Services
What is an energy audit? In short, an energy audit is an inspection designed to evaluate the way that a building uses energy and, more importantly, wastes energy.
Take an air conditioner for example. An HVAC system is designed to lower the temperature of the air that it draws in from the home by around 16-20 degrees. Using a best case scenario lets assume it is 80 degrees in your home when you return from work. When you turn down the thermostat to cool off for the evening, the conditioned air that is being supplied into the home from the HVAC system would be around 60 degrees. For the HVAC system to operate as efficiently as possible it is vital for the return air to the system to be as cool as possible to continue the cooling trend. By the time the conditioned air in the home is returned to cycle through the HVAC system again it has been subjected to radiant solar heating from the windows and sun exposed walls, infiltration of super-heated air (up to 160 degrees) from the unconditioned attic/wall space, heat penetration through inadequate insulation and outdoor air infiltration. The HVAC system is now trying to condition air that is only a fraction cooler than what it originally produced. This example has not even taken into account leakage of conditioned air from the HVAC duct system which is one of the largest sources of energy waste and HVAC inefficiency. Please take a few minutes to scroll through the photo gallery for some examples.
An energy audit is designed to evaluate the home and identify the factors in the example above as well as others that have a large impact on energy costs and usage. In addition to the evaluation, recommendations are provided for improvement or repairs to reduce energy waste, increase savings and identify rebate eligibility. Airtight Building Performance has two types of audits available. For those needing to comply with the new ECAD Ordinance for the City of Austin we offer the Austin ECAD Audit designed to evaluate those specific items required by the ordinace. For those who are experiencing high energy costs, having trouble cooling an individual room or just want to learn how to make their home as energy efficient as possible we offer the Comprehensive Building Performance Evaluation to assess to entire home.
Austin ECAD Audit
Why choose Airtight Building Performance for your Austin ECAD Audit? A diverse background has afforded me hands on experience in both new construction and retro-fit HVAC installation, extensive experience working with realtors and clients on both sides of the real estate transaction and over 15 years of performing residential and commercial loss control inspections as a local insurance agent. With this unique collaboration of resources added to the technical and ethical standards adhered to as a BPI Certified Building Analyst Professional I am able to provide a scientific and knowledgeable evaluation and communicate these findings with an understanding of the complexities that are unique to each transaction to best help assist in the sale of the property. Airtight also has DKey lockbox access for your convenience.
The Austin ECAD Audit addresses only those items necessary to meet the ECAD requirements and includes:
- Identifies windows in need of solar shading
- Assessment of Attic insulation condition and current R Value
- Heating and Air Conditioning System evaluation and assessment of condition of mechanical system
- Air Duct System evaluation including Duct Blower testing to determine leakage amounts
- Recommendations for improving energy efficiency and savings opportunities
Comprehensive Building Performance Evaluation
What is the benefit of completing a Comprehensive Building Performance Evaluation? By assessing the home as a single system made up of several components we are able to expand our evaluation to include air infiltration, possible intrusion of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) such as paints or chemicals stored in or around the home, moisture penetration, carbon monoxide exposure as well as expand on opportunities to improve indoor air quality and maximize energy efficiency savings opportunities.
The Comprehensive Building Performance Evaluation includes everything for the Austin ECAD Audit and expands the evaluation to include the entire home by including:
Blower Door Testing
- Determines air infiltration into the home
- Determine correct ventilation needs
- Locates sources of air infiltration
- Recommendations for improved Indoor Air Quality
Carbon Monoxide (CO)Testing of Combustion appliances
- Determines Levels of CO generated by appliance
- Checks for proper drafting of appliance
Gas Leakage Testing
- Checks for gas leaks at visible supply from wall to appliance
General Home Investigation
- Identify potential moisture penetration
- Review of energy consumption
- Identify Fire and Volatile Organic Compound Hazards
- Identify liability hazards
- Recommendations for improved energy efficiency and savings opportunities
Pricing
| Square Footage | Price |
|---|---|
| 0-1999 sqft | $195 |
| 2000-3499 sqft | $245 |
| 3500-4999 sqft | $295 |
| > 5000 sqft | call |
- Homes above 5000 sqft please call for pricing
- Add $50 for split system or each additional HVAC system
- Add $20 for each room with ceilings over 12ft
- For Comprehensive Building Performance Evaluation please call for pricing
***Pricing can vary depending on the type of audit, size of the home, ceiling height and the number of air conditioning units that are present. For an accurate quote please call 423-0394 or click here to complete and submit the quote request form. Your quote will be returned on the day that it is received***