Claverack Rural Electric Cooperative believes that energy efficiency and conservation are key actions in responsible energy management.  We believe that heat pumps can comfortably heat and cool most homes very economically. We are excited to tell you about our heat pump rebate program.

Beginning in 2008, Claverack will offer rebates to members who install a heat pump.  This rebate applies to new home construction and to existing homes which convert the heating system to a heat pump.

Rebates are based on the type of heat pump installed.  A $100 per ton rebate for air source, and $150 per ton rebate for ground source heat pumps is available.  The Maximum rebate amount is $900.

To qualify for the rebate you must submit:

• Rebate Request Form
• Heat loss Calculations
• Invoice
• Verification (Claverack site visit)

Why should you install a heat pump?

In an attempt to answer this question we must first understand the terminology.  “Heat” or “Cooling” is measured in British Thermal Units or BTU’s.  All heaters, furnaces or boilers are measured in BTU’s.  For our comparisons we will look at the cost per million BTU’s (MBTU) of heat pumps, propane and fuel oil.  We must also consider efficiency.  Every propane or oil furnace or boiler has an “efficiency rating”.  Typically, the newer and higher quality the model, the more efficient it is.  Newer heat pumps are 250%-500% efficient. 

The formula to determine price per MBTU is 1,000,000 BTU multiplied by the current price. This figure is then divided by the sum of the efficiency rating multiplied by the BTU’s of the product. Examples are as follows:

FUEL OIL BURNER 85% EFFICIENT
1,000,000 BTU’s x $4.40 = 4,400,000  Divided by 119,000(.85 x 140,000)                 = $36.97 price per MBTU

PROPANE BURNER 90% EFFICIENT
1,000,000 BTU x $2.90 = 2,900,000 Divided by 82,800(.90 x 92,000)                          = $35.02 price per MBTU

ELECTRIC GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMP
100% EFFICENT COP of 4.0
1,000,000 BTU’s x $.09* = 90,000 Divided by 13,652(4.0 x 3,413)                                =   $6.59 price per MBTU

ELECTRIC AIR TO AIR HEAT PUMP
100% EFFICENT COP of 3.0**
1,000,000 BTU’s x $.09 * = 90,000 Divided by 10,239(3.0 x 3,413)                               =   $8.78 price per MBTU

ELECTRIC THERMAL STORAGE
100% EFFICENT (OFF PEAK RATE)
1,000,000 BTU’s x $.058 *** = 58,000 Divided by 3,413                                                 = $16.99 price per MBTU

ELECTRIC RESISTANCE HEAT (base board heaters)
100% EFFICIENT
1,000,000 BTU x $.09* = 90,000 Divided by 3,413                                                           = $26.36 price per MBTU

* residential rate
** air source heat pumps typically loose efficiencies with lower temperatures
*** off peak rate for Time of Use participants

This information should help you to determine current heating costs, by comparing various energy options. Remember that regardless of the type of heat you have it is very important to have adequate insulation in floors, walls and ceilings. Members choosing to invest in electric heat in their homes should consider equipment and installation costs, along with long term operating costs. The best way to heat your home depends on your particular situation.

Several local mechanical contractors sell, install and service heat pumps.  Please contact the Claverack office for additional information about these installers, or see the page titled heat pumps. 

Claverack takes no responsibility for the proper sizing, installation or operation of heat pumps.

Related Links:

- Heat Pumps


Printer Friendly:

- Rebate Brochure (3Mb)

- Rebate Request Form