Install a ducted heat pump space heater
By Fabrice Florin, Green Change
We recently installed a new heat pump space heater/cooler in our home. This clean energy appliance replaces our old gas furnace and it will significantly reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. Heat pumps work by transferring heat to and from the home instead of burning fossil fuels, making them far more efficient than traditional HVAC systems.
Our 3-ton ducted heat pump system includes an outdoor Mitsubishi SUZ-KA36NA2 condenser and an indoor Mitsubishi SVZ-KP36NA air handler, which connects to our existing ducts. We can either heat or cool our home with the same appliance, using a programmable thermostat to control our temperature and schedule.
We feel great about switching to a heat pump to help cool the earth! Heating and cooling represent over half of home energy use in America, according to the U.S. Energy Department. Not only will our new heat pump help fight climate change, but it will also reduce our energy bills and improve air quality inside our home and for the planet. It will primarily be powered by clean electricity from our solar panels, home battery and other renewable sources!
My wife and I have been saving money for a few years to install this energy-efficient system. It was a big investment for us, but we expect our energy bills to be greatly reduced, so we can recoup our costs over time. We are also grateful for the rebates and financial incentives from our local, state and federal governments (Electrify Marin, TECH Clean California and Federal Tax Credit), which cover nearly a quarter of our installation costs.
Replacing a gas furnace with a heat pump is the most important step you can take to electrify your home, because it uses the most energy. As you plan for this major home improvement, consider also replacing your other gas appliances with a heat pump water heater, an induction range, and electric dryer. Many homeowners like us have converted to an all-electric home and had their gas meters removed, to save money and energy, as well as help cool the earth.
Learn more about heat pump space heaters from Electrify Now, Energy Sage and Rewiring America – as well as this Green Change community tip about ductless minisplit heat pumps. To find out about incentives and rebates, visit The Switch Is On and/or use this electrification calculator.
Finding an experienced heat pump installer is key. For those of you who live in the Bay Area, we highly recommend John Owens Services, who installed both our heat pump HVAC and water heater. Good luck with your electrification journey!
Photo credits: Fabrice Florin, John Owens Services. Edited by Devin Ruy.
