Contractor Workshops

On November 18th, John Hockman presented a workshop entitled "Indoor Air Quality & Moisture Problems." John (B.E.S., Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada,) of J.L. Hockman Consulting, Inc., consults, serves on Canadian code bodies, and has conducted trainings for several North American utilities. Northwest Pennsylvania receives its fair share of moisture, and the workshop topic was very popular among local contractors. Throughout the day, participants found out how to recognize the warning signs of excessive moisture in the home. Numerous case studies were analyzed to assess causes of, and solutions for, air quality and moisture problems. On November 19th, Hockman covered "Combustion Safety & Venting." Participants learned how to recognize combustion safety problems and how to understand appliance/household interactions.

On December 9th, Henry Gifford presented a training session on "Best Practices for Residential Boilers." Henry is the president of Gifford Fuel Saving, Inc. and an expert in
boiler, steam, and hydronic systems. Gifford began by asking for introductions from the attendees and then tailored the workshop to their particular interests. He discussed options for boiler replacement, distributions and efficiency concerns, and how to make cost-effective improvements. After listening to Gifford's presentation, participants then applied what they learned by examining one of Allegheny College's boiler systems.

In February of 2004, a workshop entitled "Insulation and Air Sealing: Making Homes Perform", was presented by Dick Kornbluth, president of Entherm Inc. of Syracuse, New York. Dick, an insulation contractor for over 24 years, helped contractors learn how to approach a house as a whole interacting system. The two-day workshop discussed topics such as successful air sealing techniques, ways to prevent ice damming on roofs, and mold and moisture problems. New products and tools of the trade were also presented, such as digital manometers for measuring pressure differences between various parts of a house. Out in the field, Dick showed new and better ways of insulating and air sealing, such as identifying bypasses and dense-packing walls. Here, Dick Kornbluth demonstrates dense-pack cellulose insulation techniques using a transparent wall section.

In March of 2004, "Heating Systems that Perform" was presented by Rick Karg, of R.J. Karg and Associates and WxWare Diagnostics, located in Topsham, Maine. Rick spoke on general heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) issues; ways to improve efficiency in duct work; and how to recognize and prevent safety issues, such as carbon monoxide levels and improper drafting. Rick also shared some new high-tech diagnostic equipment, such as the Duct Blaster, designed to measure the duct system's air leakage. Many of these tools were demonstrated during the fieldwork on the second day.