Heat Pumps

Heat pump cash incentives

Qualifying high-efficiency electric heat pumps provide year-round comfort by heating your home in winter and cooling it in summer—not to mention increasing your home’s energy efficiency and saving you money. Some helpful tips for getting the most from your new heat pump include:

  • Install a programmable thermostat for your heat pump to maximize comfort and energy savings
  • Ask your contractor to help you determine what size heat pump you need
  • Seal and insulate your duct system when you replace your heating equipment to prevent unintended heat loss
  • Have your contractor show you how to operate your heat pump; follow the manufacturer’s service and maintenance guidelines (five-year check-ups are usually adequate)

Energy Trust offers cash for installing high-efficiency heat pumps. Read more below about applying for cash incentives and hiring a contractor: 

Energy Trust Incentives

Option 1: If you currently have an old heat pump or non-electric heat (If you currently have electric resistance heat, see Option 2)

High-efficiency heat pump: $200
Minimum efficiency HSPF 8.8, on units 5 tons or greater
OR
Premium efficiency heat pump: $250
Minimum efficiency HSPF 9.0 or greater, any size unit

Option 2: If you currently have electric resistance heat (electric furnaces or baseboard heat)

High-efficiency heat pump: $400
Minimum efficiency HSPF 8.8, on units 5 tons or greater
OR
Premium efficiency heat pump: $450
Minimum efficiency HSPF 9.0 or greater, any size unit

Option 3: Multiple-improvement bonus package—up to $1,335

Maximize your cash back and energy savings! Get a $300 bonus when you combine heat pump optimization, plus duct testing and sealing, with a premium-efficiency electric heat pump.

Multiple-improvement packages must be installed by a participating Energy Trust trade ally. Incentives must be applied for simultaneously and each additional upgrade must be installed within 90 days of the first improvement project.

Here’s how it works:

Premium-efficiency heat pump: up to $450

Heat pump optimization: $150
(CheckMe! diagnostic testing)

Duct testing and sealing: up to $435
(Performed with a Duct Blaster)

Heat Pump Premium Installation Package: $300 bonus
To receive this bonus in addition to standard cash incentives, you must install a high-efficiency heat pump upgrade or replace your electric furnace with a qualifying unit, perform CheckMe! analysis commissioning and complete duct sealing, per Energy Trust guidelines.

Note: Energy Trust no longer pays incentives for gas furnaces that are used as backup for high-efficiency heat pumps, also known as hybrid systems. We do pay incentives for qualified heat pumps.

Incentive offer is subject to availability of funding and may change.

Tax Credits

Oregon Residential Energy Tax Credit: up to $430
Heat pump must meet Oregon tax credit criteria; see Oregon Department of Energy or your accountant for complete details.

Federal energy tax credit: 30 percent of cost, up to $1,500. See rules and requirements.

Oregon customers heating their homes with electricity or natural gas from Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural or Cascade Natural Gas can participate. If you are eligible, schedule a one-hour Home Energy Review to identify energy saving opportunities in your home. Or consider a Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® assessment for comprehensive recommendations.

Homes that heat with oil, propane, kerosene, butane or wood can conduct their own energy audit and apply for cash rebates for installed weatherization upgrades through the Oregon Department of Energy's SHOW (State Home Oil Weatherization) program.

Energy Trust does not pay incentives for energy-efficient improvements that are mandated for building code compliance, such as remodeling, renovation or new additions to the home.

Follow these easy steps to get cash for installing a high-efficiency heat pump in your home:

1: Establish your eligibility.

2: Select a contractor and have the work done.
To receive an Energy Trust cash incentive, contact a quality, energy-efficiency trained Energy Trust trade ally contractor or any contractor with a current Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) license.

If you plan to apply for the Heat Pump Premium Installation Package , you must also install duct sealing and work with a trade ally contractor to install both upgrades.

3: Sign and submit your application form within 90 days of installation. Often, your contractor will help you complete the application form. Mail or fax your signed and completed incentive application form along with your contractor's invoice—marked “paid in full”—to:

Mail:
Energy Trust of Oregon
Home Energy Solutions
P.O. Box 847
Portland, OR 97207

Fax: 1.866.516.7592

Please allow six to eight weeks for incentive processing and payment.

Questions? Call us at 1.866.368.7878.

Please mail or fax Energy Trust Form 320H (along with your contractor’s invoice marked “paid in full”) to receive cash back for heat pump improvements.

You may choose to submit Form 320H or Form 300A. If you submit Form 300A, you are required to also submit a customized invoice that includes energy-efficiency information in addition to installation costs and materials, and a CheckMe! or Performance Testing Comfort Systems (PTCS) data sheet, if applicable.