Heat Pumps Gain Attention in Summit County as Gas Pipeline Alternative

In Colorado's Summit County, heat pumps are gaining attention as a cold-weather solution that could help avoid building a new gas pipeline.

The technology works by moving heat from the air outside into the home instead of producing heat directly like a furnace or boiler does, making it a more efficient option.

Heat pump installations across the U.S. are roughly double what they were 15 years ago, and sales in the first quarter of 2026 exceeded furnace sales by more than 30%.

Xcel Energy is offering incentives for gas customers to switch to heat pumps in hopes of avoiding the expense of a new natural gas pipeline.