Copy Of Energy Efficiency Specialist

Requirements
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

(The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests.)

Completion of a two-year program with major coursework in building science or civil engineering technology at a technical institute or two years at an accredited college or university with major coursework in civil, electrical, or mechanical engineering or architectural design, and
Three years of experience performing technical field work in building renovation, weatherization, furnace repair, and replacement, with at least three (3) years’ experience in energy conservation retrofitting either in design, installation, or quality control capacity, and attendance at least one State-sponsored weatherization seminar.
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL STANDARDS

Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator’s license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to and during tenure of employment as an Energy Efficiency Specialist, if required by the work assignment
Certification as Expert in: Blower Door Diagnostics, Attic Bypass Diagnostics, Infrared Diagnostics, and Furnace Safety and Efficiency testing and Diagnostics.
Summary
TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)

Performs energy audits, air quality and safety testing, quality assurance monitoring, and final inspections using a variety of test equipment, including a blower door, infrared camera, combustion analyzer, draft gauges, carbon monoxide tester, and furnace control circuit testers.

Takes blower door readings to determine air volume movement at multiple pressure differentials and, using a handheld computer or manual data graphing, calculates air leakage (in CFM) at a standardized pressure differential.

Using blower door analysis, determines the leakage reduction goals and prescribes the work routine for the achievement of these goals.

Using the infrared camera in conjunction with the blower door, determines the obscure leakage paths in wall and floor cavities as well as the level of attic by-pass and makes prescriptions for their treatment. Using the infrared camera, determines the location of insulation voids and other treatment deficiencies.

Using furnace test equipment measures the volume, temperature and soot content of flue products in oil fired furnaces. Using carbon monoxide contained in the flue products of gas fired furnaces. Measures draft using magnehelic or manometer gauges.

Measures furnace supply and return plenum temperatures to determine transfer efficiency. Measures chimney backspilling using a blower door.

Test for proper safety timing of furnace flame safety controls and tests for proper temperature limit control setting.

Test for pressure difference between basements and living areas to identify potential chimney backspilling conditions.

Insures compliance with approved energy efficiency specification; informs the contractor of procedures, technical information, problems, and familiarizes them with the special heat loss characteristics of the building and any special retrofit requirements.

Enforces contractors’ compliance with contract requirements; to resolve disputes between the sponsor and the contractor; and may approve minor changes in energy audits and work orders to meet field conditions; re-inspects areas where complex and/or numerous violations were found or where post-treatment diagnosis indicates uncorrected heat loss conditions. Prepares a detailed heat loss report, complete with blower door reading, infrared recording, furnace flue gas and draft reading, attic air by-pass conditions, and an interpretive analysis of all diagnostic findings.

Investigates damage claims and answers complaints regarding construction work.

May prepare drawings, specifications, and cost estimates for minor energy construction projects.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Considerable knowledge of the building heat loss dynamics involving pressure differences, radiant, convective and conductive temperature transfer properties, by-passes, chases, chimney back drafting and air exfiltration, etc
Considerable knowledge of blower door theory and operations, including data point regression techniques, leakage area calculation and significance, exponent calculation and significance, and the relative value of leakage reduction as determined by its location in the house and interrelationship with other house systems. Knowledge of blower door applications for chimney back-drafting testing
Considerable knowledge of infrared camera theory, use, and application to residential building heat loss. Complete understanding of infrared detection, its limitations, and potential misapplications
Considerable knowledge of furnace efficiency theory and retrofit applications. Knowledge of combustion testing, draft testing, and carbon monoxide testing. Understanding of test results for: carbon dioxide, stack temperatures, smoke, carbon monoxide, draft plenum temperature, safety timing, and furnace temperature limit controls, and furnace blower depressurization.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, contractors, and others.