2015: A tremendous year for ductless 
2015 is on track to be a record-breaking year for ductless systems across the region. 9,121 total sales and installations were reported in Q3 2015, bringing us to 21,891 total sales and installations reported so far in 2015, a 23% increase over last year. Together, we've accomplished a total of more than 118,100 sales and installations in the region since the Project began in 2008.
 
On behalf of the NW Ductless Heat Pump Project team, thank you for all of your work and leadership in helping to accelerate adoption of ductless heating and cooling systems. Happy Holidays. 

Suzi Asmus, Program Manager, Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
Oregon state tax credit changes in the new year
Keep your customers informed of the upcoming changes to Oregon state tax credits.
 
The Oregon Department of Energy recently announced Residential Energy Tax Credit (RETC) amendments that affect qualifications for ductless heating and cooling systems.
 
As soon as the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve, ductless systems will require a minimum HSPF of 10.0 in order to qualify for the Oregon RETC. Models with an HSPF of 10.0 to 11.9 will still qualify for an incentive of up to $1,200, and systems of 12.0 and higher will still qualify for up to $1,300. The incentive for systems with an HSPF of 9.0 to 9.9 expires after December 31, 2015.
 
Be sure to communicate these changes, along with potential utility incentives, to your customers. Let your customers know they should consult a tax professional to determine their eligibility.
 
Best Practices Installation Guide and other resources
In August of this year, the Project refreshed the GoingDuctless.com site and resources. Be sure to update any existing links or resources you have on your business website. See Refreshed Resources here.

In response to market feedback, the Project has elected to revise the Best Practices Installation Guide to return to language from a previous version that provided greater installation detail. The revised guides will be available on the website in Q1 2016. For installations seeking rebates, please follow local utility installation requirements to qualify for utility incentives.
Successful Installation Tip
Avoid installing outdoor units close to pathways or areas of homeowner foot traffic. In the winter, defrost drainage from the outdoor unit may freeze over and present a slipping hazard. Therefore, it is advised to install outdoor units in areas away from patios, decks, or outdoor walkways, as illustrated below. 
Q3 Sales update 
Q3 sales across the region were up by 15% from Q2 and almost 25% higher than Q3 last year. Seasonally, Q3 is the highest sale period of the year and higher-than-normal sales may have been driven in part by hot summer weather and increased cooling degree days. See our summary of sales and installations below:

Boost sales with refreshed marketing materials 
Marketing materials such as sales sheets and advertising templates are available to all participating Project installers. Consider enhancing your local marketing efforts with these useful tools, developed using recent consumer research.
 
Visit the Partner Marketing Resources section on GoingDuctless.com to start using them today. We encourage you to incorporate the enhanced consumer messaging on the benefits of ductless systems wherever you can to assist you in growing your ductless business.
  

Please reach out with any questions or feedback: info@goingductless.com or 503.467.2159.
 
Sincerely,
The NW Ductless Heat Pump Project team


The NW Ductless Heat Pump Project is an initiative of the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA). NEEA is an alliance of more than 140 Northwest utilities and energy efficiency organizations working to accelerate the innovation and adoption of energy-efficient products, services and practices in the Northwest.