About this course

Learn from industry expert Allison Bailes PhD in this free course on building enclosures and controls, as well as residential ventilation considerations. This lecture is designed for engineers, architects, builders, trade contractors, and energy raters.


Allison will review:
 -The basics: buildings as systems, enclosures, controlling air, thermodynamics, wall assembly materials, etc.
-Controlling moisture flow: liquid and vapor, laws of water gravity, rain, drainage, diffusion vs. infiltration, permeance and vapor retarders, etc.
-Doing Residential Ventilation Right: why we need ventilation, how to choose a ventilation method, how to choose a ventilation rate, commissioning and maintaining the system.
...and more!

Course outline

2 modules
2 - 3 hours to complete
1:58 hours of video lectures
Module 1 • 3 assignments
Building Science with Dr. Allison Bailes

In this section, you will learn 1) how to distinguish between air barriers, vapor retarders, and drainage plans 2) explain the role of vapor permeance in labels such as vapor barrier and vapor retarders 3) describe several different materials that can be used as drainage planes. Second part, you'll learn. After this section, you will be able to: 1) Calculate the necessary amount of ventilation air, 2) Explain the pros and cons of balanced, exhaust-only, and supply ventilation, and 3) Describe various types of ventilation equipment.

  • Presentation Slides: How to Become a Building Control Freak (.pdf)
  • "How To Become a Building Enclosure Control Freak" (57:20 minutes)
  • "3 Steps to Doing Residential Ventilation Right" (01:01:03 hours)

Author

Allison Bailes III

President, Energy Vanguard

Allison A. Bailes III, PhD, is founder and owner of Energy Vanguard in Decatur, Georgia. Like many in the field of building science and green building, he is multi-faceted: His academic credentials in physics (BS, MS, MST, and PhD all in that field) give him a solid foundation in the science that underlies buildings. Having taught physics at the high school and college...

Frequently asked questions

Full FAQ
How does this course work?
This is a free course. Enroll today and get access to all of the materials instantly. The lecture video and other materials are available any time.
How long do I have access to the materials?
For free courses there is no guarantee for how long the course materials will be available.
Is there a certificate of completion?
Certificates of completion are only provided to HeatSpring Membership subscribers. This course has not been approved by any credentialing organizations (NABCEP, AIA, USGBC etc) for Continuing Education Credits (CEUs). This course is for self education purposes only and completion does not indicate a level of professional expertise or credential.
Can I register multiple people?
Yes, this is a free course so you can share this page with other people from your group.

Reviews

4.4
Based on 266 reviews
3,222
students have taken this course
12/08/2023

none

anthony torres
01/24/2021

This course was a good overview of basic ventilation, moisture mitigation

John Adams
01/14/2021

the illustrations were very detailed and note worthy

pat treadwell

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