With heat pumps, Arizonans can significantly reduce utility bills and climate pollution
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 7, 2025
Contact:
Neil Kolwey, Southwest Energy Efficiency Project
nkolwey@swenergy.org
[BOULDER, CO] –
The Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP) has launched a simple online tool to help homeowners understand the potential energy cost savings and climate benefits of switching to heat pump systems. The new calculator, available at thinkheatpump.org, estimates heating and cooling cost differences as well as long-term greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions when replacing a gas furnace with a heat pump.
According to Neil Kolwey, SWEEP’s Industrial Program Director & Building Electrification Specialist, “This tool empowers homeowners to make informed decisions about upgrading to a heat pump. It provides heating and cooling cost estimates, and projections of how much carbon pollution you can avoid over time. In a warming and energy-conscious region like the Southwest, that’s increasingly important.”
The calculator requires only three inputs — state, climate zone, and whether the home is new or existing — and provides three key estimates:
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- Annual heating cost savings versus a standard gas furnace,
- Annual cooling cost savings versus a conventional AC system, and
- Greenhouse gas emission reductions over a 15-year period.
In Flagstaff, Arizona, a typical homeowner replacing an older gas furnace with a two-stage heat pump system could reduce annual heating costs by 24% and cut GHG emissions by 49% over 15 years, according to the calculator’s modeled results.
“This is a big deal for Arizona households trying to cut energy bills and help address climate change,” added Kolwey. “Heat pumps will reduce your cooling costs and carbon emissions, and in many parts of the Southwest, they will also reduce your heating costs compared to heating with gas.”
The tool reflects average residential utility prices but also allows users to input their specific electricity and gas rates for more tailored estimates. SWEEP encourages utilities to promote the calculator and offer rebates that support home electrification.
Homeowners, contractors, and policymakers can access the calculator and supporting materials at thinkheatpump.org.
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The Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP) is a public interest organization promoting greater energy efficiency, clean transportation, and beneficial electrification in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. swenergy.org
