Course Description:

The Energy Auditor course is based on a National Renewable Energy Laboratory/U.S. Department of Energy Job Task Analysis (JTA)¹ of the same name. The course is broken down into two weeks of instruction. The class curriculum is suitable for any student who wishes to pursue energy auditing in single-family homes. This course is designed to prepare qualified students to take the Home Energy Professional Energy Auditor Certification Exam.

The majority of the class is spent in our state-of-the-art training labs, practicing skills needed to complete a successful energy audit. Students will take one written test and three hands-on tests of energy assessment skills. Upon successful completion of the tests, each student will receive a certificate of completion.

Delivery Format:

This is a lecture-lab course. Topics will be presented in a classroom setting and then followed up with student involvement in the lab. The class will be geared towards little or no previous training in the field. Student participation is very important.

¹For the Energy Auditor Job Task Analysis, please see your binder or go to the following URL to download it: https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy23osti/85300

Course Objectives:

Students will receive careful instruction on:

• The skills, knowledge, and responsibilities required of an Energy Auditor.
• How to utilize visual/sensory inputs and tools to collect required information about the dwelling and its systems.
• How to use building performance diagnostic tools and interpret reading in relation to the dwelling and its systems.
• How to compile information from data collection and diagnostic readings to determine what to include in the work scope.

Required Textbooks:

Hansen, D., Kardon, R., & Morrissey, P. (2011). Code Check Plumbing and Mechanical 4th Edition: An Illustrated Guide to the Plumbing and Mechanical Codes. Taunton Press, Incorporated.

Krigger, J.,& Dorsi, C. (2012). Residential Energy: Cost savings and comfort for existing buildings (6^thed.). Helena, MT: Saturn Resource Management Inc.

Course Topics	Percentage Weight of JTA in Course
Energy Auditor Overview	0%
Collecting Information about the Dwelling for an Energy Audit	43%
Diagnostic Testing of the Dwelling Unit	20%
Evaluation of the Data to Determine the Scope of Work	37%

Grading Criteria and Passing Score:

The exam consists of four sections: one written and three hands-on. All three hands-on sections are timed: one hour for both Blower Door and Duct Testing hands-on section and one hour for the CAZ hands-on section. Students must pass each section with an 80% or higher. If a student does not pass a section, the student will be allowed to retake that particular section following Alabama Power Company’s Retesting Policy.

Grading Plan:

Written Plan	100 points (80 points to pass)
Blower Door Hands-On Section	20 points (16 points to pass)
CAZ Hands-On Section	35 points (28 points to pass)
Duct Tester Hands-On Section	20 points (16 points to pass)

Honor Code:

Students are expected to follow the Alabama Power Company’s Honor Code. No cheating is permitted. Violations will be dealt with according to the Student Conduct Policy found in the student binder.

Course Conduct Expectations:

In addition to following all student policies, students are expected to adhere to the following:

• Be prepared for class.
• Cell phone use is NOT permitted during class.
• Attend all class sessions, in both the classroom and the labs.