HOME ENERGY ASSESSMENTS


How to Plan For and What to Expect

BEFORE YOUR ASSESSMENT

In preparation for your assessment, please do the following:

  • Arrange to be home during at least the first 20-30 minutes of your scheduled appointment time. We will be unable to conduct the assessment if other contractors/vendors are inside the home. Contractors/vendors performing exterior work is acceptable.

  • Plan to provide copies of or access to one or more years’ worth of your home’s utility bills and energy usage.

  • Any naturally drafting wood burning stoves or fireplaces need to be extinguish 24 hours before the assessment, ashes removed, and vacuumed out PRIOR TO OUR ARRIVAL, and the flues closed. The testing includes a large fan that may pull hot or dirty ashes onto the floor and carpeting.

  • Make sure there is clear access all rooms and all mechanical equipment.

  • Secure dogs and other pets in a separate room or kennel so our analysts can focus on performing the assessment. Cats are okay roaming the home during the assessment, but the front door will be open for periods of time so if they are not outside cats they should be secured for their own safety.

  • Plan for your assessor to park near the front door. They will have a fair amount of heavy equipment to carry in and it takes 2-3 trips.

  • Expect the entire process to take between 2-4 hours depending on the size and age of your home.

DURING YOUR ASSESSMENT

Your assessor will perform the following services during your assessment:

Visual Inspection and Documentation

  • For the first 20–30 minutes of the appointment, your assessor will speak with the homeowner to gather information and conduct a thorough inspection. This includes measuring, photographing, and documenting details about your home's interior living spaces, attic, basement or crawlspace, mechanical systems, appliances, and fans.

    The exterior of your home will also be inspected. The assessor will take detailed measurements, note structural features such as wall areas, venting, and the overall building condition, and check for issues like air leaks, drainage problems, and gas pipe leaks.

    This data is entered into our software and helps identify your home's energy inefficiencies, allowing us to provide targeted recommendations and determine eligibility for energy rebates. To ensure a smooth process, the homeowner—or someone familiar with the home—should be available to answer questions during this time.

Diagnostic Testing

  • Your assessor will conduct a series of diagnostic tests to evaluate your home's energy efficiency and safety. These tests include:

    • Blower Door Test: Measures the air tightness of your home to identify areas of air leakage and drafts.

    • Combustion Safety Tests: Ensures that mechanical systems, such as your furnace and water heater, are operating safely and efficiently.

    • Ductwork and Gas Line Inspection: Evaluates the condition of your ductwork, gas lines, and other areas of concern.

    • Smoke Stick Test: This clean-burning tool is used to pinpoint air leaks in your home. While it may produce a light smoky scent, the smell typically fades before the assessment is complete.

    During the testing process:

    • Doors may be opened and closed multiple times.

    • Hoses and testing equipment may be placed on the floor; please avoid stepping on them.

    • Ventilation systems, such as bathroom fans, dryers, and kitchen exhausts, will be tested to ensure adequate air circulation.

    Important Note: Please do not turn off any fans, dryers, or kitchen exhausts during the testing, as this could interfere with the results, particularly for the Carbon Monoxide safety test.

    If conditions allow, the assessor may also use an infrared camera to identify air leaks and inadequate insulation in your walls. (This service is weather-dependent and may not be possible under certain conditions.)

AFTER YOUR ASSESSMENT

After your assessment, you will receive an:

Home Energy Assessment Report

  • Within 3-4 business days following your home energy assessment, you'll receive an BPI Certified Home Performance Assessment Report.

  • This personalized report includes:

    • Prioritized list of recommended efficiency improvements, results from the safety tests, and photos highlighting specific areas for improvement.

    • Please note that this is a private report, not affiliated with state or federal agencies, and a copy will only be provided to you. Be sure to retain it, as it can be a valuable resource for your realtor if you decide to sell your home in the future.