New Ductless Heat Pumps Let Local Retirees Live More Comfortably

April 29, 2010

Residents at Columbia Hills Retirement Center are looking forward to a cool & comfortable summer following the installation of new ductless heat pump systems in their housing units. 

Ductless heat pumps, popular in Europe and Asia for decades, are just catching on in the United States. They are small, easily installed and energy-efficient systems that provide summer cooling and winter heating.

According to Onsite Manager Vernell Henderson, Columbia Hills decided to install ductless systems in order to provide residents with summer air conditioning.

"Some residents used to have window air conditioners, but we had to take them out in order to ensure proper ingress and egress," said Henderson, noting that many of the center's residents are elderly. "When it was 102 degrees outside, the people who needed air conditioners didn't have them."

Henderson also appreciates that the new ductless systems are safer than the wall heaters previously used by residents.

"If anybody left anything in front of the wall heater, it was a fire hazard," said Henderson. Because the indoor unit of a ductless system is mounted high on a wall, that risk is eliminated.

According to PUD Energy Specialist Cathy Cartmill, many owners praise their new ductless systems for their lower heat bills and year-round comfort. Others note that the systems excel in quiet operation and operating convenience.

Several local contractors now sell ductless systems, including Columbia NW Heating, who installed the systems at Columbia Hills. PUD customers are encouraged to contact the utility to get the names of participating contractors.

Cartmill said interest in ductless systems has been growing steadily as customers learn about the new technology.

"People who have them just love them," said Cartmill.

Last year, Columbia River PUD began offering rebates to customers who upgrade to qualifying ductless heat pumps from their existing baseboard, wall heater or ceiling cable systems. Single family homes qualify for a $1,500 rebate. Apartment buildings and multi-family housing units qualify for a $1,000 rebate. Columbia Hills Retirement Center received a $33,000 rebate after installing 33 units in their facility.

During 2010, increased federal tax credits, combined with PUD rebates and state tax credits, can save homeowners up to $2,800 on ductless system installations in qualifying homes. For complete eligibility requirements, visit www.crpud.net or contact the PUD's Energy Experts at (503) 366-5470 or experts@crpud.org.

Read more about ductless heat pump systems.