IRA Home Energy Auditor Training
Many parts of Washington don’t have enough certified energy auditors trained to do BPI 2400 energy audits, which makes it harder for people to access IRA Home Energy Rebates. Commerce is supporting Building analyst training and certification opportunities for Qualified Contractor Network (QCN) participating contractors statewide. This work is in partnership with local utilities to offer hands-on training and certification opportunities.
The next training will kick off in April in Jefferson County. Contractors who complete the training and receive BPI certification will work with Commerce to update their contractor profile to receive authorization to perform home energy audits for Inflation Reduction Act rebates. The skills learned in this training will help contractors long after the program ends, as they can continue running energy models and identifying a home’s energy-efficiency opportunities. Stay tuned for additional information and upcoming training opportunities.
Home energy rebates timeline
Commerce would like to thank Washington contractors for your ongoing support and participation in the QCN. Commerce has made great progress toward launching the IRA Home Energy Rebates program. Guidehouse, our statewide rebate administrator, continues to develop protocols and procedures for accepting household applications. Once the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) provides authorization to launch the program, Commerce will be ready for take-off.
The timeline below reflects seven steps:
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Funds awarded: The DOE awards Commerce planning funds.
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Application preparation: Commerce conducts research and stakeholder engagement to develop program application.
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Application submission: Commerce submits program application to Department of Energy.
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Blueprint submission: Commerce submits six required blueprints.
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Program operation preparation (in progress). Commerce and the rebate administrator are currently setting up delivery options.
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Launch approval: Commerce receives approval to launch notification from DOE.
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Statewide launch: Washingtonians may apply and receive rebate funds for home upgrades.
 Home energy rebates timeline
IRA home energy rebates frequently asked contractor questions
Where will marketing resources be available?
Once the program is live, contractors who have completed training and onboarding will be able to access a marketing toolkit in the Contractor Resources Section of their Neighborly account. Additional marketing guidance will also be included in the contractor handbook, which will also be available through a contractor’s Neighborly account
Are these rebates only available in Washington state?
The DOE awarded these program funds to Commerce. While other states are also administering IRA‑funded programs, program design and rebate offerings vary by state. Commerce is looking forward to launching the IRA Home Energy Rebates program and bringing these opportunities to contractors and homeowners.
Are rebates available only to homeowners, or can renters participate as well?
Renters may participate in the program with the property owner's written authorization.
What is a home energy model?
Under the HOMES program, a certified energy auditor must complete a home energy audit that includes a BPI‑2400–compliant energy model. For single‑family homes, contractors are required to use Snugg Pro software to complete the energy model.
CLEAResult office hours
Are you a QCN-approved contractor? Do you need a program refresher or have a question about rebate eligibility, rebate amounts, processes, or contractor requirements? Attend one of CLEAResult’s drop-in office hours, or contact your CLEAResult Account Management team for more information.
R-410A Residential Refrigerant Availability
According to the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), there is no shortage of residential equipment available that meets the EPA’s new refrigerant standards under the AIM Act.
Heat pumps installed through the Home Energy Rebates program must be ENERGY STAR® certified and approved for sale in the U.S. Refrigerants must follow Global Warming Potentials limits from Washington State Department of Ecology and U.S. EPA guidelines.
April QCN application help hour
If you know contractors who are interested in joining the QCN or would like to ask questions in an informal setting, Commerce suggests 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.
The next QCN Application Help Hour will be on April 14 from 12-12:30 p.m.
Attend QCN Application Help Hour
Register for April 14 session, 12-12:30 p.m.
If you have questions about the QCN, please contact Commerce through our support form.
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