Updates and News Effective April 1, 2013, closed loop ground source heat pumps must be installed to the RTF's "Residential Ground Source Heat Pump System Installation Standards", dated October 1, 2011. Open loops systems are BPA-qualified and must still be installed to the "Performance Tested Comfort Systems - Geothermal Heat Pump Design and Installation Standards," dated April 15, 2007. The ground source heat pump (GSHP) form has been updated to include fields for both specifications. Effective April 1, 2013, BPA is eliminating the requirement for its utilities to inspect PTCS projects in their territory. BPA will assume responsibility for PTCS Quality Assurance for all projects, including those occurring from April 1, 2012 through March 31, 2013. This requirement was eliminated in response to utility concerns regarding the implementation of Quality Assurance requirements. Variable Speed Heat Pump measures have been added to the PTCS program. These measures are currently BPA Qualified. BPA is conducting ongoing research toward achieving deemed measure status.
The Benefits of Performance Tested Comfort Systems and Duct Sealing Performance Tested Comfort Systems® (PTCS) is a regional program promoting contractor training for quality installation of high efficiency heat pumps and the sealing of ducts to ensure energy savings and comfort. Ducted systems provide opportunities for improved efficiency both by improving equipment and by sealing duct systems. Electric furnaces and older heat pumps use more energy, and as a result, cost more to heat a home than new energy-efficient heat pumps. Benefits of PTCS heat pumps and duct sealing include: Reduced energy waste by as much as 20%. Increased year-round comfort, especially in rooms that are too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter. Improved air quality. 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
How BPA Supports Performance Tested Comfort Systems and Duct Sealing The PTCS program is supported by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and Northwest public utilities. Since 2006, over 47,000 homes have received PTCS services. To ensure quality, energy-efficient installation, BPA requires PTCS contractors be certified by an approved trainer and agree to the terms of the program. BPA maintains a list of approved PTCS technicians, trainers, and inspectors as well as the PTCS online registry, which is available to all utilities in the region.
Please note: BPA does not provide incentives directly to homeowners. Please contact your local utility.
Program Tools and Resources Homeowner Information Forms and Applications Information for Utilities and Technicians Training Program Specifications Reference Materials
Information for Homeowners Homeowners can learn about improving their heating system's efficiency, find qualified technicians and get more information about Performance Tested Comfort Systems at the Fact Sheet below. Please check with your local utility for additional information about incentives and approved contractors. PTCS Homeowner Fact Sheet
Forms and Applications Forms and Applications Installation forms required by BPA are included below. Utilities may provide their own incentive applications at their discretion. PTCS Air Source Heat Pump Form (Sept 2012) PTCS Duct Sealing Certification Form (Aug 2012) PTCS Commissioned Ground - Water Source Heat Pump form (May 2012)
Technician, Trainer, and Inspector Applications required by BPA are included below. Sign and submit these applications in order to be considered and listed as a BPA-approved PTCS Technician, Trainer and/or Inspector. PTCS Certified Technician Participation Application PTCS Quality Assurance Inspector Application PTCS Trainer Participation Application
Utilities and Technicians This section is for BPA utilities who offer PTCS programs and the technicians who do work for those programs. These resources are specific to PTCS heat pump and duct sealing measures that BPA offers to utilities. Individual utilities may have their own additional program requirements. Technicians should contact the serving utility before proceeding with work. PTCS Online Site Registry - The PTCS Site Registry, where PTCS jobs are entered online BPA-Approved PTCS Certified Technicians List (for utility reference) BPA-Approved Quality Assurance Inspectors List Implementation Manual PTCS Program FAQ
Training Prior to providing PTCS services, BPA requires technicians to successfully complete PTCS training provided by a BPA-approved trainer (listed below).Training classes are offered for both duct sealing and heat pump installation. PTCS training courses focus on heat pump efficiency, controls, air flow and refrigerant charge. The Recommended Preparation for PTCS Training document outlines the heat pump knowledge and experience that should be obtained prior to PTCS training. Please note that in order to install Ground Source Heat Pumps for the PTCS program, individual technicians must have both a PTCS heat pump certification and an IGHSPA certification. To become a PTCS Technician: Contact a trainer close to you (click on links to the list and/or map below) to gather dates, duration, and pricing of their next class Successfully complete your PTCS certification course Create an online account on the PTCS Online Site Registry Complete and submit the PTCS Certified Technician Participation Application BPA-Approved PTCS Trainers List BPA-approved PTCS Trainers See where our trainers are located: Interactive Map of PTCS Trainers Recommended Preparation for PTCS Training New PTCS Technician Training Videos
Program Specifications BPA provides requirements for the PTCS program. The Regional Technical Forum (RTF) provides guidance on installation specifications. BPA determines when to adopt the RTF specifications. Adopted and draft versions can be found here. Individual utilities may have their own additional requirements. Please check with the serving utility for more information. PTCS Program Requirements
Duct Sealing Duct Sealing Specification, (April 2009) Aeroseal™ Duct Leakage to Outside procedure, (May 2011)
Heat Pumps Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) Specification, (April 2007) Heat Pump commissioning procedure, (February 2006) Open Loop Ground Source Heat Pump Specification, (April 2007) Closed Loop Ground Source Heat Pump Specification, (October 2011)
Reference Materials The following collection of technical materials supports program delivery by utilities, technicians, trainers and quality assurance providers. Duct Sealing Blower Door Testing Setup Diagram Duct Leakage to Outside Equipment Setup Program Duct Leakage Examples and Methods to Seal Properly Flow Conversion Table: Minneapolis Duct Blaster (Series)
Heat Pumps Airflow Test Detailed Instructions Heat Pump Sizing Calculator Notes on Auxiliary Heat Controls and Thermostat 410A Refrigerant Pressure vs. Temperature Chart Strip Heat Cut-Out Thermostat Installation Procedure TrueFlow Metering Plates Flow Conversion Table Variable Speed Heat Pumps Fact Sheet
For additional questions, or to subscribe to PTCS updates, please send email to ResHVAC@bpa.gov
Contact For more information please contact Stephanie Vasquez, PTCS Program Manager at smvasquez@bpa.gov or call the program hotline toll free 1-800-941-3867.