The Quality Install Tool simplifies, standardizes, and expedites the creation of high-quality installation documentation using photo-based prompts throughout the process, and automatically generates a presentable Quality Install Report PDF that can be saved, emailed, or printed.
The tool aims to promote fairness among contractors by establishing a level playing field where everyone is required to document the same information and conduct identical tests. Moreover, this process standardizes the documentation of critical quality details across contractors and contributes to ongoing efforts aimed at standardizing installation quality across various federal, state, and municipal programs.
For the customer, the Quality Installation Report serves as a record documenting the quality elements of the retrofit in which they have invested.
For the contractor, the Quality Installation Report serves as a record documenting the work that was done at the customer’s home and the quality at the time of completion.
For the energy efficiency program quality assurance/quality control verifiers, the Quality Installation Report allows review of the work done at an address without physical travel or inconveniencing the customer.
For energy raters, such as Home Energy Score assessors, the Quality Installation Report contains photos showing test results and other markers of quality that are invaluable to accurately scoring/rating a home.
For real estate appraisers, the Quality Installation Report contains photos showing the assets in the home, the installation date, test results, and other markers of quality that help the appraiser accurately value energy efficiency features.
For home insurance appraisers, the Quality Installation Report contains photos showing the assets in the home, the installation date, test results, and other markers of quality that help the appraiser accurately assess the risk of the home and provide an accurate insurance quote.
Tool Introduction
The Quality Install Tool operates as a publicly accessible open-source web app that runs on any device with a modern browser and has been developed to capture a wide range of upgrades and installations. Currently, the tool facilitates workflows for heat pump water heaters, attic air sealing, and attic insulation, with a beta version available for ductless heat pump and central ducted split heat pump workflows. Soon, the tool will be enhanced to encompass all the following quality installation documentation workflows:
- Heat pump water heater
- Ductless heat pump
- Central ducted split heat pump
- Enclosure upgrades
- Pre-energy efficiency upgrade combustion safety check
- Health and safety checks for:
- Pre-attic area energy efficiency upgrade
- Pre-crawlspace or basement energy efficiency upgrade
- Attic air sealing
- Duct sealing and insulation
- Attic insulation
- Rim joist air sealing and insulation
- Vented crawlspace
- Crawlspace encapsulation
- Post-energy efficiency upgrade combustion safety check
The tool is mainly driven by photo prompts that guide the user to document the critical details and test results spanning the planning/scoping steps through the final tests verifying a quality installation.
Using the Tool
The initial (home) screen allows the user to select from a list of workflows. The current version supports workflows for heat pump water heaters, attic air sealing, and attic insulation, with a beta version available for ductless heat pump and central ducted split heat pump workflows. (Additional equipment retrofit and envelope upgrade types are coming soon.)
Choosing an installation type takes the user to the projects list for that installation type. The user can create new projects and rename, delete, or open existing projects. Opening a project takes the user to a project page where they can fill in the input fields, add photos, and generate a PDF report.
Supported photo types: The current version only supports JPEG photos. Android phones and iPhones/iPads capture photos in JPEG format by default.
Loading photos: Photos must be loaded while on site for accurate timestamps and geolocation tags. On a mobile device, you will use the device's camera to take the photo.
Offline support: The current version does not support offline use—you will need an internet connection. This feature will be available after receiving initial feedback from users.
Equipment Retrofit
Quality installation documentation workflows are available for the following equipment:
- Heat pump water heater
- Ductless heat pump
- Central ducted split heat pump
Enclosure Upgrades
Quality installation documentation workflows are available for the following enclosure upgrades, as well as workflows for health and safety checks:
- Pre-energy efficiency upgrade combustion safety check
- Health and safety checks for:
- Pre-attic area energy efficiency upgrade
- Pre-crawlspace or basement energy efficiency upgrade
- Attic air sealing
- Duct sealing and insulation
- Attic insulation
- Rim joist air sealing and insulation
- Vented crawlspace
- Crawlspace encapsulation
- Post-energy efficiency upgrades combustion safety check
Sample Reports
The sample PDF reports contain example photos for the various photo prompts.
- Attic air sealing
- Attic insulation
- Heat pump water heater
- Central ducted split heat pump
- Ductless heat pump
Contact Us
Please email Edward Louie with your feedback. Your valuable insights will play a pivotal role in enhancing the user experience and optimizing the tool's functionality.