Heat Pumps
Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) can provide both air conditioning (cooling) and heating. When heat pumps are used for heating, heat is pulled from the air outdoors and moved inside the home through a compression cycle refrigeration system. The flow of refrigerant can change directions with the flip of a switch when air conditioning is needed, and the warm air in the home will be moved to the outdoors to provide cooling.
Believe it or not, your home probably already has a heat pump — your refrigerator! A fridge doesn’t “make” cold air; it simply moves heat from inside the fridge to the outside by using a refrigerant cycle just like a heat pump does for your whole home. Ever put your hand near the coils on the back or bottom of your fridge? You can feel the heat being released to the surrounding air.
ASHPs are more efficient than traditional heating and cooling systems, which means they waste less energy. Using an ASHP will decrease fossil fuel use and carbon emissions which supports the goals of the City of Holland’s Community Energy Plan.
Heat Pump Rebate Details
HBPW offers two different rebates for two different types of heat pumps. Cold climate air source heat pumps (ccASHP) are designed to work in cold climates for heating but can also be used for air conditioning in the summer. Heat pumps that are not cold climate rated are more efficient than traditional air conditioning, but are not always designed to work as well in cold climates for heating. Heat pumps not designed to work in the coldest climates often rely on backup gas or electric resistance heat, which uses more energy and increases operating costs.
To qualify for the Holland BPW rebate for buying a heat pump, the heat pump must be the primary method of heating and cooling the space. Eligibility is also based on the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER2) ratings and Heating Seasonal Performance (HSPF2) ratings outlined in the table below.
Measure | Specifications | Rebate Amount |
|---|---|---|
Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pump - Ducted Systems | HSPF2 ≥ 7.7, SEER2 ≥ 14.3, and COP ≥ 1.75 at 5° F | $1,000 per ton |
Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pump - Non-ducted/Ductless Systems | HSPF2 ≥ 8.4, SEER2 ≥ 14.3, and COP ≥ 1.75 at 5° F | $1,000 per ton |
Heat Pump (all other non-cold-climate) | HSPF2 ≥ 7.5, SEER2 ≥ 13.4 | $500 per ton |
Before you buy a new heat pump, pre-approval is recommended to ensure you qualify for the rebate you are hoping to receive. Have your HVAC contractor reach out to us or feel free to call our team to discuss your project at 616-355-1577 or by sending us an email.
Heat Pump Water Heaters
Heat pump water heaters (HPWH) work the same way as an ASHP. They take heat from the surrounding air and transfer it to the refrigerant, which is then compressed to increase its temperature. The heated refrigerant goes through a coil to transfer heat to the water. The cooler refrigerant returns to the evaporator and the cycle begins again.
Since a HPWH uses heat from the surrounding air, they work best when placed in an area with good air circulation.
HPWHs save money over time because they do not “make” heat to warm up the water, they just transfer heat from the surrounding air into the water to warm it (with the help of a refrigerant). Using a HPWH decreases fossil fuel use and carbon emissions which supports the City of Holland’s Community Energy Plan.
Heat Pump Water Heater Rebate Details
To qualify for the HPWH rebate, provide proof of ENERGY STAR certification with your application. Under the Energy Waste Reduction program, a $200 rebate is available for an electric water heater replacement. Under the Beneficial Electrification program, a $300 rebate is available for a gas water heater replacement.