Thursdays 10am to 4pm
General Education Outcomes are the knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes, and behaviors that students are expected to develop as a result of their overall experiences with any aspect of the college, including courses, programs, and student services, both inside and outside of the classroom. The General Education Outcomes specifically learned in this course are:
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
The student will be introduced to the concepts of heat transfer methods, heat loss/gain for structures, thermal conductivity and methods of determining equipment sizing and location. Students will study and calculate R-value and U-value for insulation. Students will identify doors, windows, window coverings, insulating at installations, and thermal conductivity of window and doors. Students will evaluate existing building heating and cooling systems for leakage and efficiency losses.
Goals and Objectives
Upon completion of this course, you will:
Explain methods of heat transfer and their impact on buildings
Analyze heat loss and heat gain in residential and light commercial structures
Calculate R-values and U-values for common building materials
Evaluate doors, windows, and insulation installations for thermal performance
Assess HVAC equipment sizing, placement, leakage, and efficiency losses
Identify envelope-related issues affecting heating and cooling performance
Faculty Contact Information
MITC ROOM MT04, MT14 AND MT24
Bryon teaches every day
OFFICE HOURS BY APPOINTMENT MONDAY-FRIDAY BETWEEN 8AM AND 5PM
BRYON MEYER
815-802-8872
bmeyer@kcc.edu
AIRC / ENGY
Office Location/Office hours
MITC ROOM MT04, MT14 AND MT24
Bryon teaches everyday
OFFICE HOURS BY APPOINTMENT MONDAY-FRIDAY BETWEEN 8AM AND 5PM
Course Information
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Describe heat loss of a structure using the heat transfer methods.
- Identify various materials used to retard or stop heat transfer via the 3 standard methods of heat transfer
- Perform basic heat loss/gain of a structure and other refrigerated boxes.
- Substitute various insulations, window covering, etc., to heat loss/gain calculation to determine best insulating plan
- Perform duct analysis for air leakage rates
- Perform blower door analysis for building air infiltration
Textbook(s)
- AMAZON—
- Design and Retrofit of Building Envelope –
- ASIN : B01HFE7NKS
- Publisher : BookBaby
- Edition : 4th
- ISBN-13 : 978-1483572659
eText ISBN:9780128139714
- Thermal Inertia in Energy Efficient Building Envelopes
eText ISBN:9781498737272
- Energy Modeling and Computations in the Building Envelope
Evaluation & Grading
Student competencies will be measured using various methods. These may include quizzes, examinations, written assignments, lab demonstrations, oral presentations and participation in classroom discussions. The final grade will be determined using the following percentage of accumulated points:
A = 100 - 90 B = 89 – 80
C = 79 – 70 D = 60 – 69 F = < 60
Business, Technology & Human Services
Dean, Paul Carlson; 815-802-8858; V105; pcarlson@kcc.edu; Division Office – W102; 815-802-8650
Course Policies
ATTENDANCE: Regular attendance at all scheduled class sessions is expected. If a student has missed more class hours than the number of credit hours to be earned in the class, the instructor may record the grade of “F” for the course. Failure of the student to attend class does not constitute withdrawal. The student must make a formal written withdrawal through the Office of Admissions and Records.
CLOTHING: This is a class introducing some of the skills needed in the installation or repair of furnaces, air conditioning & refrigeration equipment. As such you will come prepared for every session expecting lab time. You will be required to have safety glasses/goggles, long pants, shoes (preferable boots) no sandals, flip flops, etc. Failure to do so will mean you will be excused from lab for that session. If you are excused from lab “for cause”, including but not limited to, failure to wear appropriate clothing and/or PPE, horse play, abuse or misuse of tools & equipment, or any “non-class” related incidents deemed dangerous or inappropriate by the instructor, you will not be permitted to make up any assignments for that lab/class session.
College Policies
Withdrawals
When it is necessary to withdraw from a course or from the college, a student may do so on or before the withdrawal date stated on the syllabus without receiving a punitive final grade. Change of Schedule forms (used to add or drop a course) are available in Student Services and the student should obtain the required signatures prior to submitting the Change of Schedule form to an adviser in Student Services. Students may submit Change of Schedule forms through the mail, but they must be postmarked no later than the withdrawal date. No withdrawals are allowed by phone.
The last date to withdraw with a grade of “W” is November 17th, 2026.
Communication
“To ensure a student's privacy under all applicable education laws and to facilitate timely interactions, two College-authorized methods of electronic communication exist: KCC-issued student email accounts (using the domain name of student.kcc.edu) and the Canvas Learning Management System. Students are expected to regularly check their KCC email accounts and Canvas for important incoming communication from the college or from individual instructors. Students understand that emails they send from personal email accounts (other than those listed above) may not be delivered to the KCC recipient, and students should have no expectation that such messages will be answered.
Code of Conduct
By participating in this course, the student agrees to adhere to the KCC Code of Conduct, found in each academic year's catalog, and understands that his or her classroom behavior shall be in compliance with the Code.
College Resources
Academic Skills Center
Tutorial Assistance – The center offers free tutorial services on a walk-in basis to support students enrolled at KCC in a wide range of college courses and individual skill development activities. The Learning Assistance Center, L338, is the location of most tutorial services.
Learning Laboratory – The Learning Lab, located in Room L329, uses instructional technology to provide individualized learning for students enrolled at KCC. In the lab, students can review and practice math, writing, reading, basic sciences, study skills, word processing, and other basic skills.
Special Populations Services – KCC offers advisement and special instructional support for students who are physically and learning disabled, as well as those with academic deficiencies. Students will receive appropriate academic instructional support, including preparatory courses, tutorial assistance, study skills assistance, and self-instructional programs. For special populations services, go to room L326 or D229
Student Success Center/Miner Memorial Library
The Miner Memorial Library provides a variety of services free to students (print, audio, video, cd-rom & microfilm collections, computers etc.)
Syllabus disclaimer
Course syllabus/calendar is subject to change.
CLASS RULES
Attendance is necessary. Should it be necessary for you to miss class due to illness, childcare issues, failure in mode of transportation, etc., you will notify instructor preferably prior to class or at least prior to the end of that class. Notification may be voice mail, e-mail at bmeyer@kcc.edu , through Canvas LMS or leaving a message with the Division office. Failure to notify of absence, combined with the failure to take quizzes, tests, etc., on time when scheduled, may result in a 10% reduction in the grade. Should student need to miss class for any reason, it is expected that student will participate in next attended class activities which could include, quizzes, tests, lab exercises, lab tests, written exams, etc.
Participation is mandatory. Participation is the only way to complete the work. Labs are where you get to put into practice the things you learn in class lectures. It’s where the theory will begin to make sense. Depending upon the class, check the syllabus, lab work may constitute all or part of your grade. Watching someone do the work won’t teach you as much as you performing it.
LAB RULES: If you take it out, please put it away. If you plug it in, please unplug it. I have found tools, torches, insulated coffee cups, half empty/full pop bottles, wire, sheet metal shards, copper pipe, etc., strewn about when I come in, return, etc. We are all adults! Please clean up after yourself. This includes putting things away, sweeping floors, etc. Pitch in and help even if you didn’t make the mess. Thank you in advance! ☺
During general lab exercises we are to assist one another, if possible, available or as it pertains to the overall exercise. WE ARE A TEAM. The only time you are on your own is test time.
There are labels on the tool caddy drawers. PLEASE PUT IT BACK where you found it or where it goes. If you find it in a place you know it doesn’t belong, put it back where it belongs. If you don’t know where it belongs, please ask. Thank you in advance! ☺
LAB SAFETY: Safety isn’t just for our text. You are REQUIRED to wear safety glasses/goggles while in the lab performing tasks. Failure to comply with this requirement may get you removed from lab and forfeiture of lab points.
I do not generally grade for penmanship, language skills such as grammar, punctuation and spelling. HOWEVER, if I cannot read your writing, or if I cannot figure out what you are trying to tell me in your written work, then I have no alternative but to reserve rewarding points for that particular assignment, question, etc., as applicable.
Profanity should not be used as a matter of respect to those that find it offensive. Outside of class, you may speak with any type of vernacular or verbiage you wish. Employers prefer literate employees that can speak to customers without use of vernacular or profanity.
One of the 5 core values of KCC is “Respect.” Show others respect during class, labs, breaks, etc. You may disagree with someone’s answer, position, etc., but do so with courtesy and respect. Show respect for others and the instructor by being ready and on time for class.
CLASS RULES
Attendance is necessary. Should it be necessary for you to miss class due to illness, childcare issues, failure in mode of transportation, etc., you will notify instructor preferably prior to class or at least prior to the end of that class. Notification may be voice mail, e-mail at bmeyer@kcc.edu , through Canvas LMS or leaving a message with the Division office. Failure to notify of absence, combined with the failure to take quizzes, tests, etc., on time when scheduled, may result in a 10% reduction in the grade. Should student need to miss class for any reason, it is expected that student will participate in next attended class activities which could include, quizzes, tests, lab exercises, lab tests, written exams, etc.
Participation is mandatory. Participation is the only way to complete the work. Labs are where you get to put into practice the things you learn in class lectures. It’s where the theory will begin to make sense. Depending upon the class, check the syllabus, lab work may constitute all or part of your grade. Watching someone do the work won’t teach you as much as you performing it.
LAB RULES: If you take it out, please put it away. If you plug it in, please unplug it. I have found tools, torches, insulated coffee cups, half empty/full pop bottles, wire, sheet metal shards, copper pipe, etc., strewn about when I come in, return, etc. We are all adults! Please clean up after yourself. This includes putting things away, sweeping floors, etc. Pitch in and help even if you didn’t make the mess. Thank you in advance! ☺
During general lab exercises we are to assist one another, if possible, available or as it pertains to the overall exercise. WE ARE A TEAM. The only time you are on your own is test time.
There are labels on the tool caddy drawers. PLEASE PUT IT BACK where you found it or where it goes. If you find it in a place you know it doesn’t belong, put it back where it belongs. If you don’t know where it belongs, please ask. Thank you in advance! ☺
LAB SAFETY: Safety isn’t just for our text. You are REQUIRED to wear safety glasses/goggles while in the lab performing tasks. Failure to comply with this requirement may get you removed from lab and forfeiture of lab points.
I do not generally grade for penmanship, language skills such as grammar, punctuation and spelling. HOWEVER, if I cannot read your writing, or if I cannot figure out what you are trying to tell me in your written work, then I have no alternative but to reserve rewarding points for that particular assignment, question, etc., as applicable.
Profanity should not be used as a matter of respect to those that find it offensive. Outside of class, you may speak with any type of vernacular or verbiage you wish. Employers prefer literate employees that can speak to customers without use of vernacular or profanity.
One of the 5 core values of KCC is “Respect.” Show others respect during class, labs, breaks, etc. You may disagree with someone’s answer, position, etc., but do so with courtesy and respect. Show respect for others and the instructor by being ready and on time for class.
Course Calendar
Week 1 – Building Science Fundamentals
- Course overview and expectations
- Introduction to building envelopes and mechanical systems
- Overview of energy flow in buildings
- Heat transfer methods: conduction, convection, radiation
- Real-world examples of heat movement in structures
- Introduction to thermal boundaries
Week 2 – Heat Loss & Heat Gain
- Sources of heat loss in buildings
- Infiltration vs. exfiltration
- Effects of climate and orientation
- Heat gain mechanisms (solar, internal, mechanical)
- Seasonal impacts on energy demand
- Case study analysis of heat loss/gain
Week 3 – Thermal Properties of Materials
- Thermal conductivity concepts
- R-value vs. U-value definitions
- Common insulation materials and ratings
- Calculating R-values and U-values
- Assemblies vs. single-material values
- Hands-on calculation exercises
Week 4 – Insulation Systems & Installation
- Types of insulation (batt, blown-in, rigid, spray foam)
- Proper installation techniques
- Thermal bridging and compression
- Identifying insulation defects
- Evaluating existing insulation performance
- Field examples and inspection methods
Week 5 – Doors, Windows & Fenestration
- Window types and glazing systems
- Thermal conductivity of windows and doors
- Low-E coatings and gas fills
- Window coverings and shading strategies
- Air leakage around doors and windows
- Inspection techniques for fenestration
Week 6 – Mechanical System Fundamentals
- Overview of heating and cooling systems
- Equipment types (furnaces, heat pumps, AC units)
- System components and airflow basics
- Equipment sizing concepts (load calculations overview)
- Location and placement considerations
- Common sizing and installation errors
Week 7 – Mechanical System Efficiency & Leakage
- Duct systems and distribution losses
- Air leakage detection methods
- Impact of leakage on comfort and efficiency
- Evaluating system efficiency losses
- Interaction between envelope and mechanical systems
- Case study walkthrough
Week 8 – Integrated Evaluation & Assessment
- Whole-building mechanical and envelope evaluation
- Identifying improvement opportunities
- Review for final assessment
- Final exam or practical evaluation
- Course wrap-up and career connections
- Preparation for third-party or program assessments (if applicable)
College Policies, Resources and Supports
For information related to the Student Code of Conduct Policy, Withdrawal Policy, Email Policy, and Non- Attendance/Non-Participation Policy, please review the college’s Code of Campus Affairs and Regulations webpage, which can be found at catalog.kcc.edu under the Academic Regulations & Conduct Guide.
KCC offers various academic and personal resources for all students. Many services are offered virtually, as well as in person. Please visit Student Resources - Kankakee Community College to access student resources services such as:
- Clubs and organizations
- Counseling and referral services
- Office of disability services
- Student complaint policy
- Transfer services
- Tutoring services, etc.
The materials on this course are only for the use of students enrolled in this course for purposes associated with this course. Further information regarding KCC's copyright policy is available at https://kcc.libguides.com/copyright.
|Course syllabus/calendar is subject to change.