Heat Pumps and Solar in Cold Climates for WAP
Meets: W from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Location: Montana Weatherization Training Center - Bozeman
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As technology marches forward, recent advances have made heat pump technology a viable solution to heating in cold climates. Additionally, due to increased temperatures in the summer and the increased frequency and severity of forest fires, there is a health and safety need to close homes in the summer and be able to cool them with A/C. There is also a steady movement by society to move away from fossil fuels and electrify homes. There are now several reasons for weatherization programs in cold climates to understand heat pump technology and how, when, and where it can be utilized as a heat and cooling source. This portion of the class will be an introduction to the topic with a focus on the basics of refrigeration, site assessment, and what types of systems could be utilized in cold climates. We will have a lab demonstration of several heat pump technologies.
Installing solar PV has not historically been part of WAP programs. Recent federal legislation is unleashing funding for solar panel installation on low-to-moderate-income homes, making much of this money accessible to the income population that WAP serves. There are many avenues by which this money could fall into the hands of weatherization programs, but one way or another, WAP clients will likely have solar panels installed at their homes and Weatherization personnel will be involved at some capacity. This class aims to introduce the topic of solar in WAP with a focus on the basics of solar panels, site assessment, obstacles to installation, and what types of systems can be installed. We will have a lab demonstration of a roof installed system.
Montana Weatherization Network members may take this course and the exam at no cost. Use the MT WAP Registration option to register with a $0 fee. For questions, contact the Training Center at classes@weatherization.org or 406-586-0070. To return to Montana Weatherization Training Center website please go to weatherization.org.
| Fee: | $300.00 |
Fee Breakdown
| Category | Description | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Course Fee (Basic) | Fee | $ 300.00 |
| Course Fee (Alternate) | WAP Registration | $ 0.00 |
Montana Weatherization Training Center - Bozeman
751 Osterman DriveSuite 101
Bozeman, MT 59715
Aaron Mugaas
Aaron brings deep and relevant experience to the team, with decades of service to the weatherization industry as both a crew member and auditor. He’s also spent time in private industry as a house builder and home inspector. Aaron’s training includes degrees in Biology, and study in Land Resources and Environmental Sciences. His focus at the Training Center is on health and safety, building science, hands-on training of practical skills.Brian Nickisch
Growing up in Eastern Montana, Brian has experienced every sort of extreme weather event. Witnessing the impact of weather events on communities Brian has lived in has helped develop a passion for being able to help those impacted most. Through acquiring a teaching degree from Montana State University and a master's degree in environmental science from the University of Nevada, Reno, Brian has sought out to improve lives through education and promoting energy efficiency.
In addition to his formal education, Brian's experience teaching high school science, installing solar arrays, and conducting home energy assessments have given him crucial skills that he’s excited to contribute to the Training Center and the weatherization network.
Nick Thomas
Growing up in the Gallatin Valley has offered Nick years of demolition, renovation and building experience as well as a keen knowledge of different building structures and ways of protecting homes from harsh Montana climates. He brings several years of weatherization field experience to the Training Center after working for the HRDC energy assistance program. His standardized work specifications (SWS) and code compliance knowledge shapes his teaching focus toward workplace safety and crew efficiency.Anyone working in the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) including managers and crew members.
This course has 8 contact hours and can qualify as 4 continuing education units (CEUs) toward Home Energy Professional Certification through the Building Performance Institute (BPI).