Energy Audits
 
The first step in preparing to save energy is to find out where you are losing energy and money. Innovative Creations can perform energy audits in many different types of residences and businesses. An energy audit will show you problems that may, when corrected, save you significant amounts of money over time or even immediately!
 
The energy audits that are performed can go into great detail. Each audit is a room-by-room examination as well as a thorough examination of past utility bills. Audits consist of tools and tests such as Thermal Imaging Cameras, HVAC tests and Blower Door Tests.
 
Blower Door Test
 
The blower door test is used to help determine air-tightness of a structure. Reasons for establishing the proper building tightness include:
  • Reducing energy consumption due to air leakage
  • Avoiding moisture condensation problems
  • Avoiding uncomfortable drafts caused by cold air leaking in from the outdoors
  • Making sure that the home's air quality is not too contaminated by indoor air pollution
Thermal Imaging Cameras
 
Thermal cameras are used to detect thermal defects and air leakage in building envelopes. Thermographic scans are commonly used with a blower door test running. The blower door helps exaggerate air leaking through defects in the building shell. Such air leaks appear as black streaks in the infrared camera's viewfinder. Infrared scanning allows energy auditors to check the effectiveness of insulation in a building's construction. In addition to using thermography during an energy audit, you should have a scan done before purchasing a house; even new houses can have defects in their thermal envelopes.
 
HVAC Tests
 
HVAC tests are performed on the duct work to determine if the HVAC duct work is leaking and where it is leaking. The energy audit report will include recommendations on how to solve any HVAC related problems.
 
See Sample ENERGY AUDIT REPORT
 
Return to Energy Info