A heat pump is a type of high-efficiency electrical heating system that many of AP&T’s customers are installing in their homes, business, and community facilities.

You can think of a heat pump a lot like an “air conditioner in reverse” – it uses a very similar refrigeration-type cycle to extract heat from a cold space (outdoors) and move it indoors.  In fact, heat pumps typically have the capability of functioning as air conditioners in the summer, which is a nice benefit if you don’t already own an air conditioner.

That is a question which AP&T cannot easily answer, and which will differ for each consumer.  How much money you save will ultimately depend on the age/efficiency of your old heating system, your home heating habits, the cost of fuel (which changes over time), the type and cost of your new system, and more.

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 / gallon, their heat pump is saving them money.   Air source heat pumps tend to be about twice as efficient as resistance space heaters.  However, AP&T strongly encourages our customers to do their own research and analysis based on their individual circumstances.

• 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.

The cost depends on the size of your home or facility, and your heating requirements. Generally, most mechanical contractors would be able to help you buy and install a heat pump.

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.

Yes! In fact, many of today’s heat pumps are even able to operate effectively at below-freezing temperatures. Even when temperatures plummet, the cold outdoor air still contains heat that can be “stepped up” by your heat pump and delivered to your home. There are also ground-source heat pumps, which obtain warmth from the ground.

The Cold Climate Housing Research Center (CCHRC) strongly recommends heat pumps for use in Southeast Alaska.

LEARN MORE FROM CCHRC

Yes – AP&T has installed both air-source and ground-source heat pumps at many of facilities on Prince of Wales, including our Craig and Klawock offices.  We see heat pump technology as a more affordable and energy efficient technology, which is better for our bottom line, and for the environment.

Local banks and credit unions offer loans for home improvements, which can help fund a conversion.  We suggest you check with banks in your area to find out what type of interest rate you might receive.

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.