During an energy audits, we use a variety of diagnostic tests to determine where energy loss occurs in your home, what safety and health problems might exist, and other factors about your home’s energy systems. For example, we use an infrared imaging scan and blower door test to help determine how air-tight your home is. Infrared scanners used with blower doors are a quick and effective way to evaluate a home’s air barrier and thermal envelope.
Blower Door Test
A blower door is a powerful fan that mounts into the frame of an exterior door. The fan pulls air out of the house, lowering the air pressure inside. The higher outside air pressure then flows in through all unsealed cracks and openings. This test determines the air infiltration rate of a home—how much air leaks into the house, where it’s leaking, and if improvements are needed.
Thermal Imaging Scan
Also known as thermography, this technique uses infrared video and still cameras to measure a home’s surface temperatures. These IR cameras are sensitive to the infrared (heat) part of the electromagnetic spectrum. The images produced correspond to the temperature variations of the home’s shell. The resulting images help us determine whether upgrades are needed.
Duct Testing or Calibrated Duct Leakage Test
We perform both total duct sealing and duct-leakage-to-outside tests. During these tests, we tape off your duct system to gain insight. We then calculate total volume and flow totals, and convert that to energy loss. With new homes, we use a party fogger to identify leaks that need sealing.
Combustion Safety Tests
We perform gas leak detection, efficiency testing, and zone / draft pressure tests on any atmospherically drafting furnaces or appliances. Typically, these are natural gas. We also test for carbon monoxide in flue exhaust and ambient air, look for exhaust “spillage” in home water heaters, and check the furnace for cracked heat exchangers.
All of these tests are available with residential energy audits.
Why should I use EDGE Energy for my Energy Audit?
We are Certified. EDGE Energy’s certified auditors will complete your audit in quick and efficient manner. Making sure to respect you, your home, and your privacy. All of our energy auditors are certified under a combination of building science designations, with most auditors holding 3 or more advanced certificates under RESNET, NAHB, NCI, and the industry standard BPI (Building Performance Institute), which is the organization for residential energy efficiency and weatherization retrofit work.
