WTC Course Descriptions
Weatherization Tactics
A course that includes theory, methods and techniques for the installation of weatherization materials. This course will focus on demonstration and hands-on application of weather stripping, insulation, ventilation, glazing, caulking, hand and power tools, measuring, safety measures, ductwork solutions, air sealing measures, accessing attics, etc.
Weatherization Tactics includes lecture material on building science and construction technology, as well as lab exercises.
Mobile Home Weatherization
Theory and application of weatherization methods and techniques involving mobile homes. Specific construction details, materials and safety measures unique to mobile homes will be covered. Course includes classroom and field work which features a complete belly and roof insulation retrofit performed on a real mobile home.
Diagnostic Approaches to Weatherization
Participants will learn principles of air leakage and how houses perform as a system as influenced by air tightness , mechanical devises and occupant behavior. This course includes classroom and lab work associated with equipment set up procedures and field analysis for finding and measuring air leakage using the Blower Door. Cost effective air sealing materials/techniques, building tightness limits, and moisture theory will be covered.
Advanced Diagnostics
Presented against a backdrop of the interaction of the building shell and mechanical systems, students will learn how to use a manometer and other tools to evaluate chimney safety performance and pressure imbalances of forced air systems. Detecting air leakage paths through zonal testing and duct leakage through pressure pan testing will also be covered. The course will utilize both lecture and hands-on activities. NOTE: The course, "Diagnostic Approaches to Weatherization" is a required prerequisite. Participants will be required to bring their own digital manometers.
Introduction to Residential Central Heat Systems
Designed to familiarize participants with fundamentals of common residential central space heating systems. It includes a discussion of the oil and gas combustion process, chimneys, appliance types, operating and safety controls, electricity and fuel delivery.
Course Catalog
The WTC Course Catalog contains comprehensive information about continuing education standards, course prerequisites, competencies, agendas, etc.
Combustion Analysis and Retrofit of Gas-fired Heating Systems
Designed to train participants to perform tests particular to all types of gas-fired systems and to recommend retrofits. Besides topics of combustion analysis, safety controls, vent safety, carbon monoxide measurement and heat rise measurements, the treatment of on- and off-cycle losses will be covered. High efficiency, mid-efficiency, atmospheric and power burner units will be discussed.
Combustion Analysis and Retrofit of Oil-fired Heating Systems
Designed to train participants to perform tests particular to oil-fired systems and to recommend retrofits. Topics covered include combustion analysis, safety controls, venting and heat rise testing, as well as tune-ups and burner replacements. New developments in oil-fired units will be discussed.
Duct Work Solutions
Introduces participants to the principles of forced air distribution systems, diagnosing problems and providing solutions. Special emphasis will be placed on the use of specialized diagnostic tools (digital monometers, pressure pans, and smoke sticks), as well as upon materials and techniques associated with fixing duct systems.
Home Energy Auditing
Against a backdrop of degree day theory, concepts behind calculating by measure energy saving payback's building science, infiltration theory, approved retrofit lists and codes the participant will learn home energy auditing techniques and apply them in lab exercises. Those techniques will include blower door guided air leakage tests, heat systems testing, material estimating, measuring and working with a field data collection form.
Closed Cavity Fill
Introduces participants to theory and application for retrofitting "dense pack" insulation in sidewalls and other closed cavities of pre-existing homes.
Diagnosing and Solving Moisture Problems
Presented against a backdrop of moisture theory and case studies, participants will learn how to recognize potential and existing moisture problems. Mechanical ventilation strategies, client education and diagnostic techniques will be covered.
Weatherization Crew Safety
This course is designed to give the student a working knowledge of safety equipment and systems used to perform weatherization work. Personal safety along with issues concerning individual pieces of construction equipment will be covered. OSHA requirements/guidelines specific to the construction industry will be thoroughly reviewed. Students will receive OSHA training on respiratory protection, hearing Protection, fall protection, and ladder safety.
Basic Residential Electricity
Participants will be introduced to residential electrical systems. The course will feature basic electrical theory including a discussion on the concepts of voltage, current, resistance and watts. In addition, the student will gain an understanding of the following:
- calculating electrical usage
- diagnostics through the use of a multi-meter
- electrical service components, fuse types and sizes
- differences in electrical loads and circuits
- job-site electrical safety
- insulation machine maintenance and repair