If you are looking to make your home more energy efficient, you’re probably seeing a lot about BPI certified professionals, but you’re left wondering “What does that even mean?”

We’ve got you covered and we’re going to explain it all – what it means, certification requirements, and how a contractor gets certified.

RetroFoam of Michigan is a BPI certified contractor, so we understand what is required to be certified and what that means to homeowners.

In our continued efforts to educate homeowners, let’s break this down and get you the answers you’re looking for.

What Does BPI Certification Mean?

Contractors who are BPI certified are better equipped to meet the real needs of homeowners when it comes to their home’s performance. A BPI certified contractor has the skills to look at your home’s needs and prescribe solutions that will work to improve your comfort and energy efficiency.

Building Performance Institute (BPI) offers certifications, standards, as well as programs like BPI GoldStar Contractor, Rater, and Product Listing.

BPI is the source for certified contractors working on home energy efficiency, comfort, durability, health, and safety, according to the Build Performance Institute Inc.

So, what is so important about home performance?

Home performance is when all of the systems in your home work together to create the most comfortable, efficient living space, according to Energy Star. A contractor who understands how all the systems in your home work together is well versed in building science.

A BPI certified contractor will know the home projects that yield the greatest comfort for your house and energy savings. Those projects include:

• Sealing air leaks in your home and adding insulation.
• Sealing your ductwork.
• Improving your HVAC systems.
• Upgrading lighting, appliances, and water heating equipment.
• Replacing windows.
• Installing renewable energy systems.

RELATED: How to Conduct a Free DIY Home Energy Assessment

BPI Certification Requirements

The Building Performance Institute doesn’t require formal experience to participate in exams.

The organization does recommend that a person interested in getting certified have some manner of building performance experience, as well as seek out a training organization before taking the BPI certification exam.

For a contractor to receive certification, they must pass the tests associated with the certification, which could include an online and/or a field exam. Those tests must be administered by a proctor and taken at a BPI testing center.

The certification is valid for three years and contractors can start the renewal process up to six months before the certification expiration date. The certifications available include analyst, contractor, and auditor.

Hiring the Right Contractor

Now that you understand what BPI certification is and why it’s important, now you need to know why hiring a BPI certified contractor is important.

You want the very best for your home and an experienced contractor that understands how everything should work together to make for an energy efficient and comfortable house. It doesn’t hurt to ask questions and make sure the contractor you hire knows about BPI and is certified.