Our "Home Energy Audit" is completed as two services – the “Opportunity Survey,” which is step one of our Energy Independence Process, and then “Modeling and Analysis” which is steps two and three of our Energy Independence Process. These services are described here:

A: Opportunity Survey is conducted by a certified home energy advisor working with the home owner. This survey typically takes about five hours. The following areas are addressed during the survey:

• Outside inspection and measurement of the home is performed.
• Solar access is generally assessed.
• Combustion appliances
  furnace, water heater, gas stove, etc.
  are checked for carbon monoxide, draft and spillage under worst case conditions.
• Your heating and cooling systems efficiencies are noted or evaluated, depending on type and age.
• The distribution system
  air ducts, water or steam system
  is assessed for thermal isolation and leakage.
• Insulation levels and installation are evaluated in your home’s attic, walls and basement or crawl space.
• Windows and doors are surveyed for thermal and air leakage performance.
• Your home’s pressure boundary is evaluated for air leakage performance with a blower door.
• Major appliances (washer, refrigerator, etc.) and primary lights are surveyed for energy efficiency.

During this home visit, a great deal of data will be collected for later energy analysis and to estimate costs and savings. We will get your expectations on future energy prices and how aggressive you want be in reducing your energy dependence and carbon footprint. All this information is important in providing you with the very best, personalized recommendations.

Another key aspect of this service is the time taken for educational topics. The home energy advisor will cover many key concepts and facts that relate to the efficient and safe operation of your home, the available products and services. He will also answer every question you have related to your home and saving energy. If research needs to be done to answer a question, a follow-up answer will be provided. We also explain financing and other incentive options.

At the end of the visit, you will be given a summary assessment and our recommendations. This report highlights key energy saving opportunities and any health and safety issues. It provides you with the information to decide whether or not to go to the next step, whether to do the work yourself, or perhaps just to think about it for a while.

B: Modeling and Analysis is conducted as two separate components. First the data entry and energy model building is performed at our office. Then, when your final report is ready, we will schedule a meeting with you at your home to discuss the results and recommendations. With this information, you will be have the cost and energy savings information to prioritize changes and select those you want to implement. These two steps are expanded upon next:

• Based on your direction, Home Energy Advisors will input the data collected during the Opportunity Survey into our computer programs to estimate energy efficiencies for current and potential home components and other measures. We will obtain cost estimates for potential energy saving options for your specific home and enter them into the system. We will then analyze the results and develop option packages that we believe you should consider, along with potentially other measures to make your home more energy-efficient, safe, comfortable and durable, as part of the final report. These recommendations will be based on your expectations, goals and objectives and fit within your budget and planned financing.
• During the review and discussion session, we will explain the various recommendations and why we made them. We will help you evaluate the various options by showing you how each recommendation contributes to you becoming more energy independent. We will also discuss the pros and cons of various approaches and materials. The home meeting typically takes an hour or more, depending on your questions and desire for detail.
   

C: Implementing Your Plan
If you decide to invest in your home and energy independence, we will facilitate financing, if you desire. We will recommend excellent contractors that do quality work at a fair price or you can work with any BPI accredited contractors. We monitor the work and perform final checks to be sure your home is safe and your objectives are met. Any services Home Energy Advisors may provide in this phase will be part of the implementation recommendations and priced within those proposals.

 

Go to Top