PAST
GeoExchange (Ground Source Heat Pump)
IGSHPA Certification School

Who Should Attend?
About the Instructor
Contact Us
Registration
Syllabus

Sound Geothermal (435-722-5877,  970-240-6018), in association with Delta Montose, will host a three-day GeoExchange installer certification course in Montrose, Colorado, March 21 through 23, 2000. Montrose is located about 70 miles south of Grand Junction, Colorado. This Tuesday through Thursday course will provide the required manuals, instruction and examination for installer certification by the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association. Certification is necessary for installers who need to validate or extend certain manufacturer's warranties and meet incentive requirements offered by various utilities. Pipe fusion accreditation will also be provided for both butt and socket fusion techniques, and stab-fittings.

This course is scheduled to be held at the Delta Montrose Electric Association facility in Montrose. The standard, proven IGSHPA syllabus will be followed, and is not product specific. Information will be provided for harsh heating and cooling climate conditions, inconsistent geologic environment and other variables characteristic of the Rocky Mountain region, and how to address these impacts for competent, economic GeoExchange installations. Closed loop design requirements for both residential and commercial applications will be reviewed. Attention will also be given to commercial design parameters, peripheral considerations, hydronic applications, quality control of loop installations and related issues.

The Rocky Mountain region is a growing as a market for GeoExchange system installations, both residential and commercial. Delta Montrose Electric Association is a strong supporter of this technology. Examples of installations are found throughout the area.

Who Should Attend

Heating / Cooling Contractors – This course brings together the non-traditional aspects of GeoExchange including the requirements for a competent ground heat exchanger, what to consider when planning an installation, minimum standards, quality control checks, trouble shooting, pipe fusion, etc. Upon successful completion of the examination, the student is certified by IGSHPA as a GeoExchange installer and may validate various manufacturers’ warranties.

Drilling and Excavation Contractors – By understanding the requirements of a GeoExchange system, and acquiring IGSHPA certification, drilling and excavation trades are exposed to a completely new market for their services. As more architects, engineers, and inspection agencies become more familiar with geoexchange quality control standards, IGSHPA certification will be the minimum qualification allowed to quote loop installation services.

Architects, Professional Engineers – GeoExchange system installation, installation cost and operation can be optimized when the structure and internal mechanical system of a building is designed with a GeoExchange system in mind. The IGSHPA curriculum as presented by Sound Geothermal will provide the proper background for addressing loop design considerations, locating and optimization of ground loop field placement, minimum installation standards, judging retrofit potential to existing structures and other issues. In addition, with a thorough background of minimum installation standards, engineers can outline minimum installer profiles for the mechanical and ground loop portion of their system design, protecting their system and their client. 

Utility Personnel – By understanding how a GeoExchange system operates and the importance of a quality installation to professional standards, utility people can better serve their customer base and management when questions or decisions concerning this technology demand technical input. Should your utility be considering activation of a promotional program to motivate GeoExchange installations in their service area, it is imperative to understand sound installation fundamentals to set minimum installation standards for incentive qualifications.  In addition, this venue will offer you an opportunity to visit with DMEA personnel and explore their aggressive GeoExchange program for their customers

General Contractors, Residential & Commercial – Commercial GC’s dealing with large Geoexchange systems need to be aware of planning and installation issues almost as much as mechanical contractors and loop installers to assure smooth, efficient installations. By understanding the procedures involved with evaluating, planning and installing a system, coordination and quality control issues are more easily and efficiently dealt with if the GC is aware of the fundamentals of Geoexchange. Builders that actively work with and encourage GeoExchange installations set themselves apart from their competition.

About the Instructors

The lead course instructor, Terry Proffer (Sound Geothermal), is certified as an installation trainer by the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association, is experienced with heat load analysis, loop design and both residential and commercial field installations. A former petroleum geologist, Terry’s competence with detailed loop designs for large homes and commercial installations has attracted clients from California to Maine, and Arizona to Canada. Terry is nationally recognized and has been referenced in This Old House magazine, has appeared as a technical panelist on the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium’s GeoExchange teleconference series, and has authored various GeoExchange case histories. Terry is a qualified GeoMERIT consultant; the GeoMERIT program is maintained by the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium (GHPC) to identify qualified loop design, system evaluation and training professionals for ground source heat pump applications and support.  The GHPC's Design Assistance Program utilizes GeoMERIT professionals to assist with training and design support for qualified applications.

We look forward to seeing you in Montrose!

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