| Testing Procedures
Listed
below are some of the primary testing methods utilized during an Energy
Audit.
|
|
Thermal Imaging
Used to determine air leakage, insulation issues, and water damage.
Thermal imaging provides an image based on heat instead of light. |
|
Blower Door testing
Used to
determine the potential for cold air infiltration. Standard
recognized value of cubic feet per minute of air flow with the home
depressurized to -50 Pascal's is obtained (CFM50). Once the volume of
the home is determined, air changes per hour at -50 Pascals can be
determined (ACH50). Other zone diagnostics can provide
information related to "where" the leaks are occurring.
(Note: All fires need to be extinguished prior to testing). |
| Visual Inspection
Probably the
most important procedure in the Energy Audit is visual inspection and
home specifications. Such information includes insulation levels,
window and door area, wall area, structure volume, heating and cooling
system infrastructure, and other similar items. |
| Combustion Zone Testing
BPI outlined testing is carried out to determine if
there is the potential for CO back drafting into the home during the
heating season. (Note: Weatherization can increase the
chance of this. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. Verify after
weatherization work that this can not occur.) |
|
Duct Testing and Exhaust
Flow During the
-50 depressurization of the home, we inspect forced air vents to determine
if there is leakage to the exterior. We also test bathroom fans to
determine proper operation and installation. |
