Home Energy & HVAC FAQs

Blue single-story home with updated windows

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions? Start here. Learn more about GreenSavers, our services, pricing, proposals, sustainability, and how we help homeowners improve comfort, efficiency, and long-term home performance.

General Questions

About GreenSavers

GreenSavers is a mission-driven home-performance contractor focused on making Pacific Northwest homes more comfortable, efficient, and healthy. We are the leader in residential electrification retrofits in Oregon. Since 2007, our teams in Portland and Central Oregon have completed more than 5,000 projects, with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We’re a Certified B Corporation and an eight-time ENERGY STAR® Contractor of the Year, specializing in heat pumps, HVAC systems, insulation, windows, heat pump water heaters, energy audits, and more.

Our approach focuses on whole-home comfort, efficiency, and long-term value. We handle assessments, installation, incentive paperwork, and inspections.

Robert Hamerly is the Founder and CEO of GreenSavers. He has extensive experience in the skilled trades, from HVAC installations to building timber framed custom homes, and has earned a variety of certifications for his expertise in building science. Passionate about sustainable solutions in the built environment, Robert believes businesses have a responsibility to safeguard the environment and increase the resilience of our communities.

We focus on comfort, safety, and long-term savings—not just equipment. We provide whole-home solutions, clear communication, and expert installation. Many of our customers choose us because we show up on time, explain things clearly, and take care of the details like permits, incentives, and inspections.

Yes. GreenSavers is fully licensed, bonded, and insured for HVAC, insulation, and energy-efficiency work in Oregon. We also pull any required permits and coordinate inspections for applicable projects, so your installation meets local codes and safety standards.

We work on almost all homes, regardless of age, size, or building type.

Yes!

We serve Portland Metro, Bend, Redmond, Sisters, and surrounding Central Oregon communities. In Southwest Washington we serve Vancouver, Camas, and Washougal. If you are just outside these areas, contact us—we may still be able to help or offer a referral.

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Our professionally trained field crews install the vast majority of our projects. We occasionally subcontract specialized services like electrical work, pest control, mold remediation, or asbestos abatement

Certifications & Credentials

A certification from the Building Performance Institute that requires contractors to pass written and practical exams on residential energy efficiency and weatherization. It signifies that a professional is trained to conduct comprehensive assessments, identify energy issues, and prescribe solutions for improving a home's comfort, safety, and efficiency. It is often required for state-run energy efficiency programs and is cited by organizations like the EPA and ENERGY STAR.

NATE certification is a credential for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) technicians, demonstrating their expertise through rigorous testing. It stands for North American Technician Excellence and is a non-profit organization that provides certification to verify a technician's skills in installation, service, and maintenance. Holding this certification indicates a technician has passed comprehensive exams and is up-to-date on the latest industry standards through required continuing education.

An ETO (Energy Trust of Oregon) trade ally is a qualified contractor, installer, architect, or other professional who partners with the Energy Trust of Oregon to help customers complete energy-efficiency and renewable energy projects. We are proud to be a 5-star ETO Trade Ally, which is the highest level achievable.

A Mitsubishi Diamond Contractor is a certified professional installer of Mitsubishi heating and cooling systems, recognized for meeting strict criteria for training, customer satisfaction, and professionalism. These elite dealers offer benefits like extended 12-year parts and compressor warranties (for single-family homes), expert installation, and priority service and support. They receive ongoing training directly from Mitsubishi, which ensures proper installation, system performance, and the availability of the latest innovations.

A Quilt Flagship Partner is an HVAC company that is selected as a key strategic partner for the smart thermostat and heat pump manufacturer, Quilt, to help bring its products to market and ensure high-quality installations. These partners are often established local experts who receive support, technology, and a warranty from Quilt to provide a leading customer experience in their region.

Landlords & Renters

Though we do not work directly with renters, we do work with landlords to implement energy efficient upgrades in rental properties. We are happy to coordinate with renters through the process.

The biggest impact often comes from upgrades that improve how the whole home performs, like insulation, air sealing, efficient heating and cooling, and water heating. The right mix depends on the property, but these upgrades often work best when planned together rather than one at a time.

If the issue is obvious, like a broken furnace or failing water heater, it may make sense to start there. If the property has multiple comfort or cost issues, a whole-home assessment can help prioritize the upgrades that are likely to matter most.

Start with the practical issues you’re experiencing: high bills, rooms that are hard to heat or cool, drafts, old equipment, or recurring comfort problems. That gives landlords a clearer picture of what the home may need and why it matters.

No. Older homes often have the most obvious comfort and efficiency problems, but newer rentals can also benefit from better equipment, insulation, air sealing, and smarter system planning.

Partnerships & Referrals

GreenSavers partners with organizations, contractors, nonprofits, manufacturers, utilities, and community groups that share our commitment to better homes, energy efficiency, and long-term comfort. We look for partners who want to help homeowners make informed, high-impact upgrades, from insulation and HVAC to electrification, solar, and indoor air quality.

GreenSavers brings building science expertise, diagnostics, project management, and incentive support under one roof. We work collaboratively with homeowners to recommend solutions based on comfort, efficiency, and long-term performance, and our work is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

You can refer homeowners who need help with heat pumps, HVAC, insulation, windows and doors, water heaters, energy audits, EV chargers, seismic retrofits, or solar planning and installation. GreenSavers offers these services as a whole-home performance contractor, which means we can help homeowners solve one immediate need or plan multiple upgrades together.

If you know someone who could benefit from GreenSavers, you can refer them to our team. We’ll connect with the homeowner, learn about their goals, and recommend the right next step. GreenSavers already uses referrals as part of its customer and partner outreach, and referrals have helped bring more homeowners into energy-saving projects.

Send us a message with a little information about your organization, audience, or referral opportunity. From there, we can talk through fit, service areas, project types, and how we can make the referral or partnership process clear for everyone involved.

Membership & Plan Policies

Yes, you can cancel your payment authorization at any time with 30 days’ written notice to GreenSavers.

Process & Scheduling

We understand that a comprehensive consultation or audit might not be necessary for everyone. We can schedule a brief, focused estimate appointment where we'll gather the necessary information. You'll receive a written quote based on that assessment.

A BPI certified consultant will visit your home and assess your home for safety and comfort to address any concerns you may have. Diagnostics include: infrared scanning to locate air leaks and energy loss, visual inspection of mechanical systems such as HVAC and water heaters, seismic risk factors, ventilation quality, and insulation conditions.

We discuss comfort goals, inspect your home, explain recommended options, and provide a clear proposal.

Scheduling is simple! You can use our online scheduling tool, email us or give us a call at 503.223.8767.

You should receive an email and/or a text message with an invitation to confirm your appointment. Simply reply CONFIRM to confirm your appointment. If you can't find it, you can always call us or reply to your original appointment confirmation email to let us know you're all set.

No problem! The quickest way is to use the link in your confirmation or reminder email to see our available times and select a new slot that works for you. You can also text us or email hello@greensavers.com, and we'll be happy to find a new time for you.

No. However we appreciate as much notice as possible so we can offer the slot to another customer.

We can typically get you on our calendar for a consultation or an audit within a week or two, but our schedule varies. Check our online scheduling tool for the most accurate availability.

Need to see us sooner? Reach out to us at hello@greensavers.com.

If you decide to move forward with a project, the lead time for install can be anywhere from a week to a month depending on the type of project, the complexity of the install, and our crews availability.

Our consultations will always be performed by one of our knowledgeable, BPI certified consultants. If you schedule an audit, your consultant will be accompanied by our audit technician.

If you move forward on a project, our field crew will be performing a majority of the work, though certain projects may require coordination with a subcontractor. If you have any questions about what your project will require, reach out to your consultant or project manager.

Not necessarily. Many of our clients provide us with a lockbox code so we can complete the work while they are at the office or on vacation.

Before your project begins, your assigned project manager will reach out to ensure you have all the information and are prepared with everything we need from you.

Yes, we’ll pull all necessary permits and reach out when it’s time to schedule an inspection.

Our professional field crew strives to keep your home as clean as possible. However, as with any construction project, some dust is unavoidable. Our goal is to return your home to you in the exact condition we found it, but with the added benefits of improved efficiency and comfort.

Billing & Operations

For questions about invoices, payments and other billing issues, call our accounting department at 503.223.8767 or email accounting at greensavers dot com.

Typical office hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m, Monday to Friday.

Portland: 503.223.8767│Bend: 541.330.8767

Hello at greensavers dot com

We accept all major credit cards, checks, and digital payments. We can also help you apply and qualify for financing.

For questions about invoices, payments and other billing issues, call our accounting department at 503.223.8767 or email accounting at greensavers dot com.

Realtors, Builders & Property Managers

Yes, we specialize in the key upgrades that make homes sell faster and for more. We focus on high-impact improvements like insulation, air sealing, and HVAC efficiency that directly appeal to today's buyers. Please plan ahead—we are typically scheduling projects a few weeks out. Contact us as soon as you're considering listing to secure your spot and ensure your home is market-ready with the comfort and efficiency features buyers value.

Yes, we regularly coordinate with property managers and tenants. We understand the unique dynamics of rental properties and can facilitate all communication, scheduling, and site access directly with your designated contacts. Just let us know your preferred contact person, and we'll ensure a smooth process that respects your tenants and protects your property.

Yes. We provide HVAC, insulation, and other energy efficiency upgrades for multifamily residential buildings such as duplexes and apartment complexes. We specialize in helping landlords find and apply for incentives that can greatly reduce the cost of these upgrades—in some cases covering up to 100% of the cost. For detailed proposals, please email your project details to hello at greensavers dot com.

No, however the seller may include our audit or consultation reports in their disclosures. If you are a realtor representing a home buyer or seller, feel free to reach out to us with questions.

Employment Opportunities

We're always looking for passionate people to join our team! You can view current openings here. To apply, email talent at greensavers dot com.

We carefully review every application we receive. Depending on volume, we may only contact candidates selected for an interview. If you haven't heard from us within two weeks of applying, your application is likely on file for future opportunities. We appreciate your interest!

You are welcome to stop by during our office hours with a resume, however there may not always be a team member available to greet you. The best way to ensure your application is seen is to email us at talent at greensavers dot com.

Service Questions

General Services Overview

As a whole-home performance contractor, we offer the following services:

We provide installation, repair, and maintenance of all HVAC systems.
We specialize in heat pumps, both ducted and ductless (mini-splits).
We install and repair water heaters, including tankless and heat pump water heaters.
We install attic, crawlspace, and wall insulation, air sealing, and other weatherization and ventilation services.
We install energy-efficient windows and doors.
We perform home energy audits including net zero audits.
We install level 2 EV chargers.
We provide seismic retrofitting services.
We provide solar array planning and installation services.

No two GreenSavers projects are exactly alike and we can help people with a wide range of job sizes. Our project minimum is $2500.

We are generally able to service clients in Central Oregon that are within about a 45-minute drive from Bend. In Portland we serve an area that is about a 45-minute drive from our office in SE Portland. We also serve Vancouver and surrounding communities Southwest Washington.

HVAC Repair & Maintenance

Yes. We provide HVAC installation, repair, and maintenance services. We can help keep your system running safely and efficiently, and we can also recommend replacement options when repair is no longer the best long-term choice.

Yes. Heat pumps need regular maintenance to run efficiently, reduce the risk of breakdowns, and support a longer system lifespan. Because heat pumps provide both heating and cooling, we recommend maintenance twice a year — typically before the heating and cooling seasons.

We recommend biannual maintenance visits to ensure that your HVAC systems operate at peak efficiency.

Almost all heating and cooling systems can be enrolled in the GreenSavers Home Performance Plan, including heat pumps, ductless heat pumps, furnaces, central AC systems, and water heaters.

If you have a boiler system, we may be able to help you, but depending on the configuration of your boiler, you may need to contact a boiler specialist.

Simply call or text. We’ll find a time for our HVAC service technician to assess your system. Our dispatch fee is $89, which covers the first hour of your appointment.

Yes! We work with all major brands of heat pumps, air conditioners, furnaces, water heaters, and more.

Almost all heating and cooling systems can be enrolled, including heat pumps, ductless heat pumps, furnaces, central AC systems, and water heaters. We’ll confirm eligibility based on the equipment in your home.

The plan includes two maintenance appointments per year. GreenSavers will reach out to schedule your visits, so routine system care doesn’t fall off your to-do list.

If we find that additional repairs are needed beyond routine maintenance, we’ll explain the issue and recommend next steps. Home Performance Plan members receive priority repair scheduling and 10% off eligible parts and GreenSavers labor.

No. But we do maintain a list of highly qualified and recommended contractors and are happy to make suggestions.

Yes. Annual maintenance helps efficiency, prevents breakdowns, and extends system lifespan. You should have your heat pump inspected every 6 months at a minimum, often before summer (cooling season) and winter (heating season). Routine maintenance includes cleaning the coils, checking the refrigerant charge, cleaning and replacing filters, and more.

We provide equipment and labor warranties based on manufacturer specifications and the project type. Specific warranty details vary; if you have a question regarding the warranty on your project, reach out to your consultant or project manager directly.

Heat Pump Installation

A heat pump absorbs ambient heat from the air around it, and transfers that heat to your home instead of using combustion or electrical currents to generate heat. Heat pumps are 2–4 times more efficient than traditional gas furnaces and electric resistance heating like baseboards.

Yes!

The heat pumps we install are rated for temps down to between -5°F to -13°F. Consider pairing your heat pump installation with an insulation project to maximize your comfort and your home’s efficiency.

Ducted and ductless heat pumps differ in their method of air distribution: ducted systems use a central network of air ducts and vents to heat and cool an entire house, while ductless systems, (also called mini-splits), use individual wall or ceiling mounted indoor air handlers, (also called “heads), for zone-specific or room-by-room control.

Ducted systems are often integrated into homes with existing ductwork, whereas ductless systems are ideal for homes without ducts or additions.

Yes. We specialize in both ducted heat pumps and ductless mini-splits. We’ll help determine which system makes the most sense based on your home’s layout, existing ductwork, comfort goals, and efficiency needs.

Yes. We install ductless mini-splits, which can be a great fit for homes without ductwork, homes with additions or ADUs, or rooms that are difficult to heat and cool evenly.

Depending on the size and complexity of your heat pump project, install typically takes between 1-3 days.

Quilt and Mitsubishi.

Heat pumps are significantly more energy-efficient than traditional systems like furnaces, with modern models achieving 300% to 400% efficiency because they move heat instead of generating it. In contrast, traditional systems like gas furnaces are only 80–95% efficient because they generate heat through combustion or electric resistance, meaning they lose a percentage of energy.

It depends. If you replace your gas furnace with a heat pump you may not see an immediate reduction in your heating bills, and in some cases, they may even go up. That said, energy prices are volatile, and this cost imbalance could easily change. Installing a high efficiency heat pump sets you up for a climate conscious future.

If you are replacing an electric furnace, baseboards, or wall heaters with a heat pump you are likely to see a significant reduction in your energy bills. A client of ours reported that his PGE usage dropped by 43-53% compared to the same months the previous year. You can maximize your energy savings by pairing your heat pump install with an insulation upgrade.

A mini-split is a term coined for ductless heat pumps, with mini-split referring to the wall units, or “heads”, that distribute the air inside your home, instead of distributing air via ducts and vents. A heat pump is the general technology that moves heat from one place to another, while a mini-split is a specific configuration of a heat pump that does not require ductwork.

No! One of the many benefits of a heat pump is that you get both heating and cooling from one piece of equipment. A heat pump works like an air conditioner in the summer by moving heat from inside your home to outside, and it reverses this process in the winter to bring heat from the outside air inside.

Unfortunately, no. We can only guarantee the safety and functionality of equipment that we have procured.

Yes! A heat pump is a great option for manufactured homes, especially when replacing sources of electric resistive heat such as baseboards or forced air electric furnaces.

We recommend heat pumps because they are the ultimate all-in-one HVAC solution for most homes. They provide both highly efficient heating and cooling in a single system.

The key advantage is their incredible efficiency. Instead of burning gas or other fuel to generate heat, a heat pump simply moves and condenses existing heat, making it significantly more energy-efficient than traditional furnaces or electric heaters. This can translate to lower utility bills, reduced carbon emissions, and year-round comfort from one reliable, safe unit with no risk of carbon monoxide.

Absolutely. Pairing a heat pump with a rooftop solar system is a great match. The heat pump's high efficiency means it needs less electricity to run, which makes it easier and more affordable to power with solar panels. This combination is the best way to cut your energy bills and achieve energy independence for your home's heating and cooling.

The most important step is working with the right installer or contractor. Our certified consultants will guide you through every detail. We perform a precise heating load calculation, (a Manual J), analyze your home's specific needs, and explain all your options, ensuring you have all the information to feel confident and make the right choice for your comfort and budget.

The key factors are ensuring it's perfectly sized for your home, choosing a model suited for your climate, and efficiency ratings (SEER2 for cooling, HSPF2 for heating).

Ductless mini-splits are an excellent and efficient solution for homes that lack existing ductwork or have specific heating and cooling challenges. They are the best option for homes without ducts, when you need to heat or cool specific rooms, and for creating independent temperature zones in your home.

The number of indoor heads you need depends entirely on your home's layout and your comfort goals. A good rule of thumb is one head per zone where you want independent temperature control.

Here’s a simple guide:

Single-Zone: One indoor head is perfect for conditioning one specific room, like a new addition, garage, or a single room that's always too hot or cold. This can also be sufficient for small, well insulated homes.

Multi-Zone: For a whole-home solution, you'll likely need multiple heads.

Our certified consultants will perform a detailed assessment of your home's layout, size, and insulation to create a customized plan that ensures consistent comfort and maximum efficiency, recommending the exact number and placement of heads for your needs.

No. Modern heat pumps are very quiet, comparable to a refrigerator. Noise levels depend on the model and installation quality. We install ultra-quiet models to ensure peaceful comfort in your home. For the outdoor unit, 46-58 decibels is common. For the indoor units, 27/48 decibels is common.

Absolutely. A ductless heat pump is the perfect solution for a single problematic room. It provides powerful, efficient heating and cooling directly to that space, solving your comfort issue without needing to adjust your home's entire HVAC system.

Most modern heat pumps use a refrigerant R-454B and R-32, which have a lower global warming potential. R-410A has been the predominant refrigerant for several years but the US has been transitioning away since the beginning of 2025.

Our certified consultants stay current on all regulations and technologies. We can explain the specific refrigerant in any model we recommend and ensure your system is both environmentally responsible and built for long-term performance.

Water Heater Installation

A heat pump water heater absorbs ambient heat from the air around it, and transfers that heat to the hot water tank instead of using combustion or electrical currents to generate heat.

It depends on your home, hot water needs, available space, budget, and efficiency goals. Heat pump water heaters are highly efficient and can lower electric water heating costs. Tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand and can be a good fit for homes with high hot water needs or limited space. Electric water heaters are a straightforward option for many homes. We’ll help compare the options and recommend the right fit.

Heat pump water heaters need a space with ample airflow and moderate temperatures (40°F - 90°F). Ideal locations include a basement, utility room, or garage. Since they produce condensation, a nearby floor drain is required. If you don’t have a drain we can install a condensate pump for flexible placement.

Water heater installs typically take a day or less.

In many cases, yes—significantly. If you're replacing an old electric water heater, you can cut your water heating costs by 50% or more due to its superior efficiency.

A properly sized heat pump water heater (typically a 50- or 80-gallon model for a family of four) is designed to meet the demands of an average household.

To ensure it never runs out of hot water, the units we install feature efficient hybrid modes that use a traditional electric element during periods of high demand, guaranteeing a reliable supply.

They are not silent, but most produce a steady, low-level sound similar to a refrigerator. The noise comes from the built-in fan and compressor. While generally not disruptive in a basement or utility room, it's something to consider for living-adjacent spaces like a main-floor closet. They can produce up to 50 decibels.

Our consultants can discuss sound ratings and placement options to ensure it's a comfortable fit for your home.

Heat pump water heaters are the most energy-efficient option, cutting water heating costs by 50% or more compared to standard electric models.

For households with high hot water demand or in colder climates, a gas tankless water heater can be a powerful and compact alternative, providing endless hot water on demand.

Our consultants provide honest, side-by-side comparisons of all options—including heat pump and gas tankless—to recommend the perfect solution for your home, budget, and efficiency goals.

A hybrid water heater is another name for a heat pump water heater. It's called "hybrid" because it intelligently uses two methods to heat water: it primarily uses an ultra-efficient heat pump to move heat from the air, but also has a built-in traditional electric heating element for times of high demand. This ensures you never run out of hot water while maximizing energy savings.

We typically install Ariston heat pump water heaters which is a brand partnership with American Standard.

No, we do not install client purchased units because of warranty and liability concerns.

The main things to consider are its capacity to keep up with your family's hot water needs, its energy efficiency rating for lower bills, and whether you have a suitable location for it (like a basement or utility room with enough space).

Don't worry about the technical details—that's our job. Our consultants will ask about your household size and routines, then recommend the right model to ensure you get plenty of hot water and maximum savings.

The right size depends entirely on your household size and hot water habits. There's no one-size-fits-all answer. Our consultants will ask a few simple questions about your home and routine to ensure we recommend a unit that guarantees your family never runs out of hot water, without paying for more capacity than you need.

No, they are different appliances that use the same efficient technology. A heat pump heats and cools your entire home by moving air. A heat pump water heater uses that same principle, but its only job is to heat your household's water in an extremely energy-efficient way.

Yes. These units pull heat from the surrounding air, so they work best in areas that stay above 40°F, like a basement or insulated garage. In a cold space, the unit will use its built-in electric backup more often, which is less efficient but ensures you still get hot water.

Yes, but often this is a benefit. Since it pulls heat from the surrounding air, it will cool and dehumidify the space it's in. This can be ideal for a basement (reducing summer dampness) or a utility room. However, you wouldn't want to install it in a living area or a closet that needs to stay warm.

Insulation & Weatherization

One cold room is often a sign of poor insulation, air leaks, ductwork issues, or an HVAC system that is not distributing air evenly. In some homes, the problem may come from an under-insulated wall, attic, floor, or crawlspace. GreenSavers can assess where your home is losing heat and recommend insulation, air sealing, or other weatherization upgrades to help improve comfort.

We provide professional insulation services for all key areas of your home. This includes:

Attics
Crawlspaces
Floors (over unconditioned spaces like basements or crawlspaces)
Walls

Our consultants perform a thorough energy assessment to identify where your home is losing energy and recommend a targeted insulation strategy to deliver the greatest comfort and return on investment.

They are two different but equally important parts of making your home comfortable and efficient.

Insulation acts like a warm blanket for your home, slowing down heat transfer through surfaces like attics and walls.
Air Sealing acts like weatherstripping for your entire house, closing the hidden gaps and cracks where drafts and air leaks occur.

A home needs both to work together. Great insulation won't perform well if cold air is blowing through leaks, and air sealing alone can't keep heat from moving through solid materials.

Our energy assessments check for both issues so we can recommend a comprehensive solution that solves your comfort and efficiency problems for good. For a detailed analysis, we recommend our Home Performance Audit which includes a blower door test.

We primarily use two types of high-performance, environmentally conscious insulation:

Blown-in Cellulose: Ideal for attic floors and wall cavities, we use Greenfiber insulation for its superior air-sealing and sound-dampening qualities. It's made from 85% recycled paper.
Fiberglass Batts: For insulating floors and attic kneewalls, we use CertainTeed and Knauf EcoBatt®. These batts are made with recycled glass and plant-based binders, free from formaldehyde and harsh chemicals.

Our consultants will recommend the right type and R-value for each area of your home to ensure maximum comfort and efficiency.

To protect your investment and maximize its performance. Installing a new HVAC system in a poorly insulated home is like putting a powerful engine in a car with flat tires—it has to work much harder to get you where you want to be. Proper insulation ensures your new system:

Doesn't strain to maintain temperatures
Runs more efficiently with lower utility bills
Provides more consistent comfort throughout your home
Lasts longer with less wear and tear

A smaller heat pump will be required in a home that is well insulated vs one that isn't. This will significantly reduce the up front installation and ongoing operational costs.

Common signs include drafts at baseboards, ducts, or other penetration points, cold floors, condensation or moisture collecting at windows, high utility bills, and rooms that are always too hot or too cold.

Yes. Insulation works like a blanket for your home, keeping temperatures stable throughout your living spaces. You'll notice fewer drafts in winter, less stuffiness in summer, and more consistent comfort in every room.

Yes, typically by a significant amount. Proper insulation reduces the amount of heat that escapes in the winter and enters in the summer. This means your heating and cooling system doesn't have to work as hard or run as often, which directly lowers your energy bills.

Yes! For a standalone garage or outbuilding such as a pole barn, an insulation project typically falls right our minimum project requirement and can often be included as part of a larger whole-home insulation or energy upgrade project.

Let us know your overall goals—our consultants can often bundle services to help you maximize cost-effectiveness.

For most homes, the ceiling (attic) is the single most important area to insulate, as heat rises and escapes through the roof much faster than through walls or floors. After the attic, walls and floors over unconditioned spaces (like a crawlspace or garage) become the next priorities.

Our consultants perform a thorough assessment to identify the biggest sources of heat loss in your specific home and create a prioritized plan to maximize your comfort and savings.

R-value is the rating system that measures an insulation's resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better it insulates.

We insulate homes to R-values well above current building codes. This typically looks like R-15 in walls, R-30 in floors, and R-60 in attics.

Window & Door Replacement

Yes!

Windows are part of your home’s building envelope, along with insulation, air sealing, walls, floors, ceilings, and doors. If your windows are drafty, poorly sealed, or inefficient, your heating and cooling system has to work harder to keep your home comfortable. Better windows can help reduce air leaks, improve comfort, and support lower energy waste.

We install two great brands: Milgard and Marvin wood windows. Both are known for their quality and energy efficiency, with Milgard being a popular smart-value choice and Marvin offering exceptional custom options for unique homes.

Common signs include drafts, condensation between panes, damaged frames, difficulty opening or closing, outside noise, and rooms that feel too hot or too cold near windows. A GreenSavers consultation can help determine whether window replacement, air sealing, insulation, or another envelope improvement is the right next step.

Not always. Windows are one part of the building envelope, but insulation and air sealing may provide a bigger comfort or efficiency improvement depending on your home. GreenSavers takes a whole-home approach, so we can help prioritize the upgrades that make the most sense for your comfort, budget, and long-term energy goals.

Electrical Panel Upgrades

An electrical panel upgrade replaces or expands your home’s main electrical panel so it can safely support your current and future energy needs. This may be needed when adding high-efficiency electric equipment like a heat pump, heat pump water heater, EV charger, solar system, or other major electrical loads.

You may need an electrical panel upgrade if your panel is full, outdated, undersized, or unable to support new equipment. Common signs include frequently tripped breakers, limited open breaker space, flickering lights, older fuse panels, or plans to add a heat pump, EV charger, electric water heater, or solar. GreenSavers can evaluate your home’s electrical capacity as part of the project planning process.

Not always. Some homes have enough electrical capacity for a heat pump, EV charger, or other electrification upgrade without replacing the panel. Other homes may need a panel upgrade, a subpanel, circuit changes, or load management. We review your home’s existing electrical setup and recommend the safest, most practical path forward.

Yes. GreenSavers coordinates required permits and inspections for applicable projects so the work meets local code and safety requirements. We also help manage the larger project details, which can include equipment planning, installation, incentive paperwork, and inspections.

EV Charger Installation

GreenSavers installs Level 2 EV chargers for residential homes. A Level 2 charger is much faster than a standard wall outlet and is the most common choice for convenient overnight charging at home.

The best location is usually where you park most often, such as a garage, driveway, or carport. We also consider your electrical panel location, wiring distance, weather exposure, charger type, and daily charging habits to recommend a setup that is safe, convenient, and efficient.

Most EV charger installations can be completed in a day, depending on your panel capacity, charger location, wiring path, and whether any electrical upgrades are needed. More complex projects, such as installations that require a panel upgrade or long wiring run, may take longer.

Yes, we do! We are a participating contractor in the PGE Charge Ahead Program and can handle your entire Level 2 EV charger installation.

Seismic Retrofitting

A seismic retrofit strengthens the connection between your home and its foundation so the structure is better prepared for an earthquake. For many wood-frame homes, this may include foundation bolting, bracing, and other improvements that help reduce the risk of the house shifting during seismic activity.

Your home may benefit from a seismic retrofit if it is older, built before modern seismic codes, or not securely bolted to its foundation. Homes with crawlspaces, unreinforced foundation connections, or older construction details are often good candidates for an evaluation.

A seismic retrofit may include foundation bolting, bracing, water heater strapping, and other safety improvements based on your home’s structure. The goal is to improve how your home responds during an earthquake and reduce risks like foundation movement, gas line damage, or water heater displacement.

Water heater strapping helps keep your water heater securely anchored during an earthquake. If a water heater tips over, it can cause broken water lines, flooding, gas leaks, or damage to the surrounding area. Strapping is a simple but important part of earthquake preparedness.

Yes. GreenSavers takes care of the design, drawings, and permitting needed to help make your seismic retrofit up to code. Proper permitting may also help homeowners qualify for earthquake insurance options through their home insurance provider.

Solar & Battery Storage

Solar may make sense if your home has good sun exposure, a suitable roof, and enough electricity use to benefit from generating power onsite. GreenSavers looks at your roof, shade, energy usage, electrical system, and future goals to determine whether solar is a smart fit for your home.

Home battery storage saves electricity from your solar panels or the grid so you can use it later. A battery can help power selected parts of your home during an outage, reduce reliance on the grid, and make your solar system more useful throughout the day and night.

Solar panels alone usually do not keep your home powered during an outage. Most grid-tied solar systems shut down for safety unless they are paired with battery storage and the right backup equipment. If outage resilience is a priority, GreenSavers can design a solar and battery system around the loads you want to keep running.

Battery backup can be worth it if you want more resilience during outages, have critical equipment to keep online, or want to get more value from your solar energy. The right battery setup depends on your home, energy use, outage concerns, budget, and whether you want to support essential loads or a larger portion of the home.

Energy Audits & Home Performance

We will work quickly to ship your order as soon as possible. Once your order has shipped, you will receive an email with further information. Delivery times vary depending on your location.

An audit is a detailed evaluation of insulation, airflow, ductwork, and equipment, using diagnostic tools to identify improvements. GreenSavers audits include: all inspections from a Consultation, indoor air quality test, a blower door test, and a detailed report with our findings and recommendations.

Whether you start with an audit or consultation, you get a top-to-bottom inspection of your home. The main difference is that an audit includes diagnostic testing with a report. Aside from a visual inspection with an infrared (IR) camera, a consultation includes neither diagnostics nor detailed reporting.

Home Energy Consultation

Cost: Free
Duration: One to two hours
Diagnostic Testing: Visual inspection and measurement of building envelope, IR Camera Scan, mechanical system inspection.
Deliverables: Project Proposal

Home Energy Audit

Cost: $400
Duration: Two to four hours
Diagnostic Testing: Testing includes a Blower Door Test, IR Camera Scan, Combustion Safety Test, IAQ Test, and more
Deliverables: Home Performance Report, Indoor Air Quality Report, and Project Proposal

A GreenSavers home energy audit includes a mechanical inspection, infrared camera scan, attic and crawlspace inspection, electrical panel inspection and load calculation, blower door test, combustion safety test, heat pump airflow testing when applicable, indoor air quality testing, energy use analysis, a Home Performance Report, and a project proposal.

No. An audit is recommended for gathering additional data about your home and making a long term plan for multiple energy efficiency improvements, but it is not required for us to give you an accurate and comprehensive HVAC or insulation quote.

Two to four hours.

No, but reach out to us if you’d like a referral for a Home Energy Score provider

Yes. Following our assessment, you will receive a detailed Home Performance Report that includes a prioritized list of recommendations. This is complemented by an Indoor Air Quality Report and a detailed Project Proposal, giving you a clear, actionable plan to maximize your home's comfort, health, and efficiency.

A blower door test is a diagnostic tool we use to measure how leaky your home is. A powerful fan is sealed into an exterior doorway, which pulls air out of the house. This allows us to precisely measure the rate of air leakage and use a smoke pencil to locate exactly where drafts are coming in—be it around windows, ducts, or outlets.

This test is a key part of our energy audit, providing the data we need to effectively air seal your home and ensure your insulation and HVAC systems perform at their best.

If we find damaged ductwork we can include the cost of repair in your project proposal.

A home energy audit is the best way to move from guessing to knowing. Instead of assuming what might improve your comfort and lower bills, an audit uses diagnostic testing to pinpoint exactly where your home is wasting energy. This allows you to target your investment toward the improvements that will make the biggest difference.

Our detailed audit provides a clear, prioritized roadmap—based on data, not guesswork—so you can confidently make upgrades that enhance comfort, improve efficiency, and save you money.

The language is very similar, but a home energy audit from GreenSavers does not include a Home Energy Score.

We offer a blower door test-only service for $300. This specialized appointment is not available for online booking. To schedule a blower door test give us a call at 503.223.8767.

Indoor Air Quality

Common signs of poor indoor air quality include persistent dust, stale air, odors, humidity problems, condensation, allergy symptoms, and rooms that never feel comfortable. These issues can come from ventilation problems, air leaks, moisture, filtration, combustion, or how air moves through the home.

An Indoor Air Quality Assessment is a focused evaluation of the air inside your home. GreenSavers looks at moisture, ventilation, filtration, and pollutant sources, then provides tailored recommendations for a healthier home. We use AirAdvice monitors to help identify indoor air quality concerns and guide next steps.

Yes. Our upgrades are designed to create a healthier home. By properly air sealing and insulating, we reduce drafts that bring in pollen, dust, and other outdoor allergens. For comprehensive fresh air exchange, we also install Energy/Heat Recovery Ventilators (ERVs/HRVs), which efficiently bring in fresh, filtered air without wasting energy.

We provide an Indoor Air Quality Report with your audit to pinpoint issues and recommend the best solutions—from sealing to ventilation—for a more comfortable and allergy-friendly environment.

Yes. Standard HVAC filters are not designed to handle heavy smoke or fine wildfire particulates on their own. GreenSavers can recommend indoor air quality solutions such as high-efficiency filtration, whole-home air purification, and ventilation strategies to help reduce smoke particles and outdoor pollutants inside the home.

Ventilation brings fresh air into the home, while filtration helps remove particles from the air you breathe. In a well-designed system, these strategies work together to reduce stale air, allergens, moisture issues, and pollutants without wasting energy. GreenSavers evaluates the full home so the solution fits the actual cause of the indoor air quality problem.

Yes! Our focused Indoor Air Quality Assessment is $150. This evaluation specifically targets air quality concerns, including moisture, ventilation, and pollutant sources, providing tailored recommendations for a healthier home. We use Air Advice monitors.

Yes. Heat pumps provide steady airflow and can significantly reduce temperature imbalances, especially if you choose a ductless option (aka minisplit), which delivers climate control to specific rooms or areas of your home.

Hot and cold spots are a common symptom of imbalanced insulation and air leakage. Our energy audit uses tools like thermal imaging and a blower door test to pinpoint the exact causes—whether it's insufficient insulation, ductwork issues, or drafts.

We then provide a targeted solution to balance your home's temperature, eliminating those frustrating spots and improving your overall comfort.

A standard heat pump or furnace filter is not designed to handle heavy smoke or fine wildfire particulates. It can capture larger particles, but for more protection, you might consider a specialized air purification system.

We offer comprehensive indoor air quality solutions, including high-efficiency air filters and whole-home air purifiers that are specifically engineered to remove dangerous smoke particles and significantly improve your indoor air during wildfire or allergy season.

Many of our customers report a noticeable reduction in noise after upgrades. Adding insulation to walls and installing new, well-sealed windows can help dampen outside noise from traffic or neighbors, contributing to a more peaceful indoor environment.

Pricing & Proposal Questions

Yes!

Our consultations go beyond a basic estimate. We take a whole-home approach to understand comfort issues, energy waste, equipment needs, and possible next steps. The consultation fee helps compensate our consultants for their time and is credited back to your project if you move forward.

No, the consultation fee is not refunded if you choose not to move forward. However, your appointment credit never expires. If you decide to work with GreenSavers later, that credit can still be applied to a future project.

Many factors influence the cost of a project including: price of materials/equipment, necessary electrical upgrades, previous system or insulation status, existing ductwork, complexity of install, structure and layout of the home, square footage, cavity size. The list goes on, but our knowledgeable consultants will be able to walk you through all of these factors and explain your quote in detail.

The price quote on your proposal is valid for 60 days, after that we may need to update pricing. Just reach out to your consultant.

Yes! We have multiple financing options to fit your needs including 0% APR for qualifying projects subject to terms and conditions.

The Home Performance Plan starts at $24.19 per month. Your final monthly price depends on the type and number of systems enrolled, since every home’s equipment is different. We’ll confirm your price before you enroll.

Costs vary based on home size, electrical capacity, existing ducts, and equipment selection. We provide a clear written proposal after a home visit. Having a new ducted heat pump installed will typically start at around $13,000 while a ductless heat pump (or mini split) will start around $7,000. These prices reflect the entire project, including equipment, electrical, and removal of the existing system, but they do not account for any incentives or rebates a project may qualify for.

A new heat pump water heater install will likely fall between $4,000 - $7000.

Insulation projects vary in size and complexity. Prices for the average GreenSavers home insulation project are listed below:

Whole Home - $10,000+
Attic - $3,500 - $6,500
Walls - $5,000 - $15,000
Floor/Crawspace - $3,500 - $10,000

Due to the variety and complexity of insulation projects we are unable to provide a price per square foot.

We do our best to provide value and be competitive and can work within your budget. Let your consultant know if price is a factor that has you leaning towards another contractor. There are incentives and rebates available as well as financing options.

Yes! We periodically offer promotional pricing on certain equipment. We also offer returning client discounts, referral discounts, and more.

Yes, we have a $2,500 overall project minimum.

Our comprehensive Home Performance Audit is $400. This audit fee is applied as a credit toward any qualifying upgrades you move forward with.

Incentives & Rebates

Oregon offers incentives through the Energy Trust of Oregon and local utilities, which can significantly reduce project costs. Qualifying projects can see thousands of dollars in rebates. We include all available incentives as a line item in your proposal.

Additional and expanded incentives are available for renters, underserved communities, and multifamily dwellings.

During your appointment, we’ll calculate the incentives for your specific home and show you your before-and-after cost.

As an Energy Trust of Oregon trade ally contractor, we handle all the necessary paperwork to secure your incentives.

Yes, incentives and rebates come and go. Our goal at GreenSavers is to help our clients get the maximum available savings through incentives and rebates. We are experts at navigating the complex landscape of government and utility funded incentive programs, and will help you make sense of your options at every step of the way.

Yes. Many state and local programs have enhanced benefits for low and moderate-income households. Ask your consultant! We will check for all applicable programs where you may qualify for higher rebates or direct assistance.

Sustainability Questions

The exact amount varies by home, but the savings are often substantial. By combining improvements like insulation, air sealing, and a high-efficiency heat pump, many homeowners cut their heating and cooling energy use by 30-50% or more. This directly translates to a significant reduction in your household carbon footprint and can lower monthly utility costs.

A more efficient home uses less energy to stay comfortable, which can reduce utility waste and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Upgrades like insulation, air sealing, efficient heating and cooling, and heat pump water heating can make your home more comfortable while reducing its environmental impact.

These distinctions are our commitment to excellence, verified by third parties.

Certified B Corp means we meet the highest standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. We are legally required to consider the impact of our decisions on our workers, customers, community, and the environment.
ENERGY STAR Contractor of the Year is awarded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for our leadership in protecting the environment through superior energy efficiency. It means you can trust us to deliver the best results, backed by national recognition.

Yes, we prioritize responsible disposal. Whenever possible, we recycle old equipment like HVAC systems, water heaters, and metal ductwork, as well as packaging materials from new products. We are committed to keeping waste out of landfills. As part of our service, we will handle the entire removal and recycling process for your old equipment, ensuring it's disposed of in an environmentally responsible way.

Yes. We can help you prioritize upgrades over time, from insulation and air sealing to heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, solar, and EV charging. The goal is to create a practical plan that fits your home, budget, and long-term goals.

Electrical panel upgrades help prepare your home for cleaner, more efficient electric systems. If you plan to replace fossil fuel equipment with electric heating, cooling, water heating, EV charging, or solar, your panel needs to safely support those loads. GreenSavers’ whole-home approach connects panel planning with comfort, efficiency, and long-term electrification goals. GreenSavers offers heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, Level 2 EV chargers, and solar planning as part of its whole-home services.

Yes. An EV charger pairs well with other electrification upgrades like heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, electrical panel upgrades, and solar. GreenSavers can help you plan these improvements together so your home is ready for cleaner, more efficient energy use over time.

Solar and battery storage can support larger electrification goals, including heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, EV charging, and electrical panel upgrades. GreenSavers treats solar as part of the whole home, coordinating it with comfort upgrades, electrical planning, and long-term energy goals instead of treating it as a standalone add-on. GreenSavers’ broader approach includes integrated upgrades from insulation to HVAC to solar, managed under one roof.

A Beyond Net Zero Audit is a more comprehensive planning service for homeowners who want a long-term path toward a lower-carbon, highly efficient home. It includes the core diagnostics of a home energy audit, plus deeper planning for electrification, energy use, and solar array design. It is a good fit if you are thinking about upgrades like insulation, heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, solar, battery storage, or EV charging over time.

Ready to improve your home?

Whether you need a quick furnace repair or want to go net zero, we're here to help you every step of the way. A more comfortable home, lower energy bills, and a team that helps you get it right.

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