Michigan Training & Education Center

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.

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

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

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

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

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)

Quality Control Inspector (QCI)

BPI CEU’s: 6.5

Prerequisites: It is recommended for certified Energy Auditors and Quality Control Inspectors

Training Type: Comprehensive (JTA = Quality Control Inspector)

Description:

This one-day course will provide essential best practices for becoming an effective and certified Quality Control Inspector. 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 of 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

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.