What accreditations do I look for when hiring contractors/installers?

When hiring an installer for your energy efficiency upgrades and renovations, it’s a good practice to look for an installer’s certifications and credentials.

Accreditations you should look for include:

• A business license that ensures they have met the licensing requirements for British Columbia.
• Trade membership with trade associations such as the Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI), the National Energy Conservation Association (NECA), and the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA). Association memberships are often an indication that contractors are concerned about the quality of work in the industry.
• Better Business Bureau records to see if they are accredited, how long they’ve been in business and if there are complaints filed against them.
• Technical qualifications specific to the work you would like a contractor to complete. Ask prospective installers what technical education and qualifications they possess and how regularly they update them.

Did you see a building science or energy efficiency term you did not understand? Check out our glossary.