1. Learn a bit about heat pump and mini-split technology on our heat pump education webpage
2. Start thinking about what size heat pump system you might want.
Heat pumps come in all sorts of sizes/output capacities. You can install a smaller heat pump that can provide some heating and cooling in one or two rooms, or, you can install a whole-home heat pump, that can provide 100% of your home's heating needs. Because heat pumps are relatively expensive compared to other types of heating/cooling systems, sometimes people will install a smaller system in the rooms they use the most, such as the living room, and just use it as much as possible for their heating.
3. Get a free home energy audit to see what your estimated annual heating & cooling cost savings would be if you install heat pumps.
To schedule the audit, call 1-888-333-7525. When you talk to the auditor, you can ask what your estimated heating cost savings would be if you install a whole-home system and what they would be if you install a smaller system, perhaps in the rooms you use the most.
4. Review your audit report to see what your estimated annual heating cost savings would be if you install heat pumps. Your audit report may also list weatherization (insulation and air sealing) recommendations, along with estimated annual cost savings for improving your weatherization. It can be a good idea to consider improving your weatherization before you install heat pumps because it can potentially reduce the size of the heating system you need. (Click here for more information on weatherization rebates and incentives available).
5. Get quotes for heat pumps/mini-splits that meet either our Basic Heat Pump Rebate requirements and/or our Whole-Home Heat Pump Program requirements.
- Send the installer the list of requirements that the heat pump system needs to meet in order to qualify for HG&E's incentive.
- When you talk to installers, try getting quotes from at least 3 installation companies. Installation costs have the potential to vary by thousands of dollars depending on the company you work with.
- When talking to installers, you can also considering asking for a quote for a smaller heat pump system, perhaps which is installed in the rooms you use the most. Then, you can just use it as much as possible for heating. HG&E's Basic Heat Pump Rebate ($250/ton up to $1,000) is available for qualifying smaller systems. (You can apply for the Residential Energy Assistance Program (financial assistance at 0% interest of up to $10,000+) for smaller heat pump systems in addition to whole-home heat pump systems.)
6. After you get a quote for a heat pump/mini-split system you would like to move forward with, we recommend you submit an application before you start your project if you are interested in the Whole-Home Heat Pump Program and/or the Residential Energy Assistance Program.
- If you are interested in the whole-home heat pump program, please submit the application located on the Whole-Home Heat Pump Program webpage.
- If you are interested in the Basic Heat Pump Rebate and also the Residential Energy Assistance Program
7. Be sure to review these additional heat pump-related incentives to capture all the financial incentives available!