SERVING 
By now, you may have heard about Georgia’s energy rebate programs, also known as the HEAR and HER programs. But did you know that there’s a limited number of approved contractors in Georgia who can participate in the program?
It’s true! Not just anyone can become a HEAR program contractor or a HER program contractor. Only professionals with specialized training and expertise are afforded that privilege.
So, what makes HER and HEAR-approved contractors so different?
Let’s take a quick dive into the qualifications common to all approved contractors for Georgia’s energy rebate programs. We’ll also cover what makes PV Heating, Cooling & Plumbing uniquely qualified to perform rebate-eligible energy efficiency upgrades and electrification projects.
Find out how to maximize your rebates from the HER and HEAR programs! Contact PV’s Customer Advocate Center today!
Contractor qualifications for Georgia’s HER and HEAR programs
Any upgrades qualifying for the Home Efficiency Rebates, or HER, program can only be performed by state-approved contractors. While there are a few DIY-friendly upgrades that are eligible for the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates, or HEAR, program (installing a new electric range or clothes dryer, for example), most HEAR upgrades must also be performed by an approved contractor.
What, exactly, does it take for a contractor to be approved? Here are a few requirements:
Building Performance Institute certification
All contractors approved for the HER program must be certified by the Building Performance Institute (BPI). Becoming BPI-certified is no small feat. After completing the rigorous BPI trainings, professionals become highly proficient in key aspects of building science and home performance, such as:
- Building envelope improvements
- Air leakage and duct leakage
- Blower door testing
- Thermal performance of buildings
- HVAC interaction with other systems
- Home energy audits
Very few HVAC contractors in the Atlanta area have BPI-certified professionals on staff. At PV, multiple managers and company principles hold this esteemed certification, which allows us to participate in the Georgia energy rebates programs.
GEFA requirements
The Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) also requires contractors to meet special requirements. These involve:
- Mandatory required trainings
- Rigorous quality assurance and quality control standards
- Expertise with required software programs
- Building assessment and ventilation audit procedures
- Stipulations for call center practices
Why PV stands out among approved contractors for Georgia’s energy rebate programs
In addition to meeting the standard requirements for HER and HEAR participation, which are rigorous enough to exclude most Atlanta-area contractors, PV Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing boasts additional qualifications.
Advisors to GEFA
PV personnel have advised GEFA on the HER and HEAR programs since before they were launched. Our team has been instrumental in ensuring a timely, effective program rollout for Atlanta homeowners.
Pilot program contractors
Our team has been an approved contractor for HER and HEAR since the very beginning of the program rollout. Due to our unique building science expertise and longtime focus on home performance, we were one of the first contractors selected for participation in the programs.
Commitment to HVAC excellence
Every HER program contractor and HEAR program contractor is required to perform a Manual J load calculation prior to installing any new heating and cooling equipment. The load calculation is an essential step in ensuring you get an HVAC system that actually saves energy and keeps you comfortable. Most contractors in the Atlanta area don’t bother doing it – most aren’t even equipped to do it!
At PV, we always perform a load calculation for every installation! No exceptions!
We’re customer advocates
To help Atlanta-area homeowners maximize their rebate savings through the HER and HEAR programs, we’ve also created a Customer Advocate Center. To get an idea of how much you can save, enter your info into the calculator below. After that, contact the PV Customer Advocate to identify the best savings opportunities!
Hire an approved contractor for Georgia energy rebates
PV Heating, Cooling & Plumbing is a family-run business that does things a lot different from the legacy HVAC contractors around Atlanta. And that’s a good thing!
Besides meeting the rigorous requirements for becoming an approved HER/HEAR contractor, we offer a 10-year labor warranty on new installations and always perform a rigorous quality control audit for all new equipment. Check out our 4.9 rating and 1,500+ five-star Google reviews to see what customers think!
To determine eligibility for HEAR and HER or to learn more, contact our Customer Advocate Center today!
