Home Performance and AlabamaWISE

Home Performance is a systems-based approach to design and installation of a home’s mechanical equipment and thermal components that considers the whole house and relationship between individual components to maximize efficiency, comfort and health benefits while minimizing operational costs.

The major components of the whole-house system are heating, cooling, ducts, ventilation, walls, windows, doors, attic, crawl space, basement, insulation and air barrier.

Each component has characteristics that impact all other components. An analysis of these relationships requires computer modeling by the contractor or an independent building analyst certified by the Building Performance Institute (for existing homes) or RESNET (for new homes). The computer analysis report will project energy cost savings for various components or performance options and calculate a simple payback period so homeowners can select a package of improvements that meets their needs and budget.

Home performance assessment are quantifiable measurements taken with specialized diagnostic equipment and requires trained and certified contractors to install properly sized components. Proper performance requires work is done according to prescribed installation standards and verified by a third party quality assurance process. The AlabamaWISE program is the third-party quality assurance provider for home performance contractors in Alabama.

Participating contractors must meet AlabamaWISE program requirements:

• Maintain contractor certifications, licenses and insurance
• Identify home improvements prioritized by simple payback
• Use a systems-based method for equipment sizing
• Follow program installation standards
• Offer a one-year warranty on labor and material 
• Repair any defect identified in the quality assurance process