Category Archives: Home Performance

Using Zone Pressure Diagnostics for House Leakage Analysis

DETAILS FOR THE TRUTECH TRAINING WEBINAR:

Using Zone Pressure Diagnostics for House Leakage Analysis

REGISTER FOR May 11, 2017 at 11 am Eastern: CLICK HERE

REGISTER FOR May 24, 2017 at 4 pm Eastern: CLICK HERE

How much leakage is through the attic, the basement, the attached garage? The only method for answering these questions This webinar addresses the ZPD basics to the advanced features. Learn about non-modifiable and modifiable zone analysis, the use of your digital manometer for ZPD testing, and the meaning of your results. The accurate and cutting-edge free Residential Energy Dynamics (RED) ZPD tool will be used for examples.

In this session we will:
* List the tools needed to perform ZPD
* Explain how to conduct a modifiable ZPD test to an attic, attached garage, or basement
* Discuss the results of modifiable zone analysis, including flow at CFM50 and area of leakage in each pressure boundary

 

Taught by Rick Karg

R Karg 2 2015Rick Karg is President at Residential Energy Dynamics (or RED) He received his M.A. in economics from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio in 1972. He taught economics at New Hampshire College and spent ten years as a building contractor before beginning his long career in the residential energy field.
He has worked with the DOE low-income weatherization program on national and state levels, is a frequent presenter at national energy conferences, has worked with gas and electric utilities, writes curricula, standards, and codes. Rick has been on the ASHRAE 62.2 committee since 2007, and serves as an editorial adviser for Home Energy magazine. He has been developing and marketing software for residential energy analysts since 1995.

He received the 2015 Phillip C. Hastings award from Efficiency Maine for “his outstanding leadership in the field of building science and energy efficiency”. In 2016 he was inducted into the Building Performance Institute (BPI) Hall of Fame.

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Filed under Blower Doors, Energy Audit, Home Performance

ASHRAE 62.2 (2016): Using the New Standard in the Field

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Below are links to the slides and a recording of a webinar presented in March 2017 by a member of the ASHRAE 62.2 committee. Viewers will understand how to use the new ASHRAE 62.2-2016 Standard, Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Residential Buildings. The presenter, Rick Karg, focuses on existing dwellings and covers the details of the new ventilation Standard. The steps of sizing ventilation, both local and whole-building, are addressed in detail using the free web application by www.ResidentialEnergyDynamics.com (RED). [Note: Karg is the president of RED.]

New features of the 2016 Standard are made clear, including expanded scope, horizontally-attached dwelling considerations, de minimis for existing dwelling whole-building ventilation rate, updated provisions for new kitchen exhaust fans, and clarification of the alternative compliance path. With the help of the free, online RED ASHRAE 62.2-2016 tool, viewers will be able to accurately calculate ventilation needs for any existing or new dwelling.

Intended viewers: building performance and HVAC contractors, low-income weatherization analysts, code enforcement officers, or anyone interested in learning more about ASHRAE 62.2-2016.

Slides: ASHRAE 622-2016 Using the New Standard in the Field 2017

Video Recording of Webinar: LINK

Need tools for ventilation testing?: www.TruTechTools.com/

Need advice on how to test? Call 1-888-224-3437

 

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Filed under ASHRAE 62.2, Home Performance, HVAC, Uncategorized

The shortage of skilled workers: A powerful infographic

Check out this info graphic developed by www.ExploreTheTrades.org

Powerful info about our economic future….

Shortage-Skilled-Workers-ETT

ExploreTheTrades

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Filed under Careers, Home Performance, HVAC, The Future, Uncategorized

Air Conditioning Testing for Energy Auditors – 6/5/15 Pittsburgh class

testing airflow with a testo 416

Date and time: Friday, June 5th 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

CCI Center
64 South 14th Street Pittsburgh, PA 15203

Instructors: Bill Spohn & Rhett Major

more info contact: info@deawp.org

4 BPI CEU’s have been approved for this course.

The course will cover methods to test residential AC systems for their relative efficiency (both unit and total system efficiency) with out the need to attach pressure gauges to the refrigerant lines.

Using simple techniques, and some more complex, with a variety of tools, we will explore the options of testing system airflow, total external static pressure, and dry bulb and wet bulb temperature changes to determine if air conditioners are operating within normal parameters, or should be referred for service.

The course will include both classroom training on the basics of the refrigeration cycle, airflow testing methods, and Enthalpy change, and will include hands on testing of an air conditioning system to measure airflow, and both sensible and latent heat change.

Written Handouts from Tru Tech Tools(AC Performance worksheet, Enthalpy Tables, etc.), will help provide the basis for our testing.

FEES: DEAWP current members:$195.00,   Non-member:$245.00 (Ask about membership options)
Course price includes lunch!

Contact – Rhett Major to register – theenergydoctor@comcast.net  or 724-863-5986!

Or mail your contact info and check to:

The Energy Doctor
1739 Guffey Rd.
North Huntingdon, PA 15642

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Filed under A/C and Heat Pump Products, BPI CEUs, Education, Home Performance, HVAC, TruTech Tools

ACI/National Home Performance Conference 2105 App

Stay up to date at the 2015 ACI National Home Performance Conference with our app, sponsored byConservation Services Group. Get the latest information on sessions, presenters, and more by downloading the app to your smartphone. Visit the App Store or Google Play to begin and follow the steps provided here!

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See you in New Orleans!

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Filed under BPI CEUs, BPI Standards, Home Performance, The Future, Trade Shows, Training, TruTech Tools

What can I do with IAQ?

What Can I do with IAQ? (SLIDES)

Indoor air quality remains a major opportunity for companies doing whole house auditing and retrofit work. Yet despite growing health concerns amongst consumers, and increasing incidences of asthma, the challenges of capturing IAQ leads, testing homes affordably and converting to comprehensive solutions are as vexing as ever. In this webinar, industry veteran and tools expert Bill Spohn discussed his vast experience in the field, including how to affordably test homes, what homeowners are looking for and how to develop retrofits that solve air quality issues.

Points covered

1. Understand the key parameters of IAQ measurement;

2. Learn about cost effective tools and approaches to test indoor air quality affordably;

3. Learn about mitigation measures that address specific indoor air quality problems.

Presenter:

Bill Spohn,
President & CEO
TruTech Tools, LTD

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Filed under ASHRAE 62.2, BPI Standards, Carbon Monoxide, Carbon Monoxide Testing, Energy Audit, Home Performance, HVAC, IAQ, The Business of Home Performance Contracting, Training

TruTech Tools has The Defender LL6070

The Defender LL6070 CO Monitor is Designed for Early Detection  Because Prevention is the Only Guaranteed Protection

Defender LL6070 Monitor can give you crucial, early warning of a developing CO problem. Even mild exposure to Carbon Monoxide, can cause flu-like symptoms including headaches, nausea, vomitting, and fatigue, especially for high risk individuals. Most CO monitors are designed to detect moderate to high levels of CO exposure that may only affect healthy adults.

This new, ultra-low level carbon monoxide monitor employs an electrochemical sensor for precision detection. It continuously displays CO levels of 5 ppm or more. A visual alert is activated when 10 PPM of CO is detected, and visual and audible alarms begin at 15 PPM. Its’ quick, easy and secure mounting system makes it ideal for single and multi-family homes, nursing homes, and daycare facilities.

Do you know the key differences between UL-2034, the Standard for Safety of Single and Multiple Station Carbon Monoxide Alarmsand Low Level CO alarms?

The Defender LL6070 is intended to alarm when exposed to long term, low levels of CO and slightly higher, short term transient levels of CO, UL-2034 Alarms are NOT.

When a UL 2034 alarm goes off, it IS an emergency! A Defender LL6070 Monitor can give you early warning of a developing CO problem, so you can prevent it.

Defender LL6070

TruTech Tools is pleased to offer the all new Defender LL6070 low level CO Alarm for only $149 each!

*Call us 1-888-224-3437, for bulk pricing if you wish to offer these for sale as a service to your clients.

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Filed under Carbon Monoxide, Energy Audit, Home Performance, MultiFamily Buildings, New Product Release, Uncategorized

Our TruView: FLIR’s NEW THERMAL IMAGING CAMERAS AND TEST AND MEASURMENT PRODUCTS

CaseyCasey1 TruTech Tools was pleased to be present at FLIR’s distributor launch of nine new Thermal Imaging Cameras and an exciting line of new Test and Measurement products. FLIR’s President and CEO, Andy Teich gave a superb overview of FLIR’s mission to take “IR everywhere.” Teich noted how FLIR provides a customer focused package of Design, Functionality, Value, Ruggedness, and Support in everything they do. Additionally, FLIR has created a complete ecosystem for managing information with apps and software along with BlueTooth and WiFi enabled products that combine physical measurement data and thermal images to maximize your efforts and share your results. Traditional IR imaging only allows you to see beyond visible rages into the world of heat signatures. Kudos to FLIR for incorporating their patented Multi-Spectral Dynamic Imaging technology (MSX) into ALL E-Series cameras, even the $995 Model E-4. Rather than simply blending visual and thermal images (dilution), MSX takes thermal image quality to the next level by augmenting a thermal image with details from a visible image. In one sense, there is almost no longer a need for a separate digital image as FLIR’s new MSX technology embosses digital camera detail right into thermal images. Seeing Is Believing

Electrical Panel Thermal Only

Electrical Panel Thermal Only

Electrical Panel With MSX

Electrical Panel With MSX

Electrical Panel Picture in Picture

Electrical Panel Picture in Picture

MSX TECHNOLGY AND DARK PRECISION, TOGETHER FLIR E8 The new Thermal Imaging Cameras include the all new E4, E5, E6, and E8 models, the second generation E40, E50, and E60 and the utra-performance T-600 and T-600bx. Starting at $995, with a camera for all budget ranges, the new E-Series models feature FLIR’s patented Multi-Spectral Dynamic Imaging technology (MSX) which raises key visible details from an on-board high resolution digital camera onto the infrared image. MSX makes it much easier to identify and locate issues while preserving the full integrity of the thermal image. FLIR’s new Dark Precision interface is simple but powerful, making the cameras easier than ever to use. Details on each of these new E-Series cameras can be found HERE. CLICK HERE for an interactive experience using FLIR thermal imaging to find and address the common household energy wasting culprits. THE NEXT GENERATION OF TEST AND MEASUREMENT FLIR T&M FLIR’s new line of test and measurement products builds upon 50 years of work serving military, government, and commercial customers, with a commitment to innovation, quality, and reliability. What impressed us most, about the new line of T&M products was the added features designed to meet the needs of customers to solve tough, real-world, field problems. Problems like ghost voltages from VFD’s and lighting in the work-space were considered and addressed. The NEW T&M line includes the CM78 Clamp Meter, CM83 RMS Power Clamp, MR77 Pinless Moisture Psychrometer, DM93 True RMS Industrial Mulitmeter, and the VP50 Non-Contact Voltage Detector and Flashlight. All these high-end  T&M products include powerful (nearly blinding!) work lights and IR thermometers, and METERLINK (BlueTooth) technology which lets you wirelessly add readings of electrical and moisture data to the infrared image on your FLIR Cameras (Exx series and up). Even the non-contact voltage detector includes a powerful work-light and indicates by vibration in your palm, not in your fingertips – a sensation you don’t want to feel when looking for “hot” lines! CONTACT: Eric or Josh 1-888-224-3437  OR  info@TruTechTools.com

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Filed under Home Performance, HVAC, New Product Release, Thermal Imaging, Uncategorized

RE-cap of RaterFest 2013

“It wasn’t exactly as we planned. However, RaterFest! 2013 may well be the most memorable RaterFest ever, if for no better reason than the “biblical” level of flooding that our locale received starting Thursday morning, the kickoff day for the event. We were supposed to be at a super lovely place in the mountains…” READ MORE

Bill Spohn, President of TruTech Tools showing the new AirFlow Trainer they developed.

Bill Spohn, President of TruTech Tools showing the new AirFlow Trainer they developed.

Bill Spohn of TruTech Tools took the stage next, and we had the world premiere of the TruTech Airflow trainer. Bill guided the audience through a detailed and fascinating discussion of the right and wrong, the true and false of airflow testing and then entertained a mob of folks around the trainer. Awesome!

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Filed under About us, Airflow, Education, Home Performance, New Product Release, RESNET, The Business of Home Performance Contracting, The Future, Trade Shows, Training

ASHRAE 62.2-2013 Ventilation Standard Webinar by Rick Karg (slides)

See a VIDEO recording: HERE

SLIDES : The Past and Future of Ventilating Dwellings – ASHRAE 622-2013

Learn  how to better use the new ASHRAE 62.2-2013 Standard, Ventilation and Acceptable indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise Residential Buildings. There is a focus on existing dwellings and coverage of the details of the ventilation standard that will soon be adopted by BPl. The steps of sizing ventilation, both local and whole-building, are addressed in detail using the free web app by Residential Energy Dynamics (REDCALC).

The BPI Building Airflow Standard (based on ASHRAE 62-1989) and ASHRAE 62.2-2010 is addressed, giving historical context for the latest ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2013. The 3 versions are compared, however, the major focus is on 62.2-2013.

Those who will benefit: building performance and HVAC contractors, low-income weatherization analysts, code enforcement officers, or anyone interested in learning more about 62.2-2013.

karg* Rick Karg, President Residential Energy Dynamics , LLC , Bethel, Maine.
Rick has worked in the residential energy business since 1980 with home performance contractors, low-income weatherization programs, and utilities, as a trainer, writer, researcher, and building scientist. He managed the Maine Home Performance Program from 2006 to 2009, has been a member of the ASHRAE 62.2 committee since 2007 (he leads the existing dwellings group), is an editorial advisor for Home Energy magazine, and is a member of the “ask the experts” group for the Weatherization Assistance Program Technical Assistance Center (www.waptac.org). He serves as a volunteer advisor to the Department of Energy and the Building Performance Institute on dwelling ventilation and has served as a BPl trainer, proctor, and mentor.
Within the last year, Rick has started a new business, RED with Charlie Holly. RED’s first line of web-based applications is RED Calc Free, on-line tools for residential energy professionals: http://www.ResidentialEnergyDynamics.com

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Filed under Airflow, ASHRAE 62.2, BPI Standards, Education, Home Performance, HVAC