Nailing It Down
By Dave Murnen and Pat Beaty
How have you been faring in all this cold weather?
We’d love to see all Grays Harbor County residents warm and comfortable in their homes without having to pay a fortune to heat them. One way we at NeighborWorks of Grays Harbor are encouraging this is by partnering with the Grays Harbor Public Utility District to offer free ductless heat pumps to income-qualified Grays Harbor residents. Maybe you — or some folks you know — are eligible!
Since 2016, we’ve been working with the PUD’s Power and Energy Services Department to provide this service, which fits nicely into our mission as a housing agency. And, with the help of local contractors, during these past four years we’ve installed about 350 ductless heat pumps — most free of charge to Grays Harbor residents.
Not only do the residents receive a new heating source for their home at no cost to them, but they also typically save money on their monthly energy bill — sometimes a lot of money.
“This ductless heat pump program has had a large impact in the community and with our customers,” said Melinda James-Saffron, director of Power and Energy Services. “The program is working quite well. I’m pretty happy with it.”
We wholeheartedly agree with Melinda from our vantage point. And we sure hear stories of satisfied residents who love the cozy heat source — and the price!
Background
In 2015, the Grays Harbor PUD piloted the low-income ductless heat pump program. The pilot was so successful that the PUD board voted to keep it going.
“This program is mutually beneficial,” Melinda said. “Not only does it help participants, it also helps the PUD achieve our target for the ‘renewable portfolio’ standard that is mandated under state law.”
She added: “We selected ductless heat pumps for this program because they are so well suited to our climate and there was already a growing interest in them. In addition, it had the biggest bang for the buck in how many people we could help and how much energy could be saved.”
How it works
The technology of any heat pump basically recovers heat from the outside air and transfers it via a closed-loop refrigerant gas to the air handler inside your house. The air handler blows air through the handler’s radiator coil (which is heated by the gas) and delivers warm air directly through the house. In a ducted system, it would go through ducts and floor vents.
Ductless heat pumps are just as they sound, not utilizing any duct work to convey the heated or cooled air — making them relatively simple to install in most homes.
In the summer, it will do the reverse — drying out the indoor air and pulling the heat out of the air from inside the house and blowing it off outside at the exterior heat pump. The returning air feels cool, providing you with a nice, air-conditioned space.
Are you eligible?
To be eligible to receive a ductless heat pump through this program, the following criteria must be met:
The household’s total income cannot exceed 200% of the current federal poverty guidelines. The 2020 figures for that weren’t available for this column. However, to give you an idea, here are the 2019 figures: For a household of one, the income can be no more than $24,980 annually; for two, $33,820; for three, $42,660; for four, $51,500; for five, $60,340; for six, $69,180; for seven, $78,020; and for eight, $86,860.
Mobile homes built after June 15, 1976, and most single-family homes are eligible.
The home must not be in need of major structural or health- and safety-related repairs.
The primary source of heat in the home should be permanently installed electric heat, and the residents must be current Grays Harbor PUD customers. There must be a clear indication of an electric heating signature from previous usage.
The home must be at least a year old, occupied year-round.
Both homeowners and tenants (with owner approval) may apply.
Give us a call
If you think you may be eligible to receive a heat pump or have questions about the program, give us a call at 360-533-7828 and ask for Pat, or leave a message. We are in the office from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. You can also email us at pbeaty@aberdeen-nhs.com, or message us at our website at www.nwghc.org.
Dave Murnen and Pat Beaty are construction specialists at NeighborWorks of Grays Harbor County, where Murnen is executive director. This is a nonprofit organization committed to creating safe and affordable housing for all residents of Grays Harbor County. For questions about home repair, renting, remodeling or buying, call 360-533-7828 or visit 710 E. Market St. in Aberdeen. Our office is fully ADA-compliant.
