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Location: Dover, New Hampshire 

Previous Heating System: Oil-Fired Forced Hot Water Boiler (∼85% Efficiency) 

New Heating System: Whole-Home Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pump (CCASHP) System 

Challenge: Unpredictable fuel costs and high carbon footprint. 

Result: $1,650 in Annual Savings and a rapid return on investment. 

The Moore family lives in a well-insulated, ∼2,000 square foot colonial home in Dover, NH, that was built in the 1980s. Like many New Englanders, they relied on an oil-fired boiler for heat and domestic hot water. Over the past few years, the volatility of heating oil prices—which have frequently spiked to over $4.00 per gallon in the Seacoast region—led to annual heating bills that were both crippling and unpredictable. Using an estimated 650 gallons of oil per heating season, their average annual fuel cost was approximately $2,800. They sought a permanent solution that offered price stability, comfort, and a reduced environmental impact, without sacrificing performance during Dover's harsh winter months.

The Moores decided to fully replace their aging oil system with a modern Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pump (CCASHP) system. This technology is specifically engineered to efficiently extract heat from frigid outdoor air, maintaining high performance even when temperatures drop to -13∘F.

The installation involved placing outdoor compressor units and installing ductless mini-split heads throughout the main living areas and bedrooms, ensuring precise, room-by-room temperature control (often referred to as 'zoning').

The initial investment for the qualified CCASHP installation was offset significantly by state and federal programs:

• Gross Installation Cost: $13,215
• Federal Energy Tax Credit (30% up to $2,000): - $2,000
• NH Utility Rebate (NHSaves - 3 Ton System): - $750
• Net Cost to Homeowner: $10,465

Based on the annual savings of $1,950, the Moores achieved a rapid payback period of approximately 5.2 years on their net investment. After the break-even point, they are now saving nearly $2,000 annually, putting them ahead financially for the remainder of the system's life.

Massive Efficiency Gain: The old oil boiler operated with a Coefficient of Performance (COP) of approximately 0.85, meaning 85% of the energy consumed was converted to heat. The new CCASHP operates with an average COP of ∼3.0, meaning it delivers 300% efficiency by simply moving heat rather than creating it.

Dual-Functionality: Unlike the old oil system, the heat pumps provide highly efficient cooling during the summer months, eliminating the need for separate window or central A/C units and offering year-round comfort.

Environmental Impact: The conversion resulted in an estimated 67% reduction in the home's heating-related carbon emissions, a figure that will improve further as New Hampshire's electric grid incorporates more renewable energy sources.

The Moore family’s experience demonstrates that modern cold climate heat pump technology is a mature, high-performance, and financially compelling alternative to traditional fossil fuels in a cold weather state like New Hampshire. The combination of utility rebates, federal tax credits, and profound long-term operating cost savings makes the switch from oil a smart, sustainable, and reliable investment for any Seacoast homeowner. 

Location: Eliot, Maine

Business Type: Small-scale precision metal fabrication and parts manufacturing 

Challenge: High, volatile annual heating costs using an aging propane-fired furnace system to heat the 5,000 sq. ft. facility. 

Solution: Conversion from the existing propane furnace to a Cold Climate Central Ducted Air-Source Heat Pump system, utilizing the facility’s existing ductwork infrastructure. 

Results: $12,500 in annual energy savings, a simple payback period of under 4 years, and enhanced year-round comfort with integrated, highly efficient cooling. 

Haven operates a single-shift manufacturing facility dedicated to producing high-tolerance components. Their building was served by an older, approximately 60-ton commercial propane furnace. Given Eliot’s location in a demanding cold climate zone, the facility experienced two main issues:

1. Explosive Heating Costs: Propane prices in Maine were volatile, leading to unpredictable monthly operating expenses. Average annual heating costs exceeded $22,000, accounting for nearly 40% of the company's total utility expenditure.
2. Inconsistent Comfort: The old furnace provided uneven heat, resulting in hot spots near the air handler and cold zones near the large loading dock doors, impacting employee comfort and, occasionally, the stability of stored materials.

The outdated system also required separate, expensive maintenance for summer cooling, as the legacy central AC unit was nearing the end of its lifespan.

We partnered with Haven Corp to find a solution that minimized disruption. The key decision was to install a ducted Cold Climate Heat Pump (CCHP) system, designed specifically to deliver high-efficiency heating down to temperatures below zero.

Crucially, the new CCHP system was installed by replacing the exterior propane unit and connecting the new high-efficiency air handler directly into the building’s existing ductwork. This decision provided two major advantages:

1. Reduced Installation Time and Cost: By avoiding the need for new duct installation (a common expense in full HVAC retrofits), the project timeline was shortened by two weeks and total project costs were reduced by nearly 30%.
2. Consistent Air Distribution: The existing ductwork, now powered by the highly regulated airflow of the CCHP, provided superior temperature consistency across the entire shop floor and office space.

Total Project Cost (CCHP + Install)

$38,000 (Before Incentives)

Efficiency Maine Commercial Retrofit Rebate

($11,500) Based on MBH (BTU/hr) capacity, utilizing a generous commercial heat pump incentive.

Federal Business Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

($4,050) 10% of net cost (post-rebate)

Net Out-of-Pocket Cost

$22,450

Not to mention...

56.8% reduction in energy spend and a payback period of 3.75 years!

Massive Efficiency Gain: The old oil boiler operated with a Coefficient of Performance (COP) of approximately 0.85, meaning 85% of the energy consumed was converted to heat. The new CCASHP operates with an average COP of ∼3.0, meaning it delivers 300% efficiency by simply moving heat rather than creating it.

Dual-Functionality: Unlike the old oil system, the heat pumps provide highly efficient cooling during the summer months, eliminating the need for separate window or central A/C units and offering year-round comfort.

Environmental Impact: The conversion resulted in an estimated 67% reduction in the home's heating-related carbon emissions, a figure that will improve further as New Hampshire's electric grid incorporates more renewable energy sources.

The successful retrofit at Haven demonstrates that small commercial enterprises can achieve substantial financial and environmental gains without the complexity of installing all-new distribution systems. By utilizing existing ductwork with modern, cold-climate central heat pump technology, Haven secured a quick ROI, predictable operating costs, and a more comfortable, productive environment for its employees. This project serves as a clear model for other Southern Maine manufacturers looking to future-proof their operations.

"The best part wasn't just the huge cut in the energy bill; it was knowing we could finally budget without having to worry about the next oil delivery or propane spike. Plus, the shop has never been this consistently comfortable, winter or summer."