Please refer to the appropriate page below to see an overview of the process:
Clean Heat Rhode Island is creating a new list of qualified HVAC installers. This list is available on the website for customer reference. To be eligible to participate in Clean Heat Rhode Island, heat pump installers must meet program licensing and training requirements, and must be familiar with program guidelines.
All contractors can enroll to participate in Clean Heat Rhode Island Heat Pump Installer Network here.
All installers must complete the Heat Pump Installer Network registration in order to participate in Clean Heat Rhode Island.
- Energy efficiency – Heat pumps are up to three times more efficient than most fossil fuel heating systems and one of the most cost-effective heating and cooling methods on the market. Visit OER’s Heat Pump Resource Guide for more information about heat pumps.
- Energy savings – Heat pumps are very efficient, so they can help customers save money on heating and cooling costs. Depending on the type of heat pump installed, prior heating system and climate, customers can reduce electricity used by up to 50% compared to electric baseboards.
- Comfort – Heat pumps can provide both heating and cooling, so customers stay comfortable year round. They also dehumidify the air, which can help to reduce mold and mildew growth.
- Environmental benefits – Heat pumps are a more environmentally friendly option than conventional heating and cooling systems. They produce fewer emissions, so they can help to reduce air pollution.
- Improved indoor air quality – Heat pumps can help to improve indoor air quality by removing pollutants and allergens from the air.
Increased home value. A heat pump can increase the value of a customer’s home by up to 7%.
- Cold climate air source heat pumps are designed to handle the winter weather conditions that Rhode Island experiences. Many cold climate heat pumps are rated to continuously operate down to -15℉ or more and can maintain their heating capabilities 100% to 5℉. These cold climate systems can be used as your primary heating system and can completely displace fossil fuels. It is important to ensure that your home is fully weatherized when planning to completely displace your fossil fuel heating system. We encourage homeowners to sign up for a home energy assessment to learn more about insulation and air sealing opportunities in your home.
- Ground source (geothermal) heat pumps are not affected by the outdoor weather as they gather heat from the ground.
The Clean Heat RI team is here to guide you every step of the way on your journey to a cleaner, more efficient home. We offer no-cost heat pump consultations, quote and design reviews, and virtual quality assurance checks to help you make informed decisions. Our experts also provide contractor support to ensure your installation meets the state’s standards. Whether you’re just getting started or need help mid-project, we’re here to make the process smooth, cost-effective, and successful.
Incentive payments are processed after QA is passed and final documents (invoice, proof of payment, photos) are submitted in Part 2 of the application. Please allow for 7 business days after Part 2 is approved for payment to be processed.
Clean Heat RI is responsible for Quality Assurance review. Some projects may need to submit photos for virtual QA reviews before incentives are approved.
Click the link below to join our email list.
Click here to learn more about eligibility. Homeowner – Clean Heat Rhode Island
Visit Incentives – Clean Heat Rhode Island to learn more about qualifying systems.
No. Partial displacement is allowed, but systems must displace fossil fuel heating in the zones served and be used as the primary heat source there.
You may be eligible for incentives other than the incentives offered through this program. Please visit Incentives – Clean Heat Rhode Island to learn about the incentives available to you.
Clean Heat Rhode Island was initially funded through a $25 million allocation from the State Fiscal Recovery Fund (SFRF) under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), approved by the Rhode Island General Assembly to support a High-Efficiency Heat Pump Program.
The funding now comes from participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). RGGI is the first market-based cap-and-trade program in the United States designed to reduce electric power sector greenhouse gas emissions. Rhode Island has been a RGGI participant since 2007.
Clean Heat Rhode Island was formed as part of Rhode Island’s Act on Climate, which mandates the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, as compared to 1990 levels. As shown in the Heating Sector Transformation (HST) Report, a third of Rhode Island’s emissions come from the thermal sector, and the most significant contributor to thermal sector emissions is residential and commercial space heating. The HST Report explores pathways to decarbonize this sector and suggests pursuing a mix of decarbonization options to achieve net zero emissions.
As a first step, strategic electrification—converting fossil fuel heating systems to highly efficient electric heating and cooling technologies—is a cost-effective way to help motivate the transition to emissions-free heating and cooling in Rhode Island. Implementing a high-efficiency heat pump program, like Clean Heat Rhode Island, provides financial incentives to encourage the adoption of heat pump technology, prepares the labor force for the transition to clean heating technology, and provides sustainable employment opportunities for the coming decades.
For media-related questions and inquiries, please contact Robert Beadle, Chief Public Affairs Officer, Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources at [email protected].
Heat Pumps are widely recognized as a smart, energy-efficient way to heat and cool your home. Unlike traditional heating systems, heat pumps use electricity to move heat instead of generating it, which improved comfort, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions for comparable operating costs. By switching to a heat pump, homeowners can enjoy year-round climate control while helping Rhode Island meet its clean energy and climate goals.
Equipment must be ENERGY STAR certified, means it meets energy efficiency standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Integrated HPWH
This is a standalone unit where the heat pump and water tank are combined into a single unit.
- ≥ 3.30 UEF (Uniform Energy Factor) = very efficient
- Exception: If the unit is designed for a 120 volt / 15 amp circuit (usually plug-in units for homes without 240V wiring), it only needs to be ≥ 2.20 UEF
Split-System HPWH
These systems have separate indoor and outdoor components (like split heat pumps for space heating).
- Must be ≥ 2.20 UEF to qualify
Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) is the DOE’s measure of water heater efficiency.
- Higher = better. A UEF of 3.40 means the unit produces 3.4 units of hot water energy for every 1 unit of electricity it uses.
The best time to consider switching to a heat pump is before your current system fails—ideally during planned home upgrades, renovations, or when your existing heating or cooling system is nearing the end of its life. Planning ahead allows you to take full advantage of available incentives, schedule installations during off-peak seasons, and ensure a well-designed system tailored to your home. Upgrading proactively means better comfort, lower costs, and no last-minute stress when your old system hits its end of life.
Only contractors in the Clean Heat RI Heat Pump Installer Network (HPIN) are eligible. Out-of-state companies may apply to join the network if they meet all licensing and insurance requirements.
Installers must provide proof of:
- General liability insurance of at least $1 million
- Workers’ compensation coverage (as required by state law)
Visit cleanheatri.com/hpin to learn more about HPIN requirements.
- Air Source HP Installers: Manufacturer installation/service training (within 5 years), plus cold climate sizing/design training within first year (one year from the date that they sign the agreement).
- Ground Source HP Installers: Manufacturer training (within 5 years) or IGSHPA Installer or Designer certification.
- HPWH Installers: RI Master Plumbers License.
All participating contractors must renew their HPIN status to remain listed and eligible for incentives under the Clean Heat Rhode Island program. Our portal and processes have been updated, and we need current documentation on file.
You must submit:
- Signed Participating Contractor Agreement
- W-9
- RI Master Refrigerant License (Master 1 for commercial/industrial work) or Master Mechanical Contractor License
- General Liability Insurance Certificate
- EPA 608 Certification
- Training Certifications relevant to your technology
Yes. We need updated versions of all documents as part of the portal transition and 2025 renewal process.
Complete the HPIN Agreement Form and upload all required documents through the Participating Contractor Agreement form. If you have trouble, contact us at [email protected] or call 401-369-9112.
To learn more about the Clean Heat Rhode Island program incentives, click the button below.
