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1. What is an air-source heat pump?

Heat naturally moves from warmer places to cooler places. Heat pumps use electricity to move heat in the opposite direction, from cooler places to warmer places, making the cool space cooler and the warm space warmer. Your refrigerator is a heat pump, moving heat from inside the refrigerated cabinet (cooler place) into your kitchen (warmer place). An air conditioner is a heat pump, moving heat from inside your home (cooler place) to the outside summer air (warmer place).

Heat pumps are also used to heat homes, taking advantage of the fact that in the spring, fall, and yes, even in the winter, there is some heat in the outdoor air. An air-source heat pump collects heat from the outdoor air, concentrates it via an outdoor compressor, and distributes it inside through an indoor room unit or a home’s ductwork. During the summer, a heat pump can operate in reverse, as an air conditioner, by moving heat from indoors to the outside air.  Heat pumps require electricity to run, but can deliver more energy than they use.

Air-source heat pumps have been used for many years in nearly all parts of the United States, but until recently they have not been used in areas that experienced extended periods of subfreezing temperatures. However, in recent years, air-source heat pump technology has advanced so that it now offers a legitimate space heating alternative in colder regions. Over 300,000 heat pumps were sold in New England, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Washington DC in 2015 alone.

2. What is the advantage of installing an air-source heat pump in my home?

The majority of people who install an air-source heat pump in their home do so to obtain an improved level of comfort. For example, they may wish to add air conditioning to a home, or to better heat or cool parts of their home that weren’t adequately heated or cooled before. And, popular ductless heat pumps installed throughout a home are zone-friendly – you heat or cool only the rooms you need to.

People who currently have conventional electric resistance or propane-fueled heating systems can save 50% - 70% on energy costs by heating with an air-source heat pump instead. At current fuel prices, oil heating households can save up to 30%. At current prices, natural gas-heating households won’t cut costs by using air source heat pumps.

Concordians also install heat pumps because the systems reduce carbon emissions due to heating by 30 – 70%. This is a result of the combined high efficiency of the heat pump technology and the relatively lower carbon content of electricity, compared to other heating fuels. Most households keep their existing heating system when they install heat pumps. On extremely cold days, the existing heating system supplements the heat provided by the heat pumps. The actual percentage of carbon reduction depends on the percentage of the home’s heating needs met by heat pumps, and the heating fuel being replaced.

3. What does an air-source heat pump look like?

Cold climate air-source heat pumps come in two varieties: ductless and ducted.

Ductless heat pumps, also known as mini-splits, have outdoor compressors and indoor wall, floor, or ceiling mounted units to distribute the warm or cool air. Because ductless heat pumps do not require the presence of air ducts, they can be installed in homes currently heated with a boiler or an electric baseboard heating system. 

 

Outdoor and indoor components of a ductless ASHP system in Concord, MA

A central ducted heat pump can be installed in homes with air ducts. It looks and performs like a central air conditioning system, except that it can heat in winter as well as cool in summer. 

      

Outdoor and indoor components of a ducted heat pump system in Carlisle, MA

Whether you choose ductless or ducted heat pumps depends on the characteristics of your home.

4. How can I learn more about air-source heat pumps?

CMLP can put you in touch with Concord residents who have already installed heat pumps in their homes, and who would be happy to share information about their experience buying and using a heat pump. Contact Energy Specialist Pamela Cady at pcady@concordma.gov or 978-318-3149 for referrals.

5. How can I learn about the best air-source heat pump options for my home?

We suggest soliciting proposals from at least three heat pump installers. Before soliciting proposals, consider talking with Concord residents who have already installed heat pumps in their homes. CMLP’s Energy Specialist, Pamela Cady (pcady@concordma.gov or 978-318-3149), can put you in touch with Concord residents who would be happy to share information about their experience buying and using a heat pump.

CMLP strongly suggests that you seek proposals from HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) contractors who can provide a letter or certificate from the manufacturer verifying that the installer has successfully completed at least 4 hours of manufacturer training within the last 5 years for the products they install. CMLP highly recommends that you request the installer submit this documentation to you with their proposal. The documentation will be required if you wish to apply for a CMLP rebate for your heat pump.

The following HVAC contractors have installed air conditioning and/or heat pump systems for Concord residents who have received energy efficiency rebates from CMLP in the past. CMLP does not have any knowledge of customer experiences with these vendors, and we do not endorse, nor have we pre-qualified these companies in any way. When requesting a proposal from a contractor, CMLP recommends asking for the documentation of the manufacturer training described above.

HVAC Contractors with experience in Concord	City, State, Zip
A & R Mechanical, Inc.	Lunenberg, MA 01462
A Fagundes	Lowell, MA 01851
Absolute Mechanical Systems	Brookline, NH 03033
Achieve Renewable Energy	Woburn, MA 01915
Acton Refrigeration	Littleton, MA 01460-2015
Advanced Mechanical Systems	Stow, MA 01775
Airco Home Comfort Svcs.	Watertown, MA 02472
All-Temp Systems	Milford, MA 01757
Ayotte Plumbing Heating AC	North Chelmsford, MA 01863
Basnett Plumbing and Heating, Inc.	Littleton, MA 01460
Bedford Mechanical	Bedford, MA 01730
Bill Wenzel Heating & Air Conditioning	Merrimack, NH 03054
Boucher Energy Systems, Inc.	Mendon, MA 01756
Bursaw Gas & Oil, Inc.	Acton, MA 01720
Central Cooling and Heating, Inc.	Woburn, MA 01801
Chaves Heating and Air Conditioning	Hudson, MA 01749
Climate Engineering LLC	Abington, MA 02351
Concord Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.	Concord, MA 01742
CoolAir Company	Dracut, MA 01826
Cranney Home Services	Danvers, MA 01923
Druziako HVAC	N. Chelmsford, MA 01863
East Coast Metals	Pepperell, MA  01463
Eric C. Foster Plumb., Htg, Cool	Chelmsford, MA 01824
Genove Oil & Air Company, Inc.	Waltham, MA  02453-4113
George Akhian HVAC	Lexington, MA 02421
HillCO Heating and Cooling, Inc.	Littleton, MA  01460
J & J Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc.	Dracut, MA  01826
Jay Moody LLC	Leominster, MA 01453
Keyes North Atlantic	Newton, MA 02460-1451
Lamco Systems	Tyngsboro, MA  01879
MacCormack Plumbing	Billerica, MA  01821
Mancini Heating and Cooling	Billerica, Ma  01821
Mass Mechanical Co. Inc.	Framingham, MA 01701
Melendy and Sons, Inc.	Pepperell, MA 01463
Muirfield Mechanical Services, LLC	Boxborough, MA 01719
Nashoba Sheet Metal Inc.	Westford, MA 01886
Obie Comfort Solutions	Framingham, MA 01702
Papalia Plumbing and Heating	Acton, MA  01720
RER Fuel Service, Inc.	Billerica, MA 01862
Rodenhiser Heating and Cooling	Holliston, MA  01746
Royal Air Systems, Inc	North Reading, MA
S C Mechanical Services	Hollis, NH 03049
S.G. Torrice	Wilmington, MA 01887
Suburban Sheet Metal, Inc.	Norwood, MA  02062
Tag Heating and Cooling	Ayer, MA 01432
The Fisher-Churchill Co.	Dedham, MA  02026
Thermoil, Inc.	Watertown, MA 02471-0042
Total Temperature Control Inc.	Wakefield, MA 01880
Unique Indoor Comfort Heating & Cooling	Woburn, MA 01801
Wilson Brothers HVAC, Inc.	Pepperell, MA 01463
Winters Company Plumbing and Heating	Cambridge, MA 02138
Wrightway Heating and Cooling Corp	Ayer, MA 01432

6. What questions should I ask potential air-source heat pump installers?

Consider asking the following questions:

Experience

1. Can you provide references from previous customers with similar systems?
2. Can you provide a letter or certificate verifying that your installation staff has participated in at least 4 hours of manufacturer training in the last 5 years for the systems you would install in my home?

Rebate

1. Ductless and centrally ducted heat pumps that qualify for a MassCEC rebate in communities served by investor-owned utilities will qualify for a CMLP rebate (but not a MassCEC rebate) here in Concord.  Do you install systems that qualify for MassCEC rebates in other towns?
2. Centrally ducted heat pumps on NEEP’s (Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnership’s) Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pump Specification Listing qualify for a CMLP rebate. Do you install centrally ducted systems that are on NEEP’s Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pump Specification Listing? (Note: A centrally ducted heat pump is an option only in homes that have existing air ducts, or in new homes that will have air ducts once constructed. This question is not relevant to homes without air ducts.)
3. Are you familiar with the application process for CMLP’s air source heat pump rebate and are you willing to complete the process for me?

Installation Process

1. When would you be able to perform the installation and how long will it take to complete?
2. Will you hire subcontractors to complete portions of the project? If so, what firms and what will they do?
3. Will you provide training for me on how to properly operate and maintain the system?
4. Do you provide a warranty for the systems you install?

7. Who's eligible for a CMLP rebate?

Project Eligibility:

Rebates are available to homeowners and renters for air-source heat pump installations in new or existing homes that meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Use the installed air-source heat pump (ASHP) for heating consistently throughout the winter.

2. Work with an installer that has received manufacturer training for the products they plan to install in your home.

3. Install ASHPs from  either of two lists of eligible equipment:

               - Any ASHP on the  Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s Qualified Products List is eligible for a rebate from CMLP. The vast majority of these are ductless heat pumps.

               - Any centrally ducted ASHP on the Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnership’s (NEEP’s) Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pump (ccASHP) Specification Listing. Download the Excel file “ColdClimateAir-SourceHeatPumpSpecificationListing-Updated DD.DD.DD.xlsx at http://www.neep.org/initiatives/high-efficiency-products/emerging-technologies/ashp/cold-climate-air-source-heat-pump. In the filename, “DD.DD.DD” will display as the date when the file was last updated. Column M, entitled “Ductless or Centrally Ducted” must indicate that the ASHP is Centrally Ducted in order for the ASHP to be eligible for a CMLP rebate.

4. Has had a home energy audit completed within the last four years or have one scheduled within six months of project completion. New homes and multi-family residences with more than four units do not require an energy audit. CMLP recommends that priority recommendations from the audit are implemented before, or in coordination with, the installation of the ASHP. To schedule an audit, natural gas users can contact MassSAVE at (866) 527-SAVE (7283) or www.masssave.com/en/saving/energy-assessments/. All others can sign up with Energy New England at solutions@ene.org, (888) 772-4242, or www.ene.org/residential-audits/.

Rebate Type Eligibility:

If the project meets the above eligibility requirements, system owners should next determine which rebate type they are eligible for based on the following table:

	Income-Based Thresholds by Household Size		System Type
Rebate Type	Household Size	Annual Gross Income	Single-Head System	Central Ducted or Multi-Head Systems
Base Rebate Available to all households meeting project requirements (see above).	N/A	N/A	$625 per system (up to 3 systems***)	$625 per 12,000 BTU/hr**** (up to a maximum rebate of $2,500)
120% Income-Based Rebate** Available to all households that meet project eligibility requirements and have verified that their income is below 120% of the Massachusetts state median income.	1	$68,760	$800 per system (up to 3 systems***)	$800 per 12,000 BTU/hr**** (up to a maximum rebate of $3,200)
	2	$89,916
	3	$111,074
	4	$132,230
80% Income-Based Rebate** Available to all households that meet project eligibility requirements and have verified that their income is below 80% of the Massachusetts state median income.	1	$45,840	$1,500 per system (up to 3 systems***)	$1,500 per 12,000 BTU/hr**** (up to a maximum rebate of $6,000)
	2	$59,944
	3	$74,049
	4	$88,153

**To receive an income-based rebate, the residential customer must complete one of the accepted income verification methods. Please see the “How Do I Qualify for an Income-Based Rebate?” question below for more information about income-based rebates and income verification.

*** Residences may install more than three single-head ductless systems, though the rebate will only support the first three installed. Rebates for central or multi-head systems are limited to 48,000 BTU/hr of heating capacity (maximum heating capacity at 5°F). Residences may install systems with greater capacity, though the rebate will only support the first 48,000 BTU/hr of heating capacity installed.

****For the purposes of determining rebate levels for central or multi-head systems, CMLP uses the system’s maximum heating capacity (BTU/hr) at 5°F.

Annual Cap

Customers may apply for more than one ASHP rebate over the life of the ASHP rebate program.  However, a customer may receive only one ASHP rebate within a twelve month period.  This policy is subject to change in the future.

8. How do I apply for the ASHP rebate?

There are 3 steps to the application process:

Step 1: Find an Installer 

First select an ASHP installer, who can help you with your rebate application. CMLP recommends that residents:

• Review the material at “How can I learn about the best air-source heat pump options for my home?” and “What questions should I ask potential installers?” questions listed above.
• Solicit proposals from at least three installers.
• Check references from prior installations.

Prior to deciding to move forward with a system, residents who may meet income criteria should determine if they are eligible for the Income-Based Rebate, as described under the “Who’s Eligible for a Rebate?” question above. For example, a household of four with annual income of $132,230 or less may qualify. If eligible, complete one of the three income verification methods described in “How do I qualify for an Income Based Rebate?” question below.

Step 2: Select Eligible Equipment

Work with your installer to select eligible equipment from either of two lists:

• Any ASHP on the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s Qualified Products List is eligible for a rebate from CMLP. Use the Qualified Products List link on MassCEC’s page for the most updated list. The vast majority of these are ductless heat pumps
• Any centrally ducted ASHP on the Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnership’s (NEEP’s) Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pump (ccASHP) Specification Listing. Download the Excel file “ColdClimateAir-SourceHeatPumpSpecificationListing-Updated DD.DD.DD.xlsx at http://www.neep.org/initiatives/high-efficiency-products/emerging-technologies/ashp/cold-climate-air-source-heat-pump. In the filename, “DD.DD.DD” will display as the date when the file was last updated. Column M, entitled “Ductless or Centrally Ducted” must indicate that the ASHP is Centrally Ducted in order for the ASHP to be eligible for a CMLP rebate.

Step 3: Apply for a Rebate 

Once you select an installer and are ready to move forward with the project:

Within 90 days of project completion, residents, with assistance from their installer, should complete and email the following documents to Energy New England, CMLP’s rebate processor, at solutions@ene.org or postal mail to Concord Rebates c/o Energy New England, 100 Foxborough Blvd #110, Foxboro, MA 02035.

• Application Form: The ASHP rebate application
• Home Energy Assessment: Date of completed or scheduled home energy assessment must be noted on rebate application. Audits performed through CMLP’s home energy audit program, Concord’s Green Your Heat Program, the MassSave program or other audit providers are all accepted.
  • If you believe you had an assessment in the last four years through CMLP, but do not know the date, contact Energy New England, CMLP’s audit provider, at 1-888-772-4242 for assistance.
  • If you believe you had an assessment in 2015 or 2016 through Concord’s Green Your Heat Program, but do not know the date, contact CMLP’s Energy Specialist Pamela Cady at pcady@concordma.gov or 978-318-3149 for assistance.
  • For the date of a MassSave assessment, call 800-632-8300.
  • To schedule a home energy assessment, call Energy New England, CMLP’s audit provider, at 1-888-772-4242.

• Electric Bill: A copy of a recent electric bill
• Invoice: A copy of the paid invoice, showing model numbers, total costs and invoice date.
• (Income Verification): If applicable, complete income verification. Eligibility thresholds and income verification methods can be found under the “How do I qualify for an income-based rebate?” question below.
• Installer Training: A letter or certificate from the manufacturer verifying that the installer has successfully completed at least 4 hours of manufacturer training within the last 5 years for the products installed in your home. CMLP highly recommends that the installer submits this documentation to you with their proposal, regardless of whether you apply for a rebate.
• Labels: Photographs of the manufacturer labels showing the equipment serial and model numbers on the installed outdoor and indoor units.
• (Heat Load Calculations): For projects designed to supply 100% of the building’s heat with no supplemental heat source, a copy of the summary report for the Manual J (residential) heat load calculation, at the 99% dry bulb heating design temperature for the most relevant ACCA location. Heating set temperatures may be between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Town of Concord assumes no liability for any equipment, installation or damages, and may inspect equipment to verify the above information at any time up to 1 year after receiving the rebate application. 

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9. How do I qualify for an income-based rebate?

In the interest of increasing access to air-source heat pumps to all residents of Concord, CMLP offers additional incentives for households with income below 80% or 120% of the state median income. Eligibility thresholds are determined based on household size. Eligibility for the income-based rebate is based on the income of the System Owner’s household.

Eligibility is based on total household income (Tax Return Form 1040 line 22), as determined by the System Owner and Household Members’ federal income tax filings for the most recent year available For rental properties, if the tenant is directly contracting with the installer for the installation of the project, the tenant would be the System Owner. Each System Owner household is only eligible to receive the income-based rebate at one residence per 12 month period.

Income-Based Rebate Adder Thresholds by Household Size
Household Size	80% of State Median Income	120% of State Median Income
1	$45,840	$68,760
2	$59,944	$89,916
3	$74,049	$111,074
4	$88,153	$132,230
5	$102,257	$153,386
6	$116,363	$174,544
7	$119,007	$178,510
8	$121,652	$182,478
9	$124,296	$186,444
10	$126,941	$190,412

To receive the Income-Based Rebate, the System Owner must complete one of the following three income verification methods:

• Electric Bill: When submitting the Application documents, provide CMLP with a copy of an electric bill from within the last 6 months showing a Residential Assistance Credit.
• Fuel Assistance Letter: When submitting the application documents, provide CMLP with a copy of a fuel assistance letter of acceptance from the past 12 months showing the date, system owner’s name, and project site address.
• Income Verification: Prior to submitting application documents, request income verification from CMLP by mailing the Income Verification Request Form and the first page of the most recent federal IRS tax return form 1040 showing line 22 for each adult filing (single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, and/or head of household) within the household to Attn: Pamela Cady at CMLP, P.O. Box 1029, Concord, MA 01742 or by hand delivery to CMLP’s Operations Center at 1175 Elm St, Concord. All tax information provided to CMLP will be shredded upon completion of income verification.
  
  You will be notified by email or postal mail once your eligibility for an income-based rebate has been determined. Include this proof of income verification with your application documents.

10. Does CMLP offer a special electric rate for heat pump users?

CMLP offers the R-7 “Electric Resistance & Heat Pump Heating Systems/DHW” rate for heat pump users, a special winter rate designed to prevent an unintended spike in electricity charges for electric heating customers as a result of CMLP’s tiered rate structure. This rate may benefit you if you already use more than 600 kilowatt-hours in some winter months, or if you expect to do so once your heat pump is installed.

However, In order to take advantage of this rate, you must request that a separate meter be installed by CMLP. This meter will record the electric usage of your heat pump. Electricity use recorded on this meter from October 1st through May 1st will be subtracted from the normal billing meter and billed at $0.14431 per kWh. From May 2nd through September 30th, the use through this meter will be billed under the regular R-1 Rate, which ranges from the tier 1 rate of $0.14431 to the tier 3 rate of $0.18685 per kWh, depending on how much electricity your household has used that month.  CMLP’s R-1 rate schedule describes how your electric rate changes depending on how much electricity your household uses in a given month. 

CMLP will supply and install the separate meter at no cost to you. However, you will need to pay an electrician to install a meter socket for the new meter. An additional electrical panel is typically needed as well. Costs for a meter socket/electrical panel can range from $1,000 to $4,000.  The time it will take you to recoup the cost of the new meter socket/panel through electricity cost savings depends on several factors:

• the socket/panel installation cost;
• the extent to which your electric usage will exceed 600 kWh per month once your heat pump is installed and
• how long the tiered rate structure and the Electric Resistance & Heat Pump Heating Systems/DHW rate remain in effect. CMLP’s staff has made a recommendation to the Light Board that the tiered rate structure be eliminated. If the Board votes to do so, the Electric Resistance & Heat Pump Heating Systems/DHW rate will no longer be needed to prevent unintended spikes in electricity charges for heat pump users, and will also be eliminated. In that case, it is unlikely that you’d recoup your investment in a new meter socket and electrical panel through electricity cost savings.

Please note also that customers who have a solar array usually expect that solar electricity will lower the portion of their electric bill attributable to the electricity needed to power their heat pump during the winter. However, if a heat pump is separately metered so that a customer can receive the Electric Resistance & Heat Pump Heating Systems/DHW rate for winter usage, CMLP is unable to offset the winter usage measured by the separate meter with solar electricity generated by the array.  Therefore, having a solar array will not lower a customer's winter bill for heat pump electricity usage if the Resistance & Heat Pump Heating Systems/DHW rate is in effect. During the summer, when the Resistance & Heat Pump Heating Systems/DHW rate does not apply, solar electricity will offset the portion of an electricity bill due to a heat pump being used for air conditioning, even if the heat pump is separately metered.

Further, heat pump customers with solar would need to locate the second meter next to the existing house meter in order for the solar electricity powering the heat pump to be accounted for properly. This can require longer wire runs that increase the cost of the meter socket installation.

Please consider these factors when deciding whether to invest in a separate meter/electric panel.

If you have further questions about the Electric Resistance & Heat Pump Heating Systems/DHW rate, please contact Carole Hilton, Customer Service Coordinator, at (978) 318-3158 or Chilton@concordma.gov.

11. Does CMLP offer a rebate for the installation of geothermal (ground source or geo-exchange) heat pumps?

Yes! Ground-source heat pump rebates are available to Concord residents and small businesses. Find out more about ground-source heat pumps here: http://www.concordma.gov/1975/Ground-Source-Heat-Pumps.

12. Who can I contact if I have more questions about CMLP's air-source heat pump rebate program?

Contact Pamela Cady, CMLP’s Energy Specialist, at pcady@concordma.gov or 978-318-3149.

13. Will CMLP be continuing its rebate program for air conditioning-only systems?

No. The Central Air Conditioning rebate program for air-conditioning-only systems was discontinued on September 9, 2017 in favor of the new Heat Pump rebate program. Since the additional cost of an air-source heat pump over a cooling-only system is modest, CMLP encourages its customers to purchase versatile heat pumps rather than cooling-only systems. In addition to increased comfort (and cost savings for some customers), the use of heat  pumps to heat as well as cool will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, helping Concord meet its goal of 25% fewer emissions by 2020 and 80% fewer by 2050.

14. When will CMLP stop accepting applications for the previous Central A/C & Heat Pump rebate program?

CMLP discontinued the former Residential Central Air Conditioning / Heat Pump Rebate Program on September 9, 2017. However, we will still accept applications under that program for any compliant cooling-only systems or heat pumps installed through the end of 2017 in order to accommodate sales activity or installations in progress when we discontinued the program on September 9, 2017.

The rebate application for any cooling-only system or heat pump installed before the end of 2017 must be received by CMLP within one year of the equipment purchase date in order to be eligible for a rebate.