B.E.T. conducts energy audits and other energy assessments throughout New Hampshire. We also recommend other energy professionals who can do independent assessments, such as fellow members of the Residential Energy Performance Association. Installer-based energy assessments and independent energy assessments each have benefits worth considering.
With B.E.T., the company doing the assessment is the same company who can install energy improvements. Lost-in-translation problems conveying recommended actions are minimized, and installers tend to be better prepared for the job when they have closely inspected construction details, taken measurements, etc.
Assessment-installation packages are usually less expensive when the same party does both the assessment and energy improvements.
Independent energy professionals bring their own experiences and perspective that is separate from the actual installation of energy services. The potential for conflict of interest is minimized.
An independent energy professional can make sure the job is done properly, providing both the job specifications and in some cases quality assurance services. Because customer satisfaction is our primary goal, we recommend customers choose the assessment approach they are most comfortable with.
Whatever approach, choose a professional assessment by a person trained in building science. At a minimum, a home energy assessment should include:
Listening to the home owner and occupants about energy issues and concerns. And determining how occupant use affects energy consumption. -
A comprehensive inspection of all construction features that incorporate the "thermal envelope" including: basement or crawlspace, concrete walls, framed walls, attic(s), sloped ceilings, kneewalls or other cavities, windows, doors, hatches, etc. -
A visual inspection of heating and domestic hot water systems, including the distribution system. -
Review of fuel and electricity records to determine how the home uses energy, and to find unusual trends. -
Inspection of ventilation and related systems to assess whether there are any moisture problems related to the home's energy system. And inspection of other health and safety concerns, such as combustion venting, hazardous building materials, etc. -
Examination of major sources of electricity consumption along with opportunities for conservation. -
A blower door test to determine the amount of air infiltration in the home, and to pinpoint the sources of air leakage. -
A list of recommendations that can be used by the homeowner or energy performance contractor to improve the energy performance of the building
This type of detailed home energy assessment takes time -- usually at least two hours spent on-site. While assessment professional cannot guarantee perfection, there is no substitute for the specialized tools, experience and training of an assessment made by a building science professional. Energy assessments can vary substantially in their scope if more detailed services are requested. Additional components of an energy assessment may also include:
Infrared (thermal imaging) analysis of the building shell. This can be especially useful for determining insulation performance in walls and other hidden areas. -
Combustion efficiency and detailed combustion safety testing. Often the homeowner already has a relationship with a heating service company who provides these services. -
Duct leakage testing, usually done with equipment similar to a blower door called a "duct blaster." -
Detailed energy performance modeling that match all the construction and energy features of your home with actual fuel bills. Common energy modeling programs include TREAT and REM/Rate. Energy modeling can be particularly useful in determining the cost-effectiveness of different potential energy improvements.
Beware of unqualified energy auditors who only look at a specific aspect of your home. The so-called "energy audits" offered by high pressure window sales operations are usually designed to convince you to buy, guess what?, windows.
