Frequently Asked Questions about iRate^®

What are the costs involved with iRate?

iRate has an initial one-time only registration fee. Software upgrades and releases are included at no extra charge. Data storage, backup, and security are also included.

Once you are set up with your iRate site, you are billed on a per-address usage basis. Each address is billed a minimal one-time fee, regardless of how many services are scheduled or performed for that address. The current per-address fee is $5.00 for the first 500 addresses in a calendar year, $3.00 for the next 500 addresses, and $2.00 for any additional addresses.

Why is iRate web-based?

Everyone in your organization accesses the data in real-time, maintaining the consistency of all scheduling, job tracking, and billing information. All of your data is safely archived and securely stored off site.

How does iRate integrate with QuickBooks^®?

iRate "talks" to QuickBooks through the QuickBooks standard .iif files. Invoices created through iRate are exported to .iif files which are then imported to QuickBooks. QuickBooks Class Lists, Item Lists, etc., are exported to .iif files and imported to iRate.

How does iRate integrate with REM/Rate^®?

Data from REM/Rate building files is exported to an iRate database. iRate consolidates the data from the individual REM/Rate files and generates reports from the merged data.

Can iRate manage my RESNET requirements?

Yes — iRate has features which allow you to maintain your Rater Registry, Continuing Education credits, and RESNET Certification. RESNET QA requirements can be tracked and recorded in the iRate QA Module.

Can iRate manage my sampling protocol?

Yes — The Batch Management component of iRate allows you to set up and track batches according to the Sampling Protocol requirements.

Can iRate manage my utility program requirements?

Yes — iRate can set up and maintain Sponsor Programs for both Home Audit and New Construction programs. Homes can be included in reporting, billing, etc,. to Program Sponsors. Utility companies can be given a login to your iRate site which allows the utility to view its own information, reports, etc.

Can iRate manage the schedule of my entire company?

Yes — iRate integrates a job/work calendar with an Office Calendar. The job calendar includes all billable work; the Office Calendar manages other appmnts like meetings, vacation, etc. The master schedule shows all items from both calendars. The schedule can be displayed by individual, or entire company, in daily, weekly, or monthly views.

What kind of reporting can I expect from iRate?

iRate includes several standard reports, including the Energy Star Report. Custom reports can be built by the user with iRate's Custom Report Generator.