Insulation is the layer that traps air, reducing the amount of energy lost. Cats fluff up their fur, and birds spread out their feathers when the temperature drops, both of which help trap air and reduce heat loss.
An energy audit is an inspection by a professional that evaluates a building’s insulation, heating and cooling systems, lighting and more. It can also include testing like thermal imaging.
Insulation
Insulation is a crucial part of energy audits, because it minimizes heat transfer, improves energy efficiency and comfort, and helps reduce utility bills. It also reduces carbon emissions, thereby contributing to the protection of our planet and environment.
During an energy audit, an energy auditor will examine a home’s insulation and air sealing, and recommend upgrades that can reduce energy consumption. This may include addressing air leaks, replacing worn insulation, upgrading heating and cooling systems, installing new lighting, introducing renewable energy systems, and upgrading appliances to ENERGY STAR models.
An auditor will also look closely at past energy bills, which can help identify peak periods for usage. This information can help the homeowner determine what improvements will have the greatest impact, as well as which services will best suit their needs – such as attic insulation, basement rim joist insulation, or air sealing.
According to Pete Ielmini, executive director of the Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust LMCT, most building owners do not take advantage of the potential energy savings that are available by optimizing their HVAC system performance. He recently discussed this issue on America’s Work Force Union Podcast. He encouraged listeners to vote this November and support pro-union politicians and issues that will benefit working families. In addition, he spoke about the importance of mechanical insulation in improving energy efficiency and reducing utility costs.
Air Sealing
Air leaks are a major contributor to heating and cooling inefficiencies in a home, costing the homeowner money. An energy audit that includes a blower door test and thermal imaging can help identify areas where air is leaking, such as around doors, windows and drafty spots. A professional can seal these areas with caulk, weatherstripping and foam sealant to improve comfort and reduce utility bills.
While some homeowners may be able to find the source of these air leaks on their own, an energy audit is the best way to investigate. The auditor uses a tool called a blower door, which creates a negative pressure in the home to reveal areas where air is escaping. An auditor can also use a thermal camera to locate cold and hot spots in a home and determine where insulation is needed.
An experienced professional can install spray foam to seal cracks and gaps throughout the entire house, including in the attic. They can also add insulation where it is needed most, such as in walls, basements and crawlspaces. Insulation blocks conductive and convective heat transfer, helping to keep a house warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. The combination of air sealing and insulation offers maximum energy efficiency. Insulation also helps to lower a home’s noise levels by reducing the transmission of sound between rooms and between the attic and living spaces.
Lighting
An energy assessment provides valuable information for making cost-effective upgrades to a home. However, the investment is only worth it if you are going to implement the changes.
Energy auditors look at a building’s insulation, ductwork and HVAC system during a full inspection. They also take a look at your electricity bills to find areas of energy waste. They may also recommend specific lighting bulbs that are more efficient than standard incandescent.
In addition to reducing energy waste, adequate insulation enhances comfort. Insulation reduces temperature fluctuations and eliminates hot spots that would otherwise lead to discomfort for occupants. In addition, a well-insulated barrier helps air-conditioning systems operate efficiently by limiting the amount of energy they consume.
One of the most important procedures in a professional energy audit is the blower door test, which uses specialized equipment to measure airtightness and identify areas of leakage. Infrared scanning or thermographic inspections are often part of an energy assessment as well.
An energy assessment will usually check the insulation in attics and walls, evaluating its thickness and location. They will also examine the insulation around pipes and other piping penetrations in walls and attics to ensure they are sealed properly. They might even perform safety tests on heating and ventilation systems to ensure they are not interfering with combustion exhaust and allowing flue gasses to escape the building.
HVAC
The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is one of the most important parts of a building to examine when conducting an energy audit. During an assessment, an expert will check that the HVAC system is correctly sized and that insulation is adequately covering walls. They’ll also inspect the ductwork to ensure that it is sealed properly. This helps prevent warm and cool air from being lost through crevices where the ductwork runs. It’s also a good idea to check that all the wiring is in proper working order, as damaged wires can also cause extra energy consumption.
In addition to examining the HVAC equipment, insulation levels and ductwork, an energy auditor will conduct various tests such as thermal imaging or blower door testing to assess air leakage. This information is then analyzed and recommendations are made to improve the HVAC system’s efficiency.
It’s important to look for an auditor with a strong track record when choosing someone to perform your energy audit. Ask for examples of previous work and be sure to ask about the results achieved.
The most basic type of energy audit is a walk-through analysis, which generally looks at equipment and operational practices. This level of evaluation identifies low-cost opportunities, and provides potential savings and simple payback estimates. A more thorough survey, known as an investment-grade audit, allows managers to make more detailed modifications and offers more accurate energy consumption estimates for the proposed projects.