Energy Inspections and Audits

Part 1: Save On Your Heating and Cooling Bills

What are energy audits and inspections? An energy inspection or audit is designed to assess various aspects of a property, in order to save the customer money on the household energy bill. The efficiency of appliances, mechanical systems, the structure's envelope and the home's orientation are evaluated to design the best plan for creating a more energy efficient home. Audits are typically more comprehensive as they incorporate infrared technology, a blower door test and computer analysis, in order to accurately pinpoint problem areas in a home. Short and/or long term plans can be designed. The use of the client's yearly energy bill is helpful in creating such a plan.

Household appliances and fixtures are assessed by examining their input/output ratio. Typically, Energy Star upgrades are recommended where appropriate (an upgrade can reduce energy usage by 40%) and compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs-these convert about 20% of the electricity flowing through them to light vs. the 5% that incandescent bulbs convert). These decisions are based on the short and long term needs of the homeowner. In addition, the mechanical systems such as the heating/cooling, ventilation and thermostat are also assessed.

One of the most important concerns of the energy inspection or audit is to assess the structure's envelope. This refers to the barrier between the interior and exterior environment. The quality of the structure and its ability to maintain temperature efficiently and regulate moisture and air flow are key areas of concern. The energy audit includes inspection of the foundation, roof, walls, doors and windows. The specific condition of the components and the types of materials used is assessed as related to air leakage and to determine the R-factor of these components. (The R-factor refers to the component's thermal resistance.). Recommendations are then made as to how to improve on the quality of the envelope's components. These recommendations could include adding insulation, energy efficient windows, sealing doors and windows, insulating the hot water heater and water lines, and sealing and insulating ducts transporting hot and cold air.

Typically, the results of the inspection or audit include a report of the findings as well as recommendations on how to improve the energy efficiency of the home. Reports generated by an audit normally include infrared photos which document the report findings. Short and long term recommendations are made and yearly follow-up assessments scheduled according to the homeowner's needs.

Part II

What Can You Do Right Away?

It's important to consider that making your home more energy efficient can save you money. Many utility companies provide incentives to customers for energy efficiency. In the USA, homes use about 20% of the total energy. Of this amount, heating and cooling your home uses about 44%, lighting and appliances about 33%, water heating 14%, and refrigerators about 9%. All in all, your energy efficiency should be at least 30-40% above the local building codes.

Right away you can take care of any obvious leaks with sealant and insulation. Then, use smoke on a windy day to locate the smaller leaks that are not easy to find. If you are modifying the insulation in your ceilings or attic, for example, you should aim to raise the R-factor to R-50 or R-60, despite the minimum required by local building codes.

Survey your windows. If there are obvious areas of leakage or they are not airtight because they are old, single pane or have aluminum or steel frames, then you should consider making some changes. The cheapest method is to add storm windows or to install Plexiglas along the inside of the windows. Plexiglas is a lot cheaper than glass and also conducts heat more slowly than glass

Don't forget about all those appliances and electronic devices that use electricity even when they are not in use. Theses phantom loads waste a significant amount of electricity. You can plug them into a power strip and then turn off the power strip, when they are not in use.

Peter Ottowitz

Certified Master Inspector

Infrared Certified - Level I Thermographer

Certified Level I & II Mold Assessor by Indoor Environmental Standards Organization

Certified Allergen Screener

Member National Association of Certified Home Inspectors

Certified Environmental Data Resources Provider

American Building Sciences Academy, Barre, VT

Snell School of Thermography, Montpelier, VT

MBA, Amos Tuck School, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH

MSEE, Northeastern University, Boston, MA

BSEE, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA

http://www.newworldenergyaudits.com

http://www.masshomeinspect.com

New World Home Inspection Services provides you a unique and convenient set of skills, including extremely thorough home inspections, environmental testing and energy audits.

With our ability to detect serious environmental concerns, we have redefined the expectations for traditional home inspection. Whether you're a home buyer looking for the industry's best home inspection or a homeowner with environmental worries you'd like to address, look no further. Advance Look is the only call you'll ever have to make.

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