1. Understand how high-performance homes change the fundamentals of heating, cooling, and ventilation, and why improved windows, insulation, and air-leakage control require a building-science–driven approach to mechanical design.

2. Investigate the principles of managing point source removal strategies, make-up air, kitchen ventilation, bath and exhaust ventilation, and the importance of combustion safety. 

3. Learn to properly size, select, and design HVAC systems—including heating, cooling, ventilation, filtration, and dehumidification—to meet the design intent of today's low load homes, deliver comfort, and align with today’s homebuyer expectations.

4. Recognize which HVAC and water-heating technologies best fit different homes and climates, and understand the equipment selection needed for reliable, long-term performance.

5. Gain practical insight into integrating mechanical systems into high-performance home designs, ensuring that equipment placement, duct design, layout, and systems integration provide optimal occupant comfort, durability, and safety. 

6. Identify effective indoor moisture and air-quality strategies, including dehumidification, balanced ventilation, filtration, soil gas control, and the role of modern mechanical controls in preventing IAQ and moisture failures.

7. Learn the essential elements of proper installation and commissioning, such as duct leakage testing, airflow measurement and balancing, refrigerant charge verification, and other performance tests and tools to ensure optimal system operation. 

8. Preparing buildings for the future of electrification through renewable energy systems, solar PV, hot water, thermal, battery storage, and load management systems.

9. Evaluate the cost, performance, and energy impacts of high-performance mechanical systems, and understand how well-designed HVAC strategies support resiliency, operational carbon reduction, and Zero Energy Ready and Zero Energy Home targets.

1. Design and evaluate HVAC systems across climate zones using proper sizing methods, equipment selection, and commissioning practices to ensure comfort and performance.

2. Integrate effective ventilation and filtration strategies that improve indoor air quality, support humidity control, and enhance overall system efficiency.

3. Optimize residential water systems through thoughtful plumbing layout, hot-water distribution design, and appropriate water-heating technology selection.

4. Apply advanced mechanical strategies that enable all-electric, high-performance homes, including modern heat pump technologies, control systems, and envelope-driven design decisions.

This course is ideal for professionals involved in designing, installing, or overseeing mechanical systems in high-performance homes, including:

• HVAC contractors, designers, and sales professionals

• Home builders, remodelers, and general contractors

• Architects, designers, and engineers

• Manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors of HVAC and water-heating products

• Energy raters and utility or program officials

• Anyone involved in the residential building industry

Level: Advanced

Prerequisite: Advanced Building Science