The BC Ministry of Energy and Mines, BC Hydro, and FortisBC partnered to carry out a study on the practices used to install air source heat pumps (ASHPs) in BC’s residential sector in the past several years.
The objective of this study is to assess ASHP installation practices in BC, estimate the impact on heat pump performance and recommend best practices to improve installation quality within the province.
FRESCo was hired to manage and carry out the process.
The study provided data and feedback including:
ASHP training workshop for potential PRC contractors
FRESCo will develop documents and related training for the first phase of the Program registered contractor initiative for heat pumps.
The Program Registered Contractor (“PRC”) initiative was developed in 2017 to support residential contractor development and engagement for utility energy efficiency programs. The PRC launched with insulation contractors and will be expanded to heat pump contractors in 2019.
The training will aim to improve basic contractor knowledge and understanding of best practices for installing air source heat pumps in residential buildings and will build on the learnings from the recently completed Air Source Heat Pump Installation Practices project, which looked at the quality and common issues associated with heat pump installations that received a utility or government rebate.