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Contractor Hub

Are you a contractor who works with Heat Pumps, or would you like to become one? Find out how to take part in Alaska Heat Smart's efficiency programs with our resources below.
Photo of person cleaning the filter of a heat pump indoor unit

Getting Listed as Qualified Contractor

Alaska Heat Smart (AHS) hosts a Qualified Contractor List of heat pump installers and electricians who have the proper licensing, insurance, and certifications to do heat pump installations and wiring. ACES applicants can choose from the Qualified Contractor List or choose a contractor that is not on the list. The ACES program has eligible equipment and contractor reporting requirements regardless if a contractor is on the AHS list or not.

Contractors interested in being on the AHS Qualified Contractor List can reach out to aces@akheatsmart.org. To be included on the list, contractors must have the following:

  • Certificate of Insurance
  • State of Alaska Business License
  • Specialty Licenses
    • Heat pump installers: General Contractor, Mechanical Administrator, Residential Contractor, or Handyman Contractor license
    • Electricians: Electrical Administrator’s License
  • Have completed 20 successful heat pump installations/wirings in the past 5 years
    • Provide two references
  • EPA 608 Certificate, Type II or Universal (heat pump installers only)
    • One member of the installation team must have this certification

ACES Equipment Eligibility

To be eligible for a rebate through the ACES program, heat pumps must meet the following specifications. The cold climate specifications are aligned with the ENERGY STAR cold climate heat pump requirements found here. The specifications below are minimum requirements. We strongly recommend installing a heat pump with higher performance standards that maintains 100% heating capacity at 5°F.

Minimum Cold Climate Requirements
ProductSpecifications
Heat Pump Split Systems (ductless)

– HSPF2 ≥ 8.5
– COP at 5°F ≥ 1.75
– Percent of heating capacity at 5°F ≥ 70% of that at 47°F
– Output capacity that drops below 0°F

Heat Pump Split Systems (ducted)

– HSPF2 ≥ 8.1
– COP at 5°F ≥ 1.75
– Percent of heating capacity at 5°F ≥ 70% of that at 47°F
– Output capacity that drops below 0°F

Other Program Requirements 
  • A whole house surge protector or a heat pump surge protector must be installed by either a heat pump installer, an electrician, or your local electric utility. 
  • A drain pan heater is required in all heat pump installations. 
  • Heat pumps must be protected and registered under the manufacturer’s parts warranty.

If you would like to install an air to water or ground source system, please email the specifications to aces@akheatsmart.org for review.

Download a PDF of the Eligible Equipment Requirements here.

ACES Reporting Requirements

The ACES program has specific reporting requirements to ensure heat pump installations meet all of the program requirements. ACES rebate recipients will be required to turn in a ‘reimbursement packet’ to confirm the heat pump installation and receive their rebate. Please note that DIY heat pump installation and electrical work is not permitted. Contractors and residents will work together to compile the reimbursement packet. The packet will include the following:

  • Signed installation checklist – the heat pump installer will complete this form during or after each installation.
  • Required Photos
    • Outdoor Unit
    • Indoor Unit
    • Name plate (this can usually be found on the back side of the outdoor unit)
    • Picture of the home, including the house number 
  • Final invoices for both the heat pump installation and electrical work, marked ‘paid’, that includes the following information:
    • Name of the company who installed/wired the heat pump
    • Address of the home
    • Name of the customer
    • Date of the project
    • Description of work completed
    • Total price
  • Completed W9 Form (include ACES recipient’s mailing address)
    • This is the responsibility of the ACES rebate recipient

A Reimbursement Packet Checklist can be downloaded here. Please send reimbursement packet documents to aces@akheatsmart.org.

Invoice Example

All of the information in red is required to be on both heat pump installation and electrical invoices (heat pump model number does not need to be included on an electrical invoice). Right click to enlarge the image. 

FAQs

Requests for Proposals

Click the links below to learn more about current opportunities available for contractors interested in participating in Alaska Heat Smart programs.