Home energy is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions in Minneapolis — and one of the areas where residents have the most direct control. Air source heat pumps are one of the most effective ways to heat and cool your home with clean electricity — improving comfort and potentially lowering costs over time.
New to heat pumps?
Think of a heat pump like an air conditioner that works in both directions — cooling your home in summer and heating it in winter. It runs on electricity rather than burning natural gas, and yes — modern heat pumps hold up in Minnesota winters.
But most information about heat pumps focuses on the technology itself. Kenny Neighborhood Association partnered with Artistic Behavior and Southwest High School’s Green Team to hear from neighbors who are actually living with them — sharing their honest, practical experiences — the comfort, the winter performance, and what they’d tell a neighbor who’s on the fence.
Full Story
A huge thank-you to the Kenny neighbors who opened their homes and shared their stories. Their willingness to be candid — about their experience, their motivations, and yes, the Minnesota winters — is what makes this project valuable for the whole community.
Highlights
Partnering with Green Team Students
This project was done in partnership with students from the Southwest High School Green Team, who understand that sustainable energy is critical for their future. Green Team members Ruby and Nora say it best themselves.
Take Action
Explore Your Own Options
Curious whether a heat pump could work for your home?
Start with a home energy audit. CEE Home Energy Squad offers in-home assessments to help you understand your home’s energy profile and what upgrades make sense. www.mncee.org/home-energy-squad
Find a trusted contractor. The Minnesota Air Source Heat Pump Collaborative connects homeowners with vetted installers and unbiased guidance. www.mnashp.org