To achieve the greatest energy efficiency and qualify for an incentive, Energy Trust of Oregon requires that heat pump thermostats have the auxiliary heat lockout set at 35 degrees or lower and compressor lockout set at 5 degrees or lower. These lockouts, however, won’t provide energy savings unless the thermostat can access the local outdoor temperature, either from a wired sensor or internet-accessed weather information.

While Internet-connected outdoor temperature sensors work great for owner-occupied homes, they may not work as well in rentals. Far too often, new tenants receive little or no information on the energy-saving benefits or how to connect their thermostat to the Internet. As a result, many renters have heat pumps that end up more frequently using inefficient and expensive electric-resistant auxiliary heat.

To ensure that heat pumps in rental housing operate as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible, Energy Trust recommends that contractors consider installing thermostats with wired outdoor temperature sensors. A wired sensor doesn’t require setup and always provides outdoor temperature information to the thermostat.

Installing a wired outdoor temperature sensor in rentals is a win for everyone involved: Property owners and property management companies don’t have the hassle of helping tenants connect their thermostat to the internet, tenants don’t end up paying higher heating bills and contractors provide heat pumps that deliver the promised energy savings while getting fewer calls for connection assistance.

Need more information? Reach out to the Residential trade ally team at residentialTA@energytrust.org or contact your field account manager.