Clean Heat RI Qualified Heat Pumps 2026
Complete NEEP product list guide with interactive model checker. All 12 NuWatt brands verified. HPIN-enrolled installation for guaranteed 60% rebate eligibility.
Quick Answer: What Heat Pumps Qualify for Clean Heat RI?
Clean Heat RI uses the NEEP cold-climate ASHP product list (not a proprietary QPL). Heat pumps must meet ENERGY STAR 6.1 Cold-Climate specs: HSPF2 ≥ 8.5, SEER2 ≥ 15.2, HCR ≥ 70% at 5°F, and COP ≥ 1.75 at 5°F for ductless systems. All 12 brands NuWatt installs qualify. Installation must be by an HPIN-enrolled contractor. The rebate covers 60% of cost (up to $11,500) and is applied at point of sale.
What Is Clean Heat RI and How Does the NEEP List Work?
Clean Heat RI (CHRI) is Rhode Island's ARPA-funded heat pump incentive program, administered by the RI Office of Energy Resources. Unlike Massachusetts' Mass Save (which maintains its own proprietary QPL spreadsheet), Clean Heat RI does not have a separate qualified product list. Instead, it relies on the NEEP cold-climate ASHP product list, filtered for Rhode Island.
NEEP (Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships) maintains a regionwide database of cold-climate air source heat pumps that meet ENERGY STAR Version 6.1 Cold-Climate specifications. The same database serves multiple New England states, so a heat pump that qualifies in Massachusetts or Connecticut also qualifies in Rhode Island. This simplifies equipment selection and ensures consistent performance standards across the region.
As of January 1, 2026, the NEEP list for Rhode Island exclusively lists heat pumps using R-32 or R-454B refrigerants. R-410A systems have been removed. Any heat pump using R-410A refrigerant receives $0 in Clean Heat RI rebates regardless of its efficiency ratings.
Key Facts
NEEP
Product List Source
12 / 12
NuWatt Brands Qualify
31,030
NuWatt Brand Entries
Qualification Criteria by Equipment Type
Clean Heat RI aligns with the ENERGY STAR Version 6.1 Cold-Climate specification through the NEEP product list. Different equipment types have different minimum thresholds. The table below shows the minimum values a heat pump must meet for each metric to appear on the RI NEEP list.
| Equipment Type | HSPF2 | SEER2 | HCR @ 5°F | COP @ 5°F |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ductless Mini-Split | ≥ 8.5 | ≥ 15.2 | ≥ 70% | ≥ 1.75 |
| Ducted Mini-Split | ≥ 8.1 | ≥ 15.2 | ≥ 70% | ≥ 1.75 |
| Ducted Central | ≥ 8.1 | ≥ 15.2 | ≥ 70% | ≥ 1.75 |
| Air-to-Water | — | — | — | ≥ 1.7 |
Source: NEEP cold-climate ASHP product list, aligned with ENERGY STAR 6.1 Cold-Climate specification. Last updated: 2026-03-15.
Air-to-Water Heat Pumps: Separate Criteria
Air-to-water heat pumps have a separate qualification pathway on the NEEP list. They must deliver a COP of at least 1.7 while providing 110°F supply water at 5°F outdoor temperature. These units are used for radiant floor heating, radiators, and domestic hot water.
HSPF2
Heating Seasonal Performance Factor 2 measures overall heating efficiency across an entire season. Higher HSPF2 = lower heating bills. Uses the DOE M1 test procedure. An HSPF2 of 10.0 is about 20% more efficient than the 8.5 minimum.
SEER2
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2 measures cooling efficiency. Higher SEER2 = lower cooling bills in summer. The minimum 15.2 applies to all air-source equipment types. Top models from KEEN and Fujitsu exceed SEER2 33.
HCR @ 5°F
Heating Capacity Ratio at 5°F measures what percentage of rated heating capacity the system maintains when outdoor temperature drops to 5°F. The 70% minimum ensures the heat pump can handle Rhode Island's coastal New England winters.
COP @ 5°F
Coefficient of Performance at 5°F measures instantaneous heating efficiency at 5°F. A COP of 1.75 means the heat pump produces 1.75 units of heat for every 1 unit of electricity consumed — still 75% more efficient than electric resistance heat.
All 12 NuWatt Brands: NEEP Qualification Status
Every brand NuWatt installs has qualifying models on the NEEP cold-climate ASHP list for Rhode Island. The grid below shows each brand's coverage, equipment types, entry count, and sample qualifying outdoor models.
Mitsubishi
Partial198
Entries
12.0
Best HSPF2
23.0
Best SEER2
Sample qualifying models:
All Mitsubishi entries are mini-split/multi-split. The Hyper-Heat H2i and M-Series multi-zone systems qualify. Newer FX/SM series models use R-32 or R-454B refrigerants.
Daikin
Full Coverage2,189
Entries
10.5
Best HSPF2
24.0
Best SEER2
Sample qualifying models:
Daikin has extensive NEEP coverage across both mini-split (Aurora series) and central ducted (FIT series) configurations. All qualifying models use low-GWP refrigerants.
Carrier
Full Coverage11,507
Entries
13.0
Best HSPF2
23.0
Best SEER2
Sample qualifying models:
Carrier has the largest NEEP presence of any brand NuWatt installs (11,507 entries). Greenspeed and Infinity series qualify across both ductless and ducted configurations.
Bosch
Full Coverage1,012
Entries
10.3
Best HSPF2
25.0
Best SEER2
Sample qualifying models:
Both the Climate 5000 ductless series and IDS 2.0 ducted series qualify. Climate 5000 mini-splits achieve higher SEER2 ratings.
LG
Full Coverage883
Entries
11.5
Best HSPF2
22.0
Best SEER2
Sample qualifying models:
LG LGRED multi-zone outdoor units qualify for mini-split installations. LG also has central ducted entries. The LGRED series is designed for cold-climate performance down to -13°F.
Fujitsu
Full Coverage195
Entries
14.0
Best HSPF2
33.1
Best SEER2
Sample qualifying models:
Fujitsu Halcyon and Airstage XLTH models qualify. Fujitsu achieves some of the highest efficiency ratings on the entire NEEP list with HSPF2 up to 14.0.
Lennox
Full Coverage3,671
Entries
10.5
Best HSPF2
25.0
Best SEER2
Sample qualifying models:
Lennox MWLD cold-climate ductless and XP25 ducted series both qualify. The MWLD series uses R-32 refrigerant and operates to -22°F.
Rheem
Full Coverage1,368
Entries
10.0
Best HSPF2
20.0
Best SEER2
Sample qualifying models:
Rheem qualifies for both mini-split and central ducted configurations. The RP20 EcoNet ducted series and FPH ductless series are both on the NEEP list.
Goodman
Partial636
Entries
10.0
Best HSPF2
19.2
Best SEER2
Sample qualifying models:
Goodman qualifies only for central ducted installations (no mini-split entries). The newer GZV7 series meets NEEP criteria. The older GSZC18 series does NOT qualify.
GSZC18 series: HSPF2 9.0 meets the ducted central minimum, but SEER2 15.5 is at the threshold. Only GZV7 series entries appear on the current NEEP list.
York
Full Coverage8,818
Entries
12.0
Best HSPF2
21.0
Best SEER2
Sample qualifying models:
York has massive NEEP coverage (8,818 entries) primarily in central ducted configurations. The HH8 series (R-454B) and newer YRAM series qualify.
TOSOT
Full Coverage490
Entries
10.0
Best HSPF2
24.0
Best SEER2
Sample qualifying models:
TOSOT (by Gree) has strong NEEP coverage across both mini-split and central configurations. The R-32 multi-zone systems all qualify with cold-climate ratings.
KEEN
Full Coverage63
Entries
14.6
Best HSPF2
33.3
Best SEER2
Sample qualifying models:
KEEN (by ConnectM) has the highest HSPF2 (14.6) and SEER2 (33.3) ratings of any brand on the NEEP list. Newer brand with growing presence and top-tier efficiency.
Interactive NEEP Model Checker
Use this tool to check if a specific NuWatt-installed brand qualifies for Clean Heat RI rebates. Select a brand to see its NEEP qualification status, qualifying equipment types, sample models, and efficiency ratings. For full model verification, use the official NEEP product list link provided below.
Check Your Heat Pump — Clean Heat RI QPL
Select a brand to see its qualification status, or search by model number.
Always Verify with the Official Source
Our data covers the 12 brands NuWatt installs. For the complete qualification database:
Clean Heat RI Qualified Products ListNuWatt is an HPIN-Enrolled Installer
We select NEEP-qualifying equipment with low-GWP refrigerants, coordinate your Home Energy Assessment, and handle all Clean Heat RI rebate paperwork.
Get a Free Heat Pump QuoteThe HPIN Requirement: Why Your Installer Matters
Having a NEEP-qualifying heat pump is only half the requirement for receiving Clean Heat RI rebates. The installation must also be performed by a contractor enrolled in the Clean Heat RI HPIN (Heat Pump Installer Network). Without an HPIN-enrolled installer, you will receive $0 in rebates — even if your equipment is on the NEEP list.
Clean Heat RI requires installation by an HPIN (Heat Pump Installer Network) enrolled contractor. Even if a heat pump appears on the NEEP cold-climate list, the homeowner will not receive the Clean Heat RI rebate unless the installation is performed by an HPIN-enrolled contractor. The HPIN is managed by the RI Office of Energy Resources.
HPIN Requirements
- Licensed Rhode Island HVAC contractor
- Enrolled in the Clean Heat RI HPIN program
- Completed required Clean Heat RI training
- Maintains proper insurance and bonding
- Submits rebate paperwork through Clean Heat RI portal
- Performs or arranges Home Energy Assessment prior to installation
- Follows Clean Heat RI installation quality standards
NuWatt HPIN Benefits
NuWatt Energy is a fully enrolled Clean Heat RI HPIN contractor.
- We select only NEEP-qualifying equipment with low-GWP refrigerants
- We coordinate your Home Energy Assessment and weatherization documentation
- We handle all Clean Heat RI rebate paperwork and submission
- We apply the rebate at point of sale so you pay the reduced price upfront
- We verify income eligibility for the enhanced 100% coverage tier
- We ensure R-32 or R-454B refrigerant compliance for full rebate eligibility
Common Mistake: NEEP Equipment + Non-HPIN Installer = $0 Rebate
Some contractors offer to install heat pumps that are on the NEEP list but are not enrolled in the Clean Heat RI HPIN. In this case, the homeowner receives $0 in rebates. Always verify your installer is HPIN-enrolled at cleanheatri.com before signing a contract.
Clean Heat RI Rebate Amounts (2026)
Clean Heat RI offers two rebate tiers based on income. Both tiers require NEEP-qualifying equipment installed by an HPIN-enrolled contractor. The rebate is applied at point of sale, so you pay the reduced price upfront — no waiting for reimbursement. There is no federal residential tax credit in 2026 — Section 25D expired December 31, 2025.
Standard Residential
60%of cost
Cap: $11,500 max
- All RI residential customers
- Applied at point of sale
- Home Energy Assessment required
Income-Eligible
100%of cost
Cap: $18,000 max
- ≤ 150% State Median Income
- Includes electrical panel upgrades
- Includes weatherization
ARPA Funding Deadline: December 31, 2026
Clean Heat RI is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). All funds must be committed by December 31, 2026. This is not a permanent program — once the ARPA allocation is exhausted or the deadline passes, this level of rebate funding (60% of cost) may not be available again. If you are considering a heat pump, 2026 offers the best financial incentive Rhode Island has ever provided.
Stack with RI Energy Utility Rebates
RI Energy offers additional stackable rebates of $400-$1,250/ton for heat pump installations. These stack on top of the Clean Heat RI rebate. Combined, a typical 3-ton system could receive $11,500 from Clean Heat RI plus $1,200-$3,750 from RI Energy.
Full rebate guide with calculatorR-410A Refrigerant Ban: What It Means for RI Homeowners
As of January 1, 2026, heat pumps using R-410A refrigerant have been removed from the NEEP cold-climate ASHP product list for Rhode Island. This means any R-410A heat pump — regardless of how efficient it is — receives $0 in Clean Heat RI rebates.
R-410A has a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 2,088, which is significantly higher than the replacement refrigerants. The transition to low-GWP alternatives is part of the nationwide shift under the AIM Act and state-level HFC phasedowns. Rhode Island's adoption through the NEEP list means that only future-proof refrigerants qualify.
| Refrigerant | GWP | NEEP Status | Clean Heat RI |
|---|---|---|---|
| R-410A | 2,088 | Removed | $0 Rebate |
| R-32 | 675 | Eligible | Full Rebate |
| R-454B | 466 | Eligible | Full Rebate |
NuWatt Only Installs R-32 and R-454B Systems
All NuWatt heat pump installations in Rhode Island use R-32 or R-454B refrigerant to ensure full Clean Heat RI rebate eligibility. We stopped installing R-410A systems in advance of the January 2026 NEEP list change.
How to Verify Your System on the NEEP Product List
While NuWatt handles NEEP verification as part of every project, you can independently verify any heat pump system on the official NEEP cold-climate ASHP product list. Here is a step-by-step guide.
Visit the NEEP Product List
Go to ashp.neep.org and select "Rhode Island" from the state filter. This ensures you are viewing products that meet RI-specific requirements.
Search by Manufacturer or Model Number
Use the search filters to find your manufacturer and model number. The NEEP database allows filtering by brand, equipment type, refrigerant, and efficiency metrics.
Verify Cold-Climate Rating
Confirm the entry shows the cold-climate designation. Look for HSPF2, SEER2, HCR at 5°F, and COP at 5°F values that meet the minimums in the criteria table above.
Confirm Refrigerant Type
The entry should show R-32 or R-454B refrigerant. If the listing shows R-410A, that product is no longer eligible for Clean Heat RI rebates as of January 2026.
Check Indoor/Outdoor Combination
The NEEP list verifies specific outdoor + indoor unit combinations. Make sure both the outdoor unit and the indoor head(s) you plan to install appear as a qualifying combination.
Frequently Asked Questions
What heat pumps qualify for Clean Heat RI rebates?
Heat pumps must appear on the NEEP (Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships) cold-climate ASHP product list for Rhode Island. The NEEP list requires ENERGY STAR 6.1 Cold-Climate certification. For ductless mini-splits, minimums are HSPF2 8.5, SEER2 15.2, HCR 70% at 5°F, and COP 1.75 at 5°F. For ducted systems, minimums are HSPF2 8.1, SEER2 15.2, HCR 70%, and COP 1.75. All 12 brands NuWatt installs have qualifying models.
Does Clean Heat RI have its own qualified product list?
No. Unlike Mass Save in Massachusetts (which maintains a proprietary QPL spreadsheet), Clean Heat RI uses the NEEP cold-climate ASHP product list filtered for Rhode Island. You can search the full list at ashp.neep.org. The NEEP list uses the same ENERGY STAR 6.1 Cold-Climate criteria, so any heat pump that qualifies in Massachusetts or Connecticut also qualifies in Rhode Island.
How much is the Clean Heat RI rebate?
Clean Heat RI covers 60% of your total system and installation cost, capped at $11,500. Income-eligible households (at or below 150% of State Median Income) receive 100% of project cost, capped at $18,000 per address. The rebate is applied at point of sale, so you pay the reduced price upfront. The program is ARPA-funded and all money must be spent by December 31, 2026.
Do I need a special installer for Clean Heat RI rebates?
Yes. Installation must be performed by a contractor enrolled in the Clean Heat RI HPIN (Heat Pump Installer Network). Even if your heat pump is on the NEEP list, you receive $0 in rebates if your installer is not HPIN-enrolled. NuWatt Energy is a fully enrolled HPIN contractor. You can verify any installer at cleanheatri.com/resources/find-an-installer.
Can I use an R-410A heat pump and get Clean Heat RI rebates?
No. R-410A systems were removed from the NEEP qualified product list effective January 1, 2026. Only heat pumps using R-32 (GWP 675) or R-454B (GWP 466) refrigerants qualify. Any R-410A system receives $0 in Clean Heat RI rebates regardless of its efficiency ratings. NuWatt only installs R-32 and R-454B systems.
Does Mitsubishi qualify for Clean Heat RI?
Yes. Mitsubishi has 198 AHRI-certified combinations on the NEEP list, including 85 outdoor models. The Hyper-Heat H2i and M-Series multi-zone systems qualify for ductless mini-split rebates with HSPF2 ratings up to 12.0. Mitsubishi does not currently have ducted central entries. Sample qualifying models include MXZ-SM36NLHZ and MXZ-SM60NLHZ.
Does Goodman qualify for Clean Heat RI?
Yes, but only for ducted central installations. Goodman has 636 entries on the NEEP list with 10 outdoor models, all in the newer GZV7 series. The older GSZC18 series does NOT qualify. Goodman has no mini-split entries. If you want a ductless system, consider one of the other 11 NuWatt brands that qualify for mini-split rebates.
What is the ARPA deadline for Clean Heat RI?
Clean Heat RI is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). All funds must be committed by December 31, 2026. This is not a permanent program — once the ARPA allocation is exhausted or the deadline passes, this level of rebate funding may not be available again. There is urgency to act in 2026 while the 60% rebate is still available.
Do I need a Home Energy Assessment for Clean Heat RI?
Yes. Clean Heat RI requires a Home Energy Assessment and weatherization documentation before installation. This ensures your home is properly insulated and air-sealed before the heat pump is installed, which maximizes efficiency and savings. NuWatt coordinates the assessment as part of every project.
Can I stack Clean Heat RI with RI Energy utility rebates?
Yes. RI Energy offers additional stackable rebates of $400-$1,250 per ton for heat pump installations. These stack on top of the Clean Heat RI 60% rebate. Combined, a typical 3-ton system could receive $11,500 from Clean Heat RI plus $1,200-$3,750 from RI Energy, significantly reducing the out-of-pocket cost.
What is the income-eligible tier for Clean Heat RI?
Households at or below 150% of Rhode Island State Median Income (SMI) qualify for the income-eligible tier, which covers 100% of the project cost including electrical panel upgrades, weatherization, and heat pump water heater if needed. The cap is $18,000 per residential address. This is a lifetime cap, not per-year.
Do air-to-water heat pumps qualify for Clean Heat RI?
Yes. Air-to-water heat pumps have a separate qualification pathway on the NEEP list. They must deliver a COP of at least 1.7 while providing 110°F supply water at 5°F outdoor temperature. These units are used for radiant floor heating, radiators, and domestic hot water integration.
Data Accuracy Disclaimer
The qualification data on this page reflects our analysis of the NEEP cold-climate ASHP product list filtered for Rhode Island as of March 2026. The NEEP list is maintained by the Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships and updated periodically. NuWatt Energy is not affiliated with NEEP or the RI Office of Energy Resources and does not control any qualified product list. For the most current and official qualification data, always verify at ashp.neep.org. Specific rebate eligibility depends on your utility, home configuration, equipment selection, income status, and HPIN-enrolled contractor. Model numbers, efficiency ratings, and qualification status may change without notice as manufacturers update their product lines and NEEP updates the list.
Get a Free Clean Heat RI Heat Pump Quote
NuWatt is an HPIN-enrolled contractor. We select NEEP-qualifying equipment with R-32/R-454B refrigerants, coordinate your Home Energy Assessment, and handle your entire Clean Heat RI rebate application — so you get the 60% rebate with zero hassle.
Free quote. No obligation. HPIN-enrolled installation guaranteed.
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