Our flagship training program consists of a comprehensive series of courses leading to certification endorsed by the State of Oregon for working on low-income weatherization assistance projects. A hallmark of the training is in-depth classroom lectures, extensive work with props and other training aids, including the House of Pressure, and rigorous field training conducted on real houses. Each week-long course requires a passing grade of 100% on all field exercises and a passing grade of 75% on a 3-hour written exam.

Diagnostic Technician

This course covers inspection techniques with an emphasis on pressure
diagnostics, combustion analysis and health and safety. Students become
proficient in the use of the blower door, duct blaster, digital manometer
and combustion analyzer. They also become familiar with gas appliance
components and operational characteristics to become competent in
inspection and testing. “Worse Case” draft and CO testing are featured
in this course. HVAC duct leakage topics include how duct leaks can impact
occupant safety, building durability, HVAC system performance, and energy consumption. Students passing this course and one of the Weatherization
Installer courses will be Performance Tested Comfort Systems (PTCS)
certified for ODOE tax credit duct sealing.

 Weatherization Installer

This course focuses on weatherization best practices, demonstration
of proper technique and hands-on application for both manufactured and site-built homes. Students get their hands dirty installing attic, wall
and floor insulation, replacing windows and doors, and sealing ducts.

Energy Analyst

This course is designed for the comprehensive evaluation and
documentation of a performance-based energy audit specifically
of the building shell, assessment of the efficiency and safety of
the mechanical systems, and to establish the most cost-effective weatherization strategy using skills learned in the course. These
include principles of energy, energy and the building shell, energy
auditing, air leakage and the dynamics of pressure differentials,
insulation types, windows and doors, heating and cooling systems,
indoor air quality, lighting and appliances, water heating, and health
and safety. This course provides advanced concepts related to
building science principles, air leakage testing, and performance
based energy auditing.