Introductory Information
- 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
- Rewiring America’s guide Electrify Everything in Your Home
- New England Energy Partnership (NEEP) provides more technical information on cold-climate Air Source Heat Pumps (ccASHP) including a comprehensive ccASHP list and an Air Source Heat Pump Buying Guide
- ENERGY STAR Heat Pump Water Heater Guide, useful to anyone considering a heat-pump water heater even though the guide says it’s targeted at new construction
- Residential Incentives – our summary of available Massachusetts and federal incentives
Supplementary Guides by the HeatSmart Alliance
- Download Residential Heat Pump Retrofit Options – Quick Reference 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.
- Download Ducting for Central ASHPs and GSHPs. If your home already has ducting for heating or cooling, it may be suitable for reuse 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.
- Download Air-to-Water Heat Pumps – Technical Note. Owners of homes with 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.
- Download 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).
Guidance on Operating Heat Pumps
- Download our brief guide Operating and Maintaining Your Ductless Mini-Split
- Efficiency Vermont blog: Who knew? 8 ways NOT to use a heat pump
