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Bonneville Power Administration
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Projects and Programs
Residential Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
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Residential Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Information for the following BPA Programs are available on this page: As much as 50% of a home's energy goes to heating and cooling. Making good decisions about heating equipment and duct systems can have a big impact, both in savings and in comfort. Homes heated with wall heaters, baseboards or other forms of zonal electric resistance heating may be improved by upgrading to a ductless heat pump. Because ductless heat pumps do not require installation or the expense of duct work, converting takes less time and is usually less expensive than ducted systems. Ductless heat pumps work well in most homes; a qualified contractor can help you determine if this is the right technology for you.
Ducted systems have opportunities for improved efficiency both in equipment and the ducts it uses. Electric furnaces and older heat pumps use more energy, and as a result cost more to heat a home than new high efficiency heat pumps. The Performance Tested Comfort Systems (PTCS) program works to ensure that contractors are trained to install the most efficient heat pump systems and effectively ensure that energy isn't wasted through leaky duct systems.
A ductless heat pump (DHP) is a highly efficient heating and cooling system and is easily installed in homes without an existing duct system or where the installation of the ducted system is not practical. DHPs are usually installed as the primary heat source for homes with zonal electric heat and are much more efficient and quieter than ducted systems. DHPs with a single indoor head are the most economical choice. Many utilities offer energy efficiency incentives for ductless heat pumps installed according to their program requirements.
For more information please send email to ResHVAC@bpa.gov PTCS Duct Sealing and Ducted Heat Pumps Performance Tested Comfort Systems® (PTCS) is a regional program that was designed to ensure that residential electric ducted systems and ducted heat pumps deliver the greatest energy savings and comfort possible. The PTCS program is supported by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and many northwest public utilities. PTCS Certified duct technicians are trained to seal leaky duct work to ensure that the HVAC system delivers conditioned air where it's needed - inside the home, not to the attic or crawlspace. PTCS Certified heat pump technicians install high efficiency heat pumps to standards that ensure the best performance and longest life. PTCS heat pump installations include tests and adjustments for optimal performance and comfort and can help to prevent the need for inefficient backup heat. Additional Information:
For additional questions, or to subscribe to PTCS updates, please send email to ResHVAC@bpa.gov Homeowners can get more information about improving their heating system's efficiency as well as find qualified technicians and more information about Performance Tested Comfort Systems here. Please check with your local utility for more information about incentives. Information for Utilities and Technicians This section is for BPA's utility customers who offer Performance Tested Comfort Systems programs and the contractors who do work for those programs. The information provided in this section is specific to PTCS heat pump and duct sealing measures offered to utilities by BPA. Individual utilities may have additional program requirements. Technicians should check with the serving utility before proceeding with work.
Training BPA requires technicians to successfully complete PTCS training provided by a BPA-approved trainer listed below prior to participating in the program. PTCS training courses focus on heat pump efficiency, controls, air flow and refrigerant charge. The Preparation for PTCS training includes recommended heat pump experience and training resources that should be obtained prior to PTCS training.
BPA provides PTCS program requirements which are found below. The Regional Technical Forum provides guidance on installation specifications. BPA determines when to adopt specifications. Adopted and draft versions can be found here. Utilities may have additional requirements. Please check with the serving utility for more information.
Forms required by the Regional Technical Forum and Bonneville Power Administration are included here. Utilities may provide their own incentive applications and QA forms provided that each collects the same or additional information, at their discretion.
The following collection of technical materials supports program delivery by utilities, technicians, trainers and quality assurance providers.
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