Relevant

When choosing energy service contractors (providers),
here are some things to consider...

1. Do Your Homework - Determine what energy or whole house problem you want to solve. Learn about what is required for the service you need and what questions to ask.
   
   
2. Certifications - Does the contractor have any industry certifications or training? There are two residential energy certifications: Building Performance Institute (BPI) and RESNET. BPI certifies home performance contractors, who not only do comprehensive energy audits, but also survey the whole house for other problems, such as moisture or air quality. They use special equipment, such as blower doors or IR scanners, to audit your home. Sometimes they perform the work or will refer you to another contractor.
   
   RESNET certifies home energy raters, who primarily work with new homes, such as the EPA ENERGY STAR® for Homes program. Most raters have many of the same skills as auditors and use the same diagnostic equipment. BPI and RESNET have just developed a joint certification for Residential Energy Auditors. See below for more details on how to find energy professionals.
   
   
3. Experience - How many years experience does the company have in the business? Energy ratings, audits and home performance are a growing field and some contractors have limited track records. Has the contractor done work in your local area? The closer the better.
   
   
4. Licensing - Is the contractor licensed in your county and are they familiar with state and local building regulations that impact energy and solar installations.
   
   
5. References - Ask for the names of people they have done work for and call them. References are invaluable, particularly if they reflect local work that is similar to what you plan to do. That is often the best way to get the real scoop on a contractor.
   
   
6. Rebates/ Financing - Pennsylvania will soon offer rebates and other financial assistance for energy efficiency and solar. These can make a huge difference in the cost of your energy project. Ask the contractor you are considering if they are familiar with these incentives. Find out if they will apply for the financial incentives for you as part of their package.
   
   Also ask the contractor about financing assistance. They should know about the Keystone Home Energy Loan Program (HELP) offered by AFC Bank. They may also offer their own financing packages or have arrangements with local banks.
   
   
7. Warranties - The best contractors warranty their work. When comparing bidders look to see who provides the strongest warranty. Check the fine print!

Notice: This information was prepared by Keystone Energy Efficiency Alliance (KEEA) partners with the intent of educating homeowners and building owners on saving energy in homes.