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Ductless Heat Pumps

Warm up to savings

Although relatively new in the U.S., ductless heat pumps have been available internationally for more than 20 years. Ductless heat pumps provide heating and cooling to homes with no, or poorly operating, ductwork. Often referred to as a “mini split,” it consists of one outdoor heat exchanger unit and up to two separate, or “split,” units mounted on the interior wall.

Ductless heat pumps operate without ductwork, eliminating potential loss of energy from leaky or unsealed ducts, making your home more energy efficient and lowering energy costs.

Ductless heat pump benefits

  • Effective in low temperatures. Ductless heat pumps provide consistent heat when outside temperatures drop to 14° or lower. 
  • Quiet, comfort and control. Ductless heat pumps are quiet and compact, and can heat or cool individual rooms or zones—each controlled by its own thermostat. 
  • Better air quality. Ductless heat pumps have a built-in air filter, which can improve air quality in homes without ductwork. 
  • Save energy and money. Ductless heat pumps can cut heating costs by up to 40 percent, when compared to a standard electric furnace or electric baseboard heater.
  • Easy installation. Ductless heat pumps use no connecting ductwork, resulting in easier installation and less disruption in your home.

Energy Trust offers an $800 cash incentive per residence. A maximum of two indoor units allowed per outdoor unit. Only two outdoor units per residence. An incentive is not available if home exceeds these amounts.

To qualify for this incentive:

  • Residence must use electric resistance heat (examples include: baseboards, ceiling and wall heat or electric forced air furnaces) as the primary heat source. 
  • The ductless heat pump replaces the electric resistance heat in the main area of the home.* 
  • Unit must be inverter-driven with a minimum five-year warranty
  • Ductless heat pump line sets—the pipes that transfer coolant between the outdoor and indoor units and are wrapped with insulation to prevent heat loss—must be enclosed by the line set cover. To prevent insulation deterioration from the sun, Energy Trust recommends wrapping the insulation with UV tape.
  • Unit must be installed by a contractor who is trained by the manufacturer on the specific heat pump brand, and who attended a Northwest Ductless Heat Pump Project orientation webinar.

*Please note: newly built homes, new additions, homes with existing heat pumps, boilers or gas furnaces do not qualify for this incentive.

Portland General Electric customers can also receive an incentive of $200 for each outdoor unit.

Other Incentives
Moderate-income residents in Oregon who participate in Savings Within Reach are eligible to receive an increased cash incentive when a qualifying heat pump is installed by a participating contractor. Special requirements apply. See all available cash incentives for moderate-income residents.

Looking for additional heat pump information? Click here

Tax credits

Oregon Residential Energy Tax Credit: An Oregon tax credit may be available. View availability and requirements. Ask your tax professional for complete details.

Federal energy tax credit: A federal tax credit may be available. View availability and requirements. Ask your tax professional for complete details.

Oregon customers who heat their homes with electricity from Portland General Electric or Pacific Power can participate.

Homes with existing heat pumps, gas furnaces or boilers do not qualify.

  1. Establish your eligibility.
  2. Contact an Energy Trust trade ally contractor and have the work completed. To receive an Energy Trust cash incentive, contact an Energy Trust trade ally contractor or any contractor with a current Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) license.
  3. Submit your application within 90 days of installation. Often, your contractor will help you complete the application form. Mail or fax your signed and completed Form 320H along with your contractor's invoice—marked “paid in full”—to:

    Mail:
    Energy Trust of Oregon
    Existing Homes
    P.O. Box 40508
    Portland, OR 97240

    Fax: 1.866.516.7592

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

    Questions? Call us at 1.866.368.7878.

Apply online or mail or fax your completed Energy Trust Form 320H (PDF | Doc) along with your contractor’s invoice marked “paid in full.”