Contractor Participation BenefitsNew 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 ParticipateThe Project is seeking qualified contractors 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 QualificationsQualifying 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
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
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