: a ducted heat pump uses your existing ductwork, while a ductless mini-split connects the outdoor unit to wall or ceiling units in each room. Mini-splits suit homes without ducts, additions and single rooms.
What do SEER2 and HSPF2 mean?
SEER2 rates cooling efficiency and HSPF2 rates heating efficiency, using the updated U.S. Department of Energy test procedures that took effect in 2023. Higher numbers mean lower running costs for the same comfort.
How much does a heat pump cost?
It depends on the system type, the size of your home, whether you need new ductwork, and local labor rates. Rebates and tax credits can lower the price a lot. Our cost guides break down equipment, installation, running costs and payback.
How often does a heat pump need maintenance?
Clean or replace the filter every one to three months, keep the outdoor unit clear of snow, leaves and debris, and book a professional service once a year.
Where should I start if I’m new to heat pumps?
Start with our guide to what a heat pump is and how it works, then read the cost and rebate guides that match your home. Before you request quotes, ask each installer to size the system with a Manual J load calculation instead of simply matching your old unit, and compare at least three written bids. For a neutral second opinion, ENERGY STAR has a clear overview of air-source heat pumps.