OECA
offers training in areas related to energy and weatherization. We have developed our training methods over 30 years' experience. Our
core training meets or exceeds US Department of Energy Weatherization
Assistance Program (WAP) Core Competencies required to properly conduct
energy audits, house diagnostics and installation of weatherization
measures.
Our
flagship training and certification program was formally created in 2002 and consists of a comprehensive series of
courses leading to Certification endorsed by the State of Oregon Department of Housing and Community Services (OHCS) for working on low income
weatherization assistance projects. Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) has recognized REAP as qualified curriculum and Certification for the workforce elements of the Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Technology (EEAST) program under the temporary Oregon Administrative Rules .
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. One is said to be 'REAP Certified' upon passing all three core courses.
This
course is REAP 'Basic Training'. Completing all 4 classes provides
baseline knowledge, skills and abilities to be successful in the core
training courses.
Wx101,
Intro to Weatherization - An
overview of low income weatherization and weatherization programs from the time the
client walks in the door and through the weatherization process until
the Inspection is complete.
Wx102,
Intro to Building Science -
This class discusses basic building science and introduces the
student to site built and mobile home construction, mechanical
systems, auditing and diagnostic testing.
Wx103,
Intro to Tools and Work Site Safety - An
introduction to the tools used for weatherization including common
hand tools, air powered equipment, gasoline powered generators, and
insulation blowers.
Client
and work site safety is also discussed. Completing this class meets the requirements of the OHCS WAP State Plan employee training requirements.
Wx111,
Introduction to Weatherization Techniques -
Addresses
both site built and mobile home weatherization. Students learn in a
lab environment how to work with ducting, handle and apply mastic and
2-part foam, run a blower to dense pack insulation, and other
weatherization methods. They also learn how tests are conducted on
completed duct sealing. Prerequisite: Wx103.
Core REAP Courses
Shell Technician
This
course focuses on demonstration and hands-on application with one day
in the classroom and three days of hands-on lab and installations on
actual job sites, including site-built and manufactured homes.
Students get their hands dirty installing attic, wall and floor
insulation, replacing windows and doors, and sealing ducts on both
site-built and manufactured (mobile) homes. Recommended prerequisites: Weatherization Fundamentals.
Basic
Installer
Wx211,
Site-built Weatherization Techniques
Wx212,
Lab – Installing Site-built Weatherization Measures I
Wx213,
Lab – Installing Site-built Weatherization Measures II
Mobile
Home Installer
Wx214,
Mobile Home Weatherization Techniques
Wx215,
Lab – Installing Mobile Home Weatherization Measures I
Wx216,
Lab – Installing Mobile Home Weatherization Measures II
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 principals, air leakage testing, and performance
based energy auditing. Recommended prerequsites:Wx101, Wx102.
Wx221,
Residential Auditing - Energy
Basics, Construction
Basics, Building
Science, Indoor
Air Quality, Energy
Auditing, Blower
Door and other tools, Thermography
Wx222,
Residential Analysis - Water
heating, HVAC
systems, Combustion
appliance testing, Duct
Diagnostics and PTCS, Room
Pressure Balancing, Analyzing
Infrared Imaging, Identifying
Needed Weatherization Techniques
Wx223,
Lab - Auditing and Analysis I - Site
Built and Mobile Home Auditing and Analysis Field Exercises
Wx224,
Lab - Auditing and Analysis II - Site
Built and Mobile Home Auditing and Analysis Field Exercises
Diagnostic Technician
Covers
inspection techniques with an emphasis on pressure diagnostics,
combustion analysis and health and safety issues. 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. Performance Tested
Comfort Systems (PTCS) has approved this curriculum and those passing
the course exam will also be PTCS certified for ODOE tax credit duct
sealing. Prerequsites: Shell Technician or Energy Analyst.
Wx231,
Combustion Zone Diagnostics
Wx232,
Heating and Ventilation System Diagnostics
Wx233,
Lab – House Diagnostics I - Site
Built and Mobile Home Diagnostics Field Exercises
Wx234,
Lab – House Diagnostics II - Site
Built and Mobile Home Diagnostics Field Exercises
Advanced Training
REM/RateTM - This one-day class trains the Energy Analyst how to use the Residential Energy Analysis and Rating Software REM/RateTM. The trainee will learn how to enter and calculate cooling, heating, hot water, lighting and appliance energy loads, and consumption and costs for single-family homes.
Multi-Family Housing Auditor (Under development) - This class provides advanced training for the experienced auditor to conduct audits on multi-family housing.
REAP Recertification Refresher - This 2-day class helps the REAP Certified worker brush up on skills in order to take the required 5-year recertification exam.
Crew
Leader - This
intense 2-1/2-day course provides training in work order preparation,
crew supervision, job planning and execution, materials selection
and ordering, and processing paperwork. It includes a job planning
exercise and a visit to the job site. Prerequisites are Shell Technician and Diagnostics Technician; recommended prerequisite is Energy Analyst.
Instructor
- Select individuals learn
teaching techniques, managing students, logistics of field exercises
and methods of learning. Each candidate prepares and delivers a
short lesson. Prerequisites are Shell Technician, Diagnostics Technician and Energy Analyst.
House
of Pressure for Instructors -
This seminar is for Trainers to become familiar with the House of
Pressure. Upon completion, the trainee will be able to safely and
properly transport and use both the large and small House of Pressure
in appropriate trainings.
Senior
Energy Analyst Lead (S.E.A.L.) -
After 5 years of REAP Certification, a S.E.A.L. candidate must demonstrate unrivaled ability to conduct an energy
audit, perform house diagnostics, and prepare a work plan, in
addition to a grueling 4-hour closed book exam. Successfully completing this
full-day examination shows that the successful candidate is a Master
of Weatherization.
Inspector - Weatherization Inspectors must pass a rigorous 2-1/2-day course after completing all three core REAP courses. Upon certification, the Inspector will conduct final inspections on weatherization projects throughout the region. Prerequisites are Shell Technician, Diagnostics Technician and Energy Analyst.
Related Training
Energy
Educator - Participants will
obtain a basic understanding of physics, thermal flow, energy, and
how to apply them in a residential environment when training others.
Lead
Safety for Renovation, Repair and Painting and Lead Safe Weatherization - The
audience for these classes includes all weatherization workers
removing or modifying painted surfaces.
Mold
and Mold Remediation - This
class covers typical types of mold found in homes; conditions that
lead to mold growth, proper documentation of mold and moisture issues
in homes; and methods of cleaning or remediating mold. The student
will use infrared cameras and moisture meters to identify mold within
walls.
OSHA 10- and 30-hour Class - These classes meet the requirements of the US Occupational Safety and Health Adminstration.
Download our brochure
Residential Energy Analyst Program (REAP)
