Outdoor Heat Pump unit installed on a concrete platform against white siding wall under clear sky.

What Is a Heat Pump? 

Energy-Efficient Heating and Cooling for Atlanta Homes in 2026

a dog with its tongue out

"BO KNOWS" ESTES EDUCATION CENTER

What Is a Heat Pump? Energy-Efficient Heating and Cooling for Atlanta Homes in 2026

In Atlanta's mild winters and hot, humid summers, choosing an energy-efficient way to heat or cool your home is more important than ever. That is why heat pumps are becoming one of the most popular heating and cooling systems for homeowners across the Atlanta Metro Area and throughout the United States. These all-electric systems improve home comfort, lower energy consumption, and help reduce monthly energy bills, especially when combined with available rebates and tax credit incentives.

At Estes Services, we have helped families with reliable heating and cooling solutions since 1949. Our mission is to educate homeowners, explain modern options like heat pumps, and make upgrading your system simple and stress-free.

How Does a Heat Pump Work?

A heat pump is an all-electric heating and cooling system that transfers heat instead of generating it. Most air source heat pumps are installed outside your home and connect to indoor units, similar to traditional air conditioning systems.

In the summer, a heat pump removes heat from inside your home and releases it outdoors, cooling your living space efficiently. In the winter, the system reverses direction and pulls heat from the outdoor air—even when temperatures feel cold—and brings that heat indoors. Because heat pumps move heat rather than create it, they use significantly less energy than systems that rely on fossil fuel combustion or electric resistance heating.

This process allows one system to heat or cool your home year-round.


Carrier Heat Pump distributed by Estes Services

Types of Heat Pumps Available

There are several types of heat pumps available today, each designed to meet different home needs.

Air source heat pumps are the most common and work well in Atlanta's climate. They provide efficient heating and cooling with relatively simple installation requirements.

Ground-source heat pumps, also known as geothermal heat pumps, use stable underground temperatures to provide greater efficiency. While geothermal systems offer exceptional long-term energy savings, they typically require more space and a higher upfront investment.

Both options are designed to reduce heating energy use and overall energy consumption when compared to gas furnaces and older HVAC systems.

Energy Savings and Efficiency Benefits

One of the biggest reasons homeowners choose heat pumps is energy savings. According to the Department of Energy, heat pumps can reduce electricity use for heating by up to 50 percent compared to electric resistance heating. In mild climates like Atlanta, heat pumps can also outperform many gas furnaces in efficiency.

Lower energy consumption means lower energy bills over time. Many homeowners see meaningful savings within the first year of heat pump installation, especially when replacing older heating and cooling systems.

Heat Pumps, Sustainability, and Reduced Fossil Fuel Use

Heat pumps run on electricity and do not burn fossil fuel to create heat. This makes them a cleaner, more sustainable option for homeowners who want to reduce their environmental impact while improving comfort.

As energy infrastructure continues to modernize across the United States, heat pumps are increasingly recognized as a future-ready solution for residential heating and cooling.

Is Installing a Heat Pump Right for Your Home?

While heat pumps are an excellent option for many Atlanta homes, they are not one-size-fits-all. Factors such as insulation quality, ductwork condition, home size, electrical capacity, and existing system efficiency all affect performance and long-term savings.

A professional evaluation is the best way to determine whether a heat pump is right for your home and which system will deliver the best results.

Why Choose Estes Services for Heat Pump Installation?

Estes Services is a family-owned company with decades of experience installing and servicing heating and cooling systems across the Atlanta Metro Area. Our licensed technicians understand local homes, local weather patterns, and how to design systems that maximize comfort and efficiency.

We take the time to evaluate your home, explain different heat pump options in clear language, review potential energy savings and incentives, and provide a detailed estimate with no surprises.

Get Your Free Heat Pump Estimate Today

If you are considering a heat pump and want to know how it could improve your home comfort while lowering energy bills, the next step is simple.

Estes Services offers free HVAC estimates for homeowners throughout the Atlanta Metro Area. There is no pressure and no obligation, just expert guidance to help you make an informed decision.

Call 404-366-9620 today or book online at www.estesair.com to schedule your free heat pump estimate.

It's that easy. It's Estes.

Estes Services
3981 Tradeport Blvd
Atlanta, GA 30354