Fundamentals of Heat Pump Systems: Efficiency, Electrification & Sustainability

Pathway: Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Fundamentals of Heat Pump Systems: Efficiency, Electrification, & Sustainability (Self-Paced)

Heat pumps now play a significant role in our federal, state, and local government’s plans as part of a world-wide strategy for decarbonization. This course provides a comprehensive overview of traditional constant volume and variable volume HVAC systems alongside modern heat pump (HP) technologies for both commercial and residential applications. Participants will gain a clear understanding of system types, operations, and key differences between air, water, and refrigerant-based HVAC systems, as well as air source, ground source, and water source heat pump systems.

The course explores critical factors in selecting the most appropriate heat pump system for a building, including performance, application, and environmental considerations. Attendees will also examine upfront and operating costs, along with the advantages and limitations of both conventional HVAC and heat pump systems.

Introductory Prerequisites are required (read more)

Mon, June 1st, 2026 -
Mon, Aug 31st, 2026

12:00am - 12:00am EDT

Virtual

Learning Objectives

Traditional constant volume and variable volume HVAC systems.
The types and operation of commercial and residential heat pump systems.
What factors should be considered to determine the best heat pump systems for your building.
The upfront cost and operating cost for HVAC systems and HP systems.
Positives and negatives of HP and HVAC systems.

Course Details

Topics: 

Definitions, abbreviations, and acronyms
HVAC - variable air, water, and refrigerant systems
Energy efficiency opportunities to enhance HP and HVAC heating and cooling systems
Heating only heat pumps and reversible heating and cooling heat pumps
Air source heat pump systems
Ground source heat pump systems
Water source heat pump systems
Waste heat or wastewater from industrial or commercial processes
Government and other incentives to install HP systems
HP and HVAC math and calculations

Provider:

PBJ Media Holdings, LLC

Instructor:

Sam Sugarman

Course Type:

Virtual, Self-Paced

Course Dates:

Access until August 31, 2026

Registration Deadline:

August 30, 2026 at 7:00am (12-person capacity)

Time Commitment:

4 hours

Prerequisites:

Who should attend: 

Building owners, facility managers, facility managers, O&M professionals, energy managers, energy services companies, and utilities team representatives, Building Operators, HVAC professionals.

CEU:

4 PDH | .4 CEU

Record of Completion:

Certificate of Completion

All training and certification courses are offered at no cost to participants on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to the time commitment, registrants may not sign up for conflicting courses unless the conflicting course is self-paced. This course is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute professional, financial, tax, or legal advice. Participation in this course does not establish a professional relationship with the instructor or the DCSEU. Course content is subject to change, and we do not guarantee that it will perfectly match descriptions on our website or social media. We are not responsible for students' access to course materials, required products, or their ability to complete the course due to skill level, commitment, or other factors. No guarantees are made regarding earnings, success, or specific outcomes. Course participants are solely responsible for complying with all applicable laws, and the DCSEU and presenters disclaims any liability for penalties or damages incurred due to non-compliance.