For Massachusetts homeowners, choosing to install a heat pump system can save significant amounts of money while drastically lowering your carbon footprint. With recent incentives put in place, the popularity of heat pumps has risen sharply.
What are the Incentives?
If you are a Massachusetts resident, you can benefit from tremendous rebates provided by MassSave. For customers who install heat pumps as their sole source of heating and cooling, they may be eligible for rebates up to $10,000. Because sufficient weatherization is so important for the effectiveness of heat pumps, there is an additional $500 bonus rebate for customers who utilize the Home Energy Assessments.
Is Massachusetts too cold for heat pumps?
At one point in time, this was indeed true. However, as technology has advanced, this no longer applies to most of the northeast. According to Consumer Reports, The Department of Energy divides the United States into eight climate zones, with the higher numbers having the colder winters. Modern heat pumps can provide sufficient heat for homes through zone 6. Zones 7 and 8 include the northern parts of North Dakota, Maine, Minnesota, Alaska, Wisconsin and Michigan and would likely need a backup heating system. Massachusetts is in zone 6 and is therefore not too cold for heat pumps to be the sole heating and cooling system for homes.
Are there other benefits to choosing a heat pump?
- There are a variety of different heat pump systems you can choose from; ductless heat pumps, ducted air source heat pumps, geothermal heat pumps, and absorption heat pumps.
- Heat pumps are extremely efficient. This means you can save significant money on your energy bills over the years.
- Heat pumps provide both heating and cooling so you do not need multiple systems in place.
- Heat pumps are considered safer than gas or oil furnaces since there is no danger from natural gas, oil or propane byproducts.
- With efficiency comes lower carbon emissions which is much more environmentally friendly.
Final thoughts
Each home is unique and there is not a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to HVAC systems. Having a trained professional evaluate your space, needs and budget can help you make the best decision for you and your family. Regardless of whether you choose a heat pump or not, ensuring you have proper insulation will make your home more comfortable and energy efficient. In fact, according to MassSave, properly insulating your home can cut your heating and cooling costs by an average of 20%.
If your question isn’t answered here, contact the Pierce Refrigeration team, and one of our experts will guide you in finding your solution.
Need 24-7 emergency service? Looking for advice on improving your everyday air quality and comfort at home and work? Contact the friendly staff at Pierce Refrigeration at 800-696-1088 or info@piercerefrig.com.