Building Performance Institute Certified

The Building Performance Institute, Inc. (BPI) is a recognized global leader, supporting the development of a highly professional building performance industry through individual and organizational credentialing and a rigorous quality assurance program.

Our Auditing Services

A "whole house" energy audit evaluates health and safety, durability, comfort and energy efficiency and gives us the information we need to recommend the best solutions to building performance problems. We conduct both Level 2 and 3 audits depending on the homeowner’s needs and budget (levels as defined by the national certifying agency RESNET). Level 2 and 3 audits involve the same site survey and tests, but only a Level 3 audit includes energy modeling to generate a full report with projected savings. Considerable time and attention is devoted to this comprehensive audit process. Our fees vary based on audit level, complexity of home design and mechanical systems so please call for an individual quote.

We strongly suggest a Level 2 or 3 whole house audit before contracting for new heating and cooling equipment, alternative heating source, insulation or windows. Single scope contractors understandably want to sell you what they install. Only a Home Performance Contractor (HPC) assesses your house-as-a-system based on principles of building science. This underlying approach is what defines an HPC and separates us from single-scope contractors or even general home remodelers who don’t typically study building science.

Every audit, regardless of level, consists of the following procedures:

Customer interview:   What concerns prompted your call (energy, comfort, air quality, insects,  building deterioration, etc.)? Where do you feel comfort and draft issues? Do you have a particular room that’s never warm or cold enough? These are just a few sample questions.

Visual inspection: Our BPI- and RESNET-certified auditors perform a thorough basement-to-attic visual inspection to spot existing and potential problems, including air leakage, mold, peeling paint, and damaged or malfunctioning systems or building components.

Diagnostic testing: We use infrared cameras, digital pressure gauges and a powerful fan known as a blower door to identify poor insulation and air leakage paths through the attic, walls, basement, and duct systems. The blower door allows us to measure reductions in leakage achieved through air sealing. Infrared imaging allows us to see inside walls and identify thermal weak spots such as missing or improperly installed insulation. Used in conjunction with a blower door, infrared imaging can also be used to detect hidden air leaks. This infrared scan reveals excessive heat loss through both windows and walls.  A duct examination is performed to identify leaks that can contribute significantly to higher energy bills.

Combustion safety and efficiency: We test furnaces, boilers, water heaters, and gas stoves for carbon monoxide and fuel leaks and evaluate heating and cooling efficiency. This test is very important for your health and safety when having air sealing and insulation measures performed by ANY contractor.

Tests include: