The Quality Residential HVAC Services program is a workforce development initiative that teaches and rewards the use of diagnostic measures that support HVAC system efficiency and overall home performance.
Through no-cost training, technicians gain practical insights that will improve their assessments of home conditions, boost the quality of their recommendations and workmanship, and maximize customer satisfaction. By applying these diagnostic measures in the field, HVAC service providers can earn cash incentives to reinvest in their businesses as they showcase their leadership in the industry.
Goals
Industry
Encourage industry practices that go beyond traditional equipment upgrades
Contractors
Help contractors differentiate higher-value services, justify premium fees, and inspire others to improve the quality of their HVAC services
Carbon-neutrality
Improve installation and maintenance services of efficient technologies to help California meet its carbon-neutrality goal by 2045
Why HVAC?
There is a need for a proactive maintenance approach in the HVAC market. Through extensive research, the US Department of Energy has found that quality installation and maintenance practices have not been widely adopted, including expectations for right-sizing a system and properly charging refrigerant.
Additionally, California was the first state in the nation to commit to statewide zero-emissions appliance standards to improve air quality in 2022. This will increase the deployment of heat pumps for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and water heating. New climate goals will boost the market share for heat pumps. Approximately 6 million heat pumps are expected to be deployed by 2030. This appliance standard will improve climate, health, and bring economic benefits.
Getting up to speed on best practices will prepare contractors for an inevitable market shift.
FAQs
The Quality Residential HVAC Services program is a workforce development initiative that teaches and rewards the use of diagnostic measures in support of whole-home performance.
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.
How can contractors enroll in the Quality HVAC program?
Contractors can enroll in the Quality HVAC program by following these three easy steps:
1. Complete the enrollment form via the Switch Is On
2. Complete the enrollment training
3. Complete the anonymous personnel survey
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 as well as an additional “kicker” incentive for the highest performing participants.
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Tier I: Entry-level tier with step-by-step standards and verifications, providing training and resources for contractors to gain additional qualifications.
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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.
- Quality Contractor Kicker: Contractor is consistently providing high quality services, differentiating their business.
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Customer flyer: Participating contractors may create a leave-behind flyer for their customers, showcasing their partnership with the Quality HVAC program.
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Quality HVAC Contractor Badge: Contractors who are enrolled and have completed at least one technical training may have the Quality HVAC program badge displayed on their Switch Is On contractor profile.
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.