Introductory Information on Residential Heat Pumps
- Clean Energy Lives Here, a campaign of the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is a great place to start, with lots of consumer-friendly information
- New England Energy Partnership (NEEP) provides lots of useful information on cold-climate Air Source Heat Pumps (ccASHP) include a comprehensive ccASHP list and an Air Source Heat Pump Buying Guide
- Residential Incentives – our summary of available Massachusetts and federal incentives
Supplementary Guides by the HeatSmart Alliance
- Residential Heat Pump Retrofit Options – Quick Reference Are you confused about which type(s) of heat pumps may be appropriate for your home? A home’s existing heating system, and particularly the heat distribution method, determines which type(s) of heat pumps may be suitable. If you know the existing heat distribution method in your home, this one-page quick reference makes it easy to see which type(s) of heat pump(s) to consider.
- Ducting for Central ASHPs and GSHPs. If your home already has ducting for heating or cooling, it may be suitable for for re-use with a central ducted air-source heat pump (ASHP) or ground-source heat pump (GSHP). This Tech Note covers considerations to discuss with an HVAC installer when re-using existing ducting.
- Air-to-Water Heat Pumps – Homeowner Reference. Owners of homes with existing hydronic heat distribution (hot-water baseboards, radiators, or radiant floors) often ask if there’s a way to use their existing distribution system with a heat pump. Air-to-water heat pumps may offer a solution.
- Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) Guide and Technical Reference. Domestic hot water accounts for about 17% of energy use in a typical New England home. Replacing a conventional electric or fossil-fueled water heater with a hybrid or heat pump water heater can save on energy costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Resources for Choosing an Installer
We always recommend getting multiple quotes. Residents who are eligible for Mass Save heat pump rebates must use an installer who is listed on the Mass Save Heat Pump Installer Network (HPIN).
The Green Energy Consumer Alliance has teamed with Abode Energy Management to offer a free list of vetted contractors, and consultations and quote evaluations for a modest fee.
Guidance on Operating Heat Pumps
- Efficiency Vermont blog: Who knew? 8 ways NOT to use a heat pump
- Our brief guide to Operating and Maintaining Your Ductless Mini-Split
Watch a portion of our usual presentation on heat pumps, presented at a webinar organized by Westford Climate Action in October 2022.