HOW DOES A HOME ENERGY AUDIT WORK?

A whole house energy assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of your home’s energy efficiency, designed to identify areas where you can save energy, reduce carbon emissions, and lower your energy bills. Here’s what you can expect during the assessment process:

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EXISTING CONSTRUCTION

The assessment will also include an evaluation of your home’s construction materials and methods. This means looking at the age and type of your building, as these factors influence how well it retains heat. For instance, older homes may have different energy efficiency challenges compared to newer builds, which might have been designed with modern materials that improve thermal performance.

INSULATION INSPECTION

One of the key components of your energy assessment will be an inspection of your home’s insulation. This includes checking the insulation in your loft, walls, floors, and even around your pipes. The assessor will look for gaps or insufficient insulation that could be causing heat loss. Proper insulation not only helps maintain a comfortable temperature in your home but also plays a critical role in reducing energy consumption.

WINDOWS AND DOORS

Your energy assessor will check the condition of your windows and doors, as they are major sources of heat loss. They will look for drafts, gaps, and the type of glazing. Double or triple glazing can significantly enhance energy efficiency compared to single-pane windows. The assessor will also provide recommendations for repairs or replacements if your windows and doors are underperforming.

EXISTING HEATING SYSTEMS

As part of the assessment, the existing heating systems will be examined. This includes evaluating your boiler, radiators, and any other heating sources you use. The assessor will consider the age, efficiency rating, and operational performance of your heating system, and offer insights into potential upgrades or improvements, such as switching to a more efficient boiler or implementing smart heating controls.

AIR TIGHTNESS AND THERMAL IMAGING

Air tightness testing identify's how much air is escaping from your home. This involves a blower door test, which measures the amount of air leakage in the building envelope. Additionally, thermal imaging technology may be employed to visualize the heat loss areas. The assessor will take images that highlight cold spots, indicating where insulation or sealing improvements are needed.

BOROSCOPE TESTING

Boroscope testing is used to examine hidden areas within your home’s structure. The assessor will use this small camera to inspect areas such as the voids in walls or attics without causing any disruption. This helps in identifying potential problems like damp, insulation issues, or structural concerns that are not visible to the naked eye.

HEAT AND HUMIDITY LOG

To gain a comprehensive understanding of your home's performance in everyday living conditions, you may be encouraged to keep a self-guided log for a week. We will provide the equipment and documentation so you can note temperature readings and humidity levels in different rooms throughout your home at various times of the day.

This approach provides valuable insights into how heat and moisture levels fluctuate with your daily routines, occupancy, and weather changes. By tracking this data, you’ll gain a clearer picture of your home’s energy performance and be better positioned to discuss findings and recommendations with your energy assessor.

A whole house energy assessment not only helps you understand your home’s current energy performance but also empowers you to make informed decisions about upgrades and improvements. By addressing the insights gained from this assessment, you can create a more comfortable living environment while also benefiting from energy savings and a reduced carbon footprint.