Home Energy Audits
A First Choice energy audit of a home may involve recording various characteristics of the building including the walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, and skylights. For each of these components the area and resistance to heat flow (Value) is measured or estimated. The leakage rate or of air through the building envelope is of concern which are strongly affected by window construction and quality of door seals such as weather stripping. The goal of this exercise is to quantify the building’s overall thermal performance. The audit may also assess the efficiency, physical condition, and programming of systems such as the heating, ventilation, air conditioning equipment, and thermostat.
A home energy audit will include a written report complete with photos and thermal imaging overlays when necessary to estimate energy use given local climate criteria, thermostat settings, roof overhang, and orientation. This could show energy use for a given time period, say a year, and the impact of any suggested improvements per year. The accuracy of energy estimates are greatly improved when the homeowner’s billing history is available showing the quantities of electricity, natural gas, fuel oil, or other energy sources consumed over a one or two-year period.
Some of the greatest effects on energy use are user behavior, climate, and age of the home. An energy audit may therefore include an interview of the homeowners to understand their patterns of use over time. A home energy audit is often used to identify cost effective ways to improve the comfort and efficiency of buildings. In addition, homes may qualify for credits from local and central governments.
Our primary tools are thermal imaging scanning, videoscopic borescopes to check for missing or deficient insulation. We also use a variety of moisture detection tools to check for elevated moisture levels in your home. Click here to request a quote or book your inspection.