Dennis Home

Cortland, NY

Square Footage: 2,700
Year Built: 1962

Concern about the environment and the need to replace an aging natural gas boiler led the homeowner to choose an air source heat pump to heat and cool his home. A solar photovoltaic array had been installed a year earlier. Three air source heat pumps allowed him to fully utilize his solar photovoltaic array and to add air conditioning to the house. The homeowner says the system was “exactly what I had hoped for."

Installation and Energy Details

Net Zero? No, but within 20%. Will likely be achieved once home is properly insulated.

Results

• The installation resulted in a new heating system which is efficient and electrically powered using solar PV energy. In addition, the owner now has whole house cooling.
• The systems are exactly what the homeowner had hoped for. The systems were installed in the summer so the air conditioning could be used right away. The system in the basement was also used in dry mode as a dehumidifier.
• The homeowner intends to install additional insulation in the walls and attic as well as perform some air sealing, which will bring the house to net zero.

Motivation for Heat Pump Technology

• The homeowner was concerned about the environment and wanted to move away from fossil fuels. He also wanted to install an efficient system which would utilize the solar PV system which he had installed a year earlier.
• Additional reason for installing heat pumps: cooling of the home.
• Natural gas-fired boiler was at the end of its useful life.
• The homeowner works for a company which installs heat pumps and solar PV. He wanted to be able to “practice what he preaches” in regards to efficient, fossil fuel free heating and cooling. In addition, as an employee, he was able to secure "preferred pricing."

Expenses