Residential New Construction Partners

ENERGY STAR HVAC certification requirements FAQ

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• What are the advantages of becoming certified through the Air Conditioning Contractors of America Quality Assured (ACCA QA) program?

  Currently the ACCA QA program is the only EPA-approved credentialing program for the ENERGY STAR V.3 program. As such you will have the ability to conduct HVAC installations in ENERGY STAR homes in Vermont and around the country. Whether or not you are working on ENERGY STAR Homes, the ACCA QA designation can add value to your company by differentiating you from the competition. Homeowners and builders working with ACCA QA credentialed contractors can be assured of your commitment to quality.

• When does a contractor need to be credentialed?

  HVAC contractors installing ducted furnaces, air conditioning systems, and/or heat pumps in ENERGY STAR homes must be credentialed through an EPA-recognized credentialing organization in order for the home to receive the ENERGY STAR label.

  ENERGY STAR Homes with boilers and no ducted heating/cooling systems or heat pumps are not required to use a credentialed HVAC contractor. Homes enrolled in Efficiency Vermont’s Energy Code Plus residential new construction program are also not required to use a credentialed HVAC contractor.

• How much does credentialing cost?

  Take the online ACCA QA orientation and Efficiency and Vermont Gas Systems will reimburse the full cost of one online orientation session per company. Efficiency Vermont and Vermont Gas will reimburse a combined 50% of the application fee and annual participation fee (up to a $750 value) when application is accepted.

  Online Orientation Session:
  $59 for non ACCA members
  $39 for ACCA Members

  Application Fee:
  $275

  Annual Participation Fee:
  $1,120 for non ACCA members
  $820 for ACCA Members

• How do I apply for reimbursement?

  Contact Chris Gordon at Efficiency Vermont by phone at 888-921-5990 ext. 7683 or email.

• I am ready to get started with the credentialing process, what should I do?

  Sign up for the next free ACCA QA Orientation session, hosted by Efficiency Vermont by calling 888-921-5990 ext. 7683 or email. You can also visit the ACCA website for information about their online orientation.

• I’ve completed the orientation, now what?

  After successfully completing the ACCA QA Orientation program, HVAC professionals will be able to access the QA Program Compliance Checklist and Affidavit application form on the ACCA website to complete the credentialing process. If you have any questions about the application process, email Wes Davis call 703-824-8847 or visit www.acca.org/quality.

• Where can I access the ENERGY STAR HVAC Checklists?

  HVAC System Quality Installation Contractor Checklist

  HVAC System Quality Installation Rater Checklist

• I have specific questions about the ACCA QA process, who should I ask

  For specific program questions, email Wes Davis, call 703-824-8847 or visit www.acca.org/quality.

• When is the next free ACCA QA Orientation session, hosted by Efficiency Vermont?

  See the listing for the latest ACCA QA Orientation session.