Contact:
Lindsey B. Jones
Illinois Valley Community Development Organization (IVCanDO)
Phone: 541-592-4440
Email: info@ivcdo.org
Website: www.ivcdo.org/
Oregon Department of Energy Heat Pump Program Aims to Bring Comfort and Savings to Local Homes
As temperatures begin to drop in the Illinois Valley, many households are preparing for the winter months by thinking about how they might heat their homes. But for those without a functioning heating system, or for those relying on radiant heat or space heaters, staying warm can be both costly and uncertain.
Recognizing this challenge, the Illinois Valley Community Development Organization (IVCanDO) has partnered with the Oregon Department of Energy, Energy Trust of Oregon, and Rogue Climate to bring the Community Heat Pump Deployment Program (CHPDP) to the area. The program offers residents the opportunity to upgrade to energy-efficient heat pumps, which provide both heating and cooling, often at little to no upfront cost.
“Bringing the CHPDP to the Illinois Valley is exciting for us,” says Joy Lark, project manager at IVCanDO. “We know there are a lot of households in our area that could benefit from this program—to both save money and have reliable heating and cooling in their home.”
For many residents in rural communities, heating their homes can be uncertain, labor intensive, and expensive. Heat pumps, on the other hand, are known for their efficiency and reliability. By using electricity to move heat rather than generate it, they are more energy-efficient than traditional electric heating and can help homeowners reduce energy costs.
The Community Heat Pump Deployment Program targets households without functioning or reliable heating and cooling systems, utilizing space heaters as their main source of heat, or those relying on bulk heating sources such as wood, propane, or pellets. As part of the initiative, IVCanDO is offering free Home Energy Assessments to evaluate a home’s heating needs and determine eligibility for financial incentives.
“We really want to encourage people to reach out for the free assessment,” Lark adds. “It’s the first step to finding out if you qualify for incentives that could cover much, if not all, of the cost of a new heat pump.”
With the winter season approaching, IVCanDO is urging residents to take advantage of the program before the cold sets in. For more information or to schedule an appointment for a free Home Energy Assessment, contact IVCanDO at (541) 592-4440 or visit ivcdo.org/energy.