Residents of Mercer Island, Redmond, Bellevue, Issaquah and Kirkland will have the opportunity to learn about and purchase discounted heat pump systems through Energy Smart Eastside, a multi-city energy efficiency program.

According to Energy Smart Eastside, the program reduces the regular price of heat pumps, simplifies the installation process for customers, and provides guidance on utility incentives as well as low interest financing.

“This campaign is a great opportunity to improve home energy efficiency that will also benefit our community’s climate goals,” said Ross Freeman, sustainability manager for the City of Mercer Island.

Energy Smart Eastside will work directly with heat pump manufacturers, local distributors and expert installers. Heat pumps are efficient heating and cooling systems that utilize less energy than traditional electric heating systems, which can result in lower utility costs.

From July 26 through September 27, five 1-hour online workshops will take place, and are open to all Eastside residents and property owners. Workshop participants will learn about heat pump technology, utility incentives and financing opportunities; they will also have the opportunity to ask questions to program experts.

Participants will become eligible to receive a community discount that would reduce the installation cost by at least $500 after attending a workshop, according to the City of Mercer Island. Puget Sound Energy customers may also qualify for cash incentives if upgrading from another electric heat source.

For more information visit https://www.energysmarteastside.org/