The program aims to encourage industry practices that go beyond traditional equipment upgrades, help contractors differentiate higher-value services, and inspire others to improve the quality of their HVAC services. Additionally, the program aims to improve installation and maintenance services of efficient technologies to help California meet its carbon-neutrality goal by 2045.

Extensive research by the US Department of Energy has shown that quality installation and maintenance practices have not been widely adopted in the HVAC industry. This includes practices such as right-sizing a system and properly charging refrigerant. Proactive maintenance approaches are essential to ensure optimal performance and energy efficiency of HVAC systems.

California is committed to statewide zero-emissions appliance standards to improve air quality. This commitment will increase the deployment of heat pumps for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and water heating. By improving installation and maintenance services and promoting energy-efficient technologies, the Quality HVAC program contributes to achieving climate goals, improving public health, and bringing economic benefits.

Contractors can enroll in the Quality HVAC program by following these three easy steps:

1. Complete the enrollment form online.
2. Take the mandatory, 1-hour onboarding training.
3. Complete the technical training corresponding to your company’s tier.

The enrollment application typically takes between 15 and 30 minutes to complete. Contractors are expected to complete the enrollment in one sitting, but they have the option to save their progress and return to complete it on the same computer and browser at another time.

To enroll in the Quality HVAC program, contractors need to provide the following information and documents:

• Company contact information
• CSLB license number and expiration date
• Contractors must hold an active C20 license to enroll

The program offers two participation tiers for contractors: Tier I and Tier II. Additionally, there is an additional “Kicker” incentive for qualifying contractors. The specific details of the incentives are as follows:

• Tier I: Entry-level tier with step-by-step standards and verifications, providing training and resources for contractors to gain additional qualifications.

• Tier II: Enhanced quality HVAC services tier, with training in measurements, adjustments, system design, and salesmanship. Contractors are encouraged and supported in achieving certifications such as NATE or NCI.

• Cobranded Flyer: Contractors have the option to create a cobranded flyer that showcases their partnership with the Quality HVAC program. This flyer can help contractors promote their affiliation with the program and highlight the quality services they offer.

• Quality Contractor Logo (as applicable for Tier): Contractors who meet the requirements of their respective tier in the Quality HVAC program are eligible to display the Quality Contractor logo. This logo serves as a recognizable symbol of their commitment to quality installation, maintenance, and energy-efficient technologies.

• Public Contractor Listing on Website: Participating contractors will have the opportunity to be listed on the Quality HVAC program’s website. This listing allows contractors to gain visibility and be easily discovered by potential customers who are seeking quality HVAC services.

These co-marketing opportunities aim to support contractors in differentiating themselves in the market, showcasing their expertise, and attracting customers who value quality and energy efficiency.

For more details on how to take advantage of these co-marketing opportunities, please contact the Quality HVAC program at qualityhvac@frontierenergy.com or call (833) 775-4516.

The determination of Tiers is based on the services that contractors perform, as outlined in the program’s checklist. The checklist will be covered in the technical training provided to the contractors. By completing the technical training, contractors will gain an understanding of the requirements and standards associated with each Tier.

When contractors submit a claim for incentives, they will be required to select the Tier they are applying the claim to. This selection is made based on the services they have provided and the corresponding Tier requirements.

By adhering to the Tier requirements and successfully completing the technical training, contractors can accurately determine their qualification for a specific Tier when submitting claims for incentives.

For any questions or further information about the Quality HVAC program, you can reach out to qualityhvac@frontierenergy.com or call (833) 775-4516.

The only requirement for customers is that they must be a customer of SDG&E, Southern California Edison, SoCalGas, or PG&E. As long as they receive their electric or gas utilities from one of these companies, that customer is qualified to participate in the Quality HVAC Program.