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Air Source Heat Pump Technology

Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) operate by moving heat between your indoor and outdoor environment.

In the winter, they absorb heat from the outside air (even at below freezing temperatures!) and move it into your living space. In the summer, the cycle is reversed and they absorb heat in your home and move it outside.

ASHPs comprise an indoor and outdoor unit, which are connected by a refrigerant—a substance that readily absorbs or releases heat based on its temperature compared to the surrounding air (see figure right).

ASHPs are incredibly efficient compared to other heating systems like boilers, furnaces, and electric baseboards. For every 1 kWh spent running an ASHP, they yield over 3 kWh of heat and remove as much in summer. This often results in lower utility costs (especially for homes using oil, propane, or electric resistance) and a lower carbon footprint.

Related Services

Become a preferred contractor

Weatherization contractors

Preferred air source heat pump installers.

Clean Energy Services

Air Source Heat Pump Consultation Services

Services include consultations with CET’s heat pump specialists, energy load calculations and evaluation of weatherization needs, contractor design reviews, and quality insurance inspections.

Select municipal light plants in the Massachusetts including several in the Municipal Wholesale Electric Company (MMWEC) joint action network as well as Westfield Gas + Electric (WG+E) can participate in a program that supports their customers with making the switch to Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP).

Customer Resources

Air source heat pump buying guide

Contractor Resources

Guide to sizing & selecting air-source heat pumps in cold climates.

Guide To Installing Air-Source Heat Pumps in Cold Climate.

FAQ Program Services

Gold Program Services

Heat pump consultation?

Speak with with an air source heat pump expert from CET to answer questions you have about the technology; understand how heat pumps could supplement or replace your existing heating system; and to advise you on next steps. Consultations are scheduled for 30 minutes and held by phone.

Next Steps:
Call the NextZero hotline to schedule a free consultation: 888-333-7525.

Energy audit & energy load calculation?

CET will conduct an audit and energy load calculations to inform the design and sizing of your ASHP system. CET will produce energy load calculations with and without recommended weatherization measures and you can provide both calculations to contractors for design and pricing.

Next Steps:
Schedule an audit and energy load calculation with your CET consultant.
Provide load calculations to contractors for developing designs and quote.

Contractor heat pump design review?

NextZero ASHP design reviews ensure that the system you install is properly sized and configured for your space. CET consultants will review the contractor’s design assumptions and equipment specifications and will provide written feedback on up to three contractor designs.

Next Step: Email design quotes to CET consultant. Include contractor contact information.

Follow up consultation?

If you need help comparing contractor quotes, want to discuss if weatherization is really worth it, or have other lingering questions before moving forward with a heat pump installation, schedule a follow-up consultation with your CET consultant.

Next Step: Email your CET consultant to schedule a call.

Post installation quality assurance inspection?

Following installation, CET will inspect your ASHP system to ensure it aligns with the pre-approved design and that the installation meets all other MLP requirements for rebates.

Next Steps:
Notify your CET consultant when your ASHP system has been installed. Inspections will normally be conducted virtually.
Following a successful inspection, file rebate application.

Silver Program Services

Heat pump consultation?

Speak with an air source heat pump expert from CET to answer questions you have about the technology; understand how heat pumps could supplement or replace your existing heating system; and to advise you on next steps. Consultations are scheduled for 30 minutes and held by phone.

Next Steps:
Call the NextZero hotline call: 888-333-7525.opens phone dialer
Ipswich customers call: 866-306-0909.opens phone dialer
Westfield customers call: 1-844-403-7960