Regional Campaign Update 

The NW Ductless Heat Pump Project is excited to announce our NEW Regional Campaign dates. The campaign will launch September 27th, 2011 and run through December 31, 2011.

Due to the mild cooling season we've decided to launch the campaign in late September, aligning it with the start of heating season. This timeframe ensures promotional efforts will engage consumers after summer vacations and dodge the back-to-school advertising clutter. Prior to the campaign launch we'll contact you with campaign information along with details on how you can access and leverage marketing materials to increase sales.

Stay tuned for details and we look forward to rolling out this exciting effort!

Save the Date:
2011 NW Ductless Heat Pump Project Workshop
 

Get ready for the 2011 NW Ductless Heat Pump Project workshop! Gain insight into expanding DHP installations in your territory and connect with market actors in a value-packed, one-day event. Sessions will include marketing DHPs in your area, best installation practices, new applications for DHPs, recent evaluation results, and more! Also, the 2011 Contractors of the Year will be announced at this event. The Workshop is scheduled for November 1st in Tacoma, WA at the Tacoma Convention & Trade Center. More details coming soon.

Stay Current on Utility Incentives 

Provide your customers with accurate utility incentive information! Incentive levels can change or be suspended at any time. Due to the popularity of DHP rebates, some utilities have temporarily exhausted funds available for DHP installations, while others have increased their incentives. For example, McMinnville Power & Light is no longer offering an incentive until October 1st, while PSE increased their incentive from $800 to $1,200. Please check our Utility Participation List and verify rebate availability with your utility prior to installation. Have this information at your fingertips before meeting with homeowners.

NEW DHP Evaluation Reports Released! 

There are two new NEEA reports available on nwductless.com. To read the latest Market Progress Evaluation Report and Lab Testing Report, click on the links below:

NW Ductless Heat Pump Project Market Progress Evaluation Report

Ductless Heat Pump Lab-Testing Report

Important 2011 NW Ductless Heat Pump Project Eligibility Update
On October 1st, 2011, BPA will discontinue incentives for DHP installations in manufactured and multi-family homes. To qualify for BPA reimbursement, DHP installations in multi-family and manufactured homes should be installed and operational by September 30th, 2011. Contractors should consult utilities to confirm details and paperwork deadlines. If you have questions about incentive availability for multi-family or manufactured homes, please contact Tanya Herman at therman@fluidms.com or 503-688-1567.

Promote Efficiency!
Dirty filters have dramatic impacts on DHP performance. The US Department of Energy reports that dirty filters can decrease efficiency by as much as 15%! Click here to learn more.

In addition to decreasing efficiency, a dirty filter can cause excessive wear on system components and lead to increased repairs and premature equipment failure. When you are communicating with your customers, remind them to follow the manufacturer's recommended schedule for filter cleaning. Clean filters result in efficient DHPs, happy customers, and fewer call-backs.

Over the last two years, significant code interpretations have positively impacted DHP market growth in the region. Here's a recap:

Oregon:

• Indoor disconnects are not required by Oregon Electric Specialty Code for residential DHP installations

 Washington:

• Indoor disconnects are not required by Washington Department of Labor and Industry for residential DHP installations
• Programmable thermostats are not required by Washington State Energy Code for residential DHP installations

Please read each applicable interpretation, and verify compliance with your local code official.

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 503.467.2159
 
Thank you,
The NW Ductless Heat Pump Project Team 

Become a Master Installer!
Master Installers are leaders in quality, customer service and installation volume. Learn how to boost your business and join the Master Installer program by clicking here. The first step is to attend the Best Practices Installation Webinar. To enroll, visit our event calendar.

Refrigerant Charging Considerations

The NW Ductless Heat Pump Project encourages you and your DHP installers to work with your manufacturer's representatives or distributor on refrigerant protocols, charging considerations and technical advice. The Project has observed an increase in refrigerant charging errors, so be sure your installers know the correct refrigerant protocol.