Heat Pumps
HEAT PUMPS
Air source heat pumps (ASHP) are electric appliances that provide heating and cooling by moving heat into a building (for heating) or out of a building (for cooling). Today’s heat pumps are designed to work at the coldest winter temperatures we see in Melrose.
Why Consider an Air Source Heat Pump? Air source heat pumps can offer your home or business a variety of benefits:
- Energy Bill Savings If you heat with propane, oil, or electric resistance heating, you could save hundreds of dollars a year on your heating bill by installing a heat pump.
- Efficient All-in-One Heating and Cooling Heat pumps provide heating, cooling, and dehumidification in the same system. Improve the comfort of your home year-round!
- Flexibility Heat pumps come in ductless and ducted varieties and can be installed to address different needs- whether you want to replace your existing system or just want to add heating or cooling to one or a few rooms.
- Lower Your Carbon Footprint Recognized by the state as a clean heating and cooling technology, heat pumps will help you reduce your greenhouse gas emissions.
Consult a Heat Pump Coach Heat pump installation projects can be complicated, especially in older housing stock which is typical in Melrose. We are lucky to have trained volunteer Heat Pump Coaches who are available to answer your questions, review quotes, and assist with navigating the process.
You can schedule a short consultation, or fill out our intake form to request a heat pump coach, at the links below. Or contact Susan Murphy, Heat Pump Coach Coordinator at 781-979-4500, ext. 4197 or by email at HeatPumpCoach@cityofmelrose.org to schedule a time to talk.
Resources for finding installers and getting quotes
Looking to get started talking to installers? The expert consultants at Abode Energy Management have developed a vetted contractor list for the nearby towns of Wakefield and Reading that can be a starting point for local reputable contractors.
In addition, benchmark price quotes for representative systems are provided periodically by the Laminar Collective, a community-led, grassroots initiative that has received a Mass Save community education grant. You can see their data for a Fall 2023 ductless system and Spring 2024 hybrid system, or get on their list for bulk buying opportunities, at laminarcollective.com.
Mass Save Incentive Rebates: Starting in 2022 Mass Save introduced new heat pump incentives of up to $10,000 for homeowners. For moderate incomes (60-80% of area median income) the incentive goes up to $16,000.
HEAT Loan Information: Heat pump installations projects are eligible for the 0% interest HEAT Loan up to $50,000 over seven years. The Mass Save HEAT Loan covers other energy efficiency upgrades too. Available locally at Eastern Bank.
