Q4 DUCTLESS UPDATES
On behalf of the NW Ductless Heat Pump Project team, thank you for your continued participation and support throughout 2018! In the newsletter below, you'll find information about  current and upcoming promotions, quality assurance results, market insight and news you can use, and a reminder to keep communicating with your customer base.   
PRODUCT TRAINING
A new resource for the region is available on GoingDuctless.com . The Find a Training Center tool connects you with hands-on DHP trainings near you that relate to your interests and align with the manufacturers whose products you install. 
RESOURCES AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
The Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) and the NW Ductless Heat Pump Project have released the 7th Market Progress Evaluation Report (MPER), providing insight into the changing market for DHPs.  Some of high-level takeaways include:
  • Consumers often conduct online research when considering a DHP purchase, but may be unable to find sufficient information on topics related to their climate, home size, pricing, and product and installer reviews. 
    • Recommendation: Installers can serve as a resource to help consumers find quality information.
  • Consumers looking for a new HVAC system and considering DHP technology encounter a variety of purchase barriers including doubts about DHPs' heating capability. 
    • Recommendation: Installers can seek ductless sales training to articulate and sell the full value proposition of DHPs to customers, including benefits and technological features.
Manufacturers and distributors can reach out to your NW Ductless Heat Pump Project contact for suggestions on using this market insight to benefit your business.
CUSTOMER OUTREACH
With winter just around the corner,  there's no better time for installers to reach out to past customers to help them prepare their DHPs for the heating season!

 

Some key reminders for customers include:

  • Clean the DHP filter before the heavy heating season begins
  • Switch the control from "Cooling" to "Heat" mode (avoiding the "Auto" mode for better efficiency)
  • Check the condensate line for staining around joints or black build-up at the end, possibly indicating leaks or a blockage
  • Adjust supplemental heat in the main area of the home to 3oF to 5oF below the DHP temperature set point 
  • Adjust supplemental heat in bedrooms to 2oF below the DHP temperature set point wherever it is comfortable to do so
  • For installs more than three years old, offer a maintenance or equipment health inspection or contract
  • What to expect in a defrost cycle during the coldest days

Also, set a reminder email to alert homeowners again before the first major cold snap of the year.
QUALITY ASSURANCE
Our utility partners have shared some common quality assurance issues. Adding these to your installation checklist can save you time and money by ensuring you pass inspections on the first try:
  • Always pull necessary permits
  • Secure risers to the concrete pad for the outdoor compressor
  • Confirm that insulation covers the entire line set, per requirements
These items are all covered in both the on-demand  Installer Orientation Training and Master Installer Course and are listed in the Best Practices Installation Guide.These QA issues can result in installations not qualifying for incentives, not meeting local codes, or even reducing the longevity and performance of the installations.
UPCOMING TRAININGS
The following trainings are currently planned for Q4.

Gensco has upcoming hands-on two-day Mr. Slim trainings in their Tacoma and Vancouver locations. Register here for the following sessions: 
  • November 20-21 and December 10-11, Tacoma, Wash.
  • November 27-28 and December 18-19, Vancouver, Wash.
Fujitsu  continues to be focused on contractor training as means to develop its business. Working with regional distribution partners, they are offering local hands-on training classes. The most up-to-date list of available training resources can be found on GoingDuctless.com.

Mitsubishi and Gensco have partnered with EEBA and other organizations to deliver a training to the Portland market. High Performance Mechanicals for Houses That Work is a mid-level, full-day seminar geared toward builders, designers, code officials, and trade allies that focus on HVAC, hot water, indoor air quality, and controls in high performance housing. This session will be held  November 8 in Portland, Ore.

Johnstone Supply will host the following trainings at their regional locations in partnership with Daikin and Fujitsu. Contact your local Johnstone Supply for more information or to register for the following courses:
  • Daikin Residential/Light Commercial (RLC) 101: November 20, Tacoma, Wash.
  • Fujitsu 101: December 11, Lacy, Wash.
  • Fujitsu 102 (new!): December 13, Lacy, Wash.
  • Daikin RLC Service & Troubleshooting: December 20, Ferndale, Wash.  
Samsung HVAC has  launched Samsung Business Academy, a new training platform that allows installers to view available training opportunities and register for classes at factory and partner facilities, as well as online webinars.  All installers can register for a free account.  Most classes qualify for NATE ® continuing education hours.

The Samsung HVAC training and technical services departments launched a pilot program to introduce virtual reality training for residential and light commercial products. Requests for more information about this new type of training can be directed to Keller Supply .

Geary Pacific Supply has added Midea brand ductless heat pumps to its distribution network and will offer a free two-hour training on these products. Call 503.262.8202 to register for the session, held on  October 23 in Portland, Ore.

Visit  GoingDuctless.com  for the most current list of all upcoming trainings.
CURRENT PROMOTIONS
From now until November 30, homeowners can receive up to a $450 discount on qualifying RUUD ductless systems. These units come with a two-year RUUD factory labor warranty and a Honeywell D6 wireless controller. Find a RUUD Pro Partner here.

Daikin is currently running a promotion providing a $450 rebate on qualifying ductless products, which runs until November 30. More information about this promotion can be found here. 

Visit GoingDuctless.com for the most current list of all available promotions.
COMMERCIAL TRADE ALLY NETWORK
If you work in commercial HVAC and are interested in learning more about utility support for commercial projects, Trade Ally Network NW is a comprehensive new program serving commercial lighting and HVAC trade allies throughout the Northwest. The Network makes it easy to connect with your local utility programs and help your customers achieve energy and cost savings. You can learn more by contacting your local utility, visiting the program website or reaching out to a program representative.
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.