Contractor Resources

MASTER INSTALLER PROGRAM

Demonstrate to customers your experience with ductless technology, commitment to quality, and excellent customer service by becoming a Master Installer. The Master Installer designation provides the following additional value to your business:

• Priority listing on the consumer contractor finder at GoingDuctless.com

• Eligibility for Contractor of the Year Award, including press opportunities and promotional support

• More in depth installation training

Becoming a Master Installer

• Master Installers must complete the following standards:

• Attend a Project Orientation and an Installation Best Practices Webinar; to view a list of upcoming orientations, CLICK HERE.

• Complete a minimum of 15 Project installations

• Submit photo-documentation of two Project installations illustrating technical compliance with Master Installer Program Guidelines - Download Guidelines Here

• Submit one homeowner testimonial - Download Homeowner Testimonial Form Here 

• Complete Master Installer Contractor Agreement and submit by fax to 503.808.9004 - Download Agreement Here

Note: Once application materials are processed, we will confirm your participation in the Master Installer Program by e-mail.

*All installers at your company are responsible to uphold Master Installer requirements.

*One QA inspection resulting in deviation or failure will result in immediate removal from the Master Installer Program.

*An installer may be removed at any time from the Master Installer Program at the discretion of the Project.

Contractor Participation Benefits

New Market with High Growth Potential
Over one million Northwest homes rely on inefficient and expensive electric resistance heat. A ductless heating and cooling sysytem is a cost-effective and comfortable alternative to a conventional ducted system. This growing market offers high growth potential and is a perfect opportunity to expand your business.

Contractor Project Support
As a participating contractor, you have access to Project marketing materials, sales tools, customer education, and outreach assistance as well as a listing on www.GoingDuctless.com, a consumer education site that generates sales leads.

Utility Rebates
Participating utilities offer homeowner rebates of up to $1,500 for qualifying ductless system installations, making ductless systems very affordable and more marketable. For details on incentives in your utility territory, view the Utility Participation List.

Steps to Participate

The Project is seeking qualified HVAC technicians to install residential ductless heating and cooling systems in ID, MT, OR, and WA. Contractors who are interested in becoming qualified installers should take the following steps:

1) Attend a NW Ductless Heat Pump Project Orientation webinar

2) Complete a manufacturer training for each brand you install

3) Ensure homeowner eligibility

4) Install qualified equipment

5) Submit complete and accurate paperwork

View our Event Calendar to learn about upcoming project orientation dates and scheduled technical trainings.

Project Qualifications

Qualifying Equipment

Ductless heating and cooling systems installed through the Project must meet the following criteria:

• Employ an inverter driven outdoor compressor unit and a variable speed fan or indoor blower

• Use R410A refrigerant

• Be fully ductless (units using any type of field installed duct system are NOT eligible)

Installation Eligibility

Residence eligibility is based on the following factors:

• Must have permanently installed zonal electric heat (e.g. baseboards, wall cadets) as the primary heating system

• Must not utilize plug-in space heaters

• Electric forced air furnaces are allowed in some areas (see Utility Participation List)

• Must be an existing single family home (>1 yr. old, ≤ 4 dwelling units) with permanent foundation

• Multifamily (≥ 5 dwelling units, up to 3 stories high) and manufactured homes are allowed in some utility areas (see utility participation list on nwductless.com for details)

• Secondary heat is also allowed (e.g., wood, propane, oil), but must not be the primary heat source

• Only one incentive available per residence

Installation Requirements

• Ductless heating and cooling requirements (inverter driven compressor with a variable speed fan or indoor blower;  R410A refrigerant)

• Be fully ductless

• Multi-zone systems are allowed

• Indoor unit installation (installation in the main living areas achieves the greatest energy savings, e.g., living room, den, kitchen, dining room)

• Additional indoor units may be installed in secondary living areas (e.g., bedrooms, offices)

Contractor Requirements*

• Complete documented manufacturer training for each brand you install

• One representative per company is required to attend a NW Ductless Heat Pump Project orientation, but more are encouraged

• Be licensed, bonded, and insured

• Follow local utility’s requirements

• Follow local building codes

*Non-compliance with Project requirements and/or QA inspections may result in suspension or permanent removal from participation in the Project