What is an Energy Audit and do I really need one.

What is an Energy Audit and do I really need one.
I have put some additional insulation in the attic and my home is only 6 years old. My windows are good and I weather stripped the doors.
I‟m spending about $3,000.00 a year for oil and my electric bill is about $150.00 a month. I‟m good to go right?

Not necessarily. If you want to learn how to save money and increase comfort, you need to get a professional Energy Audit. The Energy Audit should be done by a trained, experienced professional with a Building Performance Institute (BPI) or similar certification. This will help ensure you get a comprehensive audit done to the BPI standards. Check the ID of the person performing the Audit and make note of it.

A comprehensive Energy Audit will provide you with an Energy Game Plan, that will focus on conservation, building performance, ventilation, lighting, mechanical equipment, appliances, and renewable energy solutions.

A safety inspection of all combustion appliances must be completed. This includes carbon monoxide testing, draft measurement, spillage evaluation and worst case depressurization of the combustion appliance zone. If natural or propane gas is used it also includes checking for leaks.

Building airflow and leakage is the next check and is done with a blower door test. The home is put under negative pressure and each area of the home is checked for air leakage. By knowing the volume of the building we can compare it to ASHRAE standards to see if you have the proper ventilation. Too little can make you sick and too much is wasting energy.

The next area is to check all appliances and lighting for energy usage and year of manufacture. Any old appliances should be exchanged for Energy Star appliances. Most lights should have energy saving bulbs such as compact florescence and pin based lighting.

We then measure R-values of insulation in the walls and ceiling
and determine if any is missing or out of place. An inferred gun is helpful to determine missing insulation or leakage in areas of poor or no insulation, as in around windows and outlets.

A report is generated to identify the tests performed, the results and a ranked list of improvements to lower operating costs. Armed with all this information, the Energy Auditor develops an Energy Plan for your home and living habits. This plan is comprehensive and shows which actions should be taken and how to phase in improvements over time. This plan may take years to implement depending on condition of the building and budget.

By John Haithcock
Adros Energy Sr. Auditor
John is a Build Green NH Member

More information is available at http://www.adrosenergy.com/home-owners