Dave's top 4 reasons to purchase a heat pump

There is no doubt Energy Expert® Dave Reinke likes talking with members. However, Reinke does have a favorite topic, and it isn't his story about jumping into muddy Lac Lavon in February to raise money for the Special Olympics. It's air-source heat pumps.

A few years ago when local contractors started looking at air-source heat pumps as a way to help customers save on heating and cooling costs, heat pumps started gaining acceptance. “Five years ago, we were lucky to install 10 heat pumps a year,” said Reinke. “In the past three years, we've averaged 300 to 350 installations each year.”

1. Save energy and money

Growing awareness of the energy- and money-saving benefits is spurring heat pump popularity. “Because the new air-source heat pump is usually more efficient than the air conditioner it's replacing, most members notice savings of both energy and money after they install a heat pump,” said Reinke. “Additionally, most members with an air-source heat pump participate in our off-peak program and pay a reduced rate for the electricity their heat pump uses.”

2. Provides cooling and heating

Additionally, members are learning heat pumps can reduce energy costs and extend furnace life by providing a portion of the heating load. “Air-source heat pumps are great because they not only completely replace your air conditioner, but you can also use them for a portion of your heating needs,” said Reinke.

3. Works great for new and existing homes

Reinke also points out that air-source heat pumps are compatible in both new and existing homes. “Builders are becoming more educated on the benefits of heat pumps and starting to offer them as options in many of their homes,” said Reinke. “Still, most of the installations we see are in existing homes.”

4. Rebates

Even with all of the benefits, some members still dismiss air-source heat pumps because they generally cost more than an air conditioner. “One of the primary deterrents for people considering a heat pump is the extra cost,” said Reinke. “To help offset some of this cost, Dakota Electric offers rebates based on the efficiency of the unit.”

Rebate amounts differ based on the efficiency level, or SEER rating, of a heat pump.

Learn more about rebates, air-source heat pumps, and off-peak programs

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