Arctic Cold Tests Heat Pumps
A Boston Globe article from February 8th provides a good summary of how heat pumps performed in Massachusetts during the extreme cold that occurred on the previous weekend. It was a stress test in which many were interested in seeing how well heat pumps would operate. Overall, heat pumps performed very well. As with many heat pump installers, Ace Energy Services received very few calls. A Mass Save spokesperson said, “We can’t imagine a better demonstration of how heat pump technologies can perform than during last weekend’s weather.”
Extreme Cold Operation Tip
It is best to think of a heat pump remote or thermostat as a comfort meter rather than an exact expectation of degrees. One important tip for operating heat pumps in very cold conditions is to run the fan at high speed if it is not meeting the set temperature. This will provide more heat.
Ducted, Ductless, Pump Systems and Mixed Heat
When deciding on heat pumps for a home, there are basically three different system types. The first that most are familiar with is the all ductless approach. These are typically wall units, floor units, or ceiling cassettes. Ductless units work best in larger rooms or open-concept floors where the kitchen, living, and dining rooms are connected. They often work well in large master bedrooms. Where they do not perform best is smaller bedrooms. The heating and cooling loads are simply too low for even the smallest ductless unit currently.
Ducted heat pumps can be installed to replace furnaces where there are already duct systems in a home or they can be installed with a new duct system. These systems work very well to distribute conditioned air (heat or AC) properly to all rooms regardless of room size.
Mixed heat pump systems are designed for homes that use both ductless units and ducted systems. A common example is using ductless units for the first floor and a ducted system to supply the bedrooms on the second floor. This ensures comfort throughout the home.
Mass Save Incentive Programs
Renovations and Additions
Incentives for homeowners and their builders who are going through renovations and/or additions of existing single-family homes and multi-family buildings, three stories or less. If energy upgrades are substantial the incentive can be as high as $10,000. A certified HERS Rater can do a preliminary energy model and report to estimate savings.
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Residential New Construction – Low Rise
Incentives for builders or owners who are building and designing single-family homes or multi-family buildings that are three stories or less.
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All Electric Homes
Incentives for builders or owners who are building and designing high-performing, all-electric single-family or 2–4-unit homes. There are two levels of incentives. Level 1 can yield $15,000 and level 2 can be up to $25,000 for a single-family home. A certified HERS Rating will enroll the home in the program and is necessary to help meet these levels. Two, three, and four-unit dwellings provide substantial incentives as well.
Heat Pumps for Heating & Cooling – Residential & Business
Mass Save is making the purchase and installation of energy-efficient heat pumps much more affordable for homeowners and businesses who install heat pumps to supplement or replace pre-existing oil, propane, natural gas, or electric resistance heating systems. Mass Save provides a Whole Home incentive of $10,000 and a Partial Home incentive of $1,250 per ton (12,000 BTUs). A weatherization assessment must be done prior to the heat pump installation.
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Income Eligible Residential Programs
Two income-based programs are available that offer significant incentives. Both start with a no-cost Home Energy Assessment and offer discounted or no-cost products and services.
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Heat Loan Program
Starting in 2023 heat loans are increased from $25,000 to $50,000.
Water Heaters, Appliances, & More Rebates
Municipal Electric & Gas Companies
A good place to start with most municipal electric and gas companies is with Abode Energy Management which assists municipalities with heat pump programs. Their website has links to many municipalities and provides step-by-step instructions on how to proceed when considering heat pumps.
Mass DOER
Mass Department of Energy Resources Alternative Energy Credits program offers incentives for alternative electricity technologies such as heat pumps and geothermal systems. It is a market-based program that has rebounded recently and now pays significant incentives for different size homes.
Next Step Solutions – Indoor Air Quality
EPA Interactive Indoor Air Quality House
Many homeowners have found that monitoring indoor air quality provides a great deal of very useful information about the air quality in different parts of their homes. Monitoring different floors of a home simultaneously over a week or a month reveals air quality patterns that can be analyzed, allowing for corrective actions to be taken.
Indoor Air Quality parameters are continuously recorded, and data is collected from Ace Energy Service’s office. Reports that include graphs with descriptions are emailed to the homeowner.
Ventilation can be controlled by monitoring devices. For example, if CO2 levels were high in a bedroom, a fan or recovery ventilation device can be activated to bring the CO2 level down into a healthy range. Measured parameters are Temperature, Humidity, Carbon Dioxide, Volatile Organic Compounds, and Particulate Matter.
Get a quick glimpse of some of the most important ways to protect the air in your home by touring the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) House.
Heat Pump Annual Maintenance Service
Ace Energy Services, Inc. provides annual service on heat pumps, selected furnaces, and boilers as well as ventilation equipment. Feel free to contact us for a service agreement.