University of Central Florida/Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC)
Cocoa, Florida
Summary:
The current training center at the University of Central Florida (UCF) has good capabilities for training on diagnostic tools and methods to assess
problems in Florida homes. However, there are a number of curriculum and equipment shortcomings to making it a complete training center for
equipping students for the weatherization job market. This project’s goal is to expand and enhance the FSEC so that it can provide comprehensive
training to those involved in home weatherization. New lab models will be built to demonstrate advanced air sealing and insulation techniques. The
lab models will also offer training to contractors providing energy retrofits for weatherization. New curriculum materials will adopt the Department of
Energy (DOE) standardized weatherization curriculum and will also integrate Florida-specific weatherization protocols. Advanced training classes will
also be developed for inspectors and weatherization contractors.
Objectives:
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Develop new curricula that integrate the DOE standardized weatherization curricula with Florida-specific weatherization protocols.
Convert the first day of the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) training program to a prerequisite online course.
Build additional lab models and purchase equipment to demonstrate advanced weatherization techniques.
Develop advanced training curricula to attract a variety of students in order to sustain the training center.
Project Approach:
UCF/FSEC will build on its current program by expanding the scope and curriculum of the training center. New lab models will be built to demonstrate
advanced air-sealing techniques, demonstrate insulation problems, and offer training to contractors who would provide energy retrofits for
weatherization and consumer residences. More advanced training classes will be created, targeting both the auditor/inspector and the contractor.
UCF/FSEC is approaching this project by focusing on getting the building science right in the training curriculum to ensure a successful weatherization
foundation. UCF/FSEC will quickly and effectively transfer energy efficiency research findings to hands-on laboratory and classroom activities. The
training will be enhanced to combine building science information with effective inspection and diagnostic investigation to identify needed retrofits.
Trainees will be shown how buildings work and fail and how the diagnostic tools are used to identify deficiencies in the air, thermal, and moisture
boundaries of the building. UCF/FSEC will also expand the existing WAP training to include advanced knowledge and skills related to air-tightness, duct
leakage, infrared thermography, and successful inspection. These advanced knowledge and skills will ensure better diagnostic and retrofit outcomes.
Additional field-testing equipment will be purchased to enhance the learning experience. Part of a classroom module will be used to discuss the
audit/retrofit/inspect process such that the student can maximize efficiency without missing key energy wasters. The training will apply DOE criteria,
with extra emphasis applied to factors that contribute to significant energy use in the hot/humid southeastern United States. To maximize the value of
the training, part of the new modules will describe how to apply the weatherization techniques to other energy retrofit opportunities. Over the course
of the project, UCF/FSEC will (1) develop and modify new curricula; (2) upgrade the training models and equipment; and (3) deliver the training.
University of Central Florida
Office of Research and Commercialization  12201 Research Parkway, Suite 501  Orlando, Florida 32826
Online: www.ucf.edu & www.fsec.ucf.edu
Phone: 321.638.1482
University of Central Florida/Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC)
Cocoa, Florida
Technical Assistance and Course Offerings:
UCF/FSEC has been conducting Florida-specific weatherization courses since 1981. Many students have commented that the five-day weatherization
course is the best training they have ever received, and the State of Florida weatherization office has been exceptionally pleased with the effort. The
UCF/FSEC facility contains 16 two-room models where students can set up blower doors, perform pressure mapping, perform combustion safety testing
(worst-case depressurization and draft testing), and obtain experience with a range of diagnostic tools. The Center also rents a small home in which
practical hands-on experience is provided as part of the training. UCF/FSEC has a staff of 40 in the Buildings Research Division. The Center is located in
Cocoa, Florida, which keeps it within a same-day-as-training drive of Florida’s four largest metropolitan areas: Miami, Jacksonville, Tampa, and
Orlando. UCF/ FSEC’s weatherization-related current course offerings include the following:
 Online weatherization basics course
 Weatherization orientation (5-day course)
 Weatherization for contractors
 Weatherization inspection
 Infrared thermography
 Combustion safety
 Solving wind washing problems
 Resolving unbalanced return air problems
 Energy surveys for existing homes
 Energy audits for weatherizing homes
 Duct diagnosis and repair
 House envelope air sealing concepts and
approaches
Key Partners:
 Florida Department of Community Affairs
 Low-income housing coalitions
 Florida Habitat for Humanity
 Multiple municipal and publicly held utilities
 Weatherization professionals
 Labor assistance programs
 Building America Partnership for Improved
 Local WAP providers
Residential Construction (BA-PIRC)
Points of Contact:
Neil Moyer
Robin Vieira
Principal Research Engineer
Director, Buildings Research
NMoyer@fsec.ucf.edu
321.638.1409
robin@fsec.ucf.edu
321.638.1404
Jacquelyn Lacey
James Cummings
Contract Manager
Program Director Buildings Research
JLacey@mail.ucf.edu
321.638.1482
Cummings@fsec.ucf.edu
321.638.1403
University of Central Florida
Office of Research and Commercialization  12201 Research Parkway, Suite 501  Orlando, Florida 32826
Online: www.ucf.edu & www.fsec.ucf.edu
Phone: 321.638.1482