Heat Pumps
Building Performance
Design & Installation
Air-to-Water
Geothermal
HVAC
HVAC Design
Hydronics

Heat Pump System Design & Installation

Sean Armstrong and 3 others

Course description

This a bundle of 9 courses taught by Sean Armstrong, Ryan Carda, John Siegenthaler, and Jon Harrod:

This is a series of professional development training courses for HVAC engineers, contractors, project managers, and building owners. Learn to design and install heat pump systems with confidence. Rigorous assessments have been developed to make sure you know the correct approach to designing and installing heat pump systems.

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Preview the course material

Check out a free preview of the course by clicking the button below. This is a live assignment from the course and will give you a good sense for what the course will be like.

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Continuing Education Units

Approved for: 2 NATE Continuing Education Hours, 8 BPI CEUs.

Course Outline #1 - Heat Pump System Fundamentals

Welcome - Orientation Materials

This course is self-paced, so you don’t need to be logged in at any specific time. You can get started immediately after you enroll and the course materials will remain in your account with minimum guaranteed access for 12 months (1 year) after enrollment.

  • Set up email notifications and your student profile
  • Introduce yourself on the discussion board
Module 1 - Heat Pump System Fundamentals

This is aimed at those will minimal experience with heat pumps. It “sets the stage” for more detailed topics in later courses. After taking this course you should have a basic understanding of how heat pumps work, the wide variety of heat pumps used in HVAC applications, and an understanding of how they perform.

  • Introduction to the Course and Your Instructor (1A) (09:59 minutes)
  • Starting Concepts (1B REV) (45:54 minutes)
  • What can heat pumps do (1C) (11:43 minutes)
  • Basic Heat Pump Refrigeration Systems (1D) (23:51 minutes)
  • Basic Heat Pump Performance (1E) (24:05 minutes)
  • A brief history of heat pumps (1F) (12:49 minutes)
Conclusion - 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!

  • End of Course Knowledge Check - Heat Pump Fundamentals
  • More reference material on water-to-water heat pumps (.pdf)
  • More reference material on air-to-water heat pumps (.pdf)
  • 1 Year of Access to Course Materials
  • Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
  • Consider Joining as a HeatSpring Member
  • Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate

Course Outline #2 - Air-to-Water Heat Pump Fundamentals

Welcome - Orientation Materials

This course is self-paced, so you don’t need to be logged in at any specific time. You can get started immediately after you enroll and the course materials will remain in your account with minimum guaranteed access for 12 months (1 year) after enrollment.

  • Set up email notifications and your student profile
  • Introduce yourself on the discussion board
Module 1 - Air-to-Water Heat Pumps - Overview

  • Physical Configurations (29:02 minutes)
  • Basic Thermal Performance (14:00 minutes)
  • Domestic Water Heating Applications (10:32 minutes)
  • Why the North American Air-to-Water Heat Pump Market Will Grow (46:55 minutes)
  • Air-to-water heat pumps (overview) example systems (24:18 minutes) Preview
Conclusion - 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!

  • Knowledge Check
  • 1 Year of Access to Course Materials
  • Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
  • Consider Joining as a HeatSpring Member
  • Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate

Course Outline #3 - Geothermal Heat Pump Fundamentals

Welcome - Orientation Materials

This course is self-paced, so you don’t need to be logged in at any specific time. You can get started immediately after you enroll and the course materials will remain in your account with minimum guaranteed access for 12 months (1 year) after enrollment.

  • Set up email notifications and your student profile
  • Introduce yourself on the discussion board
Module 1 - Overview of Residential Geothermal Heat Pump Systems

  • "How Geothermal Heat Pumps Work" (.pdf)
  • Read: "Geothermal What's in a Name?"
  • Read: "The Ground Connection" (.pdf)
  • Intro to GSHP Systems - Part 1 (12:07 minutes)
  • Intro to GSHP Systems - Part 2 (25:05 minutes)
  • Module 1 presentation slides (PDF) (.pdf)
Module 2 - Overview of Commercial Geothermal Heat Pump Systems

  • Basic Types of Heat Pumps (12:46 minutes)
  • GSHP Systems (16:27) (16:27 minutes)
  • The Ground Connection (12:48 minutes)
  • Pros & Cons of Geothermal Systems (11:58 minutes)
  • Module 2 presentation slides - Commercial Geothermal Heat Pump Overview (.pdf)
Module 3 - Economics & Marketing Considerations

It's important to understand the factors that determine when geothermal heat pumps are a good investment and when they aren't. Even if you're not in sales, these are still important considerations in your work.

  • Economics & Marketing - Part 1 (12:31 minutes)
  • Economics & Marketing - Part 2 (11:40 minutes)
  • Economics & Marketing - LoopLink Example (11:14 minutes)
  • Module 3 presentation slides (PDF) (.pdf)
Conclusion - 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!

  • Learning Check (19 questions)
  • 1 Year of Access to Course Materials
  • Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
  • Consider Joining as a HeatSpring Member
  • Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate

Course Outline #4 - Air-to-Water Heat Pump Applications

Welcome - Orientation Materials

This course is self-paced, so you don’t need to be logged in at any specific time. You can get started immediately after you enroll and the course materials will remain in your account with minimum guaranteed access for 12 months (1 year) after enrollment.

  • Set up email notifications and your student profile
  • Introduce yourself on the discussion board
Module 1 - Thermal performance of air-to-water heat pumps

This module reviews thermal performance considerations that are critical to designing efficient systems. It also covers henhanced vapor injection refrigeration systems and simulated seasonal system performance

  • Thermal performance of air-to-water heat pumps (33:08 minutes)
Module 2 - Integrating boilers with air-to-water heat pumps

This modules explains the benefits of combining air-to-water heat pumps with boilers (either new or existing). It should proper piping and discusses control techniques.

  • Integrating boilers with heat pumps (11:37 minutes)
Module 3 - Domestic water heating considerations using air-to-water heat pumps

This module describes different approaches for adding domestic water heating to systems using air-to-water heat pumps for space heating and cooling.

  • Domestic water heating considerations using air-to-water heat pumps (15:14 minutes)
Module 4 - Air-to-water heat pump sizing considerations

This module shows how the sizing (heating capacity) of an air-to-water heat pump relates to how much of the seasonal heating load it can provide

  • Air-to-water heat pump sizing considerations (07:24 minutes)
Module 5 - Installation details

This module covers several installation details for air-to-water heat pumps

  • Installation details (27:27 minutes)
Module 6 - Example systems using air-to-water heat pumps

This module shows and explains several complete system configurations that range from heating-only to systems that provide heating, cooling, and domestic hot water.

  • Example systems using air-to-water heat pumps (18:01 minutes)
Module 7 - New concepts for air-to-water heat pumps

This module explores several new "form factors" for air-to-water heat pumps.

  • New concepts for air-to-water heat pumps (11:19 minutes)
Conclusion - 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!

  • Knowledge Check
  • 1 Year of Access to Course Materials
  • Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
  • Consider Joining as a HeatSpring Member
  • Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate

Course Outline #5 - Geothermal Heat Pump Applications

Welcome - Orientation Materials

This course is self-paced, so you don’t need to be logged in at any specific time. You can get started immediately after you enroll and the course materials will remain in your account with minimum guaranteed access for 12 months (1 year) after enrollment.

  • Set up email notifications and your student profile
  • Introduce yourself on the discussion board
Module 1 - Heat Pump Selection & Residential Ground Loops

  • Reading "A Basic Guide to Heat Pump Selection" (.pdf)
  • Overview of GSHP Performance (23:20 minutes)
  • Presentation slides (PDF) - Overview of GSHP Performance (.pdf)
  • GSHP Selection - LoopLink Example (10:53 minutes)
  • Closed-Loop GHEX Design Basics (11:54 minutes)
  • Closed-Loop GHEX Design - LoopLink Example (18:49 minutes)
  • Presentation slides (PDF) - Design of Closed-Loop Ground Heat Exchangers (.pdf)
  • Read "How to Measure GSHP Efficiency for Forced-Air Units" (.pdf)
  • Read "Geothermal Do's & Don't's" (.pdf)
  • Important GSHP Design & Installation Considerations (33:21 minutes)
  • Presentation slides (PDF) - Important GSHP Design Considerations (.pdf)
  • Assignment Calculate the amount of propylene glycol for a 20% concentration in this ground loop. (.pdf)
  • LoopLink Assignment – Part 1
  • Antifreeze Volume Calculator (.xlsm)
  • LoopLink Assignment Part – 2 (.pdf)
Module 2 - Commercial Ground Loops

  • Module 3 Presentation Slides (.pdf)
  • Building Understanding, Pre-Modeling, and Site Visit (07:03 minutes)
  • Common Fuels (08:55 minutes)
  • Heating Energy Cost Comparison (09:03 minutes)
  • Operating Costs (13:31 minutes)
  • Closed-Loop Ground Heat Exchangers - Advanced Topics (11:34 minutes)
  • Piping Systems (05:23 minutes)
  • Planning and Design Review (12:25 minutes)
  • Design Review - Flushing and Purging (10:23 minutes)
  • Construction Verification (13:23 minutes)
  • Practical Considerations (07:03 minutes)
  • Presentation Slides (.pdf)
  • Commercial Applications Quiz (20 questions)
  • ASSIGNMENT: Calculate the propylene glycol (gal) for a 20% concentration in this GHEX. (.pdf)
  • RESOURCE FOR ASSIGNMENT: Antifreeze Volume Calculator (.xls) - enable macros for proper operation (.xlsm)
Conclusion - 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!

  • End of Course Knowledge Check
  • 1 Year of Access to Course Materials
  • Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
  • Consider Joining as a HeatSpring Member
  • Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate

Course Outline #6 - Hydronic Distribution Systems for Heat Pumps

Welcome - Orientation Materials

This course is self-paced, so you don’t need to be logged in at any specific time. You can get started immediately after you enroll and the course materials will remain in your account with minimum guaranteed access for 12 months (1 year) after enrollment.

  • Set up email notifications and your student profile
  • Introduce yourself on the discussion board
Module 1 - Why hydronics?

This module described the fundamental "physics" that allows hydronic-based systems to offer several unique benefits relative to forced air systems.

  • Why hydronics? (21:43 minutes)
Module 2 - The importance of low temperature distribution systems

This module explains why low temperature distribution systems are critical in optimizing the efficiency of contemporary heat sources. It also compares the thermal mass of different heat emitters, and explains the concept of thermal equilibrium.

  • The importance of low temperature distribution systems (19:57 minutes)
Module 3 - Low temperature / low thermal mass heat emitters

This module described several types of hydronic heat emitters that can be used with systems supplied by heat pumps. It covers construction details and thermal performance factors.

  • Low temperature / low thermal mass heat emitters (36:12 minutes)
Module 4 - Radiant floor heating

This module describes several methods of installing radiant floor heating. Each installation method is shown along with related thermal performance characteristics.

  • Radiant floor heating (31:21 minutes)
Module 5 - Air handlers and fancoils

This module covers the physical configuration and thermal performance of air handlers and fancoils that can be used with hydronic-based heat pumps.

  • Air handlers and fancoils (10:07 minutes)
Module 6 - Simple / repeatable homerun distribution systems

This module shows one of the simplest and best performing hydronic distribution systems for use with hydronic heat pumps.

  • Simple / repeatable homerun distribution systems (20:12 minutes)
Module 7 - Lowering water temperature in existing hydronic systems

This module explains different approaches that can significantly lower the required design load water temperature in existing hydronic systems that allow improved performance with hydronic-based heat pumps.

  • Lowering water temperature in existing hydronic systems (29:07 minutes)
Conclusion - 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!

  • 1 Year of Access to Course Materials
  • Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
  • Consider Joining as a HeatSpring Member
  • End of Course Knowledge Check
  • Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate

Course Outline #7 - Small-Scale Chilled Water Cooling

Welcome - Orientation Materials

This course is self-paced, so you don’t need to be logged in at any specific time. You can get started immediately after you enroll and the course materials will remain in your account with minimum guaranteed access for 12 months (1 year) after enrollment.

  • Set up email notifications and your student profile
  • Introduce yourself on the discussion board
Module 1 - Advantages of chilled water cooling systems

  • Benefits of small-scale chilled-water cooling (16:41 minutes)
Module 2 - Thermal performance of AWHPs and WWHPs in cooling mode

A review focussing on the cooling performance of air0to-water and water-to-water heat pumps. Proper understanding of this performance is crucial to optimizing subsequent system design and avoiding installation errors.

  • Thermal performance of AWHPs and WWHPs in cooling mode (12:11 minutes)
Module 3 - Terminal units for chilled-water cooling

This module surveys the hardware available for delivering cooling and dehumidification to interior spaces based on chilled water. It describes sizing and selection.

  • Terminal units for chilled-water cooling (14:38 minutes)
Module 4 - Insulating chilled-water piping

This module shows why insulation of chilled water piping is critical, and described different materials and methods.

  • Insulating chilled-water piping (11:15 minutes)
Module 5 - Psychometrics of chilled-water cooling

This module covers the basic psychrometric concepts needed to understand and design chilled water cooling systems.

  • Psychometrics of chilled-water cooling (13:34 minutes)
Module 6 - Example systems

This modules assembles concepts and details from the previous modules into complete systems that provide chilled water cooling, as well as space heating and in some cases domestic water heating.

  • Example systems (34:22 minutes)
Module 7 - Water loop heat pump systems

This module covers the fundamentals of water loop heat pumps systems used in commercial buildings.

  • Water loop heat pump systems (17:21 minutes)
Module 8 - Systems that separate sensible & latent cooling

This modules describes contemporary systems for cooling where the sensible portion fo the cooling load is handled by chilled water circulating through terminal units at temperatures above dewpoint temperature.

  • Systems that separate sensible & latent cooling (29:33 minutes)
Conclusion - 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!

  • Knowledge Check - Small-Scale Chilled Water Cooling
  • 1 Year of Access to Course Materials
  • Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
  • Consider Joining as a HeatSpring Member
  • Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate

Course Outline #8 - Forced Air Distribution for Heat Pump Systems

Welcome - Orientation Materials

This course is self-paced, so you don’t need to be logged in at any specific time. You can get started immediately after you enroll and the course materials will remain in your account with minimum guaranteed access for 12 months (1 year) after enrollment.

  • Set up email notifications and your student profile
  • Introduce yourself on the discussion board
Module 1 - Ducting materials

  • Ducting Materials (26:11 minutes)
Module 2 - Duct system design concepts

  • Introduction to Static Pressure Measurements (38:14 minutes)
  • Duct System Design Concepts 1 (31:54 minutes)
Module 3 - Types of supply air diffusers and return air grills

  • Grilles, registers, and diffusers (26:31 minutes)
Module 4 - Filtering and air cleaning systems

  • Filtering and air cleaning equipment (32:55 minutes)
Module 5 - Hydronic air-handler configurations

  • Air handling equipment (27:28 minutes)
Conclusion - 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!

  • 1 Year of Access to Course Materials
  • Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
  • Consider Joining as a HeatSpring Member
  • Knowledge Check - Forced Air Distribution Systems
  • Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate

Course Outline #9 - Heat Pump Standards & Regulations in the USA and Canada

Module 1 - Regulatory (EPA, Energy Star) and States specific performance requirements of heat pumps

  • A Survey of the American Regulatory System for Heat Pump Space and Water Heating (01:03:29 hours)
  • Slides: Survey of the American Regulatory System for Heat Pump Space & Water Heating (.pdf)
  • Knowledge Check - 2023 DOE Heat Pump Standards
Module 2 - Canadian Heat Pump Standards & Regulations

  • Canadian Heat Pump Standards & Regulations (50:05 minutes)
  • Knowledge Check - Canadian Heat Pump Standards & Regulations

Instructors

Sean Armstrong

Managing Principal, Redwood Energy

Sean Armstrong is the Managing Principal of Redwood Energy and has worked for 25 years in building electrification, designed the retrofit and new construction of more than 10,000 all-electric residences for disadvantaged populations, co-authored five practical guides to building electrification, provided legal and technical support to dozens of gas bans nationwide,... Learn more

Ryan Carda

Principal Engineer, Dandelion Energy

Ryan Carda is Principal Engineer for Dandelion. He is primarily responsible for design and engineering standardization, with a focus on optimizing the performance and lowering the cost of geothermal systems. Prior to that, Ryan co-founded Geo-Connections in 2004 and served as the company’s President until he sold the company to Dandelion. The products Ryan developed... Learn more

John Siegenthaler

P.E., Appropriate Designs

John Siegenthaler, P.E., is a mechanical engineering graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, a licensed professional engineer, and Professor Emeritus of Engineering Technology at Mohawk Valley Community College. “Siggy” has over 40 years of experience in designing modern hydronic systems. He is a hall-of-fame member of the Radiant Panel Association, and a... Learn more

Jon Harrod

Jon Harrod, Ph.D, is a contractor, author and electrification advocate. In 2006 Jon founded Snug Planet, an award-winning home performance company based in Ithaca NY. From its initial focus on energy audits and envelope improvements, Snug Planet has grown to offer whole-home solutions, including moisture management and HVAC upgrades. Snug Planet is an active participant... Learn more

$1,495

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Frequently asked questions

How does this course work?

You can begin this online course instantly upon enrollment. This 1 module course is delivered entirely online. The lecture video and other materials are available any time. 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.

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