Heat Pump Program

Thank you for your interest in the Clatskanie PUD Heat Pump Program. Please read and adhere to the following Customer Requirements carefully to receive your incentive payment. Call the Clatskanie PUD at (503) 728-2163 if you have any questions.

Customer Requirements

1. You must sign up for a free energy analysis before you install your heat pump.
   
   
2. The PUD will recommend weatherization measures to make your home more energy-efficient. We will give you written requirements that need to be completed to receive the incentive. New homes, including manufactured homes, may not require an analysis at the discretion of the PUD.
   
   
3. The PUD will provide you with a Buyer's Guide to help you understand heat pumps and the type that is best suited for you. Please read this carefully and ask all installers any questions you might have concerning their brand of heat pumps.
   
   
4. The PUD recommends that you obtain at least three bids from installers. A list of area installers will be provided at the time of the analysis or can be picked up at the PUD office.
   
   
5. Split system Heat Pumps must have a Heating Season Performance Factor (HSPF) of 8.5 or higher and a SEER rating of 14 or higher.  Package unit require an HSPF of 8.0 and a SEER rating of 13.  All paperwork is required from the installing contractor.
   
   
6. All new ducts must be insulated to a minimum of R-11 for hard ducts and R-8 for flex ducts. Duct "boots" going to the registers in unheated areas must be insulated to a minimum of R-11. This includes all return air ducts in unheated areas as well.
   
   
7. If you are using an existing ductwork system it may be necessary to upgrade it to code. All ducting must be sealed and properly supported. Any added insulation should be R-11 minimum. Special care shall be taken when insulating flex ducts so that they will not collapse. Any ducting subject to human contact (basements, garages, etc.) should have a foil or vinyl covering with a flame spread rating of 50 or less.
   
   
8. Call the PUD when your heat pump is installed to set up an appointment for your final inspection.
   
   
9. When approved, the PUD will award your incentive.

The Heat Pump's Rise to Fame

The heat pump is becoming increasingly popular as a means to heat and cool homes and commercial buildings. The reason for its popularity is simple. The heat pump can deliver more heat energy than it consumes in electricity. Properly sized, installed, and operated, heat pumps can save homeowners from 25 to 38 percent on heating bills.

The heat pump is not new phenomena. The first one was produced in 1926, but rising costs and fuel shortages have sparked renewed interest in the heat pump and has led to improvement in equipment efficiency.

Extracting Heat from Outside Air

The heat pump is designed to cool in summer as well as heat in the winter. Actually a heat pump is an air conditioner with a reverse cycle for heating. What makes the heat pump so energy-efficient is its unique ability to extract heat from the outside air. The process is similar to that used by your refrigerator. The heat is picked up by refrigerant, concentrated by a compressor, circulated through the heat pump's coils and sent into your home's air duct system.

The warmer the outside air, the more heat there is to extract, making the heat pump more efficient in moderate climates such as the Pacific Northwest. As long as the temperature is above 35F the heat pump will use only the smallest amount of electricity needed to power the compressor and fan saving you energy and money on your electric bill.

Qualifying Contractors:

B&B Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc.                                         
Contact:  Dennis Yalch                                                                         
1057 12th Avenue, P.O. Box 1607                                                            
Longview,  WA 98632                                                                           
(360)423-3010                                                                  
Brand:  Carrier                                                                                          

Carlson's Heating & Air Conditioning                              
Contact:  Dave Carlson                                                     
1414 S. Pacific                                                                 
Kelso,  WA  98626                                                            
(360)425-4888                                                                 
Brand:  Trane                                                                     

All Phase Heating & Air Conditioning
Contact:  David Adams
8415 NE 8th Avenue
Vancouver,  WA  98665
(360)695-6500
Brand:  Amana

Columbia N.W. Heating, Inc.
Contact: Brian Sofich
57260 NE 1st Street
Scappoose,  OR  97056
503)543-3624 or (503)397-0252
Brand:  Trane

Renaud Electric
Contact:  Buck
2300 Talley Way
Kelso,  WA 98626
(360-)423-1420
Brand:  Trane

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