Dual Fuel
If you are like most families, winter heating costs put a real strain on the family budget. Now, there is a way for you to lessen the burden of home heating costs. Its called dual fuel and it can save you money.

As strange as it may seem, you can heat your home for less by using two fuels instead of one. Here's how a dual fuel system works. A dual fuel system combines two fuel sources, electricity (which is the primary source) and propane, oil or other approved fuels as a secondary source. The electric heat source heats your home during all but "peak use" periods. During peak use periods, a computer-generated signal switches the system automatically to the backup system. When the peak use period is over, the system is automatically switched back to the less expensive electric system.

By allowing the electric system to operate only during off-peak periods, your dual fuel system allows you to avoid paying the cost of "peak" electricity. The savings that are gained are passed directly back to members participating in dual fuel in the form of the discounted dual fuel heating rate. The dual fuel program can also be used for summer air conditioning and annual water heating costs, providing year-round energy savings that will save you money.

A member can install a dual fuel system by adding a qualifying electric unit to their present fossil fueled heating system. Heartland Electric Cooperative provides cash incentives to assist members with the installation of qualifying equipment.

Additional information on specific dual fuel installations, equipment and efficiency incentives are listed below.

High Efficiency Heat Pump
Today's electric heat pump is a technological marvel that will heat and cool your home with unbeatable efficiency. In winter, your new heat pump will keep your home warm and comfortable; in hot muggy summertime weather, the same system will keep you cool, humidity free and comfortable. There are three different types of heat pumps: the air source system that extracts heat out of the air and that looks much like a central air conditioning unit; the ground source system that extracts heat out of the ground through polyethylene piping that is either buried horizontally in a trench or drilled vertically into the ground; and the water source system that extracts heat out of a spring, artesian well or nearby water source such as a lake.

A high efficiency air source heat pump can be added to your existing fuel oil or LP gas furnace. In the winter, the high efficiency heat pump will act as your primary heating system and will work in conjunction with the alternate gas or fuel oil furnace. The heat pump will operate on all but the most extreme weather, or when your load control receiver (installed for you by your electrician) is automatically activated to bring on your back-up until the period of load control expires. Members installing an air source heat pump can receive a rebate ranging from $40 - $60 per ton of capacity.

The ground source or water source heat pump can also be added to your existing fossil fueled furnace or can involve electric storage heat. These electric off-peak systems utilize ceramic brick and the concrete floor to release heat during peak control periods. The ground source and water source heat pumps are the most efficient heating and cooling systems available, attaining efficiencies exceeding over 300 percent. These members installing a ground source or water source heat pump can receive a rebate of $60 per ton of capacity.

Baseboard & Cove Heat
The installation of baseboard heat or cove heat in conjunction with a fossil fueled heating system is another type of dual fuel system. Like all dual fuel systems, the baseboard or cove heaters are separately metered. The baseboard or cove heat will act as the primary heating source during "non-peak" periods and also receive the discounted dual fuel heating rate.

Baseboard and cove heat is a great application to provide individual room control. It's also economical, being that no ductwork is necessary and the individual cost of the room units is low. Baseboard heat is also a great application for remodeling projects and as a supplemental heat source for a cool area of your home.

Electric Plenum Heater
An electric plenum heater installed in your existing fuel oil or propane furnace can also be a low cost means to begin taking advantage of off-peak electricity. The plenum heater is inserted into the plenum or ductwork attached to your existing furnace, utilizing your existing ductwork and furnace blower to distribute air across the electric elements of the plenum heater.

During extreme cold weather, the load control receiver switches the system from the plenum heater to your existing furnace. When the "peak" period is over, it is again switched back to the low cost electric system.

Members can purchase a plenum heater directly from Heartland Power Cooperative, extend the life of their heating system, and begin taking advantage of low cost, off-peak electricity.

Radiant Heat
Radiant floor and ceiling systems heat objects, not air, to provide superior human comfort. People are completely surrounded with radiant warmth, and the air temperature is uniform from floor to ceiling.

We can design a system to heat your whole house or a single room; we can control the system with one thermostat or provide room-by-room temperature control.

Radiant heat is also an excellent choice for commercial applications, such as: service and maintenance garages and terminals, warehouses and industrial plants, open office areas, lobbies and waiting rooms.

Radiant heat systems can be accomplished by two different methods.

Electric Heat Storage