The Challenge: Demonstrate Whole-Home Use of Air-Source Heat Pumps
The use of air-source heat pumps (ASHPs) has been increasing rapidly in Massachusetts. However, most have been deployed in supplemental applications, such as displacing heat from individual zones, or providing primarily cooling or shoulder-season heating. Comprehensive information about the performance of whole-home ASHPs, particularly for stand-alone full-winter heating, has been lacking. Increased development of the ASHP market in Massachusetts requires further assessment of market and installation practices.
About the Whole-Home Heat Pump Pilot
MassCEC offered rebates for the installation of ASHPs to serve an entire home, whether as a new construction project or a retrofit to an existing home served by natural gas. Through the pilot, MassCEC promoted projects that represented the leading edge of efforts to strategically electrify Massachusetts’ building stock. These projects supported applications of efficient and high-quality ASHP technologies that are consistent with the Commonwealth's achievement of its greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals.
Program Goals
- Complement Mass Save’s integrated controls incentives to develop a full suite of options for strategic electrification (i.e., demonstrate that whole-home solutions are possible)
- Understand (and share) cost-effective and efficient design strategies for whole-home ASHP solutions to
- Electrify new construction
- Provide options for residents in existing 1-4 unit buildings (78% of all MA housing stock)
Program Accomplishments
-
This pilot is demonstrating that homes can be fully heated and cooled by air-source heat pumps alone. Over 160 households will enjoy whole-home ASHPs upon completion of all projects.
-
A series of "Lessons from the Field" blog posts has detailed updates about the pilot and case studies of completed projects as they have been installed.
- Additional learnings will be posted to this page as results of the pilot are evaluated.
2019 - 2022
Installation
Project Completion Instructions for Pilot Participants
Once you have received an award letter from MassCEC, your installer can install your air-source heat pump project.
Once the system has been installed, you or your installer can submit your project completion documents and MassCEC will send out the rebate check. Installers typically submit completion documents on the homeowner's behalf. With each project completion, MassCEC asks for:
- Project Completion Form (provided with your award letter)
- Final Paid Invoice
- Photos of all outdoor and indoor units
- Electric Bill (if new construction)
- Manufacturer start-up sheet (if VRF)