Integrated Ductless Heat Pump Analysis: Developing an Emerging Technology into a Regional Efficiency Resource

Ductless heat pumps (DHP) represent the potential for large energy savings in the Northwest. The number of eligible homes in this region is more than 500,000, which could translate into about 200 MWa savings. With a potential resource this large, it is important to ensure that performance, market acceptance, and costs are fully understood. In 2009, the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) launched a large-scale and comprehensive impact and process evaluation of the Northwest Ductless Heat Pump Pilot Project. This pilot project targeted single-family, site-built homes using electric resistance zonal heating systems as the primary source of heat. The evaluation used a tiered approach to perform an integrated analysis of the multiple factors that can contribute to performance and customer acceptance of DHPs. The evaluation includes lab testing of two DHPs, field metering of 95 participants, customer surveys of nearly 300 participants, and billing and cost-effectiveness analyses of 3,899 participants. The evaluation focused on DHPs in the Northwest market; however, the potential applicability of this technology spans heating and cooling energy needs throughout the United States and offers higher efficiency than is typically available in central heat pump systems. This paper summarizes the objectives, methodology, and current findings from this comprehensive assessment of DHPs. The paper emphasizes the integrated nature of the methodology as well as the importance of understanding both the technical and behavioral aspects of DHP performance in order to determine savings potential. The evaluation methodology illustrates an effective interplay between policy objectives, performance evaluation, and program applications.