Cold Climate Heat Pump Systems for Minnesota Homes

Precision design and installation for ultimate efficiency, comfort, and reliability in every season.
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At Paltrin, we believe superior heat pump performance starts with superior design.

Our specialization in cold-climate performance was forged through experience. While designing and constructing high-performance, all-electric Passive House-level homes, we needed HVAC systems that could meet exceptional standards for efficiency, comfort, and reliability. This pursuit required a deep dive into the engineering of low-ambient performance, precise load calculation, and holistic system integration that are critical for success in our climate.

Today, we act as your dedicated system design experts. We bring this rigorous, building-science approach to every project, developing precise specifications that ensure our vetted installation partners can implement a system that performs as intended, whether for a certified Passive House or a traditional Twin Cities home.

Cold Climate Heat Pump Systems

Not all heat pumps are created equal for Minnesota. We select and install only the highest-performing models with proven low-ambient capacity, ensuring efficient heating even during sub-zero temperatures. We focus on proper sizing, strategic placement, and system configuration to defeat the cold, not just manage it.

How We Help

All-Electric Home Heating & Electrification

Lead the transition from fossil fuels with confidence.

  • For New Construction: We integrate high-efficiency heat pumps seamlessly into your building plans, ensuring your all-electric home meets its performance and comfort goals from day one.
  • For Electrification Conversions: We specialize in the full replacement of gas furnaces and AC units with comprehensive, properly sized heat pump systems, including necessary electrical assessments and upgrades.

Dual-Fuel Heat Pump Solutions (Hybrid Systems)

Maximize efficiency without sacrificing peace of mind. We expertly integrate a heat pump with your existing gas furnace, designing an intelligent system that automatically switches to the most cost-effective and comfortable heat source based on the outdoor temperature.

Technical FAQ for Informed Buyers

How cold can a “cold-climate” heat pump actually work?

Modern, properly specified models can provide heating down to -20°F or lower. The key is selecting a model with a high HSPF2 rating and a compressor designed for low-ambient operation, then sizing it correctly for your home’s specific heat loss, which is where our detailed calculation process is critical.

At what temperature should my dual-fuel system switch to gas backup?

There’s no universal “switchover point.” It depends on what your goals are with the conversion (for example are you looking to minimize gas usage, maximize heat pump usage, or considering other factors).

Do I need to upgrade my electrical panel for a heat pump?

Potentially, the heat pump runs efficiently on a 240V circuit. It depends on the current condition and sizing of your existing panel. During our assessment, we evaluate your electrical service’s capacity and provide clear guidance and solutions for any required upgrades.

Thinking about an HVAC upgrade or whole-home retrofit?

Start your project with Paltrin and discover what comfort can really feel like.

Want to learn more? Let’s create a home for you that speaks to your cause-mindedness and saves you money.

A FEW WORDS FROM OUR CLIENTS

Working with Justin and Paltrin helped us realize our dreams of building a beautiful, functional, energy efficient custom home. They have the passion and expertise to take energy efficient building to the next level, which helped us meet our goals of achieving a Net-Zero Home. As their client, we had unparalleled access to the build site and complete control over our design selections. When issues arose during the build process, as they always do in construction, Justin was eager to problem solve and find a quick and efficient solution. If energy efficiency, flexibility, and a high-quality end product are some of your main goals in building a new home, Paltrin could be a great fit for you!

Chrissi and Eric
Home Build Client
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