A heat pump is a heating and cooling system that transfers heat between the indoor and outdoor environments using refrigerant, extracting heat from the outdoor air or ground in heating mode and removing heat from the indoor air in cooling mode, resulting in increased energy efficiency compared to traditional heating and cooling systems.

The indoor air handler will replace your existing furnace or A/C air handler. The outdoor heat pump condenser will look like a central A/C condenser. The new system will tie into the existing ductwork.

Central Heat Pumps are highly efficient electric heating and air conditioning systems. Simply put, the heat pump absorbs warm air and moves it from one place to another. In the summertime, it pulls warmth and moisture from inside your home and sends it outside using the refrigeration process. In the winter time, this process can be reversed by extracting warmth and moisture from outdoor temperatures down into the teens and pulling it into the home to provide heat!

We perform load calculations for the systems we install and size our equipment to meet the design conditions (consistent coldest temperature in your precise geographic location) to ensure you'll have heat even on cold days. We also install a back-up heat strip to meet the heating need if there is a cold weather event or when the system enters the defrost cycle.

It is very difficult to calculate operating costs because there are so many variables–the insulation value of your home, number and type of windows, natural drafts, condition and size of the existing ductwork, electricity rates in your area, etc. However, case studies in New England and the Great Lakes regions show that heat pump annual operating costs are less than fossil-fueled furnaces and traditional air conditioning systems. Case studies also show that customers start saving in the first year. You can also visit Mass Save's Heating Comparison Calculator for an annual cost comparison.

The electrical usage (amperage) for a heat pump condenser and heat strip depends on the size of the unit you need. Before we install the equipment, we’ll confirm that your panel has the capacity to support the new system. If you need an electrical upgrade, we can bundle this into our project or you can work with your own electrician to prepare your panel.

Just like a furnace or boiler, there are maintenance requirements for a heat pump. At Tetra, we will make a customized maintenance schedule for your new system based on the system and model you have installed and your home.

We carry four types of water heaters:
1. Electric hybrid (heat pump heater)
2. Natural gas/propane on-demand water heaters (tankless)
3. Storage tank water heaters
4. Indirect water heaters (running off of a forced hot water boiler).

According to the Department of Energy, on-demand water heaters save homeowners an average of 24-34% on their monthly energy costs. If you’re considering a hybrid electric water heater, you can take a look at your estimated operating costs using AO Smith’s online calculator.

Hybrid and on-demand water heaters are more expensive primarily because they have a much longer lifespan than storage tank heaters. They typically last 15 years or up to 20 years with annual maintenance. In contrast, conventional storage tank heaters last anywhere from 10-12 years. Hybrid and on-demand heaters are also safer to operate. Hybrid water heaters don’t combust so you never run the risk of carbon monoxide or exhaust gas spilling into your home. On-demand water heaters are direct-vented and sealed so they also prevent the risk of carbon monoxide or exhaust spillage. Hybrid and on-demand heaters are also more efficient than storage tank heaters. While the upfront cost may be high, you’ll see a big improvement on your monthly energy bill.

Mass Save is a program sponsored by several Massachusetts utilities and energy efficiency providers including Berkshire Gas Company, Cape Light Compact, Eversource, Liberty, National Grid, and Unitil. These sponsors work with the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources to promote energy efficiency services in Massachusetts. Through the program, Massachusetts residents and businesses can receive a no-cost Mass Save home assessment, as well as incentives including new insulation rebates, energy-efficient appliance rebates, heating rebates, and more.

The Mass Save program is funded by the energy efficiency charges found on all customers’ gas and electric bills. You are already paying into the Mass Save program, so why not take advantage of a no-cost home energy assessment and Mass Save system rebates?

The Mass Save HEAT Loan offers interest-free financing for qualifying energy efficiency work up to $50,000. HEAT Loans are available to qualifying customers who are participating in the Mass Save program.

Yes, we are! And we’ve helped thousands of homeowners save millions of dollars.

A Mass Save Home Energy Assessment is an evaluation of your home’s energy efficiency. Your Home Energy Assessment—which must be conducted by an authorized Mass Save contractor, like our partner Neeeco—will look for problem areas in your home. You’ll receive a report following your Mass Save energy audit that includes a list of recommended upgrades to help you save energy and money.

No, in Westcheater there are no energy efficiency requirements to qualiify for rebates.

Heat pumps and biomass stoves and boilers with a thermal efficiency rating of at least 75% qualify for a credit up to $2,000 per year.

Installing a heat pump can save a family hundreds of dollars each year on energy bills. The Inflation Reduction Act includes tax credits and rebates that can cover up to 100% of the costs, depending on household eligibility.

As part of the Inflation Reduction Act, beginning Jan. 1, 2023, the credit equals 30% of certain qualified expenses: Qualified energy efficiency improvements installed during the year which can include things like: Heat pumps, water heaters, Insulation and air sealing materials or systems.