Home Performance Analysis
Rebates: Your electric company understands that efficiently operating homes reduce energy consumption, conserves our planet’s natural resources, and reduces our reliance on foreign energy supplies. Because of this PPL currently rebates up to $250 and First Energy Companies rebate up to $300 for Home Energy Audits from qualified Companies like ours. We have all of the rebate forms and information for you. Click on your Electric Company to learn more
The Process
Home Inspection:
Our professional begins by conducting a thorough outside inspection of your home to inspect water drainage and ground slope; condition of exterior walls, roof, soffits, fascia, windows and doors; condition of AC outside units and compressors; gas line inspection for leaks, and carefully looks for any un-sealed penetrations of the home envelope. We then conduct a thorough interior inspection starting at the foundation and working up to the roof. We evaluate air-infiltration locations, insulation levels, moisture issues, Carbon Monoxide levels, appliance safety, heating and cooling system efficiency, while gaining a detailed understanding of the home construction and any existing problems or concerns.
Combustion Safety:
Before we begin any testing or weatherization work on your home, it is essential to understand if all combustion appliances are operating safely and efficiently. We perform a series of safety tests on each appliance in all combustion appliance zones (CAZ). This includes gas and oil water heaters, furnaces, stoves, ovens, and fireplaces. These tests include: gas leak detection, combustion draft pressure measurements, carbon monoxide production & spillage evaluations at each vent. Certified building analysts are required to conduct all tests under worst-case conditions to ensure your family’s safety.
Blower Door Test:
This test determines where there are air leaks in the building envelope. The test involves fitting a fan inside a flexible nylon frame placed in an exterior door frame. The fan pulls the air out of the house, lowering the air pressure inside. The higher outside air pressure finds openings through unsealed cracks (called infiltration), in places like door jams, window and floor moldings, and even recessed lighting fixtures. While the house is de-pressurized we tour the house with a smoke puffer and Infrared camera to find these infiltrations. We document these sites so they can be fixed later. The pressure gage (manometer) on the blower door measures the leakiness of the building. Leakier houses have higher cooling and heating bills, decreased comfort and indoor air quality, and increased health problems, moisture intrusion and mold.
Thermography or Infrared Scanning:
This test determines variations in surface temperature, and is very effective in identifying areas needing repair without having to dismantle or uncover walls or other structural elements. While the house is still pressurized , we tour the house with the infrared camera to check for air leaks, missing or poorly installed insulation, and moisture issues. We document problem spots with both the thermal imaging and digital cameras.