Resources for Contractors
Contractor's Guide to Electric Appliance Technology
This comprehensive guide is designed to empower contractors and building professionals with the knowledge needed to stay ahead in the evolving clean energy landscape. Whether you're experienced with electric appliances or new to these technologies, this guide provides valuable insights to help you stay ahead, offer more options to your clients, and capitalize on the latest energy-saving innovations. This guide equips contractors with the latest knowledge on electric appliances, including heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, and induction cooktops. It covers key advancements in technology, new financial incentives, and answers to common questions, making it easier for professionals to navigate the growing demand for energy-efficient solutions.
RMI Green Upgrade Calculator
This free, sophisticated, and user-friendly modeling software enables energy pros to swiftly analyze the lifetime cost and environmental benefits of common residential decarbonization solutions like rooftop solar, battery storage, weatherization, heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, induction cooktops, and electric vehicles and bikes. Home contractors can customize system details and communicate operating and lifetime cost benefits for clients. The calculator can also be used by home energy advisors and residential decarbonization policymakers/analysts.
BPI & Heat Pump Training & Guides
We recommend heat pump installers attend a manufacturer's training in design, sizing, and installation. In addition, ICAST offers a free online training program including heat pump design, installation and maintenance, and basics of building science. Heat pump installers who complete these trainings should let us know to receive recognition on our contractor page.
Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pump (ccASHP) Training & Certification (40 hrs)
Provided by ICAST (supported by Santa Fe Community College and Interplay Learning)
- Installation (8-10 hrs)
- Design (8-10 hrs)
- Service and Maintenance (8-10 hrs)
- EPA 608 (5-10 hrs)
Building Science Basics
Provided by ICAST (supported by Santa Fe Community College)
- Building Science Principles (prep course for the BPI exam) (8-10 hrs)
- BPI Certification – Building Science Principles of Knowledge Exam (2 hrs)
- Introductory Energy Efficiency Install Training (8 hrs)
To learn more or to register, contact [email protected]
Here are two additional resources on the design and installation of heat pumps:
"Guide to Sizing & Selecting Air-Source Heat Pumps in Cold Climates," Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP)
"Guide to Installing Air-Source Heat Pumps in Cold Climates," Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP)
Eligible Products
Federal tax credits and utility incentives require that heat pumps meet minimum requirements to be eligible. What is eligible under one program may not be eligible under another. Here are three product lists that may be helpful in determining whether heat pumps meet the minimum efficiency or other requirements of various programs and climates:
- Equipment eligible for federal tax credits: www.energystar.gov/about/federal_tax_credits
- To be eligible for NV Energy's HVAC rebates, contractors must become part of NV Energy's certified contractor network: www.nvenergy.com/save-with-powershift/home-energy-saver/residential-ac-and-mid-stream/residential-air-conditioning
- Cold-climate heat pumps are listed on the Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnership's (NEEP) cold-climate heat pump product list; they must have a variable-speed compressor (or a minimum of three-stage compressors) and achieve a coefficient of performance (COP) of 1.75 at an outdoor temperature of 5 degrees F. Cold-climate heat pumps achieve better heating performance at cold temperatures and high efficiency throughout the entire range of heating season temperatures. NEEP cold-climate heat pump product list (including ducted and ductless heat pumps): CLICK HERE»
Heat Pump Water Heater Resources
