GoingDuctless.com Passes the Torch

After more than a decade of working with regional ductless heat pump contractors, the NW Ductless Heat Pump Project (The Project) retired on April 1, 2022. As part of a planned Project phase-out, GoingDuctless.com, the Project’s Oriented and Master Installer program, and other Project resources have been discontinued.

Transforming the Market Together

The Project—with the commitment of Oriented Installers and Master Installer partners—helped spur the adoption of ductless heat pumps throughout the Northwest market. The engagement of project installers and their willingness to champion this new technology yielded impressive results, including:

• More than 100,000 ductless heat pumps were installed in the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance’s (NEEA) residential retrofit target markets between 2008 and 2020.

• Nearly 83,000 ductless heat pumps received a utility rebate from 2008 to 2020.

• 96% of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) companies in the Northwest were installing ductless heat pumps as of 2019.

93% of HVAC installers surveyed in 2019 who offer ductless heat pumps said they often or always recommend ductless heat pumps to customers.

Northwest installers’ commitment to the Project was essential to the success of bringing ductless heat pumps to Northwest residents and businesses. It was a collaborative effort, and the Project is grateful for market partner participation.

Finding Resources

• NEEA will continue to engage with residential HVAC market partners on heat pump solutions for all Northwest homes. Keep an eye out for future developments.

• Installers are encouraged to join their local utility trade ally network if they are not already engaged.

• To assist in the transition between trade ally programs, the final list of NW Ductless Heat Pump Project Oriented Installers will remain accessible to utilities and consumers for reference from April 1, 2022 through April 1, 2023 (no new installers will be able to join the list during this time.) This list will be hosted at Comfort Ready Home and BetterBuiltNW.com. Your contact information will remain on this list, and no action is required on your part.

• Opt-In to the Comfort Ready Home Contractor Network
  • Comfort Ready Home, a partnership funded by Northwest utilities and Bonneville Power Administration, supports utility energy efficiency upgrades through the program’s Residential Contractor Network.
  • Installers can maintain their visibility with residential customers through ComfortReadyHome.com and their local utility in two ways:
    • 1) Enroll in the Comfort Ready Home Contractor Network without having to submit a contractor application. Click here to opt-in by providing your basic contact information. Registration and participation are free and easy.
    • 2) Contact your local utility to learn if there are any changes to their trade ally network program.

Learn more about Comfort Ready Home’s Residential Contractor Network here or contact info@ComfortReadyHome.com or 888-423-0211.

For more information about the NW Ductless Heat Pump Project or its retirement, contact info@BetterBuiltnw.com or 503-688-5400.