Air Source Heat Pumps

RESIDENTIAL ENERGY STAR DUCTLESS & DUCTED HEAT PUMP INCENTIVES


A Cool Way to Control Your Comfort and Save with up to $1,500/ton in Rebates


Need to add heat to an addition? Turning a three-season room into a year-round room? Try an ultra-efficient and quiet ductless split heat pump for your heating and cooling needs.


Reduce Heating and Cooling Costs 25 to 50 Percent

An air source heat pump is a highly efficient heating and cooling system that can operate at a fraction of the cost of baseboards and wall heaters. Their superior air distribution helps make living spaces more comfortable, and they are great for homes with open floor plans.

Ductless heat pumps are very effective for electrically heated homes or areas where ductwork does not exist or cannot be installed. They are easy to install as a new primary heat source, making them a good choice for home remodel projects, additions and new construction.

Studies have shown that air source heat pumps can reduce heating and cooling costs 25 to 50 percent. Systems are competitively priced and available from many well-known manufacturers. Because they are easy to install, installation costs are low compared to other heating and cooling methods.

How We Help

We make it affordable to install an air source heat pump with instant discounts for qualifying units of up to $500/ton, provided by the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund. Equipment should be installed by a licensed contractor that is certified by the manufacturer of the product being installed.

Home Energy Solutions Incentives

A rebate of $1,000 per ton* is also available in addition to instant discounts. If you have electric resistance heat and participate in Home Energy Solutions, please refer to the rebate form you received during your service. To apply for this Home Energy Solutions rebate online, click here. If you heat with oil or propane, you qualify to participate in the Home Energy Solutions Heat Pump Pilot. Please contact Wise Use at 1-877-WISE USE (877.947.3873) for an application.

 

How Ductless Heat Pumps Work

During heating season, ductless heat pumps draw heat from outside air and move it inside. Because they tap into existing heat in the air, they use less electricity to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. In the summer, they extract heat from the air inside your home and move it outside to provide cooling.

Ductless heat pumps have three main parts:

  1. An indoor unit that mounts on the wall or ceiling
  2. An outdoor unit that typically sits on the ground
  3. A remote control that operates the inside unit


The indoor and outdoor units are connected by small refrigerant lines, which are installed through a very small hole in the wall. The indoor unit circulates the heated or cooled air into the room. The units are smaller than conventional air conditioning equipment and less intrusive. Because expensive and invasive ductwork isn’t necessary, installation is easy, inexpensive, and less disruptive.

A cool way to stay warm!

 

How to Get an Instant Discount for Air Source Heat Pump Systems

Step 1 - Find an Installer

To be eligible for an instant discount, equipment should be installed by a licensed contractor that is certified by the manufacturer of the product being installed. Instant discounts are available for UI residential customers.

Step 2 - Be Energy Efficient

Make your home more energy efficient to get the most out of a new heating system. Get started with help from the Home Energy Solutions program.

Step 3 - Select Your System

Select the system you want to install. Your contractor will help you select the right manufacturer and model for your needs.

Step 4 - Receive Your Instant Discount

  • Prior to purchase, confirm your system qualifies for the discount with your contractor or by checking the minimum efficiency chart in the section below.
  • Have your Installer provide a quote for qualified equipment from a participating distributor listed on EnergizeCT.com that includes the instant discount.
  • Finally have your Installer purchase and install qualified equipment from a participating distributor. It’s that easy!

 

Minimum Efficiency Levels / Incentive Schedules 

Equipment should be installed by a licensed contractor that is certified by the manufacturer of the product being installed. Note: Ductless and/or Ducted air source heat pump split system sold prior to April 1, 2021 will receive the corresponding tier rebate if it meets the qualifying SEER and HSPF criteria, the minimum heating capacity ratio will be required as of April 1, 2021.

Eligible Equipment Type Minimum Efficiency
for Incentive		 Instant Discount Home Energy Solutions Rebate**
AHRI1 Rated Ductless Single Zone Air Source Heat Pump
 Tier 1: ≥18 SEER2, ≥10.0 HSPF3

58% Heating Capacity Ratio (47º - 17º)⁴
 $250/ton* (up to 2 systems per home)
 $1,000/ton* (up to $15,000)

Tier 2: ≥22 SEER2, ≥10 HSPF3

58% Heating Capacity Ratio (47º - 17º)⁴

 $500/ton* (up to 2 systems per home)
 $1,000/ton* (up to $15,000)
AHRI1 Rated Ducted and/or Ductless Multi Zone Air Source Heat Pump
 Tier 1: ≥16 SEER2, ≥9.5 HSPF3

58% Heating Capacity Ratio (47º - 17º)⁴
 $250/ton* (up to 2 systems per home)
 $1,000/ton* (up to $15,000)

Tier 2: ≥20 SEER2, ≥10 HSPF3

58% Heating Capacity Ratio (47º - 17º)⁴

 $500/ton* (up to 2 systems per home)
 $1,000/ton* (up to $15,000)

Equipment should be installed by a licensed contractor that is certified by the manufacturer of the product being installed.

1 AHRI – Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute. All equipment must be rated in the AHRI Heat Pumps and Heat Pump Coils directory found online at www.AHRIdirectory.org.
2 SEER – Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio
3 HSPF – Heating and Seasonal Performance Factor
4 Heating Capacity Ratio requirement is the minimum equipment performance for heating capacity at 17º F, divided by the heating capacity at 47º F, expressed as a percentage.
* There is a maximum of $15,000 in combined incentives per home. One incentive equals a matched assembly consisting of one outdoor unit and associated single or multi indoor units.
** To qualify, you must be an electric resistance heat customer who has also participated in a Home Energy Solutions assessment OR a customer converting from fuel oil or propane enrolled in the Heat Pump Pilot Program.

 

Qualifying Systems

To qualify for discounts, air source heat pump systems must be AHRI certified with matched assemblies in which both the condenser unit and the evaporator coil are installed simultaneously. A matched assembly is a model combination that is listed in the AHRI Directory of Certified Equipment. A matched assembly shall also include the air handler, furnace, or other component that is used to determine the rating according to ANSI/AHRI STANDARD 210/240-2008. To see a list of qualifying units, visit the CT Qualified Products List (QPL) at EnergizeCT.com.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is a Ductless Heat Pump...
A ductless heat pump is a highly efficient zonal heating and cooling system that does not require ductwork. The system includes an outdoor compressor unit and one or more indoor air-handling units, called “heads,” which are linked by a refrigerant line. Indoor heads are typically mounted high on a wall or ceiling covering a three-inch hole where the refrigerant line passes through to the outside unit that is mounted at the base of the house. Each indoor head corresponds with a heating and cooling zone that can be controlled independently.
Do I still need my old heaters?...
While a ductless system can be used as a primary heat source, most homeowners are encouraged to keep their existing electric heating units to supplement the DHP system in extreme weather conditions or in hard to reach extremities of the home.
How does a ductless heat pump work?...
Ductless heat pumps are reversible, two-way heat pumps that use electricity to transfer heat between outdoor and indoor air by compressing and expanding a refrigerant. Using a refrigerant vapor compression cycle, like a common household refrigerator, ductless heat pumps collect heat from outside the house and deliver it inside on the heating cycle, and vice versa on the cooling cycle.

Ductless heat pumps use variable speed compressors with “inverter technology” (AC to DC) to continuously match the heating/cooling load. This prevents the on/off cycling of conventional electric resistance and central heating systems, which are often associated with uncomfortable temperature variations and high energy consumption.

Ductless systems consist of three main parts:

  1. An outdoor unit that contains a condensing coil, an inverter-driven variable speed compressor, an expansion valve and a fan to cool the condenser coil
  2. An indoor unit that contains an evaporator and a quiet oscillating fan to distribute air into the space
  3. A refrigerant line set made of insulated copper tubing, which is housed in a conduit alongside a power cable, and a condensation drain

Systems also include a remote control to set the desired temperature and program nighttime settings.
How is the system controlled?...
The system is controlled with a remote control, which also functions as a programmable thermostat. Most systems offer various modes of operation such as quiet, high or timer. Wall-mounted controls are also available.
What are appropriate applications for a ductless heat pump?...
Replacing an existing zonal heating system – Ductless heat pumps can replace or supplement existing electric baseboard, wall or ceiling units, wood stoves and other space heaters (such as propane or kerosene). A cost-effective electric heat conversion in a small house might consist of a single system serving the main area of the house, with existing electric baseboards left in place in bedrooms and bathrooms.

Room additions – A ductless heat pump can be a good choice when a room is added to a house or an attic is converted to living space. It can provide efficient heating and cooling without having to extend existing ductwork or pipes or install electric resistance heaters.

New construction – New homes can be designed or adapted to take advantage of the characteristics of ductless heat pumps. Typically one or more systems are installed in various “zones” of a house to simplify installation and minimize refrigerant line length.
Are ductless heat pumps efficient?...
Yes! Ductless heat pumps can operate using 25 to 50 percent less energy than electric resistance and forced air systems. Three key factors account for their high efficiency:
  1. Ductless heat pumps allow the user to control each heating/cooling zone independently, eliminating the costly over-heating and cooling common to central air systems. Why pay to heat or cool rooms that are not currently occupied? While central air systems lose as much as 30 percent efficiency through air leaks and conduction in the ductwork, ductless heat pumps distributing air directly into each zone.
     
  2. Inverter-driven variable speed compressors allow ductless heat pump systems to maintain constant indoor temperatures by running continuously at higher or lower speeds. The system can ramp up or down without great losses in operating efficiency, avoiding the energy-intensive on/off cycling common in electric resistance and forced-air systems.
     
  3. Modern ductless heat pumps have ultra-high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratios (SEER) between 16 and 26 and Heating Seasonal Performance Factors (HSPF) between 8.5 and 12.
How long have ductless heat pumps been used?...
Ductless heat pumps were developed in Japan in the 1970s and have since become a preferred heating and cooling system in Asia and much of Europe. In the United States, ductless heat pumps have been used commercially for over 20 years.
How much does a ductless heat pump cost?...
The average cost of an installed ductless heat pump with one indoor heating/cooling zone is $3,000 to $5,000. Additional heating zones and greater heating capacities increase the cost of the system. Other factors that will affect the cost of an installed system include the manufacturer and model, refrigerant line set length, installation difficulty and contractor rates.
What incentives are available for ductless heat pumps?...
You may qualify for an instant discount of up to $1,500 per home, provided by the Energy Efficiency Fund.
How long will a ductless heat pump system last?...
With proper maintenance and care, a ductless heat pump should perform for more than 20 years. Many systems installed in the 1980s are still functioning today.
What kind of maintenance does a ductless heat pump require?...
Ductless heat pumps require some basic maintenance to ensure optimum performance. In most cases, keeping the filters and coils clean is the only maintenance needed. It’s a simple task most homeowners can do themselves.
How do I know what size of system my house needs?...
Ductless heat pump systems are sized to meet the heating and cooling needs of individual zones in the home. There is a great deal of flexibility when it comes to system sizing. One indoor unit can provide between 9,000 Btu and 30,000 Btu depending on its capacity rating. Common indoor unit capacities are 9,000, 12,000, 18,000, 24,000 and 30,000 Btu. Outdoor units are sized to meet the combined load of all heating/cooling zones. Multi-zone systems may require more than one outdoor unit.

 

IN THIS SECTION