Building Science Training

Energy Auditor Career Training

Start a career in the green industry, enhance your credentials, and get more work as Certified Energy Auditor! A nationally recognized building science designation will earn you recognition in the growing energy efficiency field. Priority Energy’s BPI and RESNET training courses will prepare you to pass the professional exams in just one to two weeks. 

Priority Energy was the first RESNET HERS Rater training provider in the Midwest and has been recognized as the area’s leading building science training company. Founded in 2009 by Robert Schildgen, the company and its associates are dedicated to helping others earn their professional energy auditor designation and promote the many benefits of energy efficient homes and buildings. 

The highly experienced instructors have provided Building Science, RESNET, and BPI training to Illinois utility companies, Illinois’ energy efficiency and weatherization program facilitators, Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA), Michigan’s Ferris College, South Suburban College, Northeast Iowa Community College, and countless individuals.

Priority Energy instructors are certified Energy Auditors with years of training experience and anecdotes from the field. They teach from the heart and care about each student’s success. The training is designed to help everyone succeed, from industry beginners, contractors, builders, code inspectors and energy efficiency facilitators. Instructors are dedicated to helping every student succeed. 

The Illinois utility companies, ComEd, Nicor, People’s Gas, Northshore Gas and Ameren, require contractors to have the BPI BA-T and BA-P certifications in order to become a “participating contractor” in their rebate programs. Ask us how to get started! 

Do you need some additional funding to train your crew? Would a BPI certification help your company gain more work?  You may be eleigible for a training grant! 

The Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) program helps local business owners train and certify their employees in order to avoid layoffs and grow the company. Up to 100% of the cost of training could be reimbursed through the program. HVAC and insulation contractors have received funding for both BPI and RESNET training.  

Business owners should apply with the county they are registered in (Links below).  The application process is easy and approval is fast. Contact us if you need help completing the training information.

In Cook County – https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dcd/supp_info/tifworks_program.html

In DuPage County – https://worknetdupage.org/employers/worker-training-grants/incumbent-worker-training/

In Lake County – https://www.lakecountyil.gov/4000/Incumbent-Worker-Training

In Will County – https://jobs4people.org/Businesses/Training-Grants

In Kane, Kendall and DeKalb Counties – https://www.countyofkane.org/pages/ocr/wdb.aspx


We offer the following BPI and RESNET training courses:

Training for your Success

Candidates will learn the “house-as-a-system” approach to home and building energy efficiency assessments. They will delve into the various components of a house—insulation, HVAC system the building envelope, appliances, and lighting to understand their impact on overall home performance—comfort, health, safety, and energy efficiency.

Priority Energy’s proven BPI and RESNET building science curriculum is combined with the designation’s Standards to prepare students to successfuly master their on-line written exams, practical field exams and/or computer simulation tests. Our training is not just about passing the exams, though. We equip our students with the skills and confidence they need to perform in the field.  The hands-on training candidates receive in our lab, using the latest Blower Door, Duct Blaster, Infrared Cameras and Indoor Air Quality equipment is top in the Midwest. 

Practice in our On-Site Training House

Practice makes perfect! Our students say they really appreciate the time they get to practice in our on-site training house and with our diagnostic equipment. Practice builds confidence and enhances skills. Our BPI-approved, indoor lab includes air sealing props, and a mini-house, complete with an HVAC system, ductwork, attic and insulation cut-outs, for realistic home assesment scenarios.  Students are encouraged to stay after class or schedule practice time on their own.

Our Experienced Instructors

Priority Energy’s trainers are some of Chicago’s top building science specialists, with years of experience and numerous industry certifications. Having solved problems in thousands of attics, basements, ductwork, fireplaces and furnaces, our instructors make the training interesting and fun by incorporating their daily encounters into each lesson. They are uniquely able to explain energy efficiency to beginners as well as seasoned industry pros.


We have provided BPI, RESNET and building performance training for The Indoor Climate Research & Training Center (ICRT) in Peoria, the ComEd Small Business Trade Ally program, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Development (ILDCEO), Midwest Energy Efficiency Association (MEEA), Northeast Iowa Community College, and South Suburban Community College, to name a few.

Click on the links above to learn about specific certifications and check our training schedule for upcoming classes. Or call us at 800-737-2299.

David was very professional, thorough, and easy to work with. He provided us with a clear, detailed report with helpful suggestions as to how to improve our home.

C.S. Chicago, IL

I highly trust and recommend this company for their prompt response, punctuality, and honesty in the performance of their service.

C. H. Chicago, IL

Anthony was brilliant and answered all my questions. Really appreciate his expertise on our energy audit! January 2023

S.K., Chicago, IL

The Duct Leakage assessment we had yesterday was extremely informative! I’m glad we had you come to our home.

D.K. Homeowner, Chicago, IL

“I had Priority energy clean and then aeroseal my supply ducts; what a great experience! Great communication, great technicians, and great overall customer service! I noticed an IMMEDIATE benefit as soon as I turned my A/C on; I could tell the house was cooling quicker, maintaining temperature more easily, and was cooled more evenly! I’d highly recommend Priority Energy, their duct cleaning, and aerosealing sevice!”

M.G., Downers Grove, IL

Excellent service and quality! (excerpt)

R.N., Inverness, IL

“The employees that showed up were friendly and took care to make sure they kept the house clean while performing the aeroseal job. They explained the procedure thoroughly, I would recommend this company A+.”

T.B., Elgin, IL

Priority Energy is an A+ company! I’ve been having issues with my house staying warm in the winter so I called them up and they came out right away. Kurt was so helpful and professional! He explained everything that was going on in my house and gave me  peace of mind. Book this company with confidence, they are great. Thank you again, Priority!

M.I., Homeowner in Norridge, IL

“We enjoyed meeting Dave, our Energy Auditor.  He was interesting, knowledgeable, and professional.  We appreciated all his time and effort.”

S.B., Homeowner in Prospect Heights, IL

“You have a great Aeroseal team. We were impressed with how well they answered our questions and how quickly and neatly they performed our service. Our rooms are much warmer now that the duct leaks have been sealed!”

D.F., Homeowner in Palatine, IL

“We were impressed with how well your technicians answered our questions and how quickly and neatly they performed our Aeroseal service. Our rooms are much warmer now that the duct leaks have been sealed! You have a great team.”

D.F. Palatine, IL

The Energy Audit you did on last home was so helpful; we referred to it for years when we made home improvements. I’d like to have you do an audit on my new home now. B. A.

B. A. Lake Forest Homeowner

Before we sealed our ductwork the rooms farthest from the furnace were always hotter or colder than the rest of the house. We felt an improvement in air flow to the kids rooms right away. 98% duct leak reduction!

S. H. Glenview, IL - October 2020

Excellent Service and Company to work with – highly recommended and professional!

T. B. Chicago, IL - July 2020

Priority Energy did an aeroseal for our home. We have had issues with air flow in our kitchen (cold in the winter) and one bedroom upstairs (hot in the summer). After they were complete, there is such a stronger air flow from the vents, that it really makes a difference. The crew that came out was courteous and respectful and they were in and out much faster than I expected. Really positive experience overall.

J.J. Chicago, IL - November 2020

I had Priority Energy analyze my older home for indoor air quality and comfort because I was having difficulty maintaining temperatures. They came out and discussed our options. We ended up sealing our ducts and installing a whole-house dehumidifier. Our home is now more efficient, lower humidity, and much easier to keep and maintain temperatures. Priority Energy was very professional, easy to work with, and did quality work. I would highly recommend their services to anyone looking for better indoor air quality.

D. L, Lake Zurich, IL Feb. 2019

Employees were all very helpful and professional! Came out in a timely manner (to do our Duct Test). Would highly recommend this company!

J. R. New Lenox, IL April 2020

Very knowledgeable and professional (Aeroseal) staff. I definitely highly recommend and would use again in the future for other services!

D.F., Chicago, IL Feb. 2020

Used Priority Energy to help insulate (Aeroseal) a property we purchased and could not have been happier. Very professional staff, and the work done has saved us a ton with our heating and cooling bills. Would highly recommend them.

R. M., Lake Bluff, IL April 2020

Priority Energy did a great job with an Aeroseal project for my home. The rooms are more comfortable and even throughout the house, including the far registers which never used to get significant airflow. Very honest and trustworthy — they accidentally chipped some paint on the ceiling while doing the job and had a painter come to fix it without question. Would recommend to anyone.

B. L., Chicago, IL Feb. 2020

I hired Priority to seal the ducts and air seal my home.  I have been very pleased with the results.  The personnel from this company are professional and quite competent.  I have literally saved hundreds of dollars on heating costs.  My home is very comfortable. I was also able to save some dollars with discounts that were available.  I strongly recommend Priority Energy if you wish to enjoy a more confortable home and save money.

Nelson, Lake Forest

Priority Energy did a great job with an Aeroseal project for my home. The rooms are more comfortable and even throughout the house, including the far registers which never used to get significant airflow. Very honest and trustworthy

Bryan, December 2019, Chicago, IL

Already the house seems more balanced (since Aeroseal duct sealing yesterday) .. far end of house is getting more warm air flow!

Bryan, November 2019, Chicago, IL

Pat was awesome and super helpful! We are experiencing weak air flow in the duct system of our 1950”s home and Pat gave us great recommendations to fix the problem when we do our remodel.

David; Arlington Heights, IL

On to the Radon issue – Excellent results with Aeroseal!  From 5 + to a .4.  Before sealing like we discussed, I had warm air coming out of the sump basket with the furnace running. Even with the furnace running, it is still pulling air in now. From the suction of the radon mitigation system – which it couldn’t do before because of the leaking ductwork and the mitigation system being overpowered by the furnace. This was a perfect application for Aeroseal! Thank you!

Bill; Belvidere, IL

Duct sealing (with Aeroseal) was the smartest thing I ever did! Our home is sooooo much more comfortable! We were so very pleased with Priority Energy and their technicians!

Richard; Lake Forest, IL

We are having less ice on roof since the Aeroseal duct sealing! Thanks!

Bill; Downers Grove, IL

(Aeroseal) is a GREAT Product! Really made our townhouse more comfortable!

Gordon; Chicago, IL

Thank you. Truly. I appreciate you taking the time to clarify things for me and then going above and beyond to ensure that my CEUs are handled for our current RESNET cycle. You’ve always been kind to me and this is another shining example of that.

Craig, HERS Rater, Batavia, IL

Thank You so much for the super-fast turn around of our Manual J, D and S reprt for the Village of Glen Ellyn. Our original Manual J kept getting kicked back to us for corrections but your calculations/report got approved instantly-no questions asked and no more permit delays! Our builder is going to use Priority Energy from now on!

Kim, Glen Ellyn, IL

I have a two story home built in the mid seventies. Lots of temperature fluctuation between the floors. The Aeroseal process dramatically increased the air flow to the second floor. Good experience. The company was very informative, answered a lot of questions. The crew was neat and thorough.

Vince from Oakbrook, IL

“It’s been cold here for the past few days and I really feel the difference in heating since the Aeroseal, my apartment is so much warmer now. Thank you!”

MP from Peru, IL

Anytime I can be a reference for all the great work on my (new) house, please let me know.  Priority Energy is outstanding at what they do!

Executive at Medline Industries, IL

It’s been cold here for the past few days and I really feel the difference in heating since the building was Aerosealed! My apartment is so much warmer now. Thank you Priority Energy!

Miruna; Tenant at Country Manor Apartments, Peru, IL

Just completed my BPI Field exam for my Quality Control Inspector (QCI) certification renewal at Priority Energy. Such a convenient and well-set-up training and test center with caring and knowledgeable staff and proctors! Thanks folks!

P.R., Ottawa, IL

I am so sorry I haven’t written you but I actually just verified the part is the correct size yesterday. I received it a just after writing you last time but haven’t been back to the customers home until yesterday and I am very pleased to report that it is the CORRECT part. So without saying, I truly appreciate your assistance and persistence in the matter. Without you I would be holding a bucket. Thank you again and you will be the first person I call if I need additional part or service from your company.

Anonymous

I just wanted to send this message to all you and say GREAT JOB!  We had a rough inspection today and passed for the Woodward Ave. house. The inspector told us “if every house I inspected looked like this one I would be out a job”.  I just wanted to pass on the great news. Dupage county is more difficult to work in but you guys did an awesome job. Thanks.

Anonymous Builder

We were so impressed with the amount of information the Priority Energy technicians gave us during our ENERGY AUDIT.  If you are buying a house, I would strongly recommend having them do an energy audit on it, in addition to your usual home inspection. We had a strange smell in the basement and their crew took the time to pinpoint a leak in a ventilation pipe that was inside the wall. How would we have known? Thanks Priority Energy!

P.I.

David was very professional, thorough, and easy to work with. He provided us with a clear, detailed report with helpful suggestions as to how to improve our home.

C.S. Chicago, IL

Thanks for a super intelligent and deep seminar expertly handled by a staff which was a pleasure to be around. Lunch was superbly and subtly handled.

A.S. Architect

I wanted to thank you for all of your extra time and energy during our BPI training over the last few weeks. You really helped put things in perspective. You are an awesome crew and your facility is a valuable resource for students and the community

BPI Student, L.E.

There is much less dust in the house and the monthly gas and electric charges have been reduced by 10 to 15%…..I’m sure I will see greater savings over a twelve month period……thanks again.

Aeroseal Client, R.N.
RESNET
Aeroseal
BPI Goldstar
Home Performance with Energy Star
UL
IECC Member
Energy Star Partner
ZERO Energy Ready Home
National Mortgage Industry, HERS Accreditation Registry
BPI Continued Education
Illinois Home Performance
BPI Test Center