Heat Pump FAQs
An air-source heat pump, commonly referred to as a mini-split, is a heating & cooling system that has at least one outdoor and one indoor unit. The outdoor unit operates in variable speeds to maximize efficiency, using electricity to compress and expand refrigerant, making it either very hot or very cold.
The hot or cold refrigerant is then pumped through copper piping to the indoor unit, where it fills up inside a coil. Inside air is then drawn through the coil, conditioning the air to be hot or cold that is then blown back into the space. The heat pump cycle will continue until the indoor unit sense that the set temperature has been met.
Heat pump systems can be designed for small or large spaces, and can utilize various types of indoor units, such as: wall mounts, floor mounts, ceiling cassettes, low static ductwork, & full-sized ductwork. To determine the best design, factoring in cost, distribution, and aesthetics, an in-person consultation is typically required, where a customized proposal can be created and thoroughly reviewed with you.
In Massachusetts, sponsoring electric & gas utilities offer incentives to their customers to have a heat pump system installed in their home. Rebates vary from town to town, but typically range from $500, all they up to $10,000!
Alpine Heat Pumps is an “Approved Mass Save® Heat Pump Installer”, so for Mass Save or Municipality utility rebates, we ensure all the proper paperwork is created and submitted on our clients’ behalf. Our clients are provided with information on exactly how much their system qualifies for, and we ensure the proper processes are followed, so that each of our clients receives their rebate after their installation has been completed.
Mass Save is an initiative sponsored by the State of Massachusetts’ natural gas and electric utilities and energy efficiency service providers. The Sponsors of the Mass Save project work closely with the MA Department of Energy to provide a wide range of services, incentives, and information promoting energy efficiency that assists Massachusetts residents and businesses manage energy use and related costs.
Yes. For Mass Save eligible clients, Alpine Heat Pumps can offer and guide our clients through utilizing the 0% Interest HEAT Loan. This is a 7-year, interest-free loan offered by local banks to authorized companies & applicants. Alpine Heat Pumps can help you submit to Mass Save for your project’s HEAT Loan Authorization, and then after you receive your Mass Save Authorization form, we connect you with a local bank that can facilitate processing your loan application.
For those in Municipality towns, who are not eligible for Mass Save, Alpine Heat Pumps offers competitive, short & long-term financing options with great interest rates, helping make your heat pump system affordable and cost-effective.
“Today’s heat pumps can reduce your electricity use for heating by approximately 50% compared to electric resistance heating such as furnaces and baseboard heaters. High-efficiency heat pumps also dehumidify better than standard central air conditioners, resulting in less energy usage and more cooling comfort in summer months” – Department of Energy / Energy.gov
Heat pumps generally do not require frequent service, especially when you purchase a quality system (like Mitsubishi Electric), and have it installed by a professional outfit, such as Alpine Heat Pumps. It is recommended that client’s clean/wash the system air filters each month and have a professional out to thoroughly inspect and clean their system at least once every few years.
Just give us a call. We would be happy to help answer all of your questions!
844-5-ALPINE (844-525-7463)