Energy Efficiency Assessments
Under the Microscope of Building Science
We won’t make any improvements or energy upgrades until we thoroughly inspect your entire home, during which our expert team will thoroughly examine power use, systems functionality, building envelope and indoor-air quality. This is achieved through a series of tests that apply the fundamentals of modern building science. We call it the Energy Efficiency Assessment (EEA). The EEA includes:
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| Like a check-up for your house, our diagnostic tests measure overall performance and detect weak points. |
- Blower-Door Test – This diagnostic tool detects air leakage. With a calibrated fan and a device to track air flow and building pressure, a blower door changes the air pressure inside your home to measure the quantity and speed of outside air rushing in.
- Duct-Blaster Test – An average home leaks 30% of its conditioned air into the attic and crawl spaces. A duct blaster uses a fan to force air through all holes and cracks in the ductwork until we can measure the amount of leakage. We then track down the sources of the leaks.
- Tests of the Heating & Cooling (HVAC) System – We perform a battery of HVAC tests, including:
- Static Pressure – Measures how hard the air handler has to work to push conditioned air through the ducts. Too much static pressure decreases air handler efficiency.
- Temperature Rise – If your temperature rise (supply air temp minus return air temp) is higher than your furnace’s specs, you may have a dirty filter, undersized ducts or other deficiencies.
- Carbon Monoxide Test – Check for cracks in the heat exchanger that could lead to CO infiltration into your home.
- Freon Check – Verify your air conditioning unit is charged with the proper amount of Freon.
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Flow-Hood Test – When placed over supply grills, where air flows from ducts into rooms, a flow hood measures delivered air in cubic feet per minute. The results help determine the effectiveness of the HVAC and duct systems. - Combustion Appliance Zone (CAZ) Test – An inspection of furnaces, water heaters, ovens and other combustion appliances. A CAZ test detects dangerous byproducts of combustion that are not properly vented.
- Infrared Photography – Using thermographic photography, we get a picture of the various temperatures inside your home and on its exterior. Based on the amount of infrared radiation (heat) visible in the image, we can identify insulation deficiencies and points of air infiltration.
- Solar Power Evaluation – Based on your home’s site, structure and energy use, we’ll analyze the potential benefits of installing solar panels. First we apply energy-efficiency measures to reduce your current electricity load, then we implement a photovoltaic system to help meet that reduced load.
The Home Performance Report
At the conclusion of the EEA, we’ll provide you with a Whole Home Performance Report, a clear roadmap to a more energy-efficient house. If your home is in good shape, our job is done. If there’s a way to reduce your energy bills, increase comfort and improve indoor-air quality, Green Home Solutions has the team and skills to make it happen.
Should you choose to take the next step, the cost of the EEA will be deducted from any energy upgrade work completed by Green Home Solutions. Our team can also advise about helpful financing options and tax credits.