Installers should be trained professionals who are familiar with system installation procedures.

When hiring an installer, it is recommended that the following be considered:

• Expertise. Ask about the contractor's experience installing energy efficient equipment. Inquire about the types of equipment that the contractor has installed, the installation process, number of years of experience and the size of jobs that he/she has worked on.
  
  
• References. As for the auditors, it is very important to ask the installers about homes or communities where they have installed a specific equipment or system. The installers should be asked to provide the contact information (e.g., phone number, e-mail, etc.) of their homeowner or property owner customers. By visiting or calling these references, one can check customer satisfaction firsthand.
  
  
• Cost Estimates. Getting several cost estimates in writing is a good way of selecting the most appropriate installer. It is important to ask for a breakdown between labor and equipment costs in order to be able to compare "apples to apples." By getting a cost estimate upfront, grantees can have a baseline for the work and can work with the installer to ensure the final costs are close to the estimate.
  
  
• Guarantee and Written Contract. A reliable installer is one that can provide a guarantee in writing on his installation work. In addition, he should sign a written contract that includes costs, start-stop dates and other terms.
  
  
• Additional Information. An experienced energy efficiency installer knows what works and what will not work in a given project.
  • Engage your installer in a conversation about the specifics of the project.
  • Ask the installer what is unique about the renovation project, what are the major challenges, and how they will deal with these challenges (e.g., special diagnostics needed, right sizing of equipment, pressure balancing, moisture concerns, etc.).
  • Define the procedures, responsibilities, and methods of the project.
  • Also, ask about how they test their installation to ensure that it will be done properly and that the full energy savings benefits expected are achieved.

By comparing the knowledge of several contractors on the projects unique challenges, you will be better able to determine the contractor that is most knowledgeable and most able to do a good installation job.