Tag: Weatherization

Bozeman, MT – Retrofit Installer Technician: Mechanical Systems

Retrofit Installer Technician: Mechanical Systems

Course Description

This course covers residential weatherization practices for installers, with emphasis on assessment, troubleshooting, and improvement of mechanical systems such as furnaces, boilers, domestic hot water systems, and ventilation systems. Skills taught include combustion analysis, assessment of ventilation systems, and pressure diagnostics at the shell and ductwork. The companion course (RIT Building Shell 101) covers insulation, air-sealing, and exterior repairs. Both courses are aligned with the NREL Job Task Analysis for Crew Leader (that now includes RIT).

This course immerses students in practice scenarios. Upon completion of the class, students will have hands-on experience performing the most common tasks needed to assess and improve common mechanical systems.

CEUs

This course includes 22.5 contact hours and can qualify as 22.5 continuing education units (CEUs) toward Home Energy Professional Recertification.

Course Objectives

  • Select appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for assessment and remediation tasks
  • Evaluate and improve the performance of heating and domestic hot water systems
  • Troubleshoot and repair simple HVAC issues
  • Perform advanced pressure diagnostics of building shells and duct systems, and use findings to specify typical air-sealing tasks
  • Evaluate and improve the performance of mechanical ventilation systems
  • Demonstrate basic equipment and tool maintenance

Organization of Course

This is a lecture-lab course. Lecture topics are presented in the classroom setting followed by hands-on practice in the lab. The class is appropriate for students who have had a basic introduction to weatherization training and are ready for advanced “hands-on” training. Student participation in discussions in the classroom and in the lab exercises is very important. This course has a written final exam and student participation is graded as pass/fail.

Grading Criteria and Passing Score

The final exam is a group participation exam taken electronically. Group exams better engage students and allow students the opportunityto discuss questions and answers with each other and instructors. Exams are not graded but rather instructors ensure each student leaveswith an understanding of course content.

Students receive course credit through attendance and group participation throughout class.

Audience

  • Private Contractors
  • Program Managers
  • Weatherization Professionals
  • Building Managers

Course Fees

  • $725 for the public
  • Free for associates of the Montana Weatherization Workforce

For additional information contact the Center at classes@weatherization.org or you can call (406) 586-0070.

 

REGISTER HERE

Bellingham – Blower Door and Pressure Diagnostics

Course Description:

This Blower Door and Pressure Diagnostics* course is a 1-day (6 hour) training designed to provide new and current Building Analysts with the information needed to complete building envelope diagnostics in accordance with the Building Performance Institute (BPI) Building Analyst Technical Standards and the Washington State Department of Commerce Weatherization Specifications. Instruction will include introduction and review of building science concepts, use of required equipment, and procedures required for proper diagnostic testing.

Reference Material:

• WA State Diagnostic Results Form

• WA State Department of Commerce Specs

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.

Bellingham – Building Science Principles

This Building Science Principles (formerly Introduction to Weatherization and Building Science) course is a 1-day training designed to introduce weatherization and building science principles. Students will participate in classroom instruction referencing the Building Performance Institute’s Building Science Principles Reference Guide.

Resources:

Course Content & Objectives:

    • Describe both the background of weatherization and key aspects of the weatherization process
    • Identify the types of energy movement and describe how they operate in the home
    • Summarize building science and describe pressure and thermal concepts
    • Describe how a house functions as a system of systems
    • Identify mechanical systems and describe their purpose and basic operation
    • Describe the audit process and recognize the required data for energy modeling
    • Identify appropriate weatherization measures based on Washington state guidelines
    • Perform a basic blower door test and describe the basics of combustion safety testing

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.

Webinar – Building Science Principles

Course Description:

This Building Science Principles course is a 1-day training designed to introduce weatherization and building science principles. Students will participate in online instruction referencing the Building Performance Institute’s Building Science Principles Reference Guide.

It is recommended that a Building Science Principles guide be purchased for each student or for each agency/company. The structure of the course is built around this textbook and is helpful for study and note taking.

Note: this course does NOT include the BSP certificate exam. This is hosted on the BPI website

Resources:

Course Content & Objectives:

  • Describe both the background of weatherization and key aspects of the weatherization process
  • Identify the types of energy movement and describe how they operate in the home
  • Summarize building science and describe pressure and thermal concepts
  • Describe how a house functions as a system of systems
  • Identify mechanical systems and describe their purpose and basic operation
  • Describe the audit process and recognize the required data for energy modeling
  • Identify appropriate weatherization measures based on Washington state guidelines
  • Describe a basic blower door test and describe the basics of combustion safety testing

Course Requirements:

Technology

• Ability to download documents or access documents as needed

• BPC provided online Learning Management System – Moodle link to be sent by BPC

Expectation of attendance and class participation

Prerequisites and Work Experience:

• None necessary

Assessments and Grading:

All assessments will be multiple choice question style

• In-progress assessment activities throughout

• One final assessment

• Candidate must achieve a 70% or higher to pass the final assessment

REGISTER HERE

Bellingham – Blower Door and Pressure Diagnostics

Course Description:

This Blower Door and Pressure Diagnostics* course is a 1-day (6 hour) training designed to provide new and current Building Analysts with the information needed to complete building envelope diagnostics in accordance with the Building Performance Institute (BPI) Building Analyst Technical Standards and the Washington State Department of Commerce Weatherization Specifications. Instruction will include introduction and review of building science concepts, use of required equipment, and procedures required for proper diagnostic testing.

Reference Material:

• WA State Diagnostic Results Form

• WA State Department of Commerce Specs

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.

Bellingham – Building Science Principles

This Building Science Principles (formerly Introduction to Weatherization and Building Science) course is a 1-day training designed to introduce weatherization and building science principles. Students will participate in classroom instruction referencing the Building Performance Institute’s Building Science Principles Reference Guide.

Resources:

Course Content & Objectives:

    • Describe both the background of weatherization and key aspects of the weatherization process
    • Identify the types of energy movement and describe how they operate in the home
    • Summarize building science and describe pressure and thermal concepts
    • Describe how a house functions as a system of systems
    • Identify mechanical systems and describe their purpose and basic operation
    • Describe the audit process and recognize the required data for energy modeling
    • Identify appropriate weatherization measures based on Washington state guidelines
    • Perform a basic blower door test and describe the basics of combustion safety testing

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.

Webinar – Building Science Principles

Course Description:

This Building Science Principles (formerly Introduction to Weatherization and Building Science) course is a 1-day ONLINE training designed to introduce weatherization and building science principles. Students will participate in online classroom instruction referencing the Building Performance Institute’s Building Science Principles Reference Guide.

Resources:

Course Content & Objectives:

    • Describe both the background of weatherization and key aspects of the weatherization process
    • Identify the types of energy movement and describe how they operate in the home
    • Summarize building science and describe pressure and thermal concepts
    • Describe how a house functions as a system of systems
    • Identify mechanical systems and describe their purpose and basic operation
    • Describe the audit process and recognize the required data for energy modeling
    • Identify appropriate weatherization measures based on Washington state guidelines
    • Perform a basic blower door test and describe the basics of combustion safety testing

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.

National Weatherization Day

Celebrate Weatherization Day: Four Ways to Make Your Home More Comfortable and Save on Utility Bills

Every year on October 30th, we celebrate Weatherization Day and raise awareness about the importance of making homes more energy efficient and comfortable. Weatherization Day highlights the success of the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), which has been helping people lower their energy costs since 1976. But while the WAP focuses on supporting low-income households, which bear the greatest energy burden, weatherization is something every home can benefit from.

Weatherizing your home by sealing air leaks, upgrading insulation, and installing energy-efficient equipment are some of the best ways to improve comfort, make your home more durable, and lock in savings on your utility bill. With support available through programs like the WAP and tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act, weatherization is more accessible than ever, and it offers long-term benefits for both your wallet and your well-being.

Why Weatherization Matters

Weatherizing your home can make an especially big difference as temperatures fluctuate throughout the year. Sealing air leaks, adding insulation, and upgrading heating and cooling systems keep your home at a consistent temperature, minimizing drafts and making it easier to stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. These improvements can also significantly lower your utility bills by reducing the amount of energy your home needs to maintain those comfortable temperatures.

Four Tips to Improve Comfort and Lower Energy Costs:

  1. Subscribe to Comfort Ready Home’s YouTube Channel
    Stay informed with weatherization and energy efficiency tips by subscribing to our YouTube channel. We regularly post new videos that can help you make informed decisions on how to improve your home’s comfort and efficiency.
  2. Visit Our Interactive Home Upgrade Page
    Our homeowner webpage encourages you to explore a variety of weatherization solutions that can help you address issues like high energy bills, inadequate indoor air quality, and your home’s environmental footprint.
  3. Take Advantage of Utility Rebates and Assistance Programs
    Utility Rebate programs and The Weatherization Assistance Program are designed to help you access critical home improvements. By providing incentives and payment for energy efficiency upgrades, these programs reduce energy costs and increase comfort for those who need it most. Check with your local utility to learn about next steps to start making your home more energy efficient.
  4. Explore Tax Incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act
    Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, many homeowners can now access tax credits and rebates for energy-efficient upgrades like insulation, heat pumps, and efficient windows. These incentives can significantly reduce the upfront costs of weatherizing your home.

Early fall is a great time to consider how your home can work smarter for you and keep you comfortable through the winter. Happy Weatherization Day!

 

Bellingham – Blower Door and Pressure Diagnostics

Course Description:

This Blower Door and Pressure Diagnostics* course is a 1-day (6 hour) training designed to provide new and current Building Analysts with the information needed to complete building envelope diagnostics in accordance with the Building Performance Institute (BPI) Building Analyst Technical Standards and the Washington State Department of Commerce Weatherization Specifications. Instruction will include introduction and review of building science concepts, use of required equipment, and procedures required for proper diagnostic testing.

Reference Material:

• WA State Diagnostic Results Form

• WA State Department of Commerce Specs

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.

Bellingham – Building Science Principles

This Building Science Principles (formerly Introduction to Weatherization and Building Science) course is a 1-day training designed to introduce weatherization and building science principles. Students will participate in classroom instruction referencing the Building Performance Institute’s Building Science Principles Reference Guide.

Resources:

Course Content & Objectives:

    • Describe both the background of weatherization and key aspects of the weatherization process
    • Identify the types of energy movement and describe how they operate in the home
    • Summarize building science and describe pressure and thermal concepts
    • Describe how a house functions as a system of systems
    • Identify mechanical systems and describe their purpose and basic operation
    • Describe the audit process and recognize the required data for energy modeling
    • Identify appropriate weatherization measures based on Washington state guidelines
    • Perform a basic blower door test and describe the basics of combustion safety testing

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.