Energy Audits: What Homeowners Need to Know

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BPI recommends that the combustion flue gases of open-flame devices be tested for combustion by-products, such as carbon monoxide. Since carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless and invisible gas, most people are unaware of its presence unless they begin to experience flu-like symptoms. Testing for carbon monoxide and other gases is always a good idea, especially if you are considering making the residence more airtight.

More advanced energy audits also involve the use of an infrared (IR) camera, also known as a thermal imaging camera. (See Image Gallery.) IR cameras can “see” behind walls if there is a sizable temperature difference between the inside air and the outside ambient air. They can determine if there is missing insulation, significant air leakage areas and can even locate water leaks and moisture behind solid surfaces. This feature is especially helpful in locating water sources that might be contributing to mold, mildew and other fungus growth. The combination of a blower door and IR camera makes it possible to detect problems that otherwise could have gone unnoticed for long periods of time, perhaps not becoming evident until there was serious damage to the structure or significant mold growth.

Other testing devices that an energy auditor might employ include a flow hood for measuring air flow through supply/return registers, exhaust fans and other devices; a digital thermometer for determining air, flue or water temperatures; a sling psychrometer for determining relative humidity; and a mold and/or radon test kit.

Are all of these tests included in most energy audits?

Most energy audits do not involve all the equipment I have mentioned because the more tests involved in an energy audit, the higher the fee. You also will probably find that the more established companies with highly trained staff will, as a rule, charge a higher fee than a beginning auditor. If you have decided that you would like to have an audit performed on your residence, I suggest that you contact your local energy providers to see if they offer rebates or incentives to offset some or all of the cost of the audit. I also predict that the federal stimulus money might be structured to provide some relief toward the cost of energy audits and, possibly, energy improvements. There are federal tax credits available for residential energy improvements. You can learn more about those on the Energy Star website.

What are some of the improvements a home energy audit is likely to recommend?

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