Variable Refrigerant Flow

Save by using efficient VRF with DOAS technology

We offer incentives to commercial offices, schools and retail facilities to help these customers reduce energy consumption and energy bills by utilizing Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) with Dedicated Outside Air Systems (DOAS) technology.

VRF is a multi-zone heat pump technology that uses a variable speed compressor connected to multiple indoor units to heat and cool a space. DOAS utilize heat recovery to provide ventilation air. Together, they provide heating and cooling that’s separate from the ventilation supply, resulting in lower energy usage.

What you get

Incentive amounts vary depending on whether your project is retrofit or new construction, as well as the efficiency level of the DOAS. Current incentive rates are listed below.

$2 per sq. ft. with min. 60% sensible effectiveness DOAS

Up to 100% of eligible project costs

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$4 per sq. ft. with min. 82% sensible effectiveness DOAS

Up to 100% of eligible project costs

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$0.50 per sq. ft. with min. 82% sensible effectiveness DOAS

Up to 100% of eligible project costs

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How you qualify

To be eligible for our Variable Refrigerant Flow program:

• Your business site must be within PSE's electric service area.
• Your building must have a minimum of 5,000 square feet of qualified office, school or retail conditioned space.
• Condenser units must serve multiple zones and have rated cooling capacity greater than or equal to five tons.
• VRF equipment must meet Energy Star Criteria for Certified Light Commercial VRF Multi-Split Systems.
• DOAS heat recovery effectiveness must meet the appropriate requirements.
• Eligibility for the very high efficiency DOAS incentive rate requires a maximum 20% safety factor to demonstrate right-sizing of the VRF and DOAS system for optimal efficiency.
• Once the new system is installed, there must be no gas used for space heating.
• The project must be reviewed by PSE staff before a grant is guaranteed.

How you apply

To get started, complete the online custom retrofit grant application.

A PSE engineer will review your application and coordinate meetings between PSE and your team to discuss design decisions and project specifics. Your project's design details are reviewed so that PSE can determine your eligibility, make energy-efficiency recommendations and estimate your grant value.

Questions? Get in touch with an Energy Advisor.

Additional information

How your incentive is calculated:

All incentives are based on square footage of conditioned space. VRF systems must meet qualifications in order to receive an incentive.

For retrofit projects, two incentive rates are offered. The first is for VRF with DOAS that meets 2018 WA Energy Code (60% minimum sensible heat recovery effectiveness). The second is for VRF with very high efficiency DOAS that exceeds WA Energy Code (82% minimum sensible heat recovery effectiveness).

For new construction projects, one incentive rate is offered for VRF with very high efficiency DOAS that exceeds WA Energy Code (82% minimum sensible heat recovery effectiveness).