Summer is officially here and the temps are rising, but a heat pump can help keep your home comfy and safe. Here are five tips for getting an efficient heat pump that can cool and heat your home:
#1: Get 2-3 quotes from local reputable installers
Find a contractor here who can perform an energy audit and give you a detailed estimate for a system that’s properly sized for your home, as well as other weatherization upgrades that will optimize your home for comfort and energy savings. This Electrify Now handout about how to find a good HVAC contractor has some good tips!
#2: Act soon to take advantage of available incentives that reduce the cost of a heat pump by up to $4,500
The IRA tax credits that provide up to $2,000 off the cost of a heat pump are on the chopping block, so we recommend you install a heat pump soon if you’ve been thinking about it. The Oregon Heat Pump Purchase Program, which provides a $2,000 heat pump incentive, is currently accepting applications—get started by contacting one more of their approved contractors. You can bundle these incentives with Energy Trust discounts!
#3: Explore no- and low-cost options for income-quaified households
If you income qualify, there are options available for free or discounted heating and cooling. From Cooling Portland, a program that connects vulnerable low-income Portlanders with free portable heat pumps, to Verde Builds, who can help you replace your old electric heating with a ductless heat pump, there are several programs available to keep your home cool and safe. See our full list of no- and low-cost options here.
#4: Are you a renter? Consider a portable room heat pump
Portable heat pumps are DIY-installed and plug into a standard 120V outlet. They can cool your room or small apartment and also provide heat that’s 2-3 more efficient than electric resistance heating. A great option for renters, because you can take it with you if you move. Check out Electrify Now’s handout on Room Heat Pumps for more info.
#5: Have a heat pump or AC? Check out these tips for how to use it effectively during extreme heat.
If you’re fortunate enough to have cooling in your home already, maintaining your system and changing filters, blocking sunlight with external blinds or blackout curtains, and using fans to circulate cool air in your home are some of the ways you can get the most out of your system and reduce strain on the power grid. Read Scientific American’s article on how to keep your home cool in extreme heat.