For a quick overview of the ACES program and how the process works, please look through this short ACES Program Overview Presentation.
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 incentive recipients 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
Eligible Equipment Requirements
To be eligible for an incentive 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.
Cold Climate Requirements
| Product Type | Specifications |
|---|---|
| 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.
Reporting Requirements
The ACES program has specific reporting requirements to ensure heat pump installations meet all of the program requirements. ACES incentive recipients will be required to turn in a ‘reimbursement packet’ to confirm the heat pump installation and receive their reimbursement incentive. 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 project invoice, 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 and ACH form (if the incentive recipient would like a direct deposit)
- This is the responsibility of the ACES incentive recipient.
A Reimbursement Packet Checklist can be downloaded here.
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.
FAQ
What is ACES?
Southeast Conference and Alaska Heat Smart have partnered to develop the Accelerating Clean Energy Savings (ACES) heat pump incentive program, which is funded by the EPA. This 5-year, $39M program will help families from Ketchikan to Kodiak surmount the often prohibitive cost of converting fossil-fuel home heating systems to energy-efficient heat pumps in Alaska’s southern and central coastal communities. Generous financial incentives coupled with empowering home energy assessments will enable the installation of up to 6000 heat pumps in 43 coastal communities! For more information, visit the ACES About page.
What specialty licenses are required for heat pump installers?
Heat pump installers must currently be licensed in the State of Alaska as one of the following:
- General contractor
- Handyman contractor
- Residential Contractor
- Mechanical Administrator
What specialty licenses are required for electricians?
Electricians performing heat pump wiring for the ACES program must currently hold an Electrical Administrator’s license in the State of Alaska.
Does the ACES program have specific equipment requirements?
Due to the Alaskan climate, we are requiring heat pumps to be cold climate models. Several other equipment requirements include: a whole house or heat pump surge protector, a drain pan heater, and heat pump must be protected and registered under the manufacturer’s parts warranty. To download a copy of the ‘Eligible Equipment Requirements,’ click here. If you have any questions about equipment eligibility, please contact aces@akheatsmart.org.
What are the heat pump installer reporting requirements for the ACES program?
Heat pump installers are required to submit a ‘reimbursement packet‘ to residents after the installation is complete. This packet will include an installation checklist, photos of the outdoor and indoor units, the name plate, and the home, an invoice marked paid, a W9 and an ACH form (these two forms are the responsibility of the homeowner). The resident will send the ‘reimbursement packet’ to Alaska Heat Smart in order to receive their reimbursement incentive payment.
How does someone become a heat pump installer?
Becoming a heat pump installer in Alaska requires HVAC training, getting an EPA 608 Certification, and applying for proper licensing. Below are some helpful resources for those interested in taking this pathway:
Thermal Supply Daikin Training Calendar
AVTEC Plumbing and Heating Program
Information about how to become an HVAC Contractor in AK
State of Alaska Business Licensing
This project has been funded wholly or in part by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under assistance agreement #84101201 to Southeast Conference (SEC). The contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Environmental Protection Agency, nor does the EPA endorse trade names or recommend the use of commercial products mentioned in this document.