Arkansas HVACR NewsMagazine September 2021

To Whom it May Concern: On behalf of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), we are pleased to hear about the Arkansas HVACR Association’s (ARHVACR) “Train the Trainer” event for developing a higher quality residential HVACR contractor workforce in Arkansas through coordinated training on smart residential HVAC diagnostic tools. Improper installation or maintenance of residential HVAC systems is prevalent nationwide. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) understands this problem and has identified smart diagnostic tools as a potential solution for improving the in-field efficiency of residential HVAC systems. Smart diagnostic tools collect real-time measurements to detect faults, determine equipment performance, and suggest corrective actions a technician or installer can take to eliminate faults and improve equipment efficiency – leading to better quality installations and equipment maintenance. PNNL is leading DOE’s Residential HVAC Smart Diagnostic Tools Campaign, which aims to increase the adoption of smart diagnostic tools and to improve the in-field efficiency of residential HVAC systems nationwide. ARHVACR’s “Train the Trainer” event is a promising solution for unifying Arkansas’ HVACR educators on standards for residential HVAC system performance and installation, and ensures the educators are using state-of-the art equipment in the classroom. From information we’ve reviewed, the event aligns with the Residential HVAC Smart Diagnostic Tools Campaign and PNNL is hopeful that the event can used as a model to be implemented in other states. In closing, PNNL would like to offer a strong endorsement for ARHVACR’s Train the Trainer event. Feel free to contact me at cheryn.metzger@pnnl.gov with any general questions or christian.valoria@pnnl.gov for inquiries about the Residential HVAC Smart Diagnostic Tools Campaign.

Cheryn Metzger, PE PMP LEED AP (she/her/hers) Residential Program Manager Energy Efficiency Applications Team Lead

Energy Policy and Economics Group Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Cell: 707-623-7091 www.pnnl.gov www.pnnl.gov/projects/residential-hvac-smart-diagnostic-tools-campaign