Weatherization Course

Before traveling to Argentina, each student took part in an online course titled Energy Auditor 103. The course introduced students to basic laws and concepts of physics, explaining how energy moves through space and how the flow can be manipulated in order to create better insulation and living conditions. Later, the course explored the more technical aspects of weatherization, introducing students to fundamental procedures such as the blower door test that measures air leakage and is conducted as part of every audit. Finally, we were made to take a test that ensured that we had completed the course and retained the knowledge required to begin working as weatherizers.

Energy Auditor

ONLINE COURSE (103)

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The Online Energy Auditor course is an introduction to what it takes to be an effective energy auditor. The energy audit provides the basis for a retrofit job. Performing a quality energy audit ensures that the retrofit crew shows up ready to do the work that the house needs. This course will give students an idea of all of the skills required to do this job well.

This 4 hour course is delivered via our Learning Management System, Athena.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

• Recall the steps required to conduct an energy audit
• Demonstrate the use of the basic tools of weatherization including the blower door, manometer, and combustion analyzer
• Identify common building science issues including heat transfer, laws of thermodynamics, moisture issues, as well as computing R-value and U-factor

SKILLS YOU’LL TAKE HOME

• Knowledge of the steps in an energy audit
• General knowledge of the blower door, manometer, and duct blaster
• An understanding of basic building science

ORGANIZATION

This is an online course. After each topic is presented, a short self-quiz follows each section and feedback is given. A final test is given at the end of the course. All testing for the course is done online. You will be informed of your grade by email.

GRADING CRITERIA AND PASSING SCORE

The final test consists of a single multiple choice-true/false exam. Students pass 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 retesting policy.

Upon arriving in Buenos Aires, Laura Brudnick and Paula Stella from FOVISEE provided students information and training regarding the topics of retrofitting and weatherizing houses in Buenos Aires and Campana. These lectures focused on the historical as well as sociological perspectives on housing and energy within the two cities. The students learnt that socio-economic factors and a lack of architectural and technical designing skills led to a plethora of low-income, unsustainable housing. We were able to better understand the context as well as the need for weatherization in rapidly growing, emerging cities. Through the course the students were able to see a diverse range in the quality of residences and were taught how to prioritize families in need of greatest help and also the ones that could be helped within the model of the NGO, FOVISEE.