Earth Advantage and NEEA Launch "Ducts Inside" Online Training for Builders, Architects, HVAC Professionals

PORTLAND, Ore., July 13, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Earth Advantage Institute and Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) announced the availability of the "Ducts Inside" online training course, a free self-paced tutorial that instructs builders, designers, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) professionals how to reduce homeowner energy use by 15 to 20% by keeping all ducting within the conditioned space of new homes.

For years, a common practice in new home building has been to locate HVAC ducts and air handlers in unconditioned spaces. The training, which can be completed in about 3 hours, provides six strategies and instruction on the best practices for installing the ductwork within the conditioned space. Professionals who complete the online course will receive a certificate of attendance for continuing education or AIA learning units.

Benefits for Builders
Besides creating desirable homes that save energy and allow market differentiation, builders can use smaller heating systems and simpler, shorter duct systems that can be faster and less expensive to install. Additionally these practices offer systems that are easier to inspect and that provide an attractive path to ENERGY STAR® certification and to meeting evolving code requirements. The builder may also qualify for higher utility incentives and tax credits.

"From an energy efficiency perspective, installing ductwork through an unconditioned attic or crawlspace makes about as much sense as running ducts outside a window and into the next room," said Bruce Sullivan, green building consultant with Earth Advantage Institute. "The added benefit of this course is that it teaches skillful implementation of ductwork that may actually reduce construction costs for builders."

Benefits for Homeowners
Homeowners are able to enjoy lower utility bills, a more comfortable home, better indoor air quality and reduced moisture, and the assurance that ducts located in a more accessible space are installed correctly.

The different strategies include open web floor trusses, insulated attic trusses, conditioned attics, inverted soffits, dropped soffits and conditioned basements.

Register before July 31 for free training
Builders, architects and HVAC professionals can visit www.ductsinside.org to sign up for the online training. The training is free for those who register before July 31.

About Earth Advantage
Earth Advantage Institute works with the building and design industry to help implement sustainable building practices. Its nonprofit mission is to create an immediate, practical and cost-effective path to sustainability and carbon reduction in the built environment. The organization achieves its objectives through a range of innovative certification, education, research and technical services programs.

About NEEA
The Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance is a non-profit organization working to encourage the development and adoption of energy-efficient products and services. NEEA is supported by the region's electric utilities, public benefits administrators, state governments, public interest groups and efficiency industry representatives. This unique partnership has helped make the Northwest region a national leader in energy efficiency.

For more information contact:
Tom Breunig
Director of Marketing
Earth Advantage Institute
[email protected]
(503) 968-7160 x36

SOURCE Earth Advantage Institute

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