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Winter 2014

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   for Improved Residential    Construction
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EVTC Logo
The Electric Vehicle Transportation Center is led by UCF's Florida Solar Energy Center.
retrofit challenge
Involved in home renovations?
Take the Retrofit Challenge!
retrofit graph
FSEC researchers distilled a set of best practices which when fully implemented are predicted to reduce the homes' whole house energy consumption by 25-35%.
schematic
A schematic overview of typical local and whole-house ventilation equipment.
prepost
Researchers worked to implement best practices and to achieve energy savings.
combustion training
As a mandatory requirement, raters must comply with the new RESNET Combustion Appliance Safety Testing protocols.
fgbc
Complete the Florida Green Home Certification training and become an accredited Certifying Agent of the Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC).
Current Sponsors -
Funding Buildings Research Projects of $50k or more
-Atlantic Housing Partners
-Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
-Florida Natural Gas Association
-Florida Power & Light Co.
-NREL
-Southern Company
-US Department of Transportation
-USDOE Building America
-USDOE Software Tools
Training
FSEC Charges Ahead with Electric Vehicle Transportation Center
The Electric Vehicle Transportation Center (EVTC) is a U.S. Department of Transportation-funded center focused on transforming the transportation system to accommodate the influx of plug-in electric vehicles (PEV) and their power demands. The EVTC is a consortium of transportation and energy experts from the University of Central Florida (UCF), University of Hawai'i, and Tuskegee University in Alabama.
EVTC website
Take the Retrofit Challenge
Are you involved with remodeling, renovation, or home performance? FSEC researchers are looking for partners to "test drive" best practices under a recently launched initiative - the Retrofit Challenge. Get the scoop on cost-effective, energy-savings practices, take the Retrofit Challenge Pledge, and access research and case studies backing up the Retrofit Challenge at www.ba-pirc.org/retrofit.
Training
Impact of Residential Mechanical Ventilation on Energy Cost and Humidity Control
Building America has been conducting research leading to cost effective high performance homes since the early 1990's. Optimizing whole house mechanical ventilation as part of the program's systems engineered approach to constructing housing has been an important subject of the program's research. The study described is based on building energy modeling with an important focus on the indoor humidity impacts of ventilation.
Publication
Applying Best Practices to Florida Local Government Retrofit Programs
BA-PIRC worked together in a multiyear field study making recommendations in individual homes, meanwhile compiling improvement costs, projected energy savings, practical challenges, and labor force factors surrounding common energy-related renovation measures. The field study (Phase 1) resulted in a set of best practices appropriate to the current labor pool and market conditions in central Florida to achieve projected annual energy savings of 15%-30% and higher. This report describes Phase 2 where researchers worked with a local government partner to implement and refine the "current best practices".
Publication
Training
Combustion Safety Training
As a mandatory requirement to maintain certification, RESNET HERS Raters (a Class 1 in Florida) must comply with the new RESNET Combustion Appliance Safety Testing protocols outlined in Chapter 8 of RESNET Standards. Combustion Safety Testing is a requirement for homes with gas appliances participating in the EnergyStar program. Raters certified prior to 12/31/13 have until 12/31/14 to pass the Combustion module.
Register
Florida Green Home Certification Training
A two-day training offering green building techniques appropriate for Florida homes. Individuals who complete this course and associated exams may become an accredited Certifying Agent of the Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) provided they meet the eligibility requirements.
Register
Introduction to the Infrared Camera
This is a one-day introduction to the infrared camera and will provide students with enough information in the operation of the camera, the building conditions needed to get an acceptable image, and how to identify a few of the various building failures. 
Register
Advanced Blower Door & Pressure Diagnostics
Blower door taken to the next level. Methods for predicting potential for air leakage reduction in floors, walls and ceilings adjacent to buffer zones. These methods can help determine whether air-sealing work is needed or completed.
Register
Dense-Pack Sidewall Insulation
This half-day presentation will inform about target density and filling techniques using dense-pack insulation. Videos and hands-on props will be used to show a few techniques and pitfalls that may arise when dense-packing. The density display is used to stress the importance of density and uniformity of installation.
Register
Air Sealing
A one-day class and lab covering the basic principles of air leakage with an introduction to tools and materials used in attic preparation. Demonstrations of proper attic preparation on the installer's attic prop will be shown and then the students will gain hands-on experience with the prop. 
Register
HVAC QI Technician Checklist for EnergyStar Ver 3.0
Students will learn the requirements of the HVAC QI Technician Checklist and the process of identifying, measuring and recording the installed HVAC system design, installation and operation. Instructors will discuss ways to gather the information and to complete their task in the most efficient way possible.
Register
ACCA Manual J and EnergyStar
This 1.5 day course will provide guidance on the Manual J and the EnergyStar compliance. 
Register
FSEC

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