Homeowners across Northern Colorado are making the switch to heat pumps for better efficiency, comfort, and long-term energy savings. One of the most important decisions is choosing between an all-electric system or a dual fuel system with gas backup.
At Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning, we help homeowners design systems that perform in real Colorado winters—not just on paper.
Understanding Heat Pump Performance
Heat pumps provide both heating and cooling by transferring heat. Modern cold-climate systems perform well even in low temperatures, but like any system, they need a backup heat source during extreme cold.
That’s where system design matters.
All-Electric Heat Pumps
All-electric systems use electric resistance heat as backup, which supplements the heat pump when needed.
Advantages:
- Works well when gas is not available
- Supports electrification goals
- Qualifies for many rebate and incentive programs
Considerations:
- Higher cost per BTU compared to natural gas
- Utility rate structures can impact operating cost
Dual Fuel Heat Pumps
Dual fuel systems pair a heat pump with a gas furnace and automatically switch between them based on outdoor temperature.
Advantages:
- Optimizes operating cost throughout the season
- Uses the heat pump when it’s most efficient
- Switches to gas when it becomes more economical
Considerations:
- Requires proper setup to maximize savings
- System runs one heat source at a time
What We Recommend
In most Northern Colorado homes, dual fuel systems offer the best balance of efficiency and operating cost. However, all-electric systems can be a strong option depending on your goals, utility rates, and available incentives.
Work With a Trusted Expert
The most important factor is not just the equipment—it’s the design and installation. Proper sizing, airflow, and system setup determine performance.
Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning local family owned & operated – 2025 BBB Torch Award for Ethics winner- is a preferred contractor for Colorado rebate programs and specializes in designing high-performance heat pump systems.
