Energy Audits

During your energy audit you may hear the term “envelope” referring to the continious air boundary created by your home’s:

-  Exterior walls, ceiling, and floors. 
-  Windows, doors and skylights

This distinct envelope boundary is drawn as a red line in the graphic below.

Sealing the envelope is the most important step in controlling the indoor environment and lowering energy bills. DIY projects like new weather-stripping around doors can marginally improve the envelope.  But research shows the most harmful sources of air and moisture infiltration are the holes in the home’s envelope that are hidden from view. These include unsealed penetrations for piping, wiring, lighting, and duct work.  These holes bring in unhealthy, unconditioned air from moist crawlspaces, hot attics, or even combustion appliance zones.  Prior to 1998, building codes did not even address this issue.  But even newer homes often have holes hidden from view behind insulation - and traditional insulation is NOT an air barrier, merely a material resistant to heat transfer.


An Energy Audit utilizes a Blower Door test (essentially a large, calibrated fan) combined with an infrared thermal camera to identify those hidden leaks.  The computer-controlled fan depressurizes your home to exaggerate air infiltration.  Once depressurized, we can identify precisely where the hidden holes are with an IR camera and then dollarize the potential energy savings.  The test also pinpoints holes in your HVAC duct system, a very common and expensive problem in all homes.  

Air leakage from a leaky envelope can waste 20 percent or more of the energy used to heat or cool a home. With effective air sealing and insulation, heating and cooling systems will not need to work as hard.  Repairing holes and connections in ductwork can also contribute to dramatic energy savings.  We can help you identify and repair these leaks - not only to improve electric bills, but reduce insect/rodent access, exterior noise, and unhealthy air infiltration .  Our licensed, certified, and highly trained staff is standing by to help surgically identify the most cost effective home improvements. 

 

WHAT DO CLIENTS THINK OF OUR WORK?

 Here’s a quick case study:  The Greer Family suffered through a cold 2009-2010 winter season and paid significantly higher propane/electric bills.  EnergyTribe used a thermal imaging camera to quickly identify the major sources of air leakage.  After sealing off the outside air and adding an extra layer of attic insulation, the Greers enjoyed a much more comfortable house with consistent temperatures throughout.  Those improvements will work equally as well in the summer as attic heat will be blocked from radiating into the living area.  

Client feedback:  "Thanks for the attic stair cover and upgraded insulation.  We are happy to report our master bedroom and closet are more comfortable, not to mention a much more reasonable propane bill!" 

 

Find out more about Energy Audits

How do Energy Audits work?

  • A BPI-certified energy auditor will come to your home to discuss your utility bills and areas of concern in your home.
  • The blower door test essentially uses a large doorway fan to depressurize your home.
  • Outdoor air leaks are exaggerated by the negative pressure - making leaks easy to identify with an IR camera.

 Why get an Energy Audit? 

  • Peace of mind.  An audit will surgically and precisely identify points of air infiltration, poor insulation, and mechanical deficiencies. 
  • Savings estimate & Cost-Benefit Analysis.  To quantify how much savings you can expect to realize through a full green retrofit.
  • Maximize cash rebates.  Many local, state, and federal programs require (and pay for a portion) of an Energy Audit in order to earn cash rebates/tax incentives.
     

Commercial Consulting and Advice on Renewable Energy
 

While EnergyStar and BPI certifications are the standard for single family homes, commercial/multifamily structures are often certified under the USGBC LEED program.  Although residential EnergyStar certifications translate to 5% rate discounts through Duke and Progress Energy, the commercial EnergyStar equivalent seal offers no such discount.  Instead, both utilities offer customizable programs that directly incent specific energy efficiency upgrades (e.g., lighting, HVAC, envelope upgrade) with cash rebates.  These are known as the Smart Saver and Trad Ally programs, respectively.

Our LEED, EnergyStar, and BPI-certified consultants can help your real estate holding entity develop an Energy Efficiency plan for various types of structures (multi-family, medical office, retirement homes, municipal buildings, schools, etc).  As unlimited commercial contractors, we can also help you execute those plans to deliver improved comfort, air quality, and operational savings - not to mention making your property more attractive and marketable for potential tenants/occupants.

Through our partnership with Strata Solar (fka Solar Tech) of Chapel Hill, we also have access to quality solar solutions and expert installers.  Their engineers are experts in both residential and commercial installations with superior hardware by Schuco.  Let us guide you in finding the most cost-effective solutions for you and your commercial real estate holdings.

Sources:  www.energystar.gov