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Don’t let an outdated heating unit keep you in the cold. Upgrade to a high-efficiency dual-fuel or mini-split heat pump today and get rebates of up to $350/ton. You'll save on heating costs and keep your home  comfy. Inefficient heating and cooling can drive up the costs of electric bills and leave you struggling to keep your home comfortable. Heating and cooling actually accounts for as much as 50 percent of your energy costs. West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) can help you lower those costs.

Your home’s cooling system is rated by SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It is a measure of a unit’s maximum efficiency, similar to the miles per gallon (MPG) of your car – the higher the number, the more efficient it is. A low SEER rating of your home’s cooling system indicates you’re not as efficient as you could be.

We’re rewarding you for energy efficiency. Upgrading your home’s heating and cooling system can be pricey. That’s why we offer rebates of up to $350 per ton when you purchase a high-efficiency dual-fuel or mini-split heat pump. This rebate is for site-built homes only. If you’re a manufactured homeowner or considering the purchase of a new  manufactured home, don’t worry, WFEC has rebates available for you, too. We talk about those a little later in this article.

Heat pumps are a highly efficient option. In fact, heat pumps are a much more efficient option than electric furnaces. What makes them so efficient is how they heat and cool your home. Heat pumps transfer air (from the outdoors into your home, or vice versa), which requires much less energy than producing warm or cold air. This also means that the air in your home is never heated more than necessary – leading to incredible efficiency. 

Dual-fuel and mini-split systems have advantages. Depending on your situation, a dual-fuel or mini-split heat pump could fit your budget and needs. The energy experts at WFEC can help find the right fit for you.

Dual-fuel heat pumps use an electric heat pump and gas furnace to create an efficient heating and cooling system, designed for all conditions. On hot summer days, and in milder cold climates, the heat pump transfers air to cool or heat your home. When temperatures fall below freezing, however, gas heat – more efficient for major heating – is utilized. With a dual-fuel heating and cooling system, you’re essentially getting two systems in one.

Mini-split heat pumps are ideal for heating and cooling multiple rooms (or zones) inside your home. Indoor air-handling units are connected to one outdoor compressor, and each zone has its own thermostat. The number of indoor-handling units can vary depending on the individual needs of the home. Mini-split systems give you more control over what spaces you condition. Smart use can save you energy and money.

Own a manufactured home? WFEC will rebate you for converting from an electric furnace to an air-source heat pump of at least 14 SEER. You could receive up to $400 per ton. An electric furnace can cost you as much as $750 on annual heating costs; while a heat pump could cost as little as $200 on heating annually.

Purchasing a new manufactured home? If you are considering the purchase of a new manufactured home, WFEC will cover the difference to be manufactured home dealer when you upgrade to a high-efficiency air source, dual fuel, or mini-split heat pump. This simple change could save you an average of $550 per year on heating costs.

Both heat pumps require an initial investment. The good news? If you own your home, WFEC can help you cover the cost to replace your electric furnace or install a dual fuel or mini-split system with our Energy Efficiency Loan Program. This is an easy and affordable way to finance home energy improvements. Through our partnership with Regions Bank, our members may qualify for low-interest loans to finance the purchase and installation of energy efficiency upgrades.

Let us help you power savings with our rebates and low-interest loans, so you can enjoy a more comfortable home and a lower electric bill. For more information about either program, visit our website (westflorida.coop) or contact our Energy Services Department by calling 800-342-7400.