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Weatherization Course OfferedApplying The ASHRAE 62.2 Ventilation StrategyFor an extended period of time, Indiana’s Weatherization Program has been following the ASHRAE 62-89 ventilation strategy as a guideline for building tightness and determining a ‘Minimum Ventilation Requirement’. ASHRAE has since developed a new strategy called the ASHRAE 62.2 that gives partial credit for infiltration and exfiltration as a ventilation strategy, whereas the 62-89 before it had given full credit. Beginning January 2012, the Weatherization Program requires full implementation of the ASHRAE 62.2. This will change how we address the MVR and assess ventilation. This course will cover the background behind developing the 62.2, how it applies to retrofit work, and what energy auditors need to know regarding equipment performance, sizing and selection criteria. We will demonstrate the INCAA 62.2 Spreadsheet to make processing this information a breeze. Out-of-Network Cost: $700.00 per person Carbon Monoxide and Combustion AnalysisThis one-day segment of the Advanced Heating Systems training is designed to provide Weatherization Auditors and Heating Technicians with the causes of carbon monoxide problems and the mitigation procedures. Also, learn how to operate a combustion analyzer to perform combustion analysis. Out-of-Network Cost: $700.00 per person CAZ Pressure Diagnostics for Auditors and Heating TechsThis one-day class is intended to look at (“Worst Case”) pressure testing of the CAZ from a more complete perspective than what is required for shell technicians in the Daily Safety Test Out procedure. Health and Safety has always been our first consideration when performing CAZ pressure testing – we have been long familiar with the term “Worst Case” draft testing. But, there are also building durability, IAQ, comfort and energy efficiency issues that we must consider. In this class, we will look at concepts and causes of pressure problems along with testing procedures and test equipment. Participants will be challenged to interpret pressure diagnostic test results and identify appropriate repairs to make the building work in all respects. This class is geared toward Auditors and Technicians who are responsible for performing CAZ pressure diagnostics and affecting repairs. Out-of-Network Cost: $700.00 per person Client EducationThis one-day course focus’ on all aspects of client education throughout the weatherization process. In 2017, Department of Energy (DOE) issued the WPN 17-7 Health and Safety Guidance. In this guidance, DOE provided very specific requirements for client education related to each topic incorporated in this document. This client education course is fully aligned for WAP compliance with WPN 17-7. The course will also teach/train weatherization workers on the aspects of proper use and maintenance of all systems WAP installs as part of the weatherization process. We will also focus on client education that will help the clients understand how they can maximize and take control of their energy savings by incorporating small, no cost changes into their daily habits with a focus on decreasing base-load energy use. Out-of-Network Cost: $700.00 per person Communication in WeatherizationCommunication is probably the least discussed product and tool we train on, discuss, and work to improve in the weatherization; however, it is probably one of the most valuable assets in our weatherization toolkit. It is the only constant that crosses all roles in the Weatherization Assistance Program from the Department of Energy to Grantees to Sub-grantees to contractors, including all contracted roles such as NREL, IREC, Oakridge Laboratories, State Monitors, Training Centers, HVAC professionals, and Retrofit Installer Professional; and clients. Did you know that 93% of all communication is non-verbal? That means colleagues are listening more to what we are NOT saying with our words than they are to the actual words we are speaking. This course is designed to bring awareness to how our communication is delivered to others, how it is heard by others, and how it can improve our work environment and the effectiveness with which we work. It is also a key in delivering effective client education to assist WAP in maximizing energy savings and prolonging the life of the measures we install. Strong communication skills can also help keep job flow moving forward in order to assist sub-grantees in attaining completions in a timely manner. Out-of-Network Cost: $700.00 per person Crew LeaderAn IREC-accredited CourseCrew Leader is a course that has been accredited by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC). This training course is designed to instruct designated supervisors of each shell crew on work scope strategies, quality control, safe practices and work sites, testing procedures, documentation and conducting final walk-throughs. Course Objectives This course will cover:
Course Details
What You Will Learn
Course Prerequisite Successful completion of the Retrofit Installer—Shell course What is a Crew Leader? A Crew Leader is a residential energy-efficiency professional who overlooks all retrofitting activities that are specified in a job’s work scope. He or she is responsible for interacting with the client, managing personnel and materials, and maintaining job site safety. About NREL's Job Task AnalysisThe Crew Leader course follows the NREL’s Crew Leader Job Task Analysis (JTA). The JTA is the foundation for the IREC credentialing program, identifying critical knowledge areas, work functions and skills for a professional working in the field. The JTA was created by subject matter experts (SMEs) and includes a blueprint for the examination used in the course. Out-of-Network Cost: $2,100.00 per person Daily Safety Test-Out ProceduresThis one-day course will cover the basics of DSTO. In the early portion of the day, we review the DSTO form in detail. We discuss the entire DSTO process of how to set up the house to determine the worst-case combustion appliance zone (CAZ) depressurization, the effects of exhaust equipment, the effects of door positions, the effects of duct leakage, and HVAC equipment operation mode. The afternoon portion of the course is a “hands-on” interactive demonstration where we will conduct the DSTO procedure while completing the DSTO form. The target audience for this course is for those who do are not required to complete comprehensive HVAC and/or water heater diagnostic and safety testing or for those would like a refresher on basic safety and diagnostic testing related to HVAC and/or water heaters. The goal of this course to ensure the home is left in a safe condition at the end of weatherization workday. Out-of-Network Cost: $700.00 per person DOE Weatherization Health & Safety PolicyIn 2011, DOE issued a new Weatherization Program Notice (11-06) in an attempt to provide clearer guidance for Health and Safety issues that we discover in houses we weatherize. This guidance tells us what is allowable and what is not allowable....it all boils down to the State Plan. We will detail the WPN-11-06 and then find what the Indiana State Plan says. From there, we can strategize how to work through issues so we can produce "Healthy Homes". Out-of-Network Cost: $700.00 per person Electric Furnace & Heat Pump InspectionsThis is a two-day course designed to give Weatherization Auditors and Heating Technicians the skills and knowledge necessary to inspect and evaluate electric furnaces and heat pump systems. We will cover the sequence of operations and proper control setup to gain the most efficiency from heat pump systems. Prerequisites: Out-of-Network Cost: $700.00 per person Energy AuditorAn IREC-Accredited CourseEnergy Auditor is a course that has been accredited by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC). Course DescriptionGoal Learning Objectives
Course Details
Prerequisites
Additionally (not required):
What is an Energy Auditor?An energy auditor is a residential energy-efficiency professional who evaluates the energy efficiency, health and safety of a home and conducts field measurements to identify areas for savings. The energy auditor produces a report of this information and recommends changes to the customer, client or contractor. About NREL's Job Task AnalysisThis course follows the NREL’s Energy Auditor Job Task Analysis (JTA). The JTA is the foundation for the IREC credentialing program, identifying critical knowledge areas, work functions and skills for a professional working in the field. The JTA was created by subject matter experts (SMEs) and includes a blueprint for the examination used in the course. Out-of-Network Cost: $3,500.00 per person Heating System Airflow DiagnosticsThis one-day segment of the Advanced Heating Systems training is designed to provide Weatherization Auditors and Heating Technicians with the process to calculate the required airflow and the tools necessary to measure airflow in a duct system. Learn how static pressure and duct sizing relate to the temperature rise of a furnace. Out-of-Network Cost: $700.00 per person Healthy Home Evaluator for HHE CertificationFrom identifying asthma triggers and risk of lead poisoning to testing for CO and other health hazards, tremendous opportunity exists to incorporate a healthy home analysis into home performance assessments. The Healthy Homes Evaluator course is designed to prepare BPI Building Analyst, Multifamily Building Analyst, Energy Auditors, and Quality Control Inspectors to identify and evaluate health-related hazards in a client’s home from a new perspective. This course will delve deeply into the 8 “Keep It Principles” of a Healthy Home and the potential health impacts of housing hazards. For those with the above-mentioned certifications, this course will prepare them to take the Healthy Homes Evaluator Test and obtain the BPI Healthy Home Evaluator(HHE) credential. A credentialed HHE will then be able to assess home-based environmental health and safety hazards and to provide a prioritized list of recommendations to address those hazards. For those who have no BPI credentials, this course builds upon the general knowledge learned in other courses taught at Indiana Community Action Association. *For those seeking HHE certification, the first attempt at testing is funded by IHCDA (for those within the Indiana Weatherization Network only) Prerequisites: (1) Lead-Safe Weatherization; (2) Moisture Course; and (3) review of the BPI Certification Scheme for HHE. See link below: http://www.bpi.org/sites/default/files/Healthy%20Home%20Evaluator%20Scheme%20Handbook.pdf Recommended: For those seeking HHE certification it is recommended, but not required to complete a comprehensive Healthy Home Evaluation in an occupied home with a certified HHE. To schedule this, please contact Christin Willman, BPI HHE at [email protected] or 317-638-4232. Out-of-Network Cost: $2,100.00 per person High Performance InsulationThe class is designed to provide auditors and installers with thorough knowledge of these two insulation products which have become very popular in Indiana’s Weatherization Program. Regarding spray foam, we will explore the best applications for “two-part”, alternative packaging and delivery systems, and safe practices. Topics relating to “dense pack” are the details that make dense pack perform better than standard wall insulation, how to recognize and treat “key junctures” that are common in older buildings, and introduction to all of the relevant tools and techniques. One day will be spent in the field. Out-of-Network Cost: $700.00 per person Lead Safe WeatherizationLead Safe Weatherization will be part lecture and part hands-on. The hands-on portion will demonstrate typical Weatherization measures where lead safety is needed. There is a study period and a written test at the end of the day. This course is NOT a Lead Renovator course and does NOT fulfill the Lead Renovator requirement. Rather, this course will identify practices that workers must implement to provide lead safety in the workplace for themselves as well as the occupants of the home. Out-of-Network Cost: $700.00 per person Mechanical Systems for AuditorsThis is an introductory class that will look at the different types of mechanical systems in Weatherization houses from an Auditor perspective. It will provide an overview of operational characteristics, components and testing considerations for gas, oil, solid fuel or electric furnaces, boilers, cook-stoves, water heaters, air conditioners and heat pumps. We will use the following forms as guidance for the inspection portion of the class: Gas Appliance Inspection, Oil Furnace, Boiler, Electric Furnace, Gas Range, Heat Pump and Wood Stove. Out-of-Network Cost: $1,400.00 per person Mobile Home WeatherizationThis two-day course is designed to address the unique characteristics of mobile homes. It has been updated to focus on the latest, most cost-effective weatherization approaches, such as duct sealing and "belly blow". This course is aimed at crew members as well as auditors. Day 1: Weatherizing Mobile Homes Day 2: Field Day for a Weatherizing Mobile Home Out-of-Network Cost: $1,400.00 per person Moisture AssessmentThe Moisture Assessment class will help technicians and auditors identify the conditions that promote mold growth. We will identify treatment options for less extensive mold conditions and best Weatherization practices to prevent mold growth. We will discuss health aspects for both workers and clients. Out-of-Network Cost: $700.00 per person NEAT/MHEAThis two-day course teaches the student how to utilize energy modeling software in order to determine a cost-effective strategy for the weatherization of site-built homes, manufactured homes, and some multifamily dwellings. The course is designed to benefit not only novice users of the software but also experienced users of the software. The course will include a tab-by-tab review of the software. The student will learn how to create and edit libraries within the software, how to use and create user-defined measures, how and where to edit materials and pricing, and how to enter site-built and manufactured home specifications into the software in order to obtain a valid scope of work. For students from the Indiana weatherization assistance program, the course will also include compliance with IHCDA policy and procedures. Each student will be required to input several models of differing types of housing. At the conclusion of the lecture portion of the course, students will be required to complete an end-of-course examination where the student will input data from a home to create from a NEAT audit report. Upon successful completion of the course and examination, the student will receive a certification of satisfactory completion. The certification of satisfactory completion fulfills the BPI prerequisite for energy modeling training. Out-of-Network Cost: $1,400 New Furnace Installation InspectionsThis training is designed to provide Weatherization Auditors and Heating Technicians with the Indiana New Furnace Installation Inspection Procedure and will focus on filling out the New Furnace Installation Inspection Form. Out-of-Network Cost: $700.00 per person
Quality Control InspectorAn IREC-accredited CourseFinal Inspector/Quality Control Inspector is a course that has been accredited by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC). Course DescriptionAt the root of every successful completion is a comprehensive and accurate evaluation of the entire Weatherization process. This course is designed to comprehensively encompass the domains and tasks as required for the Quality Control Inspector(QCI) and outlined within Job Task Analysis for QCI. During each day of class, there will be ample time to discuss questions and various scenarios from attendees. We will also spend time reviewing DOE and IHCDA policy, as well as BPI standards throughout this course. Day 1: We will cover the steps/application process as outlines by BPI. The course will follow the JTA, beginning with Domain 1: In-Process Evaluation while speaking to the details required with the in-process evaluation, including verification of compliance of safety regulations and evaluation of the in-process work quality. Day 2: We will focus our time on the Post-Work Evaluation and process. This will include a lecture on verifying installed measures and initial assessment of details; evaluating installed measures for compliance with standards; and ensuring complete understanding of the abilities and knowledge required to perform a high quality inspection. Day 3: We will focus on Project Compliance and Completion by discussing whether policy requirements for a successful completion have been met. We will also complete a mock full file and job review by writing up a QCI report, including the importance of writing reports that include commendations, identification of trends, and a diplomatic style of writing. Course ObjectivesThis course will:
Course Details
What You Will Learn
Course PrerequisiteSuccessful completion of the Energy Auditor course or equivalent What is a Quality Control Inspector (QCI)?A quality control inspector is a residential energy-efficiency professional who ensures the completion, appropriateness and quality of energy upgrade work by:
About NREL's Job Task AnalysisThe Final Inspector course follows the NREL’s Quality Control Inspector Job Task Analysis (JTA). The JTA is the foundation for the IREC credentialing program, identifying critical knowledge areas, work functions and skills for a professional working in the field. The JTA was created by subject matter experts (SMEs) and includes a blueprint for the examination used in the course. Out-of-Network Cost: $2,100 per person Retrofit Installer Shell An IREC-accredited Course
Retrofit Installer: Shell is a course that has been accredited by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC). Course DescriptionThis course is basic training for Retrofit Installers, the technicians whose work activities are largely comprised of insulating and air-sealing residential buildings, and whose work forms the core of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Weatherization Program. This is where installers learn the fundamental concepts of building science and how to use tools like the blower door to make buildings safe and efficient. This course is also a critical prerequisite for personnel who will advance to become Crew Leaders, Energy Auditors and Quality Control Inspectors. Course ObjectivesThis course will:
Course Details
What You Will Learn
Course PrerequisiteThere are no prerequisite courses. What is a Retrofit Installer?A Retrofit Installer is a residential energy efficiency technician who performs upgrades to site-built and manufactured homes. Installers use industry-recognized best practices to improve the safety, comfort, durability, air quality and energy efficiency of the homes on which they work. About NREL's Job Task AnalysisThe Retrofit Installer Shell course follows the NREL’s Quality Control Inspector Job Task Analysis (JTA) for Retrofit Installer. The JTA is the foundation for the IREC credentialing program, identifying critical knowledge areas, work functions and skills for a professional working in the field. The JTA was created by subject matter experts (SMEs) and includes a blueprint for the examination used in the course. Out-of-Network Cost: $4,200.00 per person (4 days of classroom and 2 days of field training) Vent Systems SizingThis one-day segment of the Advanced Heating Systems training is designed to provide Weatherization Auditors and Heating Technicians with the inspection process for vent systems, installation requirements and sizing procedures. Also, learn how to how to calculate combustion air requirements and solve related issues. Out-of-Network Cost: $700.00 per person Weatherization Mechanical for Heating TechniciansCourse DescriptionThis course is appropriate for all professionals who in Indiana are referred to as Heating Technicians — specifically, those who are responsible for the installation of mechanical equipment such as gas furnaces and appliances in residential buildings. Course ObjectivesThis course will cover:
Course Details
What You Will Learn
Course PrerequisiteParticipants must be heating system installers or service technicians or have attended a Basic Heating Systems training course or equivalent. What is a Retrofit Installer?A Retrofit Installer Technician is a residential heating professional who installs energy efficiency and safety upgrades in single-family homes and small (2-4 units) multi-family housing facilities. The technician uses a variety of building-science best practices to improve safety, comfort, durability, indoor air quality and energy efficiency. Out-of-Network Cost: $2,100 per person Whole House Heat Load CalculationsThis one-day course covers the methods, skills and inspection techniques Building Analysts need to calculate whole house heat load. This course will follow the ACCA Manual J heat loss procedure, utilize Blower Door air leakage information to determine heat loss associated with infiltration, and account for heat loss associated with air-sealed duct systems. Detailed building information of post-weatherization conditions are input into an Excel spreadsheet to determine a realistic post-weatherization heating load on the building. This heating load is then used to help select the most appropriate size of replacement furnace. Out-of-Network Cost: $700.00 per person Zone Pressure DiagnosticsThe class is designed to provide auditors, installers and crew leaders with an overview of the latest ZPD protocols and to provide an opportunity to spend a day experimenting with them at a house. We will utilize the latest tools and procedures to calculate total leakage path through secondary zones by the open-a-whole and open-a-door methods. Out-of-Network Cost: $1,400.00 per person
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