On Tuesday November 28, 2023, Energy Trust of Oregon hosted an all-day training session to learn about ductless heat pump technology at Southwestern Oregon Community College, located in Coos Bay.
Local trades workers and non-profits gathered at the newly built Umpqua Hall on the Southwestern campus, the most energy-efficient building of its kind in the region. Umpqua Hall is on the Path to Net Zero program through Energy Trust of Oregon, coupling energy efficiency with renewable energy.
The class was led by Mark Jerome, Senior Technical Energy Manager working with Energy Trust and covered the basics of heat pump technology, system components, tools, installation sequence, commissioning, and educating customers on this energy-efficient technology. Energy Trust incentives, rebates and tax credit programs were also highlighted.
Ciera Milkewicz, Senior Program Consultant working with the Energy Trust Residential program, explains, “There are many opportunities for contractors to help their customers save money when making energy-efficient upgrades to their homes, through Energy Trust of Oregon and other state or utility programs.” Contractors who attended were able to obtain CCB CEU credits for their time. One contractor mentioned the practical application of the training went beyond their expectations.
Energy Trust trade ally contractors like Alpha Heating & Air, Addcox Heating & Air, and Volt Electric were able to network and share best practices. NeighborWorks Umpqua also invited multiple staff members who work on their home repair program to attend the training. Alex Alonso-Gudino Resource Assistance for Rural Environments (RARE) member currently staffed with NeighborWorks Umpqua, will be working on a ductless heat pump program this year in the Coos Bay area to compliment NeighborWorks Umpqua’s implementation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Alonso-Gudino expressed, “I feel much more comfortable talking to contractors after this training.”
After the morning in Umpqua Hall, the group headed over to Southwestern’s welding lab in Fairview Hall where they utilized the shop space for the hands-on portion of the training. Energy Trust provided a ductless heat pump and guided the group through a full installation and commission sequence. Mark Jerome shared upon completion, “Everyone who attended the training was fantastic, the attendees were all eager to participate in both the classroom and hands-on portions. Everyone got their hands dirty.”
Energy Trust of Oregon offers training opportunities year-round to learn about energy efficiency and best building practices for newly built and existing homes. Check out the Training and Events Calendar for an upcoming training near you.