Efficiency First California

IHACI - System Performance Module Part 1 (In-Person)
2025-07-09 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Energy Resource Center, 9240 Firestone Blvd., Downey, CA, 90241-5388, United States
This four-part webinar starts with the fundamentals and theory behind residential and light commercial HVAC system performance with an overview as applied to the California market. This module introduces and details the “whole-house” concept, outlines the instruments and field techniques required to measure HVAC system performance, and problem-solves any issues discovered. Participants will learn the broad skill sets required to understand and evaluate the whole HVAC system and provide the client with an HVAC system that will be safe and reliable and operate at the highest capacity and energy-efficiency possible.

AI-Powered Business Tools for Contractors: Inside Look at Eli and Sealed
2025-07-09 17:00 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Join us for the next session in our AI webinar series, where we spotlight two groundbreaking platforms revolutionizing the way contractors work: Eli and Sealed.
Eli goes far beyond rebate support, offering a powerful platform that helps contractors stack incentives, verify income for equity programs, and integrate financing options, all in one seamless workflow.
Sealed partners directly with contractors to streamline rebate processing, offer guaranteed rebate amounts upfront, and handle the paperwork, making it easier to close deals and get paid faster.
Discover how these tools are being used in the field today, and hear directly from the innovators behind them on how AI is reducing administrative work and helping contractors grow their business.

Electrification & Home Performance Series: 4 - All About Quality Insulation Installation
2025-07-09 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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 fourth in a series on Electrification & Home Performance and covers the requirements and concepts behind QII testing.
Enhance your knowledge with a single class or complete the series for a thorough understanding of the relationship between home performance and electrification.
Learning Outcomes:
As a result of attending this class you can expect to learn the following

The principles of 6-sided insulation installation
How gaps, voids and compression impact home performance
An understanding of thermal by-pass and air barrier placement

16th Annual California & Climate Collaborative Forum
2025-07-09 - 2025-07-10 | Signia by Hilton, 170 S Market St., San Jose, CA
Our 16th Annual Forum will be held in-person in San Jose, CA, on Wednesday, July 9th, and Thursday, July 10th. Offered at no cost to local governments, you’ll have the opportunity to network with climate and energy practitioners from throughout the state, learn about innovative projects and funding opportunities, and hear from key state agencies and climate leaders. So join us, and take your climate work to the next level.
Our forum offers 2 plenary sessions, 20 breakout sessions, and several special events throughout the 2-day forum.

Smart Thermostats for Builders
2025-06-30 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
This webinar covers the Smart Thermostat’s value and features it brings to the homeowner, such as its intuitive display and programmable scheduling. In addition, the Smart Thermostat’s technical capability is shown by stepping through the installation process and connecting it to the Home App. Connection to the Service Tech App and the Connected Portal is also discussed.
Learning Objectives:

Understand what Smart Thermostats offer for the Dealer
Understand the benefits that Smart Thermostats offer for the Homeowner
Learn about Installation & commissioning
Discover details about the Service Tech App and Home App

What Were They Thinking?! A Home Performance Game Show
2025-06-26 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Get ready for a first-ever game show-style webinar that’s equal parts shocking, educational, and just a little hilarious. Join The LEARN Program and our panel as we reveal real-life examples of poor workmanship, shortcuts, and head-scratching installation fails that’ll have you saying, “What were they thinking?!” We’ll laugh (a little), learn (a lot), and dig into the real consequences of cutting corners in the field – and how these seemingly small mistakes undermine our energy efficiency goals. This webinar will serve as a great reminder as to why we do what we do and what happens when you make strikingly obvious mistakes in a customer’s home. We’re excited to bring the first-ever gameshow-style webinar to BPI and hope to see you there!

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

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’

IHACI - AC & HP Air Distribution IV
2025-06-24 18:00 - 20:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
6/24, 6:00-8:15pm
Part 7: Addressing common issues in return air systems such as eddy currents and pressure drops, with practical solutions for optimizing duct designs and components.
Part 8: Upgrading the supply air side of commercial duct systems to reduce turbulence and optimize airflow, including modifications

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 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’

Unlocking the 3-in-1 Heat Pump Solution
2025-06-24 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
An introduction to the Daikin Altherma air-to-water heat pump, a 3-in-1 system providing 1) space heating, 2) space cooling, and 3) domestic hot water as a solution to electrify and decarbonize traditional hydronic applications.
Learning Objectives:
1) Why Daikin is bringing Altherma to the market;
2) What the system is and how it works, including some case histories;
3) Understand potential applications and discuss how this can be applied in new construction;
4) Familiarization with the (initial) Altherma lineup for North America.

IHACI - AC & HP Air Distribution III
2025-06-23 18:00 - 20:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
6/23, 6-8:15pm
Part 5: Building, commissioning, and maintaining commercial duct systems. Topics include design considerations, installation procedures, testing, balancing, and regular maintenance for efficient airflow and optimal performance. Part 6: Selecting air filters and enhancing the return air side of commercial duct systems to improve overall performance.

Emissions Reduction Goal Setting and Decarbonization Planning
2025-06-19 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Join us for an overview of why and how to set GHG reduction goals for various types of organizations. Innovative strategies for mitigating and sequestering GHG emissions including electrification, available market-ready technologies, new upcoming innovations likely to hit the market, waste management and recycling, circularity, engaging supply chains (Scope 3), implementing renewables, etc. Content is applicable to all workers – including disadvantaged workers – who work on energy efficiency, electrification, decarbonization or related strategies and implementations, plus additional workers who could benefit from upskilling in emissions reduction goal setting and decarbonization.
Through this course, you will:
* Learn why and how to set GHG reduction goals​
* Be able to identify strategies for reducing emissions across sectors and pathways to net zero carbon​
* Recognize the relevance of electrification and decarbonization strategies, via frameworks and case studies​
* Utilize above learnings to lead of contribute to GHG emissions reduction strategies and implementations.

Room Heat Pumps 2.0 - Cooling and Heating in a Small Package
2025-06-18 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
As summers continue to get hotter, more and more people are needing air conditioning to beat the heat. Room heat pumps are low cost, easy to install products that deliver powerful cooling, and have the added advantage of providing supplemental heating when the temperatures fall. They come in window-mounted options or portable, roller style configurations which are easier to move and install. They’re a great way to increase comfort all year long and reduce your reliance on gas or expensive electric baseboard heating.
Since they are portable, they’re a wonderful solution for renters. These units are lower cost than full home heat pumps and can be installed DIY by plugging into a 120V outlet. They typically cost $500-700. They provide energy efficient heating and cooling ideal for apartments or single rooms in larger homes. Existing models have been designed to work in mild climates, but more powerful but more expensive, cold climate versions are just coming onto the market now. Join us as we dive into the world of room heat pumps with our expert panelists. We will answer the following questions and more: How do they compare to ductless and whole house heat pumps? What are the configurations available? How do you install and use them? What are the ideal use cases for room heat pumps? What are some of the practical considerations of using a room heat pump? What has research shown about their effectiveness? Are rebates and incentives available to help lower the cost? What are some of the top models available? What cold climate models are available and how do they compare? What models are on the horizon? How do I shop for a room heat pump? We’ll see you on June 18th as we dive inside the portable, climate-friendly heating and cooling solution that renters have been waiting for!

IHACI - AC & HP Air Distribution II
2025-06-17 18:00 - 20:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
6/17, 6:00-8:15pm
Part 3: HVAC duct design methods, focusing on the Equal Friction Method, including rules, principles, and examples for determining duct sizes and airflow requirements.
Part 4: Practical application of the Equal Friction Method in designing residential and commercial duct systems, including heat load calculations, friction loss adjustments, duct layout planning, and friction rate calculations. Concludes with hands-on examples and commissioning preparations.

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

IHACI - AC & HP Air Distribution
2025-06-16 18:00 - 20:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
This eight-part evening series is for HVAC professionals, from beginners to those with intermediate experience. It covers foundational principles of ducted air distribution systems and processes for Quality Installation (QI), Quality Maintenance (QM), and Quality Service (QS) for residential and light commercial systems in California.
We’ll equip participants with skills to design, install, commission, maintain, service, diagnose, and verify ducted airflow systems, ensuring they are safe, reliable, & energy-efficient.
6/16, 6:00-8:15pm
Part 1: Air distribution in HVAC systems, duct design, airflow rates, velocities, static pressures, terminal diffuser/grille types, & airflow instruments.
Part 2: Fundamental characteristics of air and the psychrometric chart from the perspective of installers and service technicians.

System Diagnostics Module Part 4 (Virtual)
2025-06-10 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
This 4-part series will review the basic definition, description, methodology, outline and theory behind the system diagnostic process. Operating aspects of Quality Design (QD), Quality Installation (QI), Quality Maintenance (QM), Quality Service (QS), and ultimately Quality Performance (QP) as they apply to the California Market (CAQD/CAQI/CAQM/CAQS/CAQP) and the diagnostic process will be covered as well. The class will begin with the client’s reported symptom(s) or concern(s), covers the diagnostic tools and instruments used to obtain measurements of the system, and provides the proper field techniques required to investigate the system by observing, obtaining, and recording all relevant information and data concerning the system. The class will focus on the information provided by the client, and the observations and data obtained by the field technician to evaluate, analyze and ultimately identify the root cause(s) of the reported symptom(s). The series concludes with the exploration of possible alternatives to simply replace the non-functioning or defective component, examines the repair vs. replacement question, covers reporting the diagnoses to the client, the client’s decision making process, outlines the proper corrective action to eliminate the symptom(s) or problem(s) and concludes by the field technician verifying that not only is the system working, but is working safely, reliably and operating at the highest capacity and energy efficiency possible.

AI-Powered Business Tools for Contractors: A Deep Dive with Pika and Resolv
2025-06-10 17:00 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Curious about how AI is transforming the way contractors work? Join us for a dynamic session featuring two cutting-edge platforms: Pika and Resolv.

Pika simplifies the complex HVAC sales process — combining every spec, regulation, pricing table, and incentive in one easy-to-use tool. With Pika, contractors can build proposals on the spot, answer customers’ most detailed questions confidently, and automate rebate paperwork to capture more revenue with less hassle.
Resolv focuses exclusively on making rebates simple. Their AI-powered platform helps contractors quickly identify, match, and apply for rebate programs, saving time and unlocking more value on every project.

Learn how these tools are being used in the field today, and hear directly from the teams behind them about how AI is helping contractors close more deals and reduce admin burden.

System Diagnostics Module Part 3 (Virtual)
2025-06-09 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online

System Diagnostics Module Part 2 (Virtual)
2025-06-06 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online

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

System Diagnostics Module Part 1 (Virtual)
2025-06-02 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online

Air Distribution Module Part 4 (In-Person)
2025-05-29 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Energy Resource Center, 9240 Firestone Blvd., Downey, CA, 90241-5388, United States
This 4-part series gives participants the comprehensive skill sets required to properly design, install, commission, maintain, service, diagnose and verify that the air distribution systems they are working on are safe, reliable and operate at the highest capacity and energy efficiency possible. The class will start with reviewing the basic physical properties of air, common definitions used in the trade psychometrics, the comfort index, indoor air quality and the practical fundamentals and theories used in all air distribution systems. It continues with the review of proper Quality Design of air distribution systems as they apply to the California market (CAQI) using the equal friction method, with the use of common HVAC industry ductulator we learn how to size the entire system for proper airflow, correct air velocity, and resizing of different duct configurations. The class will cover the design of both residential and commercial air distribution systems using either flexible and / or metal duct material. At the conclusion of Part 2, the class will design a commercial flexible duct air distribution system that will be reviewed in Parts 3 and 4 of this series.

Intro to Residential HVAC Systems
2025-05-29 15:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Event Description
This class is for folks who need to “speak HVAC” but may not have much background with HVAC. This could be homeowners who are shopping for a new system, utility employees dealing with HVAC programs, people who are brand new to the HVAC industry or HERS testing, general contractors who need to be able to talk to HVAC contracts, etc. Basically, people who need to work around HVAC systems, but not necessarily work on them. We will cover the basics such as types of systems, parts of systems, how systems are designed, how systems are tested, etc. It will even cover supply register types. Extra time will be spent on heat pumps. Based on the book, “HVAC 1.0 – Introduction to Residential HVAC Systems” by Russell King, ME, the presenter.
Learning Objectives

Become more comfortable speaking with HVAC contractors who use a lot of jargon.
Understand the wide variety of HVAC and duct system types.
Be able to identify the various parts of an HVAC system, such as plenums, condensers, t-wyes, TXVs, etc.
Understand the difference between electric space heating and gas space heating.
Understand what it takes for an HVAC system to perform well and why so many don’t.
Understand how air moves through ducts and why it is important.

Air Distribution Module Part 3 (In-Person)
2025-05-28 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Energy Resource Center, 9240 Firestone Blvd., Downey, CA, 90241-5388, United States

Air Distribution Module Part 2 (In-Person)
2025-05-22 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Energy Resource Center, 9240 Firestone Blvd., Downey, CA, 90241-5388, United States

Air Distribution Module Part 1 (In-Person)
2025-05-21 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Energy Resource Center, 9240 Firestone Blvd., Downey, CA, 90241-5388, United States

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
