HVAC 1080 - Residential Energy Auditing and Conservation

1. Air flow in houses during heating and cooling seasons
2. Boilers, furnaces and heat pumps
3. Common air leakage problems and weatherization techniques
4. Electric base load, lighting, cooling & appliances
5. Energy units, conversions and terminology
6. Health & Safety
7. Insulation, R-value and U-value
8. Water heating
9. Weatherizing windows and doors

1. use a utility billing history and client interview to generate potential energy-saving opportunities
2. describe air flow, including convection, neutral pressure point and infiltration rate.
3. identify causes for excess air flow and methods for reducing them.
4. set up and use a blower door to measure air infiltration.
5. calculate natural air exchange to determine if weatherization is necessary and when additional ventilation is needed.
6. describe insulation types and their appropriate uses.
7. demonstrate techniques for installing insulation that reduce air infiltration
8. calculate the U and R value of wall assemblies.
9. interpret infrared photography.
10. calculate electrical savings from behavior changes and equipment upgrades.
11. describe precautions an energy auditor or site assessor should take in hazardous locations.
12. describe the options for water heating and their approximate cost and efficiency.
13. explain the causes for health problems in housing.
14. measure the flue gas of HVAC equipment to estimate combustion efficiency.
15. perform basic insulation and weatherization tasks.
16. prescribe solutions for leaky windows and doors.

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