Efficiency First California

Debunking Electrification Myths – Addressing Misconceptions about BE (Webinar)
2025-09-26 09:00 - 11:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Course Description:
Do many of your clients often have the same questions about electrification, and you’re not sure how to respond? This session will address common misconceptions surrounding building and transportation electrification. We will explore life cycle costs associated with transitioning to electrified buildings, discuss the evolving electric grid, highlight efficient technologies such as heat pumps and electric vehicles, and evaluate environmental impacts relative to fossil-based technologies. Through interactive discussions and evidence-based insights, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the benefits associated with building electrification, enabling them to make better informed choices that promote a sustainable and efficient future.
Instructor: Dave Intner – Licensed Architect, LEED AP and Certified Energy Manager within Southern California Edison’s Codes & Standards team as well as serving on the statewide AIA Committee on the Environment. Dave is a Past President of the AIA Ventura County, a four-year member of the LEED Energy and Atmosphere Technical Advisory Group (EA-TAG), and member of the board of directors of USGBC Los Angeles.
Learning Outcomes:

Identify the key clean energy technologies enabling a zero-net carbon future
Address common misconceptions regarding the performance of heat pumps and other electric technologies, their impact on grid infrastructure, and their affordability
Describe the efficiencies of electric end-use appliances and vehicles relative to their fossil-fuel combustion counterparts
Leverage available incentive programs, tax credits, and rebates supporting the deployment of heat pumps, electric equipment upgrades, and energy efficient appliances

Avoiding Main Panel Upgrades - Part 2: Advanced Solutions & Technologies to Maximize Panel Capacity (Webinar)
2025-09-24 11:00 - 13:00 | Online
Description:
This is part 2 of a 2 part class.
With increasing demand for electrification, strategically avoiding main panel upgrades offers significant advantages. This class covers innovative solutions to maximize panel capacity including 120-volt appliances, smart panels, load management systems and power control technologies. Participants will learn how to calculate and manage back-feed from solar and storage systems and the use of digital solutions to safely extend the capabilities of their existing electrical infrastructure.
Learning Outcomes:
As a result of attending this class you can expect to learn the following

How to implement smart electrical panels and load management systems to maximize panel capacity
Strategies for using 120-volt appliances to reduce demand
Techniques for calculating and managing back-feed from solar and storage systems
Applications of advanced digital solutions to extend existing panel capacity.

BayREN C&S Training: Introduction to CALGreen
2025-09-24 09:00 - 10:30 | Online
This training is designed to equip building department staff with a clear understanding of the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) and its role in advancing sustainability within the state’s building sector. Participants will be introduced to the core requirements, terminology, and objectives of CALGreen, providing a clear understanding of its application in both residential and non-residential construction projects. By the end of the course, participants will be able to identify key components and triggers of CALGreen, understand the compliance and enforcement process, and recognize how CALGreen contributes to statewide and local environmental and energy-efficiency goals.
Topics Covered: Compliance Forms, Energy Code, Heat Pump, HERS, HVAC, Multifamily Building, New Construction, Nonresidential, PV, Residential, Single Family

Advanced Thermostat Solutions: Best Practices and Trends
2025-09-23 17:00 - 18:00 | Online
Join us for an in-depth look at how communicating thermostats are shaping the future of HVAC performance and customer satisfaction. In this session, experts from LG and Daikin will break down the latest in thermostat technology, going beyond basic programmable and schedulable controls to explore demand response-enabled systems, built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, and new control strategies.
We’ll also highlight emerging technologies, best practices for contractors, and industry trends and concerns that every professional should be aware of.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from two leading manufacturers and gain insights to help your business thrive in California’s evolving clean energy market.

Avoiding Main Panel Upgrades - Part 1: Demystifying & Calculating Loads on Your Main Panel (Webinar)
2025-09-23 11:00 - 13:00 | Online
Description:
This is part 1 of a 2 part class.
Understanding your main electrical panel is essential for the transition to an electrified home. This session simplifies the components of the main electrical panel in a home. It will explain prescriptive and performance-based load calculations to determine whether a main panel upgrade is necessary. It also covers load management techniques and how power-efficient appliances can reduce demand on the electrical panel.
Learning Outcomes:
As a result of attending this class you can expect to learn the following

Differences between prescriptive ‘bottom-up’ and performance-based ‘actual measured’ load calculations
How to assess the need for a panel upgrade based on load calculations
Techniques for managing electrical loads using power-efficient devices to avoid unnecessary upgrades
How to calculate and understand the electrical capacity of your main panel

Energy Management Systems (EMS) with HVAC Controls (2 Part Series)
2025-09-23 09:30 - 11:30 | Online
Series Description

Part 1 of 2 – September 23, 2025 (9:30am – 11:30am)
Part 2 of 2 – September 24, 2025 (9:30am – 11:30am)

Getting the most energy savings out of your HVAC requires building systems to be capable of adjustment, such as variable speed drives or demand limiting, as opposed to simple on/off control. However, these strategies often add a higher level of complexity making it more challenging to keep persistent energy savings over time. Energy Management Systems and Analytics are often offered as a solution to this problem. This course will provide a deep dive exploration of the reality of energy management systems and how they are not a one-size-fits all system and how each one needs its own requirements and parameters for success.

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

Identify key differences between building management systems (BMS) and energy management systems (EMS)
Review fundamental EMS qualities, controls, and techniques appropriate for different users, audiences, and end goals
Explore key performance indicators and strategies dashboard configurations
Evaluate effective EMS implementation, current product availability and successful case studies in new and retrofit projects

Speaker 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.
Continuing Education Credits:
BOC: 4, BPI: 4, CABEC: 4, NATE: 4

Next Generation Passive Solar
2025-09-23 09:30 - 11:00 | Online
Event Description
We all learned the principles of passive solar design in school – south facing orientation, strategic windows, thermal mass, etc., but the old rules don’t apply in the same way. Modern buildings should still incorporate passive strategies, including daylight and ventilation, but they need a new spin on the implementation to account for improved insulation, prevalence of high-performance glazing, and efficient HVAC systems and lighting.
Learning Objectives

Review passive thermal design strategies including basic climate analysis and guidelines for orientation, fenestration and thermal mass.
Understand current science relating to the impacts of daylight and views on occupant health and learn best practices for right-sizing windows and skylights, managing glare and selecting appropriate visible light transmittance.
Learn strategies to develop an integrated system for ventilation, optimizing passive systems (operable windows and skylights, stack effect, cross ventilation) with mechanical systems
Review a case study to integrate passive thermal design with a high-performance envelope.

Learning Units

1 AIA HSW LUs pending for this course

The Dangers of Burning Gas in the Home (Webinar)
2025-09-22 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
In some ways, burning gas in your home can be as dangerous as secondhand smoke. From nitrogen oxides to carbon monoxide to benzene, combusting natural gas releases a whole cocktail of dangerous pollutants into our homes.
Join us for a webinar on the health risks of using natural gas indoors. A leading researcher and physician will share the latest findings on how gas appliances impact indoor air quality, who is most vulnerable, and how poor ventilation can significantly worsen the risks.
In this webinar our panelists will discuss:

The pollutants of natural gas combustion and what they do to the human body.
Current research exposing the harms of natural gas use indoors.
Which natural gas burning appliances emit the most pollution.
How ventilation impacts indoor air quality and health risks.
Strategies to reduce indoor pollution and associated risks

Panelists:
Curtis Nordgaard, MD, MSc – Dr Curtis Nordgaard is a Pediatrician practicing in the Minneapolis area, and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Minnesota Medical School. He regularly discusses environmental health problems with families in clinic, and studies the ways that natural gas impacts our health and our environment.
Eric Lebel, PhD – Eric Lebel is a Senior Scientist at PSE Healthy Energy (www.psehealthyenergy.org), where he started in 2021 after he graduated from Stanford University with a PhD in Environmental Earth System Science. His research focuses on emissions of methane and health-damaging air pollutants in California, with a focus on emissions from residential appliances. He has worked to develop new methods for quantifying these emissions and has designed and executed research campaigns to systematically quantify emissions and their impact on climate and public health.

Residential Electrification - 5Ws and 1H (Webinar)
2025-09-17 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
Description:
Residential Electrification is coming to newly constructed homes in California. Step by step, communities and codes are promoting the transition from combustion fuels to electricity as the fuel of choice in homes to reduce impacts on climate change and improve the health and safety of their occupants.
This class focuses on basic questions that designers, builders, homeowners and other tradespeople may have and identifies the Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How of residential electrification.
Learning Outcomes:
As a result of attending this class you can expect to learn the following

A basic understanding of the electrification process
What technologies are available for this transition
The benefits electrification has on home performance and home comfort

Introduction to Heat Pump Water Heater Education
2025-09-17 07:00 - 09:30 | Online
Manufacturers Heat Pump Water Heating (HPWH) Education session focused on technology features and benefits, appropriate applications, energy efficiency comparison to other water heater types, installation techniques and best practices, service support and warranty, proper maintenance, troubleshooting, and selling strategies

Electrify Efficiently: Field Lessons for Heat Pump Installers (5 Part Series)
2025-09-16 12:00 - 13:30 | Online
Part 3 of 5 – September 16, 2025 (12pm – 1:30pm)
This comprehensive series of courses is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the field of heat pump design, sales, and business best practices. Each course focuses on a specific aspect of heat pump technology, providing practical insights and best practices to ensure efficient and effective operation. These courses provide a comprehensive understanding of how to sell more high-performing heat pump systems with limited call-backs, preparing participants to succeed with industry demands.
Speaker Bio:
Larry Waters
Larry Waters is the founder of Electrify My Home, a first-of-its-kind electrification company specializing in residential electrification projects and workforce training. Larry has 40 years HVAC trade experience in service, installation, sales, and management with a specialization in home performance. Beginning in 2014, Larry’s focus shifted to replacing gas furnace with high-efficiency heat pumps and in that time has designed and installed over 400 systems. Larry is NATE and BPI-certified and serves on multiple boards and committees focused on propelling the movement to Electrify Efficiently.

Multi-Family Domestic Hot Water
2025-09-11 12:00 - 14:00 | Online
Event Description
Moving from fossil-fuel boilers to other forms of domestic hot water heating can be challenging, but it’s definitely doable. This training offers experience and strategies for providing DHW in multifamily projects. As a result of this training, learners will be able to:
Learning Objectives

Identify the design considerations which should be included in a new or retrofit DHW system design
Demonstrate understanding of the differences in capacity design between a boiler based and heat pump DHW system
Utilize information from lessons learned in the field with new system designs to make confident decisions in design direction

Learning Units

1.5 AIA HSW LUs pending for this course

Home Energy Audits
2025-09-11 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
If you’re interested in energy efficiency or thinking about going electric, a home energy audit is a smart and inexpensive way to start your journey. Before you take the leap and replace a major system like your HVAC, it can be incredibly helpful to have the full picture of your home’s energy use, comfort, and safety. Through a series of inspections and diagnostic tests, you’ll learn whether your home needs insulation, weathersealing or duct maintenance, which appliances are most in need of replacement and any problem areas and fixes you should prioritize to save energy and improve the comfort of your home. A typical audit focuses on your home’s envelope, your HVAC systems, and your major appliances. At the end of the evaluation, your energy auditor can tell you how efficient your home is and recommend which projects will be the best investments for energy savings and increased comfort. It also results in holistic recommendations that are specific to your home, and take your home’s entire ecosystem into account. Join us on September 11 as we take a look at home energy audits and discuss: Why get a home energy audit? What does an energy audit include, and how long does it take? Are there different types of audits, and how does one choose? What you’ll get from a home energy audit How to find a certified energy auditor near you How much does a home energy audit cost? Join us to learn how an energy audit can best prepare you to lower your energy bills, phase out fossil fuels, cut your home’s carbon emissions, improve your home’s indoor air quality, and make your home more comfortable year-round. This webinar is part of the Electrify Now “Go Electric!” series developed in partnership with San Diego LEARN.

The Business Opportunity of Electrification
2025-09-10 11:00 - 13:00 | Online
Description:
The accelerating electrification market is creating unprecedented opportunities for companies in the residential energy sector. As homeowners seek to convert their homes from fossil fuel powered systems to electric alternatives, the demand for knowledgeable professionals to guide them through this process is increasing. This course is designed to equip consultants and contractors with the insights and strategies needed to thrive in this expanding market.
Participants will explore the drivers of electrification including policy changes, consumer preferences, and technological advancements. This class will cover how to effectively position electrification services as a value-added proposition to clients and the approaches and business models to consider.
By understanding the full scope of opportunities presented by home electrification, participants will be able to build a more robust business model, all while proving an impactful offering to homeowners.
Learning Outcomes:
As a result of attending this class you can expect to learn the following

How to identify and leverage rebates and incentives available for electrification projects
Strategies for integrating multiple home energy upgrades into a cohesive electrification offering
Methods for calculating the energy bill impact of electrification upgrades to provide clients with a comprehensive understanding of potential savings and ROI
How to position your business strategically within the electrification industry, adopt new business models and arm yourself with the tools to capture emerging opportunities and stay ahead of market trends.

Building Electric-Efficient Tiny Homes: Smarter, Smaller, Sustainable
2025-09-10 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Be a part of this webinar on Wednesday, September 10, and explore how to build all-electric, energy-efficient tiny homes that meet modern performance standards while working within common limitations, that include working with 50-amp panels and very compact footprints. As energy codes tighten and demand for sustainable housing grows, builders, contractors, and DIYers are rethinking how small homes are designed and powered. Through case studies and hands-on experience, we’ll discuss how to select the right heating and water heating systems, navigate code requirements, and integrate solar and net metering at both individual and community levels. Attendees will learn how to reduce embodied carbon through smart design choices and how insulation, window placement, and appliance selection impact overall energy efficiency. We’ll also introduce a hybrid approach to construction: building the core structure with key systems in place, then finishing out electric appliances and upgrades through DIY or phased-in solutions. This makes tiny homes more attainable and flexible for a wide range of budgets. Join us to learn how electrification, renewables, and smart design come together in today’s tiny homes. You will also hear insights from experienced professionals on how to work around common electrical limitations, access incentives, and push beyond standard propane-based systems toward 100% renewable living. Whether you’re a professional contractor or a hands-on DIY builder, this session will give you practical strategies for creating low-impact, high-performance homes that align with evolving codes and sustainability goals.

Building Electric-Efficient Tiny Homes: Smarter, Smaller, Sustainable
2025-09-10 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
As energy codes tighten and demand for sustainable housing grows, builders, contractors, and DIYers are rethinking how small homes are designed and powered. Through case studies and hands-on experience, we’ll discuss how to select the right heating and water heating systems, navigate code requirements, and integrate solar and net metering at both individual and community levels. Attendees will learn how to reduce embodied carbon through smart design choices and how insulation, window placement, and appliance selection impact overall energy efficiency.
We’ll also introduce a hybrid approach to construction: building the core structure with key systems in place, then finishing out electric appliances and upgrades through DIY or phased-in solutions. This makes tiny homes more attainable and flexible for a wide range of budgets.
Join us to learn how electrification, renewables, and smart design come together in today’s tiny homes. You will also hear insights from experienced professionals on how to work around common electrical limitations, access incentives, and push beyond standard propane-based systems toward 100% renewable living.
Whether you’re a professional contractor or a hands-on DIY builder, this session will give you practical strategies for creating low-impact, high-performance homes that align with evolving codes and sustainability goals.

Electrify Efficiently: Field Lessons for Heat Pump Installers (5 Part Series)
2025-09-09 12:00 - 13:30 | Online
Part 2 of 5 – September 9, 2025 (12pm – 1:30pm)
This comprehensive series of courses is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the field of heat pump design, sales, and business best practices. Each course focuses on a specific aspect of heat pump technology, providing practical insights and best practices to ensure efficient and effective operation. These courses provide a comprehensive understanding of how to sell more high-performing heat pump systems with limited call-backs, preparing participants to succeed with industry demands.
Speaker Bio:
Larry Waters
Larry Waters is the founder of Electrify My Home, a first-of-its-kind electrification company specializing in residential electrification projects and workforce training. Larry has 40 years HVAC trade experience in service, installation, sales, and management with a specialization in home performance. Beginning in 2014, Larry’s focus shifted to replacing gas furnace with high-efficiency heat pumps and in that time has designed and installed over 400 systems. Larry is NATE and BPI-certified and serves on multiple boards and committees focused on propelling the movement to Electrify Efficiently.

Contractor Demand Building Program
2025-09-08 - 2025-09-10 | Ferguson Facility, 2750 Towne Ave., Pomona
Program description
The Contractor Demand Building Program is a hands-on training initiative designed to support California’s skilled trade workforce in the proper installation of Heat Pump Water Heaters (HPWH). Open to all California licensed contractors and their affiliated installers or technicians, the program offers in-person training sessions held throughout Southern California Edison (SCE) territory. There is no limit to the number of team members a contractor can send. Upon successful completion of the course, each participant receives one HPWH unit to install within SCE’s service area. This program helps accelerate the adoption of energy-efficient technologies while supporting California’s decarbonization goals. Please visit www.on.sce.com/hpwh to register

Electrification & Home Performance Series: 8 - Water Conservation & Home Performance (Webinar)
2025-09-03 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
Description:
Building electrification replaces fossil fuel systems with electric alternatives. As California shifts to all-electric homes, understanding home performance is essential. Key factors like energy efficiency, air-sealing, and insulation reduce energy use, improve air quality, and increase comfort. High performance homes use less energy, making electrification smoother and more sustainable.
This class is the eighth in a series on Electrification & Home Performance and covers the methods and products for water conservation and how these benefit home owners as they move towards heat pump water heaters.
Enhance your knowledge with a single class or complete the series for a thorough understanding of the relationship between home performance and electrification.

Electrify Efficiently: Staging Home Electrification Projects (Part 2 of 2)
2025-09-02 12:00 - 13:30 | Online
Course description

Part 2 of 2 – September 2, 2025 (12pm – 1:30pm)
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”.
Long-term planning is essential when it comes to most whole-home electrification journeys. By taking into consideration a customer’s long-term needs alongside their immediate needs, you can help customers avoid costly mistakes. In this webinar, participants will hear insights and recommendations on optimal order of operations of electrification installs. These insights come from Electrify My Home’s deep experience on hundreds of real-world electrification projects. Come prepared with questions about your electrification projects.
Agenda:

Introduction and safety message
Electrify My Home: “good electrification” and “install small”
Planning ahead for electrification
Staging electrification projects
Q&A

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

Explain two reasons why planning a panel upgrade is so important
Describe the rationale behind why single trade contractors should advise beyond their specific product or installation
Explain why an inverter heat pump may be beneficial if future building enclosure upgrades are planned
Summarize importance of Electrify My Home’s approach to “good electrification” and “install small”

Electrification Contractors Power Breakfast
2025-08-29 08:00 - 10:00 | MCE’s Concord Office, 2300 Clayton Rd, Concord, California
Join MCE for our Electrification Contractors Power Breakfast on Friday, August 29 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. in Concord.
We’ll explore ways to make electrification projects more affordable for your customers and discuss how to help your business grow and stand out in a competitive market.

Enjoy a complimentary breakfast.
Meet your next business partner specializing in plumbing, electrical, or general contracting, and expand your business.
Get details on MCE’s rebates and incentives that can lower your upfront cost to install heat pump water heaters, even in an emergency.
Help MCE design programs that work for you!

Who should attend?
MCE’s Electrification Contractors Power Breakfast is for contractors who serve residential customers within MCE’s service area.

Who is MCE?
MCE provides electricity service for nearly 600,000 homes and businesses across Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, and Solano Counties.

Optimizing Ducted Heat Pumps for Residential Electrification: Efficiency Comfort and Low Loss Duct Systems
2025-08-28 09:00 - 12:00 | 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 CA 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. We have 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.

Making Sound Visible: Using Acoustic Imaging to Pin-Point Air Leaks in Existing Homes
2025-08-28 09:00 - 10:00 | Online
Just like thermal cameras show heat differences, acoustic cameras visualize sound intensity. In this live webinar, you’ll discover how this technology is transforming energy efficiency inspections and building diagnostics – plus get a quick tour of its surprising uses in other fields like bioacoustics, law enforcement, product testing, and stadium experience. W
hat you’ll learn:
• Acoustic vs. Thermal: See how each tool works, what it detects, and when to use which
• How to use sound for air leakage detection for energy efficiency maximization
• On-site setup and data collection: how to use the technology in real-world conditions
• Real use cases in residential buildings
Join our panel and The LEARN Program on August 28th for an insightful webinar!

Retaining Profit – Minimizing Call Backs on Heat Pump Projects
2025-08-28 08:00 - 09:30 | Online
Event Description
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.
Learning Objectives

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

Electrify Efficiently: Field Lessons for Heat Pump Installers (5 Part Series)
2025-08-26 15:00 - 16:30 | Online
Part 1 of 5 – August 26, 2025 (3pm – 4:30pm)
By enrolling in this series, 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 comprehensive series of courses is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the field of heat pump design, sales, and business best practices. Each course focuses on a specific aspect of heat pump technology, providing practical insights and best practices to ensure efficient and effective operation. These courses provide a comprehensive understanding of how to sell more high-performing heat pump systems with limited call-backs, preparing participants to succeed with industry demands.

Speaker Bio:
Larry Waters
Larry Waters is the founder of Electrify My Home, a first-of-its-kind electrification company specializing in residential electrification projects and workforce training. Larry has 40 years HVAC trade experience in service, installation, sales, and management with a specialization in home performance. Beginning in 2014, Larry’s focus shifted to replacing gas furnace with high-efficiency heat pumps and in that time has designed and installed over 400 systems. Larry is NATE and BPI-certified and serves on multiple boards and committees focused on propelling the movement to Electrify Efficiently.
Continuing Education Credits Per Individual Courses Only:
AIA: 1.25, BPI: 1.5, BIG: 1.5, CABEC: 1.5
Sector:
Residential
Audience Level:
Intermediate
Electrification:
Yes

Practical and Efficient Hot Water Delivery: Meeting Hot Water Demand with Heat Pump Water Heaters
2025-08-26 09:00 - 12:00 | 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 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.

Contractor Demand Building Program
2025-08-24 - 2025-08-26 | Ferguson Facility Perris, 4100 N. Webster Ave, Perris

Electric Heat Pumps for Water Heating
2025-08-21 09:00 - 12:00 | Online
Course description

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”.
As our electricity supply becomes cleaner, due to an increased use of renewables for generation and a growing number of local ordinances prohibiting gas installs in new homes, electricity becomes an attractive fuel source to designers and builders interested in reducing residential greenhouse gas emissions and creating zero carbon homes.
Dan Perunko of Balance Point Home Performance will present on efficiency gains, and overcoming common installation pitfalls from electric heat pump water heaters in new and existing buildings. Class discussion will cover the advantages and limitations of these systems, the available technology and refrigerant types, as well as features like load flexing.
The U.S. Department of Energy has recognized this course as part of PG&E Energy Center’s Heat Pump Water Heater program as Energy Skilled in Installation. Energy Skilled heat pump water heater programs include important content to prepare students to install and specify high quality, next generation heat pump water heater systems. Enroll here to complete the three-part series to receive your Energy Skilled recognition.
Agenda:

Introduction and safety message
Heat pumps water heaters (HPHW) overview
HPWH lab performance data
HPWH and solar thermal systems
HPWH and space heating systems
HPWH with CO₂ as a refrigerant
HPWH demand response strategy and efficiency
Importance of efficient plumbing distribution system

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

Summarize the performance parameters of electric heat pump water heaters
Discuss the relationship between heat pump water heaters, solar thermal systems and space heating systems
Name at least two factors that have interactive efficiency gains of a plumbing distribution system
List the impact of refrigerants and ways to guard against refrigerant leaks
Explain the importance of a demand response strategy and its relationship to efficiency

Electrification & Home Performance Series: 7 - Integrating Heat Pump Water Heaters (Webinar)
2025-08-20 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
Description:
Building electrification replaces fossil fuel systems with electric alternatives. As California shifts to all-electric homes, understanding home performance is essential. Key factors like energy efficiency, air-sealing, and insulation reduce energy use, improve air quality, and increase comfort. High performance homes use less energy, making electrification smoother and more sustainable.
This class is the seventh in a series on Electrification & Home Performance and covers the benefits heat pump water heaters offer and their features and design elements.
Enhance your knowledge with a single class or complete the series for a thorough understanding of the relationship between home performance and electrification.

Heat Pump Water Heater: Installation, Decision Guidance, and Load Shifting
2025-08-20 08:30 - 11:30 | Online
Presented by Nick Brown and Gary Klein, this webinar will look at the best practices for installing a heat pump water in residential homes. This course will help plumbers, builders, architects, homeowners, and home energy consultants understand what is different about heat pump water heaters from the water heaters they are more familiar with, ensuring correct installations. We’ll provide a quick recap of heat pump water heater basics and then explore the retrofit process, beginning from site preparation and installation considerations at the home, to operation and grid flexibility that heat pump water heaters can provide. buildingscienceeducation, bsesc
The U.S. Department of Energy has recognized this course as part of PG&E Energy Center’s Heat Pump Water Heater program as Energy Skilled in Installation. Energy Skilled heat pump water heater programs include important content to prepare students to install and specify high quality, next generation heat pump water heater systems. Enroll here to complete the three-part series to receive your Energy Skilled recognition.
Agenda:

Introduction and safety message
Heat pump water heater basics
Key installation challenges for heat pump water heaters
Installation requirements for electrical, plumbing connections, and condensate drainage
New technological developments for heat pump water heaters
Cold climate HPWHs (Split-Type)
Heat water heater operational modes
Grid interaction
Class survey, closing and wrap up

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

List key considerations when preparing to replace a gas water heater with a heat pump water heater
Name examples of different heat pump system types, including 120v equipment
Identify the proper installation location for a heat pump water heater system
Summarize the different operating modes of HPWHs
Describe what is a CTA-2045 communication device and how it is used for grid flexibility
Discuss how the operation of a heat pump water heater can be managed using a CTA-2045 device and how heat pump water heaters are used within utility demand response programs
