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Dear DHP Installers,
Welcome to the NW Ductless Heat Pump Project's newsletter; we hope your 2011 is off to an excellent start! This newsletter highlights important Project updates and information including:
- 2011 Federal Tax credit information
- Building code updates for DHP installations
- Project installation trends
- Sales strategy
- New DHP Technology
- Marketing updates
- ACI Northwest Conference 2011
If you have any questions on the content of this publication or the Project in general, please contact us at info@nwductless.com or 503.808.9003. |
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Federal Tax Credit Extended!
The federal tax credit has been modified and extended through 2011! The tax credit is now 10% up to $300 for ductless heat pumps. For more information click here |
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Washington Code Update!
Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) January newsletter reveals that indoor disconnect switches will not be required on most residential (one and two-family dwellings) DHP installations. An important element of this interpretation is that Washington L&I does require that the outside unit's disconnect identifies the location of the indoor unit. The Project recommends that distributors and installers in Washington State read the entire interpretation and communicate directly with their local code official to ensure compliance.
The interpretation can viewed here. |
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Project Data Reveals Seasonal Installation Trends!
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Homeowners Extremely Satisfied with Single Zone Systems
Single-zone systems continue to be the best-selling application of DHP technology within the Project, accounting for nearly 70% of all 2010 installs. To achieve the greatest cost effectiveness, thermal comfort, and energy savings, the Project recommends utilizing the displacement theory:
Preliminary evaluation demonstrates a 97% satisfaction rate with single-head applications installed in our program. Use this strategy to promote affordable and cost effective heating and cooling solutions! |
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Sales Training Proves to be a Valuable Resource
In coordination with Mitsubishi and regional utilities, the Project facilitated 10 sales events with 194 attendees in November. The Project conducted a survey of event attendees to determine contractor satisfaction.
Survey highlights:
- 100% found the event valuable
- 97% found the sales training helpful
Event attendees who participated in the survey were eligible to win a Visa gift card.
And the winners are...
- Kelly Schiffler of HVAC Services from Jerome, ID
- Rolland Reed of All Climate Heating and Air Conditioning from Redmond, WA
The Project welcomes any additional feedback on regional training efforts. Please contact us at info@nwductless.com with your ideas and to discuss partnering opportunities. |
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New Technology Emerges in the Region
The first Project-qualified floor standing DHP indoor unit, Mitsubishi MFZ-KA12NA, was installed in the Pacific County territory. The new cabinet design of this product can provide additional options for homes with limited wall space. See the image below.
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Project Launches Television Campaign - Spreading the Word to the Masses
If you live in Bend, OR, Boise, ID or the Portland-metro area, look for a new 30-second TV Public Service Announcement (PSA) starting February 14th! The project will be testing TV effectiveness through the first quarter of 2011 in select geographic markets. Markets were chosen based on low DHP penetration levels. In Boise, TV buys will be aired within morning, evening and nightly news on the CBS and NBC network affiliates from February 14th through March 27th. Within the same timeframe in Bend, PSAs will be aired within select network programming and news - tested on the ABC affiliate. In the Portland / Southwest Washington market, targeted cable buys will be aired on Comcast along with network news and programming on FOX. The 30-second TV PSA will be distributed across the region starting in the second quarter of 2011. Stay tuned for results and evaluation!
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Public Service Announcements Increase DHP Consumer Awareness
During 2010, the Project was able to leverage low-to-no-cost advertising with local radio stations across the Northwest through Public Service Announcements (PSAs). From June through December 2010, PSAs were aired on 176 regional radio stations - 45 in Idaho, 20 in Montana, 47 in Oregon and 64 in Washington. The majority of the radio stations provided free air time, resulting in over 32, 350 30-second and 60-second PSAs. The regional PSA campaign will be continued through 2011, incorporating TV as early as the second quarter to increase consumer awareness and adoption for ductless technology. |
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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Upcoming Industry Events
ACI Northwest Conference 2011
Feb. 1-2, Portland, OR
To learn more and register, click here
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Idaho Power has New Incentive Level for 2011
As of February 1st, 2011, Idaho Power's incentive level will be changing from $1,000 to $750 for qualifying DHP installs. Many utilities have unique requirements and varying incentives for 2011. Please download the Project's utility participation list to view the most current information for utilities where you install.
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Project Materials Available Upon Request
While supplies last, the Project has Best Practices Installation Guides, Homeowner Education Guides, and Sales Sheets available upon request.
Homeowner Guide:
A reference tool for homeowners that provides tips for operating, maintaining, and getting the most from their new DHP.
Best Practices Installation Guide:
Provides information and suggestions to help achieve the highest quality DHP installations. This guide offers tips from the Projects field findings based on over 9000 installations.
Sales Sheets:
An introductory tool for consumers to DHP technology. Generate awareness and leads with this marketing resource!
If you would like to receive these guides, let us know at: info@nwductless.com
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Attend an Upcoming Installation Best Practices Webinar
Over 85 contractors have attended this webinar to learn DHP installation best practices, register here
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