Oregon requires heat pumps for new housing

Oregon’s latest update to its residential energy code mandates energy-efficient heat pumps in new home construction.

The switch from conventional ducted HVAC is projected to save residents of new buildings an average of $125 a month in energy costs and more than $1,700 annually, according to an analysis by the state Building Code Division. The code update comes as Oregon residents face energy cost increases across the state of about 50% since 2020.

The code update holds that the first stage of heating can be met by a heat pump. Natural gas can be used for supplemental heating, which can reduce strain on the grid during peak load periods.

“This code update will increase energy efficiency, reduce utility bills, and align Oregon’s building standards with those of California and Washington as our states transition away from fossil fuels,” said Dylan Plummer, acting deputy director of Sierra Club’s Clean Heat Campaign. “As heat pump technology improves, codes like these are necessary to ensure that new buildings are taking full advantage of the benefits that these high efficiency, non-polluting appliances offer.”