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March 2015
 
2014 Highlights

With partner support, the Project concluded another successful year, creating lasting change in the market. 2014 highlights include:

  • 4,694 utility-rebated installations performed by 345 installers
  • 156 new installers attended contractor orientation
  • 7 promotions in partnership with 3 manufacturers and 13 utilities
  • 102 utilities offering ductless system incentives
2014 Quality Assurance Summary

In 2014, the Project performed quality assurance (QA) inspections on selected utility rebated installations and saw an improved pass rate of 87% compared to a 77% pass rate in 2013.  The three main deviations observed were:

  

  • Lack of proper outdoor unit anchoring
  • Outdoor unit not elevated on risers or blocks
  • Inadequate line-set protection

The Project is continuing to work with new and seasoned installers to remediate common deviations through training and informational resources. View available resources here.
Federal and State Tax Credits

Congress passed legislation extending the federal residential energy efficiency tax credit to cover installations completed in 2014. Homeowners who installed a ductless heat pump in 2014 may be eligible for up to a $300 tax credit. Learn more about the extension and requirements from ENERGY STAR.

 

State Tax Credits

As a reminder, Oregon recently updated their residential energy efficiency tax credits (RETC) for 2015. Visit Oregon's Department of Energy for more information.

 

Montana's energy conservation tax credit is available to homeowners who have installed a ductless heat pump. Visit Montana's Department of Environmental Quality for more information.

 

While Idaho and Washington do not offer tax credits for ductless heat pumps, view the Utility Participation List or contact your local utility for available rebates and incentives.

2015 Utility Incentive Participation Forms

Each year, participating utility contractor/homeowner incentive participation forms are updated.  Starting on April 1, be sure to use the updated form available on the Project website or from your utility. 

2015 Marketing Update 

Throughout 2015, certain consumer and installer marketing activities are transitioning to the supply chain and utilities. As a reminder to installers who have participated in various marketing efforts, the Project is discontinuing the following activities:

  • Cooperative marketing program; installers are encouraged to check with their distributor or local utilities for cooperative funding opportunities
  • Installer of the Year Awards; the Project is encouraging supply chain and utility partners to highlight high-performing installers
  • Master Installer Spotlight web pages; the Project will continue to list participating installers on its website and Master Installers will be identified with a red star
  • Facebook page; Project Facebook fans have been notified of this change with a series of posts beginning in mid-February, with our last post planned for late March 2015 and removal of the page in December 2015 

Questions? Visit the Project's website for additional details or contact us at info@goingductless.com or 503.467.2159.

 

Thank you for your continued participation and dedication to supporting ductless system installs in the region.