Save money on your heating costs, while maintaining a cozy home
Minnesota winters are unpredictable, but enrolling your heating system in an Energy Wise program can help you save.
During peak demand, your system switches to a backup heat source like a natural gas furnace—helping MVEC reduce costs and return savings to members through reduced rates and rebates.
Members cover wiring and installation, completed by MVEC’s network of local contractors. A wiring affidavit is required before MVEC installs the Energy Wise meter.
Electric Heating Products
Air Source
Heat Pump
- An Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) efficiently heats your home when the outdoor temperature is down to 15°F above zero.
- In the winter, you will save money by reducing reliance on your gas furnace.
- Dual-purpose, an ASHP also cools your home during the summer.
- ASHPs are 200–400% efficient. Save up to 50% on heating costs with Energy Wise.
- A central system is required to qualify for MVEC rebates and Energy Wise programs.
- Your QI-certified HVAC contractor is required to submit the rebate.
Mini-Split
Heat Pump
- A Mini-Split Heat Pump is compact and offers flexibility for zoning. You can heat and cool individual rooms that you use the most.
- The unit is installed near the ceiling of your room.
- Mini-Splits require no ductwork. Energy losses in a forced-air system can account for more than 30% of energy consumption.
- An excellent option for retrofitting older houses without ductwork or for new additions where extending the ductwork is not feasible.
Ground Source
Heat Pump
- A Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) relies on the earth’s temperature for its heating and cooling production.
- A few feet below the earth’s surface, the ground remains at a relatively constant temperature year-round.
- A GSHP does not create heat; it simply moves it from one area to another.
- Since this product uses free heat from the ground, annual operating expenses can be 35–70% lower than most other heating systems available.
In-Floor Boiler
- Keep your feet warm all year!
- An In-Floor Boiler is an economical heating solution for your home.
- Great for porches, bathrooms, kitchens, foyers, basements, and garages.
- Safe, quiet, and great comfort control.
Plenum Heater
- A Plenum Heater is a simple, inexpensive way to add electric heat to your forced-air heating system.
- The unit fits in the ductwork above the gas or oil furnace and comes in a variety of sizes to fit most applications.
- The Plenum Heater contains electric coils, and when the thermostat calls for heat, the coils activate.
Garage Heater
- Our Dayton 3UG73 Electric Garage Heater delivers powerful and reliable heating for garages, workshops, warehouses, and other industrial spaces.
- 5/4.1 kW power output, it serves as a primary, supplementary, or auxiliary heat source, ensuring optimal comfort in various conditions.
- Pricing: $550 + tax. See the Energy Store for additional details.
Zone Heaters
Baseboard: Mounted along the floor or “baseboard” of a room, this heater is easy to install and a good choice for existing homes. Proper airflow is essential for effective heating.
Cove: Mounted high on the wall near the ceiling, this heater looks similar to a baseboard unit and offers convenient, room-by-room temperature control.
Forced Air: Installed in a wall or ceiling, this recessed unit uses a fan to circulate warm air evenly throughout a room.
Other ways to manage heating costs:
- Budget Billing – Pay the same set amount each month for easier budgeting.
- SmartHub – Track daily, weekly, or monthly energy use and pay bills online.
- Heating Sales Tax Exemption – Pay no sales tax when 50%+ of your home heating is electric.
- Wi-Fi Thermostat Program – Program your home’s heating or cooling temperature settings to save energy when you’re asleep or not at home.