The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is now offering two comprehensive courses designed to help residential building professionals make more informed decisions about space- and water-heating systems. These free courses — A Comparative Analysis of Residential Space Heating Systems and A Comparative Analysis of Residential Water Heating Systems — are available at PERC’s online Propane Training Academy.
“By taking these courses, homebuilders, architects, remodelers, and HVAC professionals can further differentiate themselves in the eyes of their customers,” said Bridget Kidd, PERC’s director of residential and commercial programs. “Our goal is to equip construction professionals with the knowledge and tools they need to confidently present their clients with the space heating and water heating options that best suit their unique needs.”
A Comparative Analysis of Residential Heating Systems is designed to help residential building and remodeling professionals answer their customers’ heating system questions with clarity and precision. The course analyzes new research based upon building energy modeling to compare 15 different heating systems using propane, electricity, or heating oil in new and existing homes in 20 locations across the U.S. Available as a video or as an on-demand webinar, this course presents a number of highlights and conclusions from the research to point out key considerations when choosing a heating system.
“In colder climates, space heating represents almost half of the annual energy costs for a residence,” Kidd said. “Selecting the right heating system for new construction or retrofits is more complex than ever with many choices and new factors, such as carbon emissions, playing a growing role. This course helps professionals identify the best options for locations where affordable access to natural gas is not available.”
Professionals interested in learning the energy implications of different hot water systems should explore A Comparative Analysis of Residential Water Heating Systems. Available as an on-demand webinar or downloadable PDF, this course provides an energy, environmental, and economic analysis of 11 residential water heating systems in 10 geographic locations throughout the United States. Special emphasis is given to the performance of propane-based systems relative to alternatives.
“Obviously, homeowners depend greatly on having a reliable and sufficient supply of hot water in the home for multiple purposes,” Kidd added. “It’s important to choose a water heating system that offers the best combination of economic and environmental benefits for your climate. By taking this course, professionals can gain greater in-depth knowledge of the systems that will give their customers the highest level of satisfaction.”
PERC’s Propane Training Academy courses also provide professionals with continuing education credits for a number of organizations, including the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), and the United States Green Building Council (USGBC).
To learn more about the Propane Training Academy, determine available continuing education credits or take one of these free courses, visit propanetrainingacademy.com. For answers to questions about Propane Training Academy courses, call PERC at (202) 452-8975, or e-mail PTA@propane.com. PR