Course Description

Part 1 – Overview of Common Mechanical Systems for Part 9 Buildings

This presentation will highlight strengths and weaknesses of common residential dual fuel mechanical systems. We will discuss dual fuel systems such as hydronic heating and cooling, combi boiler systems, and a furnace with an air to air heat pump.

Customizing system design and equipment selection to the customer’s preferences and the constraints of the project allows a knowledgeable designer to deliver a superior product in terms of thermal comfort and avoid conflict with interior design. Trying to make every dwelling conform to a preconceived design introduces artificial limitations and design concessions prior to construction.

Part 2 – Analysis of HVAC Designs

This presentation focuses on some of the tools that can be used to verify that an HVAC system has been completed using reliable standards and guidelines, as opposed to the trial-and-error approach of rough estimation and oversimplified calculations.

The review of HVAC design documents, such as CSA F280 heat loss and heat gain calculation reports, certified system schematics, and equipment selection forms, can help ensure that customer satisfaction is maintained and costly call-backs are avoided at the end of projects. We will also review some of the common installation errors that decrease system performance and, in some cases, result in premature equipment failure.



Thank you to our Sponsors:
Presenting Sponsor: FortisBC
Patron Sponsor: BC Housing 



Instructor(s)

Todd Backus

Todd Backus has worked in the HVAC industry since 2003. He completed his red-seal ticket as a sheet metal worker in 2009. As the owner/operator of Backus Mechanical, he specialized in forced air system installation & design for custom homes. In 2019, Todd graduated from BCIT with a degree in mechanical engineering. Afterwards, he worked as a mechanical consultant for Rocky Point Engineering designing HVAC, plumbing, & fire suppression systems. In 2023, Todd completed his Professional Engineering certification and joined TECA, he is currently working as their Chief Operating Officer. Todd is a regular presenter at events for the Building Official’s Association of BC (BOABC), Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA), Local Energy Efficiency Partnerships (LEEP), and FortisBC’s educational forums.