Hi friend, Welcome to the August edition of HPSC Monthly. This month, we bring you these top stories and more: - Have you heard about our training subsidies?
- Updates to the Canada Greener Homes Initiative for heat pump rebates
- BC Cold Climate Heat Pump Field Study
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Did you know? Home Performance Contractor Network (HPCN) members are eligible for reimbursement* for 100% of the required training costs, plus an additional contribution towards wages! That's up to $2,200 per employee back in your pocket.
Click here to learn more. *Reimbursement available while funding lasts. |
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Changes to Canada Greener Homes Initiative for Heat Pump Rebates
Recent changes to the Canada Greener Homes Initiative for heat pump rebates came into effect on August 1, 2022. The following update has been posted on the Canada Greener Homes Initiative website:
A minimum of one warm air supply outlet or indoor head is required on every floor, including each level of a split-level, mezzanine level, etc., of each dwelling unit in the building. More than one warm air supply outlet and/or indoor head per floor may be required to ensure heat distribution to the entire building. (A transition period is in place, since this clarification came after the launch of the Canada Greener Homes Grant5).
Example: In a two-unit residential building (bungalow or house with a basement suite, or duplex) where part of the basement is dwelling 1 and where the remainder of the basement together with the main floor make up dwelling 2, three heads are required. A head is required in dwelling 1, and one on each storey of dwelling 2.
5 The installed heat pump system must comply with the new clarified requirements when:
1. The pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation is performed on or after August 1, 2022 OR 2. The pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation is performed before August 1, 2022 and the post retrofit EnerGuide evaluation is performed after December 31, 2022.
Additionally, according to their website, the list of eligible products for the Canada Greener Homes Initiative is updated on a semi-annual basis ─ most recently in June 2022. Visit this page to learn more and access their list of eligible products. Direct any questions about this update to the Canada Greener Homes Initiative:
Email: canadagreenerhomesgrant-subventionmaisonsvertes@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca Phone: 1-833-674-8282 Website: https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy-efficiency/homes/canada-greener-homes-grant/23441
The HPSC does not have any further information on the Canada Greener Homes Initiative; we are sharing this as a courtesy to support BC contractors. A reminder: membership in the HPCN is not currently mandatory for the Canada Greener Homes Initiative. For more information on the HPCN and rebate eligibility, click here.
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BC Cold Climate Heat Pump Field Study
Heat pump performance ratings are based on test procedures that generally test the equipment in a laboratory under steady-state conditions. These operating conditions rarely occur in the real world and because there is limited research on how this equipment functions in service, it is difficult to understand their true efficiency at partial loads and throughout the year.
A study by RDH Building Science provides a better indication of the real-world efficiency and the resulting energy reduction and potential cost savings of air-source heat pump retrofits in existing homes in cold and moderate regions of British Columbia.
The main outcomes of the study were to develop a clearer understanding of the performance of cold climate air-to-air heat pumps in Canadian climates; to evaluate design and installation considerations that may affect this performance, and to identify design and installation best practices that positively affect the performance of heat pump systems. The information gathered in the study will inform the development of heat pump testing and rating procedures.
Read the full report here. |
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Talking to your Customers about Renewable Natural Gas
Are your customers interested in reducing their carbon footprint? Renewable Natural Gas1 (RNG) might be the solution they’re looking for.
RNG is made from naturally decomposing organic waste and can be used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in homes and businesses. RNG is also completely compatible with customers’ existing gas equipment and appliances, so they won’t have to switch anything out in order to play their part in reducing emissions.
Plus, it’s affordable: FortisBC has blend options to suit every budget, and customers will receive a BC carbon tax credit on their bill depending on the blend they choose.
FortisBC is making progress toward its goal of having renewable and low carbon2 gas make up 75 per cent of its system by 2050.
Invite your customers to visit FortisBC’s web page to learn more, at fortisbc.com/whatisrng and sign up now for RNG!
1Renewable Natural Gas is produced in a different manner than conventional natural gas. It’s derived from biogas, which is produced from decomposing organic waste from landfills, agricultural waste, and wastewater from treatment facilities. The biogas is captured and cleaned to create carbon-neutral Renewable Natural Gas (also called biomethane).
2FortisBC uses the term renewable and low carbon gas to refer collectively to the low carbon and carbon neutral gases or fuels that the utility can acquire under the Greenhouse Gas Reduction (Clean Energy) Regulation, which are: Renewable Natural Gas (RNG or biomethane), hydrogen, synthesis gas (from wood waste) and lignin. Depending on their source, all of these gases have differing levels of lifecycle carbon intensity. All gases would meet the proposed B.C. carbon intensity threshold for low-carbon gases of 36.4 g CO2e per megajoule set out in the 2021 B.C. Hydrogen Strategy.
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| BC Green Building Calendar
Check out the new BC Green Building Calendar, a resource to find all of the latest events and training related to green building subject matter, including: emissions, energy efficiency, resiliency, high-performance design, and more. |
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HRV/ERV Installation & Balancing Fundamentals Online | Sep 27 | $645 + tax Participants will receive the skills and knowledge to balance the airflows of Heat and Energy Recovery Ventilators (HRV/ERVs). They will also have an overview of the installation and measurement requirements. An HRAI checklist for installation and servicing of HRVs and ventilation systems will be made available, for use when on the job. |
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| High Performance Building Workshops
Abbotsford | Aug 24 and Sep 14 | $150 per session
The City of Abbotsford is hosting a series of in-person high performance building workshops focused on building envelope practices, applicable to both retrofits and new construction. Sign-up for the remaining sessions or choose individual dates. Presented by Hamid Heidarali of Hamid Design Build in partnership with the Canadian Homebuilders Association of BC Fraser Valley, FortisBC, and the HPSC. |
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Air Sealing and Retrofits Online | On Demand | Free | Available to HPCN registrants/members only
This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of air sealing for Part 9 (single family detached and attached) residential building retrofit contractors. The goal of this course is to inform contractors working in retrofit rebate programs of both the recommendations and best practices for air sealing to enhance consumer satisfaction and comfort, maximize energy savings and greenhouse gas reductions, and improve home durability. Register with the HPCN to access the course: homeperformance.ca/contractornetwork
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TECA Principles of Moving Air Online | Classes starting Aug 23, Sep 8, and Sep 21 | $659 + GST (non-members)
This course will benefit those working in the New, Retrofit or Repair portions of the industry. It was developed to give those who are designing or installing duct systems the ability to create quiet, efficient systems which deliver the required volumes while using the least fan energy. Today, furnaces, heat pumps and ventilation systems require larger volumes of air to be moved. Duct fitting shape, the number of fittings, air filters, coils all contribute to reduced flow in ductwork.
TECA Heat Loss/Heat Gain Course Online | Classes starting Aug 29 and Sep 19 | $385 + GST (non-members)
The course is intended to help participants perform accurate and code-compliant heat loss and heat gain calculations. The BC Building Code calls for CSA F280-12 for calculation of heat loss and heat gain, for Part 9 buildings. The TECA Heat Loss / Gain software has been designed to give users an accurate and simple way to calculate heating and cooling loads by the CSA F280-12 calculation methods. |
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HRAI Residential Heat Loss & Heat Gain Calculations Online | Classes starting Aug 22 and Sep 19 | $1,240 + taxes
Based on the CSA Standard F280-12, students get a firsthand introduction of the basic principles of building science and heat loss/gain. Through various in-class exercises, the student will learn how to determine the thermal resistance (R value) of various building assemblies, such as walls and ceilings. Accurately, calculate room by room heat loss and gain while considering the influences of occupancy, exposure, ventilation, air leakage across the building envelope and more.
HRAI Basic Principles of Residential Ventilation Online | On-Demand | $79 + taxes
Through this online course, participants are introduced to the basic principles of residential ventilation. The course starts by defining the concepts known as “House as a System”; the flow of air, heat and water and how these impact natural ventilation (i.e., air leakage). The course includes a description of the theory of mechanical airflow including air pressure, duct resistance and fan ratings. A review of the impact on combustion appliances, humidity levels and indoor air quality is also provided.
A discount code for these HRAI courses is accessible upon registration with the HPCN. |
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| Quality Installation of Insulation Retrofits in BC Homes
Online | On Demand | FREE for BC Contractors applying to the HPCN*
This course covers best practices for the quality installation of insulation in residential retrofit applications specific to single-family homes in British Columbia. Supported by the Province of BC, BC Hydro and FortisBC, this course is part of HPCN training requirements that will become mandatory for select rebate programs in 2022. Quality Installation of Forced Air Furnace and Air Source Heat Pump Retrofits in BC Homes Online | On Demand | FREE for BC Contractors applying to the HPCN*
This course covers best practices for the quality installation of furnaces and air-source heat pumps in residential retrofit applications specific to single-family homes in British Columbia. Supported by the Province of BC, BC Hydro and FortisBC, this course is part of HPCN training requirements that will become mandatory for select rebate programs in 2022.
*Home Performance Contractor Network – limited time offer. Discount code available upon registration. |
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2021 Revised - Best Practice Guide for Replacement Window and Doors Digital ($150) or Print ($290) (non-member prices)
Developed ─ and newly revised ─ by the Fenestration Association of BC and BC Housing, this guide applies current building science and best practices to the replacement of windows and doors in wood-frame residential buildings. It provides practical information and useful guidelines to help ensure these products are replaced in a way that improves the durability of building enclosures in existing buildings. It specifically addresses the unique challenges presented by BC’s coastal climate, which has inspired advancements in building envelope technology that have been adopted around the world.
Did you know? This guide is a required resource for registration with the Home Performance Contractor Network (HPCN). Contractors registering with the HPCN are eligible for a discounted copy of the guide. Learn more at homeperformance.ca/contractornetwork |
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CHBA BC Renovation Fundamentals Online | On-Demand | $349
The goal of this course is to provide renovators like you with an introduction to the basic knowledge needed to perform your job as a business owner or manager. By completing this course you'll gain a foundational understanding of the best practices for running a professional and successful renovation business in Canada. Note: there is a final exam at the end of the online course.
Course topics include: - General principles for business owners and managers
- Health and safety concerns
- Customer service
- Human resources
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Design considerations and building science
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| Become a Program-Qualified Energy Advisor Ongoing Applications
Program-Qualified Energy Advisors (PQEAs) are EnerGuide Rating System registered energy advisors (working with Service Organizations licensed through Natural Resources Canada) who have completed additional BC rebate program-focused orientation training. To access the CleanBC Better Homes and Home Renovation Rebate Programs Energy Advisor Supported Rebates homeowners must use a PQEA to deliver the required EnerGuide home energy evaluations.
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This list of training and events is compiled for your information. The HPSC is not affiliated with any of the third party organizations providing training or hosting events.
Know of other professional development opportunities? Let us know at info@homeperformance.ca |
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