See how solar assisted heat pump technology creates a complete solar powered HVAC solution for maximum energy savings and reduced emissions.
Publishedby Sydney Penrose
High up in the Colorado foothills at 6,000 feet elevation, the Johnson family* had been living in their 1991-built Parker home with a 6-year-old 13 SEER central air conditioner. As energy costs climbed and their commitment to sustainability grew, they began looking for ways to make their home more efficient.
When the Johnsons started researching alternatives to their aging central air conditioner, they discovered that modern heat pump systems offered compelling advantages over traditional cooling-only units. Unlike their existing system that could only provide cooling, a heat pump system works year-round, providing both heating and cooling from a single unit.
The family explored several heat pump options, including systems specifically engineered for extreme weather conditions and dual-fuel systems that could work alongside their existing gas furnace. Given their existing solar panels, they were particularly interested in solar assisted heat pump configurations that could maximize their renewable energy investment.
Most traditional AC systems operate like a light switch—they're either fully on or completely off, creating temperature swings and wasting energy as the system constantly cycles.
Inverter heat pump technology works more like a dimmer switch, modulating output from 25% to 100% capacity to match the exact heating or cooling needs at any moment. This variable speed operation means the system runs longer at lower speeds, maintaining consistent temperatures while using significantly less energy.
"We noticed the difference immediately," shares Mr. Johnson. "No more hot and cold spots, no more constant cycling. The temperature stays exactly where we set it."
With heating and cooling accounting for about half of their home's energy consumption, the Johnsons saw an opportunity to maximize their solar investment. A solar powered HVAC system would allow them to use their solar-generated electricity for both heating and cooling, creating a more integrated and efficient energy ecosystem.
The concept of a solar assisted heat pump was particularly appealing to the family. This approach combines heat pump efficiency with clean solar energy, creating a system that can dramatically reduce both energy costs and environmental impact. When solar panels generate electricity during peak sun hours, that power can directly run the heat pump, essentially providing free heating and cooling.
This solar powered AC and heating approach would help them reduce their reliance on both the electrical grid and their gas furnace.
After researching their options, they discovered the Hylex™ inverter heat pump system—a robust heating and cooling solution that can be tailored to meet the demands of various climate challenges.
What made Hylex™ particularly appealing was its dual-fuel functionality powered by advanced inverter heat pump technology. This smart system was configured with a financial balance point—the outdoor temperature at which it becomes more economical to switch from one fuel source to another. The system automatically switches between electric heat and their existing gas furnace based on cost-effectiveness as temperatures change.
For the Johnsons, this meant that when the system determines electric heat is most cost-effective, they could leverage their own solar generation instead of purchasing electricity from the grid.
One year after installation, the numbers speak for themselves:
Perhaps most impressively, these savings came despite Colorado's varying utility rates, demonstrating that the Hylex™ system's efficiency more than compensates for the price difference between electricity and natural gas.
The benefits extend far beyond the monthly utility bill. The Johnsons discovered that their new system operates so quietly that they can finally enjoy peaceful evenings on their deck without the constant hum of their old unit. Family barbecues and outdoor gatherings are no longer interrupted by noisy equipment cycling on and off.
"The difference in noise level was honestly something we hadn't even considered," says Mr. Johnson. "But now that we have it, we can't imagine going back."
Colorado weather doesn't mess around, and neither does the Hylex™ system. When temperatures plummeted to -15°F (-26°C), the Johnsons' heat pump continued delivering reliable electric heat with no issues. This performance gave them confidence that their investment would handle whatever Mother Nature throws their way.
The Johnson family's experience illustrates a growing trend among environmentally conscious homeowners who refuse to choose between comfort, cost savings, and sustainability. Their success with advanced heat pump technology proves that the right system can deliver on all three fronts. By installing an inverter heat pump system to provide solar powered AC and heating, they've created a comprehensive energy solution that works year-round.
For families considering similar upgrades, the Johnsons' advice is simple: "Don't wait. The technology is here, it works, and the savings start immediately. We wish we had made this change sooner."
*Family name changed for privacy. All calculations were made using the EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator. Results may vary based on home size, local utility rates, and usage patterns.
Sydney Penrose is a Marketing Manager with nearly a decade of experience in the HVAC industry. Since 2016, she’s worked alongside product experts and technical teams to create clear, approachable content that helps homeowners, contractors, and industry professionals understand the value of today’s heating and cooling innovations.
Expert review by:
Kevin Miller, Direct of Product & Applications
Wade McCorkel, Director or Applies Sales - West
Matt Wall, Director of OEM Product Management