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Ducted Heat Pumps and Advanced Controls

$250-$3,000 cash incentive

Ducted heat pumps are an energy-efficient alternative to electric furnaces and zonal electric heat. Since heat pumps use electricity to move heat, instead of generate heat, they are much more efficient than conventional electric heating systems.

Heat pump advanced controls allow heating systems to operate more efficiently, instead of allowing electric auxiliary heat to kick in. Contractor-installed advanced controls can be added to both existing and new heat pumps and ensure equipment is operating in the most efficient manner possible.

Extended capacity heat pumps (ECHPs) operate the same way as standard heat pumps and provide year-round comfort and save considerable energy by moving heat in or out of your residence, depending on the season. The advantage of this technology is that extended capacity heat pumps can operate at freezing temperatures without engaging inefficient backup heating systems, saving you even more in the winter months.

To get started on your energy-efficient upgrade follow the steps below or contact a program representative.

  1. Establish your eligibility.

    Read More >
    • Property’s heating must be provided by Portland General Electric or Pacific Power.
    • Cash incentives are available to all Oregon multifamily attached residential properties with two or more units including: duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes; side-by-side units; and stacked structures with five or more units. For specific incentives based on your building type see the “Details” tab for further eligibility requirements.
    • Energy-saving improvements must meet program requirements.
  2. Find a trade ally contractor or work with your own contractor.

    We can help you get started.

  3. Install equipment that meets the requirements listed on the Details tab.

  4. Complete and submit an incentive application with supporting documentation.

    • Proof of payment (invoice or receipt marked paid) and/or contractor’s invoice
    • A W-9 or Substitute W-9 form is required for investment properties.
    • Energy Trust must receive applications within 90 days from the date of purchase and installation.

    Download Application (PDF) Download Application (Doc)

    Send by Mail

    Energy Trust of Oregon
    Existing Multifamily Program
    111 SW Columbia St., Suite 945
    Portland, OR 97201

    Send by Fax
    503.243.1154

  5. Get your incentive.

    You should receive a cash incentive check within 6-8 weeks after all information is received.

    Note: A post-installation verification may be required.

Review the incentive application equipment specifications and requirements before starting your project.

For side-by-side or duplex, triplex, fourplex properties only Incentive Requirements
Ducted Heat Pump $1,000 per unit

Equipment must be rated at 7.5 HPSF2. Must be residence’s primary heat source and replace electric forced air furnace. Energy Trust recommends electric auxiliary heat be locked out by thermostat at 35°F or per manufacturer’s recommended energy saving setting. Thermostat must either have an outdoor temperature sensor or be a qualified web-enabled model that is connected to the internet. Cannot be combined with other heat pump, heat pump controls or smart thermostat incentives.

Heat Pump Advanced Controls $250 per unit

Must be added to a replacement heat pump or an existing heat pump with electric furnace auxiliary electric forced air furnace heat. Heat pump must be home’s primary heat source. See qualifying models. Thermostat lockout settings must be set to 35°F. Cannot be combined with other heat pump, heat pump controls or smart thermostat incentives.

Extended capacity heat pump $1,000 per unit

Must be a primary heating source in a central ducted system. Heat pump cannot have a backup gas heating system.

Projects replacing forced air furnaces must not add additional ductless heads.

Unit must be included in Energy Trust’s list of qualifying products.

Controls must be set with an auxiliary heat lockout setting when available.

Cannot be combined with other Energy Trust heat pump or controls incentives.

Extended capacity heat pump (replacing electric forced air furnace) $3,000 per unit

Must be a primary heating source in a central ducted system and residence must not have a backup gas heating system.

Projects replacing forced air furnaces must not add additional ductless heads.

Unit must be included in Energy Trust’s list of qualifying products.

Controls must be set with an auxiliary heat lockout setting when available.

Cannot be combined with other Energy Trust heat pump or controls incentives.

What is an extended capacity heat pump (ECHP)?

An ECHP is a variable-speed ducted heat pump system. It provides year-round heating and cooling by moving heat into your home during cold winter months and out of your home during hot summer months. Because heat pumps move heat instead of generating it, these systems are extremely energy efficient.

Why is an extended capacity heat pump more efficient than a standard heat pump?

An ECHP maintains a higher level of compressor heating output at lower temperatures when compared to a single-, two- or variable-speed heat pump. This allows the ECHP’s compressor to effectively operate in freezing temperatures without activating an inefficient backup strip heat or electric furnace. Avoiding the use of backup heat during cold months allows an ECHP to save a significant amount of energy during the winter.

Can I replace my old heat pump with an extended capacity unit as my home’s primary heat source and qualify for this incentive?

Yes. As long as the system does not have a gas furnace as a backup system and all other requirements are met, you can receive a $1,000 incentive for replacing your existing heat pump with an ECHP.

Can I replace my non-electric heating system with an extended capacity unit and qualify for this incentive?

Yes, however a gas furnace cannot be used as a backup system for the ECHP. In some instances, an ECHP can effectively heat your home without a forced air backup system. Ask your contractor if this option is appropriate for your home.

If the ECHP replaces a non-electric heating system and is installed with an electric backup system or no backup system at all, you can receive a $1,000 incentive.

Who can install my extended capacity heat pump?

It is strongly encouraged that you work with an Energy Trust trade ally contractor. See a list of trained trade ally contractors on the Participating Trade Ally page. They are trained on our offerings and requirements, and we verify the quality of their work. You may also work with any Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) licensed contractor to receive an ECHP as long as their work complies with Energy Trust requirements.

Can I combine my extended capacity heat pump incentive with other Energy Trust heat pump or heat pump control incentives?

No, the ECHP incentive cannot be combined with other heat pump or heat pump control incentives

Can I combine my extended capacity heat pump incentive with Energy Trust’s smart thermostat incentive?

No. In fact, ECHPs are not well-suited to working with third-party smart thermostats such as ecobee or Google Nest. It is highly encouraged the system be installed with the thermostat recommended by the heat pump manufacturer.

Need Help? Contact Us.

We’re here to explain the process and benefits. Give us a call at 1.877.510.2130 or send us an email at multifamily@energytrust.org.