Corporate Training By Zack Academy - Introduction to Residential Heating Systems

Why Should You Take This Introduction to Residential Heating Systems Course?

This Introduction to Residential Heating Systems course will familiarize students with the fundamentals of common residential central space heating systems. The course includes discussion of oil and gas heating systems, chimneys, appliance types, operating and safety controls, electricity and fuel delivery. The course will utilize both lecture and hands-on activities.

Prerequisites:  Advanced Weatherization Diagnostics

Course Format:  This is a lecture-lab course in which topics are presented by the instructor utilizing handouts, presentations and hands-on demonstrations.

Course Topics:

• Combustion Basics
• Heating Systems Efficiency Ratings
• Heating System Sizing Chimneys and Flues
• Appliance Identification
• Oil Furnaces and Boilers
• Gas Furnaces and Boilers
• Operating Controls
• Distribution Systems

Course Objectives:  Upon completion of the course, students should be able to:

• Describe the combustion process
• Explain basic functions of oil and gas fired heating systems
• Identify components of oil and gas furnaces and boilers
• Identify distribution systems for oil and gas fired heating systems
• Explain efficiency parameters for oil and gas fired heating systems

Evaluation and Grading:  To successfully complete the course and receive certification, the student must complete the written and lab exam with a minimum score of 70%.

Classroom Rules of Conduct:

• Safety Glasses must be worn at all times while in the shop area.
• Leather-type work shoe or boot must be worn. NO open-toed shoes or sandals!
• All students are responsible for properly cleaning up their area, properly storing parts, and returning all tools at the end of class.
• No cell phone use during class, cells phones may be checked during breaks only.
• This is a smoke free school zone; smoking is not permitted on school grounds.
• Refer to the enrollment packet for school wide policies.

Syllabus

• Course Overview and Introduction
• Why We Work on Heating Systems
• Safety
• Reliability
• Energy Conservation
• PA Field Standards
• Combustion Basics
• The Combustion Triangle
• Incomplete Combustion
• Heat Value of Fuel
• Combustion By-Products
• Heating System Efficiency Ratings
• On-Cycle and Off-Cycle Losses
• Steady State Efficiency
• Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency
• Seasonal Efficiency
• Introduction to Heating System Sizing
• Chimneys and Flues
• Function of a Chimney
• Chimney Components
• Draft
• Inspection and Assessment
• Physical Problems
• Effect of House Depressurization
• Appliance Identification
• Types of Distribution Systems
• Air (Gravity or Forced)
• Water (Hydronic)
• Steam
• Function of Heat Exchanger
• Oil Furnaces and Boilers
• Fuel, Piping and Boilers
• Burner
• Combustion Chamber
• Heat Exchanger
• Safety controls
• Draft Controls
• Safety and Efficiency Improvements
• Gas Furnaces and Boilers
• Fuel Piping and Gas Valve
• Atmospheric Burners
• Primary and Secondary Air
• Dilution Air and Draft Diverters
• Safety and Efficiency Improvements
• Operating Controls
• Thermostats and Anticipators
• Fan Controls
• Aquastats
• Boiler Limit Controls
• Circulator Controls
• Distribution Systems
• Hot Air
• Supply and Return Ducts
• Potential Problems and Improvements
• Hot Water
• Two Pipe System and Components
• Series Loop System and Components
• Potential Problems and Improvements
• Steam
• One Pipe System and Components
• Two Pipe System and Components
• Potential Problems and Improvements
• Review and Q&A
• Final (written and lab tests)