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Heating, Cooling & Water Heaters
Heating & Cooling
Choosing the right heating and cooling system is an important decision. East-Central Iowa REC (ECI REC) is here to help you find the best option that fits your home and lifestyle.
Air-Source Heat Pumps
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An air-source heat pump moves heat rather than generating it from fuel, making it a highly efficient option. When properly installed, it can deliver 1.5 to 3 times more heat energy than the electricity it uses – cutting heating and cooling costs by up to 50% compared to a conventional propane furnace with central air.
Geothermal Heat Pumps
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Geothermal heat pumps use the Earth’s stable underground temperature rather than fluctuating outdoor air to heat and cool buildings. Because the ground maintains a consistent temperature year-round, geothermal systems can achieve exceptional efficiency, delivering 300-600% efficiency even on the coldest winter nights.
Central Air & Electric Resistance Heat
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Instead of traditional central air conditioners and electric furnaces, ECI REC encourages member-consumers to consider air-source or geothermal heating and cooling systems. These advanced systems heat and cool your home or business and are far more efficient than conventional equipment that relies on electric resistance.
Water Heaters
Water heating makes up roughly 15% of household energy use. Choosing a high-efficiency water heater can reduce energy consumption by 10-50%, saving you money every month
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Heat Pump Water Heater
Heat pump water heaters use electricity to move heat rather than create it, which means they use about half the energy of a conventional electric water heater. Think of it like a refrigerator—just in reverse. While a refrigerator pulls heat from inside the unit and releases it into the surrounding air, a heat pump water heater captures heat from the surrounding air and uses it to warm the water in the storage tank.
Heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) work best when installed indoors in areas that stay above 50°F year-round and provide at least 1,000 cubic feet of surrounding air. Performance may decrease in colder spaces, and the unit can slightly cool the surrounding area as it operates. For best results, consider installing an HPWH in a space with excess heat, such as a furnace or mechanical room.
Resistance Water Heater
Electric water heaters are often more affordable upfront and typically cost less to maintain than other options. Because they operate without a flame or fuel, they eliminate concerns about carbon monoxide and gas leaks, making them a safe and reliable choice for many homes.
Many electric water heaters are built with durable, non-rusting materials and offer lifetime warranties, which can significantly reduce long-term ownership costs. They’re also easy to manage with a simple flip of a switch, you can turn the unit on or off to save energy, especially when you’re away from home for an extended period.