Smarter comfort. Lower bills. All-season performance that works in the Pacific Northwest climate
As Portland and Vancouver homeowners adapt to rising energy costs and increasingly extreme weather, there’s one home upgrade rising to the top: all-electric heat pumps. These systems offer efficient heating and cooling in one, and align perfectly with the Northwest’s climate goals.
But here’s what many HVAC contractors don’t tell you: a heat pump can only perform as well as the home it’s in. That’s why at Resilient Retrofits, we focus on the full picture. For homes to truly benefit from high-efficiency heat pump installation, insulation and air sealing are essential.
Why Heat Pumps Are Gaining Ground in Portland and Vancouver
Heat pumps are rapidly replacing traditional furnaces and air conditioners across Oregon and Washington. Why?
- They heat and cool efficiently using electricity, no combustion required.
- They provide year-round comfort, handling both chilly winters and hotter-than-ever summers.
- They support electrification goals, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and helping future-proof homes.
As more Oregonians move away from finite fossil fuels to heat their homes, many are surprised to learn that switching to a heat pump can also add cooling, something 20th-century Pacific Northwest homes often lack.
The Hidden Challenge: Aging Homes and Energy Leaks
Portland’s housing stock is full of charm, but it’s also full of drafts. A large portion of homes in Portland and Vancouver were built before 1980, and energy codes and standards have changed drastically since then. In these older homes, we often find:
- Under-insulated attics and crawlspaces
- Gaps and air leaks around windows, doors, and ductwork
- No wall insulation at all
Without addressing these issues, even the most advanced heat pump will struggle to maintain comfort and will cost you more as it tries to keep up.
What Sets Us Apart? Building Science
At Resilient Retrofits, we’re not just installing HVAC systems; we’re upgrading homes. Our approach is rooted in building science, which means we measure your entire home’s performance before we make any recommendations as to how to make it more comfortable and efficient. We perform Whole Home Assessments that:
- Use blower door tests and infrared imaging to identify heat loss and air leakage
- Inform the design of insulation and air sealing plans tailored to each home’s construction
- Help size and install heat pump systems
The result? A right-sized heat pump system that runs efficiently, improves air quality, and actually delivers the year-round comfort you’re paying for.
Why Insulation Makes or Breaks Your Heat Pump’s Performance
Think of insulation and air sealing as the foundation your heat pump sits on. Without it, heated or cooled air escapes quickly, forcing your system to work harder.
But with a well-sealed envelope and proper insulation:
- Heat pumps deliver even, consistent temperatures
- Total energy use goes down
- Systems last longer and require less maintenance
- You stay comfortable all year, not just when the weather cooperates
And in wildfire season or smoky summers, a well-sealed home also protects indoor air quality, a growing concern across the Pacific Northwest.
The Rising Cost of Inaction
Utility rates across Oregon have been climbing steadily. Homeowners are feeling the pressure, especially during cold snaps or summer heat waves.
Now more than ever, improving your home’s energy performance is a smart investment. Whether you’re planning to stay long-term or just want to boost your home’s value and comfort, combining heat pumps with insulation and air sealing delivers measurable results.
Time-Sensitive Incentives: Act Before They Expire
Right now, homeowners in Portland and Vancouver have access to stackable rebates and local programs that dramatically reduce the cost of heat pumps and insulation. Local rebates from Energy Trust of Oregon and other programs for qualifying households are available, and if you want help navigating these programs, Resilient Retrofits handles the paperwork and helps you maximize your incentives.
Upgrade Smarter. Breathe Easier. Stay Comfortable All Year.
When you choose Resilient Retrofits, you’re not just replacing equipment; you’re building a better home. We help Portland and Vancouver homeowners turn aging, drafty houses into high-performance homes that are efficient, resilient, and ready for the future.
Let’s talk about your comfort, your home’s performance, and how we can help you thrive in every season.
