IN-PERSON Comprehensive TWO-WEEK Energy Auditor (D894)

PREREQUISITE: To enroll in this course, learners must be 18 or older and pass an Energy Auditor prerequisite pre-test to attend (provided via Community Housing Partner's {CHP} Learning Management System) which assesses their literacy levels, understanding of basic math, and understanding of basic building science.

Course Description

Energy Auditor is based on a National Renewable Energy Laboratory/U.S. Department of Energy Job Task Analysis (JTA) of the same name. This two-week course provides the student with a comprehensive understanding of the auditing process from diagnosing basic energy-related issues to combustion safety testing and developing a work-scope. Students will study how the house works as a system, and learn how to apply building science principles to identify, prioritize, and correct energy-related issues within the building envelope, as well as health and safety concerns associated with these issues. This course is designed to prepare qualified students to take the BPI Home Energy Professional Energy Auditor certification exam. State-of-the-art technology is used in both the classroom and the labs to provide students with a high quality learning environment. Students will take one written test, delivered through CHP's Learning Management System (LMS), and three hands-on tests of energy assessment skills. Upon successful completion of these tests, each student receives a certificate of completion from CHP and BPC.

• Recognize the different heating systems and fuel types being used
• Properly perform combustion testing (SSE and WC Draft)
• Calculate combustion air needed
• Measure exhaust flow and perform ASHRAE 62.2 calculations
• Perform duct diagnostic testing
• Inspect and assess the building envelope
• Perform basic math calculations
• Properly gather infiltration data (Blower Door)
• Use lab experience to give students a practical understanding of the lessons being taught
• Blower door testing

Organization

This is a lecture-lab course. Topics will be presented in a classroom setting and then followed up with student involvement in the lab. The class will be geared toward little or no previous training in the field. Student participation is very important. Testing for this course will involve both a written and field practical.

Grading Criteria

The CHP exam* consists of four sections: one written and three hands-on. All three hands-on sections are timed: 30 minutes for the Blower Door hands-on section, one hour for the CAZ hands-on section, 30 minutes for the Duct Testing hands-on section. Students must pass each section with an 80% score or higher. If a student does not pass a section, he or she will be allowed to retake that particular section in accordance with CHP Energy Solutions Research and Training's (LMS) retesting policy.

*Note: The BPI Energy Auditor certification is a separate test with an additional fee.

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