Venting & Combustion Air

BPI CEU’s: 6.5

Prerequisites:​ None​

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

Intended Audience: The intended audience for this class are those in the EA or QCI JTA

Description:

This one-day course will prepare students how to ensure combustion appliance vent systems meet code for safe, reliable operation. Participants will learn NFPA-54 vent sizing, inspect materials and installation, address chimney and orphaned water heater issues.  This course will be a combination of classroom activities and hands-on exercises directed at vent sizing for all appliance categories and combustion air calculations.

 Learning Objectives:

By attending this session, participants will be able to:

  • Provide a basic visual inspection of existing vent systems
  • Follow NFPA 54 guidelines to properly size vents and vent connectors
  • Review installation concerns
  • Calculate combustion air requirements
  • Provide Code directed guidance for the resolution of problems

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 Health & Safety (H&S) has primarily been our main concern, there are also building durability, comfort, Indoor Air Quality (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

Energy Auditor

BPI CEU’s: 32.5

Prerequisites: Virtual Math Prep and Diagnostic Tools for Auditing are recommended but not required

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 advanced five-day course provides a complete overview of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to become an Energy Auditor. Participants will learn audit theory, concepts, and procedures through classroom instruction and hands-on practice, covering the entire audit process from start to finish. Designed for those with prior knowledge, this training integrates previous learning into a comprehensive approach to performing energy audits.

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

PLEASE NOTE: Due to this class being part of a training series, your registration will initially be placed on a waitlist. MiTEC will reach out to confirm student’s training path to approve registration.

Mobile Home Weatherization

BPI CEU’s: 6.5

Prerequisites:​ Weatherization 101 preferred but not required

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

Description:

This one-day course provides an in-depth look at the unique characteristics of mobile home construction and offers practical guidance on installing energy-saving measures. Participants will learn the proper techniques for installing weatherization measures and explore proven strategies for successful mobile home weatherization. This course will be a combination of classroom and lab activities using mobile home props.

Learning Objectives:

By attending this session, participants will be able to:

  • Observe aspects of mobile home construction and components
  • Recognize mobile home specific tools and requirements
  • Identify mobile home specific health and safety concerns
  • Review air sealing techniques specific to mobile homes
  • Address duct system sealing, repairs, and diagnostics
  • Determine appropriate mobile home retrofit insulation techniques and options
  • Exercise general mobile home best practices

NEAT/MHEA Data Entry

BPI CEUs: 13.0

Prerequisites: None

Intended Audience: JTA= Energy Auditor

Description:

This two-day course will instruct users on data entry and evaluation of energy conservation measures using Weatherization Assistant (WAweb). We will review audit forms and discuss methodology behind data entry. Class participants will individually model a sample home and create a Measures Report for evaluation.

 Please bring a computer (a tablet will not work).

Learning Objectives:

By attending this session, participants will be able to:

  • Select proper libraries in creation of an audit
  • Reinforce the importance of proper data entry
  • Input data in an appropriate manner for accurate calculation of SIR
  • Run a Measures Report with appropriate ECM’s specified
  • Ensure Itemized Measures are also documented in the report

Math Prep

BPI CEUs: 4.0

Prerequisites: None

Training Type: Specific

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 half-day virtual course offers an in-depth look at the math skills needed for Building Analyst Professionals and Energy Auditors. Participants will learn key calculations, formulas, and techniques for evaluating building performance, energy efficiency, and diagnostics. The session emphasizes practical, real-world applications to prepare attendees for certification and professional practice.

Students should bring a basic calculator and a notepad.

 Learning Objectives:

By attending this session, participants will be able to:

  • Calculate surface area of walls, floors, windows, doors, and other 3D forms; determine area of triangles and volume of rectangular/triangular spaces
  • Use Pythagorean Theorem and compute rise height based on slope and run
  • Calculate insulation needs by density and understand R-Value, U-Value, and Total R-Value
  • Determine heat load for equipment sizing and calculate seasonal heat loss for energy/cost savings
  • Complete BTU conversions, calculate Heating Degree Days, and compute kWh usage with baseload formulas for various fuels
  • Calculate Simple Payback and Savings-to-Investment Ratio (SIR) for energy improvements
  • Apply ASHRAE 62.2-2016 ventilation requirements
  • Calculate water fixture flow rates (GPM)

Weatherization 101

BPI CEU’s: 6.5

Prerequisites:​ None​

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

Description:

This one-day course will cover principles and theories of building science, as well as basic techniques and strategies used in weatherization.  Training will focus 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 performing diagnostic testing and understanding baseload, ventilation, weatherproofing, and mechanical measures.

Learning Objectives:

By attending this session, participants will be able to:

  • Understand possible interactions of different home elements
  • Recognize possible effects of changes made during weatherization
  • Locate and recognize the thermal and pressure boundaries
  • Describe how driving forces affect 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 the 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.

Air Sealing

BPI CEU’s: 6.5

Prerequisites: Weatherization 101 preferred but not required

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

Description:

Air Sealing is a one-day course emphasizing the importance of effective air sealing within the Weatherization Assistance Program. Focusing on effective  techniques we will discuss and implement how to detect air sealing opportunities, common leakage sites, determine appropriate tools and materials needed for air sealing. We will discuss air sealing guidance and best practices along with verifying that an effective air barrier has been established. This course is a combination of classroom and lab, using 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.

Mobile Home Weatherization

BPI CEU’s: 6.5

Prerequisites:​ Weatherization 101 preferred but not required

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

Description:

This one-day course provides an in-depth look at the unique characteristics of mobile home construction and offers practical guidance on installing energy-saving measures. Participants will learn the proper techniques for installing weatherization measures and explore proven strategies for successful mobile home weatherization. This course will be a combination of classroom and lab activities using mobile home props.

Learning Objectives:

By attending this session, participants will be able to:

  • Observe aspects of mobile home construction and components
  • Recognize mobile home specific tools and requirements
  • Identify mobile home specific health and safety concerns
  • Review air sealing techniques specific to mobile homes
  • Address duct system sealing, repairs, and diagnostics
  • Determine appropriate mobile home retrofit insulation techniques and options
  • Exercise general mobile home best practices

Dense Pack Wall Insulation

BPI CEU’s: 6.5

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 Wall Insulation is an in-depth, one-day course intended to cover the principles behind dense pack wall 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. We will explore the guidance, best practices, and filling techniques related to dense pack insulation. This course will be a combination of classroom and lab activities using 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