FREE HEATING AND COOLING UPGRADES FOR ELIGIBLE PROVIDENCE HOUSEHOLDS
Heat Pump Program
PVD CAP’s Heat Pump Program helps eligible Providence residents replace inefficient electric resistance heating systems with high-efficiency heat pumps at no cost.
Supported by Rhode Island Energy and coordinated through PVD CAP’s Weatherization team, the program helps qualifying households improve year-round comfort, reduce energy use, and access reliable heating and cooling.
LIHEAP APPROVAL REQUIRED
Before applying for the Heat Pump Program, you must first be eligible for and approved for LIHEAP. If you are not currently enrolled in LIHEAP, please complete the LIHEAP application and receive approval before requesting Heat Pump Program eligibility.
No Cost Heat Pump Installation
A heat pump, sometimes called a mini-split, is an energy-efficient system that provides both heating and cooling.
Unlike electric baseboard heat, which generates heat using electricity, a heat pump transfers heat from one place to another. This allows the system to use less energy while helping keep the home comfortable throughout the year.
A Heat Pump Can Help You:
• Heat your home during the winter
• Cool your home during the summer
• Reduce reliance on electric baseboard heating
• Improve comfort throughout the home
• Lower household energy use
• Access a modern heating and cooling system at no cost, if eligible
No Cost Installation
Qualifying households may receive a high-efficiency heat pump and professional installation at no cost.
Heating & Cooling
Stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer with one efficient system.
Improved Efficiency
Heat pumps use less energy than electric resistance heating, which may lower your energy use.
More Comfort
Enjoy more consistent temperatures and greater comfort in your home year around.
What Is a Heat Pump?
A heat pump (also called a mini-split) is an energy efficient system that transfers heat instead of creating it. It provides both heating in the winter and air conditioning in the summer.
Program Qualifications
The Heat Pump Program offers no cost heat pump installation and is designed for eligible households currently using electric resistance heating.
Basic qualifications include:
- You live in Providence
- You are eligible for and already approved for LIHEAP
- You are a Rhode Island Energy electric customer
- Your home meets program and installation requirements
How The Process Works
Contact PVD CAP
Call PVD CAP to express interest and begin the eligibility screening process.
Confirm Eligibility
Our team will confirm LIHEAP eligibility, Rhode Island Energy customer status, current heating type, and other program requirements.
Home Assessment
A qualified program representative will assess the home to determine whether a heat pump is appropriate and identify installation needs
Contractor Coordination
Eligible households are matched with an approved contractor who will coordinate the installation.
Installation
The approved heat pump system is professionally installed at no cost to the qualifying household.
Enjoy Year-Round Comfort
Once installed, the system can provide efficient heating in winter and cooling in summer.
Heat Pump Benefits
Heating and Cooling in One System
Heat pumps provide warmth during colder months and air conditioning during warmer months.
Improved Energy Efficiency
Heat pumps transfer heat instead of creating it directly, allowing them to use less energy than traditional electric resistance heating systems.
Potential Energy Savings
Households may see lower heating and cooling costs after switching from electric resistance heat. Actual savings depend on the home, system use, energy rates, and installation.
Greater Home Comfort
Heat pumps can provide consistent temperature control and make living spaces more comfortable throughout the year.
No-Cost Installation for Eligible Households
Qualifying residents may receive the system and professional installation at no cost.
This program is supported by Rhode Island Energy
PVD CAP serves as your local partner throughout the Heat Pump Program process.
Our Weatherization team helps:
• Answer questions about the program
• Screen households for eligibility
• Confirm LIHEAP participation
• Coordinate the intake process
• Connect eligible households with approved contractors
• Guide residents through the next steps
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a heat pump?
A heat pump is an energy-efficient system that provides both heating and cooling. It is also commonly called a mini-split.
Is the heat pump really free?
Qualifying households may receive the heat pump and installation at no cost. Eligibility and property requirements apply.
Do I need to qualify for LIHEAP?
Yes. LIHEAP eligibility or approval is required for this program.
What type of heating system qualifies?
The program is intended for eligible households using electric resistance heating, such as electric baseboard heat.
Can a heat pump cool my home?
Yes. Heat pumps provide air conditioning during warmer months in addition to heating during colder months.
Will a heat pump lower my energy bill?
A heat pump may reduce energy use and heating costs compared with electric resistance heating. Actual savings vary based on the home, equipment use, installation, and energy rates.
Can renters participate?
Renters may be eligible, but landlord approval and additional property requirements may apply.
What happens after I call?
PVD CAP will help review your eligibility, determine whether your current heating system qualifies, and explain the next steps.
Is every home eligible for installation?
No. The home must meet program, safety, and installation requirements. A home assessment will help determine whether a heat pump is appropriate.
Contact us Today
You may qualify for a free heat pump that provides efficient heating in the winter and cooling in the summer.
Contact PVD CAP’s Weatherization team to check your eligibility and learn more about the application process.