Workshops offer discounted heat pumps for Olympia residents

Some households will qualify for free ductless heating and cooling systems

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Olympia residents have opportunities for steep discounts aimed at minimizing energy use and converting away from natural gas. 

Through the Energize Olympia program, the city is holding free educational workshops in August and September on heat pumps, energy savings, and financial incentives to boost home energy efficiency.

Now in its second year, the Energize Olympia 2024 program is an initiative to promote energy-efficient ductless heat pumps through a group purchase campaign. The program, a partnership between the city and South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity, is a part of the city's broader climate action efforts by transforming households into a healthier, affordable, resilient, and less carbon-intensive environment.

The program offers a 10% group purchase discount, providing savings of up to $1,200 off qualified ductless heat pump equipment. Additionally, the first 50 participants can receive an $800 rebate.

The program provides a free heat pump and installation for income-qualified households, making it highly accessible.

Participants will receive free site assessment and installation services from a vetted and reliable installer. The streamlined process ensures a hassle-free experience, with dedicated customer support throughout.

The program also guides relevant incentives and financing options, helping participants maximize their savings.

Meanwhile, Puget Sound Energy (PSE) provides various incentives to encourage the adoption of energy-efficient electric heat pumps. It offers rebates for replacing inefficient electric heating systems with electric heat pumps.

In addition, PSE's Efficiency Boost program provides enhanced incentives of $2,400 for manufactured homes and income-qualified customers to switch to electric heat pumps.

Other incentives include a $2,000 tax credit from the Inflation Reduction Act.

To qualify for the Energize Olympia program's discount and incentives, a participant must register for one of the three upcoming workshops:

  • August 21, 6-7 p.m. via Zoom)
  • September 10, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Capital High School at 2707 Conger Ave. NW, WA 98502. Also available online.
  • September 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Olympia Timberland Library at 313 8th Ave SE, Olympia, WA 98501. Also available online.

Those looking for more information may check the city's Heat Pump ⁠FAQ page

This year, the city aims to engage at least 550 residents through educational workshops and install 150 ductless heat pump systems.

In 2023, Energize Olympia engaged more than 250 community members through its outreach efforts, resulting in 67 electric heat pump installations, including 22 fully subsidized installations for low- to moderate-income households.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This article was written by a human reporter with some assistance from artificial intelligence. Our team carefully reviewed and edited all information to ensure accuracy and relevance.  

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