About this course
Learn how to best 'fix what you have'. If you are serious about transformative energy upgrades in existing residential and commercial buildings up to 45,000 square feet this course is right for you.
Forget the theory. This course will fundamentally change the way you approach retrofit projects, while build your network of like minded professionals. Your practice will never be the same.
Learning Objectives
- How to assess if a house is a good candidate for a DER
- How energy is used in most houses, and how DERs change that
- Typical deficiencies of existing homes and how a DER addresses them
- Heat flow, moisture flow, vapor retarders, and how to perform a simple heat loss calculation
- Building blocks of a DER—air tightening, foundations, walls, windows, roofs—and the range of approaches that have been successful
- Heating, cooling, ventilation, and domestic hot water technologies
- Case studies of successful DERs
This course is included in this bundle
Course outline
11 modules
13:50 hours
of video lectures
Module 1 • 15 assignments
Introduction to Deep Energy Retrofits
Module 1 • 15 assignments
Introduction to Deep Energy Retrofits
Topics: Benefits, Costs, What makes a good DER?, Where energy goes in houses
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Module 2 • 19 assignments
Deficiencies of existing houses and how a DER can help
Module 2 • 19 assignments
Deficiencies of existing houses and how a DER can help
Topics: Water, Ice dams, Toxic materials, Mold, Combustion products, Discomfort, Pests
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Module 3 • 19 assignments
Building Science
Module 3 • 19 assignments
Building Science
Topics: Energy, heat transfer, moisture, Heat loss calculations, Vapor retarders
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Module 4 • 16 assignments
Air Barriers
Module 4 • 16 assignments
Air Barriers
Topics: Where houses leak, Approaches to air tightening, exterior and interior, Testing and diagnostics
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Module 5 • 11 assignments
Foundation Approaches
Module 5 • 11 assignments
Foundation Approaches
Topics: Basements and crawl spaces, Slab on grade
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Module 6 • 13 assignments
Wall Approaches
Module 6 • 13 assignments
Wall Approaches
Topics: Frame walls, Masonry walls, Interior and exterior strategies
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Module 7 • 9 assignments
Windows
Module 7 • 9 assignments
Windows
Topics: New windows, Storm windows, Window insulation, Installation
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Module 8 • 9 assignments
Roofs and Ceilings
Module 8 • 9 assignments
Roofs and Ceilings
Topics: Vented attics, Cathedralized roof
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Module 9 • 15 assignments
HVAC and DHW
Module 9 • 15 assignments
HVAC and DHW
Topics: Selecting a system, Minisplit heat pumps, Heat pump water heaters
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Module 10 • 12 assignments
Successful Deep Energy Retrofit Case Studies
Module 10 • 12 assignments
Successful Deep Energy Retrofit Case Studies
This week we'll review case studies of successful DERs.
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Conclusion • 5 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
Conclusion • 5 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
This is our last module but you still have access to the all of course materials for 12 months (1 year), so keep working and you'll be able to complete the course at your own pace. After your year of access expires you can optionally extend access with a HeatSpring Membership. Enjoy the course and keep in touch!
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Continuing Education Units
Approved for the following CEUs
- 12 AIA LU/HSW Credits
- 12
- 6
- 13.5 PHIUS CPHC CEUs
- 12 Professional Development Contact Hours
Author
Marc Rosenbaum
Principal, Energysmiths
Marc Rosenbaum, P.E. uses an integrated systems design approach to help people create buildings and communities which connect us to the natural world, and support both personal and planetary health. He brings this vision, experience and commitment to a collaborative design process, with the goal of profoundly understanding the interconnections between people, place, and...
Frequently asked questions
Full FAQHow does this course work?
You can begin this online course instantly upon enrollment. This 10 module course is delivered entirely online. This is a self-study, self-paced course and you can set your own schedule to complete the materials. You can begin the lecture videos and other course materials as soon as you enroll. After successfully completing the course, you will be able to generate a certificate of completion.
How long do I have access to the materials?
Students get unlimited access to the course materials as soon as they enroll and for one year (365 days) after enrollment. Rewatch videos and review assignments as many times as you want. View updates the instructor makes to the course as the industry advances. Return to your course anytime with online access from anywhere in the world. After the one year of access expires, access can be extended by joining as a HeatSpring member. A single membership extends access to course materials for all past enrollments.
Is there a certificate of completion?
Yes, when you complete this course you are eligible for a certificate of completion from HeatSpring. You can download your certificate as soon as you have completed all of the course requirements. Students can easily share their verified certificates on their LinkedIn profiles using our LinkedIn integration.
Can I register multiple people?
Yes please visit our HeatSpring for Teams page to get a group discount.