Choosing the right heating and cooling equipment for your home is a big decision. ECI REC is here to help you make the choice that works for your lifestyle. To view profiles of ECI REC member consumers who have installed geothermal and air source heat pumps, check out our member energy profile packet.

• Option 1: Air Source Heat Pumps
• Option 2: Geothermal Heat Pumps
• Option 3: Central Air and Electric Resistance Heat

Option 1: Air Source Heat Pumps

What is it?

A heat pump moves heat rather than converting it from a fuel, like in combustion heating systems. When properly installed, an air source heat pump can deliver one-and-a-half to three times more heat energy to a home than the electrical energy it consumes.  An air source system can heat and cool a building for just 50% of the cost of a conventional propane furnace with central air conditioning. Read more at EnergySavers.gov.

How does it work?

An air source heat pump's refrigeration system consists of a compressor and two coils made of copper tubing (one indoors and one outside), which are surrounded by aluminum fins to aid heat transfer. In cooling mode, an air source heat pump evaporates a refrigerant in the indoor coil; as the liquid evaporates it pulls heat from the air in the house. In heating mode, an air source heat pump evaporates a refrigerant in the outdoor coil; as the liquid evaporates it pulls heat from the outside air. Read more at EnergySavers.gov.

Is it right for me?

An air source system is not as efficient as a geothermal system, but it can be installed for about the same price as a new central air conditioner. Air source heat pumps aren't always very efficient for heating in areas with cold winters. Some units now have gas-fired backup furnaces instead of electric resistance coils, allowing them to operate more efficiently.

What are my member advantages with air source?

• Members who install air source heat pumps qualify for a rebate from ECI REC. Download the Air Source Heat Pump Equipment and Rate Incentives form for current qualifications and rebate amounts.
• Air source heating and cooling systems are eligible for ECI REC's special Heat Plus rate.

Where can I find more information?

• Read profiles of satisfied ECI REC members (coming soon) who have installed air source systems.
• Download our brochure for air source heating and cooling systems.
• Talk with ECI REC Member Services Director Frank Weber by calling 319-443-4343 or 877-850-4343.

Option 2: Geothermal Heat Pumps

What is it?

Geothermal heat pumps (sometimes referred to as GeoExchange, earth-coupled, ground source, or water source heat pumps) use the constant temperature of the earth as the exchange medium instead of the outside air temperature. This allows the system to reach fairly high efficiencies (300%-600%) on the coldest of winter nights, compared to 175%-250% for air source heat pumps on cool days, according to EnergySavers.gov.

How does it work?

In the summer, a geothermal heat pump uses a refrigerant to remove heat from a home or business and dumps that heat into the relatively cold ground. In the winter, it reverses the process, using the heat from the ground to vaporize a refrigerant, compress it, and transfer that heat into the building.

Is it right for me?

Geothermal systems are extremely efficient but come with a high initial cost.  However, the additional costs are returned to you in energy savings in 5–10 years, according to EnergySavers.gov.

What are my member advantages with geothermal?

• ECI REC offers rebates for members who install geothermal systems.  Download our Geothermal Heat Pump Equipment and Rate Incentives form.
• Members with geothermal systems are eligible for ECI REC's Heat Plus rate.

Where can I find more information?

• Read profiles of ECI REC members who have installed geothermal systems and saved (coming soon).
• Download our geothermal information sheet (coming soon) to learn more about the savings possible with geothermal systems, loop options for transferring heat to and from the ground, options for providing hot potable water from geothermal systems, and air quality equipment that can enhance their performance.
• Download our brochure for geothermal systems.
• Call ECI REC Member Services Director Frank Weber at 319-443-4343 or 877-850-4343.

Option 3: Central Air and Electric Resistance Heat

Rather than central air conditioning systems and electric furnaces, East-Central Iowa REC encourages its members to choose air source or geothermal heating and cooling systems. They are often more efficient than central air conditioners and furnaces that rely on electric resistance for cooling homes or businesses, and they can handle a good deal of the heating load.

What are my member advantages?

• If a central air conditioning system and electric furnace are the best alternatives for you, ECI REC offers members rebates for both residential and commercial qualifying units. Learn more by downloading the ENERGY STAR Air Conditioner Incentives rebate form and the Electric Heating Equipment - Rate Incentives form.
• All-electric heating and cooling systems are eligible for ECI REC's special Heat Plus rate.

Where can I find more information?

• Read profiles of satisfied ECI REC members (coming soon) who have installed new electric heating and cooling systems.
• Talk with ECI REC Member Services Director Frank Weber by calling 319-443-4343 or 877-850-4343.