For a limited time, Efficiency Vermont will cover the full cost of buying and installing integrated controls for new and existing heat pumps.
Integrated controls optimize the performance of ductless heat pumps (also known as mini-splits) by seamlessly integrating them with backup heating systems. This integration empowers homeowners to balance cost, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and comfort.
Why integrated controls?
- Set it and forget it: Your heat pump and backup heating system will be simpler and easier to use.
- Minimize heating costs: By using a cost-optimized swap-over temperature, integrated controls ensure that the heat pump operates only when it is less expensive to run than your backup heating system.
- GHG reduction: Integrated controls maximize the use of heat pumps to reduce GHG emissions, switching to the backup system only when necessary.
- Comfort: Automatically switch to the backup system when the heat pump cannot meet the building's load, ensuring consistent comfort.
- Advancing grid resiliency and state climate goals: This pilot program will help advance viable technology solutions to ensure we can help meet Vermont’s climate and grid resiliency goals.
What is required to participate?
- Building type: Must be an owner-occupied home or small business equipped with at least one ductless heat pump intended for winter heating.
- Internet connectivity: Must have a reliable home WiFi connection.
- Heating system: Must have an operational furnace or boiler, with a willingness to control it using a WiFi-connected smart thermostat (which must be installed in addition to integrated controllers if existing thermostat is not compatible). Woodstoves cannot be easily integrated and are not eligible for this pilot.
- Event participation: Must be willing to engage in up to five test events aimed at shifting heat pump load. These two- to three-hour events will be scheduled remotely and will not require any action from participants. While these events are intended to be unnoticeable and maintain user comfort, participants can manually adjust settings during test events.
- Participating utility: Must be a utility customer of Green Mountain Power, Stowe Electric Department, Vermont Electric Co-op, or Washington Electric Co-op.
How to join
- Fill out the form below.
- After Efficiency Vermont reviews your eligibility, you will receive and sign a participation agreement via DocuSign. If your integrated controls will be installed:
- By a participating contractor: The contractor will arrange a date to install integrated control(s) at no cost to you.
- By you (DIY): You will receive instructions on where to purchase the integrated control(s), a data collection form, and instructions to submit for reimbursement. You must be comfortable installing the product on your own with materials provided by the manufacturer (i.e., instruction manual, manufacturer videos). Note: Only the Cielo Breez Max is eligible for DIY installation.
- You will be notified in advance of up to five test events that will switch your heating from your heat pump to your backup heating system.
- After installation and in early 2026, Efficiency Vermont will reach out for feedback on your experience with the product.
Apply for the pilot
Completing this form does not automatically enroll or commit you to the program. Efficiency Vermont will review all form submissions to determine applicant eligibility. After you submit this form, a member of our team will be in touch within a week to confirm if you've been selected to participate and to discuss next steps.
Participating Contractors
Fred's Energy – Lyndonville
Phone: (802) 626-4588
Fred's Energy – Morrisville
Phone: (802) 888-3827
VGS
Phone: (802) 863-4511
Frequently asked questions
- Which products qualify?
- Can I install the integrated control myself?
- Yes, homeowners can install the Cielo Breeze Max themselves and receive a $100 rebate on top of the equipment cost. DIY installs will not be reimbursed for labor costs beyond the $100 rebate.
- Can centrally ducted heat pump systems participate?
- No, this pilot is focused exclusively on ductless heat pump installations.
- Why will the program control my heat pump load?
- When peak demand is high, it causes increased operational costs for utilities, which can impact electricity rates. Most electricity is used when we get home and settle into our evening routines (dinner, laundry, TV, etc.).
The solution: Shift the times that our homes use energy. Technologies like heat pumps can be enabled to flex their usage patterns to times when electric costs are lowest and powered by the cleanest sources. If we can shift energy use to a different time of day, we can keep electricity rates lower for everyone.
- When peak demand is high, it causes increased operational costs for utilities, which can impact electricity rates. Most electricity is used when we get home and settle into our evening routines (dinner, laundry, TV, etc.).
- Does participation commit me to ongoing load management?
- No, ongoing participation in a utility-offered flexible load management program will be completely voluntary.
This pilot is brought to you by Efficiency Vermont and these partners:
