Energy Efficiency

  • Blower Door Basics Course

    1 LU AIA

    Identify where air leaks occur in a home and describe the difference between infiltration and exfiltration. Describe how a blower door test can identify leaks in a home, how the test works, how and where to set it up to get consistent results. This program details how to properly use a digital gauge during the blower door test to view results. This program is registered with AIA for 1 CEH. Take the course.

    Posted:
    November 2012
    Subject(s):
    Building Envelope, Energy Efficiency, Building Science
    Sponsor:
    The Energy Conservatory
  • Impact of Combined Heat and Power Systems in Residential and Commercial Buildings Course

    1 LU HSW/SD/AIA

    Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems, as the name implies, serve dual purposes. First, they use a propane or natural gas generator to create electricity. The electricity produced from the generator is used by the home, reducing energy costs. If more electricity is generated than is consumed, the power can be sold back to the grid through net metering available in most states. Simultaneously, the heat from the engine is captured and used to warm the building or create hot water, further reducing energy costs. CHP units have been used in Europe for years and are now becoming more popular in the U.S. This courses is registered for the following education credits: 1 HSW/SD hour, AIA; 1 NAHB hour, 1 NARI hour. Take the course.

    Posted:
    March 2012
    Subject(s):
    Building Performance, HVAC, Energy Efficiency
    Sponsor:
    Propane Education & Research Council
    Certification(s):
    NAHB, NARI
  • An Energy & Environmental Analysis of Propane Energy Pod Homes

    Bundles or collections of building systems in homes can form the basis of an energy package or “pod.” These can be the foundation for homes delivering energy and CO2 emissions savings that outperform typical new homes in the marketplace. Building energy analysis was used to evaluate the energy and environmental performance of Propane Energy Pod prototype homes at two sizes, across different climate zones. These results were compared with standard homes featuring typical technology packages. The program has been submitted to the AIA, GBCI and NAHB for one continuing education hour.

    Posted:
    October 2011
    Subject(s):
    Energy Efficiency
    Sponsor:
    Propane Education & Research Council
  • Designing and Retrofitting with Propane Gas: An Overview of Energy Benefits and Available Incentives

    Making a home more efficient and environmentally friendly has become a hot topic for architects, builders, homeowners, and the government. Building codes are being reviewed and updated to improve minimum efficiency standards. Propane gas applications in the home are energy efficient, economical to operate and have a low impact on the environment. Having propane as the primary energy source can help in both green home design programs and to earn tax incentives for new and existing homes. This learning unit will touch on where propane can be used in residential buildings, how incorporation of propane appliances and systems can contribute to green building rating systems, and available tax and other incentives associated with propane appliances and systems. Take the course.

    Posted:
    August 2011
    Subject(s):
    Energy Efficiency, Green Design, Sustainability
    Sponsor:
    Propane Education & Research Council
  • Expanding Outdoor Living: Using Propane for Efficient and Sustainable Outdoor Living

    1.0 LU HSW

    Describe why outdoor rooms and furnished outdoor spaces are becoming popular among homeowners and designers. Describe at least three considerations that should be taken into account before designing an outdoor room or space. Describe at least three features fueled by propane that are often seen in outdoor rooms or outdoor spaces. List at least three facts about propane related it’s low environmental impact. Take the course.

    Posted:
    March 2011
    Subject(s):
    Outdoor Rooms, Energy Efficiency
    Sponsor:
    Propane Education and Research Council
    Certification(s):
    AIA, NAHB, USGBC
  • Condensing Tankless Water Heaters: Using Propane for the Most Efficient Water Heaters on the Market

    1.0 LU HSW

    This learning unit will address the benefits of a Condensing Tankless Water Heater and explore how retrofitting a home with a Condensing Tankless Water Heater—or installing one in new construction—can offer the most energy efficiency of any water heater, even propane Tankless Water Heaters, which until now have been the most energy-efficient water heaters available. Propane Condensing Tankless Water Heaters are the wave of the future when it comes to super energy-efficient and environmentally friendly water heating. Take the course.

    Posted:
    March 2011
    Subject(s):
    Energy Efficiency, Water Heaters
    Sponsor:
    Propane Education and Research Council
    Certification(s):
    AIA, NAHB, USGBC
  • Residential Energy Performance Upgrades: an energy, economic, and environmental analysis

    1.0 LU HSW/SD

    Decisions on where and when to invest in residential energy efficient equipment can be tricky for a consumer, especially when it comes to paying a premium for higher efficiency equipment. This course focuses on the typical energy use for average single family detached households. Once you have completed this course you will be able to explain the difference between elective and non-elective energy efficiency measures (EEM) and identify the most beneficial EEMs in each of the five targeted climate zones covered. You will also be able to determine approximate payback periods for EEMs in your projects and to convey the costs and benefits of the EEM options to your clients. Take the course.

    Posted:
    January 2011
    Subject(s):
    Energy Efficiency
    Sponsor:
    Propane Education and Research Council
    Certification(s):
    AIA, NARI, USGBC, NAHB
  • Specifying Propane Standby Generators: Installation and Value Considerations

    1.0 LU HSW

    Upon completion of this unit you will be able to describe the most common reasons for power outages in the U.S. You will be able to list the three main kinds of electrical generators available in the residential market and be able to identify the most reliable and appropriate fuel to power an electrical generator. Finally, you will be able to list factors that need to be considered before sizing a generator for a home, to ensure that it is safe and comfortable during power outages. Take the course.

    Posted:
    January 2011
    Subject(s):
    Energy Efficiency, Technology
    Sponsor:
    Propane Education and Research Council
    Certification(s):
    AIA, NAHB, USGBC, NARI
  • Achieving Sustainable Design Goals with Tubular Daylighting Technologies

    1.0 LU HSW/SD

    By the end of this course you should be able to describe why daylight is an important component of sustainable design. You will be able to compare and contrast the different daylighting strategies available. You will also understand the minimum requirements for achieving LEED with daylighting and cite the specific ways that tubular daylighting devices can help projects earn LEED accreditation. Take the course.

    Posted:
    January 2011
    Subject(s):
    Daylighting, Energy Efficiency, LEED
    Sponsor:
    Solatube
    Certification(s):
    AIA, NARI
  • Introduction to Tubular Daylighting Devices

    1 LU SD

    This learning unit will describe the benefits of dayligting in multiple building environments. You will be able to differentiate between different daylighting strategies and identify advantages and disadvantages of different strategies. You will be introduced to tubular daylighiting devices and be able to describe how they are different from other daylighting product categories. Take the course.

    Posted:
    May 2010
    Subject(s):
    Daylighting, Lighting, Energy Efficiency
    Sponsor:
    Solatube
    Certification(s):
    AIA