Contractor FAQs


Below you will find contractor Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® Program. You can view a printable version (pdf) of this content.

What is Home Performance with ENERGY STAR®?
What is a Home Performance Assessment?
What are some cost-effective improvements that a contractor will make to a home?
What is the training agenda?
What will the BPI Training cost me?
What are the equipment costs?
How do I sign up?
How will I get leads?
Why is health and safety testing important when conducting home energy improvements?
Why participate in the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® Program?

What is Home Performance with ENERGY STAR®?
The Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® Program uses a whole-house approach to make any size or style of home more energy efficient, thus lowering energy costs. Each participating contractor is certified through the Building Performance Institute (BPI), a national resource for building science technology that sets standards for assessing and improving home energy efficiency. BPI Certified Contractors participating in the Home
Performance with ENERGY STAR® Program use advanced diagnostic equipment to test the home and identify energy efficiency improvements.

What is a Home Performance Assessment?
This is the first step in improving a home’s efficiency and reducing energy consumption. During the assessment, the BPI Certified Contractor will test and evaluate the home (including, but not limited to, the heating and cooling equipment, insulation levels, and air infiltration) using advanced diagnostic equipment and building science principles to determine what areas of the customer’s home would benefit from energy efficiency improvements. Specifically, the contractor will test for air leakage by using a blower door and will look for opportunities to improve the home’s insulation, heating and cooling system, windows, appliances, and lighting. The contractor will then explain to the homeowner what improvements can be made, as well as the cost of the improvements.

What are some cost-effective improvements that a contractor will make to a home?
Depending on the home, improvements may include sealing gaps, cracks, and other leaks that let outside air into a home, adding insulation, sealing and insulating air ducts that run through attics or crawlspaces. They may also include repairing or replacing old or poorly functioning heating and cooling systems and appliances. Installing ENERGY STAR® qualified lighting is another cost-effective improvement.

What is the training agenda?
The BPI training is a six-day course over a two-week period (three days the first week and three days the second week). The training consists of in-class lecture and discussion as well as on-site testing experience. Training sessions are offered every month and will help you:

  • Understand the fundamentals of building science
  • Identify and understand building performance problems, including ice dams, mold, mildew, and indoor air quality issues
  • Analyze buildings using blower door technology and other diagnostic equipment
  • Assess building tightness, mechanical and distribution systems and combustion safety for a whole-house performance based approach
  • Learn diagnostics for assessing air leakage and efficiency in homes

What will the BPI Training cost me?
The Building Analyst Training will teach you how a house works as a system using the latest building science technology and diagnostic equipment. The total cost for BPI training is $1,750 ($1,200 for the BPI training, which includes all course materials, plus $550 for the written and field tests). There is an incentive that may reimburse training participants
for 75% of the fee after passing the BPI test. In addition, there is a $250 incentive reimbursement for passing and earning the certification. These incentives are available for a limited time from Ohio Edison Company, The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, and The Toledo Edison Company. For more details, contact a Program Account Manager from ICF International (ICF is the third-party vendor administering this service).

What are the equipment costs?
You may need to purchase some diagnostic equipment to complement the equipment you already use (estimated cost for all needed equipment is $11,000-$12,000). The program offers a 50% cost share, up to $5,000, on the purchase of required equipment.

How do I sign up?
Contact a Program Account Manager from ICF International (ICF is the third-party vendor administering this service) or call 1-866-SAVE-KWH (1-866-728-3594).

How will I get leads?
Potential customers who visit the FirstEnergy Web site are provided with contact information for certified contractors near their homes. In addition, FirstEnergy plans to promote the program through direct mail and other outreach tactics.

Why are health and safety testing important when conducting home energy improvements?
Inspecting and testing combustion appliances such as heating equipment, ovens, and water heaters for proper performance and carbon monoxide helps to ensure safe operation and provides your customers with peace of mind knowing that potentially dangerous combustion gasses are not being introduced into the home. BPI Certified Contractors perform these inspections and tests before and after performing any energy improvements to the home.

Why participate in the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® Program?
Participating in the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® Program makes you stand out from the crowd. Through the Program, you can become a BPI Certified Contractor and take advantage of new opportunities for your business by using building science technology to solve heating, cooling, and air leakage problems. You’ll be providing your customers with more comfortable, safe, and durable homes as well as saving them money on their energy bills. It’s a great way to build and expand your business!

(03/20/08)