As a home energy rating system professional, I am often asked by potential clients: "What can I do to my house to make it more efficient?"

My answer is always the same: "I have no idea." WHAT ABOUT: "IT DEPENDS." Every property is unique with regard to energy efficiency. I can give you 100 tips to help your family change their energy-use habits, but I cannot offer even one idea without seeing your particular property.

The job of the auditor is to inspect, test and measure a home to identify the type, size and rate of consumption for each major energy category. An auditor must visit your home to complete this analysis.

Before you get this assessment, you have to find the right auditor. Professionals in the field range widely in training, experience and expertise. Look for auditors who can make specific assessments and have undergone rigorous education, field training and national level testing. Ask for credentials, years of experience and references. When you decide upon an auditor, make sure you ask for a written report that spells out your issues in plain English.

Upon completion of testing and inspection, the auditor will prepare a report recommending the most cost-effective and practical remediation techniques for the home, the estimated cost of supplies and the scope of work. This list includes specific energy conservation measures that could reduce energy use and costs in the space. The energy audit will consist of analysis in some combination of the following areas:

* A visual inspection of your crawlspace/basement, exterior, attic, heating and cooling systems, ductwork and all floor space. The purpose of this review is to identify common areas of air infiltration/uncontrolled air flow.

* Completion of the energy conservation survey. Though it varies among auditors, the survey requires analysis, notes and pictures on the following: lighting; age, condition and efficiency of heating and cooling units; type, u-factor which is the inverse of R-value (R-value is the resistance to thermal transfer or how long it takes for hot or cold to move through a barrier), and functionality of windows; condition and efficiency of water heating units; and the integrity, amount, condition and type of insulation.

* Infrared camera inspection of walls, ceiling and floors to search for insulation voids or substantial gaps, as well as areas of air filtration.

* A blower door test to gauge "leakiness" of your property, with zonal testing to identify priority leakage areas and calculation of the number of air changes per hour. This service will usually add about $100 to the cost of the audit.

* Collection of your bills or authorization to access those bills from your utility provider.

* Areas generally lacking in air sealing, including recessed lighting and bathroom vents.

* Notes of any unsafe or unhealthy items, as well as other behavioral issues.

* Notes collected on any other areas that warrant attention.

This audit will take two to six hours, and the report may be provided that day or delivered later. The assessment should include a prioritized list of energy conservation measures that will deliver the most bang for the buck.

 

Andrew J. Courts, Jr. is the Managing Principal and Chief Energy Auditor at NC Energy Partners, an Energy Management Cooperative headquartered in Greensboro, NC. He holds the LEED AP, HERS Rater, and BPI Building Analyst certifications among others. A leader in energy efficiency and renewable energy, Mr. Courts also owns GreensboroGreen.com, a green podcasting firm and CJA Green Realty.