Efficiency First California

Introduction to Variable Capacity Heat Pumps, Improved Comfort and Energy Efficiency
2024-06-20 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
This content offers an introduction to variable capacity heat pumps (VCHP) for contractors who are not yet familiar with this type of HVAC equipment. It begins by defining the type and continues by describing the intended benefits of VCHPs compared to earlier models of heat pumps. Participants take away important knowledge as well as an understanding of where to take their learning next. They learn a simple classification strategy to use to help select the type of VCHP to use on their projects.
Agenda:

Introduction and safety message
What are Variable Capacity Heat Pumps (VCHPs)?
Benefits of VCHPs to Contractors and Customers
Types of VCHPs and Terminology”Sources” of the heat used by VCHPs
Easy classification strategy for VCHPs
Available indoor unit types VCHP applications to consider
Next steps to continue your learning

Cutting Edge Ventilation to Improve IAQ Even With Tight Air Sealing
2024-06-19 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
A home today must not only be high performing, resilient and built using sustainable methods, the home must provide the individuals living within it a healthy environment. There are many factors that contribute to the overall healthy environment we provide our homeowners, but one of the most critical is the quality of the air they breathe. This webinar will briefly cover some ventilation basics before delving into the pros and cons of the various system types. Particular focus will be placed on the efficiency and indoor air quality advantages of balanced ventilation systems with recovery (HRVs/ERVs) and how indoor air quality automation will shape the future.
Learning Objectives:
1. Understand why tighter homes without good ventilation can be problematic for indoor air quality
2. Understand the basics of quality ventilation including product certification and airflow optimization and verification
3. Understand the options for whole home ventilation along with the pros and cons of each
4. Understand in particular the health and efficiency benefits and installation options of balanced ventilation with recovery (HRVs and ERVs).

Electrify Efficiently: Home Heat Pumps Done Right - A Case Study
2024-06-18 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
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

Tips and Tricks To Grow Your Business with High Performance Practices
2024-06-18 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
More energy efficient homes represent a huge, and growing, opportunity for builders and remodelers to address homeowner demands. Driven by a growing social consciousness, new rebate programs and rising energy costs, homeowners want to explore options and will be more likely to commit. Plus, new technologies are making the process more efficient and effective. In this session, building performance experts share best practices to capitalize on the growing business opportunity, and help you feel good about your contribution to the planet.
Learning Objectives:
1. Quantify the business opportunity for both retrofit and new construction residential projects.
2. Discuss how to enable technology to do the hard work of finding the right building performance solutions for a variety of climates that can achieve a number of results, from carbon neutral to zero net energy.
3. Understand consumer demand and how to leverage it through marketing and sales activities.
4. Learn about all the incentives available to make this opportunity as fruitful as possible.

IHACI - System Diagnostics Module Part 3 & 4 (Virtual)
2024-06-10 08:00 - 2024-06-11 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
This four-part webinar starts with the fundamentals and theory behind the residential and light commercial diagnostic process and covers all aspects of the HVAC system including the mechanical, electrical, refrigeration, air distribution, gas, venting, condensate, indoor air quality and whole house concept sections. This seminar will equip participants with the broad skill sets required to properly obtain, record, evaluate, analyze, identify and eliminate all operating problems reported and revealed through the diagnostic process and concludes by verifying that the HVAC systems they are working on are safe, reliable and operate at the highest capacity and energy efficiency possible.
Special Instructions:
This is GoToWebinar a meeting. Upon successful registration, you’ll receive a confirmation email that includes your personal link to log into the webinar. Please do not share your link with anyone else.
Note to Attendees
Attendees who attend all 4 nights, will receive the complete “enhanced” training manual. These will be mailed out after the class has been completed.

TECH & ESMAC Heat Pump Water Heater Education
2024-06-10 07:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Overview
The TECH & ESMAC (ENERGY STAR Heat Pump Water Heater Manufacturer Action Council) Heat Pump Water Heater Education includes a TECH overview, ENERGY STAR® overview, and a manufacturers heat pump water heater (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.
Attending the TECH & ESMAC training is required for upcoming HPWH funds.
• For onboarding purposes, at least one individual from your organization must attend and complete the post-training survey.
• All installers working on a project submitted to the program must also take either this training, or a program approved manufacturer training.

2022 Title 24, Part 6 Essentials — Single-family Compliance: Modeling Tips
2024-06-06 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Energy consultants and other designers, explore specific techniques for modeling HERS measures for 2022 Energy Code compliance credit, common and alternative mechanical systems and photovoltaic systems through demonstration, hands-on practice with sample files and team activities. This 3-hour course is designed for professionals who already have basic competence with Single-family Residential modeling software used to demonstrate compliance with Title 24, Part 6.

Upcoming Classes:

Date:
October 7, 2024

Time:
9:00 am – 12:00 pm PDT

Instructor:
Martyn Dodd

Registration link coming soon!

Date:
November 20, 2024

Time:
9:00 am – 12:00 pm PST

Instructor:
Martyn Dodd

Registration link coming soon!

PANEL DETECTIVES – ELECTRICAL PANEL ASSESSMENTS FOR HEAT PUMP INSTALLERS
2024-06-05 15:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
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 for “making it work.”
Learning Objectives:

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

EN Webinar: Air Source Heat Pumps – High Efficiency Heating and Cooling
2024-06-05 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Learn about air source heat pump systems – the best way to heat and cool your home, lower your energy bills and slash your carbon emissions.
Heat pumps are 3-5 times more energy efficient than other heating and cooling systems like gas furnaces, oil heat, and electric baseboard heating, and they provide comfort year-round. In this 30 minute webinar, we’ll talk about how heat pumps work, how they compare in cost and performance to gas and old electric systems, tips to make your home more energy efficient, and much more.
Air source heat pumps move heat from one place to another, rather than creating it, which is why they’re so energy efficient. In cooling mode, they act as air conditioners, moving heat from the air inside your home to the outside. In heating mode, they harvest heat from the air outside your home and move it to the inside.
Join us as we explore the many benefits of installing an air source heat pump. We’ll discuss:

How do heat pumps work, and why are they so efficient?
How much energy can I save, and how much will it lower my home’s carbon emissions?
Is my house right for a heat pump?
What is the difference between ducted and ductless heat pumps?
How much does a heat pump cost?
Are there any incentives or tax credits to offset the cost?
What steps should I take to install a heat pump?
What questions should I ask my HVAC contractor to make sure I get the best result?

Hosts and Panelists:
Brian Stewart – Brian co-founded of Electrify Now to help energy consumers and homeowners learn about the benefits of electrification. He has over 40 years of experience in product design, engineering, manufacturing and sustainability and held many leadership roles at Nike Inc. including Vice President of Sustainable Innovation.
Joe Wachunas – In addition to his work for Electrify Now, Joe is a Program Manager for the New Buildings Institute, managing the Advanced Water Heating Initiative. He is a frequent contributor to CleanTechnica writing articles about topics relating to electrification and clean energy. Joe and his family use their own home to experiment and learn about all electric solutions, solar power and EVs.
Craig Aaker – Craig is the Operations Manager at GreenSavers, a dedicated home performance contractor, taking a systems approach to home improvements and a pioneer in home electrification work. They have won the Energy Star Home Performance Contractor of the Year Award for the last seven years in a row and they are a certified B Corporation

TECH & ESMAC Heat Pump Water Heater Education
2024-06-05 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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

Marketing and Promoting Electrification Using Behavioral Science
2024-06-05 01:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
A new nationwide survey of nearly 2,000 homeowners and renters found that among those interested in transitioning their homes from fossil fuels to efficient electric systems, the most common reasons were the environment, health and safety, and energy efficiency. Perceptions of the expensiveness of switching to electricity and specific preferences about cooking with gas dominate the barriers to electrification. And customers with specific beliefs and experiences are most likely to switch. Putting these findings into practice is the real challenge. How do we encourage electrification more broadly using behavioral science?
Join us for a webinar as we delve into the details of this new report and discuss the findings with experts in the field. Attendees will learn about programs that have successfully moved households to electrify from Washington, DC, and the rest of the country.

Electrify Efficiently: Staging Home Electrification Projects
2024-06-04 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
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”

WHEN TITLE 24 MODELING AND HVAC DESIGN MEET – REAL WORLD CASE STUDIES
2024-05-30 14:00 - 15:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Join Russ King, CEO of Coded Energy Inc., and Nick, an energy consultant, as they make the case why energy consultants should add HVAC design to the services they offer. Title 24 consultants have all the data they need to do HVAC load calculations, and Russ has recently introduced new software that simplifies the workflow to create a Title 24 compliance model and a HVAC load calculation model, but only build a single model. Russ and Nick will show how the process works and use a few real-world projects to show why they think energy consultants can assist project design teams with key HVAC design decisions and boost their businesses by doing so.
Learning Objectives:

Learn the inputs needed to do HVAC load calculations through ACCA Manual J procedures.
Understand how HVAC design services can help your energy consulting business.
Get exposure to the 3-D modeling software that simplifies the work of creating Title 24 models and HVAC load calculations.
See real world examples of projects that used an energy consultant to provide recommendations for the HVAC system.

Instructors:
Nick Brown, Build Smart Group
Russ King, Coded Energy Inc.

National Open Data for Electrification
2024-05-30 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
The National Open Data for Electrification (NODE) Collective is a nonprofit alliance creating the most comprehensive and up-to-date open data repository of every residential electrification incentive program in the nation, with plans to make the resource open and accessible to all. Join this webinar to hear from NODE’s founding organizations – Eli Technologies, Building Decarbonization Coalition (BDC), Rewiring America, North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center, and RMI – about the progress to date, the NODE Collective roadmap, and how this initiative can spur market innovation and make residential electrification more affordable for consumers.

HOME ASSESSMENTS FOR DECARBONIZATION – CLASS 6: HIGH PERFORMANCE FUNDAMENTALS SERIES
2024-05-23 15:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
This is class 6 of 6 in 3C-REN’s High Performance Fundamentals Certificate series. Earn a 3C-REN certificate of completion after finishing the series and passing short quizzes at the end of each class.
This class is designed to prepare building practitioners, who have basic to advanced knowledge of residential building, to assist homeowners on their pathways to electrification. We will cover all phases of the assessment process from understanding homeowner goals and setting expectations, through a methodical investigation and documentation of existing conditions and potential issues, to proposing and prioritizing solutions and offering implementation resources. A homeowner questionnaire template, existing condition form, and annotated electrification resource directory will be included as class handouts.
Learning Objectives
After attending this class, participants will be able to:

Estimate a homeowner’s anticipated future electrical loads
Identify equipment strategies to help minimize electric load additions
Guide homeowners in developing a comprehensive, prioritized electrification plan
Direct homeowners to credible, informative electrification resources

Instructors:

Ann Edminster, Design AVEnues LLC

Central Heat Pump Water Heater – Advanced Design and Installation (Multifamily)
2024-05-23 09:00 - 12:00 UTC | Online
Overview
This training will take a deeper dive into CHPWH systems, design, sizing, and installation. Targeting contractors, MEPs and installers, the training will cover the content outlined below. The class will include hot water demand calculations to support system sizing and energy consumption modeling to support photovoltaic system sizing to offset usage. Learn about emerging technologies, new applications of existing technologies and controls to support all-electric water heating in multifamily buildings. Participants will work through an exercise using tools to size a system and consider equipment selection.
• CHPWH piping
• Design Considerations
• Design Considerations
• Factors that impact sizing
• Sizing system and sizing considerations
• Load shifting
• Equipment selection
• Installation Best practices
• Operation and maintenance
• Energy consumption, modeling, and photovoltaic panels
• Practice Exercise
Training Objective
• Learn about different systems and the considerations for design and sizing and system selection based on site conditions.
• Understand sizing calculation methodologies and approaches
• Understand equipment selection based on sizing results and site considerations
• Understand how to incorporate PV system to reduce operational costs
• Understand start up process and maintenance considerations for system type
Instructor(s):

Asit Patel
Director, Technical Services and Training

Asit Patel, Director, Training and Technical Services. Asit delivers technical education in multifamily energy auditing, retro-commissioning, energy efficient building operations for contractors, energy professionals, and building management and operations staff. Asit’s 24 years of energy efficiency engineering experience include 15 years as senior energy engineer and director of training at AEA, where he coordinated and conducted instrumented energy audits of a wide range of building sizes, and also trained and mentored many other audit staff. While at AEA, Asit served as the lead in developing new building and professional certifications in energy efficiency practices, including Multifamily Building Analyst, Multifamily Building Energy Efficient Building Operators, and Hydronic Heating System Designers. Asit has provided hundreds of audits and has designed and developed specifications for state-of-the-art improvements to enhance efficiency of the existing system in buildings of all sizes. He specializes in testing and diagnosing large steam and hydronic heating systems and DHW systems. He also performs maintenance master planning and commissioning.
Jack Aitchison has been at AEA since 2017 and is dedicated to reducing energy, carbon and hazardous indoor air quality issues in existing multifamily buildings. As a technical assistance (TA) provider for the Bay Area Multifamily Building Enhancement (BAMBE) program, Jack project manages energy upgrades across numerous multifamily buildings. Jack continues to manage the development of tools to support new technical aspects of energy efficiency programs AEA administers, including: energy savings, equipment sizing, eligibility, and rebate calculations for new or updated program elements. Jack also has also been instrumental in assisting companies bringing new technologies to the CA market such as retrofit heat pump HVAC systems and load shedding/sharing systems to make electrification projects more feasible. Jack holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Resources Engineering from Humboldt State University. Jack is a certified Engineer in Training (EIT), BPI Building Analyst (BA), and Certified Passive House Consultant (NAPHN)

California Green Building Conference
2024-05-23 | The Beehive, 1000 E 60th St, Los Angeles, California, 90001
Welcome back to the California Green Building Conference

(previously known as MyGBCE–and, my, how we’ve grown!)
Presented by the U.S. Green Building Council – Los Angeles
As the largest and longest-running gathering of green building advocates in California, this event has evolved into a statewide sustainability experience!
This year, we are extending our reach to cover the entirety of California, bringing together advocates and companies from across the state. Join us in uniting the entire region for a thorough exploration of green building and sustainability practices, addressing a wide range of topics and issues that resonate throughout California.
This event is open to everyone! Kickstart or elevate your journey in the sustainability field!
Don’t miss out on this exciting blend of education, networking, and celebration. Secure your spot at the California Conference on Green Building and Sustainability Expo and be a catalyst for positive change!
By attending the California Conference, you’re not just participating in an event; you’re contributing to a sustainable future for California.
More info and our agenda will be coming soon. Stay tuned!

Combi Heat Pump Webinar
2024-05-22 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
This webinar will delve into combination space and water heating systems, also known as combi systems. While these systems seem promising, they present a level of complexity that raises questions about their practicality. The current market boasts standalone heat pump water heaters and space conditioning heat pump systems. This webinar will explore whether it is possible to merge them into a singular device and not sacrifice efficiency and cost.

Field research is underway, examining various configurations of space and water heating combined systems. In Europe and Asia there are many more market available combi heat pump and heat pump water heating technologies. Products available in the U.S. market are in early commercialization stages and appear tailored for single-family residential use. Some systems offer cooling as an add-on system while others have cooling offered by default.
Join us for this event to learn about ongoing advancements in combi systems and the need for further exploration to optimize efficiency, affordability, and suitability in order to successfully combine heat pumps for space and water heating.
Panelists include:
Edward Louie
Edward is a Building Energy Efficiency Research Engineer with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. He loves all things related to building science, energy efficiency, and sustainability. His focus is on residential homes. For retrofitting millions of existing homes, his overarching solution is to implement low-cost, relatively easy-to-execute envelope improvements to reduce air leakage, increase insulation and then meet the thermal loads with very energy efficient heat pumps for space conditioning and domestic hot water.
Pierre Delforge
Pierre is co-founder and head of Product and Operations at Harvest Thermal, where he is leading product design, development, and deployment. Before Harvest, Pierre spent 20 years in the computer industry, and 12 at NRDC where he led building decarbonization policy advocacy. Pierre is passionate about making home decarbonization cost-effective and accessible to all.
Moderator:
Joe Wachunas, Program Manager, New Buildings Institute

Installing Individual Heat Pump Water Heaters
2024-05-22 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Course Overview
There are several design considerations for individual heat pump water heaters. In addition, heat pump water heaters can be an effective strategy to reduce grid peak loads. This course will provide an overview of heat pump water heaters and associated code requirements. The course will take a deep dive into design considerations discussing sizing, venting configurations, load shifting, and installation best practices. This course draws from experience of working through hundreds of heat pump water heater retrofits with design teams, contractors, and research projects.
Instructors:
Amy Dryden is Director of Strategic Innovations at the Association for Energy Affordability, Inc. specializing in strategic initiatives, codes and standards, program design, training, and research and development projects. She brings more than 20 years of experience in residential green building design and construction, consulting, and planning, and works to advance the industry to deliver sustainable and healthy housing. Amy has developed training and delivered in-person, in field, and distance learning trainings to design professional, consultants, contractors, builders, building inspectors, and plan reviewers. She has contributed to national, state, and local auditing and green building standards, for DOE, California Low Income Housing Tax Credit Programs, GreenPoint Rated and Building Performance Institute. Amy works with diverse set of stakeholders to provide healthy affordable housing in a decarbonized future. On the side she has the pleasure of driving an all-electric 1946 Ford pick-up.

Jack Aitchison has been at AEA since 2017 and is dedicated to reducing energy, carbon and hazardous indoor air quality issues in existing multifamily buildings. As a technical assistance (TA) provider for the Bay Area Multifamily Building Enhancement (BAMBE) program, Jack project manages energy upgrades across numerous multifamily buildings. Jack continues to manage the development of tools to support new technical aspects of energy efficiency programs AEA administers, including: energy savings, equipment sizing, eligibility, and rebate calculations for new or updated program elements. Jack also has also been instrumental in assisting companies bringing new technologies to the CA market such as retrofit heat pump HVAC systems and load shedding/sharing systems to make electrification projects more feasible. Jack holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Resources Engineering from Humboldt State University. Jack is a certified Engineer in Training (EIT), BPI Building Analyst (BA), and Certified Passive House Consultant (NAPHN).

Balanced Ventilation for Better Health, Comfort, and Energy Efficiency: IAQ, OAQ, Ventilation and Filtration
2024-05-16 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.
Agenda:

Residential Indoor Air Quality in existing California homes
Residential ventilation systems in existing California homes
Residential Filtration systems in existing California homes
Building pressures and pollutant concentrations
Diagnostics: testing ventilation systems, building enclosure tightness and pollutant monitoring
Building loads and heat recovery
Evaluating filtration options: cost, energy consumption, system efficiency
Ideal work scopes — Identify critical details to include so that our systems work together providing comfort and air quality
Talking to customers – Identify the things that will help them make choose a healthier home.

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

Summarize air quality conditions in typical CA homes
Describe the several sources of pollutants effecting typical CA homes
Identify characteristics of an effective ventilation and filtration system
Discuss work scope details that are important for selling and installing an effective ventilation and filtration system
Communicate the talking points for educating their customers about effective air quality systems

3C-REN REGIONAL FORUM: THE PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE OF HERS RATERS
2024-05-15 15:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Event Description:
The 2025 code cycle will see large revisions to the HERS (Home Energy Rating System) Rating program. To prepare attendees to understand these changes, this virtual forum will first introduce the history of HERS Rating, what the program has accomplished, and why HERS Rating is important for code compliance. With this knowledge, attendees will be ready to learn what changes are anticipated for the 2025 code cycle and how it will impact their work.
Learning Objectives:
After attending this forum, participants will be able to summarize the history of the HERS Rating Program in California, identify how and why HERS Raters are important for home energy efficiency and code compliance, and explain the coming changes to the HERS Rating Program in the 2025 code cycle.
Panelists:
David Choo, Director of Compliance, CalCERTS
Rob Starr, Director of Technical Services, CHEERS
Javier Saucedo, Local HERS Rater, County of Ventura
Mike Little, Local HERS Rater, Central Coast

High-Performance HVAC Design and Redesign for Electrification
2024-05-15 08:00 - 2024-05-17 16:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Ferguson Enterprises, 26999 Industrial Blvd, Hayward, California
In this three-day educational experience, TECH Clean CA-approved contractors will learn to accurately complete four stages of system design using NCI principles and Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) Manuals J, S, D, and T using Elite RHVAC Software package for new and existing homes.
This class is for engineers, sales professionals, and in-house designers who own or plan to purchase Elite RHVAC software.
Open to contractors and technicians in the state of California who are enrolled in TECH Clean California. Not enrolled yet? Click here (opens in new window) to learn more about the program and enroll.

Intro to Residential HVAC Design in 3D Using ACCA Manuals J, S, & D (Webinar)
2024-05-14 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Description:
This class will be an introduction to ACCA Manuals J, S and D (load calculations, equipment sizing and duct design) using a new 3D HVAC design software. Rather than drawing the house in a CAD software, this software “builds” the house out of scalable 3D boxes. The benefit of 3D design is that it helps make sure that the system being designed will actually fit in the house and gives a better indication of duct length, surface area, bends, and fittings. Attendees should have a good working knowledge of HVAC terminology and concepts.
*This class is recommended before taking 3D Residential HVAC Design (No CAD Required) – Parts 1 & 2.
Instructor: Russ King – licensed Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience practicing and teaching in the areas of Residential HVAC design, diagnostics, and consulting, as well as energy codes and building science.
Course Objectives:
• Understand the basics of building geometry.
• Understand the basics of heating and cooling load calculations.
• Understand the basics of heating and cooling equipment selection.
• Understand the basics of duct layout and sizing.
• Understand the importance of good airflow on cooling equipment capacity and efficiency.
• Understand the importance of proper register/grille location, sizing, and type.

Commissioning Heat Pump Systems: Fundamentals and System Types - Spring
2024-05-10 09:30 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
his training series will focus on the design, commissioning and operational issues associated with heat pumps and heat pump systems with a focus on how this type of equipment can facilitate electrification of buildings and building systems. The content will be divided into five half-day sessions. Each session will stand alone, but the different training modules will also be interrelated. Ideally people interested in using heat pumps as part of building electrification projects will attend all five sessions.
This session will provide an overview of the heat pump concept and contrast it with electric resistance and natural gas heating. The refrigeration cycle will be touched upon with resources provided for more in-depth self-study for those who are interested. Common heat pump configurations, system types and applications will be discussed and illustrated.
Register HERE for the entire Commissioning Heat Pump Systems (5 Part Series).
Agenda:

Introduction and safety message
Fundamental heat pump concepts
How buildings use heat
Heat pumps, electrification, and the fundamental goals of HVAC
Heat pump system types

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

Discuss some of opportunities associated with applying heat pumps as a source of heating and cooling for buildings as we move towards electrification
Describe how buildings use heat and how heat pumps can be used to meet this need along with the fundamental goals associated with building HVAC systems
Recognize the typical components of the vapor-compression (refrigeration) cycle
Identify the common heat pump system types and describe their general characteristics (ground source, air source, water source, variable flow refrigeration, etc.)

WATER HEATING DISTRIBUTION BEST PRACTICES – CLASS 5: HIGH PERFORMANCE FUNDAMENTALS SERIES
2024-05-09 15:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
This is class 5 of 6 in 3C-REN’s High Performance Fundamentals Certificate series. Earn a 3C-REN certificate of completion after finishing the series and passing short quizzes at the end of each class.
Do you have any customers who wait a long time to get hot water somewhere in their house? Do you know someone who is frustrated watching the water run down the drain while waiting when outdoor watering is restricted due to drought? Have you ever wondered why a shower sometimes feels wimpy and what you can do about it without adding a boost pump? And, given the trend toward decarbonization, how do you pick a water heater that will provide customer satisfaction and be energy efficient? Would you like to know how to solve these and related problems in existing buildings and prevent them in new ones? We will discuss the answers to these and other questions during this fast-paced class.
Learning Objectives
After attending this class, participants will be able to:

Identify the causes underlying occupants’ number one hot water complaint (it takes too long for hot water to get from a water heater to fixtures) and what can be done to fix the problem in existing homes and prevent it in new ones.
Describe the value of the IAPMO Water Demand Calculator to right-size the plumbing in single-family and multifamily dwellings.
Assist homeowners in selecting replacement water heaters that will meet their household needs as well as State climate goals.
Summarize the variables that need to be evaluated when replacing an existing non-heat pump water heater with a heat pump model.

NCI: Airflow Testing & Diagnostics Technical Training – Discover Hidden Causes to Common Customer Complaints
2024-05-07 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | NCI – Anaheim, 2050 S Santa Cruz St., Ste 1000,, Anaheim, California
Description: (In-Person / Anaheim)
Get in on the ground floor and offer HVAC Performance Solutions that work with NCI’s simple Air Upgrade approach!
In this hands-on class students will learn technical training on HVAC airflow characteristics, performing static pressure testing, how to properly install static pressure test ports and how to measure & interpret static pressures.
Course Objectives:
• Learn how to identify fan type and speed
• Locate fan tables and plot fan airflow
• Diagnose & perform air upgrades on HVAC equipment and duct systems
• Learn how to measure and interpret Air System Performance
Target Audience:
• HVAC Contractors / Professionals
• HVAC Technicians / Installers
• Energy Improvement Contractors
• Energy Raters
• Air Balancers and Performance Technicians
Learning Level:
Intermediate Class: Content is appropriate for individuals who possess a fundamental understanding of the topic, and have familiarity with basic terminology and methodology of the subject matter. Attendees should have the capacity to participate in instructor-led exercises requiring synthesis and application of concepts.
Special Instructions:
This class is *fee-based $50 and includes workbooks and lunch.
Registration: To register by phone contact NCI Customer Care at 800-633-7058.

Please Note: *Must work within SCE territory to qualify for reduced registration fee as stated. Training is open to contractors outside of the SCE territory, however, full registration fee is required to participate in this program.

TECH & ESMAC Heat Pump Water Heater Education
2024-05-06 07:00 - 09:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
The TECH & ESMAC (ENERGY STAR Heat Pump Water Heater Manufacturer Action Council) Heat Pump Water Heater Education includes a TECH overview, ENERGY STAR® overview, and a manufacturers heat pump water heater(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.

Attending the TECH & ESMAC training is required for upcoming HPWH funds.

For onboarding purposes, at least one individual from your organization must attend and complete the post-training survey.
All installers working on a project submitted to the program must also take either this training, or a program approved manufacturer training.

Residential HVAC System Performance & Electrification
2024-04-30 08:00 - 2024-05-02 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | NCI – Anaheim, 2050 S Santa Cruz St., Ste 1000,, Anaheim, California
his National Comfort Institute training package includes a two-day advanced certification in Residential System Performance and a special half-day training focused on applying your knowledge and skills to residential HVAC electrification. This training program provides the keys to delivering true system performance with real-world lessons and hands-on training.
Learn to apply ASHRAE 221-compliant testing to heat pump systems and qualify for Enhanced TECH Incentives. This National Comfort Institute training package includes a two-day advanced certification in Residential System Performance and a special half-day training focused on applying your knowledge and skills to residential HVAC electrification. This training program provides the keys to delivering true system performance with real-world lessons and hands-on training.
Open to contractors and technicians in the state of California who are enrolled in TECH Clean California. Not enrolled yet? Click here (opens in new window) to learn more about the program and enroll.

HEAT PUMP FUNDAMENTALS: SPACE CONDITIONING AND WATER HEATING – CLASS 4: HIGH PERFORMANCE FUNDAMENTALS SERIES
2024-04-25 15:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
This is class 4 of 6 in 3C-REN’s High Performance Fundamentals Certificate series. Earn a 3C-REN certificate of completion after finishing the series and passing short quizzes at the end of each class. This series will be hosted twice throughout 2023.

Having gained a solid understanding of high-performance building enclosures from classes 1 through 3 in 3C-REN’s High Performance Fundamentals series, participants are well-prepared for this class, which will provide a foundation in the use of heat pumps for both space conditioning (heating and cooling) and water heating. The class will cover what a heat pump is and explain why heat pumps are essential elements of high performance buildings. Special attention will be paid to refrigerants: how heat pumps use them, how to avoid leaks through proper installation, and why it’s important to avoid leaks due to the damage they can cause to contractor profitability and the planet. An overview will be provided to aid in selecting, sizing, installing, and commissioning heat pump equipment, so that it performs as intended.
Learning Objectives
After attending this class, participants will be able to:

Describe in lay language what a heat pump is, its benefits, and how it works;
Describe the environmental consequence of releasing small quantities of refrigerant to the atmosphere;
Define heat pump performance metrics and variables that differentiate different models;
Explain the process of sizing and selecting a heat pump;
List, in order, the steps for installing and commissioning a heat pump.

1.5 AIA|HSW LU’s available for this course
Instructors:

Dan Perunko, Balance Point Home Performance

Multifamily Electrification: Retrofit Applications and Electrical Assessments
2024-04-24 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Course Overview
As we start turning our attention to the existing building stock, electrification retrofits are becoming increasingly important to achieve our emission goals and have healthier homes. Come explore how to approach an electrification retrofit, what the constraints and opportunities are for multifamily buildings with different configurations, and how it is shaped by electrical infrastructure and available technology. Gain an understanding of what an electrification retrofit looks like by working through example project(s) in class.
