Efficiency First California

OVERCOMING INSTALLATION CHALLENGES WITH HEAT PUMPS
2024-04-16 09:30 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Heat Pumps are a big part of the solution to meeting California’s climate goals in buildings. In plain terms, they’re reversible air conditioners and have been around for over 100 years. This session is designed for HVAC contractors, builders, and others who want to understand how to install heat pumps right. We will cover how heat pumps can add value to your business, how heat pumps work and various configurations, and how to overcome common installation hurdles. Hurdles covered include dealing with existing ductwork, filtration requirements, cold weather, sizing, and electrical requirements. We will also discuss first costs, operating costs, and incentives.
Learning Outcomes:

Understand how focusing on heat pumps can add value to your business
Learn what energy code requirements apply to heat pumps and how variable capacity heat pumps (VCHPs) qualify for a significant compliance credit
Study various installation hurdles and how to overcome them
Learn typical first costs and operating costs, as compared to gas furnace split systems

Learning Units:
1.5 AIA LU approved for this course0.15 ICC CEU approved for this course
Instructors:
Nick Brown, Build Smart Group
Bobby Hahn, Pacific Systems Group – Bobby is the principal at Pacific System Group with 32 years in the HVACR Industry. His experience includes VRF, Ductless, DX Systems, Chilled Water, Air Quality, Filtration and Controls. Bobby is a member of the CABEC, IHACI, ASHRAE, ACCA, MANNA and was a past board member of the Institute of Heating and Air Conditioning Industry.

HEAT PUMP FUNDAMENTALS: SPACE CONDITIONING AND WATER HEATING – CLASS 4: HIGH PERFORMANCE FUNDAMENTALS SERIES
2024-04-25 15:00 - 17:00 | Online
This is class 4 of 6 in 3C-REN’s High Performance Fundamentals Certificate series. Earn a 3C-REN certificate of completion after finishing the series and passing short quizzes at the end of each class. This series will be hosted twice throughout 2023.

Having gained a solid understanding of high-performance building enclosures from classes 1 through 3 in 3C-REN’s High Performance Fundamentals series, participants are well-prepared for this class, which will provide a foundation in the use of heat pumps for both space conditioning (heating and cooling) and water heating. The class will cover what a heat pump is and explain why heat pumps are essential elements of high performance buildings. Special attention will be paid to refrigerants: how heat pumps use them, how to avoid leaks through proper installation, and why it’s important to avoid leaks due to the damage they can cause to contractor profitability and the planet. An overview will be provided to aid in selecting, sizing, installing, and commissioning heat pump equipment, so that it performs as intended.
Learning Objectives
After attending this class, participants will be able to:

Describe in lay language what a heat pump is, its benefits, and how it works;
Describe the environmental consequence of releasing small quantities of refrigerant to the atmosphere;
Define heat pump performance metrics and variables that differentiate different models;
Explain the process of sizing and selecting a heat pump;
List, in order, the steps for installing and commissioning a heat pump.

1.5 AIA|HSW LU’s available for this course
Instructors:

Dan Perunko, Balance Point Home Performance

WATER HEATING DISTRIBUTION BEST PRACTICES – CLASS 5: HIGH PERFORMANCE FUNDAMENTALS SERIES
2024-05-09 15:00 - 17:00 | Online
This is class 5 of 6 in 3C-REN’s High Performance Fundamentals Certificate series. Earn a 3C-REN certificate of completion after finishing the series and passing short quizzes at the end of each class.
Do you have any customers who wait a long time to get hot water somewhere in their house? Do you know someone who is frustrated watching the water run down the drain while waiting when outdoor watering is restricted due to drought? Have you ever wondered why a shower sometimes feels wimpy and what you can do about it without adding a boost pump? And, given the trend toward decarbonization, how do you pick a water heater that will provide customer satisfaction and be energy efficient? Would you like to know how to solve these and related problems in existing buildings and prevent them in new ones? We will discuss the answers to these and other questions during this fast-paced class.
Learning Objectives
After attending this class, participants will be able to:

Identify the causes underlying occupants’ number one hot water complaint (it takes too long for hot water to get from a water heater to fixtures) and what can be done to fix the problem in existing homes and prevent it in new ones.
Describe the value of the IAPMO Water Demand Calculator to right-size the plumbing in single-family and multifamily dwellings.
Assist homeowners in selecting replacement water heaters that will meet their household needs as well as State climate goals.
Summarize the variables that need to be evaluated when replacing an existing non-heat pump water heater with a heat pump model.

3C-REN REGIONAL FORUM: THE PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE OF HERS RATERS
2024-05-15 15:00 - 17:00 | Online
Event Description:
The 2025 code cycle will see large revisions to the HERS (Home Energy Rating System) Rating program. To prepare attendees to understand these changes, this virtual forum will first introduce the history of HERS Rating, what the program has accomplished, and why HERS Rating is important for code compliance. With this knowledge, attendees will be ready to learn what changes are anticipated for the 2025 code cycle and how it will impact their work.
Learning Objectives:
After attending this forum, participants will be able to summarize the history of the HERS Rating Program in California, identify how and why HERS Raters are important for home energy efficiency and code compliance, and explain the coming changes to the HERS Rating Program in the 2025 code cycle.
Panelists:
David Choo, Director of Compliance, CalCERTS
Rob Starr, Director of Technical Services, CHEERS
Javier Saucedo, Local HERS Rater, County of Ventura
Mike Little, Local HERS Rater, Central Coast

Installing Individual Heat Pump Water Heaters
2024-05-22 09:00 - 11:00 | Online
Course Overview
There are several design considerations for individual heat pump water heaters. In addition, heat pump water heaters can be an effective strategy to reduce grid peak loads. This course will provide an overview of heat pump water heaters and associated code requirements. The course will take a deep dive into design considerations discussing sizing, venting configurations, load shifting, and installation best practices. This course draws from experience of working through hundreds of heat pump water heater retrofits with design teams, contractors, and research projects.
Instructors:
Amy Dryden is Director of Strategic Innovations at the Association for Energy Affordability, Inc. specializing in strategic initiatives, codes and standards, program design, training, and research and development projects. She brings more than 20 years of experience in residential green building design and construction, consulting, and planning, and works to advance the industry to deliver sustainable and healthy housing. Amy has developed training and delivered in-person, in field, and distance learning trainings to design professional, consultants, contractors, builders, building inspectors, and plan reviewers. She has contributed to national, state, and local auditing and green building standards, for DOE, California Low Income Housing Tax Credit Programs, GreenPoint Rated and Building Performance Institute. Amy works with diverse set of stakeholders to provide healthy affordable housing in a decarbonized future. On the side she has the pleasure of driving an all-electric 1946 Ford pick-up.

Jack Aitchison has been at AEA since 2017 and is dedicated to reducing energy, carbon and hazardous indoor air quality issues in existing multifamily buildings. As a technical assistance (TA) provider for the Bay Area Multifamily Building Enhancement (BAMBE) program, Jack project manages energy upgrades across numerous multifamily buildings. Jack continues to manage the development of tools to support new technical aspects of energy efficiency programs AEA administers, including: energy savings, equipment sizing, eligibility, and rebate calculations for new or updated program elements. Jack also has also been instrumental in assisting companies bringing new technologies to the CA market such as retrofit heat pump HVAC systems and load shedding/sharing systems to make electrification projects more feasible. Jack holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Resources Engineering from Humboldt State University. Jack is a certified Engineer in Training (EIT), BPI Building Analyst (BA), and Certified Passive House Consultant (NAPHN).

HOME ASSESSMENTS FOR DECARBONIZATION – CLASS 6: HIGH PERFORMANCE FUNDAMENTALS SERIES
2024-05-23 15:00 - 17:00 | Online
This is class 6 of 6 in 3C-REN’s High Performance Fundamentals Certificate series. Earn a 3C-REN certificate of completion after finishing the series and passing short quizzes at the end of each class.
This class is designed to prepare building practitioners, who have basic to advanced knowledge of residential building, to assist homeowners on their pathways to electrification. We will cover all phases of the assessment process from understanding homeowner goals and setting expectations, through a methodical investigation and documentation of existing conditions and potential issues, to proposing and prioritizing solutions and offering implementation resources. A homeowner questionnaire template, existing condition form, and annotated electrification resource directory will be included as class handouts.
Learning Objectives
After attending this class, participants will be able to:

Estimate a homeowner’s anticipated future electrical loads
Identify equipment strategies to help minimize electric load additions
Guide homeowners in developing a comprehensive, prioritized electrification plan
Direct homeowners to credible, informative electrification resources

Instructors:

Ann Edminster, Design AVEnues LLC

WHEN TITLE 24 MODELING AND HVAC DESIGN MEET – REAL WORLD CASE STUDIES
2024-05-30 14:00 - 15:30 | Online
Join Russ King, CEO of Coded Energy Inc., and Nick, an energy consultant, as they make the case why energy consultants should add HVAC design to the services they offer. Title 24 consultants have all the data they need to do HVAC load calculations, and Russ has recently introduced new software that simplifies the workflow to create a Title 24 compliance model and a HVAC load calculation model, but only build a single model. Russ and Nick will show how the process works and use a few real-world projects to show why they think energy consultants can assist project design teams with key HVAC design decisions and boost their businesses by doing so.
Learning Objectives:

Learn the inputs needed to do HVAC load calculations through ACCA Manual J procedures.
Understand how HVAC design services can help your energy consulting business.
Get exposure to the 3-D modeling software that simplifies the work of creating Title 24 models and HVAC load calculations.
See real world examples of projects that used an energy consultant to provide recommendations for the HVAC system.

Instructors:
Nick Brown, Build Smart Group
Russ King, Coded Energy Inc.

PANEL DETECTIVES – ELECTRICAL PANEL ASSESSMENTS FOR HEAT PUMP INSTALLERS
2024-06-05 15:00 - 17:00 | Online
As more California homeowners begin electrifying their homes, heat pump installers will be faced with the challenge of navigating electrical panel challenges including condition, capacity, fitment, supply chain, etc. With panel and service upgrades being costly and complex, it’s important for practitioners to understand their options for running new circuits. In this session, you’ll hear from Electrify My Home discuss real-world electrical panel scenarios including visual assessments, electrical load calculations, and examples of different solutions for “making it work.”
Learning Objectives:

Explain why a full panel doesn’t necessarily mean no additional capacity is available
Name two reasons why upgrading a home’s electrical capacity may not be preferred
List two solutions to fitting new circuits into a panel where no physical space is available

DUCTLESS HEAT PUMPS – PART 1: ALL-ELECTRIC IN DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION SERIES
2024-06-20 09:30 - 11:00 | Online
All-Electric in Design & Construction Series
Incorporating all-electric systems into residential and small commercial projects can be a bumpy road, but understanding the nuts and bolts of specific systems helps smooth out the process. By identifying and reviewing specific products and manufacturers, we’ll provide architects, builders and owners with the tools to easily go from design and permitting to construction and operation.
This is a five-part series to pick-and-choose, or take all five:
Part 1: Ductless Heat Pumps will address ductless heat pumps for heating and cooling. They are generally visible in the room (wall or ceiling mount or recessed).

DUCTED HEAT PUMPS – PART 2: ALL-ELECTRIC IN DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION SERIES
2024-07-18 09:30 - 11:00 | Online
All-Electric in Design & Construction Series
Incorporating all-electric systems into residential and small commercial projects can be a bumpy road, but understanding the nuts and bolts of specific systems helps smooth out the process. By identifying and reviewing specific products and manufacturers, we’ll provide architects, builders and owners with the tools to easily go from design and permitting to construction and operation.
This is a five-part series to pick-and-choose, or take all five:
Part 1: Ductless Heat Pumps will address ductless heat pumps for heating and cooling. They are generally visible in the room (wall or ceiling mount or recessed).
Part 2: Ducted Heat Pumps will address ducted or semi-ducted heat pumps for heating and cooling.

ZONING FOR HEAT PUMPS – STRATEGIES FOR BEST OUTCOMES
2024-07-19 08:00 - 09:30 | Online
Zone control is a popular strategy for addressing different climate zones in a home. Many customers and contractors newer to heat pumps are drawn to multi-split systems that utilize a single outdoor unit to run multiple air handlers, but there can be unintended comfort sacrifices if not done carefully. In this webinar we will focus on various approaches to zone control for efficient and comfortable outcomes. We will compare traditional zoning with zone control, multi-split systems, multiple 1-to-1 systems, and combinations of these solutions.

Learning Objectives:

Name one downside of installing a single multi-split outdoor unit instead of multiple outdoor units
Explain why many mini split brands do not work well with traditional zone control
Describe one scenario where installing a multi-split unit makes sense

Heat Pumps for Heating and Cooling – Part 2: All-Electric Design and Construction Series
2024-08-08 09:30 - 11:00 | Online
All-Electric Design & Construction Series
On the path to Zero Net Carbon Design, building electrification is the key to reducing operational carbon. In this course, we’ll share the nuts and bolts of incorporating all-electric systems into residential and small commercial projects, including tips for implementation as well as client communication. We’ll provide straight-forward information on current systems and technologies plus a look ahead at what’s emerging in the market.
Part 1: Carbon Reduction through Building Electrification will address California’s targets for carbon reduction, status of the clean power grid, the role of energy storage and emerging options for refrigerants.
Part 2: Heat Pumps for Heating and Cooling, will address ducted and ductless heat pumps for thermal comfort.
Part 3: Domestic Hot Water, will focus on integrated and split-system Heat Pump Water Heaters, as well as combination systems and point-of-use electric resistance water heaters
Part 4: Ventilation and HRV, will look at exhaust fans, ducted ventilation and heat recovery ventilators that support energy efficiency and healthy interiors
Part 5: Appliances & Energy Storage, looks at electric options for cooktops, dryers and other appliances as well as current and emerging battery technologies for energy storage.
Learning Objectives

Learn the ‘why’ behind California’s shift to building electrification and the link to Zero Net Carbon Design
Learn the pros and cons of various products to help in selecting appropriate systems that meet electrification and carbon-reduction goals
Learn critical installation details such as dimensions and venting to call out in plans and/or identify early in construction
Understand the local market for specific all-electric/ZNCD equipment, including cost, availability and lead times

Instructors: Jennifer Rennick and Grant Murphy, In Balance Green Consulting
This series has been developed to fulfill the California requirement for five hours of ZNCD education as part of architecture license renewal. Although created with architects in mind, the content is broadly applicable across the building industry.
Zero Net Carbon Design CEUs Available, 1 HSW|LU per class, 5 HSW|LUs in total.

BUILDING THE FUTURE: ELECTRIFICATION STRATEGIES FOR CONTRACTORS AND ARCHITECTS
2024-08-23 08:00 - 09:30 | Online
Electrification is now the leading option for new buildings and major retrofit projects in California. 70+ municipalities have policies to phase out gas appliances and the state aims to have 6 million heat pumps installed by 2030. This will require a major paradigm shift in the way builders, architects, and related professionals approach the market. It also presents a giant opportunity to frame yourself or your business as an electrification expert. In this session, Electrify My Home will discuss this transition and the related business opportunity for specifying and installing well-designed all-electric buildings.

Learning Objectives:

Explain the importance of comprehensive electrification planning.
List one reason why commissioning is important for HVAC systems.
Describe the benefit of keeping ductwork within the building enclosure.

INTRODUCTION TO PASSIVE HOUSE TRADES
2024-08-27 09:00 - 11:00 | Online
Course Description
PHN’s Introduction to Passive House Trades course will broadly cover the following topics: Passive House basics, review typical construction types, windows and installation, air barriers and insulation and new, innovative PH products. It is crucial when working on Passive House buildings to properly install components, understand how to correctly implement design details, and asses and plan for the current and future performance of the building. This live online course is accompanied by mini video tutorials for various PH product installations, plus incorporates actual building of Passive House details relevant to the US construction industry.
Learning Objectives

Describe the five key principles of Passive House projects
Summarize typical materials and methods used for insulation and air barriers on Passive House projects
Explain challenging details seen on wood and steel framed construction projects and propose solutions on how these can be overcome
Describe the common approaches for air barrier application and insulation installation on residential and commercial projects
Explain systems that can be used to provide space conditioning and ventilation on Passive House projects
Describe how lighting selections and lighting controls impact electrical energy usage on a project
Summarize the difference between quality control vs. quality assurance, along with attributes of each concept
Describe the documentation requirements needed for passive house certification and identify how it overlaps with the overall quality assurance process.

Learning Units
2 AIA LU credits, pending for this course
Instructor(s)
Steve Mann, The Passive House Network and Home Energy Services

DOMESTIC HOT WATER – PART 3: ALL-ELECTRIC DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION SERIES
2024-08-29 09:30 - 11:00 | Online
All-Electric Design & Construction Series
On the path to Zero Net Carbon Design, building electrification is the key to reducing operational carbon. In this course, we’ll share the nuts and bolts of incorporating all-electric systems into residential and small commercial projects, including tips for implementation as well as client communication. We’ll provide straight-forward information on current systems and technologies plus a look ahead at what’s emerging in the market.
Part 1: Carbon Reduction through Building Electrification will address California’s targets for carbon reduction, status of the clean power grid, the role of energy storage and emerging options for refrigerants.
Part 2: Heat Pumps for Heating and Cooling, will address ducted and ductless heat pumps for thermal comfort.
Part 3: Domestic Hot Water, will focus on integrated and split-system Heat Pump Water Heaters, as well as combination systems and point-of-use electric resistance water heaters
Part 4: Ventilation and HRV, will look at exhaust fans, ducted ventilation and heat recovery ventilators that support energy efficiency and healthy interiors
Part 5: Appliances & Energy Storage, looks at electric options for cooktops, dryers and other appliances as well as current and emerging battery technologies for energy storage.
Learning Objectives

Learn the ‘why’ behind California’s shift to building electrification and the link to Zero Net Carbon Design
Learn the pros and cons of various products to help in selecting appropriate systems that meet electrification and carbon-reduction goals
Learn critical installation details such as dimensions and venting to call out in plans and/or identify early in construction
Understand the local market for specific all-electric/ZNCD equipment, including cost, availability and lead times

Instructors: Jennifer Rennick and Michelle Zimney, In Balance Green Consulting
This series has been developed to fulfill the California requirement for five hours of ZNCD education as part of architecture license renewal. Although created with architects in mind, the content is broadly applicable across the building industry.

BUILDING THE FUTURE: ELECTRIFICATION STRATEGIES FOR PLUMBERS
2024-09-06 08:00 - 09:30 | Online
Electrification is taking form in California – gas water heaters are being based out in the Bay Area by 2027 and over 70 municipalities have policies phasing out gas appliances. The massive transition from gas to electric will “spark” giant demand for all trades, including plumbers. In this session, Electrify My Home will introduce unique business opportunities for plumbers with a focus on heat pump water heaters, strategies for collaborating with other trades (e.g., electricians), and the importance of comprehensive electrification planning.

Learning Objectives:

Describe one feature of gas water heaters that’s lead to their phase-out.
What is the percentage of California homes with a gas water heater?
Explain why heat pump water heaters can be helpful for the electrical grid

Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) Installs for Plumbers & HVAC Technicians
2024-09-11 15:30 - 17:00 | Online
Event Description
Heat pump water heaters are where California is headed, and this workforce education aims to smooth that transition. Learn from experts how to install heat pump water heaters so they provide reliable and efficient hot water on your projects. Designed for plumbers and HVAC technicians with hands-on material, this training will be useful to all audiences.
Learning Objectives

Understand why we need HPWHs
Distinguish how HPWHs are different from typical water heaters
Acquire practical skills through a hands-on demonstration on installing a HPWH in a closet
Understand the importance of Air Flow
Explore the do’s and don’ts of installation based on real-life examples

ALL-ELECTRIC ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS (ADUS)
2024-09-12 14:00 - 16:00 | Online
Event Description
All-electric homes are becoming more and more common in California. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are also becoming a common way to house people in California. This program is a unique opportunity to tour a new 1-bedroom all-electric ADU built above an existing garage in Long Beach, and to see the systems required to build all-electric: heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, induction ranges, and heat pump clothes dryers. Plus, this ADU was built using Structural Insulated Panel System (SIPS) and went up in 7 days; the ADU tested at Passivhaus airtightness as a result of the owner’s focus on the building envelope. Also incorporated into this ADU build is a Heat Recovery Ventilator and a 12-panel PV system. Nick Brown, President of Build Smart Group, is the owner and will speak about the need to electrify homes to meet California’s climate goals.
Learning Objectives

Identify and describe the all-electric systems necessary to build all-electric ADUs
Virtually tour the project and see first-hand the functionality of heat pump water heaters, SIPs panels, and Heat Recovery Ventilators.
Define the difference between Net Zero Energy and Net Zero Carbon
Detail the energy-saving benefits of a high-performance all-electric ADU

Building the Future: Electrification Strategies for Electricians
2024-10-18 08:00 - 09:30 | Online
Electrification is taking form in California – over 70 municipalities have policies phasing out gas appliances and the state aims to have 6 million heat pumps installed by 2030. The massive infrastructure transition from gas to electric will “spark” giant demand for skilled electricians and presents a unique business opportunity. In this session, Electrify My Home will introduce these business opportunities and cover some of the most important electrical best practices for long-term home electrical planning.

Learning Objectives:

Explain the importance of comprehensive electrification planning.
Name two technologies that help avoid panel upgrades.
Explain why electrification presents unique business opportunities for electricians

Modeling All-Electric Homes in the 2022 Energy Code
2024-11-14 09:00 - 10:30 | Online
All-Electric Homes are having their moment, with state policies, incentives, and energy code providing builders, homeowners, and energy consultants a strong nudge toward all-electric designs. We will go over how to model all-electric homes (single family and multifamily) for maximum compliance benefit, including the Variable Capacity Heat Pump (VCHP) compliance credit and Heat Pump Water Heaters. We’ll also cover PV sizing and how that may differ for all-electric homes and mixed-fuel homes. Retrofits and new construction will also be covered with examples using tri-county climate zones.
Learning Outcomes:

Understand why all-electric homes are important
Learn the energy code requirements for heating and cooling, water heating, cooking, and laundry
Understand how electric systems perform under the performance method for Title 24 compliance
Hear best practices for modeling all-electric homes

Target Audience:

Energy consultants
Homeowners
General contractors
Subcontractors
Architects

Learning Units:
1.5 AIA LU approved for this course0.15 ICC CEU approved for this course
Instructor:
Nick Brown, Build Smart Group

Residential Compliance Forms for Permitting
2024-11-19 14:00 - 15:00 | Online
Event Description
We will go through the residential Title 24 energy code compliance forms, highlighting those areas that frequently snag a plan review under the 2022 Energy Code. We’ll discuss what goes into the forms, how to identify errors and inconsistencies and how to get it right the first time. This course is beneficial for architects, engineers and other design professionals, builders, owners and developers, plans examiners, and others who are interested in efficiency and accuracy in energy code compliance.
Learning Objectives

Understand how to read and correlate information from permit drawings to the CF1-R
Identify areas of inconsistency that frequently snag a plan review
Be able to evaluate anticipated energy performance and opportunities for improvement
Determine which measures identified in the CF1-R trigger construction verification

Learning Units
1 AIA LUs Approved for this course
0.10 ICC CEUs Approved for this course
Instructors
Jennifer Rennick, In Balance Green Consulting
Grant Murphy, In Balance Green Consulting

Installing Heat Pump Water Heaters in Manufactured Homes
2024-11-20 13:00 - 15:30 | Chumas Village, 3057 S Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, 93401
Event Description
Manufactured homes are an underserved market for home energy upgrades that come with unique opportunities and challenges. Attend this in-person training to learn best practices for installing ducted heat pump HVAC systems in a double wide manufactured home. Complementary lunch will be provided from Lincoln Deli.
Attendees can meet at Chumash Village Community Room for lunch and can park outside the main building. After lunch they will move to a double wide unit located on site for the training.
Learning Objectives

How to size heat pump water heaters for manufactured homes
The importance of thermostatic mixing valves and expansion tanks
Ventilation best practices
Installation techniques for plug-in water heaters.
When and how to re-pipe to accommodate a new water heater

Instructor
Rich Souther, Pacific Heating & Sheet Metal

HRV and ERV Basics
2024-11-21 09:00 - 10:30 | Online
Event Description
HRV and ERV Basics will provide introductory level information about HRVs and ERVs and how they are installed in today’s homes. Information will be provided to enable learners to achieve the following learning objectives:

Describe how HRVs and ERVs provide fresh air into a home.
Identify the components of HRV and ERV systems.
Recognize and plan for climate and occupancy in system design.
Explain the difference between HRVs and ERVs and accurately select the appropriate system.
Understand energy savings that can be achieved through correct installation of an HRV.
Develop basic system design: understanding specifications, system types and sizing, placement, airflows, system types and configurations.

Learning Units
1 AIA LU Pending for this course
Instructor
Eric Fenno, Small Planet Supply

Installing Heat Pump Water Heaters (HPWH) – In Partnership with Ventura County Contractors Association
2024-12-03 07:30 - 09:00 | Hansen’s Plumbing, 2686 Johnson Dr Ste 203, Ventura, California
Heat pump water heaters are where California is headed, and this workforce education aims to smooth that transition. Learn from experts how to install heat pump water heaters so they provide reliable and efficient hot water on your projects. Designed for plumbers and HVAC technicians with hands-on material, this training will be useful to all audiences.
Light refreshments will be served.
Learning Objectives

Understand why we need HPWHs
Distinguish how HPWHs are different from typical water heaters
Acquire practical skills through a hands-on demonstration on installing a HPWH in a closet
Understand the importance of Air Flow
Explore the do’s and don’ts of installation based on real-life examples

Instructors
Nick Brown, Build Smart Group
Gary Klein, Gary Klein & Associates

Installing Heat Pump Water Heaters (HPWH) – In Partnership with SLO County Builders Exchange
2024-12-05 08:00 - 09:30 | Online
Heat pump water heaters are where California is headed, and this workforce education aims to smooth that transition. Learn from experts how to install heat pump water heaters so they provide reliable and efficient hot water on your projects. Designed for plumbers with hands-on material, this training will be useful to all audiences.
Light refreshments will be served.
This event is part of a series in partnership with local contractor associations. Check out the event flyer to learn more!
Learning Objectives

Understand why we need HPWHs
Distinguish how HPWHs are different from typical water heaters
Acquire practical skills through a hands-on demonstration on installing a HPWH in a closet
Understand the importance of Air Flow
Explore the do’s and don’ts of installation based on real-life examples

Instructors
Nick Brown, Build Smart Group
Gary Klein, Gary Klein & Associates

Ventura County Electrification Incentive Breakfast for Contractors
2024-12-10 07:30 - 09:00 | Ventura County Government Center, 800 S Victoria Ave, Ventura, California
Event Description
Join 3C-REN, TECH Clean California, Santa Barbara Clean Energy, and Central Coast Community Energy for an in-person workshop to learn more about federal, state, and local incentives and rebates available across the Central Coast to support home electrification projects as well as upcoming training opportunities for your business. Breakfast will be provided for attendees.

Santa Barbara County Electrification Incentive Lunch for Contractors
2024-12-10 12:00 - 13:30 | Santa Barbara Golf Club (Mulligan’s Cafe), 3500 McCaw Ave, Santa Barbara, California
Event Description
Join 3C-REN, TECH Clean California, Santa Barbara Clean Energy, and Central Coast Community Energy for an in-person workshop to learn more about federal, state, and local incentives and rebates available across the Central Coast to support home electrification projects as well as upcoming training opportunities for your business.
Lunch will be provided for attendees.

Heat Pumps for Heating and Cooling – Part 2: All-Electric Design and Construction Series
2025-01-09 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Event Description
All-Electric Design & Construction Series
On the path to Zero Net Carbon Design, building electrification is the key to reducing operational carbon. In this course, we’ll share the nuts and bolts of incorporating all-electric systems into residential and small commercial projects, including tips for implementation as well as client communication. We’ll provide straight-forward information on current systems and technologies plus a look ahead at what’s emerging in the market.

Part 1: Carbon Reduction through Building Electrification will address California’s targets for carbon reduction, status of the clean power grid, the role of energy storage and emerging options for refrigerants.
Part 2: Heat Pumps for Heating and Cooling will address ducted and ductless heat pumps for thermal comfort.
Part 3: Domestic Hot Water, will focus on integrated and split-system Heat Pump Water Heaters, as well as combination systems and point-of-use electric resistance water heaters
Part 4: Ventilation and HRV, will look at exhaust fans, ducted ventilation and heat recovery ventilators that support energy efficiency and healthy interiors
Part 5: Appliances & Energy Storage, looks at electric options for cooktops, dryers and other appliances as well as current and emerging battery technologies for energy storage.

This series has been developed to fulfill the California requirement for five hours of ZNCD education as part of architecture license renewal. Although created with architects in mind, the content is broadly applicable across the building industry.

Learning Objectives

Learn the ‘why’ behind California’s shift to building electrification and the link to Zero Net Carbon Design
Learn the pros and cons of various products to help in selecting appropriate systems that meet electrification and carbon-reduction goals
Learn critical installation details such as dimensions and venting to call out in plans and/or identify early in construction
Understand the local market for specific all-electric/ZNCD equipment, including cost, availability and lead times

Certified Passive House Designer/Consultant (CPHD) Pacific Winter Hybrid Cohort
2025-01-16 08:00 - 09:00 | Online
3C-REN is pleased to offer The Passive House Network’s (PHN’s) Certified Passive House Designer/ Consultant hybrid cohort. This training is available at no cost to residents and those who work in the counties of Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo. The CPHD course is the premier Passive House professional training for architects, engineers, and building professionals and is supported by the 31-year history of global technical leadership of the Passive House Institute.
The upcoming online Winter Cohort starts on January 16th with an exam scheduled on April 3rd. For more information on the training, check out the training brochure and schedule or visit Pacific Winter 2025 Cohort – The Passive House Network. The hybrid cohort schedule is approximately 8 weeks from kick-off to completion, followed by 4 to 5 weeks of exam prep.
Complete the interest form ASAP to confirm your eligibility for the cohort. Space is limited. Registration is first come, first serve with limited equal spaces per Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties. Confirmed registrants will be sent a link and an enrollment code to register with PHN’s training portal.
By registering for the Pacific Cohort, you commit 3C-REN to pay the training and exam fee on your behalf, valued at $2,295.
Course Overview
The course is structured to be flexible in timing yet get you to the exam date prepared for the test and ready for designing and building.
The CPHD/C training is a specially designed for professionals in the U.S. construction industry. It features Passive House calculations in Imperial units, and has a variety of case studies, with both U.S. and international examples. Regardless, of what type of projects you design – residential, commercial, institutional projects, or with new and retrofit construction – the Passive House standard can be applied.
Who Should Attend
The Certified Passive House Designer / Consultant course was developed for a wide range of student profiles include architects, MEP and structural engineers, façade, energy and sustainability consultants, contractors, developers, policymakers, regulators, and more.

Why Attend this Course

Gain a strong foundation in Passive House principles, and their application, that can influence all your building projects, including single-family, multi-family, mixed-use, commercial, and industrial.
Learn Passive House standards and calculations using Imperial units rather than metric.
Develop the skills needed to calculate for high-performance buildings.
Explore case studies of passive house buildings from a variety of projects and learn best practices and design tips for different conditions.
Learn the core requirements for all certified Passive House designers and consultants so that you can take the certification exam.
Once you pass the certification exam, you’ll possess an internationally regarded professional credential demonstrating leadership in high-performance, low-energy building design.

This training is accredited by the AIA for up to 59 LU/HSWs (CPHD + PHPP).
