Pacific Gas & Electric

As the industry transitions away from high GWP refrigerants toward more sustainable alternatives, hydrocarbons, classified as A3 refrigerants, are being reintroduced into a wide range of residential and commercial applications. While these refrigerants offer clear environmental advantages, their high flammability demands specialized training, awareness, and procedures. This course was developed to serve as an instructional resource for working with A3 hydrocarbon refrigerants such as propane (R-290) and isobutane (R-600a). It combines essential background knowledge with step-by-step safety practices, guided by

Part 5 of 9  Achieving the Passive House Standard in refurbishments of existing buildings is not always a realistic goal, and the Passive House Institute has developed the EnerPHit standard for certified energy retrofits with Passive House Components. In this webinar, trainers from the Passive House Network will discuss how the EnerPHit standard can accommodate the realities of existing old buildings, where foundations, party lines, historic preservation, cost, and other factors make a typical Passive House certification impossible. Learn how

Part 6 of 9  With the growing occurrence of devastating wildfires, there's an imperative to make buildings fire safe and resilient. Passive House can support a clear pathway to achieve these goals. The class will review the latest science on wildfires and building safety, including the interplay among building structure, the surrounding landscape, community, and the Passive House methodology. We will dive into a toolkit with specific steps for analyzing and implementing fire resilient Passive House strategies for your next

By enrolling in this course, you agree to receive text message course reminders. To opt-out update your profile here or upon receiving your first message you will have the option to opt out by replying "STOP". With the emerging trend towards fully electrified buildings, plus the demands from a growing IT sector, utilities and building portfolio managers are facing growing peak demands while also seeking solutions towards decarbonization and grid resilience. This session features three emerging HVAC strategies, with detailed case studies

Course Description With the emerging trend towards fully electrified buildings, plus the demands from a growing IT sector, utilities and building portfolio managers are facing growing peak demands while also seeking solutions towards decarbonization and grid resilience. This session features three emerging HVAC strategies, with detailed case studies that can move these ideas from research to implementation. Carlos Duarte will present a recently published simulation study exploring how radiant cooling systems can reduce strain on the grid during peak demand

Part 7 of 9  Passive House delivers healthy, quiet, and comfortable homes in durable buildings. Passive House also provides a baseline on which teams can craft resilient buildings capable of sheltering residents from the violent storms and extreme heat waves to come. In this course, we'll cover a range of issues that go into planning, designing, and constructing affordable Passive House multifamily buildings. It's a comprehensive overview, diving into key details, and demystifying the strategies for success. Agenda: Introduction and

Part 8 of 9  This course dives deep into the focus of building enclosure design and construction looking at a range of enclosure construction types, and climates. The course will look at topics of designing, detailing, sequencing, building, inspection, reporting, and testing of critical Passive House components and enclosure systems: insulation, thermal bridge free connections, airtightness, windows and more. Agenda: Introduction and safety message Context of Passive House The work of enclosures Efficient design and high quality Details Execution The

Part 9 of 9  This course dives deep into the focus of building mechanical systems with a particular focus on ventilation and hot water systems. Learn about the design and construction of a range of system types. The course will examine ventilation, heating, cooling, and hot water topics of performance specifications, coordination, sequencing, inspection, testing, and reporting. Agenda: Introduction and safety message Context of Passive House and mechanical systems Systems strategy Ventilation Heating and cooling Domestic hot water (DHW) Other

Course Description: As the electricity grid gets cleaner, electricity is becoming a more attractive choice for home designers and builders. Renewable energy is growing, and many cities now limit fossil‑fuel systems in new homes. These changes make it easier to cut residential greenhouse gas emissions and work toward zero‑net‑energy goals. In this webinar, Dan Perunko of Balance Point Home Performance explains how electric heat pumps can improve efficiency and reduce emissions in both new and existing homes. He covers the

Course Description: On average Californians consume less water than the residents of other states. Even so there is a need for us to conserve even more water. The construction community has an opportunity to further reduce residential water use in ways that do not feel like conservation to customers. In this class, Dan Perunko of Balance Point Home Performance looks at changing the way hot water is stored and delivered to the tap in residential buildings. The theory behind our

Heat Pumps are quickly gaining traction as a preferred HVAC and water heating technology. California has a goal for six million installed heat pumps by 2030, and state plans indicate that new gas furnace and water heaters will not be permitted after 2030. While the path forward for heat pumps seems clear, the technology is still foreign to most homeowners. To meet the above-mentioned goals, contractors and other industry professionals must arm themselves with the knowledge (and sometimes the data)

Heat pumps are inherently different than gas furnaces or gas water heaters. Contractors and other industry professionals must take time to educate customers, clients, and others on these differences to ensure optimal customer satisfaction. This webinar will outline best practices for system operation of ducted and ductless mini-splits, unitary heat pumps, and heat pump water heaters.