Introduction to Residential Air Source Heat Pumps

Course Description

As part of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities monthly Energy Efficiency Stakeholders presentations, Paul Meierdierck discusses residential air source heat pumps (ASHPs), including how they function, sizing basics, design issues and their application in residential and commercial buildings. Recorded March 21, 2024.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe how an air source heat pump works.
• Identify the different names for a heat pump.
• Summarize what goes into a load calculation.
• Explain the difference between a ducted and ductless system.

About the Instructor:

Paul Meierdierck, P.E., is a registered Professional Engineer in New Jersey and New York, a Certified Energy Manager and a Certified Cogeneration Professional. Paul was the former Director of Utilities at Rutgers University in charge of Energy Management and O&M of Campus-wide utility systems. As a consultant, Paul performed M&V services and NYSERDA Flextech Energy Auditing for Commercial, Industrial, and Multifamily sites in New York City. Paul is currently an Instructor for Building Operating Certification (NEEC) and Heat Pumps at the Thomas Shortman Training Fund in Manhattan and an instructor for the Center for Building Knowledge at NJIT.

Course Outline

• What is a heat pump?

• How do Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) work?

• Sizing basics

• Using heat pumps for a single family home system replacement

• Common design failures

• Lessons learned

• Heat pumps for commercial buildings

• Exam

• Certificate: 1.0 American Institute of Architects credits awarded on completion