Summary of Our Energy Audit Process and What is Inspected

Overview

There are a number of things that you can expect when you have our Home Energy Audit.  During the 2-3 hour visit to your home, a Certified Energy Auditor will collect considerable data on the structural components and mechanical systems in your home, and complete a visual inspection of your living space, attic, basement or crawlspaces. This scientific analysis includes an infrared thermal imaging scan of interior and exterior areas of your house to identify sources of major air leaks and insufficient insulation. Evidence of hidden moisture and water leaks may also be detected, which deteriorates structural components, promotes mold and decreases energy efficiency in the home.

Your information will be analyzed to determine necessary steps for increasing energy efficiency, improving comfort and reducing energy costs. The cost/benefit pay-off of improvements will also be calculated based on the local utility costs. 

During the Audit Site Visit

While at your home we will discuss with you conditions about the house as you know them, including comfort problems you have experienced, maintenance frequency of heating and cooling systems, drafty areas, approximate age of appliances, and other issues.  If possible, please have copies available of the last 12 months of electricity, gas/propane and water bills.

We will walk around and through your home, attic, basement and crawlspaces, but it is not necessary for you to clean especially for us. It may be necessary that the doors and windows to the house remain shut, and therefore, please limit traffic in and out of the house during the audit.

During the energy audit we will ask you to point out such things as:

• Where the gas meter is (if fueled with Natural Gas or Propane)
• Where fuel is delivered (if fueled by Fuel Oil)
  
• Where attic and crawl space access is located
  
• Where the HVAC and hot water appliances are located
  
• The kitchen, as well as all bathrooms with an exhaust fan
  
• Which rooms or areas seem cold (or hot in the summer)
  
• All fireplaces and wood stoves
  
• Any drafty rooms or areas

 We will also:

• Take measurements on the internal volume  of your home
• Note the insulation levels 
  
• Check flues
• Check your HVAC system’s distribution and ducting
• Check your water heater jacket and plumbing insulation
  

After the Audit Site Visit

Within a few days of the site visit we will issue a detailed written home energy report summarizing all observations and data collected, along with a list of recommendations and explanations. A follow-up telephone consultation is available to answer questions and advise further action.

Re-Check Inspection

A Re-Check Inspection is performed to verify improved energy efficiency conditions following installation of our recommended improvements. It is an additional option (see pricing) where we can return to re-scan using infrared thermal imaging and re-check applicable data and conditions after you have completed your energy improvements.

We encourage you to do this, as it will confirm that the improvements were properly installed to alleviate the energy deficiencies. Furthermore, as part of our Re-Check Service we will issue you a summary report documenting our findings and stating our opinion regarding the projected increase in energy efficiency for your home as a result of the completed improvements.

See tips on preparing for your Home Energy Audit here.

Schedule an energy audit here.