Signed up for a heat pump

[sonia]

My neighbor in the mirror-image unit at the other end of the building has had a heat pump for a few years, and is happy with it. I've been here almost two years, and it seems like I'll be staying for a while. Granted the last couple of winters have been cooler than usual here, but I'm still not eager to tackle another winter with just a gas fireplace for heat.

I asked my neighbor a while ago who installed his heat pump and if he was willing to let me take a look inside. He has a mini-split on each floor, high on the wall so it doesn't take up precious space. He kindly forwarded me his contract, so I knew how much he paid for the whole installation, about $10K.

Meanwhile I got connected with the Quit Carbon organization, and they were a little too sales-y for my taste, but did give me some information about rebates. They want people to use their contractors and were upfront that they get a kickback. But the person I spoke with said each mini-split would cost $7-9K, so the whole thing would be about double what my neighbor reported.

I connected with my neighbor's contractor Indoor Air Technologies in the fullness of time. It's a husband and wife team, and I got a trustworthy sense from both of them. The estimate came in at $11K, which sounds about right a few years later.

The contractor told me about a Tech Clean California $1000 instant rebate, and looked into whether I'd have to cap off the gas fireplace completely to qualify. Fortunately not, it turns out. I don't think I'll use it much, but it would be nice to have it available.

I used the Rewiring America incentive calculator and found that there's a $2000 tax credit I'm currently eligible for.

There are possibly better rebates coming from the IRA (Inflation Reduction Act) around the end of the year, but I decided that the current deal is good enough for me. The future looks really uncertain these days! So I signed the contract today. I don't know when it will be installed, since he has to order the units and apply for permits. Oh, and the permits are an additional $700-900! Everything is more expensive in California.

Comments

[gingicat]

I hope everything goes smoothly.

[sonia]

Thank you!

[suncat]

Wishing you the best with this.

[sonia]

Thanks!

[to_do_list]

Sounds like a big and wonderful undertaking. Hope it goes well, no surprises.

[sonia]

Thanks! I'm excited about it.

[tylik]

I adored my heat pump when I was in NC.

[sonia]

Yay heat pumps!

[silveradept]

Here's hoping it all goes smoothly. I've had heat pumps with a gas furnace as a backup for a few years now, and the pumps work exceptionally well in both the heating and cooling department. They have definitely been worth the investment.

[sonia]

Thanks, good to know!

We were delighted & astounded

[jesse_the_k]

... by the mini-split installed in the cottage up north. It's quiet, effective, and forgiving in its programming.

Re: We were delighted & astounded

[sonia]

Yay!