A heating & cooling Q&A with American’s own CEO!

Q1. Why do you recommend ductless heat pumps in mountain towns like Vail and Aspen?

A: Reliable performance even in cold, high altitude climates. Cold-climate mini-splits are engineered to operate efficiently even in frigid temperatures—even as low as –25 °F. Advances like inverter-driven variable-speed compressors and improved refrigerants make this possible.

Excellent energy efficiency. Ductless systems deliver excellent efficiency, often achieving a Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 3–5. That means 3 to 5 units of heat per 1 unit of electricity—a huge gain over electric resistance or fossil-fuel system. The energy cost savings are significant: users frequently see 30–70% lower energy consumption compared to traditional systems.

No ductwork needed: Many mountain houses are older or have large vaulted ceilings —ductwork can be impractical or disruptive to install. Mini-splits are ideal since they avoid that hurdle.

Zoned comfort control: You can set different temperatures in different rooms—very convenient in spaces with high ceilings or rarely-used guest rooms.

Amazing rebates and incentives: In Vail, Aspen, and surrounding mountain communities, installing mini-split heat pumps often qualifies for:

• Local utility and energy program rebates (e.g., Holy Cross Energy, CORE, Walking Mountains)
  
  
• Federal tax credits via the Inflation Reduction Act
  

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Q2. What’s the biggest benefit of a ductless system compared to a traditional furnace and AC?

A: Higher Energy Efficiency. Traditional HVAC systems lose 20–30% of energy through ductwork—especially in older homes or when ducts run through unconditioned spaces (like attics or crawlspaces). Ductless mini-splits eliminate duct losses entirely, making them much more efficient.

More advanced technology: Many mini-splits have inverter-driven compressors, which adjust output continuously rather than turning on/off—leading to smoother performance, lower electricity bills, and longer lifespan of components.

Q3. How do these systems perform in the late summer/early fall season?

A: Ductless heat pumps (mini-split systems) perform exceptionally well in late summer and early fall, offering a couple significant advantages during this transitional season:

• Precise Temperature Control During Fluctuating Weather: Mountain towns like Vail and Aspen can have hot days and chilly nights in August–September. Mini-splits adjust output continuously (thanks to inverter technology), maintaining steady comfort as outside temps swing.
  
  
• Exceptional energy efficiency in the shoulder seasons: Heat pumps are most efficient in shoulder seasons like late summer/early fall. When outside temps are moderate (40–70°F), they run very efficiently, drawing minimal power to maintain indoor comfort. Traditional furnaces, by contrast, are overkill and less efficient at low heating demands.

Q4. Are there still rebates or incentives available for 2025? 

A: Yes! There are several rebate and incentive programs available that are still funded.

• Colorado State Heat Pump Tax Credit: Colorado launched a statewide tax credit in 2024 for installing qualified heat pumps. Registered contractors claim the credit and pass along a $500 in savings to the homeowner for heat pump systems.
• Xcel Energy Rebates (if you’re a customer): For 2025, Xcel Energy has greatly increased rebates for heat pumps: $3,000-$7,500 for customers that switch from fossil fuel-based heating systems to heat pumps. Rebate amount depends on income.
  
• CORE: For residents of Aspen, Eagle county (the portion in the Roaring Fork area), Pitkin county and Garfield county and the Roaring Fork Valley, the Community Office for Resource Efficiency (CORE) works with the city and MEAN to offer incentives for high-efficiency heat pump upgrades. Standard rebates range from $7,500 to $15,000, depending on income level, with even larger custom rebates available for multi-family or commercial buildings.
  

Q5. What types of homes are a good fit for ductless?

A: Several home types are good fits. They include:

• Older Homes Without Existing Ductwork: Many homes built before the 1970s (especially in mountain towns like Vail or Aspen) rely on baseboard or wall heaters. Ductless systems avoid the cost and disruption of installing ductwork. You get modern HVAC comfort without gutting walls or ceilings.
  
• Homes adding on or doing major renovations: If you’re adding a bonus room, in-laws quarters, or a full wing, a ductless unit can heat/cool that space independently without overloading the main system.
  
• Vacation Properties not continuously occupied: These homes often sit empty part of the year, have inconsistent occupancy (e.g., rental turnover), or face extreme temp swings (hot sunny days + freezing nights). Ductless systems offer zoned efficiency and quick comfort when needed while maximizing efficiency and minimizing costs.
  

Q6. Any final advice for someone who’s never used ductless before and might be on the fence?

A: Sure thing! Firstly it’s important to understand what a heat pump actually replaces. A ductless mini-split can replace both your furnace and air conditioner, provide efficient heating in winter and cooling in summer, and be your primary heat source in most well-insulated homes.

But it won’t do everything – it won’t heat the whole house uniformly if you only install one indoor unit in a large, multi-room space, and it won’t be as efficient if installed in a home with poor insulation or air leaks unless you address those first.

Also, just know that it works differently. For example, ductless heat pumps don’t blast hot air like a furnace. Instead, they gently maintain your set temperature over time. This means you might not “feel” it kicking on or off because it runs quietly and continuously for better efficiency. Also, it’s normal for the system to run often, especially in cold weather—that’s a feature, not a flaw! 

Ready to Cool Smarter?

If you’re tired of sweating the differences, just call us.
We’ll help you pick the right ductless system — mini-split or otherwise — and get it installed the right way.

 Call now or book online — and we’ll be there before the heat gets worse.