Efficiency First California

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.

Residential Heat Pump Water Heaters: Technology, Sales and Installation Challenges Part 2
2024-04-24 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Course Description:
This course establishes a clear value proposition for residential heat pump water heater scenarios, while addressing key barriers to their adoption. It also provides targeted sales training to identify customers and opportunities for client-facing staff and stakeholders while delving into key installation considerations including space limitations, noise, condensate management, sizing, operational modes, and error codes.
Instructor Information: Tim Abshire
Tim Abshire is a Senior Account Manager and Certified Trainer for D+R International. Most recently he managed the Wholesale Distribution channel and was responsible for implementing Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance’s (NEEA) Hot Water Solutions Program through the wholesale and installer supply chain. Hot Water Solutions is a market transformation effort designed to promote the replacement of standard efficiency electric water heaters to heat pump water heaters. Mr. Abshire provides education, training, and resources to both plumbing and HVAC regional distributors along with their installer trade networks. Mr. Abshire’s background, including utility management and wholesale distribution, provides him with extensive knowledge and understanding of distribution operational needs and requirements. Mr. Abshire is a State Certified Heat Pump Water Heater Continuing Education Instructor in Oregon and Washington and has conducted over 250 training courses to distributor branch and installer personnel.
Agenda:

HPWH Technology Overview
What is Driving the Market for HPWH’s
Planned Replacement Opportunities
HPWH Marketing & Consumer Awareness
Explain HPWH Benefits, Overcome Objection
HPWH Space and Location Considerations
Managing Condensate
Heat Pump Water Heater Sizing
Switching from Gas to a HPWH

Learning Outcomes:

Explore the technology of heat pump water heaters
Examine the value proposition for heat pump water heaters as replacements in a variety of residential scenarios
Walk through targeted sales training to assist in the process of identifying and qualifying customers
Understand the key challenges to installation of heat pump water heaters

Residential Heat Pump Water Heaters: Technology, Sales and Installation Challenges Part 1
2024-04-23 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Course Description:
This course establishes a clear value proposition for residential heat pump water heater scenarios, while addressing key barriers to their adoption. It also provides targeted sales training to identify customers and opportunities for client-facing staff and stakeholders while delving into key installation considerations including space limitations, noise, condensate management, sizing, operational modes, and error codes.
Instructor Information: Tim Abshire
Tim Abshire is a Senior Account Manager and Certified Trainer for D+R International. Most recently he managed the Wholesale Distribution channel and was responsible for implementing Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance’s (NEEA) Hot Water Solutions Program through the wholesale and installer supply chain. Hot Water Solutions is a market transformation effort designed to promote the replacement of standard efficiency electric water heaters to heat pump water heaters. Mr. Abshire provides education, training, and resources to both plumbing and HVAC regional distributors along with their installer trade networks. Mr. Abshire’s background, including utility management and wholesale distribution, provides him with extensive knowledge and understanding of distribution operational needs and requirements. Mr. Abshire is a State Certified Heat Pump Water Heater Continuing Education Instructor in Oregon and Washington and has conducted over 250 training courses to distributor branch and installer personnel.
Agenda:

HPWH Technology Overview
What is Driving the Market for HPWH’s
Planned Replacement Opportunities
HPWH Marketing & Consumer Awareness
Explain HPWH Benefits, Overcome Objection
HPWH Space and Location Considerations
Managing Condensate
Heat Pump Water Heater Sizing
Switching from Gas to a HPWH

Learning Outcomes:

Explore the technology of heat pump water heaters
Examine the value proposition for heat pump water heaters as replacements in a variety of residential scenarios
Walk through targeted sales training to assist in the process of identifying and qualifying customers
Understand the key challenges to installation of heat pump water heaters

Target Audience:

HVAC Installers
Sales Professionals
Homeowners
Designers
Plumbers
Energy Consultants
Building Contractors

Learning Units:

N/A

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 is a Webinar class and internet access is required. Customers will receive a link the Friday prior to the event.

Residential Space Conditioning and Water Heating (Single Family)
2024-04-23 - 2024-04-25 | Live Classroom, Indio, California
Electrify My Home provides training based on real-world experience with residential electrification. With hundreds of high-performance projects completed to date, Electrify My Home shares its experience with others in a fast-paced training program that will benefit all parts of your company. We share principals of “Install Small” and “Good Electrification” processes that will keep your customers satisfied while simultaneously optimizing future grid reliability.
Only enrolled TECH Clean California Participating Contractor company staff may take this course. Course registration will be verified to ensure Participating Contractor company has completed a Trade Professional Participation Agreement (TPPA). Registration may be cancelled if a TPPA has not been completed prior to course start date.
Instructor:
Larry has 40 years HVAC trade experience in service, installation, sales, and management. His specialization is house-as-a-system electrification and has coined the process and practices “Good Electrification” and “Install small” right sizing for climate and comfort.
Larry spent the first ten years of his career working on Industrial and Commercial systems and later transitioned to residential HVAC. As a service technician and sales professional, Larry has sold more than 20 million dollars of HVAC product. In 2011, Larry obtained his BPI-certified Building Analyst certification and has concentrated on home performance ever since. Beginning in 2014, Larry began focusing on replacing gas furnaces with high-efficiency heat pumps. He has since designed and installed over 400 electrification projects in the greater Bay Area of California.
Larry started his all-electric gas conversion company, Electrify My Home, in 2019. Larry is an advisory board member of the Building Decarbonization Coalition and is still active as a Leading Light representative. Electrify My Home is a recognized trainer on residential home-electrification sales, system-design, and installation for the State of California’s TECH Initiative.

OVERCOMING INSTALLATION CHALLENGES WITH HEAT PUMPS
2024-04-16 09:30 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Heat Pumps are a big part of the solution to meeting California’s climate goals in buildings. In plain terms, they’re reversible air conditioners and have been around for over 100 years. This session is designed for HVAC contractors, builders, and others who want to understand how to install heat pumps right. We will cover how heat pumps can add value to your business, how heat pumps work and various configurations, and how to overcome common installation hurdles. Hurdles covered include dealing with existing ductwork, filtration requirements, cold weather, sizing, and electrical requirements. We will also discuss first costs, operating costs, and incentives.
Learning Outcomes:

Understand how focusing on heat pumps can add value to your business
Learn what energy code requirements apply to heat pumps and how variable capacity heat pumps (VCHPs) qualify for a significant compliance credit
Study various installation hurdles and how to overcome them
Learn typical first costs and operating costs, as compared to gas furnace split systems

Learning Units:
1.5 AIA LU approved for this course0.15 ICC CEU approved for this course
Instructors:
Nick Brown, Build Smart Group
Bobby Hahn, Pacific Systems Group – Bobby is the principal at Pacific System Group with 32 years in the HVACR Industry. His experience includes VRF, Ductless, DX Systems, Chilled Water, Air Quality, Filtration and Controls. Bobby is a member of the CABEC, IHACI, ASHRAE, ACCA, MANNA and was a past board member of the Institute of Heating and Air Conditioning Industry.

Cost-Effective Home Electrification Retrofits
2024-04-11 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
From inspecting existing systems to planning and installing future all-electric energy upgrades, this course will cover the many options and strategies for cost-effective home electrification retrofits. First, this course will explain the importance of inspecting and testing a home to determine an electrified plan of action. Every home, and homeowner, may have different needs thus the electrification retrofit priorities vary. Next we’ll highlight affordable electric solutions such as 120 V ductless heat pumps, and heat pump water heaters, including 120 V models. This course will also explore emerging electrification technologies solutions that offer creative solutions, such as a 120 V washer-dryer combo units that enable freeing up an electric dryer plug for EV charging or a heat pump water heater. Lastly, the presentation will cover the cost of conventional gas appliances versus electric heat pump appliances to show that electric heat pump appliances are more cost-effective to operate.

Electrify Efficiently: Heat Pump Zoning – Challenges and Solutions
2024-04-09 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
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

Blower Door Basics and Beyond
2024-04-09 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Set-up of home and blower door; Identify the building enclosure; Depressurization versus pressurization; Interpreting basic test results; Blower Door best practices e.g. minimizing wind effect, hose placement, identify intentional holes and when to forego any blower door testing. Converting Blower Door test results into meaningful metrics.
Instructor: Judy Rachel, Home Performance Pro

National Home Performance Conference & Trade Show
2024-04-08 - 2024-04-11 | Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 Second Ave S, Minneapolis, MN, 55403
Save the date for our 38th annual conference, bringing together thousands of contractors, weatherization professionals, trainers, program administrators, energy auditors, and others working in residential energy efficiency for the latest industry education.
You’ll walk away with the latest trends, newest techniques, key insights, and actionable items. The National Conference is the premier industry experience for anyone in home and building performance.
Educational Sessions
Live educational sessions, workshops, and unique presentation formats covering topics including building science and technical information, strategies to run a home performance business or program, key policy updates, emerging technologies, electrification, and more!
CEU Opportunities
Earn CEUs from allied organizations when you attend conference sessions and workshops. Continuing education credits can be accredited through our allied organizations, including ASHI, BPI (including QCI, HHE, and EA), InterNACHI, NARI, and NATE.
Networking & Trade Show
Our trade show gives attendees and vendors a look at ways to expand their business, show off new technology and products, and make new connections. Plus, networking opportunities are around every corner with evening receptions.

Heat Pump Water Heater for Plumbing Contractors
2024-04-02 15:30 - 17:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | 1537 WEBSTER ST, 1537 Webster Street, Oakland, California
Join us for a practical training session tailored for plumbing contractors looking to expand their expertise to include Heat Pump Water Heaters (HPWHs). Whether you’re working on multifamily or single-family projects, this event provides essential knowledge and hands-on experience to excel in this growing field.
Topics will include:

Understanding multifamily (central and in-unit) and single-family applications
Differentiating between 120v and 240v applications
Strategic application: Learn when not to install, identify optimal placements, and address noise considerations
Installation essentials: Learn power supply requirements, air volume considerations, and more
Effective servicing techniques for long-term performance
Explore incentive programs such as BAMBE, TECH, IRA and others
Demonstration of physical HPWHs
Training delivered by experienced representatives with AO Smith
Presentation followed by technical Q&A and networking opportunities

Optimizing Residential Forced-Air HVAC Systems: Efficiency, Comfort and Low Loss Duct Systems
2024-04-02 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Improved design, installation and commissioning practices lead to a dramatic improvement in building energy consumption, indoor air quality, and comfort. There are six performance factors that can be applied to HVAC design, installation and/or commissioning. In the Optimizing Residential Forced-Air series, we will review how each factor can be specified at design, implemented during installation, and tested/adjusted during commissioning. We will also look at how we can redesign our approach to high performance HVAC systems to support CA climate goals, help manage the peak electrical load on the grid as well as the owners operating cost under the time-of-use billing structure.
The Optimizing Residential Forced-Air series is informed through commissioned systems, where real examples from completed projects are used to support class content. We have designed, built, and commissioned both retrofit and new construction projects that exemplify the concepts covered in class. Course content will include design examples, photos installations, and test results from commissioning.
The HVAC equipment, materials and knowledge required to dramatically improve the performance of HVAC systems is readily available. This class will assist the designer, installer, and rater in their efforts to improve the HVAC systems we build.

Residential HVAC System Performance & Electrification
2024-04-02 08:00 - 2024-04-04 16:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Ferguson Enterprises, 26999 Industrial Blvd, Hayward, California
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.
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.
This FREE training is 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.

MULTI-FAMILY DOMESTIC HOT WATER
2024-03-28 09:00 - 11:00 UTC | Online
Moving from fossil-fuel boilers to other forms of domestic hot water heating can be challenging, but it’s definitely doable. This training offers experience and strategies for providing DHW in multifamily projects. As a result of this training, learners will be able to:

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

Instructors: Albert Rook and Eva Rooks, Small Planet Supply

TECH & ESMAC Heat Pump Water Heater Education
2024-03-27 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.

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

Electrify Efficiently: Electrical Panel Assessments - Examples for Heat Pump Installers
2024-03-26 12:00 - 13:30 (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 to make it work.
Agenda:

Introduction and safety message
Good electrification and install small
Panel assessments and strategies for overcoming challenges
Performing a load calculation
Q&A

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

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
Identify at least 2 or more critical components and variables of performing a load calculation in a residential home

High-Performance HVAC Design and Redesign for Electrification
2024-03-26 08:00 - 2024-03-28 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | NCI – Anaheim, 2050 S Santa Cruz St., Ste 1000,, Anaheim, 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.
This FREE training is 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.

2022 Title 24, Part 6 Essentials — Single-family Standards: Envelope
2024-03-23 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
If you design, specify, construct, install or inspect the envelope components of Single-family building projects, this course is for you! In it, you’ll learn what ceiling/attic, wall and floor insulation is required by California’s 2022 Energy Code. You’ll also find out how fenestration products are certified and the effect of shading on fenestration efficiency. Also explore the envelope component requirements for an Accessory Dwelling Unit conversion.
