Posted: April 6, 2026
Even if you haven’t been shopping for a new heating system, you’ve likely heard the words “heat pump”—usually in the context of energy efficiency. The technology isn’t new, but technological advancements have increased interest in heat pumps because they are so efficient at both heating and cooling. It’s what makes heat pumps such a great option for improving year-round comfort in your home while boosting energy efficiency.
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 ground and distributes it to your home. Essentially, it’s an air conditioner in reverse.
With Vermont’s frigidly cold winters, you might wonder how that 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.
A furnace is excellent for providing a lot of heat when the mercury plummets for weeks or months at a time. But when the weather is milder and temperatures fluctuate a lot, your furnace needs to cycle on and off more frequently, which can lead to higher energy bills.
Our “shoulder seasons,” when temperatures generally run between 40°F and 60°F are a sweet spot for heat pump efficiency, when they can keep indoor temperatures comfortable without consuming a lot of energy. Since spring and fall can last longer in our area, you can rely less on your furnace—and worry less about dramatic spikes in heating oil prices.
Adding a heat pump to your home’s HVAC system can go a long way to improve cost efficiency. Using your heat pump at those times when using your furnace might be overkill can lead to significant savings on your energy bills. Features such as programmable thermostats and variable-speed compressors further enhance your heat pumps efficiency and comfort levels.
Mini splits are a different type of heat pump. They can be installed without ductwork, making them ideal for renovations, room additions, or zone-specific control. Heat pump systems are best for whole-home heating with ductwork.
In summer, a heat pump works the opposite way, pulling warm air out of your home—much like a traditional air conditioner. 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 plays a huge role in how hot and sticky you feel, so 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.
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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