Outage Map
By Ryan Davies
CEC Director of Customer & Energy Services
With summer in full swing, it is boiling outside, and for many of you, it is not much cooler inside your home. With the hot weather of summer, the thought of purchasing a cooling system has been at the forefront of many minds. The typical go-to choices are the standard in-window air conditioning unit or central air conditioning system, but there are other options to consider.
Air source heat pumps! Yes, heat pumps have the ability to efficiently provide cooling and heating. The 2 common options are a ductless heat pump and a heat pump that would work in conjunction with your central heating system. Both options have their strengths.
Consider a ductless heat pump if your home is currently heated by in-wall cadets, baseboards, radiant floor/ceiling, or even a home with an electric furnace. Ductless systems thrive in relatively moderately sized homes that have somewhat open floorplans. That being said, you can put multiple indoor units in different areas of your home as well.
A traditional air source heat pump that works in conjunction with your central heating system is a great option if you already have a central heating system with ductwork. The existing system can be adapted, modified, and upgraded to accept a heat pump.
With either system you will be cool and comfortable this summer, and next winter you will enjoy the comfort and savings of a heating system that is potentially more than 2 times as efficient as your current system. The greater up front cost can be potentially offset by cash incentives.
CEC has cash incentive programs designed to help pay for heat pump systems. This makes it a great time to consider this efficient way of heating your home. The amount of the incentive depends on the efficiency and type of system installed.
To learn more, visit the following CEC program pages:
*Check with your tax professional to determine State of Oregon Tax Credit eligibility.