The use of green energy goes hand in hand with energy efficiencies.
Home energy audits by certified professionals are the best way to get started on your energy independence plan.
The Building Performance Institute sets the standards for a thorough energy audit and defines how to evaluate all aspects of energy consumption Make your that the audit is performed by person with many years of construction experience and holds a BPI certification.
An audit should always start with saftey test to make sure the CO levels from combustion appliances are in tolerated levels.
Blower door testing creates a negative pressure in a home to exaggerate both air leakage point that let the cold air in as well as heat loss points that lets hot air escape. Infrared imaging cameras and other special instruments allow the auditor to perform many tests to determine how well your home performs. Evaluation of electrical use is performed to determine how power is being consumed.
The energy audit report shows all tests performed, the results of the tests and a ranked recommendation of energy improvements that should be made to reduce consumption from improved efficiencies. Most home owners can save over 30% of their current energy bills by following the recommendations made by the BPI certified energy auditor.
Once the building is operating efficiently, alternative energy systems like geothermal heating/cooling and solar or wind can be added to drop energy costs and usage even more!
Learn more at http://www.bpi.org/Web%20Download/BPI%20Standards/BPI-101%20Revised%20Home%20Energy%20Auditing%20Standard%20May%205%202010.pdf