New Course Announcement: IGSHPA Residential Installation Technician (RIT) Certificate

Ground-source heat pump systems are quickly becoming essential technology in the HVAC market as utilities and homeowners prioritize decarbonization and energy efficiency. For technicians ready to add this in-demand skill to their toolkit, HeatSpring now offers the IGSHPA Residential Installation Technician (RIT) Certificate course – a comprehensive, self-paced training program that prepares you for IGSHPA certification.

About IGSHPA’s New Credentials

IGSHPA has modularized their traditional 3-day Accredited Installer course, breaking it down into job-specific modules that match how the industry actually works. The Residential Installation Technician course is one of the first modules in this new format, allowing you to focus specifically on installation skills without covering service and maintenance procedures you might not need right away.

What You’ll Learn

Through eleven focused lessons, you’ll master the complete residential geothermal installation process from start to finish. The course covers everything from evaluating site conditions and selecting appropriate equipment to commissioning systems and ensuring warranty compliance.

You’ll gain extensive knowledge of critical installation procedures for both packaged and split systems. Topics include:

• Properly setting and piping indoor equipment 
• Identifying unit models and features
• Selecting and testing antifreeze solutions 
• Calculating flow rates and pressure requirements
• Using specialized tools like refractometers and flush carts
• Achieving proper performance in domestic hot water systems
• Performing heat of extraction and rejection tests to verify proper system performance
• Completing pre-startup checklists that ensure warranty compliance

The curriculum follows C-448 standards, ensuring you’re prepared to install systems that meet industry best practices and warranty requirements.

Earn Your IGSHPA Credential

Upon completing the course and passing the IGSHPA installer’s exam, you’ll receive an IGSHPA certificate of successful completion and an installer’s card, valid for three years. IGSHPA has been recognized in the industry since 1988 and demonstrates your expertise to contractors, utilities, and customers.

To maintain your certification, you’ll need to complete continuing education units (CEUs) every three years – ensuring your skills stay current as geothermal technology and standards evolve.

About Your Instructor

The course is led by Ryan Carda, CTO at Midwest Geothermal, one of the nation’s largest installers of commercial-scale ground heat exchangers. With more than 20 years of industry experience, Ryan brings real-world expertise to every lesson. He’s a co-author of IGSHPA’s “Design and Installation of Residential and Light Commercial Ground Source Heat Pump Systems” and serves on IGSHPA’s Board of Directors. Ryan holds an M.S. in Engineering from South Dakota State University.

Ready to Get Your Residential Installation Technician Certificate?

As the geothermal market continues to grow, certified installation technicians will be increasingly valuable to contractors, utilities, and customers seeking experienced professionals. This self-paced course lets you train on your schedule while gaining the recognized credential that sets you apart.

Enroll in the IGSHPA Residential Installation Technician Certificate course today!