Heat Pumps
Money & energy savings: Using a heat pump is an energy-efficient way to both heat and cool your home. Compared to electric resistance heating, such as a furnace or baseboard heaters, a heat pump can reduce your electricity use for heating by 25-50%. That can add up to big savings on your utility bill.
Consistent temps & better air quality: With a new heating & cooling system, your home can be more comfortable. During colder months, a heat pump supplies even and consistent heat while using less electricity than other electric heating options. In the warmer months, the system keeps your home cool and comfortable while also dehumidifying the air. Plus, built-in air filters help improve indoor air quality.
You have two systems to choose from:
- Central heat pump: A central heat pump uses an outdoor air compressor that is connected to a furnace that pushes air through ducts in your home and out of the vents in your rooms. The temperature is controlled by a single thermostat.
- Ductless heat pump: A ductless heat pump (also known as a mini-split) includes two main components – indoor units (known as heads) and an outdoor unit. In contrast to central heat pumps, ductless heat pumps do not require you to install a duct system throughout your house.
Incentives we offer for heat pumps
We offer these incentives to help you pay for a new heating & cooling system for your home or multi-family property (up to four units):
- Contractor discount details
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If you’re paying out-of-pocket for your new heat pump, you’re eligible for a contractor discount. We’ll cover a portion of the bill from your Tacoma Power Participating Contractor.
If you install a non-variable speed ductless or central heat pump, you’ll receive a $1,000 discount, and if you install a variable speed central heat pump, you’ll receive a $2,000 discount.
Requirements for a contractor discount:
- The home where the heat pump is installed is served by Tacoma Power.
- You must use a Tacoma Power Participating Contractor.
Use a Participating Contractor
A Tacoma Power Participating Contractor must install the heat pump. They are well-trained on all aspects of our program, and will ensure you meet these technical requirements necessary to qualify for contractor discount:
- The project must meet local building, electrical, and mechanical codes.
- Installation must follow the manufacturer’s specifications and be completed by a technician who is trained and certified on the brand and model of equipment installed.
- Ductless heat pumps must be installed in the main area of home.
- Only high-efficiency heat pumps may be used, which requires the product to be certified by the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) with a minimum HSPF rating of 9.0 or HSPF2 rating of 7.6, and a SEER rating of 14 or a SEER2 rating of 13.4.
See the full list of equipment and installation requirements your contractor is required to follow by looking at our program specifications for central heat pumps or ductless heat pumps.
Not eligible for a contractor discount:
- Multi-family properties with 5 or more units
- New construction properties
- Do-it-yourself installations
- Properties that have previously received an incentive from Tacoma Power for a heat pump
Required documents for a contractor discount
- An application for your project and selected incentive
- An invoice that meets these requirements
- Heat load calculations (for central heat pumps and whole-home ductless heat pumps)
- Heat pump sizing and balance point calculations (for central heat pumps)
- AHRI certificate
- Deferred loan details
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If your household income doesn’t exceed the allowed maximums, you might qualify for a deferred loan and a contractor discount. You’ll owe nothing and pay nothing until you sell your home.
Requirements for a deferred loan:- The primary heat source for your home is electric.
- Your application and project must be pre-approved by Tacoma Power.
- The home where the heat pump is installed is served by Tacoma Power.
- The loan applicant owns the home and land.
- The loan applicant has a good TPU payment and credit history.
- You must use a Tacoma Power Participating Contractor.
Use a Participating Contractor
A Tacoma Power Participating Contractor must install the heat pump. They are well-trained on all aspects of our program, and will ensure you meet these technical requirements necessary to qualify for contractor discount:
- The project must meet local building, electrical, and mechanical codes.
- Installation must follow the manufacturer’s specifications and be completed by a technician who is trained and certified on the brand and model of equipment installed.
- Ductless heat pumps must be installed in the main area of home.
- Only high-efficiency heat pumps may be used, which requires the product to be certified by the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) with a minimum HSPF rating of 9.0 or HSPF2 rating of 7.6, and a SEER rating of 14 or a SEER2 rating of 13.4.
See the full list of equipment and installation requirements your contractor is required to follow by looking at our program specifications for central heat pumps or ductless heat pumps.
Not eligible for a deferred loan:
- Multi-family properties with 5 or more units
- New construction properties
- Do-it-yourself installations
- Properties that have previously received an incentive from Tacoma Power for a heat pump
Required documents for a deferred loan:
To see if you qualify for a deferred loan, fill out this income-qualification application and submit it to Tacoma Power along with your income verification documents (or if you have zero income, fill out this form).
If you qualify, then you’ll need to work with your contractor to complete and submit these documents to Tacoma Power before getting started:
- An application for your project
- A bid created by your contractor
- A copy of your statutory warranty deed for proof of ownership
After your project is complete, your contractor will need to submit the following to Tacoma Power:
- An invoice that meets these requirements
- Heat load calculations (for central heat pumps and whole-home ductless heat pumps)
- Heat pump sizing and balance point calculations (for central heat pump)
- AHRI certificate
How to get started
Pick a Tacoma Power Participating Contractor (or a few) to give you some bids for your new heating & cooling system.
Not only will Participating Contractors tell you the project cost, they will advise you on the best system for your home and needs — either a central heat pump or a ductless heat pump.
Once you’ve selected your Participating Contractor and heating & cooling system, you can work together to fill out your project application.
Submit your application to Tacoma Power for project and incentive approval.
Your Participating Contractor will get to work upgrading your home.
Enjoy the comfort and lower utility bill your new heating & cooling system provides.
Some restrictions might apply. Program requirements and incentive amounts are subject to change without notice. Check with Tacoma Power for current information. Energy and heating savings are estimates only. Actual savings may vary. Tacoma Power does not make any representations, promises or warranties with respect to actual cost savings from any of the products. Tacoma Power does not endorse any particular contractor, manufacturer or product.