A white background with a few lines on it

Cold Climate Heat Pumps

24 Hour Emergency Service Available

  • A large air conditioner is sitting on the side of a brick building.

    Slide titl


A white background with a few lines on it

Contact Us Today

By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from Air Max at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy

A white background with a few lines on it

Cold Climate Heat Pumps in St. Cloud, MN

Cold climate heat pumps in St. Cloud, MN give homeowners one system for heating and cooling that is designed to keep producing heat well below freezing. Air Max Refrigeration, Heating & Air Conditioning installs and services cold climate systems in both ducted and ductless mini-split configurations, so there is an option whether your home has ductwork or not.

Ducted and Ductless Cold Climate Heat Pump Options

A cold climate air source heat pump works like a standard heat pump, moving heat from the outdoor air into your home in winter and reversing in summer to cool it. The difference is that cold climate models are engineered to keep operating efficiently at much lower outdoor temperatures.


Both system types are available in cold climate versions:

Ducted cold climate heat pumps

Connect to your home's existing ductwork to heat and cool every room, and are often paired with a furnace for backup heat in extreme cold.

Ductless cold climate heat pumps

 A ductless mini-split system connects an outdoor unit to indoor units, ideal for homes without ductwork or hard-to-heat rooms.

We help you choose between ducted and ductless, recommend equipment suited to your home, install the system, and provide ongoing heat pump repair and maintenance.

What to Know Before You Upgrade

Every heat pump produces less heat and runs less efficiently as outdoor temperatures fall. Cold climate models hold more of their capacity in low temperatures, but during the coldest stretches, most Central Minnesota homes still benefit from a backup heat source, such as a furnace or electric heat.


Timing matters, too.
Minnesota Power currently offers a $1,000 rebate on qualifying ducted systems and a $1,000 rebate on qualifying ductless systems for eligible residential customers. Equipment must be purchased and installed between January 1 and December 31, 2026, by a participating contractor, and the rebate cannot exceed 75% of the project cost.

Why Choose Air Max for Your Cold Climate Heat Pump?

As Trane Comfort Specialists, our team is trained and equipped to install and service both ducted and ductless cold climate systems. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and offer financing options to help you plan your upgrade.

Ready for a heat pump built for Minnesota winters? 📞 Call 320-252-5602 for your free estimate.

Serving St. Cloud, Cold Spring, Sartell & Central Minnesota

Based in Cold Spring, we serve homeowners throughout St. Cloud, Sartell, and the surrounding Central Minnesota communities. Our experience with how local homes hold up through long winters helps us recommend a setup that fits the way your home heats.

Cold Climate Heat Pump FAQs

  • Do cold climate heat pumps work in Minnesota winters?

    Yes. Cold climate heat pumps are designed to keep heating at very low outdoor temperatures, though their heat output and efficiency decline as it gets colder. Low-temperature performance varies by model, and many Central Minnesota homes keep a backup heat source for the coldest days.

  • Can a cold climate heat pump replace my furnace?

    In some homes, yes, but many homeowners keep their furnace as backup in a dual fuel setup. The heat pump handles most of the heating, and the furnace takes over in extreme cold. Whether an all-electric system makes sense depends on your home's heat loss, insulation, and system size.

  • Are ductless mini-splits available in cold climate models?

    Yes. Many ductless mini-split systems come in cold climate versions, which makes them a practical option for homes without ductwork or for adding comfort to specific rooms.

  • How is a cold climate heat pump different from a standard heat pump?

    Both work the same way, moving heat between your home and the outdoor air. A cold climate model is engineered to keep heating efficiently at much lower outdoor temperatures, while a standard heat pump loses capacity sooner as it gets colder and relies more on backup heat.

  • How much does a cold climate heat pump cost?

    Cost depends on whether you choose a ducted or ductless system, the size of your home, the number of indoor units, and any ductwork or electrical updates needed. Contact us for an estimate based on your home and to learn about our financing options.

A white background with a few lines on it

Schedule a Cold Climate Heat Pump Estimate in St. Cloud, MN

Upgrading to cold climate heat pumps in St. Cloud, MN is easier with a team that installs both ducted and ductless systems. Air Max Refrigeration, Heating & Air Conditioning can help you compare options, find the right fit for your home, and plan your installation.


📞 
Call 320-252-5602 to schedule your free cold climate heat pump estimate with Air Max.

A white background with a few lines on it

"Very Impressed"

This company rocks. They are dependable, reasonable, and 24/7. I had Brandon out once, and was so impressed with the service on my AC at 10:30 pm on a Saturday night, that I request him every time now. Also referred him to friends and they were thrilled with the quality too.

- Amy B.

"Prompt and Professional"

Air Max installed a heating and AC unit in a few hours. They were very respectful, cleaned up their workspace when they were finished, and were very knowledgeable. I would recommend them to anyone I know!

- Susan M.

"Amazing Customer Service"

We used Air Max to install mini-splits in our cabin. The team at air max was incredible to work with - Air Max is one of the best. USE THEM!

- Brad W.

"Great Service"

Put new boiler in my son's infloor heat system. They knew what they were doing. System works great now. Couldn't find anyone else to replace it. Great people.

- Dave H.

"Amazing Job"

Air Max did an amazing job installing our new AC. They were able to install our new system the next day. New unit is so quiet and smaller than our old one. Thank you so much.

- Sara D.

"Air Max is Awesome!"

Always prompt and friendly, and really stand behind their work. I have been working with Keith and the crew for years and they always come through and save the day.

- Dotz P.

"Highly Recommend"

Air Max was super helpful in answering all my questions. The guys that came out were professional and knowledgeable and they cleaned up after they were done like they weren’t even there. Highly recommended company.

- Waltz J.

"Remarkable Service"

Remarkable service. I've heard many people say good things about Air Max and I felt good about my invoice. I didn't feel ripped off. The tech was able to show me what was wrong and fixed it. We have heat again!

- S. T.

A white background with a few lines on it

Need Immediate Assistance?

Our team is ready to offer emergency service for times when your HVAC system breaks down unexpectedly. Get in contact us with us for help.

Contact Us
Family of four smiling and laughing on a couch, enclosed in a red arch.
A white background with a few lines on it

Why Choose Air Max?

Benefits of Working with Our HVAC Experts

Hablamos Español

Hablamos Español

Trane Comfort Specialists

A black and white icon of a house with a thermometer and a snowflake.

Fully Trained & Equipped

Blue and red arrows in a circle on a white background
A black and white silhouette of a map with a pin on it.

Locally Owned & Operated

A hand is holding a heart free icon

Honest Work with Integrity

A 24/7 service icon with two arrows in a circle.

24/7 Quality Service