Hybrid Heat Pump System
What is a hybrid heat pump system?
A hybrid heat pump system is an energy-efficient combination of two HVAC units: an electric heat pump and a gas furnace. These two systems work together to keep your home comfortable year-round by managing both your heating and cooling needs.
During warmer months, the heat pump efficiently cools your home and can also provide heating when temperatures are milder in the fall and spring. As the weather gets colder, the gas furnace kicks in, quickly providing reliable warmth. This cooperation between the heat pump and furnace ensures that your home stays comfortable while keeping your energy usage in check.
What are the benefits
A hybrid heat pump system offers several great benefits for homes in the climate of the Pacific Northwest, where temperatures can dip below freezing in the winter and rise to pleasant highs in the summer.
- All-season comfort: You'll enjoy a consistent and comfortable home temperature throughout the year, whether it’s a hot summer day or a cold winter night.
- Energy efficiency: This system is designed to minimize energy use, which means your home stays comfortable without wasting energy.
- Cost savings: Since the heat pump is more efficient than traditional heating systems, you’ll likely see lower energy bills over time.
- Long-term reliability: With proper care, a hybrid heat pump system can last 20-25 years, providing you with long-term comfort and savings.
Getting started with an installer
Ready to get started? This rebate is only available through the contractor working on your project. Find a trusted and reliable contractor through PSE’s Trade Ally Network.
Customer requirements
- You must be a current PSE single-family1 natural gas and electric customer.
- Your primary and current heating system must be a natural gas furnace to qualify.
- Customers with existing electric resistance systems, natural gas boilers, heat pumps, or dual fuel hybrid systems are not eligible
- PSE Trade Ally or REP must install an AHRI certified, centrally ducted heat pump with an existing or new natural gas forced-air furnace. (Newly installed ductless systems do not qualify for this incentive)
1 Single-family homes are defined as: A) home built primarily at the location where the home is inhabited; B) standalone homes, or attached housing with four units or less. Additionally, for the purpose of this program, modular homes fall under this classification. Note that most homes that are not manufactured homes will fall under this classification.
Equipment requirements
- Must install an AHRI-certified central ducted heat pump with an existing or new natural gas forced-air furnace.
- Ductless heat pumps are not eligible.
- 30°F (-1.1°C) thermal or capacity balance point required.
- A 70°F (21.1°C) indoor design temperature for heating and 75°F (23.9°C) for cooling load calculation using ASHRAW winter design temperature and cooling design temperature for the nearest weather station representative of the installation shall be used.
- Heat pump balance point must be 30°C (-1.1°C) or less using a calculator, such as BetterBuild NW’s HVAC Sizing Tool.
- 35°F (1.7°C) auxiliary lockout required; natural gas furnace must not engage with OAT is above 35°F (1.7°C). *
- Exceptions include defrost cycle or emergency heating.
- Auxiliary heat must not engage when outside air temperature is above 35°F (1.7°C).
*Auxiliary heat control/lockout temperature is the outdoor temperature above which the gas furnace auxiliary heat does not operate. May be listed as ‘auxiliary heat’ temperature setting on a thermostat or may be changed via a switch on the heat pump compressor.
Rebate requirements
- Rebate application must be submitted within 30 days of install.
- Rebates only available on new, qualifying equipment.
- Equipment that is replaced under warranty will not be eligible for a second rebate.
- One rebate per qualified single-family residence.
- Must install to comply with all federal, state, and local code requirements.
- Rebate cannot exceed the pre-tax purchase price of any rebated product
- Home or accessory dwelling units (ADUs) with existing heat pumps are not eligible
For personalized advice, contact an Energy Advisor.
Or call 1-800-562-1482.
Request a PSE Recommended Energy Professional (REP) to complete your energy efficient improvement upgrade.