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Tuesday, March 19, 2024
March 19, 2024

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Energy adviser: Points to weigh with heat pumps

The Columbian
Published:

Heating and cooling chews up half of your energy dollars. Upgrading a heating and ventilation system is a major expense involving several decisions and trade-offs. It pays to pick a good technology. However, what you start out considering as your solution often may not turn out to be the one for your home.

That’s what Francine Murphy of Vancouver found out when she decided last summer to upgrade her heating system. Heat pump technology was what she wanted to go with because she’d also gain the benefit of cooling during August and September, often the hottest time of the year around here. “For 17 years, we had no cooling in our home,” said Murphy. “Summer cooling would be nice.”

She spoke with one of Clark Public Utilities’ energy counselors about the pros and cons of each. Murphy wanted the best comfort solution for her family of four. Because her home used wall heaters, she learned that she could improve her heating efficiency and reduce heating costs by installing some form of heat pump technology.

Heat pumps operate like air conditioners with a reverse cycle for heating. This means they can cool homes in summer and heat them in winter. The savings a heat pump delivers depends on the heat pump efficiency, and on how it’s installed. Clark Public Utilities offers a $250 to $750 rebate on the installation of a heat pump, depending on its level of efficiency. The utility also offers loans for heat pumps.

With information in hand, she turned to the Clark Public Utilities Contractor Network. This list of local contractors provides services and products eligible for utility incentives. Murphy invited All About Air Heating and Cooling to evaluate her home, listen to her needs and help determine which heating technology offered the comfort she wanted for her home.

While not a requirement, no matter which style of heat pump she selected, the customer knew she wanted the wall heaters removed. Lenny Hewitt, owner of All About Air, hired a subcontractor to pull the old heaters out and Sheetrock over the holes. “The entire installation took about a week, because the old heaters had to be removed and the Sheetrocking and texturing done,” Murphy said.

Hewitt pointed out that ductless heat pump technology would give Murphy’s 2,700-square-foot home lots of zone control, making the comfort of every room adjustable. There was something else to consider, however. Obtaining this zone control in a larger older home would require more than one ductless heat pump. Her home would need multiple ductless heads on the walls of the home, as well as wiring outside of the home to connect each head.

Standard approach

Looking at all options, Murphy decided zone control wasn’t that important to her. That decision also meant the home wouldn’t have multiple ductless heat pump heads on the walls. Hewitt explained that should zone control become important, she could add it to her system later.

All About Air installed a standard heat pump system, placing one part of the unit outside and the air handler in the attic above the garage. Air handlers contain a blower that circulates warm or cool air through the house ducting. During severe winter weather, when heat pumps are not able to operate at their optimum efficiency, a heating element in the handler serves as a backup heating system, Hewitt said.

Hewitt finished the Murphy residence just before this year’s nearly monthlong heat wave of 90 degrees. “It felt so good to be cool during August,” Murphy said.

Customers considering upgrading their electric heating system can call a Clark Public Utilities energy counselor Monday-Friday during business hours at 360-992-3355 or contact a local contractor participating in the utility’s Contractor Network for a recommendation.


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.

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