Many of AP&T’s customers on Prince of Wales Island have been switching to heat pumps to obtain a variety of benefits:
A heat pump is an energy efficient heating system that many of AP&T’s customers are installing in their homes, business, and community facilities.
Similar to how an oil furnace uses a fuel pump and a fan motor to move heat through a house, heat pumps use electricity to run a compressor and fan motors.
For every 1 unit of energy used to operate the system over the heating season, more than 3 units of heat energy can be delivered into the home. Heat pumps are far more efficient than resistance space heaters.
AP&T is proud to support clean energy and economic development in rural Alaska by providing a $500 incentive* to customers installing electric air and ground source heat pumps for use in its service areas. Sealaska shareholders are eligible for an additional $500 matching incentive – $1,000 total – thanks to generous support from Sealaska Corporation. Please contact your nearest AP&T service center for assistance applying.
*Recipients of incentives will be responsible for reporting and paying any income or other taxes which may be due – consult your tax professional for guidance.
Today’s heat pumps operate with a high degree of efficiency, even in very cold temperatures. In fact, the Cold Climate Housing Research Center (CCHRC) strongly recommends heat pumps for use in Southeast Alaska.
Every heat pump installation is different. The layout, equipment needs, cost, and potential cost-savings can vary significantly from location to location. The best way to understand your location’s needs and potential benefits is to work with a qualified installer. An installer will help you select appropriate equipment, choose a location for the unit, identify any electrical improvements that may be required, and understand costs and potential savings.
Importantly, please remember to let AP&T know you will be installing a heat pump in advance, so that it can make any upgrades that may be necessary on the utility’s side of your meter. (The utility – not the consumer – typically pays for these upgrades.)
| List of Heat Pump Vendors / Installers | Phone Number | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean Air Contracting | 360.861.8532 | Prince of Wales |
| Prince of Wales Island Electric and Repair | 907.755.2443 | Prince of Wales |
| Tongass Electric | 907.329.2054 | Prince of Wales |
| Ketchikan Dray | 907.225.3172 | Ketchikan |
| Ketchikan Mechanical | 907.225.9466 | Ketchikan |
| Schmolck Mechanical | 907.225.6648 | Ketchikan |
| Home Tech | 907.225.5129 | Ketchikan |
| Northern Refrigeration | 907.523.2700 | Juneau |
| Channel Electric (Electrical Connections) | 907.225.9725 | Prince of Wales |
| Timberline Plumbing and Heating LLC | 907-209-7731 | Skagway |
Self-Installation Options: Some companies such as Mr. Cool and Daikin offer units intended to be self-installed by homeowners. Units of this type can be ordered through Costco, Home Depot and other retailers. Check it out for yourself to see if these units could be a good fit for your needs! Here is a video on a Haines install the company put out in 2018. The company has also tested units in North Dakota: The MrCool Universal Heat Pump Heats at -24 Degrees.
*Not all MRCOOL or Daikin units are “do it yourself” units. All units must be installed in compliance with local, state and federal codes and regulations and can require a licensed electrician. AP&T needs to be notified before new units are installed.
Local banks and credit unions are able to provide affordable financing in
support of heat pump conversions.
Financing allows consumers to immediately realize the benefits associated with heat pump conversions, without having to make a large up-front investment using cash. The following banks are willing and able to make loans for heat pump conversions on Prince of Wales Island:
| Financing Options | Phone Number | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Wells Fargo | 907.826.3040 | Prince of Wales |
| First Bank | 907.826.3254 | Prince of Wales |
| Key Bank | 844.433.2068 | Ketchikan |
| Northrim Bank | 907.225.4545 | Ketchikan |
| Tongass Federal Credit Union | 907.755.2800 | Klawock |
| Tongass Federal Credit Union | 907.828.8880 | Thorne Bay |
| Alaska USA Federal Credit Union | 907.247.7600 | Ketchikan |
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