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See below for FAQ regarding:

General Questions about Heat Pumps

Types of Heat Pumps

Longevity of Heat Pumps

Financial Questions

Before and After Installations

Installers

Renters

GENERAL QUESTIONS ABOUT HEAT PUMPS

  • Heat pumps are highly efficient heating and cooling systems that move hot air from one place to another. If you have a refrigerator, you already have heat pump technology in your home! Heat pumps are powered by electricity and come in mainly two varieties: ductless (aka mini-split) and ducted (aka central, forced air) systems.

  • All heat pumps consist of several parts, including: An outdoor unit that contains a condensing coil, an inverter driven variable speed compressor, an expansion valve and a fan to cool the condenser coil. An indoor unit that contains an evaporator and a quiet oscillating fan to distribute air. Indoor units called “heads” can blow both hot and cool air. A refrigerant line-set that is made of insulated copper tubing and is housed in a conduit alongside a power cable, and a condensation drain.

  • It is a common misconception that heat pumps cannot perform at lower temperatures. Yes, there is a threshold for a heat pump’s efficiency, but the technology has massively improved in the past few decades. As long as your house is properly air-sealed and insulated, a heat pump can perform at 100% efficiency down to temperatures of 32 degrees Fahrenheit. It will continue to work at lower temperatures though at slightly decreased efficiency. Heat pumps are now a widespread heating and cooling solution in very cold states like Minnesota and Maine. Read more in THIS ARTICLE.

  • Ductless systems are up to three times more efficient than baseboard, wall heat or electric furnaces. Ducted systems have variable efficiency depending on the quality and efficiency of your current duct system.

  • On average, most modern heat pump outdoor units have a sound rating around 60 decibels, equivalent to a moderate rainfall or normal conversation.

Additional FAQ below.

  • A ductless heat pump, or DHP, does not require the use of air ducts to distribute air. Ductless systems consist of an outdoor compressor unit and one or more indoor heads in common living area(s). Indoor heads are typically mounted high on a wall and each one can be controlled independently by remote control.

    Ducted heat pump systems are similar, but the indoor unit is attached to an air handler that forces the hot air through your central duct system. They are controlled with a thermostat.

  • An installer will be able to provide the most informed solution for your home based on your energy goals, home size, room configuration and more. Typically, ductless heat pumps are a great upgrade for homes with electric baseboard heating, radiant heating, wood stove heating, leaky ducts, or uneven heating. On the other hand, a ducted system may be better for your home if you want to use your existing furnace system or plan to replace an existing ducted heat pump.

  • Ductless systems are sized to meet the heating and cooling needs of a home’s individual zones. There is a great deal of flexibility when it comes to system sizing as one indoor unit can provide between ¾ and 2½ tons of heating and cooling depending on its BTU capacity rating.

  • Residential ductless heating and cooling systems were developed in Japan in the 1970s and have since become a preferred heating and cooling system throughout Asia and much of Europe. In the United States, ductless systems have been used in commercial applications for over 20 years. Ducted heat pump systems are less common but have a strong history as well.

  • With proper maintenance and care, a heat pump system should perform for over 20 years. Many of the systems installed during the 1980s are still functioning well today.

  • Typically, an installed ductless system costs between $15,000-$20,000. Ducted systems often require more custom solutions, and the cost will increase depending on your home’s needs. But, Energy Smart Eastside will reduce that cost in a few ways. Energy Smart Eastside will help you identify any tax credits or cash rebates that you might be eligible for. The program will also connect you with vetted installers, providing you time savings and peace of mind. The final cost will vary from case to case, but could be hundreds or even thousands of dollars lower.

  • Visit the How It Works page (and scroll down) to see a summary of available incentives.

  • Ductless systems can save 25-50% in heating costs over traditional electric heating systems. On average, a single family home with a ductless heat pump will save 3,500 kWh annually. At $0.09 per kWh, a ductless upgrade can save you approximately $315 per year. A ducted system will perform similarly or with less efficiency depending on the quality of your duct system.

  • Yes! Just keep in mind that while this program is open to renters, they must be in single family homes, and get their landlords sign off in approving the heat pump installation!

  • There are two selected installers for this program: Resicon LLC and

  • The installers were selected by Skyway and White Center community members through a competitive Request for Qualifications process.

  • Yes, all decision makers in the home should be present for the site assessment. They can be very flexible with the site visit scheduling too.

  • A ductless system consists of an outdoor unit, an indoor head, and a remote control for easy temperature control. Connecting the outdoor unit to the indoor head requires only a three-inch hole in the wall for installation, eliminating the need for expensive and invasive ductwork. A ductless installation is hassle-free and can be completed in less than one day.

    A ducted system consists of an outdoor unit, an indoor air handler, and a thermostat for easy temperature control. Ductwork may need to be completed to ensure the heat pump is compatible with your central system. An installer will be able to provide additional information on what to expect for your home’s heat pump installation process.

  • Heat pumps require basic maintenance to ensure optimum performance. In most cases maintenance is limited to keeping filters and coils clean. These tasks can easily be performed by the homeowner. With proper maintenance and care, heat pump systems should perform for over 20 years. Many of the systems installed during the 1980’s are still functioning well today.

  • This is a common misconception. Electricity is required to keep the furnace fan running and execute a number of other necessary functions explained further in THIS ARTICLE.

  • Some homeowners choose to completely remove old, inefficient systems, and permanently close off leaking ducts. While a ductless system can be used as a primary heat source, homeowners will sometimes opt to keep their existing electric heating units as supplementary heating in case of extreme weather conditions or for use in hard-to-reach extremities of the home. Home energy and performance audits may be conducted to determine what is the best choice for you.