How to Become an HVAC Quality Installation Training and
Oversight Organization (“H-QUITO”)

HVAC Quality Installation Oversight Organizations (H-QUITOs) are independent, third party oversight organizations recognized by EPA to provide the required training and oversight activities for HVAC contractors participating in the ENERGY STAR Certified Homes Program (“ESCH”). EPA is interested in working with any organization that wants to participate in this role, provided that it meets the program specific criteria, submits an application to EPA, and abides by the program requirements.

Eligibly Requirements

To participate as an H-QUITO, an organization must meet the following criteria:

• Status as a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) not–for–profit corporation
• Ability to provide oversight services across the continental United States
• Not directly involved in the selling, installing, and/or maintaining of HVAC equipment.
• Maintain a governing Board of Directors or Executive Committee with no single entity predominating
• Operate a credentialing/oversight program that allows for open participation by any qualified HVAC contractor regardless of membership status in a trade organization, union, or other exclusive body

Organizations whose mission is to promote quality HVAC installations and energy efficient practices can expand their market reach and membership base by being recognized as an H–QUITO.

EPA supports H–QUITOs by listing them on the ENERGY STAR website and providing links to H–QUITO websites so that prospective contractors and verifiers can learn more about the H–QUITO and its services. EPA also works to facilitate communications with energy efficiency program sponsors, so H–QUITOs can increase the breadth and depth of their services.

Roles and Responsibilities

H–QUITOs are responsible for credentialing HVAC contractor companies as having the capabilities necessary to complete the ENERGY STAR HVAC Checklists.

The ENERGY STAR Certified Homes Program relies upon Raters to play the primary role in completing the HVAC–Rater Checklist, and relies upon the Rating industry (i.e., RESNET and RESNET accredited Providers) to establish qualification criteria and provide oversight over Raters, issue the ENERGY STAR label on the new home, and address homeowner complaints.

The table below shows that H–QUITOs provide many of the same oversight services for the ESCH program.

H–QUITO Roles and Responsibilities

Develop and maintain a credentialing program for qualified HVAC contractors that demonstrate that they have the required knowledge, skills, abilities, tools, and policies to deliver quality installation services; Provide general orientation training on applicable ENERGY STAR programs and their application of HVAC quality installation requirements.  Training must include instruction on how to complete all required ENERGY STAR program documentation; Maintain a publicly available online list of credentialed contractors; Provide oversight and conduct periodic quality assurance of participating contractors’ installations; Conduct periodic quality assurance (QA) reviews of participating contractors that are consistent with the scope of the H–QUITO’s credentialing program Report annually to EPA on the performance of the H–QUITOs program

How to Apply

An organization that is interested in becoming an H–QUITO must submit an Application for Recognition to EPA. Applicants are required to demonstrate that they meet the program’s eligibility criteria and can successfully perform the required roles and responsibilities set forth in the application and summarized above. EPA’s recognition of an H–QUITO relates solely and specifically to the ENERGY STAR Certified Homes Program and does not qualify the organization to implement or participate in other programs.

An agreement between EPA and an H–QUITO can be terminated if, after 60 days from EPA notice, deficiencies in program requirements are not resolved. For additional information on either program or to request an application, contact energystarhomes@energystar.gov or hvacVI@energystar.gov.