Energy Audit

Energy Audits

Professional energy audits generally go into great detail. The energy auditor should do a room-by-room examination of the residence, as well as a thorough examination of past utility bills. Many professional energy audits will include a blower door test. Most will also include athermographic scan. There's also another type of test-the PFT air infiltration measurement technique-but it is rarely offered. Preparing for an energy audit Before the energy auditor visits your house, make a list of any existing problems, such as condensation and uncomfortable or drafty rooms. Have copies or a summary of the home's yearly energy bills. (Your utility can get these for you.) Auditors use this information to establish what to look for during the audit. The auditor first examines the outside of the home to determine the size of the house and its features (i.e., wall area, number and size of windows). The auditor then will analyze the residents' behavior: Is anyone home during working hours? What is the average thermostat setting for summer and winter? How many people live here? Is every room in use? Your answers may help uncover some simple ways to reduce your household's energy consumption. Walk through your home with the auditors as they work, and ask questions. They may use equipment to detect sources of energy loss, such as blower doors, infrared cameras, furnace-efficiency meters, and surface thermometers. Selecting an energy auditor There are several places where you can locate professional energy-auditing services. Your state or local government energy or weatherization office may help you identify a local company or organization that performs audits. It may also have information on how to do your own audit. Your electric or gas utility may conduct residential energy audits or recommend local auditors. Also check your telephone directory under headings beginning with the word energy for companies that perform residential energy audits. See the Where to learn more section below for more auditor resources. Before contracting with an energy-auditing company, you should take the following steps: Get several references, and contact them all. Ask if the clients were satisfied with the work. Call the Better Business Bureau and ask about any complaints against the company you're considering. Make sure the energy auditor uses a calibrated blower door.

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