A $1000 rebate for an air-source heat pump sure spurs people to learn more. So what is it, exactly, and what does it do? Well, you can use an air-source heat pump (which also provides cooling) just about anywhere. They work great in a Midwestern climate, but only until temperatures get close to zero. At that point, the back-up system automatically comes on to help out. Choose electric as your back-up and you could qualify for a POWER MOVES rebate.

If you’re a member of a Wabash Valley Power Association co-op, you’re living in a climate where you’re going to want to look for not just the ENERGY STAR® label but also the highest heating season performance factor (HSPF) feasible.

From Energy.gov, here are some other factors to consider when choosing and installing air-source heat pumps:

• If you’re adding a heat pump to an electric furnace, the heat pump coil should usually be placed on the cold (upstream) side of the furnace for greatest efficiency.
• Fans and compressors make noise. Locate the outdoor unit away from windows and adjacent buildings, and select a heat pump with an outdoor sound rating of 7.6 decibels or lower. You can also reduce this noise by mounting the unit on a noise-absorbing base.
• The location of the outdoor unit may affect its efficiency. Outdoor units should be protected from high winds, which can cause defrosting problems. You can strategically place a bush or a fence upwind of the coils to block the unit from high winds. Shading them in the summer will help with cooling, also—just be sure to leave some breathing room around the unit.

If you decide an ASHP makes sense for you, we of course are here to help with some rebate money:

• $1,000 for upgrading to an Air Source Heat Pump (with electric backup) from electric resistance, propane, or oil heat.
• $250 for upgrading from an old Air Source Heat Pump to a new one (with electric back up).

A couple of caveats exist, of course: To receive a rebate, any new ASHP system must have an electric backup. And your application for an upgrade that occurs in 2015 must be received within 60 days of its installation.

Your Energy Advisor can help assess your needs and options, or check out our ASHP application for the full details.