Oregon Requires Energy-efficient Heat Pumps in New Housing

A new state law is expected to save residents an average of $125 per month on energy costs.

1 minute read

February 22, 2026, 7:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Heat pump installed next to brick wall on  residential building next to brown wood planter boxes.

klikkipetra / Shutterstock

A new Oregon law requires all new housing to include energy-efficient heat pumps rather than ducted air conditioning. 

In an article in Smart Cities Dive, Ryan Kushner notes, “Oregon last year doubled the funding for its Energy Assistance Program to help low-income households pay utility bills.” The update to the state’s residential energy code is expected to save residents of new homes an average of $125 per month on energy costs. “The update aligns Oregon with building standards in California and Washington, Dylan Plummer, acting deputy director of Sierra Club’s Clean Heat Campaign, said in a statement.”

Thursday, February 19, 2026 in Smart Cities Dive

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