Efficiency First California

TECH & ESMAC Heat Pump Water Heater Education
2025-02-10 07:00 - 09:00, 2025-02-26 08:00 - 17:00 (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.

Topics Covered:
• Key differences between standard gas and electric water heaters and heat pump water heaters
• Benefits and value propositions of HPWHs
• Installation best practices
• Location options, space needs and considerations
• How to size appropriately
• Programming/operating modes
• Time-of-use and demand response capabilities
• Electrical requirements, electric panel considerations
• Condensate management and drainage
• Thermostatic mixing valves, recirculation pumps
• Noise/vibration considerations
• Guidance and best practices for warranty, service support, and maintenance
• Customer education – how to use, what to expect, addressing common concerns
• How to get further regional training and support

Learning Objectives:
• Identify the key difference between standard water heaters and heat pump water heaters
• Explain the features and benefits of heat pump water heaters
• Identify dwelling and customer types that benefit the most from HPWH
• Calculate appropriate tank size based on dwelling and occupancy
• Describe installation best practices
• Describe service and maintenance best practices
• Demonstrate selling techniques and overcoming customer objections

IHACI - Electrical Module Part 3 (Virtual)
2025-02-10 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
This four-part series provides practical fundamentals and theory behind basic electricity, as well as knowledge of electrical symbols, components, wiring diagrams, electronics, and electrical systems. Get the comprehensive skill sets you need to properly install, commission, maintain, service and diagnose electrical systems. Learn how to verify when electrical systems are safe, reliable, and operate at the correct settings for the highest energy efficiency possible.
Part 3 – Different Electrical Components Found in the HVAC/R Industry:

Quality Maintenance of electrical systems as they apply to the California market (CAQM) including proper system maintenance after installation, component replacements and field instruments used for measuring voltage, amperage, resistance, capacitance, and watts.

Introduction to Heat Pumps - Part 1 (Webinar)
2025-02-11 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Course Description:
This is part 1 of a 2 part class.
Heat Pumps are the most efficient method to not only heat and cool spaces, but to provide domestic water heating in both multifamily and commercial applications. This course explores the composition, operation, and application of heat pumps in building settings. Specifically, this course examines the evolution and versatility of heat pump technology in comfort heating/cooling and domestic hot water applications, successful implementation examples, and essential lessons learned. Furthermore, learners will explore the value of heat pumps, including decarbonization, energy efficiency, and grid stability opportunities.
Learning Outcomes:

Understand the history of heat pumps and their versatility in building applications
Explore the components, operation, and system configurations of heat pumps in commercial and multifamily applications
Analyze efficiency opportunities, grid impact, and the value proposition of implementing heat pumps
Review applicable codes/policies and the market landscape

Managing Multicultural Teams
2025-02-11 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Understand how cultural differences within your team can affect their needs and impact the bottom line! At this seminar you’ll learn how to adapt your managerial style to the needs of your diverse group. Discover how to communicate, motivate, and manage conflict across cultural boundaries. Get proven techniques to help you function as a true team so that your differences are opportunities for increased creativity and productivity.
This course is a don’t-miss for managers that oversee employees of diverse cultural backgrounds and want to leverage the strengths of a multicultural workforce to maximize performance.
Learning Objectives
After attending this session learners will be able to:

Name strategies to build trust and unity within a diverse team
Describe how culture influences everyday business interactions
List 10 ways to improve rapport with employees who are culturally different from you
Give examples of how leadership, conflict, and authority may be perceived differently based on cultural background.

IHACI - Electrical Module Part 4 (Virtual)
2025-02-11 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
This four-part series provides practical fundamentals and theory behind basic electricity, as well as knowledge of electrical symbols, components, wiring diagrams, electronics, and electrical systems. Get the comprehensive skill sets you need to properly install, commission, maintain, service and diagnose electrical systems. Learn how to verify when electrical systems are safe, reliable, and operate at the correct settings for the highest energy efficiency possible.

Part 4 – Electrical Schematics: A Roadmap to Diagnosing an HVAC/R System:

Review of information in the previous sessions to provide Quality Service of electrical systems as they apply to the California market (CAQS) including proper service methodology, system diagnostic techniques and verification of system performance.

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

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

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

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

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

Introduction to Heat Pumps - Part 2 (Webinar)
2025-02-12 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Course Description:
This is part 2 of a 2 part class.
Heat Pumps are the most efficient method to not only heat and cool spaces, but to provide domestic water heating in both multifamily and commercial applications. This course explores the composition, operation, and application of heat pumps in building settings. Specifically, this course examines the evolution and versatility of heat pump technology in comfort heating/cooling and domestic hot water applications, successful implementation examples, and essential lessons learned. Furthermore, learners will explore the value of heat pumps, including decarbonization, energy efficiency, and grid stability opportunities.
Learning Outcomes:

Understand the history of heat pumps and their versatility in building applications
Explore the components, operation, and system configurations of heat pumps in commercial and multifamily applications
Analyze efficiency opportunities, grid impact, and the value proposition of implementing heat pumps
Review applicable codes/policies and the market landscape

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

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

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

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

Geothermal Heat Pumps
2025-02-19 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Join us on February 19th as we explore the world of Geothermal Heat Pumps (GHPs), a technology that harnesses the constant temperature of the shallow earth to provide heating and cooling. Because the ground can absorb excess heat during the summer and act as a heat source during the winter, GHPs are extremely efficient—reducing energy consumption up to 44% compared to air source heat pumps and 72% compared to standard HVAC systems. While more costly to install, GHPs offer greater longevity and stability than air source heat pumps, and the additional costs may be returned in energy savings in just 5-10 years. We’ll discuss which climates and conditions are optimal for GHPs, and how to decide if your property is a good fit. Our panelists will share the basics of geothermal heat pumps along with their many advantages—high efficiency and extreme climate performance to name a few. Join us for a 45-minute webinar in which we’ll discuss: What is a geothermal heat pump and how does it work? How efficient is a geothermal heat pump, as compared to other types of heating and cooling? What are the benefits of using geothermal energy? Why would someone invest in geothermal versus an air source heat pump? What is the cost to install a GHP (and how does the energy savings impact payback time)? Are there incentives available? What is the lifespan of a GHP system? What are the ideal climates for GHPs? How can geothermal energy help the grid? How do I decide if my property is a good candidate for a GHP? What about larger buildings or multifamily buildings? What are the different types of GHPs available? How can I find someone to install a GHP at my home?

Strategic Partnerships to Grow Your Business
2025-02-19 17:00 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Join us for an insightful webinar that explores the transformative power of strategic partnerships and how they can propel your business to new heights. Discover why cultivating strong, meaningful relationships is key to achieving sustainable growth and long-term success—because no one can do it all alone.
Whether you’re a business owner, contractor, or entrepreneur, this session will provide you with actionable strategies to build your network, enhance collaboration, and elevate your business.
Guest Speakers:
Cecily Jackson-Zapata
Cecily is an attorney and nonprofit governance leader specializing in nonprofits, CDFIs, social enterprises, and small businesses. She serves as Secretary of Social and Environmental Entrepreneurs (SEE) and Executive Director of Social Innovatus, a SEE project. A member of the California Lawyers Association Nonprofit Organizations Committee, Cecily has practiced law with Public Counsel and major firms like Latham & Watkins. She co-founded Sustainable Law Group P.C., recognized as a B Corp of the Year, and has held leadership roles with L.A. Kitchen and the Social Enterprise Alliance. Cecily is an alumna of Stanford Law School and USC.
Seth Anderson
Seth Anderson is the Founder and CEO of Anderson Heating & Air. A small family owned and operated company in the Sacramento Valley that focuses on educating customers on the benefits of electrification and inverter technology. Seth’s career has spanned the entire spectrum, from starting out as a maintenance technician to managing and directing one of the largest HVAC companies in Northern California. His desire to get back to in-depth customer education and affordability led to him leaving his corporate position, returning to his technical roots, and becoming a contractor. Seth has become a trusted industry source by local contractors, distributors, state/city officials, and his customers.
Moderator:

Charley Cormany
Executive Director of EFCA with over a decade of experience as a home performance contractor. Charley now leads policy efforts, manages the Clean Energy Connection contractor directory, and supports contractor success through programs like SMUD rebates.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and connect with like-minded professionals!

TECH & ESMAC Heat Pump Water Heater Educatio
2025-02-21 07:00 - 09:00 (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.

Introduction to Eliminating Main Panel Upgrades
2025-02-25 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
This introductory webinar sets the stage for a transformative six-part series. This webinar demystifies the main electrical panel and explains the flow of electricity in the home. Participants will gain a clear understanding of how electrical systems manage energy demand (loads, such as appliances and electronics) and energy supply (generation, like solar panels and batteries). The course provides actionable strategies to add new loads, integrate distributed energy resources (DERs) like solar and batteries, and optimize existing systems—all while eliminating the need for expensive and time-intensive main panel upgrades, which can often delay projects. By the end, participants will feel confident with the tools and resources to navigate home electrical concepts and implement smart solutions to support electrification and distributed energy projects from a wholistic perspective.
Learning Objectives:
1. Describe why main panel upgrades are a significant concern in electrification projects, including costs, timelines, and grid impact.
2. Gain foundational knowledge of how electricity flows in a home, including how main panels manage both loads and supply.
3. Analyze two approaches for calculating main panel capacity: one for adding electrical loads and another for determining backfeed from solar and storage systems.
4. Explore innovative technologies and strategies to balance energy demand and supply within the constraints of existing main panel capacities, effectively preventing the need for upgrades.

Building a Balanced Organization
2025-02-25 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
We all want a positive, productive workplace where teammates work together to achieve common goals. Let’s find out how to achieve it with home performance legend John Tooley!
A harmonious workplace includes work-life balance, emotional well-being, and healthy interpersonal dynamics. A workplace without these things leads to stress, burnout, dissatisfied employees, and high turnover.
In this session, you’ll find practical insight drawn from decades of research and get actionable strategies to create a harmonious workplace that will enhance productivity, increase the bottom line, and create a thriving company culture.
Learning Objectives:

Contrast balance and harmony
List practical strategies create balance and harmony in your company
Describe the benefits and positive outcomes that result from a culture that is balanced and in harmony

Building a Balanced Workplace
2025-02-25 15:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online

Single-family Standards: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - offered in partnership with Energy Code Ace
2025-02-26 09:00 - 10:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
This virtual course focuses on requirements in the 2022 Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6) for accessory dwelling units (ADU) in an event supported by Energy Code Ace and BayREN. We will discuss how to identify the ADU type and its impact on Energy Code requirements for envelope, mechanical, photovoltaics (PV), battery storage or battery ready and HERS measures. We will also review how the compliance metrics differ depending on ADU type, including the new EDR source energy metrics for new construction ADUs.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Establish if an ADU design is considered an alteration, addition, or a new residential building per the Energy Code.
Discuss the envelope (roof, walls, floors, fenestration) requirements associated with the ADU type (alteration, addition, new construction) under the 2022 Energy Code.
Recognize the renewable energy requirements of ADU type including photovoltaics (PV), battery storage, and battery ready.
Determine mechanical equipment requirements, including any HERS verification measure options that provide ADU design flexibility, and how utility source energy metric may impact those choices.

Available CEUs: AIA (1.5 LU), ICC (0.10 CEU) and CABEC (1.5 LU)

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

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

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

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

Multifamily Electrification: Retrofit Applications and Electrical
2025-02-26 09:00 - 11:00 (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.
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).

New Refrigerants and Building Design
2025-02-26 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Join us on February 26 to learn about the recent regulatory changes impacting the allowable Global Warming Potential (GWP) of refrigerants, and how this is impacting how refrigerant-based systems are handled and installed. We’ll discuss the complications, opportunities and emerging best practices for equipment selection, architectural and mechanical design, and more.

Recent regulatory changes came into effect in 2025 impacting the allowable Global Warming Potential (GWP) of refrigerants. These changes come with new requirements for how refrigerant-based systems are handled and installed, leading to complications, opportunities, and emerging best practices for equipment selection, architectural and mechanical design, and electrification solutions. This panel will feature manufacturers, consultants, and design professionals discussing how these changes are already rippling out through the design and construction markets and what we may expect to see in emerging design and electrification trends as a result.
Panelists include:
Helen Walter-Terrinoni – Helen is the Director of Global Climate Policy at Trane
Prior to this, she worked as Vice President Regulatory Affairs at The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute. Helen has also worked in Regulatory Affairs at The Chemours Company and Sourcing Planner at DuPont. Helen holds a Master’s Degree in chemical engineering, with a concentration in environmental engineering, from Syracuse University.
John Milkint- John is West Coast Territory Manager at Chemour
Passage of the AIM Act by the federal government has led the EPA to put into place regulations to phase down HFC refrigerants, and John will be sharing his expertise on the future landscape of HVACR refrigerants.
Moderator:
Tristan Grant, Associate Director, Codes & Policy, New Buildings Institute
Tristan brings over a decade of experience in the renewable energy and high-performance design and construction industries. In this work, he has provided oversight of teams providing design consultation, energy modeling, site inspections, testing and verification for new construction, and gut rehabilitation for residential multifamily projects throughout the Northeast region. In addition to managing the technical oversight of project deliverables, he has worked with clients on the scoping and development of comprehensive and strategic approaches to decarbonization, sustainability, and resilience at the portfolio level. Tristan has an educational background in building science with a Master of Design Studies in sustainable design from the Boston Architectural College. This deep education is complemented by practical field experience with inspections, testing and verification, and building performance diagnostics as a HERS Rater and PHIUS Verifier.

2025 Hot Water & Hot Air Forums
2025-03-04 - 2025-03-06 | Hyatt Regency Portland at the Oregon Convention Center, 375 NE Holladay Street, Portland, Oregon
Overview
Hyatt Regency Portland at the Oregon Convention Center
ACEEE’s Hot Air and Hot Water Forums are the nation’s premier policy and technical conferences devoted to improving efficiency and decarbonizing space and water heating. The Forums bring together seasoned experts and new voices each year to discuss strategies for transforming the two biggest uses of energy in buildings.
Join us in 2025 for discussions exploring efficiently producing, distributing, and using hot water and decarbonizing space heating in buildings of all kinds through heat pumps. Both Forums will explore how these industries can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy bills, improve grid resilience, and center equity.
Previous gatherings have attracted diverse attendees, including equipment and component manufacturers; water, gas, and electric utility professionals; and local, state, and federal agency representatives. Energy efficiency program planners, operators, evaluators, electricians, plumbers, installers, policymakers, representatives from NGOs, engineers, consultants, and other experts have found value in the sessions and great networking at the events.
Click here to see a list of organizations that participated in the 2024 Hot Air and Hot Water Forums.

Crafting High Performance Enclosures: Roofs, Walls, and Floors
2025-03-04 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Event Description
Building enclosures – the roof, walls, and floor – are the first line of defense between nature and people. Enclosure performance is optimized when air sealing and insulation – two underappreciated and typically underperforming features – are done to high-performance standards rather than the status quo. This class covers installation — the practical application of those principles on the job site – the hands-on activities that differentiate ‘business-as-usual’ from high-performance construction. These include best practices for air sealing, insulation installation, and window installation, along with the tools and methods (e.g., blower door testing) used to measure the quality of work, and the metrics against which the work can be evaluated.
Learning Objectives

Describe preferred methods and materials used for air sealing different types of building openings, and how to test the results;
Explain the difference between conventional insulation practices and “Quality Insulation Installation (QII)” methods, and how QII is verified;
Identify five common building enclosure installation flaws and how to avoid them.
Quantify the magnitude of the gap between minimum energy code compliance and high performance, where all energy features are confirmed with building performance test methods.

Adding Solar & Storage to Existing NEM 1 & NEM 2 Systems
2025-03-06 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
As energy needs grow, many homeowners with existing solar systems realize their current setup may no longer cover increased usage but don’t want to lose their NEM status. Whether you’re adding electric appliances or electric vehicle, or looking to add a battery to protect against power shut-off event this webinar will help you navigate expanding your solar system and integrating battery storage while preserving or optimizing your Net Energy Metering (NEM) agreement. You’ll learn when keeping your current NEM benefits makes sense, when switching could save you more, and how to design an energy system that aligns with your long-term goals.
Key Takeaways:
✅ How adding solar or batteries impacts your NEM plan
✅ How to add solar without losing your NEM status
✅ How to size your system for increased demand
✅ Which upgrade paths acheives key energy goals
About the Instructor: Spencer Rosen is a home energy expert, educator, and founder of Home Energy Academy. With 1,000+ home energy evaluations, 100+ whole-home energy projects, and oversight of 100,000+ solar and storage system installations, Spencer brings real-world expertise in energy efficiency, solar, storage, and electrification. He has led 100+ homeowner and professional training sessions for California utilities, helping participants confidently navigate solar and battery upgrades.

IHACI - AC/HP Refrigeration Module Part 1 (In-Person)
2025-03-10 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Energy Resource Center, 9240 Firestone Blvd., Downey, CA, 90241-5388, United States
This four-part seminar starts with the practical fundamentals and theory behind basic air conditioning and heat pump systems and systematically moves through the process involved for Quality Installation (QI), Quality Maintenance (QM) and Quality Service (QS) of residential and light commercial air conditioning and heat pump systems as they apply to the California market. This evening series provides comprehensive skills required to properly install, commission, maintain, service, diagnose and verify that the air conditioning and heat pump systems they are working on are safe, reliable and operate at the highest capacity and energy efficiency possible.
Part 1 – Practical Fundamentals and Theory of the Refrigeration Circuit

Basic physical properties of air conditioning, common definitions used in the trade, psychometrics, the comfort index, indoor air quality, refrigerant properties.
Practical fundamentals and theories used in all air conditioning and heat pump systems.

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

Recruitment Interviews for Managers and Supervisors
2025-03-11 15:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Hiring the right employees is crucial to your organization’s success. But how can you tell which candidate has the skills and habits your team needs?
Learn to select the best candidates with effective interviews in the next GoldStar webinar with global business coach Chris DeVany. From insightful questions to key competencies, this session equips managers and supervisors with the skills to confidently make informed hiring decisions.
Whether you’re new to interviewing or refining your approach, this webinar is your guide to mastering the skills for effective recruitment interviews.
Learning Objectives

Describe the fundamentals of structured interviewing and its importance in recruitment.
Create insightful, competency-based interview questions.
Use active listening and observation techniques during interviews.
Find and mitigate unconscious biases that can lead you to overlook the best candidates.
Develop objective criteria to evaluate candidates.
Conduct post-interview assessments and make confident hiring decisions

Nail the Sale: Getting Past Heat Pump Objections
2025-03-11 16:00 - 17:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Event Description
Heat Pumps are quickly gaining traction as a preferred HVAC and water heating technology. California has a goal for 6 million installed heat pumps by 2030, and state plans indicate that new gas furnace and water heaters will not be permitted after 2030. While the path forward for heat pumps seems clear, the technology is still foreign to most homeowners. To meet the above-mentioned goals, contractors and other industry professionals must arm themselves with the knowledge (and sometimes the data) to dispel myths about heat pumps. In this webinar, you’ll hear from Larry Waters, an HVAC industry veteran who switched his focus towards home performance in 2010 and towards inverter heat pumps in 2014. With over 400 heat pump installations under his belt, Larry’s heard just about every objection in the book and will relay best practices for responding to such objections.
Learning Objectives

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

IHACI - AC/HP Refrigeration Module Part 2 (In-Person)
2025-03-11 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Energy Resource Center, 9240 Firestone Blvd., Downey, CA, 90241-5388, United States
This four-part seminar starts with the practical fundamentals and theory behind basic air conditioning and heat pump systems, and systematically moves through the process involved for Quality Installation (QI), Quality Maintenance (QM) and Quality Service (QS) of residential and light commercial air conditioning and heat pump systems as they apply to the California market. This evening series provides comprehensive skills required to properly install, commission, maintain, service, diagnose and verify that the air conditioning and heat pump systems they are working on are safe, reliable and operate at the highest capacity and energy efficiency possible.

Part 2 – CAQI of Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Systems

Quality Installation of air conditioning and heat pump systems as they apply to the California market (CAQI).
Proper selection methodology, basic system components, system accessories, proper field installation techniques, basic zone systems, air filtration, humidification, and ventilation.

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

Packaged Terminal Heat Pumps
2025-03-12 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Join us as we discuss how upgrading packaged terminal air conditioners to high efficiency packaged terminal heat pumps (PTHPs) can revolutionize multi-family energy use. In this webinar we will dive into the advantages and disadvantages of PTHPs, their applications for both new construction and retrofits, and the growing size of this emerging market.

Heating and cooling systems are one of the biggest costs, and source of emissions, for multifamily properties. Join us as we discuss how upgrading packaged terminal air conditioners (PTACs) to high efficiency packaged terminal heat pumps (PTHPs) can revolutionize energy use in apartment buildings, hotels, and assisted living facilities. These self-contained units are installed below windows inside living spaces, providing efficient heating and cooling.
This webinar will explore the advantages and disadvantages of PTHPs, their applications for both new construction and retrofits, and the size of this emerging market. Learn how PTHPs, with advanced inverter technology and variable speed fans, provide the same in-unit temperature control and outside air as PTACs, while using up to 70% less energy. We’ll also discuss the quick and straightforward installation process, which makes PTHPs a compelling, cost-effective solution for property owners seeking to improve energy efficiency and tenant comfort. Finally, we’ll explore efforts to bring PTHPs to colder climates with models that can work in temperatures well below zero.
Please join us on Wednesday, March 12th to learn more about these simple high-efficiency units that can provide sizeable benefits.

Diagnosing Heating and Cooling Comfort Problems in Homes
2025-03-18 15:00 - 16:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Event Description
This course will cover the different kind of heating and cooling complaints, how to identify them and how to resolve them. Did you know that most HVAC systems are oversized, not undersized? This can cause temperature differences in the home, higher energy bills and premature equipment failure, all of which are frequently blamed on undersized equipment. Learn how to tell the difference and address the problem.
Learning Objectives

Understand the basic principles of how an HVAC system works and what it is intended to do.
Understand the root cause of various comfort complaints.
Understand the difference between equipment problems, house problems and design problems.
Identify the source of most comfort complaints.
