If you need help choosing a contractor for the HalifACT Home Energy Upgrade (HHEU) program, there are some resources that can guide you. The municipality cannot choose a contractor for you, but homeowners can review the following tips before selecting one themselves.
Use Efficiency Nova Scotia’s Preferred Contractors list
These preferred contractors are screened for a minimum of $2,000,000 in General Liability Insurance and adhere to Efficiency Nova Scotia’s Preferred Partner Code of Conduct.
Efficiency Nova Scotia also offers a guide to selecting and working with a contractor. Read the Contractor Selection Guide.
Homeowners participating in the program will receive guidance detailing the types of energy upgrades to request from contractors, helping ensure a successful project.
What insurance and liability coverage should your contractor carry?
- Obtain a general liability insurance certificate with a minimum of $1,000,000 in coverage. This ensures the contactor has the proper coverage to handle any liability issues that could arise during your project.
- Obtain a clearance letter from the Workers Compensation Board of Nova Scotia (WCB). The clearance letter confirms a company is in good standing, i.e., that the company has workers’ compensation coverage, has met all payroll reporting requirements, has paid all premiums to date and has no outstanding balance on account.
Heat and cooling
If you are selecting a contractor to install a heat pump, they must provide confirmation that a heat loss/heat gain calculation has been performed and confirm that equipment is accurately sized by using a recognized sizing method such as CSA F280-12 (R2021).
Ask your contractor if they will perform a heat gain/loss calculation to size your heating and cooling equipment.
Insulation
Ask your installer to explain the pros and cons of different types of insulations. Some types of insulation work better in certain parts of your home than others.
Note: If you are installing sprayfoam insulation in your home, you will need to vacate the premises during, and 24 hours following, the installation to allow the product to fully off-gas.