Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is an Energy audit?
   The Energy Audit is a series of visual and diagnostic testing to ascertain the health and efficiency of your home. During the home owner interview, the auditor will ask questions and listen to your concerns about your home and the areas you may be experiencing any discomfort. See this illustration of common house problems.
    
2. How do I schedule an audit?
   The first step is to complete our online questionnaire. Be as complete as possible but don’t worry if you leave something blank. We will begin the paper work and contact you to schedule a time and day that is convenient for you.
    
3. What will the audit tell me?
   The auditor will test the health and safety of your home as well as the efficiency and performance of your appliances. Indoor air quality issues such as moisture, carbon monoxide, and air infiltration will be analyzed and recorded by the auditor. The safety and efficiency of the heating and the domestic hot water systems is also tested. The auditor will do a specialized test to ensure that these combustion appliances are properly drafting, removing dangerous chemical byproducts from your home.
    
4. How long does the audit take?
   The average audit takes approximately 2 to 3 hours. Additional testing may be required adding to the length of time
    
5. How much does the audit cost?
   For the standard audit, the cost is $225, which will be refunded if A&E Construction is contracted to complete the energy related improvements. Your contractor may have additional testing and analysis available and will discuss those costs and benefits with you.
    
6. How do I schedule an audit?
   The first step is to complete our online questionnaire. Be as complete as possible but don’t worry if you leave something blank. We will begin the paper work and contact you to schedule a time and day that is convenient for you.
    
7. Do I need to prepare for the audit?
   Yes, the help of the home owner makes the audit smoother and more complete. Active fireplaces should not be used for 24 hours prior to the audit. Additionally, the fireplace must be completely cleaned out and free of logs & ashes. The auditor will need to have full access to all areas of the home, especially the attic space and basement. If these areas are used for storage, the home owner should make every effort to clear the area for the audit. Clothes dryers should be empty and gas ovens should be clean and free of aluminum foil. Pets will need to be confined to a secure place. See how to prepare for your energy audit.
    
8. Do I need to provide the auditor with anything?
   Yes, the auditor will need copies of your fuel and electric bills for the prior 12 months of usage upon arrival or before the day of the audit. Payment for services rendered will also be needed the day the audit is completed.
    
9. Will I qualify for the subsidized air sealing?
   All homes that have a BPI certified audit do qualify for the subsidized air sealing. However, certain issues if identified during the auditing process that pose health or safety issues must be corrected and address prior to proceeding with any air sealing corrective measures. These issues included but are not limited to moistures problems, dryer & bath fan venting issues, combustion appliance safety test failures and/or the presence of hazardous materials (such as asbestos, vermiculate, etc). Note the repair and or correction of these issues are not covered under the provision of free air sealing and must be paid for or addressed by the homeowner prior to commencement of any free air sealing work.
    
10. What if I have moisture issues?
    Excess moisture in your home can be a problem resulting in active or spreading mold. Standing water in the basement, leaky roofs and pipes, and high humidity from improperly vented kitchens, baths and saunas are problems that will be documented in the report. Replacing or installing venting, improved grading around basements, repairing leaky roofs and plumbing will be recommendations made in the report. A home that has moisture issues should not be air sealed until corrections are made.
     
11. Sometimes there are strange odors in my home. What is the cause?
    Odors in the home are a health and safety issue. A lack of proper ventilation can cause moisture issues and poor indoor air quality. Improper air supply to the heating and hot water systems can produce conditions that do not let them draft properly. The audit will test and document this information and make recommendations for improvements if necessary.
     
12. Will the auditor make the repairs?
    No, the auditor will test, analyze and document all aspects of the homes performance. A detailed report will be made to you with recommendations for improvements. A certified home performance contractor will then be needed to make the appropriate repairs/improvements to qualify for any Energy Star incentives.
     
13. Will I have to be there for the entire audit?
    Only for the client interview. The auditor needs to ask you for some details about your home and is interested in things that you have to say about its performance. Once the interview is complete, the home owner can choose to leave until the audit is over.
     
14. What is the Blower Door test?
    The blower door test is an additional diagnostic test and is not part of the standard audit. The front door is opened and a nylon door with a fan is put in its place. When running, the fan will depressurize the house simulating a 20 mile an hour wind. This test intensifies normal conditions making it easier to identify air leakage locations and diagnose corrective measures.