Heat pumps in St. Paul, MN

One system for year-round comfort: a heat pump moves heat into your home in winter and out of it in summer.

Outdoor heat pump unit beside a modern home

How a heat pump works

A heat pump does not burn fuel to create heat. Instead, it uses electricity to move heat from one place to another. In winter it pulls heat from the outdoor air into your home, and in summer it moves heat outside.

Moving heat takes less energy than generating it. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a modern heat pump can reduce heating electricity use by up to 75% compared with electric resistance heat such as baseboard heaters. Because one system handles both heating and cooling, it can also replace a central air conditioner.

Heat pumps in a Minnesota winter

Older heat pumps struggled in cold weather, but newer designs work in much colder conditions. The Department of Energy notes that cold-climate heat pumps are designed to perform in temperatures as low as 5°F. That covers a large share of a typical Twin Cities heating season.

Minnesota winters still bring nights well below zero. For those nights, plan on backup heat, such as a gas furnace or electric heat strips. The controls switch between the heat pump and the backup heat as outdoor temperatures change.

In older homes, sealing air leaks and adding insulation first helps any heat pump do its job. We can talk through which upgrades make sense for your house.

Installation sized for your home

Krinkie’s is a Daikin ComfortPro dealer, and we install heat pumps sized for your home. We look at your home, your ductwork and your current heating system before recommending equipment. You get a written quote before any work is scheduled.

Homes with ductwork can use a central heat pump that connects to the existing ducts. Rooms or homes without ducts can use ductless mini-split heat pumps instead. We explain the trade-offs so you can choose the right fit. Before we leave, we walk you through the thermostat and show you how the system works.

Heat pump repair

Strange noises, or a system that cannot reach its set temperature, should be looked at right away. A small problem left alone usually costs more later. Our technicians are on call 24 hours a day for heat pump repairs. If your thermostat shows an error code, write it down before you call, because it helps us diagnose the problem.

Some fixes must stay with a professional. Do not add refrigerant or open the refrigerant lines yourself. Under EPA rules, technicians who service refrigerant equipment must be certified. Also leave the electrical panel on the outdoor unit closed, because it carries high voltage.

Heat pump maintenance

A heat pump runs in every season, so regular care matters. The Department of Energy recommends that you have a professional technician service your heat pump at least once a year. On each visit we inspect, clean, check for refrigerant leaks and repair or replace worn parts.

Between visits, clean or change the filter every three months, or as the manufacturer recommends. Keep plants, leaves and clutter away from the outdoor unit. Turn off power to the unit before you clean around it, and keep snow from piling up against it in winter.

The Krinkie’s Club maintenance plan includes two tune-ups a year and priority service. Members also get up to a 20% discount on most repairs, which helps if a visit turns up a worn part.

Costs, tax credits and rebates in 2026

Installation cost depends on the size and efficiency of the unit, whether it is ducted or ductless, and the backup heat you choose. Ductwork, electrical or control changes also affect the price. If you need help with the cost, ask about our financing options for new equipment.

The federal tax credits for heat pumps have ended. ENERGY STAR notes that these federal tax credits were available through December 31, 2025. Utility rebate programs change each year, so confirm current rebates with your utility before you buy.

Why homeowners choose heat pumps

Heating and cooling in one system
Lower heating energy use than electric resistance heat
Works with a furnace or electric backup for the coldest days
Ducted and ductless options for nearly any home
Quiet operation, day and night
More control over comfort in each season

Common questions

Will a heat pump keep my home warm in a Minnesota winter?

A cold-climate heat pump can heat through much of the winter and is designed to perform down to 5°F. Most Minnesota homes also keep backup heat, such as a gas furnace or electric heat strips, for the coldest days.

What affects the cost of installing a heat pump?

The main factors are the unit's size and efficiency, whether it is ducted or ductless, whether it is a cold-climate model, the backup heat setup, and any ductwork, electrical or control changes your home needs.

Is there a federal tax credit for a heat pump in 2026?

No. The federal tax credits for heat pumps were available only through December 31, 2025. Check with your electric and gas utilities about any current rebates before you buy.

Does a heat pump need maintenance?

Yes. Clean or change the filter every three months or as the manufacturer recommends, keep the outdoor unit clear, and have a technician service the system at least once a year.

Is there a tax credit or rebate for a heat pump in 2026?

The federal 25C and 25D tax credits ended for installations after December 31, 2025, and Minnesota's state rebates had not launched as of October 2026. Xcel Energy offers heat pump rebates through 2026, so confirm your eligibility before you buy. If another utility serves your home, check its programs.

Sources

Customer reviews

What customers say

4.92,902 Google reviews

Google review

“Shane is the greatest. He checked out our heat pump and took a shovel and dirt and leveled the outdoor unit. Krinkie does great installs and does great maintenance to keep their systems working well. Their technicians are knowledgeable and communicate well. We’re so glad we found them.”

Jennifer F.

Google review

“Just completed a pretty large electrical upgrade to my garage and installation of a heat pump. Joe and the crew were awesome and Joe spent a lot of personal time with me to plan the project. Really had a great experience from end to end with Krinkie's! Thank you!”

Daniel W.