Hi friend, Welcome to the November edition of HPSC Monthly. This month, we bring you these top stories and more: - A new approach to air sealing
- Victoria contractors: Have you heard about this new homeowner resource?
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BCIT tech demo series are back with high efficiency HRVs
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A New Approach to Air Sealing
Air leakage is a critical performance indicator for home performance and air sealing is an important component of retrofitting with a house-as-a-system approach. That's why the HPSC is excited to introduce Pacific AeroBarrier and their innovative building envelope sealing technology called AeroBarrier.
AeroBarrier allows non-destructive air sealing to take place without any disruptions to the renovation schedule and Pacific AeroBarrier guarantees their work to meet or exceed the airtightness target of your project. The process is monitored by teams of experienced personnel, the sealing is fully automated and computer controlled, and results are measured in real-time. The four-step process involves: - pressurizing the subject building to 100Pa of air pressure
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releasing of atomized sealant particles that will locate the breaches in the building envelope (cracks / gaps / holes)
- gradual sealing of the breaches, monitored in real-time
- final airtightness testing and certifying the project
The AeroBarrier process is implemented once the renovation work has reached post-drywall / pre-primer stage with expected air leakage reductions to be between 70-90% (note that mechanical ventilation / HRV is required if sealing to levels below 3.5ACH).
For sealing HVAC systems, they also offer AeroSeal technology, akin to sealing buildings but localized to sealing only the ductwork, resulting in drastic increases in comfort and indoor air quality for the occupants of the building.
To learn more about how AeroBarrier or AeroSeal can help deliver outstanding airtightness results for your projects, visit the Pacific AeroBarrier website, or contact them at info@pacificaerobarrier.com or 604-222-2100.
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REMINDER: Rebate Program Webinars
FortisBC, BC Hydro and the Province of BC are hosting online webinars for Home Performance Contractor Network (HPCN) members to provide training and updates on the Home Renovation Rebate and CleanBC Better Homes programs. There are different dates depending on your sector and location, see information and links to register below. |
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Sharing Training with Yukon Territory
The HPSC is pleased to be working with the Government of Yukon to offer our Retrofitting with a House-as-a-System Approach course for free to contractors in their territory. This online course explains how the house operates as a system and how to identify common home issues with energy retrofit solutions. These are essential concepts for home performance to improve the efficiency, comfort, and health of homes in Canada. Contractors in the Yukon can contact Paul Reikie at paul.reikie@yukon.ca or 867-332-8591 to register for the course. Contractors in British Columbia can access the course for free by signing up for the Home Performance Contractor Network. Located in another part of Canada? Contact the HPSC at info@homeperformance.ca for more information on accessing the course. |
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New Homeowner Resource for Victoria & Region
The Capital Regional District (CRD) has launched the Home Energy Navigator program which is designed to streamline home energy upgrades in the region’s single-family homes.
The Home Energy Navigator Program aims to support residents to undertake low carbon home energy retrofits and take advantage of government and utility incentives. Participants are connected with an Energy Concierge, who is then available throughout a retrofit project to answer questions, provide support, and give local, expert advice and guidance to navigate the complex world of home energy retrofits.
“Whether you need help identifying energy saving opportunities, comparing insulation or heat pump quotes, or applying for rebates and grants, this program is here to help,” said Nikki Elliott, Manager of Climate Action Programs for the CRD. “This program has been designed to give residents the knowledge and confidence to improve the efficiency of their homes.” The Home Energy Navigator Program in a free program created by the CRD and local government partners in the capital region and informed by industry experts, including numerous local contractors. It is being executed by City Green Solutions, a local non-profit with decades of experience helping homeowners save energy.
Residents can participate in the program for free by filling out a registration form at www.homeenergynav.ca or calling 1-866-381-9995. |
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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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| Tech Demo Series: Made-in-BC, High-Efficiency HRVs Burnaby | November 29, 10:00-1:00pm | $23.34
Come learn about the latest in locally-manufactured dedicated outside air systems (DOAS) and heat and energy recovery ventilators (H/ERV) for schools, offices, senior care facilities, and multi-family buildings. This tech demo by Oxygen8, features their low-profile, high-efficiency equipment that easily integrates with VRF heat pump technology, can provide 100% fresh, filtered air and includes demand control ventilation. Join ZEBX at BCIT's fascinating High-Performance Building Lab for this great educational and networking opportunity. The ticket price includes a catered lunch. After the event, Oxygen8 is opening the doors to its manufacturing facility, located less than one kilometre away.
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| High Performance vs Energy Efficient Buildings Workshops
In-person (3 locations)| November 2022 | $400 (non CHBA members) or $250 (CHBA members)
FortisBC is sponsoring a series of whole-day workshops based on several examples and case studies that will explain the differences between a high performance and energy efficient building.
Presented by Hamid Building Design and hosted by local CHBA chapters, these workshops will familiarize participants with the concept of a holistic approach towards building envelope energy efficiency to satisfy performance criteria such as moisture management, thermal comfort, durability, indoor air quality. There will also be a great emphasis on the intergraded design process via various brainstorming sessions and group works. Hamid Design Build will also bring mobile building envelope assembly mock-ups, plus a wide range of building envelope products and systems as part of the sessions.
The workshop is suitable for builders, architects, designers, consultants, building inspectors, energy advisors, window manufacturers, contractors (carpentry, insulation, cladding, HVAC, etc.), real estate agents, and whoever interested in high performance building envelope practices. The workshops will run from 8:00am to 4:30pm in three locations: Victoria, Nanaimo and Burnaby. Each workshop will cover the same content and each one is pending for 7.5 CPD points through BC Housing. Click the links below to learn more and register. |
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FortisBC Offering 80% Subsidy Discount for HRAI Courses Limited Time Offer FortisBC will be subsidizing several of HRAI's most popular courses during the fall and winter months, by 80% off the regular price. This offer is only available to contractors in BC.
HPCN Registrants: This is a great opportunity to complete your HRAI/TECA training requirement. You will still be eligible for reimbursement of 100% of the course costs plus a contribution towards wages.
Please note: This offer is not in combination with any other offer or discount from HRAI (including HRAI Membership discounts). The subsidy is available now until the funding and spots run out. |
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National Home Performance Conference (U.S.) Seattle, WA | April 17-20, 2023 | $995 (USD) Each year, this event brings together contractors, weatherization professionals, trainers, program administrators, energy auditors, and others working in residential energy efficiency for the latest developments and education in the industry. |
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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 Nov 21 and Dec 6 | $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 | Email TECA to Request Courses | $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 Nov 25 and Jan 7 | $1,295 + 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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