Training Type: Comprehensive

Zone Pressure Diagnostics (ZPD)

BPI CEU’s: 3.25

Prerequisites:​ None​

Training Type: Comprehensive, (JTA = Energy Auditor)

Intended Audience: While this class is intended for Energy Auditors and Quality Control Inspectors, it is also foundational for Crew Leaders

Description:

This one-day class is intended to provide participants with a better understanding of building operational characteristics and show how zone pressure diagnostics (ZPD) can be a valuable aid in evaluation of a structure. Pressure diagnostics can help in determining primary and secondary air boundary locations, connection of interior to exterior spaces – including garages, target leakage areas for air sealing, pressure imbalances in the building or even duct leakage. They are also valuable from a Quality Control perspective and can offer validation to workers that progress is being made. This is important because air leakage and what we do about it can have a huge impact on indoor air quality (IAQ) and health and safety (H&S), building durability, comfort and energy savings. The goal is to show that ZPD testing is easy to do and a valuable addition to your toolbox.

Learning objectives:

By attending this session, participants will be able to:

  • Estimate connectivity between interior and exterior zones
  • Determine the alignment of pressure and thermal boundaries
  • Estimate hole size ratios in primary versus secondary pressure boundaries
  • Interpret pressure pan readings for duct sealing opportunities
  • Identify main body, duct zone and room pressure imbalances due to air-handler operation
  • Interpret zone pressure diagnostic test results
  • Utilize advanced zone pressure diagnostics charts to calculate additional quantitative information for leakage sites
  • Assess the potential for health and safety, building durability, comfort or efficiency issues
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Air Sealing

BPI CEU’s: 3.25

Prerequisites: Weatherization 101 preferred but not required

Training Type: Comprehensive (JTA = Retrofit Installer, Crew Leader)

Description:

Air Sealing is a rigorous, one day, course emphasizing the importance of effective air sealing within the Weatherization Assistance Program. Focusing on known techniques and theory we will discuss and implement how to detect air sealing opportunities and common leakage sites, determine appropriate tools and materials need for air sealing, discuss air sealing guidance and best practices, and verify an effective air barrier has been established.  This course is a combination of classroom, and labs working on air sealing props.

Learning Objectives:

By attending this session, participants will be able to:

  • Describe the function and location of pressure and thermal boundaries
  • Summarize the basic concepts, theory, and principles of air leakage
  • Identify access to specific air sealing work areas
  • Apply protective measures and cleaning practices while working on the home
  • Recognize signals of compromised pressure and thermal boundaries
  • Characterize common air sealing tools, materials, and material characteristics
  • Categorize air sealing opportunities and common leakage sites
  • Explain basic blower door functionality to verify an effective air barrier has been established
  • Describe treatment options for walk-up attics and other unique air sealing details
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Weatherization 101 (Wx 101)

BPI CEU’s: 3.25

Prerequisites:​ None​

Training Type: Comprehensive, (JTA = Retrofit Installer, Crew Leader, Energy Auditor or Quality Control Inspector)

Intended Audience: This class is intended for all JTAs

Description:

This is a one-day class that covers principles and theories of building science, as well as basic techniques and strategies used in weatherization. We will be focusing on the house as a system concept and discuss how the measures we install affect the home’s pressure, moisture and temperature, and the overall “big picture” as it relates to building science. Further, we will cover the importance of understanding baseload, ventilation, weatherproofing, and mechanical measures as well as performing diagnostic testing.

Learning objectives:

By attending this session, participants will be able to:

  • Discuss possible interactions of different home elements
  • Recognize possible effects of changes made during weatherization
  • Locate and recognize thermal and pressure boundaries
  • Describe how driving forces effect home performance
  • Illustrate the link between air leakage, energy waste and moisture problems
  • Explain the principle behind the blower door and other diagnostic tools
  • Convey the need for ventilation and the related options and guidelines
  • Define need for weatherproofing any created building penetrations
  • Identify the importance of combustion safety throughout the work scope
  • Outline the impact of baseloads with regard to energy saving potential
  • Identify program fenestration repair and replacement perspective
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NEAT/MHEA Data Entry

This two-day class will review the required information that needs to be entered into the database for running a measures report on the home. To assist in data entry, we will review and create User Defined Measures, NEAT Insulation Types, and some Library Measures pricing. Itemized Costs, Incidental Repairs, and Mandatory Measures will be discussed before engaging in tab-by-tab data entry in the actual audit. Participants should bring a laptop or other appropriate device with Wx Assistant pre-loaded and a copy of their current database.

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Dense Pack Wall Insulation

BPI CEU’s: 3.25

Prerequisites: None

Training Type: Comprehensive, (JTA = Retrofit Installer, Crew Leader)

Intended Audience: This class is intended for those in the Retrofit Installer and Crew Leader JTAs.

Description:

Dense Pack Insulation is an in-depth, one-day course intended to cover the principles and theory behind dense pack sidewall insulation. This class will examine proper equipment set up and maintenance along with the necessary tools needed for optimal uniformity, target density, workflow, and production. Lastly, we will explore the guidance, best practices, and filling techniques related to dense pack insulation. This course is a combination of classroom, and labs working on dense pack wall props.

Learning objectives:

By attending this session, participants will be able to:

  • Identify access to specific dense pack insulation work areas
  • Apply protective measures and cleaning practices while working on the home
  • Explain the importance of achieving uniform density within the cavity
  • Select necessary dense pack tools, and materials (including safety equipment)
  • Identify insulation equipment setup and maintenance protocols
  • Reference dense pack related guidance and techniques
  • Demonstrate dense pack filling techniques
  • Illustrate methods to verify proper density has been achieved
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Quality Control Inspector (QCI)

BPI CEU’s: 1.63

Prerequisites:​

  • Successful completion of a Weatherization Energy Auditor course or equivalent OR
  • Currently hold a Building Analyst/Energy Auditor certification or have been working as an energy auditor OR
  • Have requisite experience in the energy conservation field

Additional recommended but not required:

  • Mechanical Systems for Auditors
  • Combustion Appliance Zone (CAZ) Pressure
  • Infrared thermography training

Training Type: Comprehensive, (JTA = Quality Control Inspector)

Description:

This one-day class is intended to provide individuals guidance toward gaining the BPI Home Energy Professional (HEP) Quality Control Inspector micro-credential within the requirements of the DOE Weatherization Assistance Program. Provided will be knowledge of the necessary steps to gain certification and identify the role and expectations of a QCI. We will outline techniques for evaluating the work scope completely and accurately from desktop preview to in-progress visits through job completion. We will also discuss measures effectiveness, missed opportunities, additional work, and report writing. This course will include a written assessment for final completion.

 

Learning Objectives:

By attending this session, participants will be able to:

  • Explore the steps to receive a QCI micro-credential through a BPI test center
  • Locate policy, regulations, and standards as they apply to a scope of work
  • Identify worker compliance with safety regulations
  • Indicate protocol of a QCI in-progress evaluation
  • Interpret on site documentation accuracy
  • Define installed measures and initial assessment details
  • Reference standards in relation to installed measures
  • Determine if scope of work policy requirements have been satisfied
  • Identify techniques and procedures for successful inspections
  • Describe desktop, in-progress, monitoring, and reporting methods
  • Trace QCI responsibilities related to the work scope from beginning to end
  • Evaluate missed opportunities and scope of work omissions.
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Foundation Insulation

BPI CEU’s: 3.25

Prerequisites: None

Training Type: Comprehensive, (JTA = Crew Leader or Retrofit Installer)

Description:

This is an in-depth one-day class that covers techniques and best practices for insulating foundations in the Weatherization Assistance Program. We will cover characteristics of foundations and how best to approach these sometimes-challenging installations. Included will be proper vapor barrier/soil gas retarder installation foundations, air sealing techniques for foundations, duct sealing techniques for foundations, worker safety, standards, and acceptable insulation application.

Learning objectives:

By attending this session, participants will be able to:

  • Recognize the importance of air sealing prior to insulation
  • Locate and verify access to specific work areas
  • Identify guidance and standards for acceptable installations
  • Organize equipment, tools, and materials necessary for proper installation
  • Demonstrate installation of vapor barrier/soil gas retarder, insulation, and air sealing measures
  • Validate effectiveness of installed measures
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Virtual Math Prep for Energy Auditors

Intended Audience: Students intending to take an Energy Auditor course or those who are preparing to challenge the BPI Online Energy Auditor exam.

Description:

This virtual session is designed to provide an in-depth look at the math comprehension needed to become an Energy Auditor and successfully pass the HEP EA BPI Online exam.   Upon registering, you will receive a Teams Meeting invitation to join the virtual session.

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Energy Auditor

BPI CEU’s: 8.00

Prerequisites:

  • Successful completion of Weatherization Installer or Crew Leader courses or equivalent OR
  • Currently hold a Building Analyst / Energy Auditor certification or have been working as an energy auditor OR
  • Have requisite experience in the energy conservation field

Additional knowledge recommended but not required:

  • Combustion Appliance Zone (CAZ) Pressure Diagnostics (1 day)
  • Mechanical Systems Inspection for Auditors (MSIA – 2 days)
  • ASHRAE 62.2-2016 (1 day)
  • NEAT/MHEA Setup and Maintenance (1 day)
  • NEAT/MHEA Data Entry (1 day)
  • Zone Pressure Diagnostics (ZPD) (1 day)

Intended Audience: This class is intended for those in the Energy Auditor JTA and who have prior experience in weatherization

Training Type: Comprehensive, (JTA = Energy Auditor)

Description:

This five-day class is intended to provide participants with the knowledge of the steps involved in the process of becoming an Energy Auditor in the DOE National Weatherization Program. In the classroom, we will discuss theory, concepts, inspection and the audit process from beginning to end interspersed with classroom activities to reinforce those concepts and inspection procedures. For hands-on, we will perform tasks associated with performing a complete energy audit. Participants are expected to have a knowledge base in place which will allow a viable transition from knowing to implementation. The goal of this class is to take information learned in other classes and in the field and “put it all together” into a comprehensive audit process. There are recommended prerequisites before taking this class.

Learning objectives:

By attending this session, participants will be able to:

  • Recognize the requirements needed to function as an Energy Auditor in the DOE Weatherization Program
  • Locate and discuss all forms and documents required as part of the audit process
  • Organize class information and previous knowledge base into a comprehensive field audit process
  • Demonstrate Auditor skills and inspection processes in the field per Michigan and BPI HEP EA standards
  • Formulate a viable work scope for a home
  • Validate work scope recommendations
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CAZ Pressure Diagnostics

BPI CEU’s: 6.5

Prerequisites: None

Training Type: Comprehensive, (JTA = Energy Auditor)

Intended Audience: This class is intended for those in the Energy Auditor JTA but will also benefit Crew Leaders.

Description:

This one-day class is designed for Auditors and Technicians who are responsible for performing CAZ pressure diagnostics and affecting repairs. We have long been familiar with the term “worst case” draft testing and while H&S has primarily been our main concern, there are also building durability, comfort, IAQ and efficiency issues that we must consider. In this class we will discuss concepts and root causes of pressure issues from a more holistic perspective along with CAZ testing procedures and equipment. This class has a hands-on portion where participants will perform pressure diagnostics on a test house. For a more complete perspective, participants will then be challenged to interpret diagnostic test results, identify appropriate repairs, and discuss predictability to help ensure that the building works in all respects during and after Weatherization.

While not a prerequisite, this course is recommended before taking the Energy Auditor course.

Learning objectives:

By attending this session, participants will be able to:

  • Define the concepts behind how structural and mechanical systems interact in residential buildings
  • Learn how pressure imbalances caused by these interactions create problems with health & safety, building durability, comfort and energy efficiency
  • Review all Auditor responsibilities regarding CAZ pressure testing and operational testing of appliances under “worst case” conditions
  • Explore how a review of the CAZ pressure testing results can help drive work scope development and remediation of problems
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