Air Conditioning & Heat Pumps Course Outline
In our Air Conditioning & Heat Pumps Course, complex mechanical systems are broken down into simple components. Starting with basic principles of operation and building on an understanding, considerable detail is provided on how these systems fail.
Air Conditioning Systems
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- Capacity, compressor, condenser, evaporator, condensate system, refrigerator lines, condenser fan, evaporator fan, distribution system, controls/thermostat, life expectancy
- Evaporative coolers
- Heat Pump Systems
- Concept, operation, coefficient of performance, sizing, defrost, backup, geothermal
Plumbing Course Outline
The Plumbing Course is broken into four parts — supply piping, water heaters, waste piping, and plumbing fixtures. The physics of water is covered at the beginning in a simple, common-sense way.
You will also learn how systems work and common failure modes.
Supply Plumbing
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- Private water sources, public water service, supply piping in-house — materials
- Water Heaters
- Fuel supply, meter, gas piping, combustion air, burner, venting systems
- Conventional, high-efficiency, combination, tankless
- Drain, Waste and Vent Plumbing
- Public, private waste disposal
- Piping, traps, floor drains, vents, sewage ejector pump, sump pump
- Fixtures and Faucets
- Basins, sinks, laundry tub, faucets, toilets, bidets, bathtubs, tub and shower enclosures, shower stalls, whirlpool baths
Exterior Course Outline
The Exterior Course covers retaining walls, grounds, window wells, lot grading, driveways, patios, walkways, decks, balconies, stoops and steps, porches, railings, wall cladding, flashing trim, eaves, soffits, fascia, as well as exterior doors and windows.
You will learn to describe the exterior wall covering and inspect all aspects of the exterior named above.
- Architectural Styles
- Building shapes and details, architectural categories, specific house styles
- Exterior Cladding
- Basics, brick, stone, concrete, stucco, wood, wood-based materials, metal, vinyl, fiber cement, clay, slate, asphalt
- Soffits and fascia, windows and doors, trim, flashings and caulking
- Exterior Structures
- Porches, decks, balconies, garages, carports, basement walkouts
- Surface Water Control
- Lot grading, gutters and downspouts, window wells, walkways, driveways and grounds, retaining walls
Insulation & Interiors Course Outline
In the Insulation & Interiors Course, you will learn to inspect thermal insulation, vapour barrier and ventilation systems. You will also learn how to inspect interior elements of homes such as walls, ceilings, floors, basements, doors, windows, interior stairs/railings, countertops and cabinets, and garage doors/door operators.
- Insulation and Ventilation
- How heat moves, controlling heat flow, controlling moisture flow, building envelope issues
- Insulation types, air/vapour barrier
- Attics, flat and cathedral roofs, walls above grade, basements and crawlspaces, floors over unheated areas
- Venting roof spaces, venting living spaces
- Interiors
- Floors, walls, ceilings, trim, counters and cabinets, stairs, windows, skylights and solariums, doors
- Wet basements and crawlspaces
Communication & Professional Practice Course Outline
Home Inspectors are required, both verbally and in writing, to describe the inspection process and communicate inspection findings to the client. It is important that home inspectors communicate clearly and effectively to ensure that clients understand the inspection results and the report.
In this Course, students develop their oral and written communication skills, and learn the reporting requirements and proper conduct for a professional home inspector.
- Communication
- Verbal
- Report writing
- Risk management, resolving complaints
- Professional Practice
- Standards
- Best practices
- Vehicles, clothes, tools, client types
- Inspection process
- Real estate transaction