Air Source Heat Pump
A demand response program
Benefits
An air source heat pump (ASHP) is one of the most efficient heating and cooling systems. In the summer, it operates like a conventional air conditioner by removing heat and humidity from your home. In the winter, it provides supplemental heat by transferring heat energy from the outside air indoors.
On the program, you pay only 7.85¢ per kWh (vs. 11.3¢) for all your air conditioning needs and only 5.85¢ per kWh (vs. 10.3¢) for all your heating needs.
How it works
In the summer
A radio receiver and meter installed on your house, most likely near your ASHP, utilizes a radio signal to communicate with your air source heat pump and track its usage.
On days when demand for electricity peaks, a radio signal is sent to your ASHP telling the AC condenser to turn on and off.*
Electric peaks typcially occur on hot and humid summer days. However,
other conditions such as, but not limited to, unplanned outages and
system emergencies are possible.
When electric demand decreases, the ASHP automatically returns to regular cooling mode.
Your ASHP fan will continue to run while the AC condenser is
turned off.
ASHP Energy Credits are calculated by multiplying the number of kWh's used on the ASHP meter by 3.45¢ (the difference in the full summer rate of 11.3¢ and the ASHP rate of 7.85¢ per kWh). The amount of the
ASHP Energy Credit will be subtracted from you total electric bill.
*The number of controlled hours allowed per cooling season
(May through October) is 200. In the past five years, we controlled
between 80-160 hours per season.
In the winter
The ASHP is supplemented with a non-electric alternate heat source for when the outside temperature drops below a set temperature. With the ASHP system, your supplemental heat source is also used during peak electrical demands.
While peak electrical demand periods generally occur on the coldest days of the year, other periods of control may be required. During these times, a signal is sent to the radio receiver to automatically switch to the supplemental heat source.
Typically the supplemental heat source is only used 2-12 hours per control time.** At the end of the control time, a second radio signal is sent to automatically switch heating back to the ASHP.
ASHP Energy Credits are calculated by multiplying the number of kWh's used on the ASHP meter by 4.45¢ (the difference in the full winter rate of 10.3¢ and the ASHP rate of 5.85¢ per kWh). The amount of the
ASHP Energy Credit will be subtracted from you total electric bill.
**The number of controlled hours allowed per heating season (October to May) is 400 hours.
In the past five years, we controlled between 80-160 hours per season.
Your savings
The number of kWh's used during the cooling or heating season is tracked and read monthly (the same way
as your home's general service meter). You will be able to monitor
your savings on each billing statement where an
ASHP Energy Credit is reflected.
How to sign up
-
Ensure the alternate heat source is automatic,
thermostat-controlled, and able to heat the home adequately for up to 400
hours. If in doubt, please contact your own heating contractor.
-
Contact Connexus Energy at 763.323.2650 to schedule a date and time to pick up the
required metering equipment. You will need to provide the following
information:
- Number of circuits to be used in the breaker panel
- Number of amps
per circuit
- Identify any existing off-peak or demand response programs
in the home
A one-time installation fee of $50 will be added to your
electric bill at the time of pick up.
Note: Depending on the
installation, additional equipment (such as a sequencer box) may be
required. Ask your contractor for details.
-
Have a state electrical
inspection completed within 30 days of metering equipment installation.
-
Contact Connexus Energy at 763.323.2738 for final inspection. Energy
credits will not be applied until final inspection is completed.
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