Home Energy Performance

Lately I find myself spending time thinking of all the changes I have seen in the residential remodeling industry.

I guess that means I have been doing this awhile?

Two decades ago most carpenters didn't see a reason to wear earplugs when using a saw and thought something might be wrong with someone who did.

Back then, despite knowing the dangers of hazardous materials, we also spent more time worrying about what was in our sandwich than asbestos.

Many of us remember seeing the first mobile phone that looked like a tool box or a car battery with a cord and handset attached. The first time I used one, was on a fire insurance job that didn't have a land line. We had to lug the mobile up a ladder on to the roof to get reception. The whole crew stood around in awe as we yelled into the phone to talk with the boss.

It doesn't seem that long ago that I got almost every job I looked at because I was the only contractor that used email.

Well Sonny - it's time to talk about what's new and coming down the pike!
Today's story is about the Whole Home Performance Test. This test or inspection is not really that new, but it is gaining in popularity.
Many regions of the country may have a different name for this inspection like "Home Energy Audit" or "Assessment".

The comprehensive analysis evaluates how the entire home functions in terms of energy efficiency in addition to aspects of indoor air quality. It's a very holistic approach to understanding if your home systems are functioning properly and safely.

The most common segment of a Home Performance Test usually includes a blower door test. A door of the home is sealed off to install a fan unit which depressurizes the home.
This provides a simple method for locating areas of air infiltration into the home. All these air leaks combined can add up to be more than one open window to the outside.
If you ever get to be present during one of these blower door tests, it's easy to see where 30% of the heat might be escaping to.

In my case, I was lucky enough to work with EcoTech http://www.ecotechllc.com/index.htm of Portland and be the first paying customer for their Home Performance Test.

Not only did I feel it's an important test for our home and family, I wanted to understand what is being recommending to our clients.

This is a more holistic approach to looking at the house that can even save a life if they detect Carbon Monoxide leaking from combustion appliances.
Why spend thousands of dollars for an addition or new kitchen if the rest of the home is uncomfortable and drafty?

Inefficiencies discovered during a Home Performance Test may save thousands of dollars in the long run. The savings is realized not only in ongoing energy reduction, but in focusing conservation effort in the most cost effective strategy for the home.

For example, consumers often mistakenly believe that replacing all the windows in the house is the first item to check off the list. Usually improving insulation or stopping air loss will be much more cost effective having a higher rate of return.

The most exciting portion of the home performance test is identifying areas to block air infiltration or escape. In the basement, the main plumbing stack may be acting as a chimney to let hot air exit into the attic. This was the case in my home and I was shocked at how much it was.

Other common areas of air leakage besides doors and windows can be:
* The sill plate(that piece of lumber which sits on top of the foundation).
* Rooms that are above porches or cantilever extensions.
* Window trim.
* Double hung or even old fixed (non operable) windows.

We really found more than our fair share of leaks.
It was great finding all the low hanging fruit of energy improvements.
This test was one of the best investments I have made in the comfort and efficiency of our home and was the basis for making improvements. It was also a great way to get to know our home better and how it functions. I am now one of those people who knows more about my home than my car which is great because I do spend a little more time there.

I hope to invite the crew back for another test, to see the improved results, but in the meantime, I can already tell our home is much more comfortable.