Included in the Home Energy Audit:
Home Inspection
Energy Auditors perform an onsite interview and inspection. Homeowners should make a list of existing problems such as room drafts or uncomfortable areas, condensation or other areas of concern. Have copies or a summary of the home’s yearly energy bills (your utility company can get these for you). Auditors use this information to establish what to look for during the audit. The auditor will also examine the outside of the home to determine the size of the house and its features (i.e., wall area, number and size of windows).
Blower Door Test
AirTight Energy Auditors use blower door tests to help determine the “AirTightness” of a home.
How they work-A blower door is a powerful fan that mounts into the frame of an exterior door. The fan pulls air out of the house, lowering the air pressure inside. The higher outside air pressure then flows in through all unsealed cracks and openings. The auditors may use a smoke pencil to detect air leaks. These tests determine the air infiltration rate of a building.
Duct Leakage Pressure Test
A duct pressure test combines a small fan and a pressure gauge to pressurize a house’s duct system and accurately measure air leakage of the ductwork. This test is similar to a pressure test of a plumbing system. Duct leakage can increase heating and cooling costs over 30% and contribute to comfort, health and safety problems.
The Energy Audit information is analyzed by an energy calculation computer program that is designed to determine the most cost-effective energy efficiency measure for residential properties.
Step 2-Customized Energy Upgrade Recommendations
Recommendations are provided in a prioritized list of cost-effective measures customized for each residence. The output also includes an estimated dollar value for the projected energy savings, savings-to-investment ratios, and a list of materials necessary to perform the recommended retrofit.
Adding insulation is a part of almost every retrofit home project. Installing spray foam insulation as a barrier between the home and the outside is one of the most important ways to make a home energy efficient.
Insulation should add value to energy savings, sustainability, air quality, safety, durability, and comfort. Creating an “airtight” building through the installation of spray foam insulation, caulking and weather stripping is the fastest way to reduce energy consumption, improve indoor air quality, and maintain a comfortable indoor environment. The AirTight Retrofit Program simplifies the weatherization retrofit process for homeowners.
AirTight Licensed spray foam Applicators have an aptitude for building science solutions, they are trained energy auditors, and they perform the work to achieve home energy performance upgrades. AirTight Licensed spray foam Applicators value a collaborative approach to build, retrofit, and deliver AirTight Homes.
Energy Rebates/Federal Tax Credits
The AirTight Retrofit program offers comprehensive support which includes access to experts that manage custom energy reduction rebates and incentives for federal, state and local agencies.
Finding rebate and incentive dollars available to homeowners is an important part of the AirTight Retrofit Program.
One Point of Contact
An AirTight Retrofit Home is a great benefit for you, your family and the environment. By properly sealing your home you reduce the amount of oil that is needed to produce electricity and the carbon emitted into the environment. You reduce your energy costs and improve the comfort of your home.