ACRF Supporter Spotlight: Hansen Gress

Modern waterfront building with blue and gray exterior, situated on stilts above the water, surrounded by trees and residential homes on a hillside.
Hansen Gress ‘Harbor Lights’ Office Building

The Alaska Carbon Reduction Fund (ACRF) is excited to continue our ‘Supporter Spotlight’ series by introducing you to Hansen Gress, a Juneau-based Managed IT Services firm that proves “Trust your tech” can also mean trusting in a cleaner future. While their business focuses on keeping local infrastructure running smoothly, their commitment to the environment is baked into the very foundation of the company.

Sustainability in the DNA

For Hansen Gress, environmental stewardship isn’t a recent trend; it’s part of their DNA. Over a decade ago, the company’s forward-thinking approach was featured as a case study in “The Green Gazelle,” a Leeds Beckett University doctoral research project. The study highlighted Hansen Gress as an example of a company that prioritizes measurable stewardship even while scaling its operations. Today, that philosophy continues to guide their culture. “Success isn’t just about what you accomplish, but the positive impact you create along the way,” is a core principle for the team.

Leading by Example: The Harbor Lights Building Remodel

Hansen Gress walks the talk when it comes to infrastructure. The company recently completed a massive, three-year full remodel of their 1960s-era building overlooking Harris Harbor. This wasn’t just a face-lift; it was a total energy transformation:

  • Decarbonization: They removed all petroleum-based heating systems.
  • Electrification: They installed high-efficiency air source heat pumps and modern infrared heating.
  • Efficiency: The team added modern windows, updated insulation, and installed LED lighting throughout the facility to slash energy demand.
Illustration of an air source heat pump system, featuring an outdoor unit, indoor unit, radiator, and components for hot water and underfloor heating within a stylized house.
Getty Images

Driving the Change

The company is also a leader in the transition to electric transportation. Hansen Gress maintains 3 EVs for staff use and their total fleet logs an impressive 120,000 EV miles annually. To help their team make the switch at home, they offer a $2,000 credit for personal EV purchases and provide free charging at the office.

Thinking Locally, Acting Locally

Hansen Gress has a long track record of carbon responsibility, having offset over 550mT in recent years. For 2025, they reached a major milestone by shifting their strategy to support local projects. By purchasing 98 tons of carbon reduction specifically through the Alaska Carbon Reduction Fund, Hansen Gress ensures their environmental investment stays right here in Southeast Alaska. This 98-ton offset covers the entirety of their carbon footprint—including building operations, company electric vehicle use, employee household offsets, and inventory shipping—rendering the company carbon negative for the year.

“Hansen Gress EV cars in Juneau run on clean hydro,” the company notes, highlighting the synergy between local energy and global responsibility.

A Legacy of Stewardship

The company’s impact is visible in other ways, too. Over the last 20 years, they have diverted an estimated 100,000 pounds of e-waste from the landfill. By managing the technology lifecycle and extending the use of hardware, they keep heavy metals and plastics out of our local environment. ACRF is incredibly grateful for Hansen Gress’s partnership. Their support is a direct catalyst for our primary goal: lowering heating costs and increasing the use of clean energy in Southeast Alaska’s lower-income homes.

A collage of various organizational logos including Allen Marine Tours, Kensington Mine, Carnival, Chichagof Conservation Council, and others, representing different companies and foundations.

High Heat Pump Price Tag? AHS Assistance is Here!

A man standing next to a daikin heat pump, giving a thumbs up and holding an Alaska Carbon Reduction Fund sign.

Do you live in southern coastal Alaska? Have you been dreaming of cutting your heating bills  with a heat pump? If so, keep reading to learn about two programs that can help you finance heat pump equipment and cover installation costs. 

In order to encourage residential heat pump adoption, Alaska Heat Smart (AHS) and Southeast Conference (SEC) are offering the Accelerating Clean Energy Savings (ACES) heat pump incentive program. ACES, a 5-year, $39M program, funded by the Environmental Protection Agency, is available to homeowners and renters in coastal communities from Metlakatla to Kodiak. ACES has a goal of installing 6,000 heat pumps, has no income cap, and offers reimbursement incentives of $4,000, $6,000, and $8,500 to qualifying fossil fuel or wood-heated homes. ACES has facilitated 64 heat pump installations to date with many more in progress! You can learn more about the ACES program here and find a list of eligible communities here.

In order to further support residential heat pump installation, AHS and SEC have partnered with True North Federal Credit Union (TNFCU) to offer low interest heat pump loans to homeowners and renters located within the ACES program region. Applicants can qualify for a loan up to $20,000 with interest rates as low as 4%. In a nutshell, the interest paid on this loan will likely be less than the heating bill savings realized by utilizing the loan for the purchase and installation of a heat pump. This unique loan program can help homeowners begin saving money as soon as their heat pump has been installed! 

One of the requirements for both the ACES program and the TNFCU heat pump loan is a ‘Home Energy Assessment’ from AHS. The AHS Home Energy Assessment Program offers in-person and virtual assessments to provide informative home energy consultations  for a deeper understanding of a home and its energy needs. After an assessment is complete, homeowners are provided with a detailed report that outlines options about which heat pump will work best, estimated installation costs, estimated annual savings, as well as answers to other energy questions. 

The combination of these two programs can help make the upfront costs of heat pump installations less daunting, allowing you to quickly see significant annual heating cost savings. Cut your energy costs and help us reach our goal of 6,000 heat pump installations in coastal Alaskan communities by applying to the ACES program today! 

Logos of Alaska Heat Smart, Southeast Conference, and True North Federal Credit Union displayed together.

This project has been funded wholly or in part by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under assistance agreement #84101201 to Southeast Conference (SEC). The contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Environmental Protection Agency, nor does the EPA endorse trade names or recommend the use of commercial products mentioned in this document.

A Look Inside Taay Hít, the Greenhouse with a Heat Pump

A geodesic dome greenhouse, known as Taay Hít, surrounded by raised garden beds planted with various vegetables, with clear skies and a nearby building.

Photo by Amy Erfling, Tlingit & Haida Regional Greenhouse Coordinator

We usually think of heat pumps for residential and commercial heating, but using them in creative ways opens up previously unimaginable opportunities. If you’ve ever tried to grow a lush garden in Southeast Alaska, you know it comes with many difficulties, but could a heat pump in a greenhouse provide a unique solution? 

In 2020, Tlingit & Haida reached out to Alaska Heat Smart (AHS) about heating Taay Hít (‘garden house’ in Tlingit), a 42’ geodesic dome greenhouse they had constructed in Juneau. Taay Hít was purchased and constructed with grants from the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Native American Agriculture Fund for Tribal food security and food sovereignty as a climate change adaptation strategy. After talking with AHS, Tlingit & Haida decided to install a two head heat pump in Taay Hít, with the goal of growing crops year-round. 

We recently reached out to Amy Erfling, Tlingit & Haida Regional Greenhouse Coordinator, to inquire about Taay Hít and how the heat pump has been working — the results were amazing! Taay Hít has been producing food for the past two years. Crops are being grown year-round in soil beds, using LED lighting over the beds in the dark winter months. 

During the warm season, crops like tomato, tomatillo, pepper, cucumber, squash, and eggplant have been grown. During the cold season, they grow things like spinach, lettuce, asian greens, turnips, and radishes. There are also year-round crops including perennials, herbs, fig trees, dwarf lemon and lime trees, and grape vines. They have even introduced ladybugs and praying mantis to keep the bugs down. Each year, Tlingit & Haida are trying out new crops to see what all is possible in the heated dome! 

During the winter months, the heat pumps are set at 50 degrees since the cool season crops are able to grow in colder temperatures. During the recent cold snap in Juneau, the temperature inside Taay Hít was in the 30-40 degree range. This was warm enough for the cool season crops to stay alive, but they weren’t growing much during the cold snap. Without the heat pump, it wouldn’t be possible to grow crops throughout Juneau’s winter months. 

Taay Hít is just one example of how heat pumps can be used to create new opportunities that wouldn’t have been possible before. It is amazing to see heat pump technology being used to enable climate adaptation strategies, like food security and food sovereignty in Southeast Alaska.

Optimizing Heat Pump Winter Performance

Mt Ben Stu_sunrise

As this sunny, cold weather challenges us all to keep warm, it’s important to ensure your heat pump is optimized to perform its best. When temperatures drop below freezing, all heating systems have to work harder to keep your home warm. It is important to stay on top of some basics and some maintenance to ensure your heat pump is running as efficiently as possible during the cold months. 

There have been a rash of concerns expressed on social media lately about heat pumps not keeping up. Note that there are many types and some are not suited for a cold winter and some are! Daikin is the most common brand in Juneau and we know of many ‘MXS’ Daikin model heat pumps that have been installed. These three letters in the model name of your outdoor heat pump compressor tell you that you do not have a cold climate unit and that it will most likely not keep up once temps drop below freezing. If you look at the name plate on your outdoor unit and see these letters in the model name, call your contractor and seek their advice.

Winter Heat Pump Tips

Below is a handful of tips and tricks for keeping your heat pump functioning properly all winter long: 

  1. Make sure your external unit doesn’t get buried or confined by snow.
  2. Watch for ice under your external unit. Some is normal. Too much is seen when the ice fills the space between the ground and the base of the unit. Hot water can help to reduce the mini glacier that can form under the compressor.
  3. Watch for ice ON your external unit. Thick ice climbing up the sides of the unit is not normal and suggests time to call a contractor.
  4. Increase the indoor fan speed for greater heat distribution. This often works much better than trying to nudge the temperature setting higher.
  5. Check and clean the air filter on the interior unit…now. 
  6. Watch your pipes and hydronic baseboards! Make sure you have a backup heating system ready to go or gently running as a heat supplement.
  7. Check your system balance and thermostat harmony.
  8. Check your thermostat setbacks. Very cold weather is not a good time to turn the heat down at night.

To read about each of these in more detail, check out our ‘Your Heat Pump and Winter’ page. 

Surge Protection 

It’s power surge season! Don’t let your heat pump compressor get taken out by winter weather. If you don’t yet have a whole home surge protector, we strongly suggest that you call an electrician and purchase one…yesterday! In Juneau, AELP will install these for free. If outside of Juneau, contact your local power utility for information. 

Cover Your Compressor!

One of the best defenses against rain, snow, and roof avalanches is building a small roof to shelter your unit. This can be as simple as a piece of plywood with metal roofing attached to the side of your home.

Without protection, snow and water can melt and freeze onto the compressor, blocking airflow and reducing efficiency. In addition your equipment will last longest when kept dry, preventing rust and water intrusion that can damage internal components. For more detailed information about covering compressors, you can read our previous blog post on this topic here

Maintenance

If your heat pump is not functioning properly in the winter (or during other times of the year), it may be time for a professional to service the unit. You can visit our ‘Maintenance, Repair, and Warranties’ page to find more information on who to call when your unit needs to be serviced.

Heat Pump Water Heaters: Are They Worth It?

A gray water heater installed against a wooden wall, with colored pipes connected, and a bicycle hanging on the wall beside it.

With all the excitement of switching to heat pumps for space heating, many people are wondering if they should make the switch to heat pumps for domestic water heating as well. This post dives into the pros and cons of heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) so you can determine if a HPWH is the right choice for your home.

What is a Heat Pump Water Heater? 

Water heating accounts for about 18% of your home’s energy use and is typically the second largest energy expense in any home. In southeast Alaska, domestic hot water is most often heated by an electric resistance tank or directly from a connection to an oil-fired boiler, with on-demand electric or propane systems common as well. A HPWH uses a heat pump to move heat from the surrounding air into the water tank, rather than using an electric coil or burning of fuel to create heat. Since HPWHs simply move heat from one location to another, they can be 3-4 times more efficient than other water heating systems.

You might hear HPWHs referred to as ‘hybrids.’ HPWHs also contain electric resistance heating elements that can be used when the hot water demand exceeds what the heat pump itself is able to supply.

Considerations

Before choosing to switch to a HPWH, there are several things that should be considered: 

  1. Units should be installed in 10’ x 10’ or larger rooms that are warmer than 35°F.
    • Basements or other non-living areas are ideal because the HPWHs make some noise and have a cooling effect due to using surrounding air to heat the water.
    • HPWHs will grab heat energy from their surroundings. If your present water heater is in your home, vs your garage or basement, this may not be the ideal switch for you to make.
    • If you still heat your home with an oil boiler, waste heat from that system can be an ideal energy source for your HPWH.
  2. The units produce condensate that will need to be drained into a drain, sink, sump pump pit, or something similar. 
  3. Adequate air circulation is needed for maximum efficiency, so units should not be installed too close to walls or ceilings. 
  4. The unit’s air filter will need to be rinsed on a regular basis. 
  5. In order to minimize heat loss, insulating the first few feet of incoming and outgoing pipe is recommended. 
  6. There are 120V and 240V HPWHs. Factors such as ease of installation, cost, household size, electrical panel and service realities, and household hot water demand play into which unit would work best. More information on these can be found at the end of this post. 

HPWH Pros: 

  • Up to 3-4 times more efficient than other types of water heaters
  • Can save households $80-$230 annually on water heating bills (according to a study by Rewiring America)
    • This can vary based on climate, water usage, household size, etc. 
    • Savings may not be as significant in communities with lower electrical rates if switching from a traditional electric water heater to a HPWH
  • Reduces carbon footprint (if switching from a fossil fuel system) 
  • Help dehumidify the space they are in  
  • Wifi controls so you can manage heating schedules and track energy usage from your phone 

HPWH Cons: 

  • Require a large space such as a basement or garage / should not be placed in an internal closet
  • Only heat water at a rate of 7 gallons/hour (GPH) in heat pump-only mode
    • If in hybrid mode (heat pump and electric resistance at the same time), can heat about 27 GPH
  • Cools the surrounding space by about 3-5°F 
  • Upfront costs
    • HPWHs cost between $1,200 and $2,500, plus labor for installation, and any electrical set up that is needed 
  • Contractors to install and service HPWHs are limited. Alaska Heat Smart will post contractor information as it becomes available.

The Bottom Line

HPWHs can provide an energy efficient and cost-saving option for water heating, but as with most things there are some downsides. Before investing in a HPWH, be sure to research unit types, installation requirements, warranties, your home’s electrical infrastructure, and contractors who can install and provide repair services. If you have already performed simple energy efficiency upgrades in your home and have the ideal space to install a HPWH, this can be a great option to take your home’s energy efficiency to the next level. 

If you want to have HPWHs stuck in your head, check out this fun HPWH music video!

Alaska Heat Smart would love to hear about your experience with HPWHs! Contact ria@akheatsmart.org to share your experience or ask any questions. 

Helpful Resources: 

Efficiency Maine HPWH Information

HPWH User Tips

HPWH FAQs

Cost Analysis by Rewiring America

120V HPWH Advantages and Drawbacks

Cover Your Heat Pump Compressor: Protect Your Investment

How well you protect and maintain your heat pump’s outdoor unit (also known as the compressor) plays a big role in how long it will last and how efficiently it will heat (and cool) your home. Heat pumps are unique in that they are a space heating system partially located outside of your building. Keeping the effects of weather at bay will go a long way to providing you with inexpensive and clean heating and cooling year round.

Build a Roof!

One of the best defenses against rain, snow, and roof avalanches is building a small roof to shelter your unit. This can be as simple as a piece of plywood with metal roofing attached to the side of your home.

Without protection, snow and water can melt and freeze onto the compressor, blocking airflow and reducing efficiency. In addition your equipment will last longest when kept dry, preventing rust and water intrusion that can damage internal components.

Does Your Compressor Need a Cover?

Ask yourself these questions:

  • Is the furthest edge of your compressor well-covered by your building’s eaves?
  • Is the unit protected from wind that could blow rain and snow onto it?
  • Does your unit stay dry during rain or snow?

If you answered “No” to any of these questions, your compressor would likely benefit from a cover!

Best Practices for Your Compressor Cover

  1. Allow for airflow – Place the cover high enough above the unit to ensure good airflow around all sides of the outdoor unit
  2. Provide adequate overhang – If possible, extend the cover at least 1 foot past the front of the compressor and 1 foot beyond each side

Protecting your heat pump’s outdoor unit is a simple investment that pays off in longer equipment life, reduced maintenance, better heating performance, not to mention good old peace of mind. Call any of your local heat pump installers to inquire if they provide compressor coverings or search online for creative options to make this your ‘should’ve done it yesterday’ DIY project.

ACRF Success Story

A side view of a trailer home with an air source heat pump installed, surrounded by a grassy area and trees in the background.

Who doesn’t love a success story? Read on for the good news! In short, this new happy heat pump owner may hold the new record for heat pump energy cost savings, seeing her heating bills drop by 85% with the addition of a heat pump and weatherization improvements!

The Alaska Carbon Reduction Fund (ACRF) is a program that installs single head air source heat pumps in the homes of lower income family that rely on fossil fuels or wood for heat. ACRF aims to lower heating bills and increase the use of clean heating systems in Southeast Alaska. To date, the program has facilitated the installation of 63 heat pumps in low income homes in Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan, and Angoon, eliminating nearly 28,800 annual gallons of oil and helping lower home heating costs for these families.

Alaska Heat Smart (AHS) manages ACRF and recently performed a follow-up survey with 2023 ACRF heat pump recipient Wanda Culp. Wanda’s trailer home had an oil furnace as its primary heating system when she moved in. With the opportunity to participate in ACRF, Wanda was excited to transition from an oil furnace to a heat pump. Before moving to Juneau, Wanda lived in Hoonah, where energy costs are quite high – wood was her primary heat source. Today, Wanda is very thankful to have the heat pump in her Juneau home. She no longer has to deal with the physical burdens of heating with wood and she happily shared that the heat pump has exceeded her expectations. 

“The heat pump is just a pleasure,” Wanda recently told AHS staff. 

In 2024, Wanda took further steps to increase her home’s energy efficiency and had her home winterized. Impactful changes included a new insulated roof and new exterior skirting and siding repair. The heat pump, coupled with weatherization efforts, work together to make dramatic cost savings possible.

Before the installation of the heat pump, Wanda was spending $2,600 on home heating each year and burning roughly 530 gallons of oil. She now heats solely with the heat pump and no longer uses the furnace, slashing her annual heating bills down to $386 — an 85% decrease in her heating costs! 

“Wanda’s home is a fantastic example of the difference that home energy efficiency efforts can make in a person’s life,” said Alaska Heat Smart’s Bob Deering.

As ACRF continues to install heat pumps in low income households, we hope to see many more positive stories like Wanda’s! 

Your Support Needed

With federal funding uncertainty still the ‘new norm’, privately-funded programs like ACRF are critical in serving families in need in Southeast Alaska. Support for ACRF is more important now than ever! Upfront costs for a homeowner to take advantage of locally-produced and often inexpensive hydropower can be prohibitive. Homeowner support from projects like ACRF is often the only way that families with the highest energy burdens can reduce their costs. ACRF needs your support and there are many ways to offer it! Subscribe and take responsibility for your carbon! Tell your neighbors so they can give or subscribe. Know a family struggling to pay their heating oil bills? Send them to our application page. Know a business owner who currently carbon offsets ‘outside’ and could be keeping their responsible dollars working in southeast Alaska? Point them to our supporting partners page! Below are the logos of our invaluable business partners!

Logos of various organizations supporting the Alaska Carbon Reduction Fund, promoting clean heating and energy efficiency in Southeast Alaska.

Don’t Think Heat Pumps Are Sexy? Listen to This Slow Jam!

You know that the humble heat pump is hitting its stride when it starts scoring points on the R&B charts!

Read the full story and then take a listen the this brilliant, talent-laden, and educational piece by ‘heat pump evangelists’ and Berkeley artists Mike Roberts and Will Hammond, Jr. Better yet, watch the fantastic music video!

“(I’m Your) Heat Pump” is full of delightful double entendres, with the heat pump playing the role of both lover and steady, dependable appliance.

“When you want it hot, I’m hot for you, when you want it cool, I’m cool witchu, babe,” croons singer Will Hammond Jr., in a line that will surely earworm its way into your head. “Cause I can do it all for you, baby, all you got to do is turn me on.”

Along with being surprisingly catchy, the song educates listeners about the heat pump: how it fights climate change, how heat pumps work, and why you might consider the heating and cooling device.

I'm Your Heat Pump video capture image

Lyrics to “I’m Your Heat Pump”

INTRO – SPOKEN
Baby, tell me what you want…
Cool days…? Warm nights…?
Yeah, sometimes we all need a little help
To make everything just right
Not too hot, not too cold…
Goldilocks
And what I’m wanna tell you, babe, is I got the tools to hit that sweet spot
Every time
I wanna help you, babe
Wanna blow your mind…
 
CHORUS 1 – SUNG
I’m your heat pump
When you want it hot, I’m hot for you
(I’m your heat pump)
When you want it cool, I’m cool witchu, babe
‘Cause I can do it all for you, baby
All you got to do is turn me on 
And I’ll go on and on for you (check me out)
 
VERSE
Part of me goes inside (inside)
Part of me goes out (all of me pumpin’ for you)
I’m precisely calibrated
To make you scream and shout (’cause I’m electric in yo’ hizzy)
‘Cause I can move heat in or out (in or out)
‘Til you feel what you wanna be feelin’ 
You and me + electricity (come on) = Climatic healing (Math y’all!) 
 
CHORUS 2
I’m your heat pump (pumpin’ it, baby) 
When you want it hot, I’m hot for you
(I’m your heat pump – blowin’ it out for you) 
When you want it cool, I’m cool witchu, babe
Don’t matter if you’re livin’ in the sun or snow
Any place you go
I’ll be there for you
That’s all I wanna do
 
FLOW
I’m switched on 
Sippin’ on electrons
Never gonna burn fuel
‘Cause I prefer to keep the planet cool
All day, all night I keep hummin’
Keeping hydrocarbons quakin’ ‘cause I’m comin’
No time for waitin’, I’m-a get proliferatin’
In every state and every nation, gonna stimulate the conversation
It’s time to get BUSY
Cut your gas line, I’m electric in yo’ hizzy
 
OUT CHORUS
(I’m your heat pump)
When you want it hot, I’m hot for you
(I’m your heat pump)
When you want it cool, I’m cool witchu, babe
Any way you want it, I got you, babe 
I got you, baby
I’m your heat pump, etc. etc. 

FREE Training!

Demand for heat pumps is strong and if Alaska Heat Smart has anything to do with it, the demand will just keep getting stronger! If you’re ready to join the heat pump workforce, then this news is for you! Call 907-796-6141 for more info!

Attend this FREE University of Alaska heat pump workshop, April 26 and 27 AND May 3 and 4 to get your foot in the heat pump contractor door!

  • The workshop is FREE and there will be no fee for the training. 
  • The workshop has a shiny new Daikin mini-split for installation during the training.
  • At the end of the training each participant who has completed all four sessions will receive a certificate of completion.
  • When an attendee completes this course they will be able to:
    • describe how a heat pump works, 
    • size and determine the best location for a heat pump, 
    • explain how to install indoor and outdoor units for a mini-split system, 
    • recognize the different options for heat distribution (ducted vs non-ducted),
    • discuss common troubleshooting scenarios, 
    • describe best maintenance practices.

Along with the above student learning outcomes the instructor will discuss the dire need for installers, as well as his own experience in the field. With these basic skills we anticipate an attendee could be an excellent assistant to a heat pump installer currently looking for semi-skilled employees.

What ‘Juneau’ About Heat Pumps?

Join REAL Juneau Home Group’s star realtor Rachel Lopez and Alaska Heat Smart’s Executive Director Andy Romanoff as they laugh, chat, discuss, and share their mutual love of heat pumps! Rachel’s podcast channel, ‘What Juneau About Real Estate‘ covers all the fun and informative real estate topics pertinent to Juneau and Douglas! Her recent episode is all about heat pumps!

In this 40-minute informative session, Rachel and Andy talk about heat pumps and cold climates. They discuss the many financial incentives that make getting a heat pump easier than ever. They talk about the money that each of them save on their home heating bills. They share their love of having AC for those uncommon sweltering 70 degree days. And, they talk about the fantastic assistance programs offered by Alaska Heat Smart – programs that will help you learn what your home needs and how to find the money to meet these needs!

Grab a cup of coffee or tea, cozy up in your favorite chair or on the couch, and learn all about what you may be missing in the new and exciting world of heat pumps!