Heat pumps are an increasingly attractive heating and cooling option for homes, providing energy-efficient, year-round comfort all in one unit. To implement one of the most significant residential geothermal heat pump deployments in U.S. history, Xcel Energy is partnering with Lennar Homes and Dandelion Energy to bring the technology to more than 1,500 new homes built in Colorado.
Geothermal, or ground source heat pumps, use the temperature of the ground to regulate the temperature of the air in your house, transferring heat from the ground into buildings in the winter, and reversing the process in the summer. Because the ground temperature is constant below the frost line, the equipment doesn't have to work as hard to transfer energy, which makes it more efficient.
To help defray the cost of heat pump installation, Xcel Energy offers rebates and incentives – programs that Lennar and Dandelion Energy are participating in to keep costs low for Colorado homebuyers. Over the next two years, Lennar will integrate Dandelion's innovative geothermal heat pump systems into over 1,500 new homes built in Colorado. With the help of Xcel Energy rebates, many of these homes will be priced no higher than they would have been with conventional gas furnaces and air conditioners.
“This ground-source heat pump project is an example of how our Clean Heat Plan and our electrification strategy for new home developments are delivering on our shared climate goals and keeping bills low,” said Robert Kenney, President of Xcel Energy-CO. “We’ll continue working with the Governor’s office, the state, local governments and industry partners to raise awareness for the new programs and rebates available to our customers to lower their own emissions and keep their energy bills low.”
Geothermal offers the lowest monthly energy bills for homeowners, and due to their superior efficiency, geothermal heat pumps also significantly reduce peak electric demand. According to a recent report from the Department of Energy widespread adoption of GHPs could eliminate the need for 24,500 miles of new grid transmission lines —the equivalent of crossing the United States eight times.
For more information on available heat pump rebates or to learn more about our Colorado Clean Heat Plan, visit xcelenergy.com.
