Beat the summer heat while saving on energy costs with discounted ductless heat pump systems through the Energize Olympia Program.
According to Climate Program Director Dr. Pamela Braff, ductless heat pump cooling and heating systems offer energy-efficient heating and cooling.
“They are like an alternative to your furnace or your air conditioner. They reduce energy consumption,” Braff explained.“They reduce greenhouse gas emissions. They provide heating in the winter, cooling in the summer.”
Braff explained that the program, launched in March, is a group purchase campaign, offering educational workshops and program-exclusive incentives for Olympia residents, and providing tools to overcome barriers in electrification and weatherization.
The campaign, supported by a partnership between Olympia, South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity, and Spark Northwest, aims to promote the community's energy-efficient heating and cooling systems.
Ductless heat pump systems, offered through this program, provide significant cost savings compared to traditional furnaces and air conditioners.
On average, homeowners can save 25-50% on their heating costs by upgrading to a ductless heat pump, according to Energize Olympia.
Energize Olympia Program shows a few ways to reduce the cost, including identifying any tax credits or cash rebates for which residents might be eligible. The program will also connect the residents with a vetted installer.
The program's other benefits include:
Homeowners can also take advantage of various incentives. Puget Sound Energy (PSE) offers rebates for ductless heat pumps, with standard rebates of $800 for single-family homes.
PSE's Efficiency Boost Program offers higher rebates on energy-efficient upgrades for manufactured homes ($2,400) and income-qualified customers ($2,400).
Through a Federal Tax Credit for Air Source Heat Pumps, a resident may be eligible for up to 30% of project cost or a maximum of $2,000 for systems purchased and installed between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2032.
The Energize Olympia Program has been hosting workshops since May, with the next event scheduled for July 17 from 6 to 7 pm. During the workshops, participants will learn about heat pumps, meet installers and gain a better understanding of the installation process.
Braff mentioned that interested participants must attend the workshop to be eligible for the incentives.
3 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
Coug66
Is the goal to save energy or stay warm in a northwest winter? We had a local firm install four Mitsubishi units in our home last fall. They have been fine air conditioners during this summer's heat but failed as a heat source in the winter. Luckily, we have a gas fired insert in the living room and a gas stove in the rec room. Without the two gas stoves, we would have been uncomfortably cold during the winter. I am not sold on the City's newest attempt at social engineering.
Tuesday, July 4, 2023 Report this
Yeti1981
Just replaced my furnace, but had to stick with gas. It was far cheaper and, like most people, we had to do what we could afford.
Wednesday, July 5, 2023 Report this
Callie
Our installer told us up front that we would need the existing gas furnace as a back-up heat source.
We never had air conditioning before, and we are happy - note: there is an annual cost of having the heat pump maintained, if you are clever you can clean the filters yourself.
Wednesday, July 12, 2023 Report this