December 8, 2025

Qualified Contractor Network (QCN) newsletter

Contractor onboarding and training updates

QCN contractor training and onboarding has begun. CLEAResult has conducted several virtual trainings that are mandatory for QCN-approved contractors. With more trainings coming, they want to make sure you understand how the IRA programs work.

1. Participants must stay for the entire training to ensure their attendance is counted.
2. There will be a separate training on the household application software platform.
3. There are only three trainings currently:
   • WA Home Energy Rebates program overview
   • Home Appliance Rebate Program (HARP) overview
   • HOMES program overview

After training, you must sign the participation agreements before your onboarding is complete.

Commerce is still waiting for the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) final authorization for Washington state to launch these programs. We'll provide more information as it becomes available.

New QCN contractor requirements for air sealers and insulators

Previously, contractors needed a general construction contractor license or a self-attestation that they have conducted air sealing or insulation on at least 10 single-family homes. We are now required by DOE to include a blower door and CAZ testing for all air sealing and insulation projects.

The new requirements for air sealers and insulators require one of the following certifications:

• Building Performance Institute (BPI) Building Analyst
• BPI Building Analyst Technician
• BPI Building Analyst Professional
• BPI Energy Auditor
• BPI Multifamily Building Analyst
• Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Program Rater
• WSU Energy Program: HVAC & RS-33 Training

If you signed up to do air sealing or insulation on your QCN application, please send us a valid, updated copy of one of these certifications. If you do not have any of these certifications, you must obtain one before you can begin air sealing or insulation work on any WA Home Energy Rebates project or have air sealing or insulation removed from your company’s scope of work in the QCN.

If you have any questions, please complete a QCN Contractor Support form.

HARP Insulation and Air Sealing Requirements

Air sealing and insulation are vital components of a home’s overall energy efficiency and are two of the measures supported by the WA Home Energy Rebate programs. For the HOMES program, a whole-home energy assessment must be conducted to ensure that the work results in at least a 20% improvement in energy consumption for homeowners.

For HARP, this is not a requirement. Instead, insulation and air sealing only require a limited assessment that includes a blower door test and a Combustion Appliance Zone (CAZ) test. These tests are required by the DOE to ensure the measures last for many years.

By verifying performance through these tests, homeowners can be confident that upgrades deliver measurable improvements in comfort and safety. These practices also help reduce long-term energy costs while supporting the state's sustainability goals.

Additional resources

December QCN application help hour

Commerce hosts monthly QCN Application Help Hours for contractors to ask questions about the QCN and IRA Home Energy Rebate programs. Whether you've completed an application or are considering it, you are welcome to this casual drop-in virtual meeting to talk with one of our team members.

The next QCN Application Help Hour will be held on December 9 at 12 p.m. If you're interested in attending, please register on Zoom.

Energy skilled recognized programs set the standard

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy sets the standards for the IRA Home Energy Rebate programs. For more information about their work, or to understand more about their Energy Skilled Programs, visit the Energy Skilled Recognition | Building Science Education website: 

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

Happy holidays from the Washington State Department of Commerce!

About Commerce

Commerce works with local governments, businesses, community-based organizations and tribes to strengthen communities. The department’s diverse portfolio of more than 100 programs and effective public and private partnerships promote sustainable community and economic development to help all Washingtonians thrive. For more information, visit http://www.commerce.wa.gov. For information on locating or expanding a business in Washington, visit choosewashingtonstate.com.

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