Energy Audits

We evaluate the four primary factors that determine efficiency of heating/cooling systems and comfort, which are summarized below. We also address indoor air quality, moisture control, other miscellaneous energy-related items, and make recommendations for improvement.

Air Infiltration through older houses often exceeds one air change per hour on average, year around (NACH). This Natural Air Change rate in newer homes is usually less than 1/3 air change per hour. Using a "blower door," we measure air leakage and identify specific leakage sites.

Duct Leakage is the loss of conditioned air via supply leaks or the introduction of unconditioned air into the system via the return side, or both. Conventional HVAC systems leak 20-30 percent of capacity. Using a "duct blaster" and "blower door" we quantify duct leakage, identify specific leakage sites, differentiate between leakage inside and outside the building envelope.

Insulation in ceilings is more important than in walls or floors because the temperature differential from one side to the other is greatest for ceilings. We evaluate type of insulation, amount and workmanship of installation.

Equipment Capacity is measured in tons for air conditioning and heat pumps and in thousands of Btus for combustion furnaces. Efficiency is measured in Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings (SEER) for air conditioning and heat pumps and in Heating Season Performance Factors (HSPF) for combustion furnaces.

Often existing and proposed new equipment is oversized, costing more to purchase and to operate than right-sized equipment. Oversized equipment cycles more frequently, which reduces equipment life; and, oversized air-conditioning does not dehumidify as well as right sized equipment.

In January 2006, the Federal minimum standard of efficiency for new equipment was increased by thirty percent to 13 SEER for heat pumps and air conditioning. To achieve the full improvement in efficiency, usually all components must be replaced.

Indoor Air Quality and Moisture Control problems are frequently related to general air infiltration, duct leakage, insulation and equipment deficiencies. However, with crawl space foundations, other factors often dominate.

OUR SERVICE AREA

Virginia Beach , Chesapeake , Norfolk , Portsmouth , Cape Charles , Hampton , Suffolk