PTCS Newsletter (PTCS Redesign/Simplification Edition: March 2022)
In this issue:

How Will PTCS Change For You On April 1?
PTCS Redesign and Contractor Webinar (March 24, 2022)
How Is PTCS Changing for You On April 1?
After a 2+ year effort, the PTCS program will be implementing some updates that should make completing PTCS projects easier for contractors starting April 1, 2022. You will see changes to specifications, installation forms, PTCS Registry inputs, participation requirements/training, quality assurance and informational pieces.

Some utility programs may have additional or different requirements. Please check with them before starting work.

Air Source Heat Pump Specification Changes
  • Inverter-Driven Variable Speed Systems
  • Specific testing of airflow for inverter-driven variable speed systems is no longer required. Technicians need to confirm that the system is set up and running so the airflow is acceptable according to the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
  • Refrigerant charge check using temperature split during heating mode (or using sub-cooling during cooling mode) is no longer required. Instead, the technician needs confirm refrigerant charge meets manufacturer requirements through weigh-in or other measurements, such as sub-cooling or superheat, per installation instructions.
  • Testing the external static pressure is still required when commissioning a system, but technicians need to confirm that the external static pressure is within appropriate ranges specified by the manufacturer.
  • Heat Pump Sizing 
  • Balance point of 30F is still required. Guidance for calculating heat loss is available in the Best Practices section of the updated specifications. Suggested values for air leakage, duct losses and window U-Values are provided.
  • Air Flow 
  • Two new methods to confirm airflow are acceptable:
  • ESP-CFM Manufacturer Lookup Tables: Manufacturer data can be used to identify the airflow, based on external static pressure measurements and airflow settings. PTCS certified technicians will need data from the installation or technical manuals for the air handler to identify the airflow and then set that airflow to meet the PTCS requirement of 325 – 500 CFM/ton. The PTCS program has amassed the airflow information for most of the models available in the marketplace, and guidance on using this methodology to confirm airflow. Starting April 1, you can find the ESP-CFM Manufacturer Lookup Tables link in the Registry - Technical Support Materials - Heat Pumps.
  • Digital/Bluetooth TrueFlow: The updated PTCS Air Source Heat Pump Optional Data Collection Tool (i.e., the form) and PTCS Registry have new fields to accept the data.
  • Refrigerant Charge
  • Clarified Terms: Wording on the PTCS form in the sub-cooling section changed from “Discharge Temperature” to “Liquid Saturation Temperature” to improve clarity.
  • Controls
  • Removed Compressor Lockout from the PTCS specification: Technicians no longer need to confirm that the compressor is not locked out at outdoor temperatures above 5F.
  • Removed confusing language from the PTCS specification: The mention of Multi-Stage Constant Speed systems was removed.
  • Remote Quality Assurance
  • PTCS Remote QA Pilot has completed: PTCS QA Inspections can now be performed:
  • In-home (following installation)
  • Remote (live video sharing, photo options)
  • New PTCS Heat Pump technicians must inform the PTCS program of their first three projects to be input into the registry so that our trainers can assist them with any questions or issues they encounter during commissioning.
  • Experienced technicians with high quality assurance inspection failure rates will receive refresher trainings and more-frequent project reviews.
  • Training Resources
  • Visit clearesult.moodle.school to find new on-demand trainings for:
  • Using External Static Pressure Measurements To Estimate System Air Flow (aka ESP-CFM Manufacturer Lookup Tables)
  • New Offline Data Entry feature (coming soon)
  • Visit ptcs.bpa.gov for step-by-step instructions for using External Static Pressure - CFM Manufacturer Lookup Tables and other updated resources.


The data collection forms changed too. Check out the new version of the Air Source Heat Pump Optional Data Collection Tool. Check with your utility for reporting requirements.

Ground Source Heat Pump Specification Changes

  • The specifications for PTCS Ground Water Source Open Loop and Closed Loop systems have been combined into one document.
  • Air flow specifications were updated to align with the Air Source Heat Pump specifications
  • Detailed guidance on sizing is provided in the Best Practices section of the specifications
  • The requirement for auxiliary heat size (not to exceed 125 percent) of the system capacity was removed
  • The section addressing auxiliary heat control and system freezing was removed
  • Compressor lockout setting requirement was removed
  • The section addressing manual changeover on indoor thermostats was removed
  • The 5-year warranty requirement was removed
  • The installer checklist for closed-loop systems was removed from the installation form

Check out the new version of the Ground Source Heat Pump Optional Data Collection Form. Check with your utility for reporting requirements before starting work.

Duct Sealing Specification Changes

There are some minor changes to PTCS and Prescriptive Duct Sealing. 
  • Resealing of previously sealed ducts is allowed at the discretion of the utility.
  • Asbestos and code compliance are moved to Best Practices. 

PTCS Training/Participation Requirements Changes

PTCS Certification training is expanded beyond classroom/field demonstration to include On-demand videos.
  • For Prescriptive Duct Sealing certifications: On-demand training (see Virtual PTCS School on bpa.gov or the Online Registry at ptcs.bpa.gov).
  • For experienced heat pump technicians seeking certification: On-demand training (see Program Participation Requirements document for Alternative Certifications or the Online Registry at ptcs.bpa.gov). Technicians with the following credentials may apply for PTCS Heat Pump certification:
  • BPI®AC and Heat Pump Professional
  • NATE® Heat Pump Service Certification
  • CheckMe!
  • Two year vocational degree in Air Source Heat Pump installations
  • Verifiable apprenticeship with a BPA-approved technician lasting a minimum of two years

PTCS Registry Updates
The PTCS Registry is updated with new data entry fields for specification changes and new testing equipment.

An offline data entry feature will be available soon for technicians to record data on their phone or tablet at times when they do not have internet access.
PTCS Redesign and Contractor Webinar (March 24, 2022)

Starting April 1, 2022 the redesigned Performance Tested Comfort Systems (PTCS) program will make it simpler and easier for contractors to become certified and provide customers with high quality HVAC installations. See Contractor Webinar information below. More details to follow in the next PTCS Newsletter coming March 2022.
 
Your local utility program may include additional requirements. Please check first before starting work.
 
PTCS Redesign: NEW PROGRAM FEATURES AND BENEFITS:
  • Offline data entry lets you record PTCS Registry data onsite from your phone or computer, even without cell or internet service.
  • Fewer required forms.
  • Simplified Air Source Heat Pump specs, including:
  • New alternatives to traditional airflow testing, including use of the app-driven Digital TrueFlow plate, or use of equipment manufacturer ESP-CFM lookup tables (no TrueFlow plate required!).
  • No more compressor lockout requirement.
  • Some testing will no longer be required for VSHP systems, airflow and refrigerant charge will only need to be confirmed to meet manufacturer requirements.
  • Remote QA inspections allow for real-time QC, avoidance of return visits and easier data entry.
  • Convenient on-demand training videos for trainers, managers, techs and admin staff at Virtual PTCS School.
 
If you are a new PTCS heat pump technician, simply notify the program before you test your first three system installs and a QA specialist will assist you. Visit PTCS.bpa.gov to start your certification today.

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LEARN MORE AT THE UPCOMING PTCS CONTRACTOR WEBINAR – “How Your PTCS Practices Will Change on April 1, 2022”

Webinar date: March 24, 2022, 11 a.m. – Noon PDT
 
One NATE CEH (Continuing Education Hour) credit is available for attending the webinar March 24. Send your request for NATE credit to resHVAC@bpa.gov c/o Mark Jerome.
 
Registration is not required. Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
 
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States (Toll Free): 1 877 309 2073
United States: +1 (646) 749-3129
 
Access Code: 883-071-269