| An energy inspection or audit is designed to | | | | structure’s envelope. This refers to the |
| assess various aspects of a property, in order to | | | | barrier between the interior and exterior |
| save the customer money on the household | | | | environment. The quality of the structure and its |
| energy bill. The efficiency of appliances, mechanical | | | | ability to maintain temperature efficiently and |
| systems, the structure’s envelope and the | | | | regulate moisture and air flow are key areas of |
| home’s orientation are evaluated to design | | | | concern. The energy audit includes inspection of |
| the best plan for creating a more energy efficient | | | | the foundation, roof, walls, doors and windows. |
| home. Audits are typically more comprehensive | | | | The specific condition of the components and the |
| than energy inspections as they incorporate | | | | types of materials used is assessed as related to |
| infrared technology, a blower door test and | | | | air leakage and to determine the R-factor of |
| computer analysis, in order to accurately pinpoint | | | | these components. (The R-factor refers to the |
| problem areas in a home. Short and/or long term | | | | component’s thermal resistance.) |
| plans can be designed. The use of the client’s | | | | Recommendations are then made as to how to |
| yearly energy bill is helpful in creating such a plan. | | | | improve on the quality of the envelope’s |
| Household appliances and fixtures are assessed by | | | | components. These recommendations might |
| examining their input/output ratio. Typically, | | | | include adding insulation, energy efficient windows, |
| Energy Star upgrades are recommended where | | | | sealing doors and windows, insulating the hot |
| appropriate (an upgrade can reduce energy usage | | | | water heater and water lines, and sealing and |
| by 40%) and compact fluorescent light bulbs | | | | insulating ducts transporting hot and cold air. |
| (CFLs—these convert about 20% of the | | | | The results of the audit include a report of the |
| electricity flowing through them to light vs. the | | | | findings as well as recommendations on how to |
| 5% that incandescent bulbs convert). These | | | | improve the energy efficiency of the home. |
| decisions are based on the short and long term | | | | Reports generated by an audit normally include |
| needs of the homeowner. In addition, the | | | | infrared photos which document the report |
| mechanical systems such as the heating/cooling, | | | | findings. Short and long term recommendations |
| ventilation and thermostat are also assessed. | | | | are made and yearly follow-up assessments |
| One of the most important concerns of the | | | | scheduled according to the homeowner’s |
| energy inspection or audit is to assess the | | | | needs. |