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Courses/Engineering/HVAC/ Air Quality

Energy-Efficient Heating and Cooling in Zone 5 and Above

Achieve optimal indoor comfort and energy savings in cold climates. Master advanced HVAC systems, design principles, and efficiency strategies for sustainable buildings in Zone 5 and above.

Created byHalfMoon Educationworkspace_premium
5.0
(2 reviews)
BeginnerUpdated Dec 11, 2025
Energy-Efficient Heating and Cooling in Zone 5 and Above

What You'll Learn

check_circleUnderstand HVAC principles in cold climates (Zone 5+).
check_circleApply energy codes and standards to designs.
check_circleOptimize heat pump selection for cold regions.
check_circleDesign efficient air and hydronic distribution systems.
check_circleImplement strategies for superior indoor air quality.
check_circleManage grid impacts with energy-efficient solutions.

About This Course

Uncover the essential strategies for optimal energy efficiency in heating and cooling systems, specifically tailored for extreme cold in Climate Zone 5 and above. This course, "Energy-Efficient Heating and Cooling in Zone 5 and Above," addresses the unique challenges of frigid temperatures, offering crucial insights into innovative technologies and best practices.

Led by Dr. John Herod, a seasoned contractor, author, and electrification advocate, this program delves into key aspects of climate-specific HVAC design and implementation. Drawing from extensive practical experience and a deep understanding of building science, Dr. Herod guides you through principles that ensure both comfort and sustainability.

You will learn to:

  • **Understand HVAC Fundamentals & Codes**: Grasp basic principles of HVAC, including thermal comfort, heat transfer mechanisms (conduction, convection, radiation), and how they apply in demanding cold climates. Explore relevant ANSI, ASHRAE, and IECC standards, including ASHRAE 62.2 for ventilation, ASHRAE 90.2 for energy-efficient design, and the latest IECC updates on envelope requirements and air leakage.
  • **Master HVAC Design Principles**: Learn a structured design process, including user requirements, site conditions, building construction specifics, and optimizing heat and energy recovery ventilation. Analyze the critical role of accurate load calculations (Manual J methodology) and equipment selection (Manual S guidance), understanding how to avoid common pitfalls like oversizing.
  • **Explore Cold Climate Heat Pump Technologies**: Gain in-depth knowledge of various heat pump types suitable for cold climates, including air-to-air, air-to-water, and ground-source heat pumps. Delve into innovations like variable-speed compressors, vapor injection, and the balance point concept, which enable efficient operation in low temperatures. This section also touches upon VRF technology and its commercial applications.
  • **Evaluate Distribution Systems & Indoor Air Quality**: Compare the pros and cons of forced-air versus hydronic distribution systems, considering efficiency, comfort, and installation. Understand duct design (Manual D overview) and the nuances of various fan motor types. Discover strategies for maintaining superior indoor air quality, including effective filtration, controlled ventilation, and dehumidification.
  • **Navigate Grid Interaction & Commissioning**: Explore the impact of HVAC choices on grid stability, including the "duck curve" phenomenon and demand response strategies. Learn the critical steps for proper system startup, commissioning, and essential customer education to maximize efficiency and longevity of energy-efficient systems.

By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the knowledge to design, specify, and implement highly efficient heating and cooling solutions that stand up to the rigors of severe cold, contributing to both occupant comfort and significant energy savings.

Your Instructors

HalfMoon Education
HalfMoon Education

Online Courses for Engineers

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star796 reviews

HalfMoon Education is a nonprofit continuing education provider offering live webinars and on-demand courses for engineers, architects, landscape architects, land surveyors, attorneys, paralegals, accountants and others. Since 1996, we’ve helped thousands of professionals nationwide stay current with industry standards and codes, earn CE hours, and advance their expertise through practical, expert-led learning experiences. Learn more about us at: www.halfmoonseminars.org

Jon  Harrod, Ph.D.
Jon Harrod, Ph.D.

in 2006 he founded Snug Planet, an award‐winning home performance company based in Ithaca, New York. From its initial focus on energy audits and envelope improvements, Snug Planet has grown to offer whole‐home solutions, including moisture management and HVAC upgrades. Snug Planet is an active participant in New York State residential programs serving low‐income and market‐rate customers. In early 2022, Snug Planet will be merging with Halco Energy, one of the largest home performance contractors in New York. Jon is certified by the Building Performance Institute as a Building Analyst, Envelope Professional, Heating Professional, and AC/Heat Pump Professional. Jon’s articles have appeared in Home Energy Magazine, Journal of Extension, Building Performance Journal and ASHRAE Journal. He is a regular contributor to Green Building Advisor

Credit Information

Do these courses count toward my professional development requirements?

This portal is provided as a training and development resource for City of Markham employees. Every course is delivered by a qualified subject matter expert or learning organization, is quantifiable in hours, and is verifiable — you receive a documented certificate of completion for every course you finish, stored on LearnFormula indefinitely.

If you hold a professional designation (for example in engineering, accounting, human resources, or law), courses may be counted as professionally relevant, verifiable learning activities toward your continuing professional development. Individual practitioners are responsible for confirming that an activity meets the requirements of their professional body. For questions about the City of Markham's training and development policies, please speak with your people leader or Human Resources.

What Students Are Saying

5.0
Student's Choice
2 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

We are a registered provider with 327+ associations and regulatory bodies worldwide. We operate across 29 global markets including Canada, the US, Australia, and the UK. Every course page clearly displays its specific accreditations. Upon completion, you receive a professional certificate that can be validated online. Our certificates include all necessary accreditation details, credit hours, and completion dates, and are formatted specifically to meet the submission requirements of most global regulatory bodies.