Get Your Students Heat Pump Ready

Heat Pump Ready is a statewide initiative connecting California HVAC programs with ESCO Institute and leading heat pump manufacturers to provide faculty training, lab equipment, and curriculum support. This effort directly supports California’s heat pump goal by preparing the next generation of skilled residential HVAC installers. Leading this initiative is TECH Clean California, a statewide initiative to accelerate the adoption of clean space and water heating technology across California homes.

What Does the Heat Pump Ready Program Offer?

Through this program, qualifying schools may receive*:

  • Up to $8,000 in heat pump equipment per school location
  • Certificate earning manufacturer-led instructor training
  • Guidance on integrating Department of Energy recognized heat pump content into existing curriculum
  • Support for instructors and students from ESCO Institute including:
    • High-Performance Heat Pump Training
    • Educator subject matter expert credential exams
    • Employment Ready Heat Pump Certification
    • A2L Refrigerant Safety Certification
  • Optional access to stipend support in SDG&E service area

*Funding is limited and available only while supplies last.

How to Participate?

Please see the steps below to participate in the Heat Pump Ready program.

  1. Complete the interest form linked below by June 15, 2025.
  2. Choose manufacturer and training partner(s) to work with by June 18, 2025
  3. Complete faculty training and submit your certificate by October 1, 2025
  4. Receive equipment between November 1, 2025, and March 1, 2026 (subject to availability)
  5. Integrate heat pump curriculum into your program and submit geotagged photo proof of installation within 60 days of equipment receipt.
  6. Submit a one-page Program Impact Summary by May 31, 2026.

Registration is now closed as of July 11, 2025.

For updates or questions, please reach out to hpready@energy-solution.com.

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Terms and Conditions

To participate in Heat Pump Ready, schools must agree to the following:

  • Offer a residential HVAC curriculum
  • Provide available lab space for equipment installation
  • Maintain a controlled inventory process for lab assets
  • Assume all liability and responsibility for donated equipment.
  • Ensure faculty completion of manufacturer training with certificate
  • Integrate heat pump content into relevant curriculum
  • Install and verify equipment use within 60 days of delivery, including geotagged photo documentation
  • Submit a one-page Program Impact Summary by May 31, 2026, including:
    • High level feedback on impact of this effort to your program
    • Where and how heat pump content is used in instruction
    • Approximate number of students using the equipment annually
    • Approximate number of students entering HVAC jobs annually

Meet Our Program Partners

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Funding for this project is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment — particularly in disadvantaged communities.