Heat Pump Retrofits: Integrated Controls or Stand-Alone Solutions?

States across the region are setting ambitious heat pump targets to support their climate goals. But what will it look like to retrofit millions of homes with heat pumps as the primary heat source? This session explores efforts in Massachusetts to answer that question with applicable lessons for the entire region. In 2019, Mass Save launched a first-in-the-nation incentive for integrated controls that automatically transition between heat pumps and traditional heating systems. To complement this effort, MassCEC began a pilot to support whole-home heat pump systems with no fossil-fuel back-up. Come hear what both organizations have learned in the past year. Presenters will discuss the pros and cons of integrated controls versus full replacement. 

Session Speaker(s): 

Session Chair(s): 

Event Time: 

Friday, August 14, 2020 - 3:00pm to 4:00pm

Room / Location:
Marina III

Experience Level: 

2 (some prior experience/knowledge helpful)

CEU Information: 

AIA 1.0 LU/HSW
BPI 1.0 hour
GBCI BD+C, ID+C, WELL 1.0 hour
MA CSL 1.0 hour, Energy

Learning Objectives:

  • Outline integrated control strategies available to connect retrofit heat pumps with existing heating systems to optimize performance, costs, and/or comfort
  • Describe in general design strategies for whole-home air-source heat pump retrofits
  • Evaluate the relative advantages and disadvantages of integrating heat pumps with the existing fossil fuel heating system or replacing the existing system entirely
  • Determine which variable might make a home better suited for either integrated controls or a whole-home heat pump systems

Session ID: 

BOS20-215