Comfort is one of the most important factors residents consider when choosing where to live. For multifamily properties, outdated heating systems, a lack of air conditioning or inefficient equipment can affect resident satisfaction, increase maintenance needs and make units less competitive.
Heat pumps offer a practical solution. These energy-efficient systems provide all-in-one heating and cooling, helping multifamily property owners improve resident comfort, reduce energy use and simplify building operations.
Cash incentives can help reduce upfront costs
Energy Trust of Oregon offers cash incentives for qualifying energy-efficient heat pump upgrades at multifamily properties. These incentives can help offset upfront project costs and make installing new equipment more cost-effective.
Current incentives for heat pumps:
- Ductless Heat Pump: $1,800 per outdoor unit
- Packaged Terminal Heat Pump: $800 per unit
- Ducted Heat Pump (stacked properties only): $1,000-$2,000 per heat pump
Incentive amounts and eligibility requirements vary by equipment type, property type and project details. Energy Trust can help property owners understand available options and identify which upgrades may qualify.
For building owners, managers and facilities staff looking for a smart long-term investment, heat pumps are worth considering.
Why heat pumps work well for multifamily properties
- Year-round comfort from one system
Heat pumps provide both heating and cooling, helping residents stay comfortable throughout the year. For properties without central air conditioning, heat pumps can also reduce the need for residents to install and remove window units each season.
Because one system handles both heating and cooling, heat pumps can also help simplify equipment management for property owners and maintenance teams.
- A space-saving option for multifamily units
Many heat pump systems are designed to work well in multifamily settings where space is limited. Ductless heat pumps are typically mounted high on an interior wall, while packaged terminal heat pumps are often installed below windows.
These systems can be a good fit for individual units, common areas, leasing offices and staff spaces. Installation is often less invasive than larger HVAC system upgrades, which can help reduce disruption for residents.
- Energy savings that add up
Heat pumps use electricity to move heat rather than generate it directly. In the winter, they move heat indoors. In the summer, they move heat outdoors. This process helps heat pumps use less energy than many traditional electric heating and cooling systems.
For multifamily properties, those savings can add up. Replacing electric resistance heating, such as baseboard heaters or electric furnaces, with ductless heat pumps can help lower heating costs while improving comfort. These savings can benefit residents who pay their own utility bills, as well as property owners who cover energy costs for tenant spaces or common areas.
Start planning your heat pump upgrade
Heat pump upgrades can help multifamily properties improve comfort, reduce energy use and support long-term operational savings. They can also help property owners provide the heating and cooling residents increasingly expect.
Energy Trust is available to help you explore heat pump options, understand available incentives and plan a project that fits your property’s needs.
Take the next step toward a more efficient, comfortable property. Learn more about Energy Trust cash incentives for multifamily heat pump upgrades and connect with our team to get started.