Of all the energy-efficiency incentives Clark Public Utilities offers, heat pump and ductless heat pump rebates continue to be the most popular.
“That’s for good reason. Heat pumps offer year-round comfort and energy efficiency,” said Clark Public Utilities Energy Services Residential Programs Manager Trevor Frick. “When it comes to heating, they’re the most cost-effective climate control solution for electrically heated spaces. They also offer air conditioning, but that can reduce your overall annual energy savings.”
If you already have one, the experts at Clark Public Utilities recommend staying up on its maintenance to keep it running as long as possible. Replacements can be expensive. Plus, a newer system might only be slightly more efficient.
If you need a new one, here are things to keep in mind.
A good contractor will inspect the area that’s going to be heated, perform a load calculation to right-size the system and will guide you through your options. Be wary of “rules of thumb” or a recommendation to simply replace the old system with one of the same size.
When planning for a new heat pump, do your own research, but don’t worry about becoming an expert. An Energy Star certification and eligibility for a federal tax credit are good indicators of the system’s overall efficiency. Your contractor should explain the options and help identify the right fit.
That said, be sure to compare the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor 2 and the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2 rating values of the models you’re considering. A higher HSPF is the primary concern in the Pacific Northwest. A higher SEER2 is for hotter climates of the southern United States.
When working with a contractor, you’ll likely be offered a “good,” “better” or “best” system to install.
The “good” system should be at or above the federal minimum efficiency standard. It’ll also probably have a single-stage compressor that functions like a light switch — on or off. That means the system turns on to reach your desired temperature, goes off once it reaches it, then turns on again when the thermostat tells it to.
A “better” system will vary, but it’ll likely be somewhat more efficient than the base model and may have a two-speed compressor.
The “best” system adds the equivalent of a dimmer switch. The heat pump’s variable speed compressor will match the system’s output to your demand. It’ll run at the lowest speed possible to maintain the desired temperature. They run quieter and longer, but offer more comfortable interior temperatures and potentially greater efficiency than the others.
Clark Public Utilities offers rebates of up to $1,000 for a new heat pump and $800 for a ductless heat pump. Specific conditions apply. Visit clarkpublicutilities.com/rebates for more information.
Those rebates can be combined with a federal tax credit, which can cover up to 30 percent of the costs of a new heat pump. Visit energystar.gov/about/federal_tax_credits for full details.
“Take your time to find a reliable and reputable contractor,” Frick said. “Get at least three bids from different companies and compare each of their proposals, and make sure they’re in the Clark Public Utilities Contractor Network so you can qualify for a rebate from the utility.”
The Energy Adviser is written by Clark Public Utilities. Send questions to ecod@clarkpud.com or to Energy Adviser, c/o Clark Public Utilities, P.O. Box 8900, Vancouver, WA 98668 or call 360-992-3355 during business hours.
