Cold Weather Heat Pumps

In the Cold Climate Heat Pump course, students will learn how to properly evaluate existing residential heating systems for conversion to cold climate heat pumps. A minimum of four classes periods have been identified below. If as the classes proceed it is determined that additional dates for classes would be helpful for the students, a request will be made with MAXT to add them.

Class Outcomes:

· Learn about the many types of heat pumps, their properties and efficiencies.

· Learn to evaluate existing residential heating energy sources and delivery systems.

· Learn to assess, measure and document existing residential building envelopes.

· Learn to perform heating load calculations.

· Learn to estimate yearly operating cost for new heat pump systems compared with existing traditional heating systems.

· Observe the operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of heat pump systems.

· Learn to develop a Request for Proposal (RFP) to obtain installation costs from a mechanical contractor.

· Learn to determine Return on Investment (ROI) for installing a new heat pump system.

Assessment:

Each student will be working with their own residence or the residence of some other willing owner. The instructor will critique after-school assignments to provide written commentary and requirements for corrections with the goal of having a correct and complete final set of documents showing the results of evaluating a proposed installation of a cold climate heat pump for the residence.

Materials:

All written materials will be provided by the instructor in a PDF format. For students who do not want to use computer drawing software, a pad of quarter inch graph paper, pencil, eraser, and straight edge will be needed.

Schedule:

Week #1 - TBD – Introduction and Heating Systems

· What are different types of cold climate heat pumps and why they should be installed.

· Discussion of global warming potential from emissions of different types of heating systems.

· Discussion of energy efficiency of different heating systems and their current operating costs.

· How to identify existing heating systems, source fuel types, including propane, natural gas, oil, wood, and electricity. How to identify existing terminal heating system types, including forced hot air, forced hot water, radiant floors, etc.

· Discuss air and water temperatures required for existing terminal heating systems.

· Differences in air and water temperatures for heat pump air and water heating systems versus conventional heating systems.

After Class Assignment:

· Identify a residence that you will be evaluating for potential heat pump conversion.

· Obtain copies of energy bills for the residence. Students will take pictures and attempt to identify, in a typed or written format, the heating energy sources and terminal heating systems in each room of their chosen residence.

Week #2 - TBD – Heat Load Calculations

· Heating load calculations for residences based on ACCA Manual J principals.

· Definition of terms, R value, U value, Btu/h, air infiltration.

· Class discussion on benefits of weatherization.

· Heat loss calculation formulas. Discuss what constitutes a Manual J heat loss calculation.

· Process for measuring residences for heat loss.

After Class Assignment:

· Students will develop a scaled drawing of their residence with exterior and interior partitions. This process will be discussed during class.

· Students will perform their own heat loss measurements on their own residence and perform heat load calculations for presentation at the next class.

Week #3 – TBD – Presentation of Heat Loss Calculations, Heating System Operating and Installation Cost

· Students will present their heat loss calculations to the class and discuss what heat pump systems should be considered for each residence.

· Students will be shown formula for assessing the operating cost for their proposed heat pump systems using Elite Software Energy Audit software.

· Students will be shown how to adjust their estimated operating cost calculations with existing energy bills and consider impact of weatherization improvements.

· A participating contractor and the instructor will provide budget estimates for the proposed SOW.

· Students will be shown how to calculate a simple ROI.

After Class Assignment:

· Students will make corrections to their calculations that are identified during class.

· Students will add notes of proposed heat pump systems and proposed terminal heating systems for the residence and each room within the residence, include proposed location for thermostat(s). Thermostat locations will be discussed in this class.

· Students will perform estimated operating cost for their proposed heat pump systems and ROI.

Week #4 - TBD – Learn to Use Heat Pump Manufacturer’s Selection Software, Develop Scope of Work (SOW) and Calculate Return On Investment (ROI)

· Review assignment from the last class.

· Students will be shown how to use Mitsubishi equipment selection software with each of their heat load calculations.

· A participating contractor and the instructor will provide budget estimates for the proposed SOW.

· Students will be shown how to calculate a simple ROI.

Student Assessment:

· Students will present their final documents to the instructor. During individual interviews, the instructor will critique the final documents.

· If requested by the student, the instructor will provide a personalized written letter of introduction that the student may use for interviews for potential apprenticeship opportunities.