Case study: Electrification for a historic home in Bend, Oregon
Author: Bill Hoelzer / Read Time: Eight Minutes
“We worked with Greensavers to replace and upgrade our Heat/AC system, water heater, and upgrade our electrical box. We also had our house sealed and insulation improved. Communication with the team was very good from initial consultation to completion of the job. The work was completed on time and they did a quality job.” (Steve B. in Bend, Oregon)
Steve and Christine B. love their 1912 home in NW Bend, but like many older homes, it had air leaks, insufficient insulation, and aging gas appliances.
Keeping temperatures steady was a challenge, and they knew their furnace, AC, and water heater wouldn’t last forever.
Instead of waiting for costly breakdowns, they called GreenSavers at (541) 330-8767 to book a home energy audit. We laid out all of the options and created a plan to eliminate fossil fuels, improve efficiency, and future-proof their home.
What’s changed after the electrification project?
Air leakage reduced by 70%: Equivalent to shutting four open windows year-round.
Gas heating and water heating eliminated: No more combustion in the home.
Improved indoor air quality: Less exposure to airborne particles.
More consistent indoor temperatures: Fewer cold spots and drafts.
Get a proposal for your home
If you’d like help with your home Portland or Central Oregon, we’ve got you covered. Send us a message or give us a call anytime: (541) 330-8767
Since 2007, GreenSavers has completed more than 5,000 energy-saving projects in Oregon, earning the U.S. Department of Energy’s prestigious ENERGY STAR Contractor of the Year Award eight years in a row.
Air sealing and insulation
Reducing air leaks equivalent to shutting four open windows
Before upgrades, Steve’s home had so many leaks that it was like leaving a window open in every major room, all day, every day. The final blower door test showed air leakage was reduced to 1,689 CFM, the equivalent of shutting four average-size windows.
What we did:
Air sealing: Sealed cracks and gaps in the attic, crawlspace, rim joists, and around trim to stop cold air infiltration.
Attic insulation: Increased blown fiberglass insulation from R30 to R60, cutting heat loss through the roof.
Kneewall insulation: Installed a vapor-permeable air barrier to prevent airflow through existing fiberglass batts.
Crawlspace insulation: Upgraded to R11 batts, secured with polypropylene twine to maintain full contact with the subfloor.
Before we sealed air leaks and added insulation
Why sealing leaks and adding insulation comes first
Upgrading insulation and sealing air leaks before installing a new HVAC system is the best way to maximize performance and efficiency. When a home is properly sealed, less heated and cooled air escapes, meaning the system doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.
This reduces wear and tear on the equipment and, in many cases, allows for a smaller, more efficient heat pump instead of an oversized unit. A right-sized system runs more efficiently, lasts longer, and keeps energy costs down.
After we sealed air leaks and added insulation
Mitsubishi Heat Pump
Replacing a gas furnace and AC with high-efficiency electric heating and cooling
Steve and Christine wanted to eliminate their gas furnace and upgrade to a cold-climate heat pump capable of providing reliable heat—even in Bend’s freezing winters.
During the home energy audit, we measured a moderate amount of particulate matter in the home, which has the potential to cause health issues over time. By eliminating gas combustion, sealing air leaks, and improving ventilation, we helped Steve and Christine create a healthier, more efficient living space.
Before we updated the HVAC systems
What we installed:
Outdoor unit: Mitsubishi Hyper Heat PUZ-HA36NKA, mounted on a raised Diversitech pad.
Indoor unit: Intelli-Heat cased coil, connected to the existing duct system.
Smart thermostat: EcoBee 5th generation with a remote temperature sensor for better control. This setup works seamlessly with the existing furnace, which we kept as a backup for the coldest days of the year.
Filtration upgrade: Honeywell F100 cabinet with a MERV 11 filter for improved air quality.
With variable-speed operation, this system delivers steady, even heating instead of the sudden temperature swings common with older furnaces.
After we updated the HVAC systems
Old Gas Furnace & AC |
Mitsubishi Hyper Heat Pump |
|
|---|---|---|
| Heating Efficiency | 80-90% AFUE (less efficient) | 9.9 HSPF (high efficiency) |
| Cooling Efficiency | 12 SEER (less efficient) | 16.8 SEER (energy efficient) |
| Energy Source | Gas (furnace) & electricity (AC) | Electricity (no combustion) |
| Air Distribution | On-off cycling, temperature swings | Even, steady heating & cooling |
| Air Quality Impact | Burns gas, releases particulates | No combustion emissions, uses MERV 11 filtration |
| Estimated Energy Savings | Higher heating costs, less efficient cooling | 30-50% reduction in heating costs vs. gas |
| Environmental Impact | Burns fossil fuels, higher emissions | Low carbon footprint, uses electricity |
A.O. Smith Heat Pump Water Heater
Upgrading from a gas water heater to an energy-efficient electric model
Steve’s old gas water heater was more than 20 years old and had a low efficiency rating of 0.6. By switching to a heat pump water heater, he significantly reduced energy use while eliminating potential gas leaks and carbon monoxide risks.
What we installed:
Model: A.O. Smith Voltex AL Smart Hybrid (50-gallon).
Efficiency: 3.8 UEF (more than three times the efficiency of a standard electric or gas water heater).
Ducted installation: Intake and exhaust were vented outdoors for improved efficiency.
Seismic strapping: Secure installation to meet Oregon safety codes.
Unlike traditional water heaters that generate heat, this system moves heat from the air into the water, dramatically cutting energy use.
After we installed the heat pump water heater
Project costs and final results
Total Investment
Cost Before Incentives |
Federal Tax Credits |
Final Cost to Homeowner |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat Pump | $19,789 | -$2,000 | $17,789 |
| Heat Pump Water Heater | $6,357 | -$1,200 | $5,157 |
| Smart Panel | $7,500 | - | $7,500 |
| Air Sealing and Insulation | $11,562 | - | $11,562 |
| Total | $45,208 | -$3,200 | $42,008 |
What Steve had to say
"The process of getting an estimate and contracts together was excellent, and the project scheduling and communication were great. The crews kept us informed every step of the way, and we really appreciated their professionalism." (Steve B. in Bend, Oregon)
By switching to high-efficiency electric heating, water heating, and insulation upgrades, Steve and Christine’s home is better sealed, healthier, and ready for a low-carbon future.
If you’d like help with your home in Portland or Central Oregon, just give us a call at (541) 330-8767, or send us a message anytime.
Learn More about Electrification Projects
Start by visiting our resource pages for homeowners in Central Oregon:
You can also keep reading our latest blog articles about topics related to home electrification in Central Oregon.
