Frequently Asked Questions.
Electrify Missoula is a partnership between Climate Smart Missoula, the City of Missoula, and Missoula County to provide residents with the resources needed to make the switch from gas to electricity in their homes.
Air-source systems are the most commonly installed heat pumps. They have two parts: an indoor unit (air handler) and an outdoor unit (heat pump). New air-source heat pumps can reduce your heating costs by about 50 percent over electric furnaces and baseboard heaters.
Heat pump water heaters use electricity to move heat from one place to another (instead of generating heat directly) to heat water in a storage tank. You can purchase a stand-alone heat pump water heating system or a combination air-source heat pump system that combines heating, cooling, and water heating.
As with any heating and cooling option, you’ll want to consider your home’s unique setup (size, zones, existing ductwork, layout, heating and cooling loads) to determine if a heat pump system is right for you. Work with a local contractor or installer to determine the right equipment and feasibility of your project.
The cost of installing a heat pump system in your home will vary depending on the size and installation requirements of the system you choose. For example, a ductless mini-split unit will cost anywhere from $1,200-$3,500 with an additional $500-$1500 in installation costs. A geothermal system can cost $3,000-$6,000 with an additional $10,000-$20,000 in installation costs for the required labor for site excavation and other associated costs.
The good news: there are a variety of incentives, rebates, and tax credits that can help offset this initial cost. Visit our financing page for more information.
The good news: there are a variety of incentives, rebates, and tax credits that can help offset this initial cost. Visit our financing page for more information.
Heat pumps are able to provide efficient heating in cold climates even at outdoor temperatures as low as -15 °F. Heat pump technology is constantly improving - the operable temperature range is projected to increase over the next few years.
To err on the safe side, it's wise to schedule an annual preventative maintenance check-up with your local dealer. Additionally, every homeowner should know how to spot trouble when it comes to their heat pump system. Visit our resources for homeowners page and navigate to #6: "regular maintenance" for more information.
Utility bill savings will vary from household to household. Reducing energy use in your home saves you money, increases our energy security, and reduces the pollution that is emitted from non-renewable sources of energy. If you are planning to install a small renewable energy system to make your own electricity, such as a solar electric system or small wind turbine, reducing your electricity loads is the first step—saving you money by allowing you to purchase a smaller system. Combining your electric systems with on-site solar could eliminate or greatly reduce your natural gas bill.
A geothermal heat pump’s cooling efficiency is rated by EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) and its heating efficiency by COP (Coefficient of Performance). Based on type, the federal EER minimums are 17.1 to 21.1 and the COP minimums are 3.1 to 4.1.
The cooling efficiency for air-source and ductless-split systems is measured by SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). The federal minimum standard is 13 SEER for new units for homes in the Northeast, Midwest, Mountain States and Pacific Northwest. According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, you should consider buying a heat pump that is at least 15 SEER. The most-efficient Energy Star-rated heat pumps are 18 to 27.5 SEER
The heating efficiency of air-source and ductless-splits systems is measured by HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor). The minimum federal HSPF rating for all units is 7.7. According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, you should consider buying a heat pump that is at least 8.5 HSPF. The most-efficient Energy Star-rated heat pumps are 8.5 to 12.5 HSPF.