Posted: August 24, 2026
More and more customers are curious about heat pumps these days. That’s because they’re a great option for more efficient heating and cooling. The all-in-one system means streamlined equipment and reduced maintenance needs, but the real benefits of heat pumps are their energy efficiency and versatility. And, they can help you reduce your home’s carbon footprint, too.
Heat pumps work by moving existing heat in the air from one place to another using an outdoor compressor and an indoor air handler. In the summer, hot air from inside your home is removed — creating a cooler indoor environment. While it sounds counterintuitive, in the winter, the pump extracts heat from the outdoor air (or the ground, depending on the type of heat pump system you have) and distributes it to your home.
The biggest difference is how heat pumps work with your thermostat. To maximize efficiency when you’re running a heat pump, it’s best to maintain a consistent temperature. Turning down the heat pump when you are not at home or asleep will result in increased energy use to return to your desired temperature.
Because this technology uses electricity to move heat rather than generate it, it’s much more energy efficient than other electric heating and cooling systems—and, installed and used correctly, it can help lower your energy bills across the board.
With Vermont’s frigidly cold winters, you might wonder how heat pumps can work—and heat pumps can be less effective as the sole source of heat in some of our older, draftier housing stock. But the technology has improved vastly and can perform well in new, well-insulated homes.
In summer, a heat pump works the opposite way, pulling warm air out of your home. While the recommended efficient setting for cooling with a heat pump is around 75°F to 78°F when you’re home, you should know that heat pumps do an excellent job of dehumidifying. Humidity—especially in our coastal climate—plays a huge role in how hot and sticky you feel. Reducing humidity means that higher thermostat setting will feel just as comfortable as a lower one with a traditional AC. Adding ceiling fans can also boost comfort at higher thermostat settings, letting you save energy without noticing the difference.
While we install heat pumps that can handle all the cold Mother Nature throws at Vermont, a heat pump’s efficiency can really shine during spring and fall, when temperatures generally run between 40°F and 60°F. A heat pump can keep indoor temperatures comfortable without consuming a lot of energy, compared to a furnace, which needs to cycle on and off more frequently when the temps are milder and fluctuate a lot. That uses more energy and drives higher energy bills.
Just by nature of its efficiency, a heat pump is more environmentally friendly. But because they are electric, they produce fewer carbon emissions. And, as more and more of the electricity generated in our area comes from renewable sources—or at least cleaner-burning fuels like natural gas, rather than coal—they are better for the air we breathe and for the climate.
Because heat pumps and mini-split systems don’t require ductwork they are adaptable for a variety of uses. Apartments and condominium units, outbuildings like guesthouses, poolhouses, and barns, as well as additions and spaces not well-served by a primary heating system are all great candidates for a heat pump or mini-split system. Maintenance and repair is also less intensive for these systems as there is no combustion involved.
The expert team at Roberts Energy can answer all your questions and help you find the solution for best your home—that could be a hybrid system that combines a heat pump and a furnace to make your home more comfortable while maximizing efficiency and helping moderate heating costs.
We have extensive training and experience in installing, servicing and repairing state-of-the-art heat pumps from Bosch. If you’re interested in exploring adding a heat pump to your home, contact us today!
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