High Efficiency Heat Pumps
How They Work
An electric heat pump acts as a heat transfer machine. In the winter, it absorbs heat from either outside or the ground, multiplies the heat and moves it into your home. In the summer, the heat pump works just like an air conditioner, moving heat out of your home to cool it. By contrast, a conventional furnace "combusts" natural gas or propane inside your home.
Uniform Heating
Because heat pump air supply temperatures range from only 20 - 35 degrees F higher than desired room temperature, air rises slowly and stays more constant than other systems that deliver warmer air that quickly collects near the ceiling.
Cooling Comfort
In summer, a heat pump delivers cool, dehumidified air like any other central air conditioner.
Clean, Safe, Healthy
Heat pumps collect heat from the air or ground, rather than burning fossil fuel. There are no flames, exhaust pollutants or carbon monoxide with a heat pump system, making your home cleaner and safer. The system also recirculates the air to filter away dust and airborne particles for healthier air. Heat pumps don't dry the air like furnaces, reducing dry skin or throat and protecting wood inside the home.
How You Save With Heat Pumps
Industry studies confirm that heat pumps save money. Since a heat pump is powered by electricity, it's a good way to beat the high cost of heating with natural gas. You can also decrease your upfront expense to install new equipment.
Cool Homes Rebate
Upgrade your heat pump or central air conditioning equipment with a higher efficiency system and receive rebate incentives of up to $850. Learn more about the Cool Homes program.
Federal Tax Credits - Home Energy Efficiency Improvement
Consumers who purchase and install specific products, such as energy-efficient windows, insulation, doors, roofs, and heating and cooling equipment in existing homes may receive a tax credit. See EnergyStar.gov for a complete summary of energy efficiency tax credits available to consumers.
Geothermal Heat Pump Systems qualify for a tax credit of 30% of the total system cost for installations made in 2009 through 2016.
The best way to find Central ACs or Heat Pumps that are eligible for the tax credit is to ask your HVAC contractor for a list of products that are both eligible and properly sized for your home. You should also ask your HVAC contractor to provide the Manufacturer's Certification Statement for the equipment you plan to purchase. Or search on the Manufacturer's web site.
Rates
A heat pump qualifies for KCPL's lower, eight-month winter space heat rate. Savings vary according to rates set by the state regulatory commissions. Please see our Heat Pump Rate information.
