County upgrades library with cleaner heating tech

Pitkin County is swapping old gas boilers for a sleeker electric heat pump system at two key buildings. Instead of burning fuel to make heat, these pumps move existing warmth from the air outside into the rooms, cutting energy waste. The county expects this switch to slash greenhouse gases from its building network by more than a third. That’s a big step toward a bigger goal: slashing emissions 90 percent by mid-century.Officials decided the old boilers were ready to retire, so they looked for a smarter way to heat spaces that also lined up with climate targets. The new setup leans on the region’s cleaner electricity grid, using gas backup only on the coldest winter days. That means fewer fumes drifting from these buildings while keeping everyone warm. The project isn’t just about fixing what’s broken—it’s about proving that mountain towns can adopt modern heating without sacrificing comfort. Funding came from a state grant aimed at spotlighting how well electric heat pumps perform in high-altitude spots. Leaders hope other towns will follow this example, seeing it as proof that clean tech can handle tough climates. The library gets its upgrade in two parts: one phase wraps up by summer, the second in early fall. Both buildings stay open so visitors won’t even notice the work happening behind the scenes.