Heat Pumps
Design & Installation
Air-to-Water
Geothermal
HVAC Design

Heat Pump System Fundamentals

John Siegenthaler • Last updated 09/2023

Course description

This is the first course in our "Heat Pump System Design & Installation" series. You can take an individual course or enroll in the full program, which was created to provide a complete understanding of the design and installation of heat pumps systems.

This course provides an overview of heat pump systems, configurations, applications, and how heat pump performance is measured. Instructor John Siegenthaler created this course as a launching point for HVAC engineers, salespeople, and technicians.

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Continuing Education Units

Approved for: 1 BPI CEUs.

Full course outline

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

Instructor

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

$295

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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. This course is self-paced 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. During your year of access the instructor will be in the course answering questions on the discussion board. 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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