March 5, 2026

Qualified Contractor Network (QCN) newsletter

Contractor onboarding and training updates

Contractor training is only available for approved QCN members in good standing. Contractors who wish to participate in the Home Energy Rebates program must complete the required onboarding and training.

The HOMES program provides rebates to households for whole-home energy savings retrofits. In addition to air sealing and insulation, households can receive rebates for energy-efficient appliances like electric ovens, cooktops, electric heat pump clothes dryers, electric heat pumps for space heating and cooling, and more. The HOMES program offers rebates for households that can achieve a minimum of 20% savings, based on upgrades recommended in a BPI 2400-compliant energy model.

Is HOMES right for your business? Please join an upcoming HOMES training to learn more about the program. Trainings are open to approved QCN members only. Contact your CLEAResult Account Management team to learn more about upcoming trainings.

Snugg Pro benefit available for QCN-approved contractors

To reduce upfront costs for QCN-approved contractors, Commerce will offer Snugg Pro access for IRA Home Energy Audits to generate energy models for households. Contractors will have access to Snugg Pro as a benefit for Qualified Contractor Network members. Snugg Pro jobs can only be used for the HOMES program. Please see QCN Contractor Requirements for additional energy auditor requirements.

We'll share additional details on the rollout of Snugg Pro soon. Meantime, please reach out to your CLEAResult Account Management team with any questions.

Contractors: Bring your questions to CLEAResult office hours  

CLEAResult offers optional drop-in office hours where QCN-approved contractors can ask questions about rebate eligibility, rebate amounts, processes and contractor requirements. If you're interested in attending one of these sessions or would like additional information, please contact your CLEAResult Account Management team.

If you know contractors who are interested in joining the QCN and would like to ask questions in an informal setting, we suggest attending one of the Commerce QCN Application Help Hours, scheduled on the second Tuesday of every month from 12-12:30 p.m. Contractors can also submit questions via the QCN Contractor Support Form.

R-410A refrigerant phaseout

Starting January 1, 2025, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) no longer allows new residential heat pumps that use R-410A refrigerant because it has a high global warming potential (over 700). The EPA requires that new systems use low-GWP refrigerants like R454B or R-32. The EPA provided a one-year grace period for equipment that used R-410A to be installed through December 31, 2025.

Heat pumps installed under the Home Energy Rebates program must be EnergyStar certified and legal for sale and distribution in the U.S. Refrigerants must follow GWP limits from Washington State Department of Ecology and U.S. EPA guidelines.

Commerce WA home energy rebate team attends Gensco event

Commerce’s WA Home Energy Rebates Program team was invited to Gensco’s biannual dealer event in late January. The team connected with HVAC contractors from around the state who attended. The team met QCN contractors and gave information to those who have not yet applied for the QCN.

Our team is committed to building the QCN and supporting contractors and suppliers working with the Home Energy Rebate program. If you are interested in us speaking to your group, coming to your event, or participating in upcoming opportunities, please reach out to us at qcn@commerce.wa.gov to start the process.

We want to thank Gensco and their team for a hopping event!

New certification requirements for air sealers and insulators

CLEAResult will lead outreach and verification efforts for the newly established air-sealing and insulation certification requirements. Be on the lookout for an email if you intend to do air sealing or insulation work as part of the QCN. As a reminder, the following are acceptable certifications for insulation and air sealing work:

• 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

Additional resources

March QCN Application Help Hour

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

Attend QCN Application Help Hour

Register for March 10 session, 12-12:30 p.m.

If you have questions about the QCN, please contact Commerce through our support form.

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.

Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com.

This service is provided to you at no charge by Washington Department of Commerce.

Subscribe | Manage Preferences | Unsubscribe All | Help | Contact us