Efficiency First California

Optimizing Residential Forced-Air HVAC Systems: Load Calculations, Equipment Selection, System Airflow and Layout
2024-10-31 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Improved design, installation and commissioning practices lead to a dramatic improvement in building energy consumption, indoor air quality, and comfort. There are six performance factors that can be applied to HVAC design, installation and/or commissioning. In the Optimizing Residential Forced-Air series, we will review how each factor can be specified at design, implemented during installation, and tested/adjusted during commissioning. We will also look at how we can redesign our approach to high performance HVAC systems to support California climate goals, help manage the peak electrical load on the grid as well as the owners operating cost under the time-of-use billing structure.
The Optimizing Residential Forced-Air series is informed through commissioned systems, where real examples from completed projects are used to support class content. Dan Perunko of Balance Point Home Performance has designed, built, and commissioned both retrofit and new construction projects that exemplify the concepts covered in class. Course content will include design examples, photos installations, and test results from commissioning.
The HVAC equipment, materials and knowledge required to dramatically improve the performance of HVAC systems is readily available. This class will assist the designer, installer, and rater in their efforts to improve the HVAC systems we build.

Practical Efficient Hot Water Delivery: Structured Plumbing Applied in Retrofit and New Construction
2024-11-12 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
On the 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 our 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 approach is called “Structured Plumbing”. This will be a practical class focusing on how to install or modify hot water plumbing following the principles of “Structured Plumbing”. The presentation is based on completed projects including retrofits and new construction.

Building Electrification: Lessons from the Field (Part 1 of 2)
2024-11-14 09:00 - 12:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
California is going through one of its most seismic shifts in building energy policy and design. The move towards full decarbonization of the building stock has started and the policy, technical and financial implications are being developed under our feet. We will share how heat pumps and other forms of electric heating can displace our long time carbon sources of heat. These systems are already available and many are cost effective today. Come discuss this shift and how it will impact your building or construction project with one of the industry’s leading experts.
This seminar will include details of how heat pump systems work and how to design residential and commercial buildings to take advantage of currently available heat pump systems. We will include case studies of heat pump systems and how they can fit into low energy buildings. We will also cover how to recognize opportunities for application of heat pump systems.
Instructor Bios:
Avril Levasseur
Avril is a Senior Associate at Point Energy Innovations, an MEP consulting firm specializing in highly cost-effective net-zero energy and sustainable buildings. She is a registered Professional Engineer who completed her graduate education at Stanford University. She strives to enable more efficient buildings through creative design and rigorous analysis. As the Program Manager for the Stanford Building Decarbonization Accelerator, she employs her passion for teaching to promote decarbonization education. She has collaborated in teaching several courses and is the co-author of multiple papers on the topic. In 2023, Avril was named the Association of Energy Engineers Young Energy Professional of the Year for the Western US.
Rami Moussa, P.E.
Rami Moussa, P.E. is a Managing Principal at Point Energy Innovations, an industry leading MEP consulting firm that specializes in the design of low cost high performance buildings for design-build project delivery. Rami is passionate about working with architects, building owners, contractors, facility engineers, and end users to create tailored solutions that are low energy, low carbon, and provide the best value. His pioneering work includes the design of the zero embodied and operational carbon AIA HQ renovation in Washington, D.C., and the fast-tracked developer-led zero operating carbon office headquarters of Exelixis in Alameda, CA. Decarbonization of the country’s real estate is Rami’s primary motivator. In 2022 he led decarbonization assessments for an existing real estate portfolio of over five million square feet across 30 buildings.
The objective of this course is that at the conclusion, participants will be able to:

Identify heat pump components and system types
Recognize appropriate heat pump applications and constraints in both new construction and existing building projects
Acknowledge how heat pump applications in buildings are beneficial in the California regulatory context
Apply lessons learned from recently-completed decarbonized projects that leverage heat pumps and other forms of electric heating

Balanced Ventilation for Better Health, Comfort, and Energy Efficiency: IAQ, OAQ, Ventilation and Filtration
2024-11-14 09:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
More and more buildings are being constructed with high-performance building envelopes. For these buildings, a well-designed and installed ventilation system is a must. Dan Perunko of Balance Point Home Performance delves into why ventilation and filtration are so important. We will look at indoor and outdoor air quality and discuss the effectiveness of ventilation and filtration at managing various pollutants. In addition to the large body of evidence we already had supporting the need for ventilation and filtration in residential buildings, we will consider the current impacts of building electrification, the pandemic, and wildfires on our systems.
This four-hour class is designed to help participants identify and understand critical issues relating to healthy buildings. The class will help participants improve their ability to discuss these issues with customers and will also lay the groundwork for the other course in the Balanced Ventilation series about the design and installation of balanced ventilation and filtration systems.

Building Electrification: Lessons from the Field (Part 2 of 2)
2024-11-15 09:00 - 12:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online

Retrofitting Crawlspaces for Health, Moisture Management, and Wildfire Safety
2024-12-03 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Many existing crawlspaces require remediation prior to other energy upgrade work in the house can proceed, including attic or electrification upgrades. This course examines retrofits of vented and unvented crawlspaces, the tradeoffs between each crawlspace assembly and the crawlspace assembly’s impact on the home’s overall performance and comfort. From home durability to occupant safety and comfort, Dan Perunko of Balance Point Home Performance will address moisture and vapor sources, rodent control, as well as strategies to reduce wildfire ember intrusion.

Air Sealing New and Retrofit Construction
2024-12-04 09:00 - 11:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Designing and constructing airtight houses and buildings allows for projects that need less heating and cooling. As a result, it is less costly to attain zero carbon as proper air sealing saves energy and results in smaller mechanical equipment. Achieving super airtight assemblies is about the correct mind set as well as proper protocol and materials. This class will allow you to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to achieve your project’s air sealing goals. Terry Nordbye will demonstrate step by step procedures and materials to air seal a new construction house, including Passive House, to virtually any airtightness and achieve deep reductions in retrofit work. You will be shown all steps from planning to construction and learn why, where, and when to air seal.

Balanced Ventilation for Better Health, Comfort, and Energy Efficiency: System Types, Install Strategies, Duct Design and Critical Details
2024-12-05 09:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
More buildings are being constructed with high-performance building envelopes. For these buildings, a well-designed and installed air quality system is a must. In this class we will look at performance-based design and installation practices that lead to effective ventilation and filtration systems. Examples of completed, high-efficiency systems are presented to show how they were built and commissioned, with instructor Dan Perunko of Balance Point Home Performance sharing lessons learned so others can avoid repeating them.
Agenda:

Introduction and safety message
Equipment selection criteria: Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) or Heat Recover Ventilator (HRV)
Heat recovery cores and their efficiencies
Fan motor types
Fan motor power and install issues that increase power consumption
Integrated with HVAC vs stand alone systems
Control strategies
Locating the system to maximize performance
Proper ducting for ventilation systems
Duct materials – where to use metal
How to size ducts for low static systems
Duct layout options
Outside Intake and exhaust grills
Ember and smoke intrusion
Room intake and exhaust grills
Grill sizing and sound
Filters, how many, how big and where do we need them
Low energy, high efficacy, recirculating air filter
Commissioning balanced ventilation systems
Measuring system energy performance
Measuring effective heat recovery

Financials of Solar & Storage (Battery)
2025-01-15 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Evaluating the financials of solar projects with and without battery storage can be complex. This class will give attendees the ability to evaluate solar decisions for their own projects with the same financial metrics used in business. We will make use of PG&E’s WattPlan Solar Calculator tool to calculate utility costs with various inputs such as usage of the house, solar system size, battery size, and rate plan. We will use scenarios such as EV charging and all-electric home remodels to show how to design a renewable energy system with future changes to electricity use taken into account. Current tax credits and typical PV costs will be used to approximate real world decisions. The instructor is an energy consultant with a degree in Economics and an MBA with extensive experience helping clients make their decisions around renewable energy systems.

ir Sealing New, Retro and Passive Buildings
2025-01-22 09:00 - 11:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online

Air Sealing and Insulating Existing Homes: Interpreting and Prioritizing Infrared and Blower Door Results (Part 1 of 3)
2025-02-12 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Course description

Part 1 of 3 – February 12, 2025 (9am – 11am)
Testing your work is imperative to meet or exceed performance targets and to ensure a feedback loop is in place for continual process improvements. Instructor Dan Perunko of Balance Point Home Performance will highlight two key home performance diagnostic tools, the blower door and infrared camera. The two hour session unpacks important testing metrics and ways to address opportunities that have positive interactive effects on the home’s performance and occupant comfort.
To attend the entire Air Sealing and Insulating Homes 3 Part Series register HERE.
Agenda:

Introduction and safety message
Diagnostic testing for home performance
Blower door and infrared camera basics
Typical opportunities for thermal performance improvement
Safety Considerations

The objective of this course is that at the conclusion, participants will be able to:

Describe the operation of diagnostic tools like the blower door and infrared camera
List additional enhancements for commissioning work
Identify areas to prioritize air sealing opportunities in homes
Discuss the ways to manage combustion safety appliance considerations

Air Sealing and Insulating Existing Homes: Addressing Common Hazards During Energy Upgrades (Part 2 of 3)
2025-02-19 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Part 2 of 3 – February 19, 2025 (9am – 11am)
Upgrading the thermal and air leakage performance of existing homes exposes a variety of hazards that many professionals either do not know how to address or how to communicate the importance of the issue to the customer. Estimators and installers, including DIY homeowners, take on additional liability when they fail to identify and remediate existing hazards during upgrade projects. In this two-hour class, instructor Dan Perunko of Balance Point Home Performance will cover the most common hazards that are regularly uncovered during energy upgrades and provide some practical strategies for resolving those issues.
To attend the entire Air Sealing and Insulating Homes 3 Part Series register HERE.
Agenda:

Introduction and safety message
What hazards are exposed in typical efficiency upgrades
What is the risk management plan for addressing these hazards
Asbestos insulation
Electrical system faults
Combustion appliance vents and clearance to combustible materials
Combustion appliance vents that do not effectively remove pollutants from the building
Non-IC rated recessed fixtures
Vents that re-entrain gases or moisture in the building
Biological growth on building surfaces
Impact of realigning the air barrier or thermal boundary

The objective of this course is that at the conclusion, participants will be able to:

Identify three or more common hazards that may be uncovered during energy upgrades
List two or more repairs to mitigate common electrical hazards that are uncovered during energy upgrades
Identify the difference between fixtures which can be safely sealed with conventional air sealing material, and those that require high temperature sealant or treatments
Learn one or more key differences between combustion appliances that have single wall metal, double wall metal and plastic vent systems

Air Sealing and Insulating Existing Homes: Developing a Work Scope for Attic Efficiency Upgrades (Part 3 of 3)
2025-02-26 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Effective work scopes help contractors and customers achieve specific performance goals in a home’s attic efficiency upgrade. Developing a comprehensive, goal-oriented work scope can help contractors sell more jobs, differentiate their work from other contractors bidding on the job, and enables customers to prioritize their home upgrades within their budget, allowing for the possibility of future improvements. In this session, Dan Perunko of Balance Point Home Performance will draw upon his contractor experience to discuss how he approaches attic efficiency work scopes, from demolition, material selection and installation, to commissioning.
To attend the entire Air Sealing and Insulating Homes 3 Part Series register HERE.
Agenda:

Introduction and safety message
How is high-performance a different business model
Setting your company standards
How to define cost-effective
Identify the outcomes the customer would like to achieve
Defining outcomes in the work scope
Developing costs for specific outcomes
Using options to define good, better, best
Using notes to clarify limits of what work accomplishes
Negotiating the outcomes in the work scope

The objective of this course is that at the conclusion, participants will be able to:

Specify at least three or more performance outcomes the work scope helps define
Explain one or more ways that a high-performance work scope is different from an industry standard sale process
Synthesize the home performance outcomes the customer would like to achieve
Describe one or more examples of how to Itemize the work scope to facilitate a better understanding of cost segregation

Heat Pump Design and Applications (2 Part Series) - WEBINAR - Spring 2025
2025-03-11 09:30 - 11:30 UTC | Online
Part 1 of 2
This is the 1st day of an intro level class that takes an in-depth look at heat pump design and applications. It introduces heat pump components, heating modes and emerging technology for both residential and commercial heat pump applications.
Instructor Bio:
Lester Terrance, HVAC/R
Lester Terrance has been active in the HVAC industry since 2003, including 12 years in the United State Air Force, seven of those years serving as HVAC Field Supervisor at the US Department of State. He is a licensed Master HVAC in the states of Maryland and Virginia, an EPA Certified Universal Technician, and an Authorized Overseas Certified Technician (Multi-stack). Lester is an HVAC Instructor and subject matter expert at D+R LEARN. Lester earned his AAS in Mechanical and Electrical Technology in 2013.
Agenda:
– Introduction and safety message
– The mechanical refrigeration cycle
– How heat pumps work
– What do heat pumps save
– Where can heat pumps be effective
– What requirements are there for heat pump systems
– What are the standard heat pump technologies and what is new
The objective of this course is that at the conclusion, participants will be able to:
– Explain the mechanical refrigeration cycle
– Describe the heat pump modes of operation
– List successful heat pump system applications
– Identify energy efficiency requirements that relate to heat pump systems
– Discuss the emerging heat pump technologies

Heat Pump Design and Applications (2 Part Series) - WEBINAR - Spring 2025
2025-03-12 09:30 - 11:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Part 2 of 2
This is the second day of an intro level class that takes an in-depth look at heat pump design and applications. It concentrates on the energy efficiency requirements for heat pump systems and reviews standards for A2L refrigerants and Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2 (SEER2) ratings.
nstructor Bio:
Lester Terrance, HVAC/R
Lester Terrance has been active in the HVAC industry since 2003, including 12 years in the United State Air Force, seven of those years serving as HVAC Field Supervisor at the US Department of State. He is a licensed Master HVAC in the states of Maryland and Virginia, an EPA Certified Universal Technician, and an Authorized Overseas Certified Technician (Multi-stack). Lester is an HVAC Instructor and subject matter expert at D+R LEARN. Lester earned his AAS in Mechanical and Electrical Technology in 2013.
Agenda:
– Introduction and safety message
– The mechanical refrigeration cycle
– How heat pumps work
– What do heat pumps save
– Where can heat pumps be effective
– What requirements are there for heat pump systems
– What are the standard heat pump technologies and what is new
The objective of this course is that at the conclusion, participants will be able to:
– Explain the mechanical refrigeration cycle
– Describe the heat pump modes of operation
– List successful heat pump system applications
– Identify energy efficiency requirements that relate to heat pump systems
– Discuss the emerging heat pump technologies

Electrify Efficiently: Electrical Panel Assessments - Examples for Heat Pump Installers (3 of 6)
2025-03-20 08:00 - 17:00 UTC
Course description

Part 3 of 6 – May 6, 2025 (12pm – 1:30pm)
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 to make it work.
Agenda:

Introduction and safety message
Good electrification and install small
Panel assessments and strategies for overcoming challenges
Performing a load calculation
Q&A

The objective of this course is that at the conclusion, participants will be able to:

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
Identify at least two or more critical components and variables of performing a load calculation in a residential home

Electric Heat Pumps for Space Heating and Cooling
2025-03-26 09:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Course description

As our electricity supply becomes cleaner due to increased use of renewable’s for generation along with a growing number of local ordinances prohibiting installs in new homes, electricity becomes an attractive fuel source to designers and builders interested in reducing residential greenhouse gas emissions and creating zero net energy buildings.
Dan Perunko of Balance Point Home Performance will present on efficiency gains and emissions reductions from electric heat pumps in new and existing buildings and will cover the advantages and limitations of these systems, the available technology and refrigerant types. Discussion will touch on interactions with indoor air quality issues and building enclosure considerations.
The objective of this course is that at the conclusion, participants will be able to:
– Identify the benefits of ducted and ductless space heating heat pump systems
– Describe the potential benefits of HVAC-driven filtration and indoor air quality
– Summarize the performance parameters for proper installation of electric heat pumps
– Describe climate impacts from the release of refrigerants into the atmosphere and the procedures to ensure that systems don’t leak
– Interpret energy savings comparisons among existing equipment types in order to determine the total annual energy consumption for the equipment under consideration

Electrify Efficiently: Overcoming Heat Pum Objections (1 of 6)
2025-04-08 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Course description

Part 1 of 6 – April 8, 2025 (12pm – 1:30pm)
Join us as Electrify My Home continues this lunchtime webinar series focused on home electrification. The Electrify Efficiently webinar series will highlight the tremendous business opportunities, vital role of efficiency, and lessons learned from the field. Heat Pumps are quickly gaining traction as a preferred HVAC and water heating technology. California has a goal for 6 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) to dispel myths about heat pumps.
In this webinar, you’ll hear from Larry Waters, an HVAC industry veteran who switched his focus towards home performance in 2010 and towards inverter heat pumps in 2014. With over 400 heat pump installations under his belt, Larry’s heard just about every objection in the book and will relay best practices for responding to such objections.
Agenda:

Introduction and safety message
Overview of the Electrify My Home “Electrify Efficiently” webinar series
Approaching the house
Consultative questioning to identify needs
Common objections to heat pumps and sample responses
Class survey, closing and wrap up

The objective of this course is that at the conclusion, participants will be able to:

Develop two consultative questions that will help prepare a response to a customer’s objection
Describe one reason why older vintage heat pumps spoiled the opinions of some customers & HVAC pros
Name three features of gas appliances that are disadvantageous
Explain why heat pumps are the perfect fit for California’s climate
List five reasons why heat pumps are better than gas furnaces

Electrify Efficiently: Operating a Heat Pump - Best Practices to Minimize Call Backs (2 of 6)
2025-04-22 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Course description

Part 2 of 6 – April 22, 2025 (12pm – 1:30pm)
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.
Agenda:

Introduction and safety message
Heat pump operation: characteristics and differences with gas furnaces or water heaters
Adding value to the customer journey
Minimizing call backs
Q&A

The objective of this course is that at the conclusion, participants will be able to:

Explain one reason why heat pumps operate differently than gas furnaces
Name at least two points in the customer journey where education on heat pump operation are essential
Describe proper multi-split system operation in a way a typical customer can understand
Summarize why customer satisfaction is critical to the adoption of heat pumps and home electrification

Balanced Ventilation for Better Health, Comfort, and Energy Efficiency: IAQ, OAQ, Ventilation and Filtration
2025-05-07 09:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Course description

More buildings are being constructed with high-performance building envelopes. For these buildings, a well-designed and installed ventilation system is a must. Dan Perunko of Balance Point Home Performance delves into why ventilation and filtration are so important. We will look at indoor and outdoor air quality and discuss the effectiveness of ventilation and filtration at managing various pollutants. In addition to the large body of evidence we already had supporting the need for ventilation and filtration in residential buildings, we will consider the current impacts of building electrification, the pandemic, and wildfires on our systems.
This four-hour class is designed to help participants identify and understand critical issues relating to healthy buildings. The class will help participants improve their ability to discuss these issues with customers and will also lay the groundwork for the other course in the Balanced Ventilation series about the design and installation of balanced ventilation and filtration systems.

Balanced Ventilation for Better Health, Comfort, and Energy Efficiency: System Types, Install Strategies, Duct Design and Critical Details
2025-05-14 09:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Course description

More buildings are being constructed with high-performance building envelopes. For these buildings, a well-designed and installed air quality system is a must. In this class we will look at performance-based design and installation practices that lead to effective ventilation and filtration systems. Examples of completed, high-efficiency systems are presented to show how they were built and commissioned, with instructor Dan Perunko of Balance Point Home Performance sharing lessons learned so others can avoid repeating them.

Electrify Efficiently: Home Heat Pumps Done Right - A Case Study (4 of 6)
2025-05-20 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Course description

Part 4 of 6 – May 20, 2025 (12pm – 1:30pm)
The path to going all-electric can take many forms. For some, this means upgrading one appliance at a time; for others, it means replacing them all at once and offsetting with on-site solar. Regardless of the timeline, there are some important planning steps that must take place, as well as a continual vision for optimizing efficiency.
Join Electrify My Home in this session for a case study of a customer’s electrification journey. You’ll also hear directly from the customer, who will share why they went gas-free, why they chose to pursue efficiency measures, and what bumps in the road were faced on this adventure.
Agenda:

Introduction and safety message
Overview of the Electrify My Home “Electrify Efficiently” webinar series
The electrification path/journey
Things every customer (and contractor) should consider along the way
Electrify My Home customer interview
Class survey, closing and wrap up

The objective of this course is that at the conclusion, participants will be able to:

Describe the planning process every electrification candidate should pursue
Identify the pros and cons of pursuing all gas appliance upgrades at once
Name at least two reasons why Electrify My Home customer chose to focus on efficiency
Explain EMH’s reasoning behind their approach for this customer’s application

Electrify Efficiently: Heat Pump Zoning - Challenges and Solutions (5 of 6)
2025-06-03 08:00 - 17:00 UTC | Online
Course description

Part 5 of 6 – June 3, 2025 (12pm – 1:30pm)
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 one-to-one systems, and combinations of these solutions.
Agenda:

Introduction and safety message
Electrify Efficiently
Zone control strategies
Avoiding comfort sacrifices with zone control
Different approaches for zone control to achieve efficient, comfortable outcomes
Q&A

The objective of this course is that at the conclusion, participants will be able to:

Summarize operational differences between single-stage, two-stage and inverter heat pumps
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

Electrify Efficiently: The Why and How of Home Performance for Electrification (6 of 6)
2025-06-17 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Course description

Part 6 of 6 – June 17, 2025 (12pm – 1:30pm)
Join Electrify My Home (EMH) for the final session of the lunchtime webinar series focused on home electrification. The Electrify Efficiently webinar series highlights the tremendous business opportunities, vital role of efficiency, and lessons learned from the field. As heat pumps begin to proliferate the market, it’s important to recognize the importance of energy efficiency and home performance. Building systems are interdependent and it’s rare that addressing a single component will result in the most comfortable outcome.
This session will highlight the importance of incorporating home performance concepts into heat pump projects or at least the home upgrade planning process. You’ll learn the pros and cons of incorporating home performance concepts into heat pump projects.
Agenda:

Introduction and safety message
Overview of the Electrify My Home “Electrify Efficiently” webinar series
Unintended consequences of heat pump swaps
Introduction to home performance electrification
Making the case for home performance through real project data
Project examples
Class survey, closing and wrap up

The objective of this course is that at the conclusion, participants will be able to:

Name two unintended consequences of unplanned heat pump swaps
Explain why load calculations are important for ensuring correct sizing
Describe why a standard BTU to kW conversion doesn’t mean right-sizing
Calculate how many BTUs are lost to the attic with uninsulated ductwork

Electrify Efficiently: Electrification Opportunities for Solar Installers (Part 1 of 4)
2025-06-24 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
California’s push for building electrification is quickly driving major changes in the residential energy sphere. Solar contractors, designers, and affiliated trades have the opportunity to capture additional market share by offering or referring gas-to-electric appliance services. This is especially important in light of recent Net Energy Metering (NEM) policy changes. Solar, batteries, and home appliance electrification offer a perfect match for getting customers to Zero Net Energy or at least minimizing operational costs.
In this session, Electrify My Home will introduce basics of heat pumps as well as highlighting the business opportunities for solar professionals to add new services to their repertoire or to at least speak to these offerings with more confidence.
Agenda:

Introduction and safety message
Electrification paired with solar PV
CA clean energy transition
Highly efficient electric appliances
Growth opportunities for solar installers and companies
Q&A

The objective of this course is that at the conclusion, participants will be able to:

Explain why electrification of home appliances is a good pairing with solar installations
List the date when most natural gas furnaces will no longer be available for sale in
California
Name one way electrification can possibly help with the duck curve
Summarize importance of Electrify My Home’s approach to ‘good electrification’ and ‘install small’

Electrify Efficiently: Electrification Opportunities for General Contractors & Architects (Part 2 of 4)
2025-06-24 14:00 - 15:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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 six 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.
Agenda:

Introduction and safety message
Electrification in California and PG&E service territory
Market opportunities for electrification-focused architects and general contractors
Whole-home electrification planning for success
Electrification and importance of HVAC and duct design, install, and commissioning
Q&A

The objective of this course is that at the conclusion, participants will be able to:

Summarize Electrify My Home’s approach to ‘good electrification’
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

Electrify Efficiently: Electrification Opportunities for Electricians (Part 3 of 4)
2025-06-25 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Electrification is taking form in California – over 70 municipalities have policies phasing out gas appliances and the state aims to have six 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.
Agenda:

Introduction and safety message
Electrification market in California and PG&E service territory
Business and growth opportunities
Electrification planning
Emerging technologies for home electrification

The objective of this course is that at the conclusion, participants will be able to:

Explain the importance of comprehensive electrification planning
Name two technologies that help avoid panel upgrades
Explain why electrification presents unique business opportunities for electricians
Summarize importance of Electrify My Home’s approach to ‘good electrification’

Electrify Efficiently: Electrification Opportunities for Plumbers (Part 4 of 4)
2025-06-25 14:00 - 15:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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.
Agenda:

Introduction and safety message
Electrification market in California and PG&E service territory
Gas water heater phase out
Electrification opportunities in California
Heat pump water heaters and the electrical grid

The objective of this course is that at the conclusion, participants will be able to:

Summarize importance of Electrify My Home’s approach to ‘good electrification’
Name at least two factors driving the market for electric water heaters
Describe one feature of gas water heaters that’s lead to their phase-out.
Be aware of the percentage of California homes with a gas water heater
Explain why heat pump water heaters can be helpful for the electrical grid

Heat Illness, California Regulations and the Kitchen of the Future
2025-07-16 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Course description

This is an ONLINE class being offered via GoTo Webinar.
If you would like to attend this class IN-PERSON at the Food Service Technology Center in Pleasanton, CA click HERE.
By enrolling in this course, you agree to receive text message course reminders. Upon receiving your first message you will have the option to opt out by replying “STOP”.
This class covers two different commercial kitchen challenges: high heat environments and the many kitchen water wasters that can be readily fixed. The first half explains the newly adopted CalOSHA Indoor Heat Illness regulations. These regulations are meant to protect kitchen workers but they also apply to equipment service professionals who might be working in those kitchens. Learn the details of these new regulations, how to help operators lower kitchen temperatures, and how to come into compliance with these laws. Likewise, new California laws require that all water utilities follow strict conservation guidelines in both dry and wet years – which could impact water costs. The second half of the class provides training on how to spot and mitigate common water-wasting leaks and wasteful operating practices in kitchens and dish rooms.
