Q1: What is “whole home performance,” and why should I care?
A: Whole home performance refers to considering your house as the complex system it actually is, rather than separate parts like walls and ceiling, insulation, and some kind of heating system. It uses the relatively new field of “building science” developed over the last 12 or 15 years to understand how the various parts of the building work together. This is important because the first step in solving problems is understanding what causes them.
For example, if your house is leaky and you find it cold, you may want to add insulation. An HVAC contractor may recommend a larger furnace. However, air passes through insulation, and a larger furnace will use more energy. The real solution is to seal the leaks, and then properly install insulation where it is needed. Whole home performance is a method for finding the real issues with your home, and dealing with them directly and effectively.Q2: What does a home energy audit include?
A: Our energy audits start with an interview with the homeowners to find what concerns or questions they have about their home. These might include problems with moisture, drafts, or just high energy bills. During our inspection, we pay particular attention to what might be causing the homeowners' particular concerns.
A blower door test will measure the air leakage through the house. During the test, we can identify major leakage sources. If the house has ducts, we will test them for leakage as well. We will perform a visual inspection of the attic, crawlspace, and the heating and cooling equipment, noting any problems. We will also measure and record electrical consumption of selected appliances in the home.
We can discuss preliminary results with you immediately, and will have a comprehensive report available in a day or two.Q3: What does it cost?
A: The time and cost of the inspection depend on the size and complexity of your home; you can expect to pay between $250 and $350 for our inspection. Prior to starting the inspection, we will establish a fixed fee for your home. A typical inspection will take about 3 to 5 hours, plus time to prepare the report.Q4: How is your inspection different from the energy surveys I can find on the web?
A: Web-based energy surveys, like those sent out by utility companies, can alert you to obvious problems like leaky doors and windows and improper thermostat settings. However, a house is a complex system with many hidden areas. There is no substitute for a thorough inspection by a trained expert. And many factors require specialized equipment and knowledge. For example, measuring air infiltration requires a blower door test. Do-it-yourself methods are a good starting point, but if you are not fully satisfied with the results, it’s time to call an expert.Q5: I want to put solar panels on my house. Can you help me?
A: If you are interested in installing solar power, a good place to start is by reducing your electrical needs. Reducing your consumption will allow the use of a smaller solar array, greatly shrinking the purchase and installation costs. Contact us to do a comprehensive electrical usage analysis of you home if you are contemplating going solar.Q6: What other services and products do you sell?
A: We are an independent inspection agency, and do not sell products, or services beyond the home energy inspections discussed here. However, we can recommend products we have used and in which we have confidence.Q7: What is a HERS rater, and do I need one?
A: Unless you are a builder or contractor, no you don't. HERS stands for Home Energy Rating System; in California, a HERS rater is responsible for verifying the proper installation and operation of selected energy features in new construction and certain remodels. These features include well-sealed heating and cooling ducts, use of high-efficiency air conditioners, and proper installation of insulation, among others.
If you are a contractor or builder and require HERS field verification and diagnostic testing, EES can provide a CalCERTS-certified HERS rater for both new residential construction and remodels, as well as solar installations under the California New Solar Homes Partnership.
(Note that a Home Energy Rating System is used in many states to provide a rating for the energy efficiency of a new home. However, this rating system is not available in California.)