As both incentives and gas prices increase, Coloradans look to electrifying homes as a solution

Dan and Malia Fredrickson used the opportunity of a malfunctioning air conditioner to take a step toward electrifying their home by getting a heat pump, equipment that’s been around for a while but has gotten more attention lately thanks to federal legislation.

Rebates and tax credits for heat pumps, which use electricity to both cool and heat buildings, are among the energy-related provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act 2022. While critics contend and some economists agree that the law is unlikely to significantly decrease inflation, it has been hailed as a substantial investment in addressing climate change.

After talking to friends and experts, the Fredricksons decided to replace their old air conditioner and a furnace “that was kind of on its last legs” with a heat pump. The Boulder couple said environmental concerns were a big reason for the decision.