The Building Perfoarmance Institute (BPI for short) is perhaps the country’s foremost developer of home performance and weatherization protocols and standards – standards that save energy, save money, improve home durability, increase safety, and protect occupants from dangers like lead, asbestos, and carbon monoxide.
BPI offers professional certifications in several specialized areas. Building Analyst and Envelope professionals are trained to diagnose and treat building defects such as missing or improperly installed insulation, excess infiltration, inadequate fresh air, carbon monoxide and combustion safety issues. When obtaining BPI certifications, contractors start with these certifications. Once the basics are out of the way, professionals can move on to other specialized certifications such as the Heating Specialist andAir Conditioning and Heat Pump Professional.
Heat pump A/C and heating systems are very complicated. Technicians need to possess a deep understanding of the many mechanical, electrical and refrigerant cycles and systems operating in concert with one another in these units. BPI’s Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Professional certification is reserved for individuals who have an expert level understanding of whole house performance AND who demonstrate expertise at identifying and fixing problems with heat pump systems in order to achieve peak heating and cooling performance.
Homeowners often incorrectly assume that any contractor who knows how to put a listing in a phone book is well qualified to service their heating and cooling systems. The knowledge and skill set of HVAC tech’s often varies greatly from company to company. Some companies make training and continued education of their employees a priority while others may let such activities fall by the wayside. Contractors who obtain BPI certifications, in addition to NATE and other professional HVAC certifications, demonstrate a commitment to continued education and technical excellence.
For more info on BPI training, check out the Training section of our site.