Chelan County PUD is offering rebates of up to $500 on the purchase of heat pump water heaters. Sounds great, right? But we’re also hearing the question, “What’s a heat pump water heater?”

A heat pump water heater is a new technology designed to reduce home water heating costs. Rather than heating water directly like a traditional electric storage water heater, the heat pump saves energy by moving heat from one place to another.

Heat pump water heaters work like a refrigerator, but in reverse – while a refrigerator removes heat from inside the unit and exhausts to the air around it, a heat pump water heater uses fans and an evaporator coil to pull heat from the surrounding air and transfers it to water in the storage tank.

Heat pump water heaters are sometimes referred to as hybrids because they rely on two systems – a heat pump and an electric element. The heat pump saves energy by doing most of the work most of the time. The electric heating elements are used only when needed.

Heat pump water heaters reduce water-heating energy consumption by 50 percent compared to a standard electric water heater. But they carry some disadvantages, too, and consumers should be aware of these before buying.

The fans and evaporator make noise, so heat pump water heaters are best installed away from the main living space. They require extra air space around them; at least 1,000 cubic feet.  They cool the spaces they are in, so keep that in mind when choosing where or whether to install one. The cool exhaust air can be ducted to the room or outdoors.

Another drawback is their expense, starting at around $1,000. However, manufacturer rebates, store promotions and Chelan PUD’s rebates can combine to make the units very affordable.

Heat pump water heaters are available at Sav-Mart, Lowe’s, Home Depot and Sears (or online through these stores’ websites). A complete list of heat pump water heaters suited to our Northwest climate is available here. You can find a qualified local contractor here.

Learn more about heat pump water heaters and apply for a Chelan PUD rebate.

Do you have a heat pump water heater? If so, how do you like it?

Have you heard about the new Tango Card? Using a Tango Card good at 17 major retailers is one option for customers receiving appliance rebates from Chelan County PUD.

The PUD is offering rebates for energy-efficiency upgrades on several products for your home:

• LED downlight retrofit kits, $25
• Electric storage water heaters, $25-$125
• Clothes washers, $30-$75
• Refrigerators and freezers, $50
• Line voltage zoned thermostats, $115
• Heat pump water heaters, $300-$500

If you choose the new Tango Card, you can redeem it immediately for your choice of gift cards at 17 premier retailers such as Amazon, Starbucks and Home Depot. Or you can donate your rebate to your choice of eight charities such as Habitat for Humanity. You can also elect to get a good old-fashioned check, with a quick turn-around of 7 to 10 business days.

All ENERGY STAR refrigerators, freezers and clothes washers are eligible for rebates. Amounts vary because they’re based on the energy-efficiency of the model selected.

Find complete information on the program here.

Earn a $750 rebate
Eligibility for Chelan County PUD’s ductless heat pump program has been expanded to include owners of site-built homes with electric forced-air furnaces.

When the program began in 2012 only baseboard, wall and radiant heat systems were included. Adding forced-air furnaces to the mix will allow many more customers to qualify, said Mark Wiser, senior energy conservation adviser.

Rebates of $750 are available to help offset the cost of the units, which ranges from $2,000 to $6,000. Owners of manufactured homes are eligible if they have electric forced-air systems but are not eligible if they have baseboard or other zonal heat. 

Fourteen local contractors are participating in the program. Contact a contractor to get started adding a ductless heat pump to your home.

Why? A ductless heat pump is a highly efficient and easily installed primary heating and cooling system for electrically heated homes. Ductless systems are ideal for replacing or supplementing less efficient heating sources (and window air conditioners in the summer).

Regionally, use of a ductless heating and cooling system in a single-family home with zonal electric heat is estimated to save 3,500 kWh annually. Using Chelan PUD’s average cost of $0.03 per kilowattt hour, upgrading to a ductless heating and cooling system as a primary heat source can save approximately $105 per year. In addition, ductless heat pumps are safer, quieter, and heat rooms efficiently.  And they provide air conditioning in the summer, replacing window units.

Find more information about upgrading to ductless on the PUD website and at goingductless.com.

If spring cleaning includes getting rid of your old refrigerator or brightening up a room, we’ve got some ideas for you. Chelan PUD is offering rebates for energy-efficiency upgrades on several products for your home.

Items and the rebate amounts are:

• LED downlight retrofit kits, $25
• Electric storage water heaters, $25-$125
• Clothes washers, $30-$75
• Refrigerators and freezers, $50
• Line voltage zoned thermostats, $115
• Heat pump water heaters, $300-$500

All ENERGY STAR refrigerators, freezers and clothes washers are eligible. Rebate amounts for some products vary based on the energy-efficiency of the model selected.

Find complete information on the program here.

The program offers quick turn-around of 7 to 10 business days if you elect to receive a check, or if you choose the new Tango Card, you can redeem it immediately for your choice of gift cards at 17 premier retailers such as Amazon, Starbucks and Home Depot. Or you can donate your rebate to your choice of eight charities such as Habitat for Humanity.

Find the details here.

P.S. Recycle your old refrigerator or freezer for free and get a $30 rebate from the PUD. Find out how.

Chelan’s Riverwalk Park will host the community’s 24th annual Earth Day Fair on Saturday, April 20, while Lions Club Park in Leavenworth is the site of the Life2 Earth Day Community Fair on Sunday, April 21.

The Chelan fair runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Count on displays about composting, green building, recycling, renewable energy, land conservation, energy conservation, electric vehicles and emergency preparedness. There’s plenty to do and see, including a garden center, flea market, arts and crafts for kids, food booths, music and entertainment. The event is sponsored by the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce, KOZI Radio,  Chelan County PUD and 509 State of Mind.

Leavenworth’s event, called “Sustainability and the Pursuit of Happiness,” focuses on good food and good health.  A Farmers Market showcase will make mouths water for upcoming local harvests while local eateries satisfy on-the-spot cravings. The Leavenworth Lions will offer health screenings. Meander through the park to find many more options including hands-on activities, informational displays and live music by “Hybrid Vibe and Recycled Rhythm.”

In the event of heavy rain, the fair will take place under cover at Osborn Elementary School, 225 Central Avenue, Leavenworth. Phone (509) 548-0181 for more fair information.