Resources

Download the Colorado Utility Rebates Summary (updated 8/31/23)

Some utilities, including Xcel Energy and PRPA member utilities (Fort Collins, Loveland, Longmont, and Estes Park), have requirements to attend their heat pump installation trainings in order to be able to offer their rebates. In addition to utility-sponsored trainings, we recommend attending a manufacturer’s training in design, sizing, and installation.

In addition, ICAST offers a free on-line training program including heat pump design, installation and maintenance, and basics of building science:

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 AudreyK@icastusa.org

ICAST also provides assistance in connecting trainees with employers seeking to hire new workers and connecting employers with trainees. The Colorado Energy Efficiency Business Coalition also provides assistance in making these connections.

And 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) 

Heat Pump Product Lists

To qualify for rebates, different utilities have varying requirements for minimum efficiencies of heat pumps. Here are three product lists which may be helpful in determining whether heat pumps meet the minimum efficiency or other requirements.

For non-cold climate applications, you can refer to the EPA Energy Star heat pump product list (but note utility requirements for minimum HSPF or SEER may be slightly higher than Energy Star’s required minimum levels):

• For ducted heat pumps, under “Product configuration,” select “single package.”

• For ductless heat pumps, under “Product configuration” select, “split system.”

Then to download the product list, click on the link in upper right of page to “directory of Energy Star- certified heat pumps maintained by AHRI”  can’t find this link ??

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 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. (Note that utility requirements for minimum HSPF and SEER may be slightly higher than those of NEEP’s cold-climate heat pump specification):

NEEP cold-climate heat pump product list (including ducted and ductless heat pumps): CLICK HERE » 

“Heat Pump Water Heater Installation Best Practices Guide,” Northwest energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) 

Qualified HPWH products list, from NEEA