Training Catalog

NYSWDA organizes its training courses under the following categories. To read the descriptions of the courses within a specific category, click on the appropriate grouping below to open it in a new window.

Basic Skill Courses

Boot Camp for Weatherization Installers

This intensive 4-day training based at NYSWDA’s expanded Energy Efficiency Training Center is a great introduction to building science principles. It encompasses hands-on air sealing as well as dense pack and loose fill cellulose insulation installation. Using state-of-the-art realistic wall, ceiling and attic props, trainees learn techniques needed to effectively weatherize customers’ homes. During this course, trainees are introduced to both NYSHCR and BPI standards including regulations on health & safety, lead safe work practices, and safe and proper use of tools and equipment. Trainees also become proficient in the set up of blower doors and understanding the basic use of an infrared camera during air sealing operations.

BPI CEUs: 16; also approved for 16 ASHI CEs

Heating and Venting Fundamentals

This introductory course teaches the fundamentals of heating systems and venting combustion appliances. The focus is to provide all personnel working in client homes with the ability to identify different classifications of furnaces and boilers. The course also includes instruction on health and safety issues for those working on venting systems and an explanation of which materials can and cannot be used when servicing these systems. NFPA venting guidelines are also introduced so that venting safety becomes part of the trainee’s thought process. This training assists technicians in identifying problems, repairing and analyzing venting systems in the field.

BPI CEUs: 4; also approved for 4 ASHI CEs

Air Sealing Techniques

Quality air sealing techniques come from knowledge of building science principles. This course begins with an overview of building science principles such as stack effect, flue effect, wind effect, the second law of thermodynamics, and high and low pressure air movement. Both NYSHCR air goals and BPI building airflow standards are addressed along with an introduction to blower doors and how they are used to prioritize air sealing work. A brief introduction to infrared cameras enable trainees to understand IR use during blower door assisted air sealing. The proper use of air sealing materials such as two part foam, Tuff-R-board, and insulation baffles are also discussed along with a hands on air sealing session during the lab portion of this training.

BPI CEUs: 3; also approved for 3 ASHI CEs

Weatherization Health and Safety 

Identifying health and safety issues in a customer's home is a fundamental task in the weatherization program. This course prepares the weatherization professional to perform the Health & Safety inspection as well as familiarize the trainee with the required tests. Areas covered include: carbon monoxide in ambient and flue gases, combustion appliance zone (CAZ) depressurization, worst case back drafting, asbestos, moisture/mold, lead, clearance to combustibles, overloaded electrical circuits, and unvented space heaters. Both NYSHCR and Building Performance Institute (BPI) regulations and standards will be addressed during this session. All NYSWDA instructors hold BPI professional certifications including written and field testing proctor certifications.

BPI CEUs: 3; also approved for 3 ASHI CEs

Stove/Oven Maintenance

This course introduces weatherization professionals to the operation, maintenance, and service of Natural and LP gas stoves and ovens. The combustion process is presented so the professional understands how CO is produced, and what might be done to reduce CO. Common industry standards associated with CO are presented. Hands on props are utilized so that attendees can perform common servicing procedures presented in the course and become familiar with the tools used.

Advanced Skill Courses

3 Day Small Homes Auditing

This comprehensive 3-day class addresses the entire scope of actions required for an auditor in the New York State Weatherization Program (WAP) to successfully accomplish their job.

Through this class, we cover: the back story on the program; governing documents; building science concepts; components of a weatherization audit; the process for using the TIPS software modeling program to generate an appropriate work-scope; project management of expenses; and learning how to correctly complete the required NYS WAP paperwork.

This is done by reviewing concepts - using real-life examples and walking through case studies - to learn the technical processes and the nuances required to address the scope of a complete job.

BPI CEUs: 11.25, plus 7 computer modeling CEUs

Advanced Air Sealing 

This 3-day training will instruct the student in whole-house targeted air sealing strategies and technologies. It will focus on several diagnostic methods of quantifying and qualifying the air leakage and its source as well as the methodologies for calculating the effectiveness of the air sealing measures. There are two half days in the classroom and two half days in the air-sealing/insulating labs; utilizing the full sized pressure house and including interactive training with a table top model pressure house. During the third day field session, the training will focus on practical hands-on diagnostic and mitigation strategies. The lab and field sessions will provide visual and practical reinforcement to the classroom sessions. Students will utilize blower doors, manometers, diagnostic smoke, thermal imagers and pressure pans to locate air leakage and then verify the effectiveness of the air sealing.

BPI CEUs: 10.5

Applied Case Studies

This is a fast-paced journey into building envelope diagnostics and energy efficiency retrofit techniques, with an emphasis on how to effectively tighten up the building enclosure - from air sealing to insulation - for improved energy efficiency in problem areas.

This two-day course takes real life situations that were found on the job and will use those examples to focus on problem areas. Students look at a variety of housing stock and work through actual examples found in the initial audit, work scope generation, the job itself, periodic diagnosis, workscope adjustment, post-audit and saving analysis. We discuss and demonstrate the tools of the trade - from Infrared Imaging to Pressure Diagnostics - with hands-on lab sessions in our Pressure House and with the ZPD House.

BPI CEUs: 7

Infrared for Weatherization Professionals

This two-day training involves both classroom and hands-on field sessions.  The attendees, upon completion of the training, have an understanding of the basic heat theory necessary for all thermal work. They will learn  how to best utilize the imaging equipment they have, and be better able to employ the equipment to perform blower door assisted weatherization. Comprehensive training manuals for each attendee are issued during this training to help the trainee get the most from their imaging equipment. This  training is limited to 16 attendees, so early registration is recommended.

BPI CEUs: 8; also approved for 8 ASHI CEs

NYS Manufactured Housing Mechanics Certification

This training will prepare those attending to take the New York State  Manufactured Housing Mechanic certification written test. If your business or agency conducts structural repairs on mobile homes or manufactured housing to stay in compliance with NY State Code  Enforcement requirements, you will need at least one staff member with  this certification. Structural repairs include replacement of door/window framing, replacement of subfloor plywood, or replacement of interior wall and ceiling panels. This staff member must be on-site during these repairs. This individual certification is valid for two years.

BPI CEUs: 3

NREL Multifamily Quality Control Inspector - Short Course

This three-day course is designed for weatherization and home performance professionals who presently perform multifamily auditing, multifamily project management and/or multifamily post inspections on low to mid-rise multifamily units of wood and masonry construction, with centrally or individually heated domestic hot water.

The course is based on the NREL Multifamily Quality Control Inspector (QCI) Job Task Analysis (JTA) and also includes introductions to U.S. Department of Energy quality work plan requirements; NYS multifamily policy and requirements; and the NREL multifamily standard work specifications. Course attendees that successfully pass the 50-question final test receive a Certificate of Completion.

BPI CEUs: 10; also approved for 10 ASHI CEs

Health and Safety Training

One Day Lead Safe Weatherization

Safe work practices around lead based paint are essential in preventing  poisoning of the weatherization employee and their clients, and to reduce the potential of bringing lead dust home to the employee’s family. This one  day awareness program is required by U.S. Department of Energy for all  weatherization employees. OSHA, HUD, EPA, and DOE regulations are also  reviewed. In the lab portion of this training, lead safe job site setup, work practices, and cleanup procedures are taught on the training floor using  realistic building props. The instructor for this training is EPA Certified as a Lead Abatement Supervisor.

BPI CEUs: 3

Introduction to Radon and Integrated Precautionary Measures

This four (4) hour course will help raise awareness on the science and health risks associated with long-term exposure to elevated radon gas levels.  As part of this course, DOE/NYSHCR, EPA and OSHA radon requirements will be discussed, and precautionary work practices that professionals should follow to be in compliance, will be addressed.

BPI CEUs: 2; also approved for 2 ASHI CEs

Basic Electricity for Weatherization Professionals

This course covers basic principles and materials for safely working  around electricity. The National Electrical Code is cited as it applies to the weatherization professionals’ tasks. Working props are used to teach basic  troubleshooting of circuits and electric water heaters. Demonstrations on  safe household connections and alternatives for powering insulation blowing machines are also part of this training.

Implementing ASHRAE 62.2 

ASHRAE 62.2 training provides a foundational understanding of the new  ventilation standards. The course curriculum is suitable for those in the weatherization and building performance industry and for those seeking a  better understanding of ventilation requirements and techniques to achieve  compliance such as code enforcement officials, architects, engineers, and  HVAC contractors.

BPI CEUs: 4; also approved for 4 ASHI CEs

EPA RRP Lead Renovator Certification

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) produced the Lead  Renovation, Repair and Painting Program that requires each job have an EPA  Certified Renovator on-site during job set up and completion. The certified  person is responsible for documenting that all work is done in a lead safe  manner. This is a one-day course with approximately six classroom hours and two hours hands-on lab work. There is certification testing at the end of  the day. Trainees successfully passing the test are considered EPA certified  renovators and receive a certification card from NYSWDA. This is the first  step in agency certification as required by federal EPA.

BPI CEUs: 4

RRP Refresher

This one-day refresher course is designed for those weatherization employees who have taken the EPA RRP Lead Renovator course and need recertification.

BPI CEUs: 2

OSHA 10 Hour Construction Safety Certification

Working in a safe manner on the job is as much an employee responsibility  as it is for management to provide a safe work environment. This two-day  course is an OSHA-authorized educational outreach program. An OSHA 10- Hour Construction Safety Certificate is issued upon successful completion of  both days of training. The OSHA curriculum includes six hours of mandatory  material and allows for four hours of elective material. NYSWDA has created  a program focusing on the weatherization jobsite and general construction  safety as required by OSHA.

BPI CEUs: 5

Combustion Appliance Zone Testing 101

This one-day "hands on" course is for those looking to sharpen their Combustion Appliance Zone (CAZ) testing skills, as well as those looking for the basic testing skills necessary to be entry level energy auditors, crew leaders and installers in the weatherization, building home performance and HVAC industries. The classroom portion of this course will be a review of the Building Performance Institute (BPI) standards for combustion safety test procedures for vented appliances which covers testing of gas or oil forced air systems, boilers, domestic how water heaters, gas fired ranges and ovens. Additionally, attendees using a combustible gas leak detector will be taught the proper sequence of gas leak detection and evaluation, as outined in the BPI standards.

Students will be introduced to common CAZ testing equipment and combustion analyzers such as the Energy Conservatory DG-700 digital pressure manometer, Bacharach combustible gas leak detector, Bacharach carbon monoxide detector and Bacharach and Testo combustion analyzers. During the "hands on" lab portion of the the course, each attendee will be guided through step-by-step testing procedures using the most modern testing equipment and will walk away from this course with an enhanced knowledge of gas leak detection practices and proper CAZ and Steady State Efficiency (SSE) testing procedures. Upon completion of this course, attendees will receive a laminated BPI combustion safety test field guid, a laminated DG-700 test field guide and a printed handout of all course material.

 BPI CEUs: 3.75

Equipment Maintenance

Insulation Machine Maintenance

Routine maintenance is essential to keep any piece of equipment  operational. Broken or poorly operating equipment reduces production.  Learn how to maintain and perform routine repairs on your Force II or Krendl  insulation blowing machine.

BPI CEUs: 3.75

HVAC and Mechanical Systems

90% Furnace Install

As heating systems become even more efficient, achieving an SIR for total replacement becomes more viable. New equipment will significantly improve the efficiency and safety of the home. This training is for experienced HVAC techs looking to sharpen their installation skills. In this training, attendees will cut and thread black iron pipe, become Tracpipe certified, work with high and low voltage wiring and learn to field manufacture plenum connections with common hand tools. Venting code and manufacturer specifications are also a high  priority in these hands on trainings. Everything attendees need to know about 90% furnace installations is rolled into this training. Day One will cover tools and their use, removal of old furnace, LSW review, preparing new furnace and duct connections. Day Two will cover installation guidelines, fuel connections, electric connections, venting/condensate removal, system start-up and job evaluation.

BPI CEUs: 5.5

Clean and Tune for Heating Systems

Technicians working on residential dwellings will now have a method of ensuring specifications on what constitutes a proper heating system clean and tune. Agencies may find the information useful in writing bid proposals and for inspection of completed work. Heating subcontractors are urged to attend. This course is useful as a first step into performing heating system clean and tunes in-house.

BPI CEUs: 7

HVAC Duct Blaster 101

This one-day "hands on" course is an introduction to the basic use of the Minneapolis Duct Blaster for experienced auditors, inspectors, home performance and HVAC contractors. This is a must-have course for auditors and post inspectors preparing to test in the NREL/BPI Energy Auditor and Quality Control Inspector certifications, as duct blasting is a prominent part of the field test requirements for both. Attendees will learn: Duct Blaster set up and DG700 configuration for testing residential distribution systems; initial preparation of the house and distribution system for testing; static pressure and flow testing; total duct leakage testing; duct leakage to the outside testing (using a blower door and Duct Blaster); tricks to determine leakage from supply and return sides separately; and Duct Blaster best practices.

BPI CEUs: 3.75

HVAC Troubleshooting 

This challenging two-day course teaches the skills required to troubleshoot a furnace or boiler at the component level. Using a multimeter and unit schematics, the HVAC technician will learn the troubleshooting skills necessary to be able to quickly and accurately diagnose HVAC system  problems. During the lab section, trainees will troubleshoot computer simulated HVAC circuits and controls. In NYSWDA’s state of the art heating lab, trainees will diagnose five furnaces which have had their controls rigged to fail under training conditions. As part of this training attendees will also learn electrical theory including Ohm’s law, series and parallel circuits, wiring schematic interpretation and multimeter use.

BPI CEUs: 3

See also:

Building Performance Institute Certification Training

As a Building Performance Institute Affiliate Organization, NYSWDA is approved to train and proctor written and field exams. All classes are followed by a review of the BPI standards and an on-line written exam. Field exams are scheduled separately and conducted on site using NYSWDA's state-of-the-art pressure house. Testing equipment is available for use during field exams at no charge.BPI Certification training includes :

BPI Building Analyst Professional

Building Analyst training provides the foundation of building science through the framework of an audit process to understanding the “hows” and “whys” of building issues: ice dams, mold and indoor air quality. It is the quintessential “house-as-a-system” in what goes on in building durability, comfort and energy usage.

This five-day course provides an understanding of the BPI Building Analyst Standards through classroom studies and in-field activities. The in-field portion of the class provides hands-on training with gas appliance testing, blower door set-up and use, as well as proper and accurate combustion appliance zone testing in the state-of-the-art NYSWDA Pressure House and Heating Lab.

The class is followed by a review of the BPI standards and the 100-question (2 hour) Building Analyst test. After the trainees successfully complete the written portion of the test, they are scheduled for the Field test.

BPI CEUs: 8; also approved for 8 ASHI CEs

BPI Envelope Professional

This four-day course uses a "whole house" performance-based approach, and will cover advanced building envelope diagnostic, evaluation, and repair skills to help you prepare for the Building Performance Institute's (BPI) Envelope Professional online and field exams. Students will be trained in envelope field testing and evaluation procedures in NYSWDA's state-of-the-art Pressure House, a full-scale house with working CAZ and computer controlled air leakage bypasses. This enables students to be exposed to a large number of commonly seen scenarios involving CAZ depressurization, air leakage patterns common to both platform and balloon-framed structures and duct diagnostics. This training will also include review of some Building Analyst topics. After the trainees successfully complete the written portion of the test, we will schedule them for the field test. BPI Building Analyst certification is a prerequisite for this course.

BPI CEUs: 6; also approved for 6 ASHI CEs

BPI Manufactured Homes Professional

This four-day course prepares technicians to take the BPI Manufactured Housing Specialist Certification written and field tests. As part of this training, BPI standards and work practices are reviewed. Attendees will look at common problem areas during the course of an energy audit and prepare a workscope to remedy these issues. Topics addressed include typical manufactured home construction, heating system basics, distribution system evaluation and repairs, belly repair, air sealing and insulation best practices. Because of the large amount of BPI Building Analyst curriculum incorporated into this training, it is strongly recommended that attendees hold BPI Building Analyst certification and have a good working knowledge of auditing procedures. After the trainees successfully complete the written portion of the test, they are scheduled for the Field test.

BPI CEUs: 6; also approved for 6 ASHI CEs

BPI Heating Professional

This four-day course, which includes classroom and heating lab sessions, prepares trainees to take the BPI Heating Professional written and field tests. Using NYSWDA’s state-of-the-art Heating Lab, attendees train on 15 of the most com-mon residential heating systems, from 70% efficient atmospheric furnaces to 90%+ efficient two-stage ECM blower furnaces. Additionally, trainees will become knowledgeable on gas and oil-fired hydronic boilers, their controls and components. Attendees are introduced to system load and sizing concepts, system design, duct system diagnostics, and proper maintenance and efficiency analysis. This is a challenging course and NYSWDA strongly recommends that attendees hold BPI Building Analyst certification and have strong HVAC experience. After the trainees successfully complete the written portion of the test, they are scheduled to return for the field test.

BPI CEUs: 6

BPI Infiltration & Duct Leakage Professional

As of October 2016, in New York State, new energy code requirements call for all new residential structures, gut rehabs and additions to require third-party verification testing to assure IECC infiltration and duct leakage compliance. This course will prepare you to challenge the proctored field test and earn the BPI Infiltration & Duct Leakage (IDL) Professional Certification.

The BPI IDL certification is for HVAC contractors, builders, code officials, home inspectors, insulators and energy auditors who want to perform in-house or third party verification testing of building and duct air tightness testing to meet the requirements of the 2015 IECC energy conservation code. This is a one-day course, with field testing the following day(s), to complete the certification process.

BPI CEUs: 2; also approved for 2 ASHI CEs

HEP/BPI Certification Courses

HEP Quality Control Inspector

NYSWDA'S Quality Control Inspector (QCI) course is based on a National Renewable Energy Laboratory / U.S. Department of energy Job Task Analysis (JTA) of the same name.  https:www.nrel.gov/docs/fy18osti/70977.pdf

The lecture-only course spans two (2) days of instruction with a focus on the job description/duties outlined in the JTA. Students will be introduced to and practice the skills needed to become an effective Quality Control Inspector. These skills include performing an audit of the building, verifying alignment of the work performed against the work plan, observing the retrofit work in progress, understanding specifications and standards, performing various diagnostic tests, including building airtightness and combustion safety, reporting findings and concerns, identifying corrective actions, effectively communicating with the client, and determining the final pass/fail of the work performed. This course includes access to course curriculum, videos, and resources that are updated frequently. 

 

After completion of the classroom course at the end of day 2, students will challenge the BPI online 50 question test and after successful completion of this online test will be BPI certified as Residential QC Inspectors. There is no practical BPI field test requirement. All attendees must hold a current BPI Energy Auditor (EA) certification.

BPI CEUs: 2.5; also approved for 2.5 ASHI CEs

 

HEP Energy Auditor

The Home Energy Professional Energy Auditor Certification is based on the Energy Auditor Job Task Analysis (JTA), which defines the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the job of an Energy Auditor working in the Weatherization or Home Performance industries. The Energy Auditor course is a comprehensive 4.5-day training which covers many topics including fundamentals of home assessment, energy auditor math, federal and state WAP requirements, the NREL Standard Work Specifications (SWS), energy modeling and work scope development, and the use of diagnostic equipment including Blower Door, Duct Leakage Tester, Exhaust Fan Flow Meter and Combustion Safety Testing equipment. This training prepares students to take the written and field examinations required to achieve the BPI Home Energy Professional Energy Auditor Certification.

BPI CEUs: 8; also approved for 8 ASHI CEs

HEP Crew Chief Leader

The NREL Crew Chief course is designed to thoroughly prepare trainees to successfully manage weatherization crews in the field. Topics covered include leadership, communication skills, NYS WAP requirements and building and safety codes. Special emphasis is placed on providing work site Health & Safety testing, quality control and inventory/equipment tracking. This course includes access to course curriculum, videos and resources that are updated frequently. It also includes content for all the domains and tasks specified in the NREL Job Task Analysis for Crew Leader. Students completing this course can apply for approval to test out in the BPI Crew leader Certification.

back to top