The Future of Low Carbon Home Comfort, Step 2: Heat Pumps

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Welcome to part two of our “Future of Low Carbon Home Comfort” blog series!

As you may remember, this series began in part as a response to our recent post about climate change in 2018. As we explored climate change, and how human activities have contributed to that phenomenon here in Maine and on the planet, we found that about 87% of human-produced CO2 emissions come from burning fossil fuels like oil, coal, and natural gas. This makes it all the more important for homeowners in Maine and elsewhere to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and establish what we’re calling “low carbon home comfort.”

In part one of this series, we explored the first step to achieving low carbon home comfort: improving home energy efficiency through upgrades like weatherization and basement encapsulation. Improving home efficiency first is crucial because as you move on to making heating system improvements or even installing solar, you can rest assured that these new systems will be sized correctly and perform optimally in your home.

Now, in part two the series, we’re diving further into how you can cut your reliance on fossil fuels and achieve low carbon home comfort by switching to a heat pump heating and cooling system.

Heat Pumps Conserve More Energy

Heat pumps are growing in popularity because of their ability to provide energy efficient heat in the winter and efficient cooling in the summer. But how do they work so efficiently to keep your home comfortable?

Heat pumps are efficient because they are able to transfer heat from one place from another. Rather than burning fossil fuels like oil or natural gas to generate heat, they use electricity and refrigerant line to move already-existing heat. In the winter, a heat pump absorbs ambient outdoor heat, compresses it, and moves it indoors. In the summer, it uses a reverse process to move unwanted heat outdoors.

Thanks to this energy efficient process, heat pumps can achieve efficiencies well above 100% and provide hot air in cold climates even when outdoor temperatures are as low as -15 °F.

Efficient Heating Options for Your Maine Home

Heat pump systems come in a wide array of options, so there is sure to be an energy efficient option for your home.

Ductless Heat Pumps

Ductless heat pumps, also known as mini-split heat pumps, consist of one outdoor unit and one or more indoor air handlers. They are “ductless” because they do not rely on ductwork to distribute conditioned air. Instead, indoor air handlers are installed directly in the rooms they condition and come in four styles: wall units, floor units, ceiling cassettes, and mini-ducts.

You might choose to install one indoor air handler in a particularly hard-to-heat room, or you might install multiple air handlers throughout your home for a complete heating and cooling solution. If you’re looking to minimize your reliance on fossil fuels like oil, propane, and natural gas and you want to take the ductless route, we recommend talking to one of our trusted heat pump partners about installing a whole-home ductless heat pump system.

Ducted Heat Pumps

Do you already have existing ductwork you want to take advantage of? A central, ducted heat pump might be best for you. A ducted heat pump replaces your existing heating and cooling systems, such as a furnace and air conditioner, and provides energy efficient heating and cooling with one unit. Again, we recommend getting in touch with one of our heat pump partners if you’re considering this heat pump option.

High-Efficiency Pellet Boilers

In very cold parts of Maine, you might consider pairing your heat pump with a high-efficiency pellet boiler. Pellet boilers are similar to pellet stoves and use local, renewable fuel — making them a Maine grown, lower carbon heating solution. One of our heat pump partners can help you decide if this is the best heat pump option for you.

Get Rebates When You Upgrade Your Heating System

Aside from energy efficiency and reduced reliance on fossil fuels, one of the main advantages of switching to a heat pump system is that you could qualify for valuable rebates from Efficiency Maine. Efficiency Maine is currently offering rebates of up to $750 for installation of qualifying ductless heat pumps. You can also receive a rebate of up to $3,000 when you install a biomass boiler or furnace, such as a pellet boiler.

It All Starts with Improving Home Efficiency

Remember: reducing your reliance on fossil fuels and achieving low carbon home comfort starts with making your home more energy efficient. If you’re considering upgrading to a heat pump system, talk to our team about how you can reduce your home’s energy load and improve comfort first with smart upgrades like insulation, air sealing, and basement encapsulation. Taking this vital step will help ensure that your new heat pump runs at peak performance. Once we have made your home as efficient as possible, we can connect you with one of our trusted partners for professional heat pump installation. Schedule a free energy consult with us to get started.

Be sure to stay tuned for part three of this series: solar!

Reduce your home’s energy load before you upgrade to an energy efficient heat pump system. Contact us or call 207-594-2244 to schedule your free consult!

Want to achieve low carbon home comfort with a new heat pump?

Start by reducing your home’s energy load 207-594-2244

I highly recommend Evergreen! 1st, I had a home efficiency inspection (that was free) & Bryan P. was great! He took the time needed, asked & listened to what I thought were priorities, explained clearly what he thought were priorities & why, then gave me numerous options. No pressure whatsoever. Then I had my attic sealed & insulated as the 1st step & Bryan came along on day 1 to introduce everyone & make sure we were all on the same page. Bruce's team (inc. Kelsey & Roland) did the work - they were exceptional!!

Melissa M.

Kennebunk

The folks at Evergreen did a great job fixing a rather major insulation problem in my house, which they helped identify with a great audit. When the work began, they were thorough, upbeat, and -- dare I say it -- efficient. I strongly recommend them.

Michael Williams

The Evergreen Team did a fabulous job, well exceeding our expectations, In just over a week they transformed our very drafty, noisy 213 year old house into a snug, draft-free, quiet haven with warm floors! The team was prompt, did everything they said they'd do and more. We are thrilled!

Trudy M.

Bridgton

Highly recommended. Our heating usage is now less than half what it was before we had our roof insulated. Evergreen was knowledgeable, friendly, and left no trace they were ever in our house. Not only is our heating bill much lower now, but our home is generally more comfortable year-round with less temperature fluctuations. Money well spent.

RC Lations

Evergreen was so helpful in securing us Efficiency Maine funding for a big attic insulation project early this winter. They did all of the paperwork, and totally guided us through a vermiculite removal process that included a payment from a trust for the procedure. I could instantly feel the second floor being so much warmer than before. The boiler does not kick on nearly as frequently since they completed the job. It was worth every penny! Brian Robinson was so thorough throughout the whole process including a full walk through after the job had been completed.

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Camden

First we have Evergreen do a BIG project worth about $20K (windows, basement, insulate & rebuild an entire wall, a door, attics, and air sealing). They were so great we had them come back later when we decided we did want to do our other door. They are professional and do great work. They take care of your home and are trustworthy, and on top of all that friendly! I highly recommend you call them!

Garreth C Debiegun

My experience with Evergreen was excellent. From their thorough and thoughtful initial consultation to their detailed post-work visit, the team was professional, knowledgeable, and responsive. Their workmanship was top notch. Our home is now much warmer and more efficient. I highly recommend their services!

Douglas R.

Edgecomb

We initially contacted Evergreen through Efficiency Maine for an energy audit, which was conducted promptly and professionally by Justin McEdward, one of their Energy Advisors who is BPI-certified. After a thorough inspection of our newly purchased home, Justin explained in great detail what we needed and did not need. It was agreed that Evergreen would remove all of the existing attic insulation, which was not adequate, and replace it with blown in cellulose, to a rating of R-60.

Thomas W.

Scarborough

The Evergreen Team did a fabulous job and was very tuned and responsive to the particular needs we had. The job was done right on budget and we are thrilled with the improved warmth and energy efficiency.

Ira M.

Rockland

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Bath

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Rayna Mayo

Freeport

Evergreen did a fantastic job replacing 28 windows in our house. They were friendly, courteous, and very detail oriented. Brian did a great job planning, estimating and executing the project. Our energy use has dropped significantly since the work was done.

Alex B.

Kittery

My husband and I bought a home on the water in Owls Head and decided to make the investment in Evergreen's recommendations for insulation. Brian Robinson spent 3 hours examining every nook and cranny before he made practical suggestions and explained them thoroughly to us.

Marie McNeely

Owls Head

We just finished a large project air sealing and reinsulating our 1890s basement and attic. It had been completely renovated 8 years ago, but still felt cold, and lacked proper energy assessment and corrections. We met with Justin in December and were very impressed with his knowledge, professionalism and communication skills and knew Evergreen was who we wanted to work with. Dave was our on hands project manager and was excellent. The office staff has been quick to respond and helpful as well when needed.

E Gallant

Kennebunk

Update 12/2018: Evergreen has completed Phase II of my house (insulating and installing air/moisture barrier on exterior walls, replacing old windows) and now that heating season is upon us, the difference is astonishing. The house is tight as a drum and so easy to keep warm. Worth every penny. Thank you all! Working with Evergreen was a positive experience from start (no charge energy audit) to finish (a MUCH more comfortable home). Brian Robinson spent a lot of time with me on the audit, explaining clearly what he was finding in my ca.

Rebekah W.

Rockport

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