Q. I’m not a Maine Resident. Can I still attend the course and get the certification?
A. Absolutely. The certification is not Maine-specific, or jurisdiction specific. Because of the virtual participation option, anyone, anywhere may attend the course, take the test, and obtain the certification.
Q. What is the CSA F326 Standard?
A. The CSA F-326 Standard “Residential Mechanical Ventilation Systems”, describes good engineering practice for the design and installation of residential mechanical ventilation systems. The standard is recognized in the national and provincial building codes in Canada as an acceptable method of residential mechanical ventilation system design. Maine’s ventilation code, the ASHRAE 62.2-2016 standard, guides users in how much ventilation air is needed in a home, but provides no guidance on system design or installation to meet the provisions of the code. CSA’s F326 design method offers installation requirements for ventilation components, including fan sizing, ductwork design, pressure calculations, and more. CSA F326 is a performance-based standard. It describes the performance goals that a properly designed ventilation system should meet, leaving the designer to decide on ventilation strategies to meet the goals, thus allowing greater flexibility in system design. CSA F326 is the only ventilation installation standard in North America.
Q. How does using the CSA F326 standard help me comply with the ASHRAE 62.2-2016 Standard?
A. ASHRAE 62.2-2016, which is used to determine the amount of minimum ventilation needed in a residential building, provides no guidance on how to install ventilation systems to meet the provisions of the standard. The CSA F-326 Standard provides the installation guidance missing from ASHRAE 62.2, so that ventilation air is properly and effectively distributed across the space.
Q. What is HRAI?
A. HRAI, founded in 1968, is the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada. It is a non-profit national trade association of manufacturers, wholesalers and contractors in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) industries. HRAI advocates a safe, responsible and fair industry where indoor environment systems and refrigeration processes are designed, installed and serviced by qualified professionals in order to ensure efficient and energy-conscious operation. HRAI provides education and certification training programs that support the needs of the HVAC industry both in Canada and the U.S.
Q. What will my certification be after I pass the CSA F-326 course exam?
A. After completion of the three-day training and successful completion of the certification exam, you will be considered Certified in “Residential Ventilation Using CSA F326” (RVF326)
Q. How does having the certification benefit me?
A. Becoming a HRAI-certified professional is proof that you want to be recognized as going above and beyond minimum acceptable provisions of the ventilation code. It puts you in a position where others recognize your expertise to design, install and supervise work on mechanical HVAC systems. Learn what others have to say about HRAI certifications. https://www.hrai.ca/Certification
Q. What will I need to do to maintain my certification?
A. All HRAI certifications follow a 5-year recertification cycle. Certified individuals will be informed of the requirements for the recertification prior to the certification expiration date. In the past, it has been as simple as updating your contact information and being provided with a website link explaining any applicable changes to the Building Codes/Standards related to the certifications held OR needing to attend a short Updater to explain changes and keep certifications valid. In any case, ample time is provided to meet the requirements.
Q. How will people find me as a certified professional?
A. HRAI provides a Certified Installer/Design Search Engine for those who hold current certifications. HRAI also provides all certified individuals with a digital badge of their certification, which can be used on social media platforms such as LinkedIN, FaceBook, Instagram, etc. and can also be used in email signature lines or on individual company websites. In addition, the Maine Indoor Air Quality Council will list certified professionals on its website, and is currently working to seek other in-state organizations willing to do the same.
