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

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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Bob O.

Springvale

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Owls Head

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Darlyann M

Bath

We just finished a large project of air sealing and reinsulating our 1890s basement and attic which 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.

Emily Gallant

Thorough, smart, informative, integrated, and communicative -- that's how my experience was with Evergreen even with the covid interruption midstream. The team picked up where they left off, insulated basement and air sealed attic and knee wall in 100' temps under the eaves! This business group was a pleasure to work with.

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Gray

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Jennifer A

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Anne W.

Rockport

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Cynthia F.

South Portland

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Jonathan M.

Bridgton

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Mary E.

St. George

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Jacob Watson

Evergreen Home Performance shows its expertise from start to finish. Evergreen did three house projects in winter/spring/summer 2020 for me, attic insulation, crawl space under a porch insulation, and basement foam/vapor barrier. From my initial discussion with Bryan, I understood the reasons for choosing different types of insulation, the associated costs, and time estimates. Evergreen scheduled in advance, came when they said they would, and the crews were highly professional in their work and demeanor.

Iris S.

Portland

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

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Melissa Knoll

Portland

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