Comfort plays a major role in how residents experience their homes. For multifamily properties, outdated heating systems, limited cooling and inefficient equipment can affect resident satisfaction, increase maintenance needs and make multifamily units less competitive.
For contractors, these comfort and performance issues create an opportunity to help customers plan upgrades that improve comfort, reduce energy use and deliver long-term value.
Heat pumps are a practical solution for many multifamily properties. These energy-efficient systems provide both heating and cooling, helping residents stay comfortable throughout the year. For properties without central air conditioning, heat pumps can also reduce the need for residents to use seasonal window units.
Because one system handles both heating and cooling, heat pumps can help simplify equipment management for property owners, managers and maintenance teams. This can be a strong selling point for customers looking to improve resident comfort while streamlining operations.
Heat pumps can also work well in multifamily settings where space is limited. Ductless heat pumps are typically mounted high on an interior wall, while packaged terminal heat pumps are often installed below windows. These systems can be a good fit for individual units, common areas, leasing offices and staff spaces. Depending on the project, installation may also be less invasive than larger HVAC upgrades, helping reduce disruption for residents.
Another key benefit is energy savings. Heat pumps use electricity to move heat rather than generate it directly. In winter, they move heat indoors. In summer, they move heat outdoors. This process helps them use less energy than many traditional electric heating and cooling systems. For multifamily properties, savings can add up across multiple units, especially when replacing electric resistance heating such as baseboard heaters or electric furnaces.
Energy Trust of Oregon offers cash incentives for qualifying heat pump upgrades at multifamily properties. Current incentives include $1,800 per outdoor unit for ductless heat pumps, $800 per unit for packaged terminal heat pumps and $1,000 to $2,000 per heat pump for ducted heat pumps in stacked properties.
Incentive amounts and eligibility requirements vary by equipment type, property type and project details. Contractors can help customers understand what may qualify and how incentives can support project planning.
Heat pump upgrades can help multifamily customers improve comfort, reduce energy use and meet residents’ growing expectations for efficient heating and cooling. Learn more about available cash incentives and how to help your customers get started.