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Locating Energy Contractors |
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- 1. Check the Internet to locate a contractor who can address home energy needs. Or go to your library if you don't have a computer.
The PA Home Energy Program lists home performance service providers for their ENERGY STAR programs for existing and new homes. All their contractors have both BPI and RESNET certification. Many are located in western PA, but they have names from other parts of the state. Or call 1-800-832-3327 (toll-free).
The Energy Coordinating Agency of Philadelphia (ECA) has compiled a list of energy service companies, which is available on their website: Many of the names on their list are also BPI or RESNET certified. Or call (215) 988-0929.
- Another good site is the EPA Energy Star® for Homes site, where you can search by state for contractors in your area who support the Energy Star program, including doing energy audits. Check the site for hints on selecting contractors, including heating and air conditioning contractors.
- The RESNET website has details about what is required to be certified as an energy rater and a state by state listing of certified raters. The Northeast Home Energy Rating Sysem Alliance (NEHERS) also lists raters and affiliates by state.
- The Building Performance Institute (BPI) certifies contractors who have been trained in home performance (whole house) techniques. You can search for home performance contractors, but the PA listings are limited. This is changing as more contractors are trained. Check out the BPI suggestions on selecting a contractor.
- Your electric or gas utility company may offer residential energy audits and may have lists of contractors. Check your bill for their website or phone number.
- Ask for referrals - Ask friends, neighbors, and co-workers for contractor referrals. You can also contact local trade organizations, such as the builder associations, for names of members in your area.
- If you are looking to have your insulation upgraded professionally, another resource is the Insulation Contractors Association of America (ICCA), which has a section where you can search for certified insulation contractors in your area.
- For help with upgrading your heating or air conditioning, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCCA), has a search feature which can help you to locate a contractor within your area. The North American Technicians for Excellence (NATE) also lists HVAC contractors who are NATE certified. Your oil dealer may now offer energy audits and other home performance services.
- Other places to locate energy services include Pennsylvania Weatherization Offices, some of which now do energy audits for moderate income residents. To locate your local office, check your phone directory or visit their website.
- To find solar contractors check the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) for nationally certified contractors. The Mid- Altantic Solar Energy Industries Association (MASEIA) lists their members. St. Francis University in Loretto, PA has compiled a list of renewable energy businesses.
- Check your telephone directory under "Energy" for companies that perform residential energy audits or "Solar Energy" or try listings such as "Electric Contractors" or "Heating Contractors. Also look for Web-based yellow pages and other online directories.
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Locating Energy Contractors
