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Quality Install Program

Tri-State’s Quality Install (QI) training program provides in-depth training on the latest technology and advancements in electric heat pumps and heat pump water heaters. These systems deliver superior efficiency, comfort, and performance. Select the appropriate option below based on the type of installation you’re performing.

HVAC and Heat Pump Technicians

Begin Here

Plumbers and Heat Pump Water Heater Technicians

Begin Here

Contractors can receive up to $450 per HVAC installation as a Quality Install (QI) trade ally with Tri-State

The Tri-State Quality Install Program for HVAC provides a $350 to $450 contractor spiff per install. The program focuses on equipment selection and solutions for 5F and includes static pressure and air flow testing for ducted systems. Qualifying customer systems must be a member of and receive electric service from one of Tri-State G&T’s participating cooperatives or public power district. Find a list of our member systems here.

Contractors can receive up to $200 per Heat Pump Water Heater installation as a Quality Install (QI) trade ally with Tri-State.

Qualifying customer systems must be a member of and receive electric service from one of Tri-State G&T’s participating cooperatives or public power district. Find a list of our member systems here.

Apply to the QI program through one of options below

If accepted, you agree to be listed on Tristate.coop, LoveElectric.org and/or participating member websites. You also agree to annual program updates and future requirements to maintain program approval.

1

Take an approved air source heat pump course from a manufacturer or training provider and email to peter.rusin@tristategt.org

2

Verify you are approved by PRPA's Efficiency Works Program or on Xcel Colorado's Heat Pump Contractor list by sending a screenshot to peter.rusin@tristategt.org

3

Watch the 4 module training videos below and answer the questionnaire on this webpage.

4

A representative from Tri-State will contact you within 5 business days on your Quality Install Program status.

Apply to the QI program through one of the options below

If accepted, you agree to be listed on Tristate.coop, LoveElectric.org and/or participating member websites. You also agree to annual program updates and future requirements to maintain program approval.

1

Watch the Heat Pump Water Heater Installation Basics training video below.

2

Complete the quiz below.

3

A representative from Tri-State will contact you within 5 business days on your Quality Install Program status.

Module 1 QI Install Play button
Module 2 Design and Sizing Play button
Module 3 Equipment Capacity Play button
 
 
 
Heat Pump Water Heater Install Basics Play button
What temperature is a point of emphasis for the program?
What is the minimum HSPF2 for a consumer or contractor incentive?
What are appropriate ways to ensure cold temperature comfort?
Can you install a mini-split heat pump to heat part of a home or size the heat pump portion of a dual fuel heat pump to meet only 70% of the load and still receive the quality install incentive?
If sizing a mini-split to heat only part of a home should you use a block load or room by room calculations?
Do all 4 ton heat pump systems provide 48,000 btus at 5°F?
Where can you find information on capacity?
When using a timed average traverse to measure airflow do you need to know the size of the duct work?
When testing airflow should you reference the equipment literature booklet?
If a home owner has a variable speed heat pump and goes to work for 8 hours, should they set back their thermostat?
If converting from natural gas or electric resistance, should you up size the tank? For example go from a 40 gallon to 50 gallon?
If you have to duct a heat pump water heater, is inside to inside ducting the best and most efficient?
In one hour most heat pump water heater can raise more gallons of water 90 degrees compared to an electric resistance water heater?
If the water heater is in a closet or in tight room, where should louvers be cut into the door?
If using a tempering valve to “increase” tank size (adjusting temperature from 120F to 130F increases the hot water equivalent by 10 gallons or in practical terms a 50 gallon water heater would perform similar to a 60 gallon water heater). What should you do prior to leaving the house?
Photo of equipment outdoors
Incentives for heat pumps

Submit each install for cash back

Approved QI contractors must download and complete the form below to receive incentives. You will need to submit at least one form per install location. Email forms to participating utility members or the Tri-State rebate portal. You will receive $350 or $450 upon approval. Looking to save your customers money on their equipment? Tri-State and our members offer rebates that can be combined with state and federal rebates.

Install Incentive Form

Photo of equipment outdoors
Incentives for heat pump water heaters

Submit each install for cash back

Approved QI contractors must download and complete the form below to receive incentives. You will need to submit at least one form per install location. Email forms to participating utility members or the Tri-State rebate portal. You will receive $200 per Heat Pump Water Heater installation. Looking to save your customers money on their equipment? Tri-State and our members offer rebates that can be combined with state and federal rebates.

Install Incentive Form

Save customers money with rebates and financing

Looking to save your customers money on their equipment? Tri-State and our members offer rebates that can be combined with state and federal rebates. Or, sign up to offer your customers affordable financing options with no money down or credit check through our On-Bill Repayment program.

Learn about On-Bill Repayment

Additional HVAC troubleshooting and training resources

Sizing Tools:

  • HVAC Sizing Tool: BetterBuiltNW
  • Cool Calc: CoolCalc Manual J

Product Information / Selection Assistance:

  • NEEP Cold Climate Heat Pump List
  • ASHP Sizing & Selecting - NEEP Guide
  • ASHP Sizing and Selection Guide (National Canadian Tool)

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Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association
Office: 303-452-6111
1100 West 116th Avenue
Westminster, CO 80234

Mailing address:
PO Box 33695
Denver, CO 80233-0695

©2025 Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. Power supplier to the rural west.

  • About Us
    • Annual Report
  • Powering the Future
    • Our Energy Mix
  • Electrify and Save®
    • On-Bill Repayment
    • Programs
    • Quality Install
  • Media
    • Resources
    • Blog
    • Features
    • News
    • Newsletter
    • Podcast
  • Cooperative Benefits
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