Illinois Home and Business Owners Embrace Modern Technology to Heat and Cool Indoor Spaces
May 22, 2026
For Brian Leslie, a Palos Park, Illinois, resident, upgrading his home’s heating and cooling system wasn’t just about replacing aging equipment. It was about finding a solution that supported his existing energy practices and values.
After researching the latest options, Brian opted for an electric heat pump. By using electricity to move heat rather than generate it, heat pumps provide both heating and cooling from a single system while supporting cleaner energy use and long‑term savings.
“I’ve been driving an electric car for years because I don’t want to burn gas, and I also enjoy saving money,” Brian said. “The heat pump just fits that mindset. The system we got is very well made. It works great, it’s quiet, and they installed it in a day. It was no different than installing a gas system or just replacing the air conditioner.”
With help from the ComEd Energy Efficiency (EE) Program, Brian was paired with a heat pump-trained contractor to help select and install the right system for his situation. To date, the ComEd EE Program’s Home Heating and Cooling (HH&C) offering has supported more than 20,000 customer heat pump installations, helping households adopt high‑efficiency, all‑electric heating and cooling technology. Through this offering, Brian received a $2,000 discount for the purchase and installation of his heat pump.
“Our goal is to meet customers where they are and help them make informed choices about their energy future,” said Andy Plenge, Vice President of Strategy and Energy Policy for ComEd. “By supporting adoption of heat pumps and other clean energy technologies through incentives and education, we’re working to ensure customers have access to solutions that support their energy goals.”
Discounts are available through the ComEd EE Program’s HH&C offering to help offset the upfront cost of heat pump installations and make the technology more accessible. Through partnerships with contractors and program implementers, ComEd helps customers take advantage of available incentives while learning more about their energy‑efficient options.
“The advancement of heat pump technology has made them a great solution for most homeowners, providing more customizable systems than traditional heating and cooling equipment provides. Dual fuel heat pumps are often the most compelling option for homeowners in Illinois because in milder weather, the heat pump handles most heating and cooling using less energy, which can lower utility bills and reduce emissions, while the furnace takes over during very cold periods when it is more cost-effective or necessary for comfort. This hybrid approach can help Illinois homeowners balance energy savings, comfort, and resilience in a climate with both hot summers and cold winters. ComEd has done a fantastic job working with contractors and customers to help educate and raise awareness of heat pump technology options,” said Paige Knutsen, Executive Director of the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, facilitator of the Midwest Heating and Cooling Collaborative.
Heat pumps are among the fastest‑growing heating and cooling technologies in the market, providing year‑round comfort while helping conserve energy. The ComEd EE Program supports customers at every stage of the decision‑making process by offering information, contractor coordination, and incentives that help make it easier for customers to determine whether an all‑electric or hybrid heat pump system is the right fit for their home or business.
Like many customers interested in heat pumps, Brian chose a hybrid, or dual‑fuel system, that combines a heat pump and a natural gas furnace, using each when it’s most effective. In these setups, the heat pump serves as the primary system for heating and cooling during much of the year, while the gas furnace can support when outdoor temperatures drop and conditions make it more efficient to do so. This approach allows customers to take advantage of heat pump efficiency and electric operation while retaining flexibility and familiarity with an existing heating system.
By reaching 20,000 heat pump installations across northern Illinois through the HH&C offering, ComEd continues to help customers modernize their homes, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and take advantage of efficient technologies.
Customers interested in learning more about heat pumps and available incentives for clean-energy options can explore the ComEd EE Program’s full range of offerings by visiting ComEd.com/WaystoSave. Business customers can see commercial offerings at ComEd.com/Biz.
