What is a Heat Pump?

Why Make the Change?
- Potential for cost-savings and more predictable pricing for home heating bills.
- Increased energy efficiency, and use of cleaner renewable energy.
- Eliminates the need for on-site fuel storage and delivery, and associated risks of spills, theft, etc.
- More affordable maintenance.
- Provides air conditioning in the summer.
Today’s heat pumps operate with a high degree of efficiency, even in very cold temperatures. In fact, the Cold Climate Housing Research Center (CCHRC) strongly recommends heat pumps for use in Southeast Alaska.
How Do I Buy One and Have it Installed?
AP&T has put together a referral list, to help connect you with capable mechanical contractors. (Let us know if there is anyone else we should add!)
List of Heat Pump Vendors / Installers | Phone Number | Location |
---|---|---|
Ocean Air Contracting | 360.861.8532 | Prince of Wales |
Prince of Wales Island Electric and Repair | 907.755.2443 | Prince of Wales |
Tongass Electric | 907.329.2054 | Prince of Wales |
Ketchikan Dray | 907.225.3172 | Ketchikan |
Ketchikan Mechanical | 907.225.9466 | Ketchikan |
Schmolck Mechanical | 907.225.6648 | Ketchikan |
Home Tech | 907.225.5129 | Ketchikan |
Northern Refrigeration | 907.523.2700 | Juneau |
Channel Electric (Electrical Connections) | 907.225.9725 | Prince of Wales |
How Can I Pay for an Installation?
The following banks are willing and able to make loans for heat pump conversions on Prince of Wales Island:
Financing Options | Phone Number | Location |
---|---|---|
Wells Fargo | 907.826.3040 | Prince of Wales |
First Bank | 907.826.3254 | Prince of Wales |
Key Bank | 844.433.2068 | Ketchikan |
Northrim Bank | 907.225.4545 | Ketchikan |
Tongass Federal Credit Union | 907.755.2800 | Klawock |
Tongass Federal Credit Union | 907.828.8880 | Thorne Bay |
Alaska USA Federal Credit Union | 907.247.7600 | Ketchikan |
How Much Money Will I Save?
Some of our customers have reported they are saving 25% to 50%, depending on the cost of oil. Others have indicated that as long as the cost of heating oil is over $2.00 / gallon, their heat pump is saving them money. However, AP&T strongly encourages our customers to do their own research and analysis based on their individual circumstances. This might include getting quotes from an installer, and examining your home energy bills and heating costs.
What are the other benefits of heat pumps besides energy efficiency and cost-savings?
- Lower maintenance costs.
- Heat pumps provide air conditioning in the summer time.
- Eliminates the risks associated with storing and transferring fuel on your property.
- Eliminates the possibility of theft of fuel, especially from common targets like public facilities, remote properties, seasonal cabins, etc.
- No need to arrange fuel deliveries, or worry about whether or not the fuel truck can make it down your road in the winter.
- Instead, electrical “fuel” is delivered over the power lines as it is needed.
- Heat pumps are usually quieter, and do not give off smells.
- More predictable heating costs. The price of heating oil is extremely volatile, and subject to drastic fluctuations due to geopolitical events.
- Most heat pump equipment is located outside, freeing up more space in your home.
- Shop local! Heat pumps use clean energy which is produced mostly from hydropower projects on Prince of Wales Island, rather than oil refineries.
- Heat pumps which use clean hydropower are a green energy solution which is better for the environment, and air quality.
- Heat pumps help us to use Prince of Wales’ clean, renewable hydropower in the most efficient manner possible to meet our energy needs.
- High degree of programmability and control.
How much do they cost, and where can I get one?
AP&T has put together a list of local vendors and installers who can help you identify a properly-sized unit, and provide a cost estimate.
List of Heat Pump Vendors / Installers | Phone Number | Location |
---|---|---|
Ocean Air Contracting | 360.861.8532 | Prince of Wales |
Prince of Wales Island Electric and Repair | 907.755.2443 | Prince of Wales |
Tongass Electric | 907.329.2054 | Prince of Wales |
Ketchikan Dray | 907.225.3172 | Ketchikan |
Ketchikan Mechanical | 907.225.9466 | Ketchikan |
Schmolck Mechanical | 907.225.6648 | Ketchikan |
Home Tech | 907.225.5129 | Ketchikan |
Northern Refrigeration | 907.523.2700 | Juneau |
Channel Electric (Electrical Connections) | 907.225.9725 | Prince of Wales |
Do heat pumps work in Alaska? It’s cold as a dog’s nose here.
The Cold Climate Housing Research Center (CCHRC) strongly recommends heat pumps for use in Southeast Alaska.
Does AP&T use heat pumps?
How can I get money to pay for a heat pump conversion?
While the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) is no longer offering rebates for residential consumers, you may qualify for some of their other low interest financing options.
LEARN MORE ABOUT AHFC ENERGY PROGRAMS
Community facilities like schools and medical facilities, and non-profit organizations may be able to seek grant funds to help pay for conversions.
Business may be able to for grants up to 25% of the cost of a heat pump, using USDA’s Rural Energy for America program.