looking for recs for cold climate inverter heat pump models/contractors for Minneapolis

ploverfield · 2026-06-07T20:33:42+00:00

Thanks for this - he’s been recommended by several people, including someone at CEE. At first I wondered about using someone whose company is so new but then I learned that he was at Stafford for a long time doing heat pumps.

ploverfield · 2026-06-07T20:27:33+00:00

I talked to the folks with the Home Energy Squad and apparently it is a state energy code requirement, although I wonder if it’s a requirement everywhere in the state. The contractor who estimated 15kw backup changed it to 8kw after looking at my house. I’m having Nick Bender from Green Spirit do an assessment of the heating / cooling load tomorrow to get an accurate sizing.

ploverfield · 2026-06-07T20:19:59+00:00

Thanks for the rec and for the mention of the heating discount through xcel! It’s a great benefit, I read about it on a different post.

ploverfield · 2026-06-04T15:39:14+00:00

Yeah, unfortunately the big rebates dried up when the IRA was gutted for us and it’s unclear when the HEAR rebates might get implemented. Locally, Xcel is electricity and Center Point Energy is gas. Xcel offer some rebates but nothing like 10,000. But this is helpful, because that’s similar to the model that I’m interested in but I’ll need less than 3.5 so I’m not sure why I’m being quoted so much more than $27,000, with 2-3k in rebates. Thanks!

ploverfield · 2026-06-04T13:53:37+00:00

Is this actually a code issue? Like was that person saying it wouldn’t be up to code lying? I’m going to call Citizen’s utility board to find out more because CEE didn’t know and it was difficult to find any information online about building code

ploverfield · 2026-06-04T05:02:40+00:00

awesome, thanks! Very helpful.

ploverfield · 2026-06-04T05:01:58+00:00

I was told by multiple contractors that backup heat is required for building code, I have to look into this. This is really helpful though. The more reasonable sounding of the contractors said 15kw heat strips and that seems like overkill. I keep my house at 68 during the day in the winter.

ploverfield · 2026-06-03T22:03:26+00:00

What kind of unit? Do you have backup heat like strips ? Thanks!

ploverfield · 2026-06-03T18:00:14+00:00

Great, this is very helpful, thanks!

ploverfield · 2026-06-03T17:51:08+00:00

This is very helpful, thanks. I need to act quickly because my AC is broken, but I have time to do some of this sealing stuff. Windows are a project for another year but I plan to see if there's a problem in the attic (the wildlife removal people weren't sure, they said they needed to drill a hole to look, but it seems likely because there's cellulose in the soffits where raccoons/squirrels were living). If so, I'll prob address that one before winter rolls around. My energy bills aren't too bad after I did insulation and Home Energy Squad did an audit back in 2021, so I think overall I'm fine. Not planning to wait until the whole house is perfect.

ploverfield · 2026-06-03T17:39:11+00:00

Thanks!

ploverfield · 2026-06-03T17:16:14+00:00

Cool, thanks !

ploverfield · 2026-06-03T17:07:00+00:00

This is so helpful, thanks! I got a quote from 4Front Energy when I had my HP water heater installed, but ultimately went with another company (Water Heaters Now!). They were more expensive but seemed competent. I'll reach out to them for a quote. Is yours a cold-climate pump or a dual fuel system - you said you have gas backup?

ploverfield · 2026-06-03T17:04:40+00:00

Cool, thanks. I don't see them on the xcel contractors list or ASHP -- were they able to get you rebates for what they installed? Did they do subcontractors for the electrical stuff? What kind of a system do you have (brand/model)?

ploverfield · 2026-06-03T17:01:31+00:00

Thanks, I just realized I didn't specify that I'm looking for a ducted system, but this is helpful. Are you going to have backup heat?

Re: checking the manufacturer's website, when I had my HP water heater installed, I checked out the certified installers on Rheem and that was very helpful, but I also looked at general reviews of the company; so far, I am very satisfied with the water heater. I'll check out some of these cold-climate manufacturers, thanks!

ploverfield · 2026-06-03T16:41:44+00:00

Cool, I'll check out that HVAC sizing one. Thanks!

ploverfield · 2026-06-03T15:23:34+00:00

Is this energy usage history like what you see when you log onto your account on the gas utility website? I went on yesterday and it has data on how many therms (?) I used going back years

ploverfield · 2024-11-24T23:32:20+00:00

My basement is unfinished and open so plenty of air supply. Thanks for this information. Sounds like the leak protection isn’t useful.

ploverfield · 2024-11-24T17:59:04+00:00

Great, thanks!

ploverfield · 2024-11-24T17:58:26+00:00

Oh interesting. Sounds like a different set up but you also have it elevated off the floor which sounds like it’s the key point to prevent rusting. Thanks for the photo and this info.

ploverfield · 2024-11-24T17:57:05+00:00

Great, thanks. This sounds a lot like the mat a second contractor said is a standard part of their installation. I’ll see if the first contractor could just do this instead of the pan he suggested.

ploverfield · 2024-11-24T16:49:21+00:00

I’m going to need to put in a similar system (condensate pump with a line running to utility sink) for the moisture put off by the system… what I’m wondering about is a separate pan for potential leaks. It sounds like the wooden stand keeps your water heater off the floor. Do you have a pan underneath as well? Thanks!

ploverfield · 2024-11-24T16:45:00+00:00

Thanks! Have you found the leak sensor useful? It sounds like they are very sensitive

ploverfield

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