It’s the best of both worlds. Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) provide home cooling and supplemental heating with less electricity than conventional air conditioners and furnaces. You can switch between cooling and heating directly from the thermostat, putting you in complete control.

When you need to cool your home, ASHPs outperform standard central air conditioners by extracting the existing heat from inside your home and pumping it outside. An ASHP can also be controlled during periods of high demand on the EnergyWise® Cycled Air Conditioning Program.

The cooling process is reversed when you use an ASHP to provide supplemental heat. By extracting the existing warmth from the outdoor air and pumping it into your home, you’ll be able to run your furnace less. During the spring and fall, you may not need to run your furnace at all. In addition, an ASHP qualifies as an acceptable electric heat source for the EnergyWise® Dual Fuel Heating Program.

There are numerous ASHP resources available to homeowners here, including:

• FAQs
• Case Studies
• Buying Guides
• Product Finders
• News Articles

COST COMPARISON

This EnergyWise Cost Comparison Chart shows the benefit of cooling and heating a 2,000 square foot home with an air source heat pump rated at 250% efficient and operating on a Stearns Electric EnergyWise rate.

Air source heat pumps must be enrolled on the EnergyWise Cycled Air Conditioning and Dual Fuel Programs to qualify for the EnergyWise rate for electricity.

By enrolling in these programs, members receive nearly half price electricity for their heating and cooling. This savings can make a significant impact in your finances.