Quality Assurance (QA) – What you need to know

We want every heat pump installed in Rhode Island to be safe, high-quality, and done right the first time. That's why we have established a Quality Assurance (QA) process for Rhode Island Heat Pump installations.  

What is Quality Assurance?

Quality Assurance (QA) means we check some installations to make sure they meet: 

  • Program rules 
  • Best practices  
  • Health and safety standards 

This helps protect homeowners, make sure incentives are used properly, and supports high quality installations. 

Terms Contractors Agree To

By joining the HPIN, contractors agree to: 

  • Let us or our partners inspect installations before incentives are paid 
  • Fix any problems found in an inspection  
  • Complete non-emergency fixes within 30 days 
  • Fix any health or safety issues immediately 
  • Keep good records and submit all paperwork on time 

What the QA Process Looks Like

Random and Targeted Inspections

The Clean Heat Team will select a percentage of projects to go through additional quality assurance review before incentive applications will be paid. These can be in-person or virtual. 

If selected, you and your installer will be notified during the application process.  

Quality Assurance Questions

Clean Heat uses the checklist below to ensure installations follow guidelines and are done according to best practices.

Contractor is notified if repairs are necessary

If there’s an issue, we’ll let the contractor know what needs to be corrected.

Contractor fixes the issue

Must fix health and safety issues right away.

All other work must be corrected within 30 days.

Follow-up (if needed)

We may re-inspect to confirm the correction.

Incentive Payment

The incentive is paid only after the project passes Quality Assurance review and the incentive application is approved.

Component Requirements
Outdoor Units
  • Level side-to-side and front-to-back, and on proper base, secure  
  • Greater than or equal to 12” above ground  
  • Adequate clearance above the unit for airflow 
  • Clear from obstructions including walls, overhangs, protrusions, etc. (minimum 4” to rear)  
  • Protected from roof runoff by gutter, rain cap, gable end, or overhang  
  • Protected from snow accumulation 
  • Refrigerant line connection is weatherproof and secure 
Line Sets
  • Floor, wall, and ceiling penetrations properly sealed  
  • Visible line sets run through line set covers with transition and termination fittings  
  • Insulation must cover entire line set length and UV-resistant tape or other protection shall be installed as needed to protect exposed insulation  
  • Condensate line installed without dips or traps, away from crawl spaces, walkways, and other outdoor equipment  
  • Line sets pressure tested using dry nitrogen and evacuated with a vacuum pump per the manufacturer’s instructions  
Ducted Systems
  • Duct Insulation: All connected ductwork is insulated to R8 and sealed, if applicable 
  • Flexible Ducts: Flexible duct hoses are installed taut without sagging. 
    • No severe crimping or kinks (e.g., sharp 90° bends). 
    • No overly restrictive straps or belts that may limit airflow. 
Ducted Air Handlers 
  • Drain Pan: A condensate drain pan is installed beneath the unit to collect water if the condensate pump fails.  
  • Condensate Line: 
    • Must drain to a pump or into a drain pan. 
    • If using gravity drainage, a pan is required. 
    • If connected to a pump, a pan is not required but is ideal for added protection. 
Ductless Units
  • There adequate clearance around the unit for airflow 
  • Mounting Height: Unit is installed no higher than 8 ft from floor level if possible. 
  • Level Installation: Unit appears level. 
  • Clearance Above Unit: Minimum of 4 inches above the unit is preferred; >2 inches is acceptable if space is limited. 
  • The filter is accessible for homeowner maintenance 
Thermostats
  • Thermostats installed on interior walls, away from direct sunlight, appliances, and drafts

  
Integrated Control 
  • If utilizing a drop setting or automatic changeover from heat pump to backup heating system, configure to prioritize the heat pump over the backup heating system