Training Type: Comprehensive

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.

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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
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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 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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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Mechanical Systems Inspections for Auditors (MSIA)

BPI CEU’s: 6.5                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Total Class Time:  1 day

Prerequisites: WX101 is helpful

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

Description:

This one-day course will provide auditors with the knowledge to properly identify the type and function of mechanical systems found in residential homes. Participants will be exposed to different system types, operational characteristics, sequences of operation along with basic testing procedures. In this introductory class to mechanical systems, students will gain the skills necessary to provide a general visual inspection with a focus on auditor responsibilities as part of the energy audit process.

Learning Objectives:

By attending this session, participants will be able to:

  • Recognize the components and operational characteristics of residential mechanical equipment
  • Discuss design characteristics and sequences of operation
  • Understand auditor responsibilities regarding visual inspection of existing appliances
  • Understand auditor responsibilities regarding operational testing of appliances
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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.

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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
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