Today, contractors need to be proficient in such things as indoor air quality, human health issues, combustion safety testing, and cost-effective air and duct sealing. They also must have more than a passing knowledge of heating and cooling systems. This is in addition to being able to put in windows, hang doors, or dense-pack a wall. Customer Demands Customers often want proof of ability before they sign a contract. Companies know that customers value certification.
Many companies have marketing programs that promote the fact that their workers are certified.
Utilities like Tucson Electric Power Company in Tucson, Arizona, and Wisconsin Gas Company are using workers with particular training in their energy efficiency programs. Many companies partner with builders that have trained and certified workers to bring high-performance homes to the market, because they know that their customers seek quality. Benefits of Certification Aside from gaining customer confidence, there are several other benefits for contractors who get certified, one of which is simply meeting government and industry requirements. Many states and governmental organizations today require certain kinds of contractors to be certified. For example, trainer Rick Karg says that Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont require all low-income weatherization auditors to be trained and certified by state authorities.