Efficiency First California

Systems Diagnostics Module (Part 1 & 2)
2026-08-10 18:00 - 20:15 (America/Los_Angeles)
This eight-part Intermediate-level series is designed to elevate HVAC professionals from basic troubleshooting to advanced system diagnostics. Built on the foundation of California Quality Installation (CAQI), Maintenance (CAQM), and Service (CAQS) standards, the course guides technicians through a detailed step-by-step process: understanding reported symptoms, gathering field data, identifying root causes, and applying corrective actions. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, accurate measurement, client communication, and professional judgment—skills required for modern, efficient, and code-compliant service in California’s demanding HVAC environment.
Part 1: Understanding diagnostic service excellence and differentiating basic troubleshooting from diagnostics.
Part 2: Importance of describing root causes and establishing a step-by-step diagnostic approach.
Michael D. Griffin, IHACI Instructor.
Mike Griffin owns and operates M&M General Repair and Airflow Specialties in the San Fernando Valley, CA. He is a certified HERS Rater, IHACI Instructor, and Education Committee member. Mike is one of only 21 non-union Certified Mechanical Acceptance Testing Employers/Technicians in California. His companies specialize in energy efficiency verification, HVAC diagnostics, and compliance testing across Southern California.
Andrew Smith, IHACI Instructor.
Andrew Smith has over 20 years of experience in the HVAC industry. He began his career as a helper, working his way up to technician with a company specializing in residential and light commercial projects. Along the way, he earned NATE certifications in air conditioning and heat pump service before advancing to the role of service manager. For the past 10 years, Andrew has shared his expertise as an instructor with IHACI. He currently works for National Comfort Institute and has achieved his RSES CM certification.

Systems Diagnostics Module (Part 3 & 4)
2026-08-11 18:00 - 20:15
This eight-part Intermediate-level series is designed to elevate HVAC professionals from basic troubleshooting to advanced system diagnostics. Built on the foundation of California Quality Installation (CAQI), Maintenance (CAQM), and Service (CAQS) standards, the course guides technicians through a detailed step-by-step process: understanding reported symptoms, gathering field data, identifying root causes, and applying corrective actions. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, accurate measurement, client communication, and professional judgment—skills required for modern, efficient, and code-compliant service in California’s demanding HVAC environment.
Part 3: Thoroughly defining and recording symptoms; observing, measuring and recording data.
Part 4: Comparison of standard operating data including key diagnostic data points and employing superheat and subcooling measurements.
Michael D. Griffin, IHACI Instructor.
Mike Griffin owns and operates M&M General Repair and Airflow Specialties in the San Fernando Valley, CA. He is a certified HERS Rater, IHACI Instructor, and Education Committee member. Mike is one of only 21 non-union Certified Mechanical Acceptance Testing Employers/Technicians in California. His companies specialize in energy efficiency verification, HVAC diagnostics, and compliance testing across Southern California.
Andrew Smith, IHACI Instructor.
Andrew Smith has over 20 years of experience in the HVAC industry. He began his career as a helper, working his way up to technician with a company specializing in residential and light commercial projects. Along the way, he earned NATE certifications in air conditioning and heat pump service before advancing to the role of service manager. For the past 10 years, Andrew has shared his expertise as an instructor with IHACI. He currently works for National Comfort Institute and has achieved his RSES CM certification.

Heat Pump Water Heaters: Why Split Systems Matter
2026-08-12 12:00 - 13:00
Integrated “tower” heat pump water heaters were an important first step in electrification, but real-world installations reveal significant frustration and limitations around space, noise, comfort, condensate management, and performance. Split systems solve these challenges while delivering superior efficiency, homeowner comfort, and installation flexibility.
This webinar explores how heat pump water heaters actually work, the practical problems created by integrated tower designs, and why split systems are rapidly becoming a practical solution for contractors and homeowners across single-family, manufactured, multi-family, and ADU applications. You’ll see performance comparisons, real-world efficiency data, and clear guidance on when and why to consider split systems.
Get ready to move beyond the limitations of tower units and deliver better hot water solutions that prioritize customer comfort and long-term satisfaction.
Learning Objectives:
• Identify where split-system heat pump water heaters can provide advantages for contractors and homeowners
• Compare the Advantages of splits over unitary towers
• Evaluate the potential energy savings and efficiency improvements offered by split-system heat pump water heaters
Instructors:
Rod Williams, Eco-logical on behalf of BPI
Rod was born in Australia and is currently the President of Eco-logical. After completing his commerce studies, he left home to see the world at age twenty-three. His first overseas trip saw him catch the Trans-Siberian railroad across Russia which excited him for more adventure.
He has lived and worked in Australia, France, Switzerland, London and Newburyport, Massachusetts and conducted business in forty countries during his business development career. He has always had a keen interest in history and what makes people tick in each of those societies.
During the last 15 years he has worked in the energy efficiency and electrification industry whilst living in Santa Cruz, California with his wife Sheila and youngest daughter, Sophie. He considers himself bi-coastal, but in his case, meaning West Coast USA and East Coast Australia.

Systems Diagnostics Module (Part 5 & 6)
2026-08-17 18:00 - 20:15
This eight-part Intermediate-level series is designed to elevate HVAC professionals from basic troubleshooting to advanced system diagnostics. Built on the foundation of California Quality Installation (CAQI), Maintenance (CAQM), and Service (CAQS) standards, the course guides technicians through a detailed step-by-step process: understanding reported symptoms, gathering field data, identifying root causes, and applying corrective actions. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, accurate measurement, client communication, and professional judgment—skills required for modern, efficient, and code-compliant service in California’s demanding HVAC environment.
Part 5: Evaluating and analyzing data collected and investigating causal relationships.
Part 6: Testing hypotheses against the HVAC system and documenting and prioritizing probably root causes to prepare for an effective resolution strategy.
Michael D. Griffin, IHACI Instructor.
Mike Griffin owns and operates M&M General Repair and Airflow Specialties in the San Fernando Valley, CA. He is a certified HERS Rater, IHACI Instructor, and Education Committee member. Mike is one of only 21 non-union Certified Mechanical Acceptance Testing Employers/Technicians in California. His companies specialize in energy efficiency verification, HVAC diagnostics, and compliance testing across Southern California.
Andrew Smith, IHACI Instructor.
Andrew Smith has over 20 years of experience in the HVAC industry. He began his career as a helper, working his way up to technician with a company specializing in residential and light commercial projects. Along the way, he earned NATE certifications in air conditioning and heat pump service before advancing to the role of service manager. For the past 10 years, Andrew has shared his expertise as an instructor with IHACI. He currently works for National Comfort Institute and has achieved his RSES CM certification.

Systems Diagnostics Module (Part 7 & 8)
2026-08-18 18:00 - 20:15
This eight-part Intermediate-level series is designed to elevate HVAC professionals from basic troubleshooting to advanced system diagnostics. Built on the foundation of California Quality Installation (CAQI), Maintenance (CAQM), and Service (CAQS) standards, the course guides technicians through a detailed step-by-step process: understanding reported symptoms, gathering field data, identifying root causes, and applying corrective actions. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, accurate measurement, client communication, and professional judgment—skills required for modern, efficient, and code-compliant service in California’s demanding HVAC environment.
Part 7: Selecting and implementing corrective actions including developing a step-by-step corrective action plan to address identified root causes.
Part 8: Client communication, decision making, executing repairs or replacements and post-action evaluation and documentation.
Michael D. Griffin, IHACI Instructor.
Mike Griffin owns and operates M&M General Repair and Airflow Specialties in the San Fernando Valley, CA. He is a certified HERS Rater, IHACI Instructor, and Education Committee member. Mike is one of only 21 non-union Certified Mechanical Acceptance Testing Employers/Technicians in California. His companies specialize in energy efficiency verification, HVAC diagnostics, and compliance testing across Southern California.
Andrew Smith, IHACI Instructor.
Andrew Smith has over 20 years of experience in the HVAC industry. He began his career as a helper, working his way up to technician with a company specializing in residential and light commercial projects. Along the way, he earned NATE certifications in air conditioning and heat pump service before advancing to the role of service manager. For the past 10 years, Andrew has shared his expertise as an instructor with IHACI. He currently works for National Comfort Institute and has achieved his RSES CM certification.
