Choose Electric Options for Heating & Home Tools

Choosing electricity over propane, natural gas, or other combustible fuels for buildings, vehicles and tools improves your indoor air quality, can save you money over time, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants that are harmful to both people and the planet. Choosing electric is about health, efficiency, and long-term flexibility.

PSE Heat Pump Rebates 

  • Get a $1,500 rebate when you replace your electric resistance heating system with a qualifying air-source heat pump (ducted or ductless).
  • $2,400 Efficiency Boost rebate based on your income (visit pse.com/boost for more details).

WA State Department of Commerce Rebates

Whole Home Efficiency Rebates (HOMES) Program

  • This program provides rebates to homeowners for whole-house energy savings retrofits. 
  • Rebates will vary by amount of energy savings, income qualification, and equipment.
  • Households earning up to 150% AMI will be eligible for rebates. Check your AMI in this AMI threshold table (Excel).
  • Renters, homeowners, and multifamily building owners qualify.

Electric Heat Pumps

Heat pumps use electricity to transfer heat from a cool space to a warm space, making the cool space cooler and the warm space warmer. Heat pumps transfer heat using a compressor, an expansion valve, and a refrigerant. Much like how a refrigerator uses a compressor and a refrigerant to cool the inside of your refrigerator or freezer, a heat pump uses the same process but in reverse for your building.

Heat pumps are powered by electricity and come in two primary varieties, and an installer will be able to provide the most informed solution for your home based on your energy goals, home size, room configuration and more.

  1. Ductless (aka a mini-split heat pump) 
  2. Ducted (aka central, forced air) systems

A ductless heat pump does not require the use of air ducts to distribute air. Ductless systems consist of an outdoor compressor unit and one or more indoor heads in common living areas. Indoor heads are typically mounted high on a wall and each one can be controlled independently by remote control. Ductless systems are up to three times more efficient than baseboard, wall heat, or electric furnaces. Ductless systems can save 25-50% in heating costs over traditional electric heating systems. Ductless heat pumps are typically a great upgrade for homes with electric baseboard heating, radiant heating, propane or wood stove heating, leaky ducts, or uneven heating. .

Ducted heat pump systems are similar, but the indoor unit is attached to an air handler that forces the hot air through your central duct system. They are controlled with a thermostat. Ducted systems have variable efficiency depending on the quality and efficiency of your current duct system. A ducted system may be better for your home if you want to use your existing furnace system or plan to replace an existing ducted heat pump

Electric Landscaping Tools

Small changes in your choices in lawn equipment can make a big difference. Electric lawn equipment is quieter, more convenient, and greener than gas-powered versions. Eliminating fumes from gas-powered equipment improves air quality for you and your entire community.