Dear Manufacturer and Distributor Partners,
The chart below reflects Project installation activity by
manufacturer and state from October 1st, 2008 to July 27th,
2010.
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Growing Market Indicators
The adoption of DHP
technology is transforming in the region and growing into sectors such as new
construction and multi-family residences. As DHPs gain recognition in the
region, their applications will continue to expand.
This month, the houses on
display in Clark County's Parade of Homes featured ductless
heat pumps, which sparked the attention of homeowners and were one of the most
talked about technologies at the event. One participating contractor has
reported that they've already sold three ductless systems as a direct result of
the Parade of Homes.
In addition, the Project has
seen an increase in installations in multi-family applications. This
year, 50 DHPs were installed in the Luther
Senior Center
in Richland, WA
and 33 in the Columbia Hills Retirement Home in St. Helens, OR.
Other utilities have indicated an interest in pursuing multi-family
installations, which will boost DHP sales and increase awareness of ductless
technology.
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New Ductless Heat Pump Rebates Announced!
Ductless heat pump customers in Washington and Idaho may now
qualify for additional rebates.
The NW Ductless Heat Pump Program is partnering with
Washington's Cash for Appliance program to support the state's new ductless
heat pump rebates.
The Cash for Appliances Washington rebate program is now
offering customers $750 for qualified DHP installations. To qualify for this
rebate, the DHP system must be purchased on or after June 28, 2010, installed
by a NW DHP Project oriented contractor, and ENERGY STARŪ rated (EER > 12, SEER >
14.5, HSPF > 8.2). For more information, visit www.cashforapplianceswa.com. The
Project is supporting this effort by helping to communicate rebate availability
to contractors and consumers. Information about the state program has been
posted to our consumer website at www.GoingDuctless.com and announcements are being made in newsletters and the Project orientation.
The Idaho State Energy Efficiency Appliance Rebate Program
(SEEARP) is offering qualified customers $250 for ENERGY STARŪ rated DHPs. For more information and
complete eligibility requirements, visit http://www.energy.idaho.gov/stimulus/appliance_rebate.htm.
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Technical Trainings
Contractor participation continues to grow throughout
the region. The Project has a goal of increasing contractor participation by
20% in 2010. As new contractors become
involved, they seek manufacturer technical trainings in the region. The Project
helps contractors stay informed of trainings in the region by posting them on
the event calendar on www.nwductless.com
and highlighting upcoming activity in our bi-monthly contractor orientation
webinars. To ensure we share the most up to date information with participating
contractors and our utility partners, please let us know if you need assistance
coordinating a training in your area or if you have trainings scheduled that
can be included on our Project calendar.
Contact us at info@nwductless.com
to let us know of trainings in your area or if you'd like assistance setting
one up.
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Notes From the Field
The best practice of protecting
refrigerant lines with UV tape or rigid line hides is being adopted across the
region; however, unprotected exterior lines remain the most common cause for
concern during quality assurance inspections. Continued contractor education
around the requirement of line set protection is crucial to promoting quality
installations. Please help us educate contractors about this requirement by
highlighting the line set protection products available at your branch and by
offering them a copy of the Installation Best Practice Guide (see below for
information on ordering guides for distribution). |
Program Contacts
If you have general questions about
the NW Ductless Heat Pump Project or for more information, please contact us at
info@nwductless.com or call (503) 808-9003.
Thank you,
The NW Ductless Heat Pump Project Team
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Best Practices Guides
Best Practice Installation Guides are still available by request. Contact us at info@nwductless.com if you would like to receive copies of the Guide
printed on weather resistant paper; these are a great tool for distributors to
give to contractors purchasing DHP equipment to help promote quality DHP
installations. Reviewing this checklist with your contractors at time of
purchase will ensure that they have the equipment necessary to install DHPs and
can help you promote the use of tools such as torque wrenches and line set
protection.
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Past Manufacturer Newsletters
Past manufacturer newsletters are
posted to our website. Click here to view updates from past months.
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Free Contractor Sales Sheets
Project oriented contractors
are offered free printed customized sales sheets
which include their company name and contact information. These sales sheets
communicate the benefits of ductless systems to homeowners and are a great tool
for use at home shows, in lobbies, and when visiting customers' homes. Have your
contractors contact info@nwductless.com to take advantage of this offer.
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