BELLEVUE, Wash. — While the Seattle area has seen just a handful of 80 degree days this year, experts say now might be the time to think about upgrading your cooling systems.
As part of the state's climate initiative, many local communities have offered incentives, rebates and even no-cost installation of heat pumps.
"People are looking for a way to lower their carbon footprint, to do something positive for the environment. The beauty of the heat pump is it has heating aspects and it provides cooling," said David Barnes, a Kirkland senior planner.
As part of the city's involvement with Energy Smart Eastside (ESE), Barnes worked with homeowner Karen Hartman, who qualified for a no-cost heat pump.
"He helped me through the entire process," she said. "It was the most amazing thing."
Hartman, who received her heat pump late last year, said she's already discovered the benefits through the colder months and looks forward to its ability to block smoky air from entering her home.
She's also excited about the cooling aspect, noting this is her first air conditioning unit she's ever owned.
On its website, ESE said it "connects residents with the information, incentives, and resources they need to go electric."
That includes education for anyone interested in switching to a heat pump, opportunities for significant rebates, along with low and no-cost installation to qualifying residents in Bellevue, Issaquah, Kirkland, Redmond, Mercer Island and Sammamish.
The ESE Boost program funds the purchase and installation of heat pumps for homeowners and affordable housing units occupied by households below 80% of the area's median income.
So far, 38 heat pump installations have fallen into that category, including Hartman's.
"It certainly wouldn't have been an option for me because heat pumps are pretty expensive right now. There was no way within my budget, I'm basically on social security, so it was going to be out of the question until I went through the process and found out I could be qualified for one," Hartman said.
To offset costs, the program connects residents with help from community partners along with state and utility grants, including the Climate Commitment Act.
According to ESE, 90% of single family homes on the Eastside and heated with gas furnaces.
"We expect that more and more people will become interested," Barnes said. "The benefits to the community at large is you have less pollution. All of the cities are working really hard to reduce our emissions from the fuels we use. This really helps us a lot."
For more information about Energy Smart Eastside, including how to participate in any of the programs they offer, visit their website.
Last week, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell announced the city received more than $3 million in funding to expand its heat pump program. More information for Seattle residents can be found here.
For more information in the following counties, click the links below:
For additional information, contact your local county officials, or your utility company to be directed to the best program in your area.