A ductless heat pump is a highly efficient heating and cooling system that can serve as a primary heat source for electrically heated homes. “Ductless” means that no ductwork is involved, unlike other heat pump systems or forced air systems. Ductless heat pumps have two components: an indoor unit that hangs on a wall and an outdoor condenser unit.

Why consider a ductless heat pump?

• It’s less expensive to buy and install than most other heating systems.
• It does a good job of distributing warm or cool air around a home, making your living area more comfortable.
• It can use 25 to 50 percent less energy than electric resistance or forced air systems.
• It’s very quiet.
• It increases efficiency, add air conditioning and lower heating bills.

Keep in mind that …

• It works best in homes less than 1,500 square feet with electric baseboard heating.
• It’s especially well suited to homes with open floor plans.

Bottom line
Ductless heat pumps have been around for decades but aren’t commonly used in the U.S. Find out more at goingductless.com.

A heat pump water heater takes the heat from surrounding air and transfers it to water in an enclosed tank.

Why consider a heat pump water heater?

• It can cost the average household about $35 less a year than one with a standard electric water heater.
• In the right circumstances (warm weather), it can be two to three times more efficient than an electric water heater. However, in the Pacific Northwest, a heat pump water heater in an unconditioned space - such as a garage or basement - won't perform as well as expected.

Keep in mind that …

• It discharges cool air, so it works best in an unheated space, like a garage.
• It works best in warm temperatures.

Bottom line
In this climate, heat pump water heaters should be in unconditioned basements or garages. Otherwise, when the temperature drops below 45 degrees, there’s not enough available heat for the water heater to do its job, and it reverts to being an electric water heater. Heat pump water heaters are a relatively new technology; research continues to make this technology more compatible with the Pacific Northwest climate.

A light-emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor light source. LEDs are not new; they’ve been commonly used in traffic signals and car indicator lamps for some time now. You can now buy LEDs that replace incandescent or compact fluorescent lights (CFLs).

Why consider LED lighting?

• LEDS use at least 75 percent less energy than incandescent lighting.
• LEDs last a long time — about 22 years, based on average household use.
• LEDs do not generate heat, unlike incandescent bulbs and CFLs.
• LEDs offer convenient features like dimming on some indoor models and automatic daylight shut-off and motion sensors on some outdoor models.

Keep in mind that …

• LEDs are expensive. LED bulbs may cost $60 or more.
• LEDs work best in enclosed fixtures such as recessed or track lighting.
• LEDs fit better in applications that are directional in nature, like spotlighting something.
• LEDs are affected by heat and vibration, which will significantly shorten the life of an LED.

Bottom line
LED lighting is more efficient, durable, versatile and longer lasting than incandescent and fluorescent lighting – but not all LED lighting is created equal. Look for better design and lower prices in the coming years. If you are interested now, choose Energy Star-qualified LED fixtures to ensure the products you buy perform well.