Tools of the Trade

Blower Door

The blower door test measures the air tightness within a structure. The test uses a large fan to depressurize the building and scientific calculations to determine the amount of air leakage in a home. The auditor can calculate difference in air pressure, use a smoke stick, or use an infrared camera to pinpoint which areas of the home leak air. Identifying leaky areas of the home helps diagnose ways in which we can reduce energy consumption, reduce moisture infiltration, and locate the source uncomfortable drafts and poor air quality in one’s home. 

Duct Blaster

The duct blaster test quantifies the efficiency of one’s heating and air duct system. Similar to the blower door test, the duct blaster uses a fan to calculate the leakage within the duct system. This is a helpful tool to help determine if the air produced from your heating and cooling system is actually reaching the home’s living space. We find most homes have highly leaky duct systems and that leaky ducts can be one of the biggest contributors to high utility bills.

Infrared Camera

One of the key components of an effective home energy audit is the infrared camera. This consists of a thorough visual inspection of a home, including the basement, attic, and all the nooks and crannies, with an infrared camera. The camera detects differences in heat, and when used with the blower door test, the camera reveals spots where the house is wasting energy & money, and gives a clear direction for fixing the problems.

EnergyPro Software

EnergyPro is an important software tool used across the industry to quantify expected energy improvements. After an energy assessment, information collected from the home is entered into the program and used in conjunction with our analysis to create a personalized energy report of your home.

Combustion Analyzer & Natural Gas Leak Detectors

During an audit a combustion analyzer is applied to all combustible appliances (furnace, stove, water heater, etc.) to test for safety levels of Carbon Monoxide. Natural gas leak detectors are also used to identify any gas leaks in the home.

Miscellaneous Tools

An auditor will use a variety of other digital tools that may help determine moisture problems, efficiencies of appliances, electrical issues, and other general safety concerns.