Sandbox Solar+ is Leading a New Era of HVAC Services in Northern Colorado!
With an emphasis on self-sufficiency, sustainability, reliability, and forward-thinking solutions, we’ve assembled a team of expert technicians specializing in central AC, dual fuel systems, emergency HVAC services, and our flagship product: heat pumps.
What’s a Heat Pump and Why Should I Make the Jump?
A heat pump is a high-efficiency HVAC system that uses electricity to heat and cool your house. It moves heat rather than generating it. In cold seasons, it pulls heat from the outside air to warm your home, and in warm seasons, it operates as an air conditioner by removing heat from the inside. A heat pump is an all-in-one solution for a comfortable home and energy savings.
Our goal is to help you successfully reach a self-sufficiency lifestyle. Heat pumps typically save homeowners thousands in heating and cooling costs. It also helps by working towards an all-electric transition. If you also combine that with solar + storage (batteries), you’re not only cutting future costs, you’re building resiliency and energy independence.
What Type of Heat Pump is Right for Your Home?
Sandbox HVAC offers three styles of heat pumps: Standard, Cold Climate, and Ductless style heat pumps.
Standard Heat Pump:
An economical heating and cooling unit that transfers heat between the inside of your home and the outside air. During the winter, it extracts heat from the outdoor air (though it typically loses efficiency below 30 degrees Fahrenheit) and moves it indoors to warm your home. In the summer, the process is reversed—it removes heat from inside the home and releases it outdoors to cool the space. These systems are typically paired with a form of backup heat (also known as a hybrid system), whether that’s a standard gas furnace or electric heat strips. This allows the homeowner to maintain peak efficiency and comfort in extreme weather conditions.
Cold Climate Heat Pump:
These systems are capable of maintaining efficiency and performance down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit, reducing reliance on a backup heat source. Even though they do pair well with backup heat, a cold climate heat pump offers a better solution for full electrification of your system. This allows homeowners to maintain peak efficiency and comfort in harsh weather conditions, often without the need for supplemental heat.
Ductless Heat Pump:
Ductless Heat Pump (often referred to as mini-split system), is a high efficient heating and cooling system that does not require ductwork. It uses one or more indoor air-handling units connected to an outdoor compressor via refrigerant lines. One of the key benefits is the ability to customize temperature zones, making it ideal for spaces needing targeted climate control. Ductless systems are perfect for homes without existing ductwork or those with room additions. They are available in both cold climate and standard variations.
Learn more about our heat pump services here!
Common Myths About Heat Pump Systems
Myth #1: Heat Pumps Don’t Work in Cold Climates
As of 2025, heat pump technology has advanced so much that this myth is simply not true. Sandbox+ HVAC offers a wide range of home comfort solutions ranging from state-of-the-art products to economic solutions. Our primary suppliers are Trane and Mitsubishi, designed to work efficiently through Fort Collins’ and Northern Colorado’s harsh winters and hot summers.
Myth #2: Heat Pumps Are More Expensive Than Standard Gas Furnaces
Heat pumps are more efficient than gas furnaces because they transfer heat rather than generate it. Standard gas furnaces are built with a fixed efficiency cap, maxing out at 100%, whereas heat pumps can reach up to 400% efficiency. Over time, this translates into lower utility bills—especially when combined with solar energy to offset electricity costs.
Myth #3: You Need to Replace Your Entire System to Install a Heat Pump
This isn’t always the case. Remember what we mentioned earlier about hybrid and ductless heat pumps? These systems can work alongside your existing HVAC setup—no complete overhaul required.
Free HVAC Quote
Looking for the best heat pump company near me? The top rated heat pump installers in Northern Colorado are ready to help! If you’re in need of installation, repair, or maintenance, our team can deliver the results you need.
Take advantage of all currently available rebates, incentives, and federal tax credits. We make upgrading your HVAC system easy with the best technology available!