There's been quite a bit of chatter around heat pumps, especially since Premier Danielle Smith claimed they aren't efficient enough to work in cold climates.

This Saturday, the Cochrane Environment Action Committee (CEAC) invites you to find out more about the technology and decide for yourself. The free session begins at 2:30 p.m. at the Frank Wills Memorial Hall, 405 1 St. E., as part of their Living Sustainably Series.

Heat pumps had failed to gain much attention from the public until changes in climate, improved technology and government rebates brought them to the forefront. That's lead to the current debate over their value, especially in colder climates like Alberta.

What is a heat pump? What are the misconceptions? What size, model, should you consider? How much does a system cost? What is the typical payback? Are they effective in cold snaps? These are among the discussion points of guest speaker Matthew Kramer, of Horizon Heating and Air Conditioning.

"Just like solar panels and EV's, there's probably all kinds of misconceptions," says CEAC president Tim Giese. "It doesn't help when Daniel Smith goes on and says that they don't work in Alberta. I'm sure they do, and you know, the technology, just like all the other things, is evolving very quickly."

Kramer has recently returned from a major heating and air conditioning trade show in Chicago.

"He's got the latest pop-on air conditioning, heat pumps and stuff like that, so we're quite excited to have him come out and talk about this."

The session continues with information on EnerGuide Home Energy Evaluations by Gino Furano, from VerdaTech.

Some information may be presented on the Greener Homes grants and loans program of the federal government. With news coming down the pipe that this program is wrapping up, though, it may be brief or eliminated altogether, says Giese.

Although the session is free, advance registration is encouraged so the organizers have enough resources in place, like seating, coffee, and cookies.

You can register here.