What Is a Home Energy Audit?

Everyone is interested in saving money where possible. When looking at areas to cut expenses that may be unnecessary, one place to look is the energy efficiency of your home. How can you determine if your home can be more airtight so your heating and cooling bills can be reduced? The answer to this question is a home energy audit that provides a thorough analysis of your home’s energy use.

At Fan Man of Charlotte, we expertly perform thorough home energy audits to help you identify energy loss, improve comfort, and lower energy costs. We can determine where and how energy is being lost in your home, which systems may not be operating efficiently, and propose cost-effective solutions to improve energy efficiency and comfort. In this article, we will address each test that is included in a comprehensive energy audit.

Purpose of a Home Energy Audit

A home energy assessment (energy audit) can help you understand the whole picture of your home’s energy use, comfort, and safety. A home energy audit is a professional inspection of your home that assesses its energy usage by examining elements like insulation, windows, doors, HVAC systems, lighting, appliances, and water heaters to identify areas where energy is being wasted. Afterward, the auditors provide recommendations for improvements to make your home more energy efficient, potentially lowering your utility bills.

A professional home energy assessment provides a thorough analysis of the energy you are using. In addition to a room-by-room examination of the home, a home energy professional may use equipment such as blower doors, infrared cameras, gas leak and carbon monoxide detectors, moisture meters, and non-toxic smoke pens.

Some of the tests that are included in an energy audit include:

• Blower Door Tests
• Thermal Imagery (using an Infrared Camera)
• Duct Leakage Testing
• R-value Analysis
• Smoke Pencil Testing
• Pressure Testing with a manometer
• Window & Door Evaluation

Blower Door Tests

Home energy professionals use a blower door test as a diagnostic tool to determine how much air is leaking through doors, windows, appliance outlets, and other openings as well as the duct system. A blower door is a powerful, variable-speed fan that can be temporarily mounted into an exterior door frame to provide controlled airflow for analysis. 

Blower door testing measures the air pressure within the home. By simulating outdoor conditions, technicians can evaluate how much air is escaping. When air pressure and airflow are controlled and measured, they can provide data about how airtight a building is. 

The three (3) variables involved are air pressure, flow, and holes or leaks. A change in one factor produces a change in at least one other factor. The blower door utilizes controlled differences in air pressure to collect data. Once it is installed inside an exterior door frame, the air pressure inside a building can be changed in relation to the outside pressure by forcing air into or out of the interior. The difference in pressure forces air through holes or leaks in the building envelope. A well-sealed building requires less airflow to generate a change in pressure.

Thermal Imagery Using Infrared Cameras

Thermal imagery using infrared cameras can detect air leaks by visualizing temperature differences. These differences indicate potential air leaks as cooler air from outside infiltrates a warmer indoor space, showing up as distinct “cold spots” on the thermal image. This method is very useful for identifying poorly sealed areas around windows, doors, and along wall junctions. This information can show areas, especially in hard-to-reach or obscured areas, for targeted insulation improvements to reduce energy loss.

Duct Leakage Testing

A duct leakage test, also called a Duct Air Leakage Test (DALT), measures the airtightness of a home's ductwork. The test uses a duct leakage tester to measure the airflow rate and pressure created by a fan. The result helps determine how well the duct system can hold air and identify any leaks.

A calibrated fan is connected to an unsealed register in the ductwork and the other registers are sealed off. The fan pressurizes the ductwork, forcing air out through any leaks. The amount of air moving through the fan and the pressure in the ductwork are measured to calculate the duct leakage. A duct leakage test can be performed before drywalling during construction or after the home is built.

The standard pressure used for duct leakage testing is 25 Pascals, which is similar to the operating pressure of a typical duct system. The leakage rate is usually measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM) per 100 square feet of the home.

R-Value Analysis

When using R-value analysis to determine airflow in a house, a high R-value indicates a well-insulated house with few leaks. This means the insulation material is more effective at resisting heat flow and insulating because it signifies a greater resistance to air movement. R-value measures how well as material resists heat traveling through it. The higher the R-value, the better the material's thermal performance.

Applications where airflow R-value is important include:

• Ventilation systems: Ductwork should have appropriate dimensions and smooth interiors to optimize the airflow.
• Building design: Air gaps within insulation layers should facilitate proper air circulation.
• HVAC systems: Airflow should be managed through filters and registers to ensure efficient heating and cooling.

Smoke Pencil Testing

One of the most effective ways to detect leaks is smoke testing. A smoke pencil is a device that emits a plume of glycerin vapor resembling smoke. It enables you to visually pinpoint hard-to-detect draughts and air leaks.

Pressure Testing with A Manometer

A manometer is used for air pressure testing by measuring the pressure difference between two points by observing the fluid level change in a U-shaped tube. It allows you to determine the pressure at a specific location relative to atmospheric pressure and is often used in HVAC systems to check static pressure within ducts by comparing the pressure at the supply and return air vents. The greater the fluid level difference, the greater the pressure differential between the points being tested.

A manometer doesn’t directly measure absolute pressure, but rather the pressure difference between 2 points. It is very effective in comparing pressure in different parts of a system like an HVAC ductwork. To test air pressure, connect the manometer’s hoses or probes to the appropriate pressure taps in the system, usually located on ducts or other components. Once the system is running, read the pressure difference on the manometer and compare it to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure range.

Window and Door Evaluation

A professional typically uses a specialized chamber to apply a controlled positive or negative air pressure to the window or door, measuring the amount of air leakage through cracks or gaps, thereby assessing its overall air sealing performance and identifying areas needing improvement.

After a Home Energy Audit

After a home energy audit, you receive the following information:

1. Comprehensive Analysis: An auditor has performed a thorough inspection that is shown in a comprehensive analysis.
2. Detailed Report: Following the inspection, the auditor provides a report outlining areas for improvement, potential energy savings for each upgrade, and cost estimates.
3. Targeted Improvements: Based on the audit findings, you can prioritize energy-saving upgrades like sealing air leaks, adding insulation, replacing inefficient appliances, or upgrading your HVAC system.

Why Choose Fan Man Inc. to Assess Your Home’s Energy Efficiency 

Fan Man Inc. in Charlotte is a trusted partner in assessing your home’s energy efficiency. With years of experience and a commitment to personalized service, our expert team provides customized solutions to address your home's unique challenges. 

Here are reasons why homeowners in the Charlotte area trust Fan Man for their energy-saving needs:

• We have expertise in energy efficiency: From crawlspace sealing and insulation installation to home energy audits, Fan Man Inc. offers comprehensive services designed to identify and eliminate energy inefficiencies.
• We provide customized solutions: Your home isn’t like any other home, which is why Fan Man Inc. takes a personalized approach to every project. We don’t have cookie-cutter solutions; we create specific plans to address the specific causes of drafts in your home.
• We have shown proven results: Fan Man Inc. has helped countless homeowners improve their comfort while reducing heating and cooling costs.
• We show long-term savings: Investing in Fan Man Inc.’s services not only solves immediate issues like drafts but also delivers long-term energy savings, helping you lower your utility bills year after year.
• We provide reliable and professional service: Our experienced team is reliable and dedicated to providing efficient, high-quality work with a focus on customer satisfaction.

Contact Fan Man Inc. for a Home Energy Audit

Don’t ignore the possibility that you may be able to lower your energy bills and create a home that is more energy efficient. Contact our team at Fan Man Inc. today to schedule a home energy audit that will leave no questions unanswered about the airtightness of your home. Call us at 704-759-9964 or complete our online contact form to receive more information on how you can start the process to have a cozier, more cost-effective home.