Got questions about mini splits, dehumidifiers and ventilation in our hot, humid climate?

In celebration of LaHouse Resource Center's 10-year anniversary, we're offering this special topic seminar for only $10!

This will be an interactive two-part seminar plus tour of LaHouse HVAC exhibits to provide you with answers and insights from industry experts.

Course Description:

Part 1: The Dripping Point: Evolving Codes = Changing Buildings = Increased Risk of Moisture Problems.

Tightly air-sealed, well-insulated buildings combined with mechanical “fresh air” ventilation are becoming mainstream and code required, and there is no going back. The Era of Actively Controlling Moisture has begun and the realization that traditional methods no longer effectively meet new moisture control demands is more evident and important than ever.

In this session, you’ll gain insight into the building science perspective on the "new normal", and the challenges that architects, HVAC contractors and builders must now face to deal with them effectively. These challenges include reduced cooling loads, increased part-load conditions, and ventilation impacts.

The bottom line is that you have to deal with moisture issues one way or another, especially in this warm, humid climate zone. This session will shed light on why and how to address high humidity risks through dedicated moisture control systems in single–family homes and multifamily buildings.

You’ll obtain answers to the questions:

• How are energy efficiency building codes impacting dehumidification and mechanical ventilation systems?
• What is SHR and how does it affect HVAC system performance?
• Why and when are traditional moisture control and ventilation strategies no longer adequate?
• What are considerations of various dehumidification strategies and options?

Part 2: High Performance, Variable Capacity, Mini-Split Heat Pump HVAC Systems

This session will increase your understanding of high efficiency, variable capacity heat pump equipment and systems; the market context; when and how these systems fit into new construction projects; and considerations in their design and installation. It will also review ACCA Manual J, S and D HVAC design basics from the perspective of what builders and designers need to know, particularly for high performance homes.

You’ll learn answers to the questions:

• What are the bigger forces driving the market? Why is it happening?
• How do variable capacity, mini-split and multi-zone systems work?
• When are these systems more appropriate and advantageous?
• What are some design and installation considerations?
• What are 5 key items to check on a load calculation?
• What kind of ventilation latent (humidity) loads should I expect on my projects?

See detailed topic OUTLINES below.

Dates, Time and Location:

• Nov. 1, 2018 seminar will focus on residential, tailored for contractors and other housing professionals.
• Nov. 2, 2018 seminar will address single-family, multi-family and light commercial, tailored for architects and contractors.

**LIVE Sessions will be held at LaHouse Resource Center (located across from LSU Alex Box Baseball Stadium) on 2858 Gourrier Ave., Baton Rouge, La. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Program is 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with a one-hour lunch break (on your own). Class size is limited, so register early to reserve your seat.

**ONLINE Sessions will be available to view and hear the seminars remotely on your computer (with no interaction). Registrants of online sessions will be emailed a URL link prior to the seminar.

Who should attend:
Residential/light commercial builders and remodelers, HVAC contractors, architects, building officials, inspectors, energy raters and consultants, IAQ consultants, suppliers.

Continuing Education Credits:
Six (6) continuing education hours for Louisiana residential contractors (LSLBC), La. Home Inspectors (LSBHI), architects (AIA) and HVAC contractors (NATE) who attend a LIVE onsite session. A LaHouse certificate of completion will also be issued to onsite attendees.

Instructors:

Nikki Krueger, Industry Manager for Therma-Stor’s residential moisture control product lines, Alexandria, VA. Nikki is a member of the ACCA Manual Low Load Homes Advisory Committee, a RESNET certified home energy rater and SDC 200 member, and experienced educator of contractors and architects on the building science of ventilation and moisture control in buildings.

Kimberly Llewellyn, Performance Construction Manager at Mitsubishi Electric Cooling and Heating, Austin, TX. Kimberly is an engineer and building science consultant specialized in high performance HVAC system design, comfort issues and indoor air quality solutions.

Cost:
$10 registration fee (lunch on your own) -- in commemoration of the 10-year Anniversary of LaHouse!

Class size is very limited. Payment must be received to reserve your seat.

To register, click HERE

Detailed Seminar Content Outline

Part 1: The Dripping Point

1. Basics of Thermodynamics & Psychrometrics

a. Hot to cold – wet to dry

b. RH & dew point – Why they are important

2. Today’s Building Practices

a. Codes

b. IAQ & green building standards

3. Sensible Heat Ratio (SHR)

a. Equipment SHR (with data from case study home)

b. Application SHR

4. Lazy A/C

a. How have we made our A/C systems lazy?

b. How to fix it

5. When and Why Homes Need Dedicated Dehumidification

a. Occupant Behavior

b. Internal Moisture Generation / Daily Activities

c. Ventilation

d. Infiltration

6. Dehumidification Strategies

a. Single stage A/C

b. Variable speed A/C

c. Mini-splits

d. Whole house dehumidifier

e. Data showing run time of all these systems in Baton Rouge

7. Dehumidifier Install Options

a. New research findings by Florida Solar Energy Center

b. Recommendations

c. Alternatives, pros and cons

8. Energy Cost

a. How to calculate

b. Examples

9. Questions and Answers

Part 2: Variable Capacity Mini Split Heat Pump HVAC Systems

1. Codes and Initiatives: Understanding Market Drivers

a. Global Initiatives: Mayors & Paris Climate Accord

b. AIA 2030 Districts

c. 2030 ZNE Goals: Who’s committed?

d. Variable capacity, mini split equipment gaining market share

e. Unitary manufacturers partnering with variable capacity manufacturers

2. Building Science Basics: Foundation of High Performance

a. House as a system

b. Control layers

c. Air (fluid) flow in homes

d. How does HVAC fit in?

3. Variable Capacity, Mini Split Heat Pump Equipment

a. How the systems work

b. Energy and space savings

c. Mini-splits and multi-zone system types

d. Capabilities (sizes, static pressure, throws, configurations )

e. Installation

4. Ventilation

a. Why do we ventilate?

b. How much do we need?

c. How do we do it?

5. Ventilation Latent (Humidity) Loads

a. How much water is in ventilation air?

b. How do we size equipment for humidity loads?

6. Manual J: How to Review

a. Most common mistakes

b. What sq.ft./ton range to expect based on project type and location

c. How loads get manipulated. What to look for.

d. Where’s the latent load on the report, and what do we do about it?

7. Manual S: Equipment Selection

a. Questions about DSB: Project details (design conditions)

b. Size for heating or cooling?

c. Limits in code about over-sizing

8. Manual D: Duct Design

a. Key Factors

b. Worksheet Procedure

c. Design Concerns

9. High Performance HVAC Examples

a. Low load

b. High IAQ

c. Solar integration

10. Questions and Answers