The following is a list of the tests that we conduct when doing a Green Home Energy Analysis.
1. Combustion Safety and Heating Related Tests.
These tests and inspections are conducted in the heating and cooling equipment area of your house.
- Carbon Monoxide Tests
We look for excess carbon monoxide in the flue gases of your heating appliances and in the air of your house. - Drafting Tests
An evaluation of the risk that the combustion gases in building’s flue(s) will be pulled back into your house by a source of negative pressure - Combustion Efficiency Test
A measurement of the efficiency of your heating system. A higher number means that more of the energy goes into your house. - Flue Inspection
An examination of your combustion equipment flue pipes for blockages or other hazardous conditions. - HVAC Equipment Inspection
A visual inspection examines the overall condition of your heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment. - Duct Air Flow Estimate
This test estimates the amount of air moving through your duct system. Too little air movement in your ducts will affect the comfort and efficiency of your heating and/or cooling system.
2. Health and Durability Inspections.
- Moisture Sources and Damage
As part of a walk through of the house, your inspector looks for areas where there is evidence of high humidity or moisture damage. - Indoor Air Pollution Sources
Also as part of a walk through of the house, your inspector looks for areas where there is evidence of potential sources of indoor air pollution. - House Durability Inspection
The inspector looks for areas where there is evidence of maintenance problems affecting the durability of your house. - Insulation and Envelope Inspection
An examination and measurement of the insulation levels in various areas of your building’s “shell.” - Roof and Attic Inspection
The inspector examines the roof and attic for evidence of maintenance problems. - Exhaust Fan Duct Condition
Finally, as part of a walk-through of the house, your inspector examines the condition of your exhaust fan ductwork for length and condition. Too long of a duct run can cause moisture problems, and leaky exhaust ducts can put damaging amounts of moisture into your house.
3. Whole House Performance Tests.
- Exhaust Fan Flow
This test measures the ability of your exhaust fan systems to remove air from your house. Not enough airflow means the fan is making noise but not moving air. - Blower Door Test
A comprehensive test measures the leakiness of your house. The building is pressurized and de-pressurized and a measurement of air leakage is performed. - Duct Leakage
A similar test that measures the leakiness of your duct system. - Pressure Mapping
This test helps to determine the unintentional air flows that occur when the heating and cooling fan is on. A second test looks at the unintentional connectedness of various spaces such as attics, basements and garages to your house.
4. Energy Analysis.
- Historical Electrical Consumption
Analysis of one year’s worth of historical electric bills. Identify possible savings through photovoltaic. Verify rate schedule is optimized. - Historical Gas Consumption
Determine viability of renewable heat sources such as solar thermal, solar pool heating, flash hot water systems, etc. - Lighting
Lighting bulbs and fixtures can be replaced with more efficient bulbs and fixtures that last longer and pay for themselves. - Appliances
Energy Star appliances save money and provide high performance. Appliances are identified as potentially benefiting from an upgrade to an Energy Star Appliance. - Pool / Hot Tub / Pond / Well Pump Analysis
Check pumps for sizing and efficiency. Look for ways to time pumping to reduce costs.
