Ask The Energy Expert
The Energy Expert says:
Replace an Aging AC with a Dual Fuel Heat Pump & Save
The month of April signals new beginnings. Gardening and home improvement projects crowd the "To-Do" lists in many households. Speculation of warmer days - and air conditioning - takes hold.
As you attack your "To-Do" list and speculate about reducing cooling costs this summer, keep Cuivre River's Take Control & Save rebates in mind (see list). Dual Fuel and Ground Source heat pump rebates make efficiency upgrades more affordable than ever, and can significantly reduce both cooling and heating costs.
"Home heating and cooling expenses account for about 50% of a family's energy use," says Member Services Representative Maureen Lenk. "If it's time to replace your air conditioner, give some consideration to an air source heat pump. Energy Star rated heat pumps can save up to 20% on energy costs compared to systems installed 10 years ago, and are about 9% more efficient than standard models you can purchase today."
Members who now use a gas furnace and a standard air conditioner are well-positioned to upgrade and integrate their HVAC equipment for a Dual Fuel system. A Dual Fuel heat pump cools similar to an air conditioner in summer, but with higher cooling efficiency. In other seasons it heats more efficiently than a standard gas or electric furnace, and uses gas rather than electric resistance heat when winter temperatures drop below 25°F.
Time-tested refrigeration technology is key to any heat pump's operation and efficiency. It moves heat, rather than generates heat, to provide up to four times the energy it consumes. "Dual Fuel rebates of $150/Ton make upgrades more affordable," says Lenk. "Even if your heat pump doesn't qualify for a rebate, it can still offer a great payback through energy savings."
Dual Fuel rebates remain available through 2011. Members who installed Dual Fuel systems last year received more than $40,000 in rebates. The average size of a Dual Fuel system was 3.5 Tons.
Since Take Control & Save rebates became available in mid-2008, Cuivre River members have received more than $1.1 million in rebates for qualifying projects that improve home energy efficiency while reducing the demand for electricity during peak use times.
For more information about the variety of Cuivre River rebates that can help you save this summer, contact Lenk at 800.392.3709, ext. 272, or visit www.cuivre.com.
Federal Tax Credits for select energy efficiency projects, including ground source heat pumps, remain in effect through 2016. To learn more about tax credits and find additional recommendations for energy saving improvements, visit www.energystar.gov.
Take Control & Save Rebates* Available Now
Dual Fuel Heat Pump:
$150/Ton. Install a 15.5 SEER heat pump with gas or propane backup heat.
Ground Source Heat Pump:
$750/Ton. Install a 17.1 EER ground source heat pump (10 Ton residential maximum).
Electric Water Heater:
$50. Must be 90%+ efficient. Heat pump & tankless water heaters not eligible. Limit two per location.
Energy Star Dish Washer:
$50. Must use with electric water heater. Limit one per location.
Energy Star Clothes Washer:
$50. Must use with electric water heater. Limit one per location.
For more information, downloadable rebate applications and program guidelines visit www.cuivre.com and use the "Rebate" quick link.
To speak with a Member Services representative call 800.392.3709, ext. 272, 233, 334, 4732, 4733 or 231.
*Additional qualifications apply