ARLINGTON, Va. - The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) will launch a new “Quality Assured” (QA) Contractor Recognition Program in 2011. According to ACCA, QA is the first nationwide recognition program for HVAC contractors, and is aimed at recognizing participants that follow requirements in the ANSI/ACCA 5 QI Standard (HVAC Quality Installation Specification). The Quality Installation specification is available at www.acca.org/quality.

The QA program is initially focused on supporting EPA’s Energy Star® for New Homes Program. To participate, contractors must satisfy four requirements:

• Attend a 4-hour orientation course that overviews the EPA Energy Star New Homes Program, as well as the ACCA QA program;

• Maintain licenses, insurance, and/or bonding as required by the federal, state, and municipal governments in which the business operates;

• Maintain written policies, procedures, and practices stating how the contracting business implements the QI standard, and how it ensures that the QI Specification is followed in the field;

• Install HVAC systems in Energy Star-intended new homes that pass third-party RESNET HERS Rater verifications.

“ACCA’s ANSI-recognized standards in HVAC system design and installation are the foundation for any reputable contracting business to provide indoor environmental systems that are efficient and comfortable,” said John Sedine, ACCA 2010-2011 chairman. “But there has never been an easy way to differentiate between those contractors who follow the standards and those who don’t. The QA program will offer quality contractors an opportunity to differentiate themselves as businesses that do the right thing by both their customers and our nation’s energy infrastructure.”

Contractors do not have to be members of ACCA to participate in the QA program.

As a kick-off activity, ACCA will offer the orientation course as a four-hour pre-conference workshop on Feb. 15, 2011, in conjunction with ACCA’s 43rd Annual Conference and Indoor Air Expo in San Antonio, Texas. Full conference registrants may attend the pre-conference training at no additional cost; registration is available online at www.accaconference.com.

The ACCA Conference will also feature a new Quality Assured track with sessions detailing how to get started; tools and training; implementation; and partnering with raters. And on Feb. 16, during the Contractor Town Hall Meeting, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions to and discuss the program with ACCA contractor leaders, as well as Sam Rashkin, national director of the Energy Star for New Homes Program for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

New announcements and application information will be coming in early 2011.

Publication date: 11/22/2010