Course: Wx Energy Auditor ***Demo***

Weatherization Energy Auditor

This course is tailored specifically for DOE Weatherization Program and similar utility-funded programs. This course is based on the “Core Competencies for the Weatherization Assistance Program ” developed by the Weatherization Trainers Consortium. The course is also compliant with the BPI Energy Analyst Standards.

The course requires 5 to 7 hours per week for 7 weeks. Each week presents a different weatherization topic, using narrated slide shows, videos, interactive lessons, and a 10 question quiz. A final exam is delivered in the 8th week.

To be successful, we suggest accomplishing your work and taking your quiz in the week that this work is assigned.

January 31 - February 6

Basic Building Science

This topic describes the most essential physical principles and technical skills that underlay the work of building scientists.
A working knowledge of this material is critical to understanding every other topic presented here.

The following material will be available in this topic.
1. CHEC Modules: Temperature and Heat, Heat Loss and Gain, Air Pressure and Flow, Electric Power and Energy, Electrical Systems
2. Videos: Air Pressure, Power and Energy
3. Interactive Lesson: Calculating Heat Loss
4. Quiz: 10 questions
CHEC - Temperature and Heat file
CHEC - Heat Loss and Gain file
Lesson - Calculating Heat Loss
CHEC - Air Pressure and Flow file
Video - Basic Air Pressure Resource
CHEC - Electric Power and Energy file
Video - Mystery of Power & Energy, Part 1 Resource
Video - Mystery of Power & Energy, Part 2 Resource
CHEC - Electrical Systems (optional) file

February 7 - February 13

Building Assessment Skills

All building performance improvements must be preceded by an accurate and informed assessment of the structure. This topic provides guidance for inspection, measurement, and testing procedures. Modules on utility bill analysis and computer auditing will help analysts fine-tune their audits.

The following material will be available in this topic.
1. CHEC Modules: Energy Auditing,Technical Math Skills, Analyzing Consumption
2. Videos: Math Operation Series, Measuring a House
3. Interactive Lesson: Calculating Area and Volume of Buildings
4. Quiz: 10 questions

February 14 - February 20

Air Leakage Diagnostics

Air leakage is a fundamental but complex housing problem that determines energy waste, indoor air quality, and building durability. This topic focuses on methods of measuring air leakage, guidelines for evaluating potential energy savings, and principles for evaluating ventilation.

The following material will be available in this topic.
1. CHEC Modules: Blower-Door Basics, DG-3 Manometer, DG-700 Manometer, Minimum Ventilation Guideline, Duct Blower Testing
2. Videos: Blower Door test prep and setup
3. Interactive Lesson: Converting Air Flow to Air Change
4. Quiz: 10 questions

February 21 - February 27

Heating and Cooling Systems

Heating and cooling systems are the most complicated equipment in most homes. They also consume the majority of energy in many climates. This topic illustrates the range of equipment used, describes the operation of each, and provides guidance for assessing the most critical operating parameters. Assessment of ducts and airflow are included here.

The following material will be available in this topic.
1. CHEC Modules: Identifying Gas Furnaces, Combustion Safety, AC and Heat Pump Equipment, Duct Systems
2. Videos: Efficiency, Combustion Safety, Venting
3. Quiz: 10 questions

February 28 - March 5

Building Enclosure

Improving the efficiency of the building shell is the key to comfort and seasonal energy savings. Insulation and air sealing are the primary topics here, and a strong case is made for maximizing the application of both measures. Window repair and replacement are included here.

The following material will be available in this topic.
1. CHEC Modules: Air Barrier Repair, Fibrous Insulation, Foam Insulation,Floor and Foundation Insulation, Window Efficiency
2. Videos: Auditing Measurements Series
3. Interactive Lesson: Calculating R-Values of Insulation
4. Quiz: 10 questions

March 6 - March 12

Durable Healthy Homes

Building performance work cannot be separated from air quality and moisture management. This topic draws the connections among comfort, durability, and safety, and outlines the simplest approaches to achieving all three. Principles of mechanical ventilation are included here.

The following material will be available in this topic.
1. CHEC Modules: Indoor Air Pollutants, Basic Moisture Management, Basic Mechanical Ventilation
2. Video: Exhaust Ventilation Systems
3. Quiz: 10 questions

March 13 - March 19

Water Heating and Baseload

Water heating, lighting, refrigeration, and other baseload should never be overlooked in a comprehensive building performance project. In mild climates, they may consume more energy than heating and cooling combined. Appliance replacement in particular is increasingly attractive as technologically advanced equipment comes to market.

The following material will be available in this topic.
1. CHEC Modules: Water Heating Basics, Residential Lighting, Residential Refrigerators
2. Interactive Lesson: Calculating Simple Payback from Lighting Retrofits
3. Quiz: 10 questions

March 20 - March 26

Final Exam

The final exam includes 100 multiple-choice questions. It draws from all the material covered in the seven Building Analyst topics above.

You'll have two hours to complete the exam. Be sure to schedule a block of un-interupted time for the exam -- once you begin, you must finish it in one sitting. The exam is formatted like the 10-question quizzes that are included in each topic. You'll see 10 questions at a time. You can save each page before you go on to the next, and you'll be able to return to any page to check your responses before submitting the entire exam.