August 6, 2025

Qualified Contractor Network (QCN) newsletter

The QCN is growing every week

Since launching the QCN in May of 2025, we've seen a big increase in applications. More than 180 contractors have requested QCN membership, and most of them have qualified immediately.

We’re excited to recruit even more contractors. We’re launching the program later this fall and want as many contractors in the network as possible to help meet project demand.

Keep sharing this opportunity with your networks by sending them to the QCN webpage.

What we heard from local HVAC contractors

Last month, we spoke to the Washington Air Conditioning Contractors Association to tell them about all the benefits of being part of the Qualified Contractor Network.

They were excited to learn about the amount of IRA Home Rebate work that was coming up and that it was backed by $150 million in rebate funding.

If you’re part of an organization that represents or supports contractors or trades people, we'd love to come and present to your members. Fill out our simple Contractor Support Form so we can contact you for details.

Washington needs more workers like you

The reason why the QCN is so vital to the success of the IRA Home Rebate programs is clear in the Washington State Residential Energy Workforce Gap Analysis. This analysis, conducted in 2024, identified the workforce shortfalls that could potentially impact Washington’s transition to a cleaner more energy efficient future.

We invite you to take a look at the report to better understand why you are so important to these efforts. Check out the Washington State Residential Energy Workforce Gap Analysis (PDF).

Every HOMES project needs an energy auditor. Could that be you?

Before receiving a rebate from the HOMES program, households must have a residential energy audit to make sure any improvements reach at least a 20% savings in energy use.

To meet demand, we need more people who can perform audits.

If you or your business would like to start offering energy audits, we encourage you to complete training and certification through the following organizations:

• Building Performance Institute
• Association of Energy Engineers
• American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers
• Home Energy Rating System
• Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
• Investor Confidence Project

Before signing up with these organizations, make sure the certification or training you take is one of the accepted certifications in the QCN. You can check in the QCN Contractor Requirements document (Word).

We Need Your Help! HVAC Installers, do you make Manual J calculations?

If you currently size heat pumps for residential homes using a Manual J load calculation, we’d love to hear what software you use. Please take this one-question poll to help inform our IRA rebate programs.

Additional resources

Training and certification opportunities at the Building Performance Center

The Building Performance Center offers a variety of training for residential building professionals including BPI energy auditor certification, courses on air sealing and weatherization, and more. Visit the website for more information.

Skill up through BetterBuilt Northwest’s live and on-demand trainings

Stay ahead of homebuyer expectations and code changes by gaining valuable insights on how to build energy-efficient, healthy, comfortable homes. You can find a full list of courses at BetterBuiltNW.

Register for fall 2025 BOC fundamentals of energy efficient building operations

Building Operator Certification (BOC) Level I Multifamily course helps facilities and staff advance their skills and careers in energy-efficient operations of multifamily facilities.

Studies show that BOC-credentialed facilities staff can significantly reduce annual utility costs. The course includes seven classes, work-site projects and open book tests. Register for the course and attend September 16, 2025.

These trainings are not affiliated with Department of Commerce, the IRA Home Rebate Programs, or the Qualified Contractor Network in any way.

If you have any questions about the QCN, please contact us through our new support form.

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