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

HVAC Quality Installation Training and Oversight Organizations (H-QUITOs) are independent, third-party oversight organizations recognized by the EPA to provide the required training and oversight activities for HVAC contractors participating in the ENERGY STAR Residential New Construction program. Certain homes and multifamily buildings pursing certification are required to use an HVAC contractor credentialed by an H-QUITO. Visit HVAC Contractors to learn more. 

Eligibility 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 be directly involved in selling, installing, and/or maintaining 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.

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 Residential New Construction program relies on Energy Rating Companies (ERCs) to play the primary role in reviewing key elements of the HVAC Design Report and verifying discrete attributes of the installed HVAC system. The EPA also relies on Home Certification Organizations (HCOs) to oversee ERCs, issue ENERGY STAR certifications for new homes and apartments, and address homeowner complaints.

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; and
  • Report annually to the EPA on the performance of the H-QUITOs program

How to Apply

Organizations that are interested in becoming an H-QUITO must submit an Application for Recognition to the 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. The EPA’s recognition of an H-QUITO relates solely and specifically to the ENERGY STAR Residential New Construction program and does not qualify the organization to implement or participate in other programs.

For additional information or to request an application, contact energystarhomes@energystar.gov.