The heat pump has been around since the 70's. Though it provides heating and cooling more efficiently for less cost than traditional systems, it has become widespread in the recent energy crunch. Warm and cool temperature control is achieved through the use of refrigeration technology, without fuel combustion.

Zoned air temperature control is a new development that compliments the efficiency of the heat pump in tandem. This sort of zoning control utilizes a programmable multi-zone thermostat which controls airflow to rooms or zones with motorized venting. For example,  rooms on the south side of the house, where the sunlight penetrates the windows between 11:00 AM until 6:30 PM, would be programmed to receive more of the cool air, while rooms on the opposite side, where it is cooler, would be apportioned less of the flow.

The efficiency of a heat pump also relies on the gap between interior and exterior temperatures. The larger this gap the less efficient it is in providing temperature control. Especially in providing warm air when exterior temperature is much colder. For this reason, newer homes that are well insulated (R-20 plus, insulated glass) are better equipped to accommodate the heat pump. Zoned control also adds to the comfort and profitability in energy savings of the heat pump. Especially since this system contributes much less to the carbon footprint.