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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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)

ASHRAE 62.2-2016

BPI CEU’s: 6.5

Prerequisites: None

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

Description:

This one-day course explains ASHRAE 62.2-2016 and its importance in maintaining healthy indoor air quality after Weatherization. The class covers compliance requirements, ventilation options, equipment selection, installation, controls, testing, client education, and data input for ASHRAE calculators. Participants will learn how to meet ASHRAE standards while ensuring occupant health and comfort.

Learning Objectives:

By attending this session, participants will be able to:

  • Discuss air sealing and ASHRAE interactions
  • Review 62.2 2016 requirements
  • Explore compliance options
  • Look at installation and testing
  • Reinforce the importance of client education
  • Interaction with WAweb and ASHRAE

ASHRAE 62.2-2016

BPI CEU’s: 3.25

Prerequisites:

  • Weatherization 101 is helpful
  • Understanding how to run a blower door is helpful

Training Type: Comprehensive, (JTA = Energy Auditor)

Description:

This one-day class is intended to provide a comprehensive perspective on ASHRAE 62.2-2016 compliance. Air sealing is a fundamental and necessary part of Weatherization that often leads to the home being tighter than is prudent to maintain healthy indoor air quality (IAQ). We will address the “whys,” the need for ventilation, and hopefully answer the question: “When do we stop air sealing?” Mechanical ventilation replaces this lack of natural air exchange. As occupant ventilation will be required on most homes, multiple options such as bath fans, range hoods, in-line fans, HRVs and ERVs can be used for compliance. This class will cover requirements of the standard, equipment selection criteria, installation issues, controls, operational testing, and client education. Data input for ASHRAE calculators will also be discussed.

Learning objectives:

By attending this session, participants will be able to:

  • Discuss air sealing and ASHRAE interactions
  • Review 62.2 2016 requirements
  • Explore compliance options
  • Look at installation and testing
  • Reinforce the importance of client education