Foundation Insulation

BPI CEU’s: 6.5

Prerequisites: None

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

Description:

This one-day course will cover techniques and best practices for insulating foundations in the Weatherization Assistance Program following the Michigan Field Guide (MFG) and Standard Work Specifications (SWS). We will cover the characteristics of foundations and how best to approach these sometimes- challenging installations. Included will be proper vapor/soil gas retarder installation, air sealing, worker safety, standards, and acceptable insulation application. The in-person course will be a combination of classroom and lab activities using foundation props.

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
  • Recognize proper installation of vapor/soil gas retarder, insulation, and air sealing measures
  • Validate effectiveness of installed measures

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.

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

Foundation Insulation

BPI CEU’s: 6.5

Prerequisites: None

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

Description:

This one-day course will cover techniques and best practices for insulating foundations in the Weatherization Assistance Program following the Michigan Field Guide (MFG) and Standard Work Specifications (SWS). We will cover the characteristics of foundations and how best to approach these sometimes- challenging installations. Included will be proper vapor/soil gas retarder installation, air sealing, worker safety, standards, and acceptable insulation application. The in-person course will be a combination of classroom and lab activities using foundation props.

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
  • Recognize proper installation of vapor/soil gas retarder, insulation, and air sealing measures
  • Validate effectiveness of installed measures

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

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

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

Zone Pressure Diagnostics (ZPD)

BPI CEU’s: 6.5

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 course introduces zone pressure diagnostics (ZPD) as a practical tool for evaluating building performance. Participants will learn how ZPD helps identify air boundary locations, leakage areas, pressure imbalances, and duct leakage, supporting quality control and improving indoor air quality, health, comfort, and energy efficiency. The class demonstrates that ZPD testing is simple, effective, and a valuable addition to your toolkit.

 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