Retrotec Energy Training Course

Large building certification school March 8 & 9th, 2010

Retrotec provides training on the proper test techniques for air leakage measurement.  Each level consists of a number of PowerPoint presentations with voiceover that are the equivalent to attending several days of classroom training but can be done without travel expenses and on your own time. The tester can be certified on each level by writing an exam. The tester will be listed on Retrotec's website and receive technical support for that level, after passing the exam.

Level 1 Energy Training -- understanding air leakage

Level 1 is an introduction to air leakage measurement.  Ideal for new testers or clients who need to understand air leakage testing; why it is valuable, how it's done and what type or results to expect. The training is designed to give a good overall understanding of air leakage in buildings. What are the real problems that occur in houses, duct systems, multifamily buildings and high-rises? Why do buildings leak, where they leak and what are the benefits of airtightness? How does airtightness affect energy savings, air quality, safety and structural integrity?

Learn about the difference between air leakage measurement for energy efficiency ratings versus performance evaluation versus evaluation of the quality of construction to meet regional standards.  What are the standards? How is air leakage expressed? How much air leakage is acceptable?  And, how much air leakage to buildings actually have? Was importance of a ventilation and how much should the building have? What about those billings I heard they can be too tight?

We will touch on importance of duct leakage and how its measured. New opportunities in and measuring air leakage in high-rise buildings will also be discussed.

Level 2 Energy Training -- residential single fan testing

This training level is designed to give the technician a good working knowledge of the principles behind air leakage and how it's measured. You will first learn about how a pressure gauge works and to understand that well enough to ensure that when problems arise you will understand the causes and the solution. You will similarly be given an understanding of how a door fan works which will make it much easier for you to learn how to operate it properly. You will learn how to properly set up the building and to achieve test pressures manually automatically or with a computer.

Level 2 -- LEED test protocol module

The requirements of the LED test, how to record results and present them. This section requires the successful calculation of results for several configurations on a portable test rig.

Level 3 -- Multi-fan testing of large buildings

Level 3 will give you a good idea of the real problems that occur in high-rises, why they leak, and where they leak.  Understanding  the benefits of airtightness, the theory of air barriers and the importance of ventilation will give a good basis for a discussion on how to better design high-rise buildings.

What components of a building can be measured and what do existing standards require?  What are acceptable air leakage levels and what kind of air leakage levels occur typically in high-rise buildings?  Why perform an air leakage test?

How does measuring air leakage in a high-rise differ from residential testing? Different buildings require many different test setups which can in some cases become fairly complicated to meet the requirements of various testing standards.  What kind of problems will you run into and how can they be solved?  How to determine how much equipment is needed for a particular test and what considerations must be made in quoting a test. A series of calculation exercises will give you an experiential understanding.

It is necessary to completely understand the effect of stack wind and HVAC pressures on door fan testing. To that end we have developed a test rig that will demonstrate all three of these phenomena and make you familiar with how they can affect your results. You will be shown how to make calculations and how to prove them are experimentally as well as how to gather data on buildings to demonstrate bias pressures in action.

The practical side will cover the measurement of building volumes and areas, the pretest inspection and the correct preparation of the building.  Correct door fan set up, taking readings and acquiring results. Once the leakage rate is determined then you will need to know how to locate these leakage sites.  This training requires the construction of a test rig so that these principles can be learned by seeing and doing. In addition to this or possibly as an alternative, we will be announcing webinars that will show this test rig in action.

Classroom or onsite training fees would be charged separately by Retrotec or any other person or company that was doing training.

Two day training school $1100

Retrotec's large building certification school requires the completion of levels 1, 2 & 3 prior to attendance. The school is an interactive learning experience among knowledgeable participants and will culminate in a certification exam that will test your knowledge. Your skills and abilities will be tested using model enclosures equipped with gauges and door fans. 

Retrotec supplies:

                                    - refreshments and lunch

                                    - staff members who have passed all three levels to assist attendees

                                    - gauges, test rigs, experimental apparatus

Level 3 -- USACE test protocol certification module  $575

For those testing to this protocol, this section will explain exactly how to set up the building record data, calculate results and present results.  This section requires the successful calculation of results for several configurations on a portable test rig.  Certification is through the Air Barrier Association of America who will be in attendance.  The exams and skill testing will be proctored and marked at the school.

Software

Attendees must bring a lap top equipped with software compatible with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers protocol.  As a minimum Retrotec's Multi-FanTestic1, $1250,  can be utilized in the manual mode for any number of fans provided the flows are added manually. We recommend the Multi-FanTestic3, $2500, software package because it will most efficiently facilitate the work permits of the training. Multi-FanTestic3  allows for as many as three fans to be operated fully automatically for any number of computers licensed to the same company. 

Total cost for School, Level 1,2 and3 training and Certification is $3975 including support.

Software is additional.

Call Silvie for a quote or E-mail silvie@retrotec.com