What is an Energy Audit?
An Energy Audit encompasses a variety of technical testing and observations, and is an assessment of how much energy a building consumes as well as the opportunities to reduce energy usage.
Who should get an Energy Audit?
Everyone! The knowledge you get from 1 audit can help you save thousands, if not tens of thousands of dollars over your lifetime, in addition to the increased home comfort and security that comes with it.
Still not enough? The state of Maine offers $150 rebates on energy audits, in addition to whatever deals your local energy provider may offer.
How long does an Audit usually take?
A Walkthrough generally takes 30-60 minutes, whereas a comprehensive Audit usually is between 2-3 hours. Remote Energy Audits are somewhere in between, averaging 60-90 minutes.
Can I do an Energy Audit myself?
While DIY assessments and work are certainly possible, hiring a professional is strongly recommended, as they are trained to do testing and spot issues that the average person may miss. In addition, an auditor can work with you to construct an energy savings plan, as well as find you incentives and rebates.
What does the process consist of?
A typical audit will consist of getting the information about the home and systems inside, while asking the resident if there are any particular issues or areas of concern. After a base evaluation of the house and systems are done, testing regarding everything from the performance of combustion appliances to air leakage is tested, and a report will be compiled based upon the results.
What happens after the Audit?
After the audit, you’ll receive a customized report of the findings, what they mean, details on potential energy savings/incentives/rebates, and a plan for any needed upgrades.
How can an Audit help improve Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)?
Energy Audits can help identify and resolve issues with air pathing and filtration, moisture, contaminants, and other issues. Within homes, these issues combined can cause asthma, allergies, pressure headaches and general malaise, not to mention the damage to the property.
With a proper implementation and work plan, an Energy Audit can drastically improve both comfort and IAQ. Contact us if you’d like to know how.