Heat pumps

Information about the PUD's heat pump program, which provides financial incentives, technical assistance and quality insurance for customers installing energy-efficient heat pump systems.

Choosing a heating and cooling system for your business doesn't happen very often, and we know what a big decision it can be. We created the Comfort Crafted Heat Pump Program to make the decisions and financing as easy as possible.

How a Heat Pump Works

A heat pump operates similarly to an air conditioner, except that the process also works "in reverse" to create an efficient heating method. That means a single system provides the comfort of both heating and cooling, with all the convenience of turning the thermostat. We believe the heat pump is the most efficient and cost-effective means of creating your indoor climate. A heat pump system also improves the value of your home, making a heat pump a truly wise investment.

Program Eligibility

This program is available to commercial customers who receive electric service from Columbia River PUD. Eligible facilities include office or retail spaces that are less than 5,000 square feet in size and are heated by electric resistance heat.

Incentives

Quality Assurance - Participating heat pump dealers have agreed to install heat pump systems in accordance with the PUD's rigid set of installation standards.

Financing - The PUD has made arrangements with St. Helens Community Federal Credit Union to offer 6% financing to qualified customers for installation of approved heat pump systems. After receiving approval form the PUD, you can apply for a loan at any credit union branch.

Rebates - The PUD offers a rebate to customers who install a heat pump through our program. The amount varies depending on the efficiency level of the heat pump:

$600 rebate for heat pumps with a HSPF* of 8.0 - 8.49 and a SEER** of 13.0 or higher.
$1,300 rebate for heat pumps with a HSPF of 8.5 or greater and a SEER of 14.0 or higher.

* HSPF (Heating Season Performance Factor) takes into account reductions in efficinecy due to changes in outdoor temperature, defrosting, fans, supplemental heat and on/off cycles.
**SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) denotes efficiency in air conditioning mode.

Step by Step Procedure

Contact a participating dealer to arrange a free consultation.
The dealer will inspect your home and prepare a written proposal. A copy of the proposal will be given to you and another copy, which includes heat load calculations and other important information, will be sent to us for review.
We will review the proposal and notify the dealer whether the system qualifies.
Once your proposal is approved, you can decide if you want to secure financing through St. Helens Community Federal Credit Union. If so, you will need to obain a signed loan pre-authorization form from us and then apply at the credit union. Once approved for a loan, you may then make installation arrangements with the dealer.
The dealer will install your new heat pump system according to PUD and manufacturer specifications, then forward installation documentationto us for review.
Upon receive of the installation documentation, we will schedule an inspection of your new heat pump system. After a satisfactory inspection, we will send you a rebate check.
If the credit union financed your system, we will notify them that it passed inspection. They will disburse loan funds to you and the dealer by way of a two-party check.

Comfort Crafted Heat Pump Dealers

The following heat pump installers have agreed to follow the specifications set forth by Columbia River PUD for the installation of heat pump systems and ductwork. These rigorous specifications will result in a quality installation that affords greater comfort and equipment longevity with lower operating costs than other typical installations.

B&B Air-Conditioning & Heating/ENTEK Corp.
P.O. Box 1607
1057 12th Ave. Longview, WA 98632
(360) 423-3010
(800) 633-1354

Carlson's Heating and Air-Conditioning Inc.
1414 S. Pacific Kelso, WA 98626
(360) 425-4888
(800) 268-4884

Columbia N.W. Heating Inc.
52760 NE 1st St.
Scappoose, OR 97056
(503) 543-3624

Renaud Electric Co., Inc.
2300 Talley Way
Kelso, WA 98626
(360) 423-1420
Site-Built and Manufactured Homes

Specialty Heating & Cooling
Tigard, OR
(503) 620-5643

For more information

For more information on home heating and cooling, visit these sites:

Our Energy Experts can also answer any questions you may have. Contact them for more information:

Columbia River PUD
Energy Experts
PO Box 1193, St. Helens, OR 97051
64001 Columbia River Hwy
Deer Island, OR 97054
(503) 366-5470 phone
experts@crpud.org email